Muffler housing part, muffler, pneumatic system for vehicle, commercial vehicle and method for discharging gas from pneumatic system for vehicle

Abstract

A muffler housing component, a muffler, a pneumatic system for a vehicle, a commercial vehicle, and a method of exhausting gas from a pneumatic system for a vehicle are provided. A muffler housing part (10) for a pneumatic system of a vehicle comprises an outer wall (20) and an end wall (30). The outer wall (20) extends circumferentially about a central axis (13). A plurality (23) of gas outlet channels (24) are formed through the outer wall (20). The end wall (30) comprises a gas guiding surface (31) which is curved when extending from the outer wall (20) towards the central axis (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a muffler configured to be mounted on a vehicle, such as a commercial vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a muffler housing configured to be used in a pneumatic system of a commercial vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Pneumatic systems are used on vehicles in a variety of applications, including air dryer systems, pneumatic suspension, pneumatic leveling, and / or braking systems. A muffler is a component of pneumatic systems that helps reduce the noise level generated by the compressed gas flow in these systems. A muffler operates to attenuate or dampen the noise generated by the expansion and release of compressed gas. Generally, a muffler functions to at least partially absorb and / or dissipate the energy of the gas, converting it into heat rather than sound.

[0003] Mufflers in a vehicle's pneumatic system offer a variety of benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to, noise reduction, improved compliance with noise pollution regulations, improved working conditions for the vehicle operator and / or passengers, and / or enhanced vehicle performance. To illustrate, mufflers help create a quieter working environment for the vehicle operator, thereby reducing the risk of hearing damage and improving overall working conditions. Mufflers can also help optimize the overall performance of the pneumatic vehicle system by reducing pressure fluctuations. Overall, mufflers in a pneumatic vehicle system help improve comfort, reduce noise pollution, and optimize the performance of the pneumatic vehicle system.

[0004] DE102009029968 A1 , EP2303659 B1 and DE102008029489 A1 disclose silencers.There is an ongoing need in the art for silencers configured to provide a further reduction in noise levels during gas exhaust operations.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an enhanced muffler component configured to provide further reduction in noise levels during gas exhaust operations. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved silencer housing part providing an effective reduction in the noise level during gas exhaust operation, an improved silencer providing an effective reduction in the noise level, a pneumatic system and / or a pneumatic system component and / or a vehicle comprising such a silencer housing part.

[0007] According to aspects of the invention, a silencer housing component, a silencer, a pneumatic system for a vehicle, a commercial vehicle and a method of exhausting gas from a pneumatic system are disclosed. Embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to one aspect, a muffler housing component for a pneumatic system of a vehicle is provided. The muffler housing component includes an outer wall extending circumferentially around a central axis of the muffler housing component. The outer wall includes a first axial end extending along a first plane and a second axial end extending along a second plane, the first plane and the second plane extending transversely to the central axis. A mounting structure for mounting the muffler housing component is arranged at the first axial end of the outer wall. A plurality of gas outlet channels are formed through the outer wall. The muffler housing component also includes an end wall extending from the outer wall toward the central axis. The end wall includes a gas guiding surface that curves toward the first plane as it extends from the second axial end of the outer wall toward the central axis.

[0009] The silencer housing component achieves various effects. The gas guide surface is non-planar and curved so that it is configured to direct gas entering the silencer housing component in a central region about the central axis toward the outer wall, in which the gas outlet channel is located. This achieves highly effective noise reduction. The curved gas guide surface, as it extends from the outer wall to the central axis, is configured to guide the airflow, thereby promoting a more organized airflow at the second axial end of the silencer housing component, opposite the silencer's gas inlet. This provides reduced noise, thereby enhancing the comfort of the vehicle operator and / or passengers. Noise pollution is reduced. Regulatory requirements can be met while providing more effective noise reduction, even below the noise level permitted by regulatory provisions.

[0010] The first axial end of the muffler housing component may define a gas inlet where the gas flow enters the muffler housing component.

[0011] Thereby, the silencer housing component may be configured to provide noise reduction for a gas flow entering the silencer housing component at the first axial end and leaving the silencer housing component through the gas outlet channel provided in the outer wall.

[0012] The outer wall and the end wall may define a receptacle for damping material.

[0013] Thereby, the muffler housing component is configured to accommodate a damping material which provides noise reduction when gas passes through the muffler housing component.

[0014] The gas guiding surface may include a gas guiding surface center on the central axis.The gas guiding surface may extend continuously from the gas guiding surface center to an outer periphery of the gas guiding surface near the outer wall.

[0015] Thus, the gas guiding surface guides the air flow from the area close to the central axis to the gas outlet channel in a manner that further reduces the noise level. This helps to improve the reduction of noise pollution and thus improve the comfort of the vehicle operator and / or passengers and improve vehicle performance.

[0016] The center of the gas guiding surface has an offset from the second plane toward the first plane.

[0017] Thus, the center of the gas guiding surface is positioned so that it is circumferentially surrounded by the outer wall (around the central axis). Consequently, the gas guiding surface is configured to begin directing the airflow toward the outlet passage in a central region of the muffler housing component, the central region being located midway (along the central axis) between a first plane extending along the first axial end of the muffler housing component and a second plane extending along the second axial end of the muffler housing component. This configuration enables the gas guiding surface to efficiently direct the airflow outward relative to the central axis toward the gas outlet opening, thereby providing efficient guidance of the airflow toward the gas outlet opening. This further improves noise reduction.

[0018] The center of the gas guiding surface can be positioned further away from the second plane than at least one, at least some, most or all of the gas outlet channels. Alternatively or additionally, the center of the gas guiding surface can be positioned closer to the first plane than at least one, at least some, most or all of the gas outlet channels.

[0019] Thus, the gas guiding surface is configured to direct the airflow outward relative to the central axis, starting from an axial position midway between the first and second axial ends of the muffler housing component. This configuration enables the gas guiding surface to efficiently direct the airflow outward relative to the central axis toward the gas outlet opening, thereby providing efficient guidance of the airflow toward the gas outlet opening. This further improves noise reduction.

[0020] The center of the gas guide surface may be located further away from the second plane than a first outlet channel end of at least one, at least some, most, or all of the gas outlet channels. The first outlet channel end is the end of the respective gas outlet channel that has the greatest spacing from the second plane among the two ends of the respective gas outlet channel.

[0021] Thus, the gas guiding surface is configured to direct the airflow outward relative to the central axis, starting from an axial position midway between the first and second axial ends of the muffler housing component. This configuration enables the gas guiding surface to efficiently direct the airflow outward relative to the central axis toward the gas outlet opening, thereby providing efficient guidance of the airflow toward the gas outlet opening. This further improves noise reduction.

[0022] The offset measured in a direction parallel to the central axis and perpendicular to the second plane may be greater than a wall thickness of the outer wall at the second axial end.

[0023] Thereby, the gas guide surface is configured to guide the gas flow outwardly relative to the central axis, starting from an axial position located midway between the first and second axial ends of the silencer housing part.Thereby, a further improvement in noise reduction is achieved.

[0024] A separation between the gas guide surface and the second plane, measured parallel to the central axis, may decrease monotonically as a function of radial distance from the central axis.

[0025] Thus, the gas guide surface is configured so that it extends continuously and smoothly from the radial center (the center of the gas guide surface) to the outer periphery. Therefore, the gas guide surface is configured to efficiently guide the airflow from the central area near the central axis to the gas outlet opening, thereby providing improved noise attenuation.

[0026] For at least a portion of the gas guiding surface, the spacing may decrease strictly monotonically as a function of radial distance.

[0027] Therefore, the gas guide surface is configured so that it extends continuously and smoothly from the radial center (the center of the gas guide surface) to the outer periphery, while taking into account the change in airflow from a more axial direction along the central axis to a more radial direction as the airflow approaches the gas outlet opening. As a result, the gas guide surface is configured to efficiently guide airflow from a central region near the central axis to the gas outlet opening, thereby providing improved noise attenuation.

[0028] The separation as a function of radial distance may have a first derivative that may be a non-monotonic function of the radial distance.

[0029] Thus, the gas guiding surface is configured such that, as the airflow approaches the gas outlet opening, the gas guiding surface guides the airflow in an organized manner, taking into account the change in airflow direction from a more axial direction along the central axis to a more radial direction, while also providing a smooth and continuous shape near the center of the gas guiding surface. This smooth shape provides ease of manufacture and allows the gas guiding surface to be free of sharp edges, thereby facilitating the provision of organized airflow toward the gas outlet opening. Thus, the gas guiding surface is configured to efficiently guide airflow from a central region near the central axis to the gas outlet opening, thereby providing improved noise attenuation.

[0030] The modulus of the first-order derivative may decrease in at least an outer portion of the gas guiding surface.

[0031] Thus, the gas guiding surface is configured such that, as the gas flow approaches the gas outlet opening, the gas guiding surface guides the gas flow in an organized manner, taking into account the change in gas flow direction from a more axial direction along the central axis to a more radial direction. The gas guiding surface may flatten as it approaches the outer wall. Thus, the gas guiding surface is configured to efficiently guide the gas flow from a central region near the central axis to the gas outlet opening, thereby providing improved noise attenuation.

[0032] The plurality of gas outlet channels may include at least one (e.g., one, several, or all of the gas outlet channels) gas outlet channel extending from a first outlet channel end to a second outlet channel end, the second outlet channel end being positioned closer to the second plane than the first outlet channel end. The first outlet channel end may be spaced apart from the second plane by an outlet channel height, and the outlet channel height may be less than an offset between a center of the gas guiding surface and the second plane.

[0033] Thus, the gas guiding surface is configured to guide the gas flow outwardly relative to the central axis, starting from an axial position of the air inlet that is closer to the first axial plane than the gas outlet opening.This configuration provides a further improvement in noise reduction.

[0034] The plurality of gas outlet channels may include several gas outlet channels, each having a first outlet channel end spaced apart from the second plane by a distance that may be less than an offset of a center of the gas guide surface from the second plane, and each gas outlet channel extending to the second plane.

[0035] Thus, the gas guiding surface may be configured to guide the gas flow outwardly relative to the central axis, starting from an axial position of the air inlet that is closer to the first axial plane than the gas outlet opening.This configuration provides a further improvement in noise reduction.

[0036] Each of the outlet channels may extend to a second plane.

[0037] Thus, the gas guide surface can be configured to efficiently guide the gas flow from the central region close to the central axis to the outlet channel.This configuration provides a further improvement in noise reduction.

[0038] The end wall may have an end wall outer periphery forming a delimiting wall of at least one, several or all of the plurality of gas outlet channels.

[0039] Thus, the end wall and the gas guiding surface provided thereon can be configured to efficiently guide the gas flow from a central region close to the central axis towards the outlet channel.This configuration provides a further improvement in noise reduction.

[0040] The gas directing surface may extend to the outer periphery of the end wall.

[0041] Thus, the gas guide surface can be configured to efficiently guide the gas flow from the central region close to the central axis to the outlet channel.This configuration provides a further improvement in noise reduction.

[0042] The plurality of gas outlet channels may comprise radial slots extending to a gas outlet channel height relative to the second plane that may be less than 15 mm, less than 13 mm, less than 11 mm, or less than 10 mm.

[0043] Thereby, the height of the gas outlet channel is limited so that the gas guide surface can efficiently guide the gas to the gas outlet channel.This configuration provides a further improvement in noise reduction.

[0044] The plurality of gas outlet channels may extend from the second plane to a gas outlet channel height relative to the second plane, wherein: a ratio of the gas outlet channel height divided by a height of the muffler housing component (e.g., a distance between the first plane and the second plane) is less than 0.3, less than 0.25, or less than 0.22; and / or a ratio of the gas outlet channel height divided by a maximum diameter of the muffler housing component (the maximum diameter being the largest of all diameters measured perpendicular to the central axis) is less than 0.3, less than 0.25, or less than 0.2.

[0045] Thereby, the height of the gas outlet channel is limited so that the gas guide surface can efficiently guide the gas to the gas outlet channel.This configuration provides a further improvement in noise reduction.

[0046] The gas guiding surface may be symmetrical with respect to at least one plane of symmetry which may include the central axis.

[0047] Therefore, the gas guide surface can efficiently guide the gas flow outward from the central region close to the central axis.This configuration provides a further improvement in noise reduction.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the gas guiding surface may be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis.

[0049] Thus, the gas guide surface can efficiently guide the gas flow outward from the central region near the central axis. This configuration provides a further improvement in noise reduction. This is particularly applicable when the gas outlet channels include gas outlet channels distributed along the periphery around the central axis.

[0050] A muffler for a pneumatic system of a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes a muffler housing component. The muffler may include a mating housing component including a mating engagement structure for engaging with a mounting structure. The muffler may include a noise damping material configured to be disposed within a receptacle defined by an outer wall and an end wall of the muffler housing component.

[0051] Thus, a silencer is provided that utilizes a silencer housing component and thereby achieves highly effective noise reduction. The silencer is configured such that a curved gas guide surface, as it extends from the outer wall to the central axis, is configured to guide the airflow, thereby promoting a more organized airflow at the second axial end of the silencer housing component, opposite the gas inlet of the silencer. This reduces noise pollution.

[0052] A pneumatic component for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle component housing, a solenoid valve disposed in the housing, a muffler housing component engaged with a mating engagement structure of the vehicle component housing, and a damping material disposed in a receiving portion defined by an outer wall and an end wall of the muffler housing component.

[0053] The silencer housing part can thus be mounted directly on the housing of the pneumatic component, including the solenoid valve, thereby achieving a compact construction combined with highly effective noise reduction.

[0054] The vehicle component housing includes a pneumatic consumer port for fluidly connecting the pneumatic component to at least one consumer. The vehicle component housing includes an exhaust port. The muffler housing component is attached to the vehicle component housing at the exhaust port.

[0055] Thus, the silencer housing component can be directly on the housing of the pneumatic component in order to reduce the noise level during exhaust operation.

[0056] The pneumatic component may include a controller and / or other control electronics housed in the vehicle component housing and configured to selectively energize the solenoid valve.

[0057] Thus, when the pneumatic component is configured as a component of an electropneumatic system for a vehicle, the silencer housing component can be directly on the housing of the pneumatic component in order to reduce the noise level during exhaust operation.

[0058] A pneumatic system for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes a muffler housing component and / or a muffler.

[0059] Thus, a pneumatic system for a vehicle is provided that utilizes a muffler housing component and thereby achieves efficient noise reduction. The pneumatic system for a vehicle is configured such that a curved gas guide surface, extending from an outer wall to a central axis, is configured to guide airflow, thereby promoting a more organized airflow at a second axial end of the muffler housing component, opposite the gas inlet of the muffler. This reduces noise pollution.

[0060] A pneumatic system for a vehicle may include any one or any combination of the following: a supply system for supplying compressed air; a levelling system; a suspension system; a braking system.

[0061] A commercial vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes the muffler housing component, the muffler, or the pneumatic system for the vehicle disclosed herein.

[0062] Thus, a commercial vehicle is provided that utilizes a muffler housing component and thereby achieves efficient noise reduction. The commercial vehicle is configured such that a curved gas guide surface, extending from an outer wall to a central axis, is configured to guide airflow, thereby promoting a more organized airflow at a second axial end of the muffler housing component, opposite the gas inlet of the muffler, thereby reducing noise pollution.

[0063] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for exhausting gas from a pneumatic system of a vehicle includes exhausting gas through a muffler of the vehicle's pneumatic system. The muffler includes a muffler housing member. The muffler housing member includes an outer wall extending circumferentially about a central axis of the muffler housing member and an end wall extending from the outer wall toward the central axis. The end wall includes a gas guiding surface that is curved to guide gas toward a plurality of gas outlet channels formed in the outer wall.

[0064] Various effects are achieved through the method of exhausting gas. The gas guide surface is non-planar and curved, configured to guide gas entering the muffler housing component in a central region about the central axis toward the outer wall, where the gas outlet passage is located. This achieves highly effective noise reduction.

[0065] Optional features of the method for discharging gases and the effects achieved thereby correspond to the optional features discussed in connection with the silencer housing component, the silencer, the pneumatic component, the pneumatic system for a vehicle and / or the commercial vehicle.

[0066] The method may be performed by or using the muffler housing component, the muffler, the pneumatic component, the pneumatic system for a vehicle, and / or the commercial vehicle disclosed herein.

[0067] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling a muffler for a pneumatic system of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises assembling a muffler housing component according to one aspect or embodiment, wherein damping material is provided in a receiving portion defined by an outer wall and an end wall.

[0068] Various effects are achieved through the assembly method. This assembly method provides a muffler in which the gas guide surface is non-planar and curved, so that the muffler is configured to guide gas entering the muffler housing member in a central region about the central axis toward the outer wall in which the gas outlet passage is provided. Consequently, this assembly method provides a pneumatic system for a vehicle in which efficient noise reduction can be achieved.

[0069] According to another aspect of the present invention, a use of a silencer housing component, a silencer, a pneumatic component for a vehicle, a pneumatic system for a vehicle, a method for exhausting gas and / or an assembly method is provided to establish an air flow in which gas entering the silencer housing component in a direction along the central axis is guided by a gas guide surface in a radially outward direction towards a gas outlet channel.

[0070] Thus, a reduced noise level is obtained using a compact and simple silencer housing construction.

[0071] The muffler housing component, muffler, pneumatic component for a vehicle, and systems and methods disclosed herein achieve various effects and advantages. For illustration, the gas guiding surface of the muffler housing component is configured to direct airflow entering the muffler housing component in a direction along the central axis radially outward toward the gas outlet passage. This provides a more organized airflow, contributing to noise reduction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] Further embodiments and configurations are defined by the dependent claims. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and further explained from the embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a muffler housing component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 2 is included Figure 1 A perspective view of a muffler housing component of the muffler;

[0075] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side view of a muffler;

[0076] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a muffler;

[0077] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A graph showing geometrical characteristics of a gas guiding surface of a silencer housing component;

[0078] Figure 6 is another graph showing geometrical characteristics of a gas guide surface of a muffler housing component according to an embodiment;

[0079] Figure 7 is yet another graph illustrating geometrical characteristics of a gas guide surface of a muffler housing component according to an embodiment;

[0080] Figure 8 Includes representative airflow patterns Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a muffler;

[0081] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of components of a pneumatic system for a vehicle including a muffler housing component according to an embodiment;

[0082] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic system for a vehicle configured as a gas supply system including a muffler housing member according to an embodiment;

[0083] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic system for a vehicle configured as a gas supply system including a muffler housing member according to an embodiment;

[0084] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic system for a vehicle configured as a gas supply system including a muffler housing member according to an embodiment;

[0085] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic system for a vehicle configured as a pneumatic or electropneumatic brake system including a muffler housing component according to an embodiment;

[0086] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic system for a vehicle configured as a leveling system including a muffler housing component according to an embodiment;

[0087] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic system for a vehicle configured as a gas spring system including a muffler housing member according to an embodiment;

[0088] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a commercial vehicle;

[0089] Figure 17 is a flow chart of the exhaust method; and

[0090] Figure 18 is a flow chart of the assembly method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, similar or identical reference numerals indicate elements having similar or identical structures and / or functions.

[0092] The present invention relates to a muffler housing component. A muffler housing component may be a component that defines a receptacle for receiving a damping material configured to reduce noise levels when gas passes through it. The muffler housing component may be configured to be assembled with another muffler housing component to provide a dedicated muffler, or may be configured to be assembled at its exhaust port to a housing of a pneumatic component for a vehicle, such as a modulator or valve.

[0093] As used herein, the term "muffler" refers to a component or assembly configured to reduce noise levels when gases pass through the muffler. The muffler can be configured to reduce noise levels when gases are exhausted. The muffler can be configured to convert at least a portion of the kinetic energy of the airflow into heat (e.g., heat received by damping materials in the muffler housing components) to contribute to noise reduction.

[0094] As used herein, the term "gas" encompasses gas mixtures, such as air, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] As used herein, the term "pneumatic" component encompasses electropneumatic components, and the term "pneumatic" system encompasses electropneumatic systems.

[0096] As used herein, the term "exhaust" refers to the discharge of gas from a pneumatic component or a pneumatic system to the ambient atmosphere.

[0097] Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a muffler housing member 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1The cross-sectional plane in which the cross-sectional view is located is arranged so that it extends along and includes the central axis 13. The muffler housing component 10 includes an outer wall 20 and an end wall 30. The outer wall 20 extends circumferentially around the central axis 13. The outer wall 20 extends along the central axis from a first axial end 21 at a first plane 11 to a second axial end 22 at a second plane 12. The first axial end 21 is the axial end where a mounting structure 29 for mounting the muffler housing component 13 is provided. The first axial end 21 is the axial end where airflow enters the muffler housing component 10. The second axial end 22 is the other axial end where a plurality of gas outlet passages 23 are arranged. The second axial end 22 is the other axial end where airflow exits the muffler housing component 10. The first plane 11 may be a tangential plane to the muffler housing component 10 that is perpendicular to the central axis 13 and tangential to the first axial end 21 where the mounting structure 29 is provided. The second plane 12 may be another tangential plane of the silencer housing component 10 that is perpendicular to the central axis 13 and tangential to the first axial end 21 (where the mounting structure 29 is provided). The outer wall 20 and the end wall 30 define a wall in which a receptacle 40 of damping material may be arranged, as shown. Figure 4 and Figure 8 shown.

[0098] End wall 30 includes a gas guiding surface 31. Gas guiding surface 31 is curved. It curves toward first plane 21 to a gas guiding surface center 32. Gas guiding surface center 32 lies on central axis 13. Gas guiding surface center 32 may have the greatest distance from second plane 12 of any point on gas guiding surface 31. Gas guiding surface center 32 is spaced from second plane 12 by an offset 14 measured perpendicular to second plane 12 (and therefore parallel to central axis 13). Gas guiding surface 31 may generally include a central portion 33. In central portion 33, the modulus of the slope of gas guiding surface 31 relative to first plane 21 and / or second plane 22 (where the slope is the slope as a function of the radius along a radial line extending perpendicular to central axis 13 from central axis 13) may increase with increasing distance from central axis 13. Gas guiding surface 31 may include an outer portion 34. In the outer portion 34, the slope of the gas guiding surface 31 relative to the first plane 21 and / or the second plane 22 may decrease as the distance from the central axis 13 increases. Thus, the gas guiding surface 31 may be shaped so that it has a shallow slope (e.g., flat or nearly flat) near the center 32 of the gas guiding surface, then becomes more steeply inclined relative to the first plane 21 and / or the second plane 22 before flattening toward a radially outer periphery 35 of the gas guiding surface 31. The radially outer periphery 35 may be adjacent to the outer wall 20 and / or may form the end of at least some of the plurality of gas outlet openings 23. This configuration of the gas guiding surface 31 provides the effect that, when the gas flow is directed toward the plurality of gas outlet channels 23, the gas guiding surface 31 can redirect the gas flow, taking into account the change in gas flow direction from a more axial direction along the central axis 13 to a more radial direction transverse to the central axis 13. The radially outer periphery 35 may be formed by a circular or elliptical line that delimits some or all of the gas outlet openings 23 near the second plane 22. The radially outer periphery 35 may be formed by a circular or elliptical line, along which the gas guide surface 31 adjoins the second outer wall portion 26 which is curved inwardly towards the centre axis 13 .

[0099] The end wall 30 includes a gas-guiding surface 31 as an inner surface (i.e., the surface facing the receptacle for the damping material and / or the surface abutted by the damping material when the muffler housing component 10 is assembled). The end wall 30 also includes an outer end wall surface 38 (i.e., the surface exposed to the ambient atmosphere). When the damping material is received in the receptacle 40, the damping material can abut the gas-guiding surface 31, while the outer end wall surface 38 remains spaced apart from the damping material. The outer end wall surface 38 can be curved to enter the volume circumferentially surrounded by the outer wall 20. The outer end wall surface 38 can be curved to form a recess 39 on the outer side of the muffler housing component 10. This provides a weight advantage, which helps reduce the overall weight of a pneumatic system in which the muffler housing component 10 is installed. The outer end wall surface 38 can be curved so that the thickness of the end wall 30 is substantially constant along at least the outer portion 34 of the gas-guiding surface 31. Along the central portion 33 of the gas guiding surface 31 , the thickness of the end wall 30 may be equal to or greater than the thickness along the outer portion 34. Along the central portion 33 of the gas guiding surface 31 , the thickness of the end wall 30 may increase towards the central axis 13.

[0100] The outer wall 20 includes the plurality of gas outlet channels 23. Some or all of the gas outlet channels 23 may be formed as or include radial slots passing through the outer wall 20. The plurality of gas outlet channels 23 may be configured such that at least one gas outlet channel 24, several gas outlet channels, or all of the gas outlet channels extend to a second outlet channel end adjacent to the second plane 22. The plurality of gas outlet channels 23 may be configured such that at least one gas outlet channel 24, several gas outlet channels, or all of the gas outlet channels extend to the second plane 22 (e.g., Figure 4). The plurality of gas outlet channels 23 can be configured such that at least one gas outlet channel 24, several gas outlet channels, or all gas outlet channels of the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 each have a first outlet channel end between the first plane 21 and the second plane 22. The first outlet channel end can be positioned such that it is spaced apart from the second plane 22 by a distance, measured perpendicular to the second plane 22 and parallel to the central axis 13, that is less than the offset 14 separating the gas guiding surface center 32 from the second plane 22. The plurality of gas outlet channels 23 can be configured such that at least one gas outlet channel 24, several gas outlet channels, or all gas outlet channels of the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 each have a gas outlet channel height 15, measured as a distance parallel to the central axis 13 along which the gas outlet channel 24 extends, that is less than the offset 14 separating the gas guiding surface center 32 from the second plane 22. By limiting the extension of at least some, preferably all, of the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 such that the gas guiding surface center 32 is located closer to the first plane 21 than the first outlet channel end closest to the first plane 21, effective noise reduction is achieved by redirecting the airflow toward the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 by the gas guiding surface 31. The plurality of gas outlet channels 23 may be configured such that at least one gas outlet channel 24, several gas outlet channels, or all of the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 have a gas outlet channel height 15 that is dimensioned such that a ratio of the gas outlet channel height 15 to a housing component height 17 of the silencer housing component 10 is less than 0.3, less than 0.25, or less than 0.22. The plurality of gas outlet channels 23 can be configured such that at least one gas outlet channel 24, several gas outlet channels, or all of the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 have a gas outlet channel height 15 that is dimensioned such that a ratio of the gas outlet channel height 15 to the maximum diameter 16 of the silencer housing component 10 (which is the maximum of any outer diameter measured perpendicular to the central axis 13) is less than 0.3, less than 0.25, or less than 0.2. By limiting the extent of several, most, or all of the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 in this manner, the gas guiding surface 31 is configured to organize air flow in a portion of the receiving portion adjacent to the gas guiding surface, thereby contributing to a reduction in noise levels.

[0101] The outer wall 20 of the muffler housing component may include at least a first outer wall portion 25, wherein an outer surface 27 of the outer wall 20 and / or an inner surface 28 of the outer wall 20 have a cylindrical or frustoconical shape extending about the central axis 13. The outer wall 20 of the muffler housing component may include at least a second outer wall portion 26, wherein the outer surface 27 and the inner surface 28 of the outer wall 20 are curved toward the central axis. The inner surface 28 may be curved in the second outer wall portion 26 to provide a smooth transition between the cylindrical or frustoconical shape in the first outer wall portion 25 and the outer periphery 35 of the gas guiding surface 31.

[0102] A mounting structure 29 is disposed at the first axial end 21 of the muffler housing component 10, where the muffler housing component 10 includes an inlet for receiving airflow. The mounting structure 29 can be configured to engage with a mating component (e.g., another muffler housing component and / or a housing for another aerodynamic component of the vehicle). The mounting structure 29 can be configured for non-destructive, reversibly releasable engagement with the mating component. The mounting structure 29 can be configured to secure the muffler housing component 10 to the mating component using a force-fit and / or form-fit method. For illustration, the mounting structure 29 may include a plurality of engagement members 29a, 29b configured to engage with a plurality of mating engagement structures of the mating component.

[0103] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a muffler 50 including a muffler housing component 10 . Figure 3 It is a plan view of the muffler 50 . Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 , a cross-sectional view taken along a section plane 58 indicated by line IV-IV in FIG. The muffler 50 includes a mating housing component 51. The muffler housing component 10 includes a mounting structure 29 configured to secure the muffler housing component to the mating housing component 51. The mating housing component 51 includes a mating engagement structure 59 configured for non-destructively reversibly releasable engagement with the mounting structure 29. The mating engagement structure 59 may include a plurality of mating engagement features 59a, 59b, 59c, such as apertures, configured for reversibly releasable engagement with the engagement members 29a, 29b, 29c of the muffler housing component 10. The mating engagement features 59a, 59b, 59c may be provided on a rim 57 of the mating housing component 51. The rim 57 may extend along at least a portion of the outer wall 20 and may overlap the portion of the outer wall 20. The muffler 50 includes a damping material 60 disposed in the receptacle 40 so as to abut the gas guiding surface 31. The damping material 60 may be interposed between the muffler housing component 10 and the mating housing component 51 so as to be disposed in a receptacle defined by the outer wall 20 and the end wall 30 of the muffler housing component 30 .

[0104] The muffler 50 includes a gas inlet 52. The gas inlet 52 may be provided on a mating housing component 51. The mating housing component 51 may be configured to fluidically connect the gas inlet 52 to the receptacle 40 of the muffler housing component 10 via a communication passageway therein. The mating housing component 51 may include an attachment structure 53 configured to secure the muffler 50. The attachment structure 53 may be configured to secure the muffler 50 to an exhaust port or exhaust line. The attachment structure 53 may include an attachment flange 54, a compression band 55, and a fastening mechanism 56. The attachment flange 54 may include several flange portions, each of which is separated from an adjacent flange portion of the attachment flange by a gap when the attachment flange 54 is in an unbiased position in which the compression band 55 does not apply radial force to the attachment flange 54. The fastening mechanism 56 is configured to act on the compression band 55 to radially compress the attachment flange 54 and secure the compression band and attachment flange 54 in this compressed configuration.

[0105] In the silencer 50 , the gas guiding surface 31 of the end wall 30 is configured to guide airflow entering the accommodation portion 40 in a direction along the central axis and in a region close to the central axis, wherein the airflow is redirected toward the plurality of gas outlet channels 24 .

[0106] Figure 4 The configuration of the gas outlet channel 24 and the additional gas outlet channel 24' in the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 is also shown in greater detail. The gas outlet channel 24 extends from and is bounded by a first outlet channel end 61 and a second outlet channel end 62, wherein the second outlet channel end 62 is closer to the second plane 22 than the first outlet channel end 61. Each of one or more additional gas outlet channels 24' in the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 extends from and is bounded by another first outlet channel end 61' and another second outlet channel end 62', wherein the other second outlet channel end 62' is closer to the second plane 22 than the other first outlet channel end 61'. The second outlet channel end 62 and the additional second outlet channel end 62' may share an edge with the outer end wall surface 38 located at the second plane 12. The second outlet channel end 62 and the additional second outlet channel end 62' may share another edge with the gas guiding surface 31, wherein the other edge is located at the outer periphery 35 of the gas guiding surface 31. At the second outlet channel end 62 , 62 ′, the end wall thickness of the end wall 30 may be equal to the thickness of the outer wall 20 at the second outlet channel end 62 , 62 ′.

[0107] The following will explain in more detail additional geometric features of the gas guide surface 31, which contribute to efficient redirection of the gas flow towards the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 and reduced noise levels. The gas guide surface 31 may be symmetrical with respect to at least one plane containing the central axis 13, preferably with respect to several and / or all planes containing the central axis 13. For illustration, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the gas guiding surface 31 may be mirror-symmetrical about a plane 58 containing the central axis 13. The gas guiding surface 31 may be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 13, for example, for a set of discrete rotation angles about the central axis 13 and / or for any rotation angle about the central axis 13.

[0108] For at least one (and optionally each) plane 58 containing the central axis 13, the intersection of the gas guiding surface 31 with the respective plane 58 is defined by a function that specifies the position of any point on the gas guiding surface 31, for example, by specifying the distance from the second plane 12 (measured perpendicular to the second plane 12) in dependence on the distance from the central axis 13 (measured perpendicular to the central axis 13). Such a function defines the geometry of the gas guiding surface 31. Figure 5 For any point 70 on the gas guiding surface 31 , the position of the point 70 may be defined by a spacing 71 from the second plane 12 as a function of a distance 72 from the central axis 13 .

[0109] Figure 6 A function 73 is shown which depends on the distance from the central axis 13 (in Figure 5 ) to define the spacing from the second plane 12 (shown as distance 72 in FIG. Figure 5 , shown as spacing 71 in FIG. The distance from the central axis 13 is the radial position relative to the central axis 13. The gas guiding surface 31 can be configured such that, in at least a first radial range 74 adjacent to the central axis 13, the function 73 decreases from the offset 14 and has a zero derivative at the central axis 13 (i.e., at the gas guiding surface center 32). The gas guiding surface 31 can be configured such that, in a second radial range 75 radially outward from the first radial range 74, the function 73 decreases and ultimately flattens out at the outer periphery of the end wall 30 toward the end wall thickness 18. Thus, the slope of the gas guiding surface 31 can vary non-monotonically in the second radial range 75.

[0110] Figure 7The derivative 76 of the function 73 is shown. The modulus of the derivative 76 corresponds to the slope of the gas guide surface 31 as a function of radial distance from the central axis 13. The gas guide surface 31 can be configured such that within a further first radial range 77 (which can encompass the first radial range 74), the derivative 76 decreases monotonically, indicating that the gas guide surface 31 has a slope that becomes steeper with increasing distance from the central axis 13 within the further first radial range 77. The gas guide surface 31 can be configured such that within a further second radial range 78 (which can be encompassed by the second radial range 75), the derivative 76 increases monotonically, indicating that the gas guide surface 31 has a slope that becomes less steep with increasing distance from the central axis 13 within the further first radial range 77. Thus, the gas guide surface 31 can be configured such that its slope as a function of radial distance from the central axis 13 is steepest at a radial distance midway between the central axis 13 and the outer periphery 35, while flattening both toward the central axis 13 and toward the outer periphery 35.

[0111] Figure 8 Shown Figure 4 , showing an airflow 81 during operation of the silencer 50. The silencer housing component 10 is configured to receive the airflow 81 through one or more inlet channels 80. The one or more inlet channels 80 may extend parallel to or along the central axis 13, respectively. The gas guiding surface 31 is configured to redirect the airflow so as to effectively change the direction of the airflow so that the airflow direction becomes more directed toward the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 (at Figure 8 The gas outlet channel 24 and another gas outlet channel 24' diametrically opposite can be seen.

[0112] The silencer housing component 10 may be used as a portion of a silencer 50, but is not limited thereto. The silencer housing component 10 may be configured to be used in association with and integrated into another pneumatic system component, such as a Figure 9 Schematically shown in FIG.

[0113] Figure 9Pneumatic system component 90 is shown. Pneumatic system component 90 is configured for use in a pneumatic system of a vehicle. Pneumatic system component 90 includes a component housing 100, at least one valve 95 disposed in housing 100, and a plurality of ports provided on housing 100 in direct or indirect fluidic communication with valve 95 of pneumatic system component 90. The plurality of ports includes at least an exhaust port 93. The muffler housing component 10 is configured to attach to component housing 100 at exhaust port 93 (e.g., a reversibly, non-destructively releasable attachment) to provide noise reduction during exhaust operation. The plurality of ports may include a supply port 91 configured to receive pressurized gas provided by a gas supply system and / or an exhaust port 92 configured to be in fluidic communication with at least one pneumatic consumer (e.g., for bidirectional fluid communication). Pneumatic system component 90 may include a first fluid connector 101 that establishes (direct or indirect) fluidic communication between supply port 91 and a first port of valve 95. First fluid connector 101 may be directly connected to supply port 91 and the first port of valve 95. Pneumatic system component 90 may include a second fluid connector 102 that establishes (direct or indirect) fluid communication between exhaust port 92 and the second port of valve 95. Second fluid connector 102 may be directly connected to exhaust port 92 and the first port of valve 95. Pneumatic system component 90 may include a third fluid connector 103 that establishes (direct or indirect) fluid communication between exhaust port 93 and the third port of valve 95. Third fluid connector 103 may be directly connected to exhaust port 93 and the third port of valve 95. First fluid connector 101, second fluid connector 102, and third fluid connector 103 may be integrated within component housing 100.

[0114] Pneumatic system component 90 may be configured as a component for an electro-pneumatic system. The at least one valve 95 may include a solenoid valve or multiple solenoid valves. Pneumatic system component 90 may include an electrical interface 96. Electrical interface 96 may be configured to connect to a control unit, a vehicle bus, or at least one actuating element operable by a vehicle operator. Pneumatic system component 90 may include an electronics section 94 that may be housed within component housing 100 or a dedicated electronics housing attached to component housing 100. Electronics section 94 may be configured to selectively actuate at least one solenoid valve in response to signals or control data received at electrical interface 96. Electronics section 94 may include one or more circuits 99. These circuits may include, but are not limited to, any one, several, or any combination of an integrated circuit, an integrated semiconductor circuit, a processor, a controller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Electronics section 94 may be communicatively coupled to electrical interface 96 via at least one electrical connector 97. Electronics section 94 may be coupled to solenoid valve 95 via at least one additional electrical connector 98.

[0115] In the pneumatic system component 90 , the muffler housing component 10 is configured such that it provides improvements with respect to air flow and noise level reduction, as previously described.

[0116] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a pneumatic system 110 for a vehicle is shown. The pneumatic system 110 is configured as a gas supply system. The pneumatic system 110 includes an air dryer 112. The pneumatic system 110 includes a supply line 121 that is directly connected to the air dryer 112 to provide compressed gas to the air dryer 112 and / or to deliver gas to at least one exhaust line 123, 124 during an air dryer regeneration operation and / or other exhaust operations. The pneumatic system 110 includes a pneumatic consumer line 122 that is directly connected to the air dryer 112 and is configured to provide compressed gas to a pneumatic consumer system that includes at least one pneumatic consumer. The pneumatic consumer line 122 can be configured to provide gas from the pneumatic consumer system to the air dryer 112, for example to perform a regeneration operation. The pneumatic system 110 includes at least one exhaust line 123, 124 that is configured to exhaust gas to the ambient atmosphere via a muffler 50. As disclosed herein, the muffler 50 includes a muffler housing component 10 according to an embodiment. The at least one exhaust line 123, 124 includes an exhaust line 123 that is directly connected to the supply line 121 and the control valve 116. The at least one exhaust line 123, 124 includes an additional exhaust line 124 that is directly connected to the control valve 116 and the gas inlet 52 of the muffler 50. The gas supply system 110 includes control electronics 115, such as a control device, coupled to the control valve 116 via an electrical connection 125. The control electronics 115 is configured to control the control valve 116 to selectively establish fluid communication between the supply line 121 and the muffler 50 and / or selectively disconnect the muffler 50 from the supply line 121.

[0117] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a pneumatic system 110 for a vehicle is shown. The pneumatic system 110 is configured as a gas supply system. Figure 10 The components discussed are used with Figure 10denoted by the same reference numerals in . The pneumatic system 110 also includes a pressure gas source 111. The pressure gas source 111 may include a compressor and / or a pressure reservoir. The pressure gas source 111 may include an air inlet for ambient air and may be configured to compress ambient air to provide pressure gas. The pressure gas source 111 may be connected to the supply line 121 directly or via at least one valve. The pneumatic system 110 also includes a pneumatic consumer system 114. The pneumatic consumer system 114 includes at least one pneumatic consumer coupled to the pneumatic consumer line 122 directly or via at least one fluid circuit component. The pneumatic consumer line 122 includes at least one regeneration valve 113, which is configured to be activated to selectively perform regeneration of the desiccant of the air dryer 112. When regeneration is performed, gas passing through the gas dryer 112 from the pneumatic consumer system 114 may be discharged via a silencer 50 connected to the at least one exhaust line 123, 124.

[0118] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a pneumatic system 110 for a vehicle is shown. The pneumatic system 110 is configured as a gas supply system. Figure 10 and / or Figure 11 The components discussed are used with Figure 10 and / or Figure 11 The pneumatic system 110 further includes at least one filter 127. The exhaust line 123 is directly connected to a port of the filter 127. The pneumatic system 110 further includes a filter connecting line 126 directly connected to another port of the filter 127 and the control valve 116.

[0119] Figure 11A schematic diagram of a vehicle 130 including a pneumatic system 110 is shown. Pneumatic vehicle system 110 can be configured as a braking system, such as an EBS system. Pneumatic vehicle system 110 configured as a braking system includes at least one pneumatic system component, such as a front axle modulator 136 and / or a rear axle modulator 137, which includes a muffler housing component 10. Vehicle 130 includes a front axle 134.1 and a rear axle 134.2 or several rear axles. Vehicle 130 includes several wheels 133. Vehicle 130 includes one or several sensors, such as wheel speed sensors 132 associated with several wheels 133. Pneumatic system 110 includes several brake cylinders 131. Pneumatic system 110 includes control electronics 135, such as a control unit 135, which is coupled to front axle modulator 136 and rear axle modulator 137 via at least one electrical connection 141. Front axle modulator 136 includes an electrical interface 142 for communicatively interfacing with control electronics 135. The rear axle modulator 137 includes an additional electrical interface 142' for communicatively interfacing with the control electronics 135. The front axle modulator 136 has at least one exhaust port in fluid communication with the brake cylinders 131 for the front axle wheels. The rear axle modulator 137 has at least one additional exhaust port in fluid communication with the brake cylinders 131 for the rear axle wheels. The pneumatic system 110 may include Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 136, 137 to provide pressurized gas to the modulators 136, 137. The pneumatic system 110 may include a supply system comprising at least a compressor 111 and a pressure reservoir 138, wherein the pressure reservoir is connected to a supply line for the modulator and an outlet port of the compressor 111 via a control valve 138.

[0120] Figure 14 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 130 including a pneumatic vehicle system 150 configured as an electro-pneumatic cabin leveling system. The electro-pneumatic cabin leveling system 150 is configured to change the inclination of a cabin 152 of the vehicle 130 relative to a chassis 151. The pneumatic system 150 includes at least a pneumatic adjustment element 153 and an additional pneumatic adjustment element 153', each of which is configured to change the inclination of the cabin 152. The pneumatic adjustment element 153 and the additional pneumatic adjustment element 153' can be configured as inflatable air bags. The pneumatic system 150 includes an electro-pneumatic control device 154. The electro-pneumatic control device 154 includes at least two solenoid valves 155 (wherein the system of at least two solenoid valves is only used in Figure 14). The electropneumatic control device 154 is arranged to selectively energize the at least two solenoid valves 155 so that compressed air received at the compressed gas inlet 156 is supplied to one or both of the pneumatic regulating element 153 and the further pneumatic regulating element 153'. The electropneumatic control device 154 is arranged to selectively energize the at least two solenoid valves 155 so that one or both of the pneumatic regulating element 153 and the further pneumatic regulating element 153' are ventilated via an exhaust port of the electropneumatic control device 154. The muffler housing assembly 10 is arranged at the exhaust port of the electropneumatic control device 154. The electropneumatic control device 154 includes consumer device ports 158, each of which is connected to one of the pneumatic regulating elements 153, 153' via a connecting line 159. The configuration of the pneumatic system 150 allows different portions of the cabin 152 to be adjusted along the adjustment path 160 to adjust the tilt and / or height so that the cabin 152 has a desired attitude relative to the direction of gravity. For illustration, the pneumatic system 150 can be configured to allow the cabin 152 to be oriented with its floor perpendicular to the direction of gravity when the chassis 151 is tilted. The solenoid valve 155 can be actuated in a conventional manner in response to a mechanical linkage, signal, or data received by the electro-pneumatic control device 154. The pneumatic system 150 may include a reference to Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 The pneumatic system 150 comprises at least a compressor 111 and a gas reservoir 139 , wherein the gas reservoir 139 is connected to an electropneumatic control device 154 via at least one control valve 138 .

[0121] Figure 15 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 130 having a pneumatic system 170 configured as an electropneumatic shock absorber system. Pneumatic system 170 includes at least a pneumatic shock absorber 173 and an additional pneumatic shock absorber 173', each of which is arranged between chassis 151 and cab 152. Pneumatic shock absorber 173 and additional pneumatic shock absorber 173' can be configured as air bags whose pressures can be adjusted. Pneumatic system 170 includes an electropneumatic control device 174. Electropneumatic control device 174 includes at least one solenoid valve or several solenoid valves 175 (which are arranged in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ). Figure 15173 ′ and / or the pneumatic shock absorber 173 and the further pneumatic shock absorber 173 ′ can be ventilated via an exhaust port of the electropneumatic control device 174. The silencer housing part 10 is arranged at the exhaust port. The electropneumatic control device 174 comprises at least one consumer port 178, which is connected to the pneumatic shock absorber 173 and the further pneumatic shock absorber 173 ′ via at least one connecting line 179. This configuration allows the pressure in the shock absorbers 173, 173 ′ to be controlled using open-loop control and / or closed-loop control. The pneumatic system 170 may comprise a reference Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 The pneumatic system 170 includes at least the compressor 111 and a gas reservoir 139, wherein the gas reservoir 139 is connected to the electro-pneumatic control device 154 via at least one control valve 138. The solenoid valve 175 can be actuated in a conventional manner in response to a mechanical linkage, signal, or data received by the electro-pneumatic control device 174.

[0122] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of a vehicle 130 configured as a commercial vehicle is shown. The commercial vehicle includes at least one pneumatic system 110, which includes a muffler 50 and / or a muffler housing component 10. The pneumatic system 110 may include any one or any combination of a supply system for supplying compressed air, a leveling system, a suspension system, and a braking system.

[0123] Figure 17 is a flow chart of a method 180 for exhausting gas from a pneumatic system 110, 150, 170 of a vehicle 130. According to an embodiment, the method 180 may be automatically performed by or using a pneumatic system 110, 130, 150, 170 including at least one muffler housing component 10.

[0124] Method 180 includes process block 181 of establishing fluid communication between at least one component of the pneumatic system and an exhaust port via at least one valve. The exhaust port is the port at which muffler housing component 10 is located or to which muffler 50 including muffler housing component 10 is connected.

[0125] The method 180 may further include process block 182 of directing airflow through the plurality of gas outlet passages 29 through the muffler housing component 10. Directing the airflow may include changing the direction of the airflow from a first airflow direction generally along the central axis 13 to a second airflow direction generally transverse to the central axis 13 via the gas directing surface 31.

[0126] Figure 18 is a flow chart of an assembly method 190 for assembling the muffler 50 of the pneumatic system 110, 150, 170 of the vehicle 130. The assembly method 190 may be automatically performed by or using an assembly system.

[0127] The assembly method 190 includes process block 191 of disposing the damping material 60 in the receptacle 40 defined by the outer wall 20 and the end wall 30 of the muffler housing component 10 .

[0128] The method includes process block 192 of assembling the muffler housing component 10 with a mating component. The mating component may include or may be the mating housing component 51 of the muffler 50 and / or the housing component 100 of the pneumatic component 90.

[0129] The method 190 may further include assembling the silencer 50 or the pneumatic component 90 in the pneumatic system 110 , 150 , 170 , including establishing a direct or indirect pneumatic connection between the silencer 50 or the pneumatic component 90 and at least one of the pressure source 111 and / or the pneumatic consumer system 114 .

[0130] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, modifications and changes may be implemented in other embodiments.

[0131] For illustration, while an embodiment has been described in which all of the plurality of gas outlet channels 23 extend at the same height 14, at least some of the gas outlet channels 23 may have different shapes and / or sizes. For further illustration, while a configuration has been described in which the end wall exterior surface 38 is also curved to define the exterior cavity 39, the end wall exterior surface 38 may be substantially planar. For further illustration, while a configuration has been described in which the gas guide surface 31 is rotationally symmetric, the gas guide surface 31 need not be rotationally symmetric.

[0132] For further illustration, the present invention may be applied to various pneumatic vehicle systems, including, without limitation, gas supply systems configured to perform air dryer regeneration.

[0133] Embodiments of the present invention achieve various effects and advantages. Embodiments provide improved airflow and noise reduction characteristics. This helps comply with regulatory noise pollution regulations, improves vehicle operator safety and / or comfort, and improves passenger comfort.

[0134] List of reference numerals (part of the description)

[0135] 10Muffler housing assembly

[0136] 11 First Plane

[0137] 12 Second Plane

[0138] 13Central Axis

[0139] 14 offset

[0140] 15 Exit channel height

[0141] 16 Maximum diameter

[0142] 17 Housing component height

[0143] 18 End wall thickness at the outer periphery of the end wall

[0144] 19 end wall radius

[0145] 20 outer wall

[0146] 21 first axial end

[0147] 22 second axial end

[0148] 23+ gas outlet channels

[0149] 24 gas outlet channels

[0150] 24' additional gas outlet channel

[0151] 25 first outer wall portion

[0152] 26 second outer wall portion

[0153] 27 Outer surface of outer wall

[0154] 28Inner surface of outer wall

[0155] 29 Installation structure

[0156] 29a, 29b, 29c Joint members

[0157] 30 end wall

[0158] 31 Gas guide surface

[0159] 32 Gas guide surface center

[0160] 33 Center of the gas guide surface

[0161] 34 External gas guide surface

[0162] 35 radial outer periphery of the end wall

[0163] 38 outer surface of the end wall

[0164] 39 dimples

[0165] 40 Accommodation

[0166] 50 silencer

[0167] 51 matching shell parts

[0168] 52 gas inlet

[0169] 53 attachment structure

[0170] 54 Attachment flange

[0171] 55 compression straps

[0172] 56 fastening mechanism

[0173] 57 Edge

[0174] 58 cross-section plane

[0175] 59 Coordination joint structure

[0176] 59a, 59b, 59c cooperate with the joint components

[0177] 60 damping material

[0178] 61 first outlet channel end

[0179] 61' other first exit channel end

[0180] 62 Second outlet channel end

[0181] 62'Another second exit channel end

[0182] 70 points on the gas guide surface

[0183] 71 The distance between the second plane

[0184] 72 Distance from the center axis

[0185] 73 functions

[0186] 74 first radial range

[0187] 75 second radial range

[0188] 76 Derivative of a function

[0189] 77 Additional first radial range

[0190] 78 Additional second radial range

[0191] 80 Entrance Passage

[0192] 81 Airflow

[0193] 90 pneumatic system components

[0194] 91 Supply Port

[0195] 92 discharge port

[0196] 93 exhaust port

[0197] 94 Electronic Devices Department

[0198] 95 solenoid valve

[0199] 96 electrical interface

[0200] 97 electrical connectors

[0201] 98 Additional electrical connections

[0202] 99 Circuit

[0203] 101 first fluid connection piece

[0204] 102 second fluid connection piece

[0205] 103 third fluid connection piece

[0206] 110 Pneumatic systems for vehicles

[0207] 111 pressure gas source

[0208] 112 air dryer

[0209] 113 regeneration valve

[0210] 114 Pneumatic consumption device system

[0211] 115 control electronics

[0212] 116 control valve

[0213] 121 supply pipeline

[0214] 122 pneumatic consumption device pipeline

[0215] 123 exhaust line

[0216] 124 Additional exhaust lines

[0217] 125 electrical connector

[0218] 126 filter connecting pipeline

[0219] 127 filter

[0220] 130 vehicles

[0221] 131 brake cylinder

[0222] 132 wheel speed sensor

[0223] 133 wheels

[0224] 134.1 front axle

[0225] 134.2 rear axle

[0226] 135 control electronics

[0227] 136 front axle modulator

[0228] 137 rear axle modulator

[0229] 138 control valve

[0230] 139 pressure reservoir

[0231] 141 wire

[0232] 142 electrical interface

[0233] 150 electric pneumatic leveling system

[0234] 151 chassis

[0235] 152 car compartment

[0236] 153 regulating components

[0237] 153'Additional adjustment components

[0238] 154 electropneumatic control device

[0239] 155 solenoid valve

[0240] 156 Supply Port

[0241] 158 discharge port

[0242] 159 pneumatic consumption device pipeline

[0243] 160 leveling adjustment path

[0244] 170 electro-pneumatic shock absorption system

[0245] 173 pneumatic shock absorber

[0246] 173' Additional pneumatic shock absorbers

[0247] 174 electro-pneumatic control device

[0248] 175 solenoid valve

[0249] 176 Supply Port

[0250] 178 discharge port

[0251] 179 pneumatic consumption device pipeline

[0252] 180 Method

[0253] 181, 182 process box

[0254] 190 Method

[0255] 191, 192 process box

Claims

1. A muffler housing component (10) for a pneumatic system (110; 150; 170) of a vehicle (130), the muffler housing component (10) comprising: an outer wall (20) extending circumferentially around a central axis (13) of the silencer housing component (10), the outer wall (20) comprising a first axial end (21) extending along a first plane (11) and a second axial end (22) extending along a second plane (12), the first plane (11) and the second plane (12) extending transversely to the central axis (13), wherein a mounting structure (29, 29a, 29b, 29c) for mounting the silencer housing component (10) is arranged at the first axial end (21) of the outer wall (20), and wherein a plurality (23) of gas outlet channels (24, 24') are formed through the outer wall (20); and An end wall (30) extends from the outer wall (20) toward the central axis (13), the end wall (30) including a gas guide surface (31) that curves toward the first plane (11) as it extends from the second axial end (22) of the outer wall (20) toward the central axis (13).

2. The silencer housing component (10) according to claim 1, in, The gas guiding surface (31) comprises a gas guiding surface center (32) on the center axis (13), the gas guiding surface center (32) having an offset (14) from the second plane (12) towards the first plane (11).

3. The silencer housing component (10) according to claim 2, wherein: The offset (14) is greater than the wall thickness (18) of the outer wall (20) at the second axial end (22).

4. The silencer housing component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A spacing (71) between the gas guide surface (31) and the second plane (12), measured parallel to the central axis (13), decreases monotonically as a function of the radial distance (72) from the central axis (13).

5. The silencer housing component (10) according to claim 4, wherein For at least a portion of the gas guiding surface (31), the spacing (71) decreases strictly monotonically as a function of the radial distance (72).

6. The silencer housing component (10) according to claim 5, in, The spacing (71) as a function of the radial distance (72) has a first derivative (76) that is a non-monotonic function of the radial distance (72).

7. The silencer housing component (10) according to claim 6, wherein: The modulus of the first-order derivative (76) decreases in at least an outer portion (78) of the gas guiding surface (31).

8. The silencer housing component (10) according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 7 when dependent on claim 2, wherein The plurality (23) of gas outlet channels (24, 24') include at least one gas outlet channel extending from a first outlet channel end (61, 61') to a second outlet channel end (62, 62'), The second outlet channel end (62, 62') is positioned closer to the second plane (12) than the first outlet channel end (61, 61'), The first outlet channel end (61, 61') is spaced from the second plane (12) by an outlet channel height (15), the outlet channel height (15) being less than the offset (14) spacing the gas guide surface center (32) from the second plane (12).

9. The silencer housing component (10) according to claim 8, wherein The plurality (23) of gas outlet channels (24, 24') include a plurality of gas outlet channels (24, 24'), each of the plurality of gas outlet channels (24, 24') having a first outlet channel end (61, 61') spaced apart from the second plane (12) by a spacing (15), the spacing (15) being smaller than the offset (14) of the center (32) of the gas guiding surface from the second plane (12), and Extending to the second plane (12).

10. The silencer housing component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The plurality (23) of gas outlet channels (24, 24') extend relative to the second plane (12) to a gas outlet channel height (15), wherein one, several or all of the following apply: The gas outlet channel height (15) is less than 15 mm, less than 13 mm, less than 11 mm or less than 10 mm; The height (15) of the gas outlet passage divided by the height (17) of the muffler housing component (10) measured parallel to the central axis (13) is less than 0.3, less than 0.25 or less than 0.22; The gas outlet channel height (15) divided by the maximum diameter (16) of the silencer housing component (10) measured perpendicular to the central axis (13) is less than 0.3, less than 0.25 or less than 0.

2.

11. The silencer housing component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The gas guiding surface (31) is symmetrical with respect to at least one plane of symmetry (58) including the central axis (13), and / or Rotationally symmetric relative to the central axis (13).

12. A muffler (50) for a pneumatic system of a vehicle, comprising: A silencer housing component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; a mating housing component (51), the mating housing component including a mating engagement structure (59, 59a, 59b, 59c) for engaging with the mounting structure (29, 29a, 29b, 29c); as well as A noise damping material (60) is configured to be arranged in a receiving portion (40) defined by an outer wall (20) and an end wall (30) of the silencer housing component (10).

13. A pneumatic system (110; 150; 170) for a vehicle (130), comprising a silencer housing component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a silencer (50) according to claim 12.

14. A commercial vehicle (130) comprising a silencer housing component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a silencer (50) according to claim 12 or a pneumatic system (110; 150; 170) according to claim 13.

15. A method of exhausting gas from a pneumatic system (110; 150; 170) for a vehicle (130), the method comprising: The gas is discharged through a muffler (50) of the pneumatic system (110; 150; 170), the muffler (50) comprising a muffler housing component (10), the muffler housing component (10) comprising an outer wall (20) extending circumferentially around a central axis (13) of the muffler housing component (10) and an end wall (30) extending from the outer wall (20) toward the central axis (13), Wherein, the end wall (30) comprises a gas guiding surface (31) which is curved to guide the gas towards a plurality (23) of gas outlet channels (24, 24') formed in the outer wall (20).

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