Exhaust parts

Abstract

It absorbs the thermal expansion of the pipe. [Solution] The exhaust component comprises a shell member, a pipe, a projection, a separator, and a hole. The shell member has a passage for the vehicle's exhaust gases formed inside. The pipe penetrates the shell member and extends along its axis. The projection protrudes along the axial direction from the edge of the pipe that surrounds the opening located inside the shell member. The separator is a plate-shaped member provided inside the shell member so as to face the opening of the pipe. The hole penetrates the separator. The projection of the pipe is inserted into the hole so as to be slidable in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an exhaust component provided in an exhaust flow path in a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a silencer provided with a partition plate that supports the end of an inlet pipe or an outlet pipe is known. In the silencer of Patent Document 1, an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe that penetrate the wall surfaces at both ends of a tubular body are provided, and two partition plates are provided inside the tubular body so as to face the wall surfaces at each end. Through holes are formed in these partition plates, and the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are each held in a state where the ends are inserted into the through holes of each partition plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the silencer of Patent Document 1, since the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are fixed to the partition plate, there is a risk of damage to the silencer due to the thermal elongation of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to absorb the thermal elongation of the pipe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is an exhaust component for a vehicle, comprising a shell member, a pipe, a projection, a separator, and a hole. The shell member has a passage for the vehicle's exhaust gases formed inside. The pipe is provided so as to penetrate the shell member and extends along its axis. The projection protrudes along the axial direction from the edge of the pipe that surrounds an opening located inside the shell member. The separator is a plate-shaped member provided inside the shell member so as to face the opening of the pipe. The hole penetrates the separator. The projection of the pipe is inserted into the hole so as to be slidable in the axial direction.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the pipe can be supported in a slidable manner by the protrusions at the edges of the pipe opening, which are inserted into the holes of the separator. This allows for the absorption of thermal expansion of the pipe.

[0007] In one aspect of this disclosure, the portion of the separator facing the pipe opening may be closed. With the above configuration, there is no need to provide a separate component for closing the pipe opening. Therefore, the configuration of the exhaust components can be simplified.

[0008] In one aspect of this disclosure, the pipe may form an outlet for exhaust gas that has passed through the interior of the shell member. According to the above configuration, the thermal expansion of the pipe forming the outlet can be absorbed.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include an exhaust purification member, which is a member disposed inside the shell member and configured to purify exhaust gases. According to the above configuration, thermal expansion of the pipe of the exhaust component equipped with an exhaust purification member can be absorbed.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a buffer member disposed between the edge surrounding the hole and the protruding portion in the separator. According to the above configuration, the protruding portion at the edge of the pipe opening, which is inserted into the hole of the separator, can be made to slide more smoothly.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the axial distance between the edge of the pipe and the separator may be longer than the axial length of the pipe increased by thermal expansion, and the axial length of the protrusion may be longer than said distance.

[0012] According to the above configuration, it is possible to ensure that a portion of the protrusion remains inserted into the hole, regardless of whether or not the pipe undergoes thermal expansion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the inside of the exhaust component of the first embodiment through a transparent lens. Figure 1B is a front view of the separator of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is an explanatory diagram of the separator and outlet pipe of the first embodiment as viewed from the side. Figure 2B is a front view of a modified separator of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is an explanatory diagram of the separator and outlet pipe of Modification 1 of the First Embodiment, viewed from the side. Figure 3B is an explanatory diagram of the separator and outlet pipe of Modification 2 of the First Embodiment, viewed from the side. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram that transparently shows the inside of the exhaust component of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First Embodiment] [(1) Overview] The exhaust component 1 of the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and forms a passage for exhaust gas from the engine. For example, it is configured as an exhaust purification device, or more specifically, as a catalytic converter (see Figure 1A). Of course, it is not limited to this, and the exhaust component 1 may be configured as, for example, a muffler.

[0015] The exhaust component 1 includes a shell member 10, a separator 2, an inlet pipe 13, an outlet pipe 3, and a catalyst 4 (see FIGS. 1B to 2B). [(2) Shell member] The shell member 10 is a substantially cylindrical member extending linearly along the axis A, and has an inlet-side end plate 11 and an outlet-side end plate 12 (see FIG. 1A). Hereinafter, the inlet-side end plate 11 or the outlet-side end plate 12 may also be simply referred to as an end plate. The inlet-side end plate 11 and the outlet-side end plate 12 are substantially circular plate-like members that close the openings at both ends of the shell member 10, respectively. Also, an exhaust flow path is formed inside the shell member 10. Note that the end plate 12 may be, for example, conical or may be integrally formed with the shell member 10.

[0016] Connection portions 11A and 12A that project along the axis A are provided at the outer edges of the inlet-side end plate 11 and the outlet-side end plate 12. The connection portions 11A and 12A are provided so as to go around the shell member 10 and are welded to the outer peripheral surface of the shell member 10.

[0017] Also, as an example, substantially circular through-holes 11B and 12B that penetrate the respective end plates are provided at substantially the centers of the inlet-side end plate 11 and the outlet-side end plate 12. Of course, the positions of the through-holes 11B and 12B are not limited to this and can be determined as appropriate. Note that the edge portions surrounding the through-holes in each end plate may project to the outside of the exhaust component 1 and may be formed as wall-like portions surrounding the through-holes.

[0018] [(3) Inlet pipe] The inlet pipe 13 is a substantially cylindrical pipe extending linearly along the axis A. The first end is inserted into the through-hole 11B of the inlet-side end plate 11 and is welded to the edge of the through-hole 11B (see FIG. 1A). The inlet pipe 13 forms the inlet of the exhaust in the exhaust component 1, and the exhaust flowing into the opening located at the second end of the inlet pipe 13 is guided into the inside of the shell member 10.

[0019] [(4)Separator] Separator 2 is a substantially circular plate-like member that partitions the internal space of the shell member 10, and includes a plurality (for example, three) of slits 20, a plurality of communication holes 21, and a connecting portion 22 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). The separator 2 is provided inside the shell member 10 so as to be substantially orthogonal to the axis A, and the axis A passes through the approximate center of the separator 2.

[0020] The connecting portion 22 is a wall-like portion provided so as to project downstream along the axis A from the outer edge of the separator 2, and is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the shell member 10. The plurality of communication holes 21 are holes that communicate the internal space of the shell member 10 partitioned by the separator 2, and are arranged at substantially regular intervals along the outer edge of the separator 2.

[0021] <Slit> Each slit 20 is an elongated hole that penetrates the separator 2. Each slit 20 extends in an arc along the outer edge of a substantially circular closing region 23 located at the approximate center of the separator 2, and has a substantially constant width (see FIG. 1B). Further, the plurality of slits 20 have substantially the same shape and size, and are arranged at substantially regular intervals so as to surround the closing region 23. Note that no hole penetrating the separator 2 is formed in the closing region 23, and it is closed. Also, the axis A passes through the approximate center of the closing region 23.

[0022] [(5)Catalyst] The catalyst 4 is a member that reforms or collects contaminants in the exhaust gas by contacting the exhaust gas flowing down inside the shell member 10 (see FIG. 1A). When the exhaust component 1 is configured as an exhaust gas purification device other than a catalytic converter, an exhaust gas purification member other than a catalyst, such as a filter for collecting contaminants, may be arranged in place of the catalyst 4.

[0023] The catalyst 4 is arranged at a position upstream of the separator 2 inside the shell member 10. More specifically, the catalyst 4 is arranged such that the downstream end face is located near the separator 2.

[0024] [(6) Outlet pipe] The outlet pipe 3 is a substantially cylindrical pipe that extends linearly along axis A and forms the exhaust outlet of the exhaust component 1 (see Figures 1A and 2A). The outlet pipe 3 is inserted into the through hole 12B of the outlet-side end plate 12 and is provided to pass through the outlet-side end plate 12. The outer circumferential surface of the outlet pipe 3 is supported by the edge of the through hole 12B. The edge of the through hole 12B supports the outlet pipe 3 without being joined to the outer circumferential surface of the outlet pipe 3 by, for example, welding. Of course, this is not limited to this, and the edge of the through hole 12B may be joined to the outer circumferential surface of the outlet pipe 3 by, for example, welding.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, the through hole 12B is provided approximately in the center of the outlet end plate 12, and axis A passes approximately in the center of the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the outlet pipe 3.

[0026] The outlet pipe 3 comprises an upstream opening 30, an edge portion 31, a plurality of (for example, three) protruding portions 32, a plurality of punching holes 33, and a downstream opening 34. <Upstream opening> The upstream opening 30 is an opening located at the first end of the outlet pipe 3 and is positioned inside the shell member 10. The upstream opening 30 also faces a closed region 23 located inside the multiple slits 20 in the separator 2. In other words, the upstream opening 30 is blocked by the closed region 23.

[0027] <Downstream access> The downstream opening 34 is an opening located at the second end of the outlet pipe 3 and is positioned outside the exhaust component 1. The downstream opening 34 forms the exhaust outlet of the exhaust component 1. For example, the outlet of the outlet pipe 3 may be connected to a tailpipe or a silencer.

[0028] <Multiple holes> Multiple punching holes 33 are formed in the portion of the outlet pipe 3 located inside the exhaust component 1, and penetrate the side wall of the outlet pipe 3.

[0029] <Multiple protrusions> The multiple protrusions 32 are plate-shaped portions that project upstream along axis A from the edge 31 surrounding the upstream opening 30 of the outlet pipe 3 (see Figure 2A). For example, the multiple protrusions 32 are formed by cutting out the portion of the outlet pipe 3 surrounding the upstream opening 30. Each protrusion 32 is an arc-shaped curved portion that extends along the edge 31, with a length in the direction of axis A being approximately constant, and a length in the circumferential direction centered on axis A being approximately constant. Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 32 have approximately the same shape and size and are arranged at approximately constant intervals to surround the upstream opening 30.

[0030] In other words, the edge 31 of the downstream opening 34 of the outlet pipe 3 is provided with the same number of protrusions 32 as the slits 20 of the separator 2, and the cross-section of each protrusion 32 perpendicular to the axis A (hereinafter simply referred to as the cross-section) is substantially the same shape and size as the slits 20. More preferably, the protrusions 32 are slightly smaller in size than the slits 20. The multiple protrusions 32 are inserted into the slits 20 so that they can slide along the axis A.

[0031] More specifically, the tips of the multiple protrusions 32 each protrude upstream from the slit 20 of the separator 2. A gap is also formed between the edge 31 of the downstream opening 34 of the outlet pipe 3 and the slit 20. When thermal expansion occurs in the outlet pipe 3 due to the heat of the exhaust, the multiple protrusions 32 are displaced along axis A, thereby absorbing the thermal expansion.

[0032] As an example, the length of the gap in the direction of axis A when the outlet pipe 3 is not thermally expanded (hereinafter referred to as the gap length) may be longer than the predicted value of the length of the outlet pipe 3 in the direction of axis A that increases due to thermal expansion. The gap length corresponds to the distance in the direction of axis A between the edge 31 of the outlet pipe 3 and the separator 2 (in other words, the slit 20). Furthermore, the thermally expanded length refers to the difference in length in the direction of axis A between the outlet pipe 3 that has undergone thermal expansion and the outlet pipe 3 that has not undergone thermal expansion. In addition, the length of each protrusion 32 in the direction of axis A when the outlet pipe 3 is not thermally expanded may be longer than the gap length.

[0033] <Regarding exhaust flow> The exhaust gas, which flows into the interior of the exhaust component 1 from the inlet pipe 13 and is purified by passing through the catalyst 4, passes through multiple communication holes 21 in the separator 2 and flows into the outlet pipe 3 mainly through multiple punching holes 33. Some of the exhaust gas may flow into the outlet pipe 3 through the gap between the edge 31 of the downstream opening 34 of the outlet pipe 3 and the slit 20. After that, the exhaust gas that has flowed down the outlet pipe flows out to the outside of the exhaust component 1 from the downstream opening 34.

[0034] On the other hand, the upstream opening 30 of the outlet pipe 3 is blocked by the blocking region 23 of the separator 2. Therefore, exhaust gas that has passed through the catalyst 4 is prevented from directly flowing into the upstream opening 30 of the outlet pipe 3.

[0035] [(7) Variation 1] The number of slits 20 in the separator 2 and the number of protrusions 32 provided on the edge 31 of the upstream opening 30 in the outlet pipe 3 are not limited to three, but may be two or four or more. Also, as shown in Figures 2B and 3A, these may be one each.

[0036] Furthermore, each slit 20 and each projection 32 is not limited to an arc shape and can be determined as appropriate. Specifically, for example, each projection 32 may be formed in a flat shape, and each slit 20 may be made to extend in a straight line so that the projection 32 can be inserted.

[0037] Furthermore, each protrusion 32 may be formed by joining a member to the edge 31 surrounding the upstream opening 30 in the outlet pipe 3. In this case, each protrusion 32 may be, for example, a rod-shaped member. Of course, even in this case, each slit 20 has substantially the same shape and size as the cross-sectional shape of each protrusion 32.

[0038] [(8) Variation 2] A buffer member 35 (for example, a wire mesh) may be provided between each protrusion 32 provided on the edge 31 of the upstream opening 30 in the outlet pipe 3 and the edge surrounding each slit 20 in the separator 2 (see Figure 3B).

[0039] Specifically, each slit 20 may be formed to be slightly larger in size than the cross-section of each protrusion 32. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3B, for example, a buffer member 35 may be wrapped around each protrusion 32, or a buffer member 35 may be provided on the edge surrounding each slit 20 in the separator 2.

[0040] [2. Second Embodiment] The exhaust component 1 of the second embodiment is configured in the same way as the exhaust component 1 of the first embodiment. However, the exhaust component 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the inlet pipe 5 is configured in the same way as the outlet pipe 3 of the first embodiment (see Figure 4A).

[0041] In other words, the inlet pipe 5 of the second embodiment has a plurality of punching holes 53 similar to the outlet pipe 3 of the first embodiment, and the edge 51 of the downstream opening 50 located on the downstream side is provided with a plurality of protrusions 52 similar to the outlet pipe 3 of the first embodiment.

[0042] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a separator 2 similar to that in the first embodiment is provided inside the shell member 10 on the upstream side of the catalyst 4. In other words, in the second embodiment, the catalyst 4 is positioned between two separators 2.

[0043] The multiple protrusions 52 are each inserted into slits 20 provided in the separator 2 on the upstream side of the catalyst 4 so that they can slide along axis A. Of course, as with the first embodiment, the number or shape of the slits 20 and protrusions 52 can be determined as appropriate, and a buffer member may be provided between each protrusion 52 and the edge surrounding each slit 20.

[0044] [3. Effects] (1) According to the first and second embodiments, the multiple protrusions 32 provided on the edge 31 of the upstream opening 30 of the outlet pipe 3 are each inserted into the slit 20 of the separator 2 so as to be slidable. This allows the outlet pipe 3 to be supported in a slidable manner and absorbs thermal expansion of the outlet pipe 3.

[0045] (2) Furthermore, a closed region 23 is formed in the portion of the separator 2 that faces the upstream opening 30 of the outlet pipe 3. Therefore, the upstream opening 30 of the outlet pipe 3 can be closed without providing a separate member, thus simplifying the configuration of the exhaust component 1.

[0046] (3) Furthermore, the catalyst 4 is positioned upstream of the separator 2, and the upstream opening 30 of the outlet pipe 3 is blocked by the blocking region 23 of the separator 2. This prevents the exhaust flow passing through the catalyst 4 from concentrating at the upstream opening 30 of the outlet pipe 3, and encourages the exhaust flow to spread throughout the catalyst 4 (see Figure 1A).

[0047] (4) Furthermore, the gap length between the separator 2 and the edge 31 of the downstream opening 34 of the outlet pipe 3 is longer than the thermal expansion length of the outlet pipe 3, and the length of each protrusion 32 in the direction of axis A is longer than the gap length. This helps to maintain the state in which a part of each protrusion 52 is inserted into the slit 20, regardless of whether or not the outlet pipe 3 undergoes thermal expansion.

[0048] [4. Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, the shell member 10 is cylindrical in shape. However, the shape of the shell member 10 can be determined as appropriate, for example, the cross section perpendicular to axis A in the shell member 10 may be substantially elliptical or substantially quadrilateral.

[0049] (2) In the above embodiment, each protrusion provided on the edge of the opening of the pipe inserted into the end plate located at the end of the shell member 10 is inserted into the slit 20 of the separator 2.

[0050] However, for example, a pipe may be provided inserted into a portion of the shell member 10 other than the end plate, and a plate-shaped separator may be provided inside the shell member 10 facing the pipe. Alternatively, at least one protrusion may be provided on the pipe in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and at least one slit may be provided on the separator in the same manner as in the above embodiment. Then, in the same manner as in the above embodiment, the pipe may be supported by inserting at least one protrusion on the pipe into at least one slit on the separator in a slidable manner. Even with such a configuration, thermal expansion of the pipe can be absorbed in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0051] (3) The outlet pipe 3 of the first embodiment and the inlet pipe 5 of the second embodiment extend in a straight line along axis A. However, the portion of the outlet pipe 3 or the inlet pipe 5 that is exposed to the outside of the exhaust component 1 may have a curved shape. In other words, if at least the portion of the outlet pipe 3 from the through hole 12B of the outlet end plate 12 to the upstream opening 30 extends in a straight line along axis A, the thermal expansion of the outlet pipe 3 can be absorbed in the same manner as in the above embodiment. Similarly, for the inlet pipe 5, if the portion from the through hole 11B of the inlet end plate 11 to the downstream opening 50 extends in a straight line along axis A, the thermal expansion of the inlet pipe 5 can be absorbed.

[0052] (4) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Furthermore, some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configurations of other above embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] A...axis, 1...exhaust component, 10...shell member, 11...inlet end plate, 11A...connection part, 11B...through hole, 12...outlet end plate, 12A...connection part, 12B...through hole, 13...inlet pipe, 2...separator, 20...slit, 21...communication hole, 22...connection part, 23...closed area, 3...outlet pipe, 30...upstream opening, 31...edge, 32...protrusion, 33...punching hole, 34...downstream opening, 35...buffer member, 4...catalyst, 5...inlet pipe, 50...downstream opening, 51...edge, 52...protrusion, 53...punching hole.

Claims

1. Vehicle exhaust components, A shell member in which a passage for the vehicle's exhaust is formed, A pipe is provided so as to penetrate the aforementioned shell member and extends along its axis, A protruding portion extends from the edge surrounding the opening located inside the shell member of the pipe, along the direction of the axis, A separator, which is a plate-shaped member, is provided inside the shell member so as to face the opening of the pipe, The separator comprises a hole that penetrates the separator, The protruding portion of the pipe is inserted into the hole so as to be slidable in the direction of the axis. Exhaust components.

2. An exhaust component according to claim 1, The portion of the pipe in the separator facing the opening is closed. Exhaust components.

3. An exhaust component according to claim 1 or claim 2, The pipe forms an outlet for the exhaust gas that has passed through the inside of the shell member. Exhaust components.

4. An exhaust component according to claim 1 or claim 2, The shell member further comprises an exhaust purification member, which is a member disposed inside the shell member and configured to purify the exhaust gas. Exhaust components.

5. An exhaust component according to claim 1 or claim 2, The distance in the axial direction between the edge of the pipe and the separator is longer than the length of the pipe in the axial direction, which increases due to thermal expansion. The length of the protrusion in the direction of the axis is longer than the distance. Exhaust components.

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