Exhaust catalyst and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicle chassis, and provides an exhaust catalyst and a vehicle. The exhaust catalytic converter is arranged in an exhaust system connected with an engine and comprises a catalytic converter body with a catalytic unit and an energy storage assembly arranged on the catalytic converter body. Wherein a phase change material and a heat exchange pipeline are arranged in the energy storage assembly, the heat exchange pipeline is connected with a gas outlet pipeline of the exhaust catalyst, meanwhile, when the engine works, the heat exchange pipeline can introduce gas in the gas outlet pipeline to heat the phase change material, and when the engine stops, the phase change material can release heat to heat the catalytic unit. By means of the heat storage and heat release functions of the energy storage assembly, the catalytic unit can be maintained at a certain temperature when the engine stops, the catalytic unit can reach the ignition temperature as soon as possible when the engine is in cold start, the cold start time of the engine can be shortened, emission exceeding during cold start can be reduced or even avoided, and the service life of the engine is prolonged. And the use quality of the vehicle can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle chassis technology, and in particular to an exhaust catalytic converter and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, when starting a vehicle, especially during a cold start at low temperatures, the engine temperature is low, and the catalytic converter in the vehicle's exhaust system has not yet reached its ignition temperature. This not only easily leads to excessive levels of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in vehicle emissions, but also increases the cold start time in order to ensure that the catalytic converter reaches the required temperature, which is detrimental to improving the quality of vehicle use. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application aims to propose an exhaust catalyst to improve the quality of vehicle use.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is implemented as follows:

[0005] An exhaust catalyst is provided in an exhaust system connected to an engine, including a catalyst body having a catalyst unit and an energy storage component provided on the catalyst body.

[0006] The energy storage component includes a phase change material and a heat exchange pipeline, which is connected to the exhaust gas pipeline of the exhaust catalyst.

[0007] When the engine is running, the heat exchange pipeline can introduce gas from the exhaust pipeline to heat the phase change material, and when the engine is stopped, the phase change material releases heat to heat the catalytic unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the energy storage component includes an energy storage shell disposed on the catalyst body, and the energy storage shell and the outer shell of the catalyst body form a cavity; the phase change material is filled in the cavity, and the heat exchange pipeline includes a heat exchange section located in the cavity, and an inlet section and an outlet section extending out of the cavity; the inlet section is connected to the outlet pipeline, and the outlet section is in communication with the outside atmosphere.

[0009] Furthermore, the energy storage housing is arranged around the catalyst body, the cavity is an annular cavity arranged circumferentially along the catalyst body, and the heat exchange section is arranged circumferentially around the catalyst body.

[0010] Furthermore, the cavity corresponds to the catalytic unit and the intake cone of the catalytic converter body.

[0011] Furthermore, the cavity is provided with heat-conducting fins connected to the outer shell of the catalyst body; when the phase change material releases heat, the heat-conducting fins can transfer the heat released by the phase change material to the catalyst body.

[0012] Furthermore, the heat-conducting fins are multiple fins arranged at intervals along the circumference of the catalyst body; the multiple heat-conducting fins divide the cavity into multiple chambers, and each chamber is provided with the phase change material and the heat exchange pipeline.

[0013] Furthermore, the heat exchange section is arranged in multiple loops around the catalyst body; and / or, the heat exchange section is arranged transversely through each of the heat-conducting fins.

[0014] Furthermore, the energy storage shell is provided with a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the phase change material; the air inlet section is provided with an air inlet control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the air inlet section, and the air outlet section is provided with an air outlet control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the air outlet section.

[0015] Furthermore, the energy storage casing is covered with insulation components.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages:

[0017] (1) The exhaust catalyst of this application provides an energy storage component on the catalyst body. When the engine is running, the heat exchange pipe can introduce gas from the exhaust pipe to heat the phase change material. When the engine is stopped, the phase change material releases heat to heat the catalyst unit. Thus, the heat storage and heat release functions of the energy storage component can be used to maintain the catalyst unit at a certain temperature when the engine is stopped. This allows the catalyst unit to reach the ignition temperature as soon as possible when the engine is cold-started, which helps to shorten the engine cold-start time and also helps to reduce or even avoid excessive emissions during cold starts, thereby improving the quality of vehicle use.

[0018] (2) The energy storage component includes an energy storage shell disposed on the catalyst body, and a cavity is formed between the energy storage shell and the outer shell of the catalyst body. Phase change material is filled within the cavity. The heat exchange pipeline includes a heat exchange section located within the cavity, and an inlet section and an outlet section extending outside the cavity. The inlet section is connected to the outlet pipeline, and the outlet section is in communication with the outside atmosphere. This configuration, where the energy storage shell and the outer shell of the catalyst body together form the cavity, and the heat exchange pipeline consists of an inlet section, a heat exchange section, and an outlet section, results in a simple structure, facilitates design and fabrication, and helps integrate the energy storage component onto the catalyst body.

[0019] (3) The energy storage shell is arranged around the catalyst body, making the cavity annular cavity, and the heat exchange section in the heat exchange pipeline is arranged around the catalyst body. This can ensure the storage of phase change material and increase the heating duration of the phase change material on the catalyst when the engine is stopped, which helps to improve the performance of the energy storage component.

[0020] (4) The cavity is set to correspond to the catalytic unit and the intake cone of the catalytic converter body. With this setting, the cavity is set to correspond to the intake cone of the catalytic unit and the catalytic converter body respectively, so that the inlet position of the catalytic converter body and the catalytic unit are maintained at a certain temperature, which can help the catalytic unit reach the ignition temperature as soon as possible when the engine is cold started.

[0021] (5) The cavity is equipped with heat-conducting fins connected to the outer shell of the catalyst body. When the phase change material releases heat, the heat-conducting fins can transfer the heat released by the phase change material to the catalyst body. This design helps to transfer the heat released by the phase change material to the catalyst body, thus improving the heating effect on the catalytic unit during phase change material release.

[0022] (6) The heat-conducting fins are multiple fins arranged at intervals along the circumference of the catalyst body. These multiple heat-conducting fins divide the cavity into multiple chambers, each of which contains phase change material and heat exchange pipes. Thus, by arranging the heat-conducting fins in multiple spaced-apart configurations, the heating effect on the catalytic unit during phase change material exothermic processes can be further improved.

[0023] (7) The heat exchange section consists of multiple rings surrounding the catalyst body, and the heat exchange section is arranged transversely through each heat-conducting fin. This arrangement, with the heat exchange section arranged in multiple rings around the catalyst body, allows for a longer heat exchange section, increasing the heat exchange time between the gas and the phase change material within the heat exchange pipeline, and achieving uniform heating of the phase change material, thus improving the heating effect on the phase change material. The transverse arrangement of the heat exchange section through the heat-conducting fins allows for the transfer of heat from the heat exchange pipeline to the phase change material, further improving the uniformity of heating the phase change material.

[0024] (8) A temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the phase change material is provided on the energy storage shell. An intake control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the intake section is provided on the intake section, and an outlet control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the outlet section is provided on the outlet section. In this way, by setting up a temperature detection unit and setting control valves on the intake and outlet sections of the heat exchange pipeline, not only can the opening and closing of the heat exchange pipeline be controlled according to the temperature of the phase change material to realize the heating control of the phase change material, but also when the engine is stopped, external gas is prevented from entering the energy storage component, thereby reducing the loss of heat stored in the phase change material.

[0025] (9) The energy storage shell is covered with an insulation component. This configuration, with the insulation component installed on the outside of the energy storage shell, can reduce the loss of heat from the phase change material inside the energy storage component and help improve the performance of the energy storage component.

[0026] This application also proposes a vehicle having an engine and an exhaust system connected to the engine, the exhaust system including an exhaust catalytic converter as described above.

[0027] The vehicle described in this application, by installing an exhaust catalytic converter as described above in the exhaust system connected to the engine, enables the catalytic unit to reach the ignition temperature as quickly as possible during engine cold starts, which helps to shorten engine cold start time and also helps to reduce or even avoid excessive emissions during cold starts, thereby improving the quality of vehicle use. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the exhaust catalyst described in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the energy storage component described in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure shown in the image from another perspective;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust catalyst described in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0036] 1. Catalyst body; 2. Energy storage assembly; 3. Inlet flange; 4. Inlet end cone; 5. Support assembly; 6. Outlet end cone; 7. First outlet pipe; 8. Bellows assembly; 9. Second outlet pipe.

[0037] 11. Catalyst housing; 12. Catalytic unit; 13. Particulate collection and purification unit; 21. Heat exchange pipeline; 211. Inlet section; 2111. Inlet control valve; 212. Outlet section; 2121. Outlet control valve; 213. Heat exchange section; 22. Energy storage housing; 221. Cavity; 2211. Chamber; 222. Temperature detection unit; 23. Heat-conducting fins. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the technical solution and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0039] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0040] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this application, if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" appear, indicating orientation or positional relationship, these are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, if terms such as "first" or "second" appear, they are also used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in light of the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this application, the terms "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0043] The present application will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.

[0044] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides an exhaust catalyst applied to a vehicle exhaust system. The exhaust catalyst of this embodiment, through its innovative structural design, helps to shorten the engine cold start time and also helps to reduce or even avoid excessive emissions during cold starts, thereby improving the quality of vehicle use.

[0045] In related technologies, when a vehicle is started, especially during a cold start at low temperatures, the engine temperature is at a low level. At this time, the catalytic converter in the exhaust system has not yet reached the ignition temperature (that is, the minimum temperature required for the catalytic material in the catalytic converter to reach the required specific purification rate during catalytic combustion). This can easily lead to a sharp increase in the emission of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in vehicle emissions, which can be several times higher than under normal operating conditions. On the other hand, in order to ensure that the catalytic converter temperature meets the relevant requirements, the cold start time of the vehicle is often increased.

[0046] Moreover, especially for hybrid vehicles, due to the frequent start-stop operations and constant switching of power modes during operation, the catalytic converter is frequently subjected to repeated cycles of cooling and reheating, which undoubtedly further exacerbates the deterioration of pollutant emissions during cold starts.

[0047] Currently, traditional methods for addressing the issue of catalytic converter overheating during cold starts primarily rely on active heating techniques such as ignition delay and secondary air injection to raise the catalytic converter's temperature. However, these methods not only increase engine load, leading to higher fuel consumption, but also, for hybrid vehicles, struggle to effectively coordinate the thermal management of the engine, electric motor, and catalytic converter under dynamic operating conditions. This results in a failure to adequately balance vehicle emissions and driving performance, ultimately hindering the improvement of vehicle quality.

[0048] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the exhaust catalyst of this embodiment combines... Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the overall design includes a catalyst body 1 with a catalytic unit 12 and an energy storage component 2 disposed on the catalyst body 1.

[0049] The energy storage component 2 includes a phase change material and a heat exchange pipe 21, which is connected to the exhaust gas outlet pipe of the exhaust catalytic converter. When the engine is running, the heat exchange pipe 21 can introduce gas from the exhaust gas outlet pipe to heat the phase change material, and when the engine is off, the phase change material releases heat to heat the catalytic converter 12.

[0050] Thus, by setting an energy storage component 2 on the catalyst body 1, and when the engine is running, the heat exchange pipe 21 can introduce gas from the exhaust pipe to heat the phase change material. When the engine is stopped, the phase change material releases heat to heat the catalyst unit 12. In this embodiment, the heat storage and heat release functions of the energy storage component 2 can be used to maintain the catalyst unit 12 at a certain temperature when the engine is stopped. This allows the catalyst unit 12 to reach the ignition temperature as soon as possible when the engine is cold-started, which helps to shorten the engine cold-start time and also helps to reduce or even avoid excessive emissions during cold starts, thereby improving the quality of vehicle use.

[0051] Based on the above overview, specifically, as an exemplary structural form, the exhaust catalyst in this embodiment is composed of... Figures 1 to 5 and combined Figure 6 As shown, it generally includes an intake flange 3, an intake end cone 4, a catalyst body 1, a support assembly 5, an outlet end cone 6, a first outlet pipe 7, a bellows assembly 8, a second outlet pipe 9, and an energy storage assembly 2.

[0052] The intake flange 3 serves as the intake pipe for the exhaust catalytic converter, connecting to the exhaust pipe in the vehicle's exhaust system. The intake cone 4 guides the exhaust gases from the engine into the catalytic converter body 1. In practice, the connection between the intake flange 3 and the vehicle's exhaust system can utilize conventional connection methods (such as screw connections) found in existing vehicle exhaust systems, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0053] The catalytic converter body 1 is the main component in the vehicle exhaust system that plays a purifying role. It generally consists of a catalytic converter housing 11, and a catalytic unit 12 and a particulate trap and purification unit 13 disposed within the catalytic converter housing 11. Its housing is typically made of steel sheet (preferably stainless steel), and its interior is hollow to house the catalytic unit 12 and the particulate trap and purification unit 13. It is worth noting that the particulate trap unit and catalytic unit 12 mentioned above are particulate traps and catalytic converters well known to those skilled in the art.

[0054] The aforementioned bracket assembly 5 is used to install the exhaust catalyst in the vehicle. In specific implementations, the bracket assembly 5 is mounted on the catalyst housing 11, and the connection between the bracket assembly 5 and the catalyst housing 11 is generally achieved by welding. For connection to the vehicle, the bracket assembly 5 is connected to the exhaust system mounting point located at the bottom of the vehicle via a screw-on structure. Of course, depending on the vehicle model, the position and number of bracket assemblies 5 on the catalyst housing 11 can be adjusted adaptively, as long as the installation and arrangement requirements of the exhaust catalyst at the bottom of the vehicle are met, and the reliability of the exhaust catalyst assembly installation is ensured.

[0055] The bellows assembly 8 effectively attenuates the energy transfer from engine vibration to the exhaust system, enhancing the vehicle's NVH performance. Simultaneously, the bellows assembly 8 compensates for the axial thermal expansion deformation of the first exhaust pipe 7 and the second exhaust pipe 9 within the operating temperature range, alleviating thermal stress concentration at the connection point and preventing weld cracking that occurs in traditional rigid connections under thermal cycling conditions, effectively extending the service life of the exhaust structure. Furthermore, by incorporating the bellows assembly 8, it effectively absorbs positional deviations caused by chassis deformation or final assembly, thereby reducing the assembly precision requirements of the exhaust structure, reducing the need for positioning tooling, lowering manufacturing costs, and ultimately enhancing the vehicle's market competitiveness.

[0056] The exhaust cone 6, the first exhaust pipe 7, and the second exhaust pipe 9 are all used to discharge the gas treated by the exhaust catalytic converter. Among them, the second exhaust pipe 9 is used to connect to the subsequent parts of the exhaust system, and its structure can be based on the relevant structure of the existing vehicle exhaust system, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0057] Continue to combine Figures 1 to 5 and combined Figure 6 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the energy storage component 2 includes an energy storage housing 22 disposed on the catalyst body 1, and a cavity 221 is formed between the energy storage housing 22 and the outer shell of the catalyst body 1.

[0058] The phase change material is filled inside the cavity 221. The heat exchange pipeline 21 includes a heat exchange section 213 located inside the cavity 221, and an air inlet section 211 and an air outlet section 212 extending outside the cavity 221. The air inlet section 211 is connected to the air outlet pipeline, and the air outlet section 212 is in communication with the outside atmosphere.

[0059] Thus, it is understandable that by having the energy storage shell 22 in the energy storage component 2 and the outer shell of the catalyst body 1 jointly form a cavity 221, and by having the heat exchange pipeline 21 consist of an inlet section 211, a heat exchange section 213 and an outlet section 212, it has the advantages of simple structure and easy design and fabrication, and it also helps to integrate the energy storage component 2 onto the catalyst body 1.

[0060] In practical implementation, the intake section 211 of the heat exchange pipe 21 is connected to the first exhaust pipe 7 after the catalytic converter 12. This allows the treated engine exhaust gas to be introduced into the energy storage housing 22 through the heat exchange pipe 21, thereby fully utilizing the waste heat emitted by the engine, improving energy efficiency, avoiding increased fuel consumption due to catalytic converter overheating, and enhancing the vehicle's market competitiveness. Simultaneously, the design of the heat exchange pipe 21 eliminates the need for additional heating components for the exhaust catalytic converter, which also helps control vehicle costs, further enhancing the vehicle's market competitiveness.

[0061] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the energy storage housing 22 is disposed around the catalyst body 1, the cavity 221 is an annular cavity arranged circumferentially along the catalyst body 1, and the heat exchange section 213 is disposed around the catalyst body 1 circumferentially along the catalyst body 1.

[0062] Thus, the energy storage housing 22 is arranged around the catalyst body 1, and the cavity 221 is an annular cavity. The heat exchange section 213 in the heat exchange pipeline 21 is arranged around the catalyst body 1, which can ensure the storage of phase change material and increase the heating duration of the phase change material on the catalyst when the engine is stopped, which helps to improve the performance of the energy storage component 2.

[0063] In detail, the heat exchange section 213, arranged around the catalyst body 1, ensures that all parts of the catalytic unit 12 receive sufficient and uniform preheating, reducing temperature fluctuations and achieving more stable operating temperature during frequent engine start-stop cycles. The energy storage housing 22 surrounding the catalyst body 1 also protects it from impacts that could cause the catalytic unit 12 to break, extending its lifespan, reducing maintenance costs, and improving vehicle reliability and performance.

[0064] Combination Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the cavity 221 corresponds to the catalytic unit 12 and the intake cone 4 of the catalytic converter body 1.

[0065] This configuration allows both the inlet position of the catalyst body 1 and the catalyst unit 12 to be maintained at a certain temperature. This facilitates the catalyst unit 12 to reach the ignition temperature as quickly as possible during engine cold starts, thereby shortening the catalyst ignition time, reducing pollutant emissions during the cold start phase, and ultimately improving the overall vehicle's environmental performance and quality of use.

[0066] In specific implementation, a cavity 221 is provided corresponding to the intake cone 4 of the catalytic converter body 1. This cavity can effectively preheat the intake cone 4, preventing the high-temperature exhaust gas emitted by the vehicle engine during cold starts from causing thermal shock to the lower-temperature intake cone 4. This reduces the risk of deformation or damage to the intake cone 4 and the catalytic converter body 1, improves the reliability and service life of the exhaust catalytic converter, thereby helping to reduce vehicle maintenance costs and improve the quality of vehicle use.

[0067] Continue to combine Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the cavity 221 is provided with heat-conducting fins 23 connected to the outer shell of the catalyst body 1. When the phase change material releases heat, the heat-conducting fins 23 can transfer the heat released by the phase change material to the catalyst body 1.

[0068] This configuration, as can be understood, helps to transfer the heat released by the phase change material to the catalyst body 1, which can improve the heating effect of the phase change material on the catalyst unit 12 when it releases heat, thereby accelerating the temperature rise of the catalyst, shortening the catalyst ignition time, reducing pollutant emissions during the cold start stage, and improving the overall vehicle's environmental protection level and quality of use.

[0069] Similarly combined Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the heat-conducting fins 23 are multiple pieces arranged circumferentially along the catalyst body 1, and the multiple heat-conducting fins 23 divide the cavity 221 into multiple chambers 2211, and each chamber 2211 is provided with phase change material and heat exchange pipeline 21.

[0070] At this point, with the above configuration, by arranging the heat-conducting fins 23 into multiple spaced-apart pieces, the heating effect on the catalytic unit 12 during the exothermic reaction of the phase change material can be further improved. Furthermore, separating the phase change material within multiple chambers 2211 reduces internal material stress caused by vehicle vibration, thermal expansion, and other factors, thereby facilitating uniform heating of the catalyst body 1. This improves the uniformity of the catalytic reaction, enhances the performance of the catalytic unit 12, and ultimately improves the overall vehicle user experience.

[0071] In addition, the multiple heat-conducting fins 23 arranged circumferentially along the catalyst body 1 can also act as reinforcing ribs, which can enhance the structural strength of the energy storage component 2, thereby resisting the vibration generated during vehicle operation and the thermal shock caused by temperature changes in the energy storage component 2, reducing the risk of deformation or damage to the catalyst body 1, and improving the reliability and service life of the exhaust catalyst.

[0072] In addition, it is worth mentioning that the phase change material provided in each chamber 2211 in this embodiment can be a metal alloy well known to those skilled in the art, such as silicon-aluminum alloy material with a phase change temperature of 576°C and a latent heat of phase change of 862 KJ / kg, or other metal alloy phase change materials, which will not be described in detail here.

[0073] Continue to combine Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the heat exchange section 213 consists of multiple turns arranged around the catalyst body 1.

[0074] This configuration allows for a longer heat exchange section 213, which increases the heat exchange time between the gas and the phase change material within the heat exchange pipe 21 and enables uniform heating of the phase change material, thus improving the heating effect of the phase change material.

[0075] The heat exchange section 213 is arranged transversely through each heat-conducting fin 23, which can transfer heat from the heat exchange pipe 21 to the phase change material, thereby further improving the uniformity of heating the phase change material. At the same time, more uniform heating of the phase change material can also reduce incomplete phase change caused by local overcooling or overheating, improve the utilization rate and heating stability of the phase change material, and thus help extend the service life of the phase change material.

[0076] Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that by making the heat exchange section 213 a multi-ring arrangement around the catalyst body 1 and by traversing each heat-conducting fin 23, the heat transfer path can be optimized, ensuring that heat can be quickly and evenly diffused to the entire catalyst body 1, reducing thermal stress caused by temperature gradients, reducing the risk of damage to the catalyst body 1, phase change material and heat exchange pipeline 21, extending the service life of the exhaust catalyst, thereby reducing the number of vehicle maintenance times, which is conducive to further improving the quality of vehicle use.

[0077] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the energy storage housing 22 is provided with a temperature detection unit 222 for detecting the temperature of the phase change material. The air inlet section 211 is provided with an air inlet control valve 2111 for controlling the opening and closing of the air inlet section 211, and the air outlet section 212 is provided with an air outlet control valve 2121 for controlling the opening and closing of the air outlet section 212.

[0078] Thus, by setting a temperature detection unit 222 and setting control valves on the air inlet section 211 and air outlet section 212 of the heat exchange pipeline 21, the heat exchange pipeline 21 can be opened and closed according to the temperature of the phase change material to achieve heating control of the phase change material. At the same time, when the engine is stopped, external gas is prevented from entering the energy storage component 2, thereby reducing the loss of heat stored in the phase change material.

[0079] In specific implementation, the temperature detection unit 222 can refer to the temperature sensor in the existing vehicle exhaust system, and the intake control valve 2111 and the exhaust control valve 2121 can both be electromagnetic valves familiar to those skilled in the art, which will not be elaborated further.

[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, the energy storage housing 22 is externally covered with an insulation component. This arrangement reduces heat loss from the phase change material within the energy storage component 2, thus improving the performance of the energy storage component 2.

[0081] In specific implementation, the insulation component may include, for example, an insulation shell surrounding the energy storage shell 22, with a certain distance between the insulation shell and the energy storage shell 22, thereby forming an insulation cavity between the two, and filling the insulation cavity with insulation material.

[0082] The insulation material can be aerogel, as is well known to those skilled in the art, or other insulating foam materials, as long as it meets the requirements for insulation and environmental protection. Meanwhile, to protect the insulation material and provide some protection for the energy storage shell 22, the insulation shell should preferably be made of a metal material with a certain structural strength, such as steel or aluminum alloy.

[0083] In this embodiment of the exhaust catalyst, specifically during operation, a temperature detection unit 222, located on the energy storage housing 22, sends the temperature data of the phase change material to the vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit then sets a minimum critical temperature T0 (300-350°C) and a maximum critical temperature T1 (600-650°C).

[0084] When the temperature value T monitored by the temperature detection unit 222 is less than T0 and the vehicle is in engine operating mode, the vehicle control unit controls the intake control valve 2111 located in the intake end of the heat exchange pipe 21 and the exhaust control valve 2121 located in the exhaust section 212 to open. The intake section 211 of the heat exchange pipe 21, which is connected to the first exhaust pipe 7 after the catalytic unit 12, will introduce the engine exhaust gas treated by the catalytic unit 12 into the energy storage component 2. At this time, the multiple heat exchange sections 213 located in the cavity 221 and surrounding the catalytic converter body 1 will transfer the heat of the engine exhaust gas to the phase change material located in each chamber 2211. The phase change material heats up to achieve energy storage of the energy storage element.

[0085] When the temperature value T monitored by the temperature detection unit 222 is greater than or equal to T1, the vehicle control unit determines that the temperature of the energy storage component 2 meets the requirements for cold start. At this time, the vehicle control unit closes the intake control valve 2111 located in the intake end of the heat exchange pipeline 21 and the exhaust control valve 2121 located in the exhaust section 212. When the engine is no longer in working mode, multiple heat-conducting fins 23 arranged circumferentially along the catalyst body 1 will transfer the heat released by the phase change material to the catalyst body 1 and the intake cone 4 of the catalyst body 1, thereby maintaining the catalyst unit 12 at a certain temperature for a certain period of time. This allows the catalyst unit 12 to reach the ignition temperature (usually >200°C) as soon as possible during engine cold start, which helps to shorten the engine cold start time and also helps to reduce or even avoid excessive emissions during cold start.

[0086] It should be noted that related structures not mentioned in this embodiment, such as vehicle control units, can be vehicle control units or related structures well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0087] It is worth noting that, regarding the exhaust catalytic converter installed in the exhaust system connected to the engine in this embodiment, based on the above exemplary embodiments, in specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment, it is still composed of... Figures 1 to 6 As shown, it may include, for example, a catalyst body 1 having a catalyst unit 12, and an energy storage component 2 disposed on the catalyst body 1.

[0088] The energy storage component 2 includes a phase change material and a heat exchange pipe 21, which is connected to the exhaust gas outlet pipe of the exhaust catalytic converter. When the engine is running, the heat exchange pipe 21 can introduce gas from the exhaust gas outlet pipe to heat the phase change material, and when the engine is off, the phase change material releases heat to heat the catalytic converter 12.

[0089] The energy storage component 2 includes an energy storage housing 22 disposed on the catalyst body 1, forming a cavity 221 between the energy storage housing 22 and the outer shell of the catalyst body 1. A phase change material is filled within the cavity 221. The heat exchange pipeline 21 includes a heat exchange section 213 located within the cavity 221, and an inlet section 211 and an outlet section 212 extending outside the cavity 221. The inlet section 211 is connected to the outlet pipeline, and the outlet section 212 is in communication with the outside atmosphere. The energy storage housing 22 surrounds the catalyst body 1, and the cavity 221 is an annular cavity arranged circumferentially around the catalyst body 1, with the heat exchange section 213 also arranged circumferentially around the catalyst body 1.

[0090] The cavity 221 corresponds to the catalytic unit 12 and is located at the inlet cone 4 of the catalyst body 1. The cavity 221 contains heat-conducting fins 23 connected to the outer shell of the catalyst body 1. When the phase change material releases heat, the heat-conducting fins 23 transfer the heat released by the phase change material to the catalyst body 1. The heat-conducting fins 23 are multiple fins arranged circumferentially along the catalyst body 1, dividing the cavity 221 into multiple chambers 2211, each of which contains phase change material and heat exchange pipes 21.

[0091] The heat exchange section 213 consists of multiple rings arranged around the catalyst body 1, and the heat exchange section 213 is arranged transversely through each heat-conducting fin 23. A temperature detection unit 222 for detecting the temperature of the phase change material is provided on the energy storage shell 22. An intake control valve 2111 for controlling the opening and closing of the intake section 211 is provided on the intake section 211, and an outlet control valve 2121 for controlling the opening and closing of the outlet section 212 is provided on the outlet section 212. The energy storage shell 22 is externally covered with an insulation component.

[0092] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned muffler assembly, the specific configuration and arrangement of the phase change material, heat exchange pipeline 21, elastic heat-conducting fins 23, and insulation components can still be referred to the descriptions in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the beneficial effects brought about by the design of the phase change material, heat exchange pipeline 21, elastic heat-conducting fins 23, and insulation components can also be referred to the descriptions in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments.

[0093] The exhaust catalyst of this embodiment adopts the above design. By setting an energy storage component 2 on the catalyst body 1, and when the engine is running, the heat exchange pipe 21 can introduce gas from the exhaust pipe to heat the phase change material. When the engine is stopped, the phase change material releases heat to heat the catalyst unit 12. Thus, the heat storage and heat release functions of the energy storage component 2 can be used to maintain the catalyst unit 12 at a certain temperature when the engine is stopped. This allows the catalyst unit 12 to reach the ignition temperature as soon as possible when the engine is cold-started, which helps to shorten the engine cold-start time and also helps to reduce or even avoid excessive emissions during cold starts, thereby improving the quality of vehicle use.

[0094] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a vehicle having an engine and an exhaust system connected to the engine, the exhaust system having an exhaust catalytic converter as described in the first aspect embodiment above.

[0095] In this embodiment, by installing the exhaust catalyst as described above in the exhaust system connected to the engine, the catalytic unit 12 can reach the ignition temperature as quickly as possible during engine cold start, which helps to shorten the engine cold start time and also helps to reduce or even avoid excessive emissions during cold start, thus improving the quality of vehicle use.

[0096] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The technical features or structures in the foregoing different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form other specific technical solutions as needed. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An exhaust catalytic converter, disposed in an exhaust system connected to an engine, characterized in that: It includes a catalyst body (1) having a catalyst unit (12) and an energy storage component (2) disposed on the catalyst body (1); The energy storage component (2) is provided with a phase change material and a heat exchange pipeline (21), and the heat exchange pipeline (21) is connected to the exhaust gas pipeline of the exhaust catalyst; When the engine is running, the heat exchange pipe (21) can introduce gas from the outlet pipe to heat the phase change material, and when the engine is stopped, the phase change material releases heat to heat the catalytic unit (12).

2. The exhaust catalytic converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy storage component (2) includes an energy storage housing (22) disposed on the catalyst body (1), and a cavity (221) is formed between the energy storage housing (22) and the outer shell of the catalyst body (1); The phase change material is filled in the cavity (221), and the heat exchange pipeline (21) includes a heat exchange section (213) located in the cavity (221), and an air inlet section (211) and an air outlet section (212) extending out of the cavity (221). The air intake section (211) is connected to the air outlet pipe, and the air outlet section (212) is in communication with the outside atmosphere.

3. The exhaust catalyst according to claim 2, characterized in that: The energy storage housing (22) is arranged around the catalyst body (1), the cavity (221) is an annular cavity arranged circumferentially along the catalyst body (1), and the heat exchange section (213) is arranged around the catalyst body (1) circumferentially along the catalyst body (1).

4. The exhaust catalytic converter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cavity (221) is provided corresponding to the catalytic unit (12) and the intake cone (4) of the catalytic converter body (1).

5. The exhaust catalyst according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cavity (221) is provided with heat-conducting fins (23) that are connected to the outer shell of the catalyst body (1); When the phase change material releases heat, the heat-conducting fins (23) can transfer the heat released by the phase change material to the catalyst body (1).

6. The exhaust catalyst according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heat-conducting fins (23) are multiple fins arranged circumferentially along the catalyst body (1); Multiple heat-conducting fins (23) divide the cavity (221) into multiple chambers (2211), and each chamber (2211) is provided with the phase change material and the heat exchange pipeline (21).

7. The exhaust catalytic converter according to claim 6, characterized in that: The heat exchange section (213) consists of multiple rings arranged around the catalyst body (1); and / or, The heat exchange section (213) is arranged across each of the heat-conducting fins (23).

8. The exhaust catalytic converter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The energy storage shell (22) is provided with a temperature detection unit (222) for detecting the temperature of the phase change material; The intake section (211) is provided with an intake control valve (2111) for controlling the opening and closing of the intake section (211), and the outlet section (212) is provided with an outlet control valve (2121) for controlling the opening and closing of the outlet section (212).

9. The exhaust catalytic converter according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The energy storage shell (22) is covered with an insulation component.

10. A vehicle comprising an engine and an exhaust system connected to said engine, characterized in that: The exhaust system is provided with an exhaust catalyst as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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