Assembly, heating system for exhaust after treatment device, and exhaust after treatment device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of assembly and heating system for exhaust aftertreatment device, and exhaust aftertreatment device.For the assembly of exhaust aftertreatment device, comprising: electric heating element with exhaust flow direction;Shell element, the shell element is set to replaceably accommodate electric heating element;Wherein, shell element has passage portion, and the heating element is arranged in the passage portion;Wherein, shell element has cover portion, cover portion has wall in exhaust flow direction, and cavity is formed between the wall and the heating element.By the exhaust aftertreatment device and the assembly for it of the application, mechanic can easily contact the assembly and heating element fixed therein. Thus, simple, fast, low-cost and non-destructive inspection and / or replacement of heating element can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to an assembly for an exhaust aftertreatment device and more particularly to a replaceable heating element in the assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The efficiency of exhaust aftertreatment systems largely depends on the exhaust temperature itself, or on the temperature of any exhaust purification components present, such as catalytic converters. Therefore, the overall minimum operating temperature reached by the exhaust aftertreatment system significantly impacts its exhaust purification performance. Based on this, the overall goal is to reach this minimum operating temperature as quickly as possible to minimize the vehicle's total pollutant emissions. One feasible way to further shorten the necessary heating time is to use or install heating elements to heat the exhaust flowing through a specific area. Heated exhaust makes aftertreatment easier, for example, to minimize the proportion of nitrogen oxides (NOx). In traditional exhaust aftertreatment systems, inspecting and / or replacing heating elements is difficult, time-consuming, and costly. Typically, heating elements are installed in hard-to-reach locations. The procedures are complex, and available space for maintenance personnel is limited. In some cases, accessing and / or replacing heating elements may necessitate damage to parts of the exhaust aftertreatment system. Therefore, a simple, economical, and rapid method for inspecting and / or replacing heating elements is needed.

[0003] Document EP1484481A1 discloses an exhaust purification device comprising a tubular housing disposed within the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, this document discloses a heating element located within a heating housing, with its end extending through a portion of the heating housing structure. This implies that the heating element cannot be replaced individually.

[0004] Document EP4283099A1 discloses an exhaust aftertreatment system having an electric heating element and a cover. There is no cavity between these elements. Therefore, replacing the heating element becomes difficult. Furthermore, because the exhaust is laterally deflected, only a portion of the exhaust flows through the heating element. Similarly, document US2022 / 0307400A1 also discloses an exhaust aftertreatment device for purifying exhaust gas. It also does not mention the presence of a cavity between the heating element and the cover.

[0005] Furthermore, US Patent 11,933,210 B2 discloses an exhaust aftertreatment unit for purifying exhaust gases, comprising: an emission reduction module, which is a diesel particulate filter and / or a diesel oxidation catalytic converter; a selective catalytic reduction catalytic converter; an electric heating element disposed upstream of the emission reduction module; a housing housing the emission reduction module and the electric heating element; and a maintenance cover removably covering a maintenance opening on the housing, through which the emission reduction module is accessible. The electric heating element is removably disposed relative to the housing and is accessible after removing the maintenance cover and the emission reduction module. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome one or more of the problems or disadvantages associated with the prior art.

[0007] The above-mentioned objectives and other problems are solved by a component for an exhaust aftertreatment device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] This utility model relates to an assembly for an exhaust aftertreatment device, comprising: an electric heating element having an exhaust flow direction; a housing element configured to replaceably accommodate the electric heating element; wherein the housing element has a channel portion in which the electric heating element is disposed; wherein the housing element has a cover portion having a wall along or against the exhaust flow direction, and wherein a cavity is formed between the wall and the electric heating element. The electric heating element allows bidirectional exhaust flow, thus its function is independent of the flow direction.

[0009] The electric heating element (hereinafter referred to as the heating element) can be a permeable heating element. Therefore, exhaust gas can flow through the heating element (which is also achieved or supported by a cavity), which in turn allows heat energy to be transferred from the heating element to the flowing medium (e.g., air or exhaust gas). In this way, the exhaust gas is heated more effectively. The heating element can be a heating coil in which temperature rise is preferably achieved through resistance heating. The heating element has an exhaust gas flow direction. This means that exhaust gas can flow through the heating element in at least this direction. In some embodiments, if other parts of the system and the gas pressure allow, exhaust gas can also flow through the heating element in a different direction (e.g., in opposite directions). For example, the exhaust gas flow direction can be indicated by an arrow (e.g., for exhaust gas flow 28) in the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0010] The housing element includes a channel portion and a cover portion. The housing element can accommodate the heating element via the channel portion.

[0011] The heating element is arranged in the channel section. The heating element can be arranged (e.g., fixed) in the channel section in a replaceable manner by means of, for example, screw connection, clamp connection, flange connection, threaded connection or welding connection.

[0012] The enclosure is designed to guide the inflow of exhaust gas, that is, (outside the heating element) change the direction of gas flow by an angle of approximately 45°, which can reach 180° or even greater if necessary.

[0013] Because the housing portion has walls within the heating element along the exhaust flow direction (exhaust flow direction), it does not have a straight pipe shape. Exhaust flows both through the heating element and through the opening. Exhaust can flow in through the heating element and out through the opening, or vice versa, depending on the perspective of the cavity. The walls are spaced apart from the heating element and thus form a cavity.

[0014] Therefore, the enclosure is located on the outside of the system, making it more easily accessible for installation and removal. This easy accessibility allows for the inspection and / or replacement of the heating element. The entire process is quick, economical, and simple.

[0015] In some embodiments, portions of the component according to the present invention are circularly symmetrical and / or have a common central axis. In some embodiments, portions of the component, except for the cover portion, are circularly symmetrical.

[0016] Furthermore, the housing can be non-destructive and replaceable. This means that the heating element can be replaced without damaging the housing element. "Non-destructive" can mean undamaged at least in terms of the housing element, and preferably in terms of all relevant components. Examples of non-destructive connections include at least one of the following: screw connections, clamp connections, flange connections, and threaded connections. Alternatively, the electric heating element can be replaced within the housing element in a replaceable manner, specifically by cutting and / or breaking it at a predetermined location within the housing element, and rejoining it after the heating element is replaced. This predetermined location can be a separation location and / or a location that will not damage other components. Rejoining can be performed by welding.

[0017] Furthermore, the housing element can be configured to guide the exhaust gas flowing in through the heating element within the cavity. Additionally, the housing element can also be configured to guide the exhaust gas about to exit the heating element within the cavity, i.e., this guidance occurs before the exhaust gas exits the heating element.

[0018] Furthermore, the cross-section of the heating element can be smaller than the cross-section of the channel portion. This allows for the creation of an annular gap between the heating element and the inner diameter / cross-section of the casing portion, which can, for example, enable the reversal of the flow direction.

[0019] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the heating element may correspond to at least 50%, preferably 30% to 70%, and particularly preferably 50% to 60% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel portion.

[0020] Furthermore, the heating element can be positioned in the channel section such that the area of ​​the channel section not covered by the heating element remains open. Thus, an annular gap can also be formed between the heating element and the inner diameter / cross-section of the casing section, for example, allowing for the reversal of the flow direction.

[0021] The uncovered area of ​​the channel can be the opening described above, through which exhaust gas also flows. In this case, the exhaust gas also flows around the heating element in the opposite direction to the direction in which the exhaust gas flows through the heating element. To separate the flow directions, a partition element can be arranged directly around the heating element. The partition element can be a wall, part of the exhaust housing or exhaust pipe, and / or the like.

[0022] Alternatively, the heating element can completely fill the channel portion, i.e., have the same cross-section as the inner cross-section of the channel portion. In this case, the opening can be located at different locations, such as within the housing portion. In principle, the opening can be located at any hydrodynamically advantageous location within the housing portion. Preferably, the opening is located at the center of the housing portion, a location also referred to as the axial inlet or axial inlet position.

[0023] Furthermore, the heating element can be a heating plate. Depending on the implementation, this can advantageously create a particularly excellent heat exchange surface due to its relatively short structural length and simultaneously large diameter.

[0024] In addition, the heating element and the channel portion can each have a circular cross-section.

[0025] The heating element can be disc-shaped, i.e., cylindrical, with a height less than its diameter. In this case, the height is not zero. The height can be parallel to the exhaust flow direction. The channel portion can be annular. The disc-shaped heating element and the annular channel portion can have parallel circular axes of symmetry. These circular axes of symmetry can coincide. Examples of this are described directly below. Even in situations with limited installation space, these optional features can advantageously help ensure the largest possible heat exchange surface.

[0026] In addition, the heating element can be centrally positioned in the channel section, and the empty area of ​​the channel section can be annular.

[0027] The open area in the channel section is where exhaust gas also flows through. This opening can be annular. This makes the exhaust gas flow more uniform and thus improves exhaust flow.

[0028] Furthermore, the cover portion can be a lid. This lid can be easily removable and reinstallable. The lid (and thus the cover portion) can be connected to the rest of the assembly via screw connections, clamp connections, flange connections, or threaded connections. After the lid is removed, the heating element can be more easily accessed for maintenance or repair.

[0029] Furthermore, the housing element may have another channel portion separate from the channel portion, which can be positioned from the (first) channel portion along the direction of the cover portion. This other channel portion can secure the cover (and thus the cover portion) in place by means of screw connection, clamp connection, flange connection or threaded connection.

[0030] Furthermore, the housing element may have a fixing portion configured to secure the components to the exhaust housing of the exhaust aftertreatment device by at least one of the following methods: screw connection, clamp connection, flange connection, and threaded connection. Depending on the requirements, the exhaust housing may accommodate multiple components (arranged side-by-side and / or front-to-back along the flow direction). Additionally, the exhaust housing may also be implemented in the form of an exhaust pipe.

[0031] This utility model also relates to a heating system for an exhaust aftertreatment device, comprising: the components according to this utility model as described above; and a fixing device configured to fix the components to the exhaust housing of the exhaust aftertreatment device by at least one of the following methods: screw connection, clamp connection, flange connection, and threaded connection.

[0032] The fixing device can be the same as the fixing part.

[0033] Alternatively, the component can be welded to the exhaust housing. In this case, the heating system can have a preferred separation location for maintenance situations and / or markings for possible separation cutting. At this separation location / marking, the heating system can be selectively separated (e.g., cut) and rejoined (e.g., welded) after maintenance and / or replacement of the heating element. This avoids damage to other components. Optionally, the separation location may have different properties from the surrounding material, as long as separation is facilitated (e.g., less material thickness). However, these different material properties do not negatively affect the overall system durability and / or function. Alternatively, the channel portion can be part of the exhaust housing. The exhaust housing surrounding the channel portion can be integrally molded. This may reduce the number of individual components required overall and eliminate any potential subsequent joining (e.g., welding, etc.). Furthermore, if, for example, the flange connection can be omitted, a lighter overall component can be manufactured.

[0034] The component can be fixed at the end of the exhaust housing, at the beginning of the exhaust housing, or between two parts of the exhaust housing along the exhaust flow direction.

[0035] This utility model also relates to an exhaust aftertreatment device, which includes: a heating system as described above; and an exhaust housing having at least one exhaust aftertreatment element.

[0036] In addition, at least one exhaust aftertreatment element may be a (diesel) particulate filter, a catalytic converter, and / or an injector.

[0037] At least one exhaust aftertreatment element may be located downstream of the heating element. An assembly may be located at the inlet downstream of the exhaust aftertreatment element. Alternatively, the assembly may also be located downstream of the exhaust aftertreatment element. Since the exhaust aftertreatment system may consist of multiple independent exhaust aftertreatment elements, in which case a single exhaust aftertreatment element may also be functionally and / or from the perspective of airflow, located upstream of and heating a subsequent exhaust aftertreatment element.

[0038] In addition, the cover portion can be fixed to the exhaust housing in such a way that the cross-section of the exhaust housing overlaps with the cross-section of the heating element, and preferably the heating element seals the exhaust housing.

[0039] The component can be directly fixed to the end (outlet) of the exhaust housing. Another exhaust housing, or another portion thereof, can be fixed behind (downstream) the component, and in some cases, even behind the exhaust aftertreatment element. One exhaust housing can guide exhaust directly to a heating element or opening, and another exhaust housing can discharge exhaust directly from a corresponding heating element and opening. Alternatively, one exhaust housing can discharge exhaust directly from a heating element or opening, and another exhaust housing can guide exhaust directly to a corresponding heating element and opening.

[0040] The component can be installed in a system with a fuel burner. Depending on the application, the fuel burner can be an engine, such as an internal combustion engine (ICE), a hydrogen fuel cell or an engine based thereon, a generator, a coal-fired power plant, a combination thereof, or the like. The system can be, for example, a passenger car or a truck.

[0041] This invention also relates to a method for using the components according to this invention as described above, comprising: heating exhaust gas flowing through a heating element (preferably flowing through the heating element in the exhaust flow direction); and changing the airflow direction of the exhaust gas within a cavity.

[0042] The airflow direction within the cavity is achieved by the walls. This direction change refers to a shift in the exhaust flow direction within the cavity relative to the upstream exhaust flow direction. Therefore, the direction of the exhaust gas flowing through this component differs from its direction before passing through it.

[0043] Furthermore, the method can be a method using the components according to the present invention as described above. It may also include the following steps: exporting heated and diverted exhaust gas from the cavity through an empty area of ​​the channel portion (preferably after the exhaust gas has been diverted 180°); or introducing undiverted and unheated exhaust gas into the cavity through another channel portion.

[0044] The deflection angle of the exhaust flow direction can be 45° or 70° to 270°, preferably 90° to 270° or 100° to 270°, and particularly preferably at least 180°. In particular, an angle of 180° means a complete reversal of the exhaust flow direction. This deflection angle can be achieved by the geometry of the component (preferably the housing portion).

[0045] This utility model also relates to a method for replacing a heating element in an exhaust aftertreatment device, comprising the following steps: removing the assembly from the exhaust housing; replacing, preferably in a non-destructive manner, the heating element in the assembly; and reinstalling the assembly on the exhaust housing. Attached Figure Description

[0046] This utility model and its further details and advantages will be described below with reference to preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exhaust aftertreatment device is shown; Figure 2 A cross-section of a component in an exhaust aftertreatment device is shown; Figure 3a A view of the components in the exhaust aftertreatment device is shown; Figure 3b A cross-section of a component in an exhaust aftertreatment device is shown; Figure 4 This demonstrates a method for using components; Figure 5 A method for replacing the heating element in an exhaust aftertreatment device is shown; Figures 6a to 6c Various configurations of exhaust aftertreatment devices are shown, with different arrangements of exhaust aftertreatment elements and heating elements. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In this specification, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left," as well as similar expressions, refer to the orientation or arrangement shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only to describe embodiments. These expressions may indicate preferred arrangements but should not be construed as limiting.

[0048] Furthermore, expressions such as “substantially,” “approximately,” “about,” and similar expressions mean that deviations from the stated value by + / -10%, preferably + / -5%, are permissible.

[0049] Unless explicitly excluded, the numerical ranges mentioned herein are always understood to include the lower limit of values ​​greater than or equal to “≥” and the upper limit of values ​​less than or equal to “≤”. Therefore, in particular, the boundary values ​​of the range may themselves be included within the corresponding range, or alternatively, may be excluded (on one side).

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exhaust aftertreatment device 10 is shown. The exhaust aftertreatment device 10 includes a heating system 12 and an exhaust housing 14 (only one end is shown), which has an exhaust aftertreatment element 16 (this element may be and / or include a substrate, a catalytic converter, and / or an exhaust filter). The heating system 12 includes an assembly 18 and a mounting device 20. The assembly 18 is shown surrounded by dashed lines. The assembly 18 includes an electric heating element 22 and a housing element 24. The housing element 24 includes a channel portion 26 and a shroud portion 28. The shroud portion 28 includes a wall 30 (since the wall 30 is part of the shroud portion 28, these two reference numerals refer to the same structure) and a sidewall 32. A cavity 34 is located between the heating element 22 and the wall. Additionally, an optional exhaust mixing element 36 is also shown in the figure. Arrows schematically show the path of the exhaust flow 38 (thick arrows). An opening 40 is also shown.

[0051] The exhaust aftertreatment device 10 is configured such that the exhaust flow 38 first flows through the exhaust aftertreatment element 16, then through the heating element 22, and enters the cavity 34. Therefore, the exhaust flow direction of the heating element 22 is from right to left, as shown by the arrow in the figure. Within the cavity 34, the exhaust flow 38 is redirected (in German, umgeleitet) at the wall 30. The exhaust flow 38 then flows out of the cavity 34 through the opening 40. Afterward, the exhaust flow 38 enters the exhaust mixing element 36. The exhaust flow can also flow in the opposite direction to the arrow.

[0052] The opening 40 is located next to the heating element 22. Here, the opening 40 is asymmetrical. Therefore, the exhaust flow 38 is directed upwards and flows in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the opening 40 can be located in the sidewall 32.

[0053] The fixing device 20 secures the assembly 18 to the exhaust housing 14. The fixing device 20 may include at least one of the following structures: screw connection, clamp connection, flange connection, and threaded connection. Figure 1In the above-mentioned configuration, the fixing device 20 is exemplarily positioned at the top. However, the fixing device 20 can also secure the component 18 to the exhaust housing 14 at multiple locations (not shown). For example, the fixing device 20 may be arranged around the exhaust housing 14. The fixing device 20 may be directly contacted and fixed to the exhaust housing 14 and / or indirectly (through at least one additional element) fixed to the exhaust housing 14. Figure 1 As shown, the fixing device 20 is an indirect fixing device. The fixing device 20 fixes the cover portion 28 to the outlet, which can be fixedly connected to the exhaust housing 14.

[0054] Assembly 18 (or only housing portion 28) can be removed from exhaust housing 14 via the fixing device 20. Either the heating element 22 is removed along with it, or the heating element 22 is held in place on the exhaust housing, for example, by means of the channel portion 26. In both alternatives, the heating element 22 is easily accessible. The heating element 22 can be replaced (non-destructively) from the channel portion 26, which applies to both of the aforementioned alternatives: either after removing the heating element 22 along with assembly 18, or after replacing it directly while the heating element 22 remains in place. Thus, a new heating element can be installed in the channel portion 26. Assembly 18 can then be reattached to exhaust housing 14. The heating element 22 can be attached to the channel portion 26 by means of another fixing device (not shown).

[0055] Figure 2 A cross-section of another component 18 in the exhaust aftertreatment device 10 is shown. Figure 2 The exhaust aftertreatment device 1 in the middle indicates Figure 1 An alternative to the exhaust aftertreatment device 10 in the process. Not... Figure 1 and Figure 2 All the same features are repeated. This section mainly describes the differences between the two.

[0056] The openings 40 are arranged in a ring around the heating element 22. Therefore, after flowing through the heating element 22, the exhaust flow 38 will flow out through the openings 40 around the heating element 22 in all the annular sections.

[0057] The figure shows electrode 42, which supplies power to heating element 22. The installation of electrode 42 in assembly 18 can satisfy either the following conditions: either heating element 22 can be easily separated from electrode 42, or electrode 42 can be easily separated from the rest of assembly 18. When heating element 22 can be easily separated from electrode 42, heating element 22 can be connected to electrode 42 by means of plug connection, push-button connection, screw connection, bolt connection, pin connection, clamp connection, or spring contact. In some embodiments, electrode 42 can fix and / or support heating element 22. Electrode 42 can be used to fix heating element 22 while simultaneously supplying power to heating element 22. Electrode 42 is electrically insulated relative to housing element 24 to avoid short circuits. Externally, electrode 42 is preferably gas-packed to prevent leakage. When it is necessary to replace heating element 22, it can be done by replacing heating element 22 together with electrode 42 and housing element 24. In this case, other components of the exhaust system can continue to be used directly without additional operation. Alternatively, a detachable connector, such as a screw, is provided between the electrode 42 and the heating element 22. Figure 2 Not shown in the image, but... Figure 3a and Figure 3b As can be seen in the diagram, this allows for the replacement of only the heating element 22, while the electrode 42 and housing element 24 can continue to be used. In another alternative, the electrode 42 is fixedly connected to the heating element 22. In this case, the electrode can be connected through the wall of the housing element 24, for example, by screws.

[0058] also, Figure 2 A detachable connector 72 (e.g., a clamp) is shown. The detachable connector 72 secures the housing portion 28 to the exhaust housing 14. Furthermore, Figure 2 The mounting bracket 74 (dashed line) is shown. The mounting bracket 74 serves as a mechanical / fixed connection between the heating element 22 and the housing element 24. Furthermore, Figure 2 A metal housing 76 is shown. The metal housing 76 may be configured to house a substrate (and / or an exhaust aftertreatment element 16).

[0059] Figure 2The diagram illustrates the separation between the inlet and outlet of the heating element 22 using a conical structure. The channel portion 26 can be conical and / or conical in shape. In this illustration, the conical structure is fixedly connected to the metal housing 76 of the exhaust aftertreatment element 16, but not to the heating element 22. Therefore, after releasing the clamps, the heating element can be removed or detached along with the housing element 24. Furthermore, the connection between the heating element 22 and the housing element 24 is achieved here through fixing brackets / connecting elements, which can be, for example, narrow struts, thus still providing sufficient cross-sectional area between the heating element 22 and the metal housing 76 for exhaust to flow through. Therefore, this structure can essentially be viewed as a connection between the heating element 22 and the housing element 24 within the channel region 26.

[0060] Figure 3a A view of another component in the exhaust aftertreatment device 10 is shown. Figure 3a The exhaust aftertreatment device 10 in the middle indicates Figure 1 and Figure 2 An alternative to the exhaust aftertreatment device 10 in the diagram. Not the aforementioned figure and... Figure 3a All the same features are repeated. The differences are mainly described here. Figure 3b A cross-section of the components in the exhaust aftertreatment device 10 is shown. Figure 3b It shows the relationship with Figure 3a The same exhaust aftertreatment device 10. Therefore, Figure 3a and Figure 3b Let's describe them together here.

[0061] The exhaust flow 38 flows into the cavity 34 through the opening 40 (inlet 46 or inlet pipe 46) (through the inlet mask 48 of the cover portion 28). (As shown in the image) Figure 2 Unlike the previous illustration, the deflection angle of the exhaust flow 38 here is less than 180° (more precisely, about 45°), and then it flows out through the heating element 22. Therefore, the exhaust flow direction of the heating element 22 is from left to right. The wall 30 is located on the side opposite to the exhaust flow direction relative to the heating element 22 (since the wall 30 is part of the housing portion 28, these reference numerals are omitted). Figure 3b (The middle refers to the same structure). After flowing through the heating element 22, the exhaust flow 38 flows into the exhaust aftertreatment element 16. The exhaust flow can also flow in reverse. The shape of the enclosure 28 allows maintenance personnel easy access to the installed components.

[0062] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The fixing device 20 includes screws. By loosening these screws, assembly 18 can be removed. After assembly 18 is removed, heating element 22 can be easily inspected and / or replaced. Reinstallation is also very simple with the help of these screws.

[0063] The heating element 22 is fixed to the housing portion 28 by means of a flange 44. This design also simplifies the replacement of the heating element 22.

[0064] Figure 4 A method 50 for using component 18 is shown. Method 50 for using component 18 includes several steps 52 to 58. In step 52, exhaust gas flowing through heating element 22 (preferably flowing through the heating element in the exhaust flow direction (38)) is heated. In step 54, the airflow direction of the exhaust gas (exhaust flow 38) is changed within cavity 34. Furthermore, method 50 may optionally include step 56 or step 58. In step 56, the heated and redirected exhaust gas (preferably deflected 180°) is discharged from cavity 34 through an empty area (opening 40) of channel portion 26 (e.g., as shown). Figure 2 (The situation in the system shown); In step 58, the exhaust gas, which has not yet changed its flow direction and has not yet been heated, is introduced into cavity 34 through another channel section (opening 40) (e.g., as in...). Figure 3a and Figure 3b (as shown in the system).

[0065] Figure 5 A method 60 for replacing the heating element 22 in an exhaust aftertreatment device 10 is shown. The method 60 includes several steps 62 to 66. In step 62, assembly 18 is removed from exhaust housing 14. In step 64, the heating element 22 is replaced in assembly 18 (preferably using a non-destructive replacement method). In step 66, assembly 18 is reinstalled on exhaust housing 14.

[0066] Figures 6a to 6c Several examples of exemplary exhaust aftertreatment systems are shown, indicated here by dashed boxes. The exhaust aftertreatment systems shown may include, and / or be, the exhaust aftertreatment device 10 as described above. The exhaust aftertreatment systems in Figures 6a to 6c are presented schematically, showing only the sequence of exhaust flow through the components (the functional flow direction of each component is from left to right). It should be noted that... Figures 6a to 6c The exhaust aftertreatment system does not show a process, for example, changing the flow direction within cavity 34 via wall 30. However, any flow direction change as described above is possible. Figures 6a to 6c The thick arrows in the diagram each indicate the injection of the reducing agent into the mixer 80. The mixer 80 can be a type of exhaust mixing device.

[0067] Figure 6aThe following is an example sequence of the components through which the exhaust gas flows in the flow direction: first through the electric heating element 22, then through the catalytic converter 78 (e.g., a diesel oxidation catalytic converter), then through the exhaust aftertreatment element 16, then through the mixer 80, and finally through the selective catalytic reduction device 82.

[0068] Figure 6b Another exemplary sequence of the components through which the exhaust flows in the flow direction is shown: first through the catalytic converter 78 (e.g., a diesel oxidation catalytic converter), then through the exhaust aftertreatment element 16, then through the electric heating element 22, then through the mixer 80, and finally through the selective catalytic reduction device 82.

[0069] Figure 6c Another exemplary sequence of the components through which the exhaust flows in the flow direction is shown: first through the catalytic converter 78 (e.g., a diesel oxidation catalytic converter), then through the exhaust aftertreatment element 16, then through the mixer 80, then through the electric heating element 22, and finally through the selective catalytic reduction device 82.

[0070] The component design and installation method described in this article allow mechanics easy access to the components and the heating elements embedded within them. This enables simple, quick, low-cost, and non-destructive inspection and / or replacement of the heating elements. In particular, passenger cars and trucks require a large number of these heating elements for installation and maintenance. Therefore, even small improvements in this area can have a significant impact. If small savings in time and cost are achieved with each maintenance operation, the cumulative effect of these savings over the numerous maintenance tasks in passenger cars and trucks will be considerable.

[0071] This invention is described based on preferred embodiments, wherein the various features of the embodiments can be freely combined and / or interchanged with each other, as long as they are compatible. Similarly, various features of the embodiments can be omitted, as long as they are not absolutely necessary. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and designs without departing from the concept of this invention, and such modifications and designs are all obvious.

[0072] List of reference numerals 10. Exhaust aftertreatment device 12 Heating System 14 Exhaust casing 16 Exhaust aftertreatment components 18 components 20 Fixtures 22 Electric heating element 24 Housing components 26-channel section 28. Cover section 30 wall 32 Sidewall 34 Cavity 36 Exhaust Mixing Element 38 Exhaust flow 40 Opening 42 electrodes 44 Flange 46. ​​Inlet or inlet pipe 48 masks 50, 60 methods 72 Detachable connectors 74 Fixed bracket 76 Metal casing 78 Catalytic converter or diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) 80 Mixer 82 Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Unit

Claims

1. A component (18) for an exhaust aftertreatment device (10), comprising: An electric heating element (22) having an exhaust flow direction (38); Housing element (24), the housing element (24) is configured to replaceably accommodate the electric heating element (22); The housing element (24) has a channel portion (26), and the electric heating element (22) is arranged in the channel portion (26); The housing element (24) has a cover portion (28) having a wall (30) in the exhaust flow direction (38) or in the opposite direction to the exhaust flow direction (38), and a cavity (34) is formed between the wall (30) and the electric heating element (22).

2. The component (18) according to claim 1, wherein, The housing element (24) is configured to accommodate the electric heating element (22) without damage or replacement.

3. The component (18) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing element (24) is configured to guide exhaust gas flowing in via the electric heating element (22) within the cavity (34).

4. The component (18) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the electric heating element (22) is smaller than the cross-section of the channel portion (26).

5. The component (18) according to claim 4, wherein, The cross-section of the electric heating element (22) is at least 50%, or 30% to 70%, or 50% to 60% of the area of ​​the cross-section of the channel portion.

6. The component (18) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The electric heating element (22) is positioned in the channel portion (26) such that the area of ​​the channel portion (26) not covered by the electric heating element (22) remains empty.

7. The component (18) according to claim 6, wherein, The area has an opening (40).

8. The component (18) according to claim 1, wherein, The electric heating element (22) is a heating plate; and / or The electric heating element (22) and the channel portion (26) each have a circular cross-section.

9. The component (18) according to claim 1, wherein, The electric heating element (22) is centrally positioned in the channel portion (26), wherein the free area of ​​the channel portion (26) is annular.

10. The component (18) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cover portion (28) is a cover; and / or The housing element (24) has another channel portion that is separate from the channel portion (26).

11. The component (18) according to claim 1, wherein, The housing element (24) further includes a fixing portion, which is configured to fix the component (18) to the exhaust housing (14) of the exhaust aftertreatment device (10) by at least one of the following methods: screw connection, clamp connection, flange connection and threaded connection.

12. A heating system (12) for an exhaust aftertreatment device (10), comprising: Component (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; as well as The fixing device (20) is configured to fix the component (18) to the exhaust housing (14) of the exhaust aftertreatment device (10) by at least one of the following methods: screw connection, clamp connection, flange connection, threaded connection and welded connection.

13. An exhaust aftertreatment device (10), comprising: The heating system (12) according to claim 12; and An exhaust housing (14) having at least one exhaust aftertreatment element (16).

14. An exhaust aftertreatment device (10), comprising: The heating system (12) according to claim 12; and An exhaust housing (14) having at least one exhaust aftertreatment element (16), wherein the at least one exhaust aftertreatment element (16) is a diesel particulate filter, a catalytic converter and / or an injector.

15. An exhaust aftertreatment device (10), comprising: The heating system (12) according to claim 12; as well as An exhaust housing (14) having at least one exhaust aftertreatment element (16). The electric heating element (22) is centrally positioned in the channel portion (26), and the free area of ​​the channel portion (26) is annular; and the cover portion (28) is attached to the exhaust housing (14) in such a way that the cross-section of the exhaust housing (14) overlaps with the cross-section of the electric heating element (22).

16. The exhaust aftertreatment device (10) according to claim 15, wherein, The cover portion (28) is also attached to the exhaust housing (14) in such a way that the electric heating element (22) closes the exhaust housing (14).

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