SILENCER UNIT FOR A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a splash guard cover for a silencer unit for a commercial vehicle.

[0002] Commercial vehicles typically have pneumatic braking systems. The components of these braking systems are also regularly equipped with compressed air vents through which compressed air can be released from the system into the atmosphere.

[0003] This exhaust channel is usually oriented vertically downwards. When installing the device in the vehicle, a tolerance of + / -30° from the device's central axis to the vertical axis is often accepted, so the drain channel can also be in this position.

[0004] To reduce the volume of the venting noise, silencers are usually used.

[0005] The central axis of the silencer is parallel to the axis of the device's exhaust duct.

[0006] The silencer incorporates a noise reduction medium, in particular a coiled knitted fabric.

[0007] Compressed air can be introduced via the interface to the truck braking system device on one side of the medium to reduce noise.

[0008] The compressed air can exit from the opposite side or laterally from the medium to reduce noise. The compressed air thus flows downwards and radially to the side.

[0009] Normally, no splash guard is provided for the silencer, and the air can escape into the free space around the silencer.

[0010] When cleaning the unit from below with a high-pressure cleaner, water can be forced in a straight line from the outside through the noise-reducing medium into the exhaust channel of the truck brake system. It is assumed that this water will then flow back down over the silencer by gravity.

[0011] Moisture or water in the silencer is particularly problematic at cold ambient temperatures, as it can become clogged with ice and freeze. This can impede or even completely prevent airflow through the silencer. This, in turn, restricts the functionality of the pneumatic brake system's air pressure preparation and can ultimately lead to brake failure and mandatory maintenance.

[0012] Silencer units for commercial vehicles are already known from the state of the art.

[0013] DE 10 2013 016 084 A1 discloses a silencer for the venting of a compressed air system, which has a control device housing with a housing base, wherein the housing base has a central duct connected to a main exhaust line of the compressed air system and an adjacent chamber connected to a control exhaust line, and a housing cover with outlet openings that is detachably connected to the housing base. The outflow direction is vertical downwards towards the floor (relative to the mounted, operational state).

[0014] From EP 2 303 659 B1, a noise damper for compressed air systems of vehicles is further known, comprising a housing and a damping material, wherein the housing has an air inlet and an air outlet, and the damping material is arranged inside the housing so that the air flows from the air inlet to the air outlet through the damping material, thereby achieving noise reduction. The outflow direction is again vertical downwards towards the ground (relative to the mounted, operational state).

[0015] EP 3 400 154 B1 discloses a noise suppressor for a compressed air system of a commercial vehicle with a non-destructive pressure relief valve. The outflow direction is vertical downwards towards the ground (relative to the mounted, operational state).

[0016] Furthermore, WO 2006 / 010400 A1 relates to a silencer for compressed air systems, which has a tubular housing section with an air inlet and an integrated insulating material. The insulating material is specifically formed by a knitted roll. The supplied air is intended to flow tangentially to the insulating material or the knitted roll and then be deflected radially within the housing section and exit axially from one end of the tubular housing section. Document DE 29 32 777 A1 shows a multi-stage outlet silencer with annular gaps.

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to advantageously further develop a silencer unit for a commercial vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, in particular in such a way that the ingress of liquids and / or moisture into the silencer unit can be prevented or significantly reduced.

[0018] This problem is solved according to the invention by a splash guard cover for a commercial vehicle with the features of claim 1. It is provided that a splash guard cover is provided for a silencer unit of a compressed air system of a commercial vehicle, in particular for a compressed air brake system of a commercial vehicle, wherein the splash guard cover has pagoda-like arranged walls and wherein outlet openings are provided between the walls.

[0019] The compressed air system is in particular a pneumatic preparation system of a commercial vehicle, especially a compressed air brake system of a commercial vehicle.

[0020] The invention is based on the fundamental idea that a splash guard cover at the air outlet of a silencer unit reduces or prevents the ingress of liquid into the silencer unit. In particular, it is provided that the outflow from the silencer unit is horizontal, and therefore the splash guard cover is designed and arranged in such a way as to prevent the ingress of liquid into a horizontally oriented outflow opening of a silencer opening (horizontal orientation to be understood as the normal position in the mounted state when the vehicle is on a level surface). This means that the outflowing air through and from the silencer unit should not be directed vertically (relative to the mounted, operational state) towards the ground. Furthermore, the splash guard cover is intended to prevent any or very little water from entering the silencer unit.The pagoda-like arrangement of the splash guard cover thus forms a pagoda-like structure and is to be understood as an axially superimposed arrangement of, in particular, circular cover sections. The cover sections themselves are each designed as round, in particular circular, plate elements. The cover section that, in the assembled state, is axially closest to a housing of the silencer unit (bottom cover section) has the largest diameter. On this bottom cover section, further cover sections, aligned concentrically or eccentrically, are arranged in a stepped configuration (stepped cover sections) in the assembled state. The diameter of each stepped cover section decreases with increasing axial distance relative to the bottom cover section.Alternatively, other configurations are conceivable, such as uniform diameters, increasing diameters, or convex or concave diameter steps (each based on an increasing axial distance relative to the bottom cover section). Both the bottom cover section and the stepped cover sections have internal axial recesses (through which the fluid can flow axially). However, the diameter of an internal axial recess in a larger cover section is always smaller than the outer diameter of the next smaller cover section. The pagoda-like structure is completed by the cover section furthest axially from the bottom cover section, which has no internal axial recess and therefore does not allow axial flow.The stepped walls between the individual cover sections also feature, in particular radial, outlet openings through which the fluid can flow out radially (as a partial flow). The previously described design helps to prevent the ingress of splashing dirt and / or liquid directed towards the splash guard cover by means of the multiple pagoda-like cover sections (e.g., two, three, four, five, or six sections). Within the pagoda-like structure, one or more outlet openings can be arranged between the walls, which are at least partially concealed by parts of the pagoda-like structure and facilitate the escape of air flowing from the silencer unit. The pagoda-like structure of the splash guard cover can be formed in one piece, which simplifies assembly. However, a multi-part design is also conceivable.The silencer unit has an interface to a component of the truck's braking system. This component, for example, part of the compressed air brake system, has an exhaust channel through which pressurized air can be introduced into the silencer unit. However, this exhaust channel is not vertically downward oriented as is common today, but has a different orientation, specifically a horizontal one. Compressed air can be introduced through the interface to the truck's braking system component on one side of the noise-reducing medium. The compressed air can exit from the opposite side or laterally from the noise-reducing medium. The noise-reducing medium can be enclosed in a separate housing or integrated into the housing structure of the truck's braking system component.A splash guard is installed above the air outlets of the noise-reducing medium at a distance that allows the pressurized air to escape easily. The splash guard is designed to provide large flow cross-sections for the pressurized air while simultaneously preventing water from entering the exhaust duct of the truck brake system unit in a straight line through the noise-reducing medium. This makes the ingress of water (or other liquids) more difficult or even completely impossible. The splash guard can be attached to a housing encompassing the silencer or formed by the surface of another component located at a suitable distance from the air outlets of the noise-reducing medium.

[0021] In particular, the splash guard cover can be designed to allow fluid flow. Specifically, it can be designed so that the splash guard element, when installed, is permeated by the fluid flowing from the silencer unit. This ensures that no increased back pressure or resistance builds up through the splash guard element and that the flow through the splash guard element is fluid-dynamically favorable.

[0022] The splash guard cover is used as a splash guard element.

[0023] Furthermore, the splash guard cover can be designed with a substantially round base shape. Such a base shape allows for simple and reliable uniform coverage. This shape is also advantageous due to the widespread use of round shapes in silencers and their associated air outlets.

[0024] Furthermore, the splash guard cover may be provided with one or more locking tabs. These locking tabs allow the splash guard cover to be mounted without tools. In particular, the splash guard cover may be clipped into openings using the locking tabs, especially openings in a perforated wall or a perforated wall section.

[0025] In particular, it may be provided that the splash guard cover has several rings and at least one end plate arranged in a pagoda-like manner.

[0026] The arrangement of the rings and the end plate can be such that, viewed from above, a closed structure resembling a roof is formed. Adjacent elements can overlap, thereby improving the water-repellent effect. The pagoda-like structure allows for sufficient spacing between adjacent rings, or between the penultimate ring and the end plate, enabling appropriate outlet openings.

[0027] The splash guard cover can be made of plastic.

[0028] In particular, the splash guard element may be designed with a stepped cover featuring outlet openings and / or be formed by a stepped cover with outlet openings. The stepped design allows for multiple outlet openings in the cover and simultaneously provides better protection against water ingress.

[0029] The cover can be used as an attachment for the perforated wall. For example, such a cover could be used if the air outlet of the silencer unit is relatively exposed and not partially obstructed or shielded by other elements. These elements could include, for example, frame components of the commercial vehicle or the dryer cartridge of the compressed air system.

[0030] Furthermore, the splash guard element can be designed and constructed in such a way as to provide a sufficiently large flow cross-section for the pressurized air while simultaneously preventing water from entering the exhaust duct of the truck brake system in a straight line from the outside, through the silencer unit. This ensures, firstly, adequate splash protection. Secondly, it also ensures that the air flowing out of the silencer unit can escape relatively unimpeded.

[0031] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the splash guard element contains a noise-reducing medium inside, particularly one through which the fluid flowing through the silencer unit flows. It is especially conceivable that this medium could be a knitted fabric. The silencer thus incorporates a noise-reducing medium, in particular a wound knitted fabric.

[0032] Furthermore, the perforated wall can be designed to be in direct contact with the noise-reducing medium. This results in a compact design.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a compressed air system for a commercial vehicle. It is provided that the compressed air system for a commercial vehicle is designed with at least one silencer unit as described above.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a commercial vehicle. It is provided that the commercial vehicle is equipped with at least one compressed air system as described above or a silencer unit as described above.

[0035] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

[0036] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a compressed air system for a commercial vehicle with embodiments of silencer units; Fig. 2 a sectional view of the silencer units according to Fig. 1 in the top view; Fig. 3 a further sectional view of the silencer units according to Fig. 1 in top view; Fig. 4 a sectional view through the silencer unit for the trailer; Fig. 5 a sectional view through the silencer unit for the tractor unit; Fig. 6 a top view of the splash guard cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 7 a side view of the splash guard cover according to Fig. 6 .

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a compressed air system D according to the invention for a commercial vehicle N with two embodiments of silencer units 10, 11 according to the invention.

[0038] A silencer unit 10 is provided for the trailer brake circuit and a silencer unit 11 is provided for the towing vehicle brake circuit.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the compressed air system D for the commercial vehicle N is the compressed air brake system or a pneumatic brake system of a commercial vehicle.

[0040] Both the silencer unit 10 and the silencer unit 11 have the following features.

[0041] There is an interface 12 to the compressed air system D.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the interface 12 is realized through the vehicle-side outlet openings 14 or the vehicle-side exhaust channels 14 of the pneumatic brake system. The silencer units 10, 11 are positioned in front of the outlet openings and attached to the compressed air system D in a suitable manner (here with several screws and a mounting plate).

[0043] The silencer unit 10 and the silencer unit 11 each have at least one air inlet 16 and at least one air outlet 18.

[0044] In both silencer unit 10 and silencer unit 11, the air outlet, when mounted and connected to the compressed air system D, is not vertically directed downwards towards the ground (relative to the mounted, operational state). Rather, the outflow direction is parallel to the surface; that is, on a horizontally oriented surface, the outflow direction is horizontal.

[0045] Furthermore, the silencer unit 10 and the silencer unit 11 each have a housing 20.

[0046] In the housing 20, a noise reduction medium 22, here a wound knitted fabric 22, is arranged.

[0047] During operation, the knitted fabric is subjected to a flow of compressed air before it leaves the silencer.

[0048] Furthermore, the knitted fabric is arranged in the housing 20 in such a way that it at least partially touches the housing 20 directly.

[0049] In front of each silencer unit 10 and silencer unit 11, a splash guard element 24 is provided around and at the air outlet 18, namely directly in front of the air outlet on the outside of the silencer unit 10 and silencer unit 11.

[0050] The splash guard element 24 is designed to allow fluid flow through it. For both silencer units, i.e., both silencer unit 10 and silencer unit 11, it is provided that the splash guard element 24, when installed, is permeated by the fluid flowing from the silencer unit 10, 11.

[0051] In both the silencer unit 10 and the silencer unit 11, the splash guard element 24 is partially designed by providing a perforated wall 26 or a perforated wall 30, respectively.

[0052] The perforated wall 26 or 30 is each formed by a housing section of the silencer unit 10 or 11.

[0053] In the silencer unit 10 for the trailer, the housing 20 in the section with the perforated wall 26 is provided with a large number of round holes or bores 28.

[0054] In the silencer unit 11 for the towing vehicle, the housing 20 in the section with the perforated wall 30 is provided with a plurality of circular segment-shaped openings 32.

[0055] In both the silencer unit 10 for the trailer and the silencer unit 11 for the towing vehicle, the sections with the perforated wall 26 or 30 are arranged in such a way that they are in direct contact with the knitted fabric 22.

[0056] In front of the section with the perforated wall 30 of the silencer unit 11 for the towing vehicle, a stepped cover 34 with outlet openings is provided as part of the splash guard element.

[0057] The outlet openings of the stepped cover 34 are arranged only horizontally (referring to the mounted, operational state, with the commercial vehicle standing on level ground).

[0058] The cover 34 is designed here as an attachment to the outer wall of the housing 20 silencer unit 11 for the towing vehicle. It is clipped into the openings in the perforated wall 30.

[0059] Since the perforated wall 26 of the silencer unit 10 is covered by adjacent elements (here the dryer cartridge) or components, a lid is not necessary. The ingress of liquid into the silencer unit 10 is thus sufficiently reduced or even prevented by the perforated wall 26 with its comparatively small holes (especially compared to the perforated wall 30 of the silencer unit 11).

[0060] This is particularly true in the Fig. 2 bis Fig. 5 to be seen in detail.

[0061] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the silencer units according to Fig. 1 in top view and Fig. 3 shows another sectional view of the silencer units according to Fig. 1 in top view. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the silencer unit 10 for the trailer. Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view through the silencer unit 11 for the tractor.

[0062] The function of silencer units 10 and 11 can be described as follows: If compressed air from the trailer's compressed air circuit needs to be released to the atmosphere, this can be done via silencer unit 10. The compressed air flows horizontally and not vertically towards the ground.

[0063] The same applies to the compressed air circuit for the tractor; here the compressed air is released via the silencer unit 11.

[0064] Both silencer units 10 and 11 are equipped with splash guard elements 24, which make it more difficult for water to penetrate the silencer units.

[0065] Due to the coverage provided by adjacent elements and components, silencer unit 10 requires less splash protection than silencer unit 11, which is comparatively less protected by adjacent elements and components. Therefore, cover 34 is additionally provided for silencer unit 11.

[0066] Generally speaking, the splash guard elements are designed and constructed in such a way as to provide a sufficiently large flow cross-section for the pressurized air while simultaneously preventing water from entering the exhaust duct of the truck's brake system in a straight line through the silencer unit. This ensures, firstly, adequate splash protection. Secondly, it also guarantees that the air exiting the silencer unit can flow relatively unimpeded.

[0067] At the same time, it prevents water from the outside from entering the outflow channel of the truck brake system device in a straight line through the silencer unit10 or 11.

[0068] Fig. 6 a top view of the splash guard cover 34 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Fig. 7 a side view of the splash guard cover 34 according to Fig. 6 .

[0070] The splash guard cover 34 is the one in the Fig. 1 bis Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 The stepped cover 34 shown. The splash guard cover 34 has outlet openings 52 and is intended for the silencer unit 11 of the compressed air system D of the commercial vehicle N.

[0071] The splash guard cover 34 has pagoda-like arranged walls 36 and outlet openings 52 are provided between the walls 36.

[0072] On the outer end side, in relation to the mounted state, the splash guard cover 34 has an end plate 38.

[0073] The end plate 38 is further connected to a ring 40 via a connecting bridge 50.

[0074] The connecting web 50 is higher than the connecting webs 48, so that the distance from end plate 34 to adjacent ring 40 is greater than that of the further rings 42 and 44, which are connected via the connecting webs 48.

[0075] The splash guard cover 34 also has locking lugs 46.

[0076] The splash guard cover 34 is locked into the perforated wall 30 by means of the locking lugs 46 and clipped in there without tools. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0077] 10 Silencer unit (trailer) 11 Silencer unit (tractor vehicle) 12 Interface 14 Exhaust duct (commercial vehicle side) 16 Air inlet (silencer side) 18 Air outlet (silencer side) 20 Housing (silencer) 22 Noise reduction medium 24 Splash guard element 26 Perforated wall (with holes, trailer) 28 Holes in perforated wall 30 Perforated wall (with circular segment-shaped openings, tractor vehicle) 32 Circular segment-shaped openings 34 Cover; splash guard cover 36 Walls 38 End plate 40 Ring 42 Ring 44 Ring 46 Locking lug 48 Connecting bridge 50 Connecting bridge 52 Outlet openings Commercial vehicle compressed air system

Claims

1. A splashguard cover (34) for a silencer unit (11) of a compressed-air system (D) of a commercial vehicle (N), in particular a compressed-air brake system of a commercial vehicle (N), wherein the splashguard cover (34) has walls (36) which are disposed in the manner of a pagoda, and wherein outlet openings (52) are in each case provided between the walls (36).

2. The splashguard cover (34) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the splashguard cover (34) has a substantially round basic shape.

3. The splashguard cover (34) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the splashguard cover (34) has one or a plurality of latching cams (46).

4. The splashguard cover (34) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splashguard cover (34) has a plurality of rings (40, 42, 44) and at least one end plate (38), which are disposed in the manner of a pagoda.

5. The splashguard cover (34) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splashguard cover (34) is a stepped cover (34) with outlet openings.

6. The splashguard cover (34) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splashguard cover (34) is specified and configured in such a manner that it releases a sufficiently large outflow cross section for the pressurized air and simultaneously prevents water from making its way from the outside in a straight line through the silencer unit (11) into the outflow duct of the apparatus of the motor truck brake system.

7. A silencer unit (11) for a compressed-air system (D) of a commercial vehicle (N), in particular a compressed-air brake system of a commercial vehicle (N), having at least one silencer unit (11) with at least one splashguard cover (34) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A compressed-air system (D) for a commercial vehicle (N) with at least one splashguard cover (34) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6 or with a silencer (11) as claimed in claim 7.

9. A commercial vehicle (N) having a compressed-air system (D) as claimed in claim 8, or a silencer unit (11) as claimed in claim 7, or at least one splashguard cover (34) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6.