Layout for an automotive vehicle exhaust system

Abstract

Title: Arrangement for a motor vehicle exhaust system. Arrangement (4) for a motor vehicle exhaust system comprising a heat-generating component to be fixed, such as a catalyst (31), and a mounting assembly (6) comprising a mounting plate (7) configured to be fixed to a body structure and / or a subframe of the vehicle, an elastically deformable mounting stud (8) disposed on the mounting plate (7), and a connecting member (9) linking the component to be fixed to the mounting stud (8). The arrangement (4) further comprises a protective member (5) fixed to the mounting assembly (6) so as to be interposed between the mounting stud (8) and the component to be fixed. Abstract figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement for a motor vehicle exhaust system

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for an exhaust system of a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle with a thermal or hybrid engine. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such an arrangement.

[0002] In motor vehicles with thermal engines, the exhaust system, also referred to as the exhaust line, is conventionally suspended under the vehicle and fixed at the level of the body structure and / or the cradle of the vehicle. To this end, the vehicle comprises a plurality of fixing assemblies arranged at different points along the length of the exhaust system. Due to the length of the exhaust system, it is subject to a variable level of movement when the vehicle is in a rolling situation. In order to allow such movement while ensuring the holding of the different fixing assemblies, these conventionally comprise at least one element, such as a fixing stud, made of an elastically deformable material, in particular rubber, silicone or EPDM, for ethylene-propylene-diene monomer.

[0003] In order to reduce the harmfulness of exhaust gases, current exhaust systems conventionally include a catalyst, or catalytic converter. In operation, the catalyst can rise in temperature and generate significant thermal radiation, for example likely to rise to temperatures above 130°C. Due to space constraints and / or architectural constraints, it may be necessary to have at least one fixing assembly close to the catalyst. As a result, the high temperatures generated gradually damage certain elements made from an elastically deformable material. These can thus harden and then crumble over time until resulting in their destruction.

[0004] The invention falls within this context and aims to propose an alternative to known exhaust system fixing assemblies, in particular for fixing a catalyst, making it possible to provide thermal protection for at least one element made from an elastically deformable material.

[0005] The invention relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle exhaust system comprising a heat-generating element to be fixed, such as a catalyst, and a fixing assembly, the fixing assembly comprising: - a fixing plate, configured to be fixed to a body structure and / or a cradle of the vehicle; - an elastically deformable fixing pad, arranged on the fixing plate; - a connecting member, connecting the element to be fixed, in particular the catalyst, to the fixing pad.

[0006] The arrangement further comprises a protective member made of a metallic material, fixed to at least a portion of the fixing assembly so as to be at least partly interposed between the fixing stud and the element to be fixed along at least one direction in order to limit exposure of the fixing stud to thermal radiation from said element to be fixed.

[0007] According to a particular embodiment, the arrangement comprises a catalyst and a fixing assembly, the fixing assembly comprising a fixing plate, configured to be fixed to a body structure and / or a cradle of the vehicle, an elastically deformable fixing stud, arranged on the fixing plate, and a connecting member, connecting the catalyst to the fixing stud. The arrangement then further comprises a protective member made of a metallic material, fixed to at least a portion of the fixing assembly so as to be at least partly interposed between the fixing stud and the catalyst along at least one direction in order to limit exposure of the fixing stud to thermal radiation from said catalyst.

[0008] In particular, the fixing pad can be made of rubber or silicone.

[0009] According to various exemplary embodiments, the protective member may be at least partly complementary in shape to the fixing stud and / or the protective member may comprise a plurality of flanks delimiting an open housing capable of receiving a portion of the fixing stud.

[0010] In particular: - the protective member can be arranged and fixed at a non-zero distance from the fixing pad; and / or - one end of the connecting member connected to the fixing stud may comprise at least one stop member configured to form a stop for the fixing stud along at least one direction, the stop member being interposed between the fixing stud and at least a portion of the protection member along said direction.

[0011] Optionally, the protective member may be fixed to the connecting member at at least one connecting interface, the protective member comprising at least one finger configured to at least partially surround the connecting member.

[0012] In particular, the connecting member may comprise at least one “U”-shaped, or substantially “U”-shaped, portion formed by two rectilinear segments of the connecting member connected to each other by a curved segment, the protection member being fixed to the connecting member at a plurality of connection interfaces each included in one of the rectilinear segments and the protection member being at least partly interposed between the rectilinear segments along one direction.

[0013] Optionally, the arrangement may further comprise at least one means for fixing the fixing plate, such as a screw, the protection member: - being fixed on the fixing plate; or - being held integral with the fixing plate by means of at least one fixing means.

[0014] In particular, the protective member can be fixed to at least one part of the fixing assembly by at least one weld point.

[0015] The protective member may comprise at least one reinforcing element.

[0016] The invention also extends to a motor vehicle comprising an engine, a body structure, a cradle and at least one arrangement according to the invention, the element to be fixed, in particular the catalyst, being connected to the engine and the fixing assembly being connected to the body structure and / or to the cradle via the fixing plate.

[0017] Other details, characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, for informational and non-limiting purposes, in relation to the various exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figures:

[0018] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle equipped with an exhaust system and an arrangement according to the invention.

[0019] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of an arrangement comprising a catalyst, a fixing assembly and a protection member.

[0020] [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation seen from the side of the arrangement according to a first embodiment.

[0021] [Fig.4] is a rear view representation of the attachment of the protective member to a connecting member according to the first embodiment.

[0022] [Fig.5] is a front view representation of the arrangement according to [Fig.3].

[0023] [Fig.6] is a rear view representation of the arrangement according to [Fig.3].

[0024] [Fig.7] is a sectional representation of the arrangement according to [Fig.3].

[0025] [Fig.8] is an example of an embodiment of the arrangement according to a second mode of realization.

[0026] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 1 is a vehicle 1 with a thermal or hybrid engine comprising a thermal engine 2. The vehicle 1 can be of any type, for example, a private vehicle, a utility vehicle, a truck or a bus.

[0027] The vehicle 1 comprises an exhaust system 3 comprising the thermal engine 2 and a catalyst 31, also referred to as a catalytic converter. The vehicle 1 also comprises, in a conventional manner, a body structure and a cradle, not shown.

[0028] The vehicle 1 further comprises an arrangement 4 according to the invention, comprising, in general, an element to be fixed capable of generating heat, that is to say capable of generating thermal radiation, such as the catalyst 31, a protection member 5, configured to limit exposure to thermal radiation of said element to be fixed and a fixing assembly 6 of the element to be fixed allowing the fixing of said element in a suspended manner under the vehicle 1 by means of the body structure and / or the cradle.

[0029] In this case, and in the description below, the protective member 5 is configured to limit exposure to thermal radiation of the catalyst 31, and the fixing assembly 6 of said catalyst 31 allows the fixing of the catalyst 31 in a suspended manner under the vehicle 1 via the body structure and / or the cradle. It is nevertheless understood that the invention can extend to the fixing in a suspended manner of other elements to be fixed likely to generate heat within the exhaust system.

[0030] The fixing assembly 6 comprises a fixing plate 7, a fixing stud 8, arranged on the fixing plate 7, and a connecting member 9 connecting the catalyst 31 to the fixing stud 8.

[0031] The fixing plate 7 is a metal part, for example made of sheet metal, in particular stainless steel. The fixing plate 7 is configured to be fixed to the body structure and / or the cradle of the vehicle 1. For example, the fixing plate 7 can be mounted on the body structure and / or the cradle by means of a fixing means 71 or a plurality of fixing means 71, such as a screw.

[0032] Figures 2 to 8 illustrate a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the fixing plate 7 in which said plate has an “L” shape. A first wall 72 of the fixing plate 7 comprises at least one orifice capable of receiving the fixing means 71. A second wall 73 of the fixing plate 7, connected to the first wall 72 and extending transversely, or even orthogonally, to the latter, carries the fixing stud 8.

[0033] The fixing stud 8 is made of an elastically deformable material. In particular, the fixing stud 8 is made of rubber or silicone. The fixing stud 8 is configured to ensure the resistance of the fixing assembly 6 to the various stresses resulting from the variable movement of the exhaust system 3 suspended under the vehicle 1. In a non-limiting manner, the fixing stud 8 comprises a portion of polygonal shape, for example trapezoidal.

[0034] The fixing stud 8 comprises a through hole 81 capable of receiving one end of the connecting member 9.

[0035] The connecting member 9 connects the catalyst 31 to the fixing plate 7 by through the fixing stud 8. The connecting member 9 is an elongated part, for example a profile whose base is circular or substantially circular. The connecting member 9 thus has a length strictly greater than a dimension of the base considered, for example a diameter or a diagonal of said base.

[0036] The connecting member 9 comprises a first end 91 and a second end 92, opposite each other. The first end 91 is connected to the catalyst 31, for example by welding. The second end 92 is inserted into the hole 81 of the fixing stud 8 so as to connect the connecting member 9, and by extension the catalyst 31, to the fixing plate 7.

[0037] Optionally, the second end 92 of the connecting member 9 comprises at least one retaining member 93 configured to limit the movement of the fixing stud 8 and of the fixing plate 7 relative to the connecting member 9 along a first direction 100. In this case, the retaining member 93 is a rib extending in projection from an outer surface of the connecting member 9. For example, the retaining member 93 may extend over all or part of a circumference of the connecting member 9.

[0038] The protective member 5 is an added part, fixed to one of the components of the fixing assembly 6. The protective member 5 is made of a metallic material, for example stainless steel. The protective member 5 is arranged in the arrangement 4 so as to be at least partly interposed between the fixing stud 8 and the catalyst 31 along at least one direction in order to limit exposure of the fixing stud 8 to the thermal radiation of said catalyst 31. The protective member 5 thus forms a screen between the catalyst 31 and the fixing stud 8 making it possible to absorb part of the thermal energy from the catalyst 31 and thus to reduce the temperature perceived at the fixing stud 8. In this way, the fixing stud 8 is protected from damage due to heat.

[0039] Preferably, the protective member 5 has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, or even 0.8 mm or even 1 mm.

[0040] In order to prevent heating of the fixing pad 8 by contact, the protection member 5 is arranged and fixed at a non-zero distance from the fixing pad 8. Also, the protection member 5 is arranged and fixed at a non-zero distance from the catalyst 31.

[0041] Optionally, the second end 92 of the connecting member 9, connected to the fixing stud 8, comprises at least one stop member 94. Similar to the retaining member 93, the stop member 94 is configured to limit the movement of the fixing stud 8 relative to the connecting member 9 along the first direction 100. In this case, the stop member 94 is a rib extending in projection from the outer surface of the connecting member 9. The stop member 94 is arranged, along the length of the connecting member 9, so as to be interposed between the first end 91 and the retaining member 93. As illustrated in [Fig. 7], the stop member is also arranged so as to be interposed between the fixing stud 8 and at least a portion of the protection member 5 along the first direction 100. Thus, when the arrangement 4 according to the invention is assembled, the retaining member 93 and the stop member 94 are arranged on either side of an edge of the hole 81 included in the fixing stud 8 so that they each limit the movement of the fixing stud 8 relative to the connecting member 9 along a direction of the first direction 100. The presence of the stop member 94 thus helps to limit the contact between the protection member 5 and the fixing stud 8, in particular when the fixing stud 8 and the fixing plate 7 carrying it are moved relative to the connecting member 9 as a function of the movement observed at the within the exhaust system 3.

[0042] Optionally, the protective member 5 comprises a plurality of flanks delimiting an open housing capable of receiving a portion of the fixing stud 8. In particular, at least a portion of said flanks may be sized and arranged so as to extend parallel or substantially parallel to at least one side of the fixing stud 8 which it aims to protect from the thermal radiation of the catalyst 31. For example, a first flank 51 of the protective member 5, arranged opposite a first side 82 of the stud, extends substantially parallel to the latter in the example illustrated in [Fig. 7]. Similarly, an upper lateral flank 52, inclined relative to the first flank 51, extends substantially parallel to an upper lateral side 83 of the fixing stud 8. Such a principle advantageously makes it possible to limit the size generated by the protective member 5 while optimizing the surface area of ​​the fixing stud 8 protected by the latter.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, for this same purpose, the protective member 5 is at least partly complementary in shape to the fixing stud 8. Here, the term “complementary in shape” means that a shape of the protective member 5 is capable of being fitted onto a shape of the fixing stud 8. For example, in the case of a fixing stud 8 having a 3D structure that is at least partly trapezoidal or cubic, the protective member 5 may have a structure of complementary shape and dimension delimiting a portion of a trapezoidal shape or a cubic shape.

[0044] Optionally, in order to ensure the resistance of the protection member 5 to the vibrations generated within the vehicle 1, and particularly within the exhaust system 3, the protection member 5 comprises at least one reinforcing element 53. For example, the reinforcement 53 may be a groove and / or an addition of material. In particular, the reinforcement is obtained by folding and cutting a metal sheet or by stamping. In particular, the reinforcing element 53 is arranged at the interface between separate flanks of the protection member 5 extending transversely to one another. In this case, a reinforcement 53 is arranged at the level of the upper lateral flank 52.

[0045] Figures 2 to 7 illustrate a first, preferred embodiment of the arrangement 4, in which the protection member 5 is fixed to the connecting member 9 at at least one connecting interface 54. A “connecting interface” is a contact zone between the connecting member 9 and the protection member 5. Preferably, the protection member 5 is arranged at a rectilinear segment 95 of the connecting member 9. Here, the term “segment” is understood to mean a portion of a whole.

[0046] Preferably, the protection member 5 is fixed to the connecting member 9 by welding, that is to say by means of at least one welding point or a welding bead produced at the level of the at least one connecting interface 54.

[0047] Optionally, the protection member 5 comprises at least one finger 96 configured to at least partially surround the connecting member 9. For example, said finger 96 is connected to at least one of the flanks of the protection member 5. It is at least partly complementary in shape to the connecting member 9. For example, the finger 96 is complementary to the shape of the base, here circular, of the connecting member 9. The at least one finger 96 thus allows the protection member 5 to be held along at least one direction orthogonal to the first direction 100. For example, the assembly formed by one of the flanks and the at least one finger 96 can allow the protection member 5 to bear on the connecting member 9 along a second direction 200, orthogonal to the first direction 100, in particular parallel to a transverse direction within the vehicle 1, and / or along a third direction 300, orthogonal to the first direction 100 and to the second direction 200.

[0048] Optionally, the same connecting interface 54 may comprise a plurality of fingers 96, for example so as to extend into engagement with the connecting member 9 and to ensure that the protection member 5 is held on the connecting member 9 along two directions orthogonal to each other.

[0049] Optionally, the protection member 5 comprises a plurality of connection interfaces 54 on the connection member 9.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, the connecting member 9 comprises at least one “U”-shaped, or substantially “U”-shaped, portion. The “U”-shaped portion is formed by two rectilinear segments 95 of the connecting member 9, forming the branches of the “U”, connected together by a curved segment 97, forming the base of the “U”. The protection member 5 can then advantageously be fixed to the connecting member 9 at a plurality of connecting interfaces 54 each included in one of the rectilinear segments 95. The protection member 5 is then arranged so as to be interposed between the two rectilinear segments 95 along at least one direction.

[0051] In the example illustrated, the branches of the “U” are arranged one above the other along the third direction 300. The protection member 5 is interposed, along at least one direction, between a first rectilinear segment 95a, at the level of which a first connecting interface 54 is produced, and a second rectilinear segment 95b of the “U” shape, at which a second connecting interface 54 is implemented. The protection member 5 is thus advantageously held along two opposite directions of the same direction. It is understood that such a principle can extend to an architecture of the connecting member 9 in which the rectilinear segments 95 extend next to each other so that the protection member 5 is interposed between them along the second direction 200. It is also understood that the different exemplary embodiments above, relating to a connecting interface 54 or to the fixing of the protection member 5, can extend to all or part of the plurality of connecting interfaces.

[0052] In such an embodiment, the protection member 5 is integral with the connecting member 9 within the fixing assembly 6 and is subjected to vibrations and a movement similar to the latter. It moves concomitantly with the connecting member 9, in particular relative to the fixing stud 8 and to the fixing plate 7, depending on the movement observed in the exhaust system 3. The position of the protection member 5 at a distance from the fixing stud 8, its shape or even the presence of a stop member 94 then participate in preventing contact between the fixing stud 8 and the protection member 5.

[0053] [Fig. 8] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a second embodiment of the arrangement 4, in which the protection member 5 is fixed to the fixing plate 7. In the example illustrated, the protection member 5 is fixed to the fixing plate 7 by means of at least one fixing means 71. In particular, the protection member 5 is fixed to the first wall 72 of the fixing plate 7. The protection member 5 thus comprises an opening capable of receiving the fixing means 71.

[0054] The protective member 5 extends at least partly in contact with the fixing plate 7. Similar to what has been explained above, the protective member 5 extends, on the other hand, at a distance from the fixing stud 8. In the present embodiment, the protective member 5 is thus fixed relative to the fixing plate 7 and is positioned in order to guarantee that there is no contact with the connecting member 9 or the fixing stud 8 between the movements of the latter. The protective member 5 is then moved relative to the connecting member 9 and does not have contact with the latter. In order to prevent such contact, the protective member 5 may then comprise a cutout 98 configured to allow the passage of the connecting member 9. In particular, such a cutout 98 is of a complementary shape, or substantially complementary to the shape of the connecting member 9.

[0055] According to a third embodiment, not shown, the protection member 5 is directly fixed to the fixing plate 7, in particular to the first wall 72 of the fixing plate 7. Such an embodiment is similar to the second embodiment lization with the difference that the fixing of the protection member 5 can be carried out by welding rather than by means of the fixing means 71.

[0056] It is understood that the different characteristics relating to the protection member 5 apply mutatis mutandis to the second and third embodiments.

[0057] The invention thus proposes an alternative to the assemblies for fixing a catalyst within a vehicle, specifically within an exhaust system, making it possible to ensure the thermal protection of components having less resistance to high temperatures conventionally observed around the catalyst. The proposed solution is advantageously simple to implement, inexpensive and makes it possible to limit the space required.

[0058] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in the present document.

Claims

Claims

1. Arrangement (4) for an exhaust system (2) of a motor vehicle (1) comprising a heat-generating element to be fixed, such as a catalyst (31), and a fixing assembly (6), the fixing assembly (6) comprising: - a fixing plate (7), configured to be fixed to a body structure and / or a cradle of the vehicle (1); - an elastically deformable fixing stud (8), arranged on the fixing plate (7); - a connecting member (9), connecting the element to be fixed, in particular the catalyst (31), to the fixing stud (8); the arrangement (4) further comprising a protective member (5) made of a metallic material, fixed to at least part of the fixing assembly (6) so as to be at least partly interposed between the fixing stud (8) and the element to be fixed along at least one direction in order to limit exposure of the fixing stud (8) to thermal radiation from said element to be fixed.

2. Arrangement (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the fixing pad (8) is made of rubber or silicone.

3. Arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the protective member (5): - is at least partly complementary in shape to the fixing stud (8); and / or - comprises a plurality of flanks delimiting an open housing capable of receiving a part of the fixing stud (8).

4. Arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which: - the protection member (5) is arranged and fixed at a non-zero distance from the fixing stud (8); and / or - one end of the connecting member (9) connected to the fixing stud (8) comprises at least one stop member (94) configured to form a stop for the fixing stud (8) along at least one direction, the stop member (94) being interposed between the fixing stud (8) and at least a portion of the protection member (5) along said direction.

5. Arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the protection member (5) is fixed to the connecting member (9) at at least one connecting interface (54), the protection member (5) comprising at least one finger (96) configured to at least partially surround the connecting member (9).

6. Arrangement (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the connecting member (9) comprises at least one “U”-shaped, or substantially “U”-shaped, portion formed by two rectilinear segments (95) of the connecting member (9) connected to each other by a curved segment (97), the protection member (5) being fixed to the connecting member (9) at a plurality of connection interfaces (54) each included in one of the rectilinear segments (95) and the protection member (5) being at least partly interposed between the rectilinear segments (95) along one direction.

7. Arrangement (4) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least one means (71) for fixing the fixing plate (7), such as a screw, the protection member (5): - being fixed to the fixing plate (7); or - being held integral with the fixing plate (7) by means of the at least one fixing means (71).

8. Arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the protection member (5) is fixed to at least a part of the fixing assembly (6) by at least one weld point.

9. Arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the protection member (5) comprises at least one reinforcing element (53).

10. Motor vehicle (1) comprising an engine (2), a body structure, a cradle and at least one arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, the element to be fixed, in particular the catalyst (31), being connected to the engine (2) and the fixing assembly (6) being connected to the body structure and / or to the cradle via the fixing plate (7).

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