Power system and catalytic converter isolated by negative pressure

Abstract

The invention relates to a power system (10) comprising a combustion engine comprising at least one cylinder (11), a turbocharger (20) comprising a compressor (21) and a turbine (22) mounted on a rotating shaft (23), and an exhaust treatment device (30) comprising a catalyst (31) and a vacuum chamber (32). According to the invention, the compressor (21) creates a negative pressure at its inlet by sucking in air from a vacuum pipe (41), and a fluid connection between a vacuum pipe (42) and the vacuum chamber (32) enables the creation of a vacuum in said chamber isolating the catalyst (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to the field of pollution removal for diesel or gasoline internal combustion engines. Specifically, this invention relates to power systems and vehicles including such power systems.

[0002] Specifically, the power system includes a thermal engine, which in particular includes a turbocharger and an exhaust gas treatment device isolated by a vacuum chamber, the vacuum being generated by the Venturi effect via a vacuum tube fluidly connected to the turbocharger compressor. Background Technology

[0003] There is interest in insulating exhaust gas treatment equipment, such as catalytic converters, to treat nitrogen oxides, commonly known as NOx. In fact, insulating catalytic converters allows for reduced heating times and enables them to become more efficient more quickly.

[0004] With this in mind, it is known to create a vacuum between the catalytic converter and the surrounding housing. The vacuum created in the housing insulates the catalytic converter and allows its temperature to rise more quickly. The vacuum around the catalytic converter also reduces noise pollution from exhaust gases.

[0005] Documents US 6162403 and US 6203764 specifically describe a catalytic converter that includes a vacuum chamber created during the manufacture of the catalytic converter using a vacuum welding technique.

[0006] However, the design of these catalytic converters (including the design vacuum) is very expensive, and any leaks cannot be recovered from the catalytic converter.

[0007] Document FR 2995352 describes a technique for generating and maintaining a vacuum in the vacuum chamber of a catalytic converter by using a venturi tube system that connects to the fresh air supply pipe of the intake manifold of the engine cylinder.

[0008] However, the inventors realized that this system could not generate a sufficiently effective vacuum to ensure the height and constant isolation of the catalytic converter during engine operation.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome all these disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sufficiently effective and constant vacuum in the vacuum chamber of the exhaust gas treatment equipment while controlling the manufacturing cost of the power system.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to optimize the efficiency of waste gas treatment equipment, particularly to improve its heating time, provide a constant vacuum, and reduce noise pollution.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention relates to a power system comprising:

[0013] - A combustion engine, which includes at least one cylinder.

[0014] - A turbocharger comprising a compressor and a turbine mounted on a rotating shaft of the turbocharger. The compressor supplies fresh air to the cylinders, while the turbine is fluidly connected to the outlet of the cylinders, receiving exhaust gases from combustion and rotating thereby.

[0015] - Exhaust gas treatment equipment, which includes a catalyst, a vacuum chamber and a vacuum generating device, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to insulate the catalyst, and the exhaust gas treatment equipment is fluidly connected to the outlet of the turbine and receives exhaust gas.

[0016] The invention is characterized in that the vacuum generating device includes a vacuum tube, which is fluidly connected to a vacuum chamber on one hand, and fluidly connected to the inlet of a compressor on the other hand through an intake port coaxially positioned with the rotating shaft of a turbocharger. The compressor generates a vacuum at its inlet by drawing air from the vacuum tube. The fluid connection between the vacuum tube and the vacuum chamber enables the generation of a catalyst-isolating vacuum in the chamber.

[0017] Surprisingly, the inventors discovered that at the turbocharger inlet, the compressor generates a higher vacuum in a coaxial region of the compressor's rotating shaft. The positioning of the vacuum tube's inlet in this specific region allows for the provision of optimal vacuum within the vacuum chamber that isolates the catalytic converter. The generated vacuum is achieved through the Venturi effect and is maintained throughout engine operation by the vacuum generated at the turbocharger inlet, which is connected to the vacuum chamber via the vacuum tube.

[0018] In this embodiment, the air inlet port can be located at a minimum distance of 10 mm from the compressor. This minimum distance prevents the vacuum tube from interfering with the normal operation of the compressor.

[0019] In one embodiment, the powertrain may include means for positioning the vacuum tube to coaxially position the intake port with the turbocharger's rotating shaft. The positioning means allows the intake port to be held in an optimal position to generate the highest vacuum.

[0020] In one embodiment, the powertrain may include a fresh air supply duct fluidly connected to the turbocharger inlet, with a vacuum tube extending at least partially into the supply duct. The passage of the vacuum tube within the fresh air supply duct limits the need for technological modifications to the powertrain. Therefore, the vacuum generating device can be integrated into the powertrain at a lower cost.

[0021] In this embodiment, the diameter of the vacuum tube may be smaller than the diameter of the fresh air supply duct.

[0022] In one embodiment, the positioning device may include a spacer integral with the inner wall of the supply conduit. The spacer allows the vacuum tube and intake port to remain in a defined position during engine operation. Therefore, a constant vacuum can be maintained within the vacuum chamber during engine operation.

[0023] In one embodiment, the vacuum tube can enter the supply pipe through an opening in the wall of the supply pipe. The power system includes a coupling member that, on the one hand, ensures that the vacuum tube is attached to the wall of the supply pipe at the opening, and on the other hand, ensures a seal in the supply pipe. The coupling member allows for maintaining optimal operating efficiency of the power system while extending the lifespan of the components between the vacuum tube and the supply pipe.

[0024] In one embodiment, the joining member may include a mechanical adjustment device configured to secure the vacuum tube to the wall and adjust the seal of the supply pipe at the opening.

[0025] In one embodiment, the connecting member can position and hold the air intake port at a distance from the compressor.

[0026] Another subject of the invention is a vehicle that includes a power system according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description. This is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a power system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which specifically includes a turbocharger.

[0029] Figure 2 It is located in Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vacuum tube at the inlet of the compressor of the turbocharger in the power system.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of a vacuum tube relative to a turbocharger according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fresh air supply duct has a curved configuration.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of vacuum tubes relative to a turbocharger according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fresh air supply duct has a straight configuration.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a device for positioning the air inlet of a vacuum tube according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an embodiment of a connecting member according to the invention, which ensures the passage of a vacuum tube in the fresh air supply pipe of the cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Reference Figure 1 The present invention relates to a power system 10, particularly for use in land vehicles (such as motor vehicles). The invention also relates to a vehicle including the power system 10.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the power system 10 includes a combustion engine, which includes at least one cylinder 11. Figure 1 In this embodiment, cylinder 11 is supplied with fresh air by fresh air manifold 12, and exhaust gas from cylinder 11 is recovered by exhaust manifold 13 at the outlet of cylinder 11. The exhaust manifold is fluidly connected at the outlet of cylinder 11 and configured to discharge exhaust gas from said cylinder 11.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the powertrain 10 includes a turbocharger 20, which comprises a compressor 21 and an expansion turbine 22. The compressor 21 and the expansion turbine 22 are mounted on the same rotating shaft 23 of the turbocharger 20. In this example, the compressor 21 supplies fresh air to the cylinder 11 via a fresh air manifold 12. Specifically, the powertrain 10 includes a fresh air supply duct 14, which is fluidly connected to the fresh air manifold 12 via the compressor 21. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this example, supply pipe 14 is connected to the intake cone 24 of turbocharger 20. Here, intake cone 24 is arranged at the inlet of compressor 21. Turbine 22 is fluidly connected to the outlet of cylinder 11 via exhaust manifold 13. As a result, turbine 22 receives and is rotated by the exhaust gases from combustion occurring in cylinder 11.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the power system 10 also includes an exhaust gas treatment device 30, which includes a catalytic converter 31 and a vacuum chamber 32 configured to insulate the catalytic converter 31. A first end of the treatment device 30 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the turbine 22 via an exhaust pipe 15. A second end 33 of the treatment device 30 is open to the atmosphere for discharging treated exhaust gases. This invention does not relate to the treatment of exhaust gases, but only to the isolation of the catalytic converter to optimize its operation.

[0038] The power system 10 also includes a vacuum generating device 40 and a gas handling device 30 fluidly connected to the outlet of the turbine 22 and receiving exhaust gas.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the vacuum generating device 40 includes a vacuum tube 41. A first end of the vacuum tube 41 is fluidly connected to the vacuum chamber 32. A second end of the vacuum tube 41 is formed by an intake port 42. Advantageously, the port 42 is located at the inlet of the compressor 21, which is coaxial with the rotating shaft 23 of the turbocharger 20. Therefore, as... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, port 42 and the rotational shaft 23 of turbocharger 20 extend along the same AA axis. In these same figures, port 42 appears within the intake cone 24 of turbocharger 20.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the inventors surprisingly discovered that the region of highest vacuum on the intake cone 24 corresponds to the region extending around the AA axis at the inlet of the compressor 21, which corresponds to the axis along which the rotational shaft 23 of the compressor 21 extends. This vacuum is achieved by curve 25, which represents the airflow drawn in by the compressor 21.

[0041] The compressor 21 creates a vacuum at its inlet by specifically drawing in air from the vacuum tube 41 and circulating fresh air in the fresh air supply duct 14. The fluid connection between the vacuum tube 41 and the vacuum chamber 32 allows a vacuum to be created in the chamber, thereby isolating the catalyst 31.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air intake port 42 is located at a distance of at least 10 mm from the compressor 21.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the power system 10 includes a positioning device 50 for the vacuum tube 41 in the intake cone 24, so as to position the intake port 42 coaxial with the rotating shaft 23 of the turbocharger 20, and also to position the port 42 at a distance from the compressor according to the invention.

[0044] according to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, to coaxially position port 42 with the rotational shaft 23 of the turbocharger 20, the vacuum tube 41 extends at least partially into the supply conduit 14. According to the invention, other configurations are contemplated, for example, by using a bidirectional Y-connector at the intake cone 24, a channel for connecting the supply conduit 14 to the inlet of the turbocharger 20, and a channel for connecting and positioning the vacuum tube 41. According to embodiments of the invention, the intake cone 24 can also be modified to allow for optimal positioning of port 42. However, these configurations are more expensive than the embodiments described herein.

[0045] In particular, according to Figure 3 and Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum tube 41 extends partially into the fresh air intake duct 14. For this purpose, the diameter of the vacuum tube 41 is smaller than the diameter of the fresh air supply duct 14. According to a particular embodiment, the positioning device 50 may include a spacer 51 integral with the walls of both the vacuum tube 41 and the supply duct 14. Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the positioning device 50 may include an annular member 52 that clamps the vacuum tube 41. The vacuum tube 41 may be slidably mounted relative to the annular member 52 or integral with the annular member 52. For example, the annular member 52 may be welded to the vacuum tube 41. The spacer 51 is integral with the annular member 52 and extends radially toward the peripheral edge 53.

[0046] In this example, the outer edge 53 is annular to mate with the wall of the supply pipe 14, which has a circular cross-section. However, depending on the configuration of the supply pipe 14, the outer edge 53 can have different shapes. Furthermore, to hold the port 42 in the optimal position according to the invention, the outer edge 53 can be welded to the inner wall of the supply pipe 14.

[0047] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum tube 41 enters the supply pipe 14 through an opening 140 provided in the wall of the supply pipe 14. In this configuration, the power system 10 may include a coupling member 60, which secures the vacuum tube 41 to the wall of the supply pipe at the opening 140. The coupling member 60 also seals the supply pipe 14 at the opening 140.

[0048] According to a particular embodiment, the joining member 60 may include a mechanical adjustment device configured on one hand to secure the vacuum tube 41 to the wall of the sealed conduit 14, and on the other hand to adjust the seal of the supply conduit 14, particularly at the opening 140.

[0049] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the engagement member 60 may include a threaded male tip 61 integral with the outer wall of the fresh air supply duct 14. Advantageously, the tip 61 may have an internal tapered bushing 62 against which a seal 63 made of an elastic material (e.g., silicone or rubber) can be pressed. The engagement member 60 may also include a threaded nut 64 complementary to the tip 61. For ease of understanding... Figure 6When the vacuum tube 41 passes through the opening 140 and is located in the fresh air supply duct 14, the engagement member 60 is shown unassembled. The seal 63 and nut 64 are shown threaded onto the vacuum tube 41 and are ready to be assembled at the tip 61 to seal the opening 140 and ensure the attachment of the vacuum tube 41 to the fresh air supply duct 14. The seal 63, tip 61, and tapered bushing 62 can be considered as mechanical adjustment devices.

[0050] Advantageously, according to an embodiment of the invention, the engaging member 60 positions and holds the air inlet port at a distance from the compressor 21. This mechanical attachment limits the clearance between the vacuum tube 41 and the supply line 14, thereby extending the lifespan of the power system 10.

[0051] Figure 3 A specific embodiment is shown in which the fresh air supply duct 14 bends near the intake cone 24. In this embodiment, the opening 140 is advantageously arranged at the level of the curvature of the supply duct 14. This specific arrangement allows the use of a vacuum tube 41, the section of which enters and extends into the supply duct 14 being straight. The positioning of the port 42 is then facilitated during the assembly of the power system 10.

[0052] Figure 4 Another embodiment is shown in which the fresh air supply duct 14 is straight as it approaches the intake cone 24 of the turbocharger 20. In this configuration, the vacuum tube 41 includes a curved section within the supply duct 14 to position the port 42 on the AA axis.

Claims

1. A power system (10), comprising: - A combustion engine, which includes at least one cylinder (11). - A turbocharger (20) comprising a compressor (21) and a turbine (22) mounted on a rotating shaft (23) of the turbocharger (20), the compressor (21) supplying fresh air to the cylinder (11), while the turbine (22) is fluidly connected to the outlet of the cylinder (11), the turbine (22) receiving and rotating exhaust gases from combustion. - An exhaust gas treatment device (30) comprising a catalyst (31), a vacuum chamber (32), and a vacuum generating device (40), wherein the vacuum chamber (32) is configured to insulate the catalyst (31), and the gas treatment device (30) is fluidly connected to the outlet of the turbine (22) and receives the exhaust gas. The vacuum generating device (40) is characterized in that it includes a vacuum tube (41) which is fluidly connected to the vacuum chamber (40) on one hand, and fluidly connected to the inlet of the compressor (21) via an air intake port (42) coaxially positioned with the rotating shaft (23) of the turbocharger (20) on the other hand, which generates a vacuum at its inlet by drawing air from the vacuum tube (41), and the fluid connection between the vacuum tube (42) and the vacuum chamber (32) enables the generation of a vacuum in the chamber to isolate the catalyst (31).

2. The power system (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The air intake port (42) is located at a minimum distance of 10 mm from the compressor (21).

3. The power system (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the power system (10) includes a positioning device (50) for the vacuum tube (41) to position the intake port (42) coaxially with the rotation axis (23) of the turbocharger (20).

4. The power system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the power system (10) comprising a fresh air supply duct (14) fluidly connected to the inlet of the turbocharger (20), the vacuum tube (41) extending at least partially into the supply duct (4).

5. The power system (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The diameter of the vacuum tube (41) is smaller than the diameter of the fresh air supply pipe (14).

6. The power system (10) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein, The positioning device (50) includes a spacer (51) which is integral with the inner wall of the supply pipe (14).

7. The power system (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The vacuum tube (41) enters the supply pipe (14) through an opening (140) formed in the wall of the supply pipe (14). The power system (10) includes a coupling member (60) which, at the level of the opening (140), ensures that the vacuum tube (41) is fixed to the wall of the supply pipe (14) on the one hand, and ensures the sealing of the supply pipe (14) on the other hand.

8. The power system (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The joining member (60) includes a mechanical adjustment device configured to secure the vacuum tube (41) to the wall and adjust the seal of the supply pipe (14) at the opening (140).

9. The power system (10) according to claims 2 and 7, wherein, The connecting member (60) positions and holds the air intake port (42) away from the compressor (21).

10. A vehicle comprising a power system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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