A flow guiding structure, a muffler assembly, and a vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a flow guide structure, a muffler assembly and a vehicle, and belongs to the technical field of vehicle exterior, wherein the flow guide structure eliminates the problem of surface discontinuity around the muffler caused by the inability to be packaged by extending a flow guide plate in the direction of the rear bumper, so that the airflow flowing around the muffler body flows orderly along the smooth surface of the flow guide part, the local airflow separation delay effect is improved, thereby the vehicle drag coefficient can be reduced and the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved; the flow guide plate is fixed on the muffler body by means of the positioning part and the reinforcing support, forming a double-fixed connection mode, effectively improving the connection strength and stability of the overall structure of the flow guide plate; at the same time, the detachable connection mode enables the flow guide structure to be carried on different vehicle models to realize platform design, break through the limitation of traditional welding process and reduce maintenance cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of vehicle exterior technology, and more specifically, relates to a flow guide structure, a muffler assembly, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Air resistance caused by turbulent airflow under the vehicle chassis is an important research area in automotive aerodynamics. When a vehicle travels at high speeds, protruding components and discontinuous surface structures under the chassis can cause airflow separation, creating vortex zones and lateral pressure differences, thus generating drag. Furthermore, turbulent airflow under the chassis not only increases wind noise but also reduces fuel economy. Currently, a common method to reduce drag is to enclose the underside of the car with plastic exterior panels to make the chassis flatter.

[0003] The muffler in the exhaust system is a common component of the powertrain in both gasoline and hybrid electric vehicles, used to reduce noise pollution during vehicle operation. The muffler is horizontally positioned at the rear of the chassis, near the rear bumper. Its large size and high temperature make it difficult to enclose with plastic trim panels, resulting in poor airflow and significant wind resistance around the muffler. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a flow guide structure, a muffler assembly, and a vehicle, which aims to solve the problems of poor airflow and high wind resistance around the chassis muffler.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a flow guiding structure, comprising: The deflector includes a positioning part and a flow guiding part. The positioning part is attached to the outer shell of the muffler body and engages with the outer shell of the muffler body. The flow guiding part is set at an angle to the positioning part and extends toward one side of the rear bumper. A reinforcing bracket is provided at the upper end of the flow guide, and the fixed end of the reinforcing bracket is detachably connected to the muffler body.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the solution shown in this application embodiment reduces wind resistance by installing a deflector on the rear side of the muffler. The deflector, which extends towards the rear bumper, eliminates the problem of surface discontinuity around the muffler caused by the inability to seal it, thereby reducing airflow separation and the generation of eddies.

[0007] The positioning part fits snugly against the muffler body and engages with it to achieve positioning. This snap-fit ​​connection method is simple in structure, allows for quick assembly, and ensures the positional accuracy of the overall baffle after installation. The baffle is positioned with the help of the positioning part, and the baffle and positioning parts are set at an angle and smoothly connected, providing a smooth guiding path for airflow.

[0008] The support bracket is fixedly connected to the upper end face of the guide section to provide support for the guide section, improve the rigidity of the guide section, and reduce the vibration frequency of the guide section under the impact of high-speed airflow.

[0009] The air deflector's guide section directs the airflow around the muffler body along its smooth surface, enhancing the local airflow separation delay effect and thus reducing the vehicle's drag coefficient and improving fuel economy. The air deflector connects to the muffler body using a positioning section and reinforcing brackets, forming a double-fixed connection that effectively improves the overall structural strength and stability. The air deflector structure uses a detachable installation method, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly, overcoming the limitations of traditional welding processes and reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, the air deflector structure only guides the airflow around the muffler, without affecting airflow in other zones, avoiding conflicts between local optimization and the overall airflow field.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the angle between the guide portion and the positioning portion is an obtuse angle.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the airflow transitions through the positioning part to the guide part via an obtuse-angle structure, allowing the airflow to flow along a preset path and reducing the disturbance of the airflow at the turning point.

[0012] One possible implementation also includes: The positioning structure includes a positioning element disposed on the muffler body and a U-shaped positioning hole opened at the front end of the positioning part, wherein the U-shaped positioning hole is engaged with the positioning element.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the positioning component is aligned with the U-shaped positioning hole and snapped in place to fix the first end of the flow guide structure, while determining the overall installation position of the flow guide plate; and the opening design of the U-shaped positioning hole reduces the positional accuracy requirements of the positioning hole, so that the assembly process can be completed quickly without the aid of special tools, greatly shortening the assembly time and reducing the operational difficulty on the production line.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the positioning element includes: The snap-fit ​​part has a fixed end that is connected to the muffler body; the U-shaped positioning hole is adapted to the snap-fit ​​part. A limiting part is connected to the free end of the snap-fit ​​part to limit the positioning part.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the precise fit between the snap-fit ​​part and the U-shaped positioning hole, combined with the limiting effect of the limiting part, ensures that the guide plate can be repeatedly and accurately installed in the preset position. The two work together to limit the guide plate along the length of the muffler body and along the axial direction of the snap-fit ​​part, improving the reliability and stability of the guide plate installation.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the number of positioning structures is multiple, and the multiple positioning structures are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the muffler body.

[0017] In the above technical solution, multiple positioning structures are spaced and coordinated to ensure that the guide plate is subjected to uniform force at each positioning point, avoiding unilateral displacement of the guide plate. At the same time, the positioning part of the guide plate is tightly fitted to the outer shell of the muffler body to avoid local warping.

[0018] One possible implementation also includes: The fixed structure includes a mounting bracket on the muffler body and bolt holes at the fixed end of the reinforcing bracket; the mounting bracket is connected to the reinforcing bracket by means of a fixing bolt passing through the bolt hole.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the fixing bolts, together with the fixing frame, lock the reinforcing bracket, and cooperate with multiple positioning structures at the front end to form a double limit, improving the stability of the guide plate. The guide structure is connected by bolts, making it easy to disassemble and assemble, and convenient for maintenance.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the fixing frame includes: A fixing plate is parallel to the muffler body; the fixing plate has a mounting surface for fitting the reinforcing bracket; the fixing bolts are disposed on the fixing plate; Fixed support feet are provided on the periphery of the fixed frame plate, and the fixed support feet are connected to the muffler body.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the fixed frame plate is connected to the reinforcing bracket, so that the load of the reinforcing bracket is evenly distributed on the mounting surface, and then the fixed legs on both sides transfer the load to the muffler body, thus avoiding the problem of local load concentration.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the reinforcing support includes: The support portion is attached to the upper end face of the guide portion; The mounting part is set at an angle to the support part, and the mounting part is connected to the muffler body.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the way the support and guide parts are fitted together increases the contact area between them, avoiding the problem of local stress concentration caused by too small a contact point. At the same time, it increases the overall thickness of the guide structure, enhances the bending strength of the guide plate itself, and prevents the guide plate from bending or breaking under long-term stress during use. The mounting part and the positioning part cooperate to form a triangular support structure, which improves the rigidity and stability of the entire guide structure.

[0024] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a muffler assembly, including a muffler body and the aforementioned flow guiding structure.

[0025] In the above technical solution, the muffler assembly has all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned airflow guiding structure; by setting the airflow guiding structure on the muffler body, the airflow around the muffler body flows orderly along the smooth surface of the guiding part, thereby improving the local airflow separation delay effect, which can reduce the overall vehicle drag coefficient and improve the vehicle's fuel economy; the guide plate is fixedly connected by the positioning part and the reinforcing bracket, which effectively improves the connection strength and stability of the overall structure of the guide plate.

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a vehicle including the aforementioned muffler assembly.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the vehicle has all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned airflow guiding structure; by setting the airflow guiding structure on the muffler body, the airflow around the muffler body flows orderly along the smooth surface of the guiding part, thereby improving the local airflow separation delay effect, which can reduce the overall vehicle drag coefficient and improve the vehicle's fuel economy; in addition, the modular airflow guiding structure can not only realize aerodynamic optimization zone control, but also be equipped with different models to realize platform design, solving the problem of high maintenance costs caused by traditional welding connection methods. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle rear device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the muffler assembly provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 A front view of the muffler assembly provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 For along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line AA in the middle.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Muffler assembly; 11. Muffler body; 12. First hook assembly; 13. Second hook assembly; 14. Left exhaust pipe; 15. Right exhaust pipe; 16. Intake flange assembly; 17. Intake pipe; 18. Positioning component; 19. Fixing bracket; 191. Fixing leg; 192. Fixing plate; 2. Rear bumper assembly; 3. Deflector plate; 31. Positioning part; 32. Deflector part; 4. Reinforcing bracket; 41. Support section; 42. Mounting section; 5. Fixing bolts. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by 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 are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0032] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly set on the other element or indirectly set on the other element. It should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships 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 of this application.

[0033] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "a few" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] It should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", "up", and "down" in this embodiment are based on the vehicle's own orientation. The front of the vehicle represents "front", the rear of the vehicle represents "rear", the top of the vehicle represents "up", and the bottom of the vehicle represents "down". "Inner" side refers to the side facing the driver's cab, and "outer" side refers to the side facing out of the driver's cab.

[0035] In addition, the front-rear direction of the vehicle body as defined in the embodiments of this application refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle's forward direction during driving; the left-right direction of the vehicle body as defined refers to the left-right direction of the vehicle's forward direction during driving; and the up-down direction of the vehicle body as defined refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle's forward direction during driving.

[0036] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 4This application describes a flow guiding structure, a muffler assembly, and a vehicle. The flow guiding structure includes a flow guide plate 3 and a reinforcing bracket 4. The flow guide plate 3 includes a positioning part 31 and a flow guiding part 32. The positioning part 31 is fitted to the outer shell of the muffler body 11 and engages with it. The flow guiding part 32 is angled to the positioning part 31 and extends towards one side of the rear bumper. The reinforcing bracket 4 is located at the upper end of the flow guiding part 32 and extends forward. The fixed end of the reinforcing bracket 4 is detachably connected to the muffler body 11.

[0037] Traditional mufflers cannot be sealed with plastic outer panels at the rear, resulting in poor airflow and high wind resistance around them.

[0038] To reduce wind resistance, a deflector 3 is installed on the rear side of the muffler. The deflector 3, which extends towards the rear bumper, eliminates the problem of surface discontinuity around the muffler caused by the inability to seal it, thereby reducing airflow separation and the generation of eddies.

[0039] The guide vane 3 is a plate structure, which is formed by bending or die-casting to create a positioning part 31 and a flow guiding part 32. The positioning part 31 has an arc that matches the outer shell of the muffler body 11 and fits tightly against the outer shell of the muffler body 11, avoiding the formation of new airflow disturbance points between the muffler body 11 and the positioning part 31. While fitting against the muffler body 11, the positioning part 31 also engages with the muffler body 11 to achieve positioning. The snap-fit ​​connection method is simple in structure, allows for quick assembly, and ensures the positional accuracy of the guide vane 3 after overall installation.

[0040] The airflow guide 32 is located behind the positioning part 31. It is separate from the muffler body 11 and extends rearward at a certain angle to cover the gap between the muffler body 11 and the rear bumper. The airflow guide 32 is positioned by means of the positioning part 31, and the airflow guide 32 and the positioning part 31 are set at an angle and smoothly connected to provide a smooth guiding path for the airflow. The airflow guide 32 is used to concentrate and guide the airflow around the muffler to a reasonable flow direction, avoiding the formation of vortices on the surface of the muffler.

[0041] After the positioning part 31 is engaged and positioned with the muffler body 11, the reinforcing bracket 4 is fixed to the muffler body 11 to form the main installation structure.

[0042] The reinforcing bracket 4 is fixedly connected to the upper end face of the guide section 32 to provide support for the guide section 32, improve the rigidity of the guide section 32, and reduce the vibration frequency of the guide section 32 under the impact of high-speed airflow. Optionally, one end of the reinforcing bracket 4 is fixedly connected to the guide section 32, and the end away from the guide section 32 is the fixed end, which is attached to the muffler body 11 and bolted or snapped to the muffler body.

[0043] The flow guiding structure provided in this application has the following advantages compared with the prior art: (1) By guiding the airflow through the guide section 32 of the guide plate 3, the airflow around the muffler body 11 flows orderly along the smooth surface of the guide section 32, delaying airflow separation and improving local aerodynamic effect, thereby reducing the overall vehicle drag coefficient and improving the vehicle's fuel economy.

[0044] (2) The guide plate 3 is initially positioned by engaging with the muffler body 11 through the positioning part 31. Then, the reinforcing bracket 4 is used to connect with the muffler body 11 to form a double fixed connection method. The combination of the two installation methods effectively improves the connection strength and stability of the overall structure of the guide plate 3.

[0045] (3) The guide plate 3 and the reinforcing bracket 4 work together to form an integrated guide module; the integrated guide module is fixed to the muffler by means of one end snap-fit ​​and the other end detachable connection, which is convenient to install and can be equipped with different models to achieve platform design, breaking through the limitations of traditional welding process and reducing maintenance costs.

[0046] (4) The guide plate 3 is installed on the rear side of the muffler body 11. It is only for guiding the airflow around the muffler, and can realize the aerodynamic optimization zone control. At the same time, the guide plate 3 is highly targeted and will not affect the airflow of other zones, ensuring the coordinated adaptation of the flow field in each area and avoiding the conflict between local optimization and the overall airflow field.

[0047] The guide vane 3 is welded and fixed to the reinforcing bracket 4. During installation, the guide vane 3 and the reinforcing bracket 4 are installed as a single integrated flow guiding module. The guide vane 3 and the reinforcing bracket 4 can be prefabricated in the factory, achieving platform-based processing. No on-site welding is required during installation.

[0048] The positioning part 31 of the guide plate 3 and the muffler body 11 are engaged by snap-fit. The snap-fit ​​method can be a combination of snap-fit ​​and slot, or a combination of boss and positioning hole.

[0049] When a snap-fit ​​and slot-fitting method is used, an elastic snap-fit ​​is provided at the front end of the positioning part 31 of the guide plate 3, and a corresponding protrusion is provided at the rear of the muffler body 11, with a slot formed on the protrusion. During installation, the snap-fit ​​end of the elastic snap-fit ​​extends into the slot of the protrusion. A sealing gasket can also be provided between the front end of the positioning part 31 and the muffler body 11. The sealing gasket is fixedly connected to the positioning part 31, and during installation, the sealing gasket is used to fill the gap between the positioning part 31 and the muffler body 11.

[0050] When a boss and positioning hole are used, a connecting part protruding forward is provided at the front end of the positioning part 31, and a snap-fit ​​block is provided on the outer shell of the muffler body 11, with a groove inside the snap-fit ​​block; during installation, the connecting part extends into the groove, and at the same time, the front edge of the positioning part 31 abuts against the side wall of the snap-fit ​​block. The reinforcing bracket 4 is fixedly connected to the muffler body 11, and the guide plate 3 is fixed in place with the connecting part.

[0051] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The angle between the guide part 32 and the positioning part 31 is an obtuse angle.

[0052] The guide plate 3 is a single piece. During processing, the guide plate 3 is bent to form the positioning part 31 and the guiding part 32 by bending or other means; the bending angle is an obtuse angle.

[0053] The positioning part 31 is an arc-shaped plate, and its contour change is consistent with the contour change of the muffler, and it fits tightly against the muffler body 11. The connection between the flow guide part 32 and the positioning part 31 forms a smooth obtuse angle structure, so that the lower end surface of the flow guide plate 3 forms a smooth and continuous flow guide surface.

[0054] The airflow transitions through the positioning part 31 and the guide part 32 via an obtuse-angle structure, allowing the airflow to flow along a preset path and reducing the disturbance of the airflow at the turning point.

[0055] In some embodiments, see Figures 2 to 4 The flow guiding structure also includes a positioning structure, which includes a positioning element 18 disposed on the muffler body 11 and a U-shaped positioning hole opened at the front end of the positioning part 31. The U-shaped positioning hole is engaged with the positioning element 18.

[0056] The positioning element 18 is located on the outer shell of the muffler body 11. The positioning element 18 can be a pin structure, which is vertically welded to the muffler body 11.

[0057] The U-shaped positioning hole is formed at the front end of the positioning part 31 of the guide plate 3, with the opening facing forward, and a flared guide structure is provided at the opening. During installation, the positioning member 18 is snapped into the U-shaped positioning hole, and the inner edge of the positioning hole abuts against the side wall of the positioning member 18.

[0058] During assembly, the U-shaped positioning hole opening design reduces the positional accuracy requirements of the positioning hole, allowing the assembly process to be completed quickly without the need for special tools, significantly shortening assembly time and reducing operational difficulty on the production line. Operators quickly align the positioning component 18 with the U-shaped positioning hole through the opening to secure the first end of the flow guide structure, simultaneously determining the overall installation position of the flow guide plate 3. At this point, the reinforcing bracket 4 is attached to the mounting position of the muffler body 11, requiring only further fixing of the reinforcing bracket 4.

[0059] The positioning structure ensures the precise fit between the front end of the positioning part 31 and the muffler body 11 through a snap-fit ​​connection, allowing the guide part 32 to maintain a preset obtuse angle and extension direction, providing a stable structural posture for airflow guidance. Simultaneously, the snap-fit ​​fixing of the positioning structure and the detachable connection with the reinforcing bracket 4 form a dual fixation of front-end positioning and upper support. When high-speed airflow impacts the guide part 32, the positioning structure can disperse some of the lateral load, preventing overall displacement or angular shift of the guide plate 3, thus ensuring the stability of the airflow guidance path.

[0060] To improve the stability of the snap-fit, an annular positioning groove can be opened on the positioning member 18, and the width of the U-shaped positioning hole is adapted to the positioning groove; the inner sidewall of the U-shaped positioning hole is attached to the bottom surface of the positioning groove, and the positioning part 31 is limited in the positioning groove.

[0061] The snap-fitting of the positioning structure can effectively resist the vibration, bumps and impact loads of high-speed airflow during vehicle operation, and prevent the deflector 3 from becoming loose, displaced or making abnormal noises.

[0062] In some embodiments, the positioning member 18 includes a snap-fit ​​portion and a limiting portion. The fixed end of the snap-fit ​​portion is connected to the muffler body 11; the U-shaped positioning hole is adapted to the snap-fit ​​portion; and the limiting portion is connected to the free end of the snap-fit ​​portion to limit the positioning portion 31.

[0063] The fixed end of the snap-fit ​​part of the positioning part 18 is welded and fixed to the muffler body 11. The snap-fit ​​part is cylindrical, and its height is the same as that of the positioning part 31. Its diameter is adapted to the U-shaped positioning hole.

[0064] A limiting member is located at the end of the positioning member 18. The limiting member is a sheet-like structure that is welded to the snap-fit ​​part or integrally cast. The cross-sectional area of ​​the limiting member is larger than that of the snap-fit ​​part, and the edge of the limiting member protrudes beyond the edge of the snap-fit ​​part, forming a limiting structure at the free end of the snap-fit ​​part.

[0065] When the positioning part 31 engages with the engaging part, the limiting part fits against the outer side of the edge portion of the U-shaped positioning hole, and the positioning part 31 fits against the outer side of the muffler body 11. The positioning part 31 can limit the displacement of the guide vane 3 along the length direction of the muffler body 11, and the length direction of the muffler body 11 is consistent with the left and right direction of the vehicle. The limiting part can limit the displacement of the guide vane 3 along the direction perpendicular to the axis of the engaging part, ensuring a tight fit between the front end of the positioning part 31 and the muffler body 11.

[0066] The precise fit between the snap-fit ​​part and the U-shaped positioning hole, combined with the limiting effect of the limiting part, ensures that the guide plate 3 can be repeatedly and accurately installed in the preset position. The two work together to limit the guide plate 3 along the length direction of the muffler body 11 and along the axial direction of the snap-fit ​​part, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the installation of the guide plate 3.

[0067] Furthermore, the installation method of fixing the positioning part 18 to the muffler body 11 and then snapping the guide plate 3 with the positioning part 31 only requires welding the snapping part of the positioning part 18 to the muffler body 11. The welding area is small, the welding workload is low, and the modification to the muffler body 11 is small, thus reducing the impact on the muffler body 11.

[0068] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 There are multiple positioning structures, which are distributed at intervals along the length of the muffler body 11.

[0069] Multiple positioning structures are spaced apart along the length of the muffler body 11 to form multiple evenly distributed positioning points. During assembly, the operator can engage the multiple U-shaped positioning holes on the positioning part 31 with the multiple positioning parts 18 on the muffler body 11 one by one to position the guide plate 3 along the length of the muffler body 11 and along the axial direction of the positioning parts 18.

[0070] Multiple positioning structures work in a spaced-out manner to ensure that the force on the guide vane 3 is uniform at each positioning point, preventing unilateral displacement of the guide vane 3. At the same time, it ensures that the positioning part 31 of the guide vane 3 fits tightly with the outer shell of the muffler body 11, preventing local warping. Furthermore, multiple positioning structures avoid the problem of stress concentration at a single positioning point, significantly improving the fatigue resistance and load-bearing capacity of the positioning structure.

[0071] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 4 The flow guiding structure also includes a fixing structure, which includes a fixing bracket 19 disposed on the muffler body 11 and a bolt hole opened at the fixing end of the reinforcing bracket 4; the fixing bracket 19 is connected to the reinforcing bracket 4 by means of a fixing bolt passing through the bolt hole.

[0072] The fixing bracket 19 is used to connect the reinforcing bracket 4. The fixing bracket 19 is fixed to the muffler body 11 by welding, and the fixing bracket 19 has a mounting surface with mounting holes.

[0073] The reinforcing bracket 4 has a connecting part that fits against the mounting surface, and bolt holes are provided on the connecting part. During installation, the connecting part is fitted against the mounting surface, and the bolt holes are coaxially connected with the mounting holes. The fixing bolts pass through the mounting holes and bolt holes in sequence, and are tightened with nuts to lock the connecting part of the reinforcing bracket 4 onto the fixing bracket 19.

[0074] Washers may be placed between the reinforcing bracket 4 and the fixing bracket 19 or between the reinforcing bracket 4 and the nut.

[0075] The fixing bolts, together with the fixing bracket 19, lock the reinforcing bracket 4, which, together with the multiple positioning structures at the front end, forms a double limit, improving the stability of the guide plate 3.

[0076] The flow guiding structure formed by the flow guide plate 3 and the reinforcing bracket 4 is detachably connected by fixing bolts, which facilitates later maintenance, inspection and replacement, and avoids the maintenance difficulties caused by conventional welding and fixing.

[0077] There are multiple fixing structures, which are spaced apart along the length of the muffler body 11. Each fixing structure is rigidly connected to the reinforcing bracket 4 and the fixing frame 19 by fixing bolts, and the multiple fixing points cooperate to fix the reinforcing bracket 4 to the muffler body 11.

[0078] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 4 The mounting bracket 19 includes a mounting plate 192 and a mounting leg 191; the mounting plate 192 is parallel to the muffler body 11; the mounting plate 192 has a mounting surface for fitting the reinforcing bracket 4; the fixing bolts are provided on the mounting plate 192; the mounting leg 191 is provided on the periphery of the mounting plate 192 and is connected to the muffler body 11.

[0079] The mounting bracket 19 is a metal plate. Two fixed legs 191 of the mounting bracket 19 are welded to the muffler body 11. A mounting plate 192 connects the two fixed legs 191 and is parallel to the muffler body 11. The mounting plate 192 is connected to the reinforcing bracket 4, ensuring that the load of the reinforcing bracket 4 is evenly distributed on the mounting surface. The load is then transferred to the muffler body 11 by the peripheral fixed legs 191, reducing the local load.

[0080] Optionally, there can be two fixed feet 191, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fixed frame plate 192 to ensure that the fixed feet 191 on both sides are subjected to balanced forces. The multiple fixed structures distributed at intervals along the length direction improve the stability of the flow guide structure along the length direction of the muffler, effectively resist the vibration and stress generated by thermal expansion and contraction during vehicle operation, and ensure that the flow guide plate 3 always maintains the preset posture.

[0081] The fixed support 191 creates a gap between the fixed bracket plate 192 and the muffler body 11, which can be used to install the fixing bolts. If the fixing bolts are installed by welding on the fixed bracket plate 192, during installation, it is only necessary to fit the bolt holes on the reinforcing bracket 4 onto the fixing bolts and then tighten them with nuts.

[0082] The end of the fixed support leg 191 is provided with a folded edge structure, which is attached to the muffler body 11 to increase the contact area between the support leg and the muffler body 11 and improve the welding effect.

[0083] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The reinforcing bracket 4 includes a support part 41 and a mounting part 42; the support part 41 is attached to the upper end face of the guide part 32; the mounting part 42 is set at an angle to the support part 41, and the mounting part 42 is connected to the muffler body 11.

[0084] The reinforcing bracket 4 is a plate-like structure. It is formed by bending in the middle to create a connected support part 41 and mounting part 42. The support part 41 is attached to the upper end face of the guide part 32 and welded to it to bear the load of the guide part 32. The way the support part 41 and the guide part 32 are attached increases their contact area, allowing the load of the guide part 32 to be evenly transferred to the support part 41. This avoids the problem of localized stress concentration due to insufficient contact points. It also increases the overall thickness of the guide structure, enhancing the bending strength of the guide plate 3 and preventing it from bending or breaking under long-term stress during use.

[0085] The mounting portion 42 of the reinforcing bracket 4 is set at a certain angle to the support portion 41 and extends towards one side of the muffler body 11 until it is connected to the fixing frame 19. The mounting portion 42 and the positioning portion 31 cooperate to form a triangular support structure, which improves the rigidity and stability of the entire flow guiding structure.

[0086] The reinforcing bracket 4 is divided into a support part 41 and a mounting part 42 at an angle. The length of the support part 41 and the angle of the mounting part 42 can be adjusted according to the specific shape and size of the muffler of different models and the installation angle requirements of the guide plate 3. The setting of the reinforcing bracket 4 improves the adaptability of the guide structure.

[0087] Based on the same inventive concept, see [link to inventive concept] Figures 1 to 4 This application also provides a muffler assembly 1, including a muffler body 11 and the aforementioned flow guiding structure.

[0088] The muffler assembly 1 includes an intake flange assembly 16, an intake pipe 17, a muffler body 11, a first hook assembly 12, a second hook assembly 13, a left exhaust pipe 14, a right exhaust pipe 15, and a flow guiding structure.

[0089] The intake flange assembly 16 is connected to the vehicle's exhaust pipe. The exhaust gas from upstream enters the muffler body 11 through the intake flange assembly 16 to achieve noise reduction, and then is discharged into the external environment through the left exhaust pipe 14 and the right exhaust pipe 15 respectively.

[0090] The first hook assembly 12 and the second hook assembly 13 are welded to the left and right end caps of the muffler body 11 and can be connected to the vehicle body or frame via rubber hangers for the purpose of lifting the exhaust system.

[0091] A flow guiding structure is provided on the muffler body 11 and extends toward the rear bumper to guide the airflow under the vehicle chassis.

[0092] The muffler assembly 1 provided in this application has all the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned flow guiding structure compared with the prior art. By setting the flow guiding structure on the muffler body 11, the airflow around the muffler body 11 flows orderly along the smooth surface of the flow guiding part 32, delaying airflow separation and improving local aerodynamic effect, thereby reducing the overall vehicle drag coefficient and improving the vehicle's fuel economy. The guide plate 3 is fixedly connected by the positioning part 31 and the reinforcing bracket 4, which effectively improves the connection strength and stability of the overall structure of the guide plate 3.

[0093] Based on the same inventive concept, see [link to inventive concept] Figure 1 This application also provides a vehicle including the above-described muffler assembly 1.

[0094] The rear of the vehicle includes a muffler assembly 1 and a rear bumper assembly 2. The muffler assembly 1 is located under the vehicle chassis and serves as the end component of the exhaust system, primarily used to eliminate noise from the exhaust.

[0095] Because the muffler assembly 1 is connected to the exhaust system, its own temperature is relatively high.

[0096] Due to the heat radiation effect of the muffler assembly 1, a certain gap is required between the muffler assembly 1 and the rear bumper assembly 2 to avoid the rear bumper assembly 2 being affected by heat damage. A flow guiding structure is provided on the rear side of the muffler body 11 and extends into the gap between the muffler assembly 1 and the rear bumper assembly 2.

[0097] The vehicle provided in this application has all the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned muffler assembly 1 compared with the prior art; by setting a flow guiding structure on the muffler body 11, the airflow around the muffler body 11 flows orderly along the smooth surface of the flow guiding part 32, delaying airflow separation, improving local aerodynamic effect, thereby reducing the overall vehicle drag coefficient and improving the vehicle's fuel economy; in addition, the modular flow guiding structure can not only realize aerodynamically optimized zone control, but also carry different models to realize platform design, solving the problem of high maintenance costs caused by traditional welding methods.

[0098] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A flow guiding structure, characterized in that, include: The deflector plate (3) includes a positioning part (31) and a flow guiding part (32). The positioning part (31) is attached to the outer shell of the muffler body (11) and is engaged with the outer shell of the muffler body (11). The flow guiding part (32) is set at an angle to the positioning part (31) and extends toward one side of the rear bumper. A reinforcing bracket (4) is provided at the upper end of the flow guide (32), and the fixed end of the reinforcing bracket (4) is detachably connected to the muffler body (11).

2. The flow guiding structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the guide part (32) and the positioning part (31) is an obtuse angle.

3. The flow guiding structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The positioning structure includes a positioning element (18) disposed on the muffler body (11) and a U-shaped positioning hole opened at the front end of the positioning part (31), wherein the U-shaped positioning hole engages with the positioning element (18).

4. The flow guiding structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning element (18) includes: The snap-fit ​​part has a fixed end that is connected to the muffler body (11); the U-shaped positioning hole is adapted to the snap-fit ​​part. A limiting part is connected to the free end of the snap-fit ​​part to limit the positioning part (31).

5. A flow guiding structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The number of positioning structures is multiple, and the multiple positioning structures are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the muffler body (11).

6. The flow guiding structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The fixed structure includes a fixing bracket (19) provided on the muffler body (11) and a bolt hole opened at the fixing end of the reinforcing bracket (4); the fixing bracket (19) is connected to the reinforcing bracket (4) by means of a fixing bolt passing through the bolt hole.

7. A flow guiding structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The fixing frame (19) includes: A fixing plate (192) is parallel to the muffler body (11); the fixing plate (192) has a mounting surface for fitting the reinforcing bracket (4); the fixing bolts are provided on the fixing plate (192); A fixed support (191) is provided on the periphery of the fixed frame plate (192), and the fixed support (191) is connected to the silencer body (11).

8. A flow guiding structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The reinforcing bracket (4) includes: The support part (41) is attached to the upper end face of the guide part (32); The mounting part (42) is set at an angle to the support part (41), and the mounting part (42) is connected to the muffler body (11).

9. A muffler assembly, characterized in that, It includes a muffler body (11) and a flow guiding structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the muffler assembly as described in claim 9.

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