Mounting structure of vehicle GPF

Abstract

To provide a mounting structure for vehicle GPFs that offers excellent maintainability of parts. [Solution] In a mounting structure for attaching a GPF 13 to a turbocharged V-type multi-cylinder engine 1 mounted longitudinally in a vehicle, the GPF 13 is provided in the exhaust pipe 11 directly below the turbocharger 6, and a differential pressure sensor 15 for detecting the differential pressure between the upstream exhaust pressure and the downstream exhaust pressure of the GPF 13 is provided above the GPF 13 in the vertical direction of the vehicle and inside the turbocharger 6 in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment structure for attaching a gasoline particulate filter (hereinafter also referred to as GPF) to a V-type multi-cylinder engine with a turbocharger mounted in a longitudinal arrangement on a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a vehicle engine exhaust pipe provided with a GPF for collecting PM (Particulate Matter) (Patent Document 1). In this prior art, a GPF is provided on the downstream side of the catalyst in the exhaust pipe, and a differential pressure sensor for detecting the differential pressure between the upstream exhaust pressure and the downstream exhaust pressure of the GPF is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a V-type multi-cylinder engine with a turbocharger mounted in a longitudinal arrangement on a vehicle has larger dimensions in the vehicle width direction than an in-line engine because it is a V-type engine. In addition to this, since a turbocharger unit including a turbine and a compressor is provided on the left and right side surfaces of the engine body, the space in the vehicle width direction is further encroached. Therefore, when a GPF is provided in the exhaust pipe directly below the turbocharger for a longitudinal turbocharged V-type multi-cylinder engine, an attachment structure of the GPF considering the maintenance workability such as a differential pressure sensor is desired.

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not mention anything about placing the GPF (Gross Pressure Filter) in the exhaust pipe directly below the turbocharger for a longitudinally mounted V-type multi-cylinder engine, so there was room for improvement, including the ease of maintenance of the differential pressure sensor.

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a mounting structure for a vehicle GPF that offers excellent workability for maintaining the parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention solves the above problem by providing a differential pressure sensor for detecting the differential pressure between the upstream and downstream exhaust pressures of a GPF (Ground Pressure Filter) in the exhaust pipe directly below the turbocharger of a V-type multi-cylinder engine with a turbocharger mounted longitudinally in a vehicle, above the GPF in the vertical direction of the vehicle and inside the turbocharger in the vehicle width direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the differential pressure sensor is positioned in front of the vehicle's cowl, resulting in excellent maintainability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a longitudinally mounted turbocharged V6 engine to which the mounting structure for a vehicle GPF according to the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a specific example of an engine. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the engine. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the engine in Figure 2 mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the area around the GPF and differential pressure sensor of the engine. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the first and second brackets. [Figure 7](A) Rear view, (B) Top view, and (C) Side view showing the first bracket. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the second bracket. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a longitudinally mounted turbocharged V6 engine 1 to which the mounting structure of the vehicle GPF according to the present invention is applied. The engine 1 shown in Figure 1 is a longitudinally mounted engine that is mounted in a so-called longitudinal configuration so that the axis of the crankshaft is aligned with the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle. Furthermore, the engine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called V6 reciprocating engine in which six pistons and cylinders are arranged in a V-shape on a single crankshaft, with three pistons and three cylinders alternately on the left and three on the right, and is a four-cycle spark-ignition engine that uses gasoline as fuel. Furthermore, the engine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called twin-turbo engine with two turbochargers provided on the left and right banks. Furthermore, the engines to which the mounting structure for the vehicle GPF of the present invention can be applied are not limited to the longitudinally mounted twin-turbocharged V6 engine shown in the figure, but can also be applied to longitudinally mounted turbocharged V8 engines, longitudinally mounted single turbocharged V-type multi-cylinder engines, longitudinally mounted turbocharged V-type multi-cylinder diesel engines that use diesel fuel, and the like.

[0011] The engine 1 of this embodiment has an engine body 2 including a cylinder block, cylinder head, and oil pan. Although not shown in the illustration, six cylinders are formed in this engine body 2, and a piston is fitted into each cylinder. A combustion chamber is defined by the cylinder, the top surface of the piston, and the cylinder head. An intake pipe 3 is connected to this combustion chamber via an intake valve, and an exhaust pipe 11 is connected via an exhaust valve.

[0012] The intake manifold 3 includes an intake collector 4, and a throttle valve 5 is located upstream of the intake collector 4. A compressor 7 of the turbocharger 6 is located upstream of the throttle valve 5 in the intake manifold 3, and an air cleaner 8 is located upstream of the compressor 7. A water-cooled intercooler 9 is provided between the compressor 7 and the throttle valve 5. A recirculation valve 10 is also provided to connect the discharge side and the intake side of the compressor 7. The recirculation valve 10 is controlled to open during deceleration when the throttle valve 5 closes.

[0013] Meanwhile, the exhaust pipe 11 is equipped with a turbine 12 of the turbocharger 6, and directly downstream of it is a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) 13 coated with a three-way catalytic converter. On the turbine 12 side of the turbocharger 6 is a wastegate valve 14 that bypasses a portion of the exhaust gas in accordance with the boost pressure in order to control the boost pressure. The opening degree of the wastegate valve 14 is electronically controlled by the engine controller.

[0014] The GPF13 in this embodiment is a filter that collects particulate matter (PM) contained in the exhaust gas from a multi-cylinder engine 1. As the GPF13 in this embodiment, for example, a wall-flow honeycomb structure (so-called sealed type) filter can be used, which is formed by creating numerous fine honeycomb-shaped passages in a filter material such as cordierite and alternately closing the ends thereof. Alternatively, the GPF13 in this embodiment may support a catalyst of the same type as a three-way catalyst.

[0015] Further, a differential pressure sensor 15 for detecting the differential pressure between the upstream exhaust pressure and the downstream exhaust pressure of the GPF 13 is provided near the GPF 13. One input part of the differential pressure sensor 15 is connected to an upstream pipe 16 to apply the upstream exhaust pressure, while the other input part of the differential pressure sensor 15 is connected to a downstream pipe 17 to apply the downstream exhaust pressure. The differential pressure sensor 15 converts the differential pressure of the exhaust pressure applied to the pair of input parts into an electric signal or the like and outputs it to the engine controller. The engine controller executes a regeneration process of the GPF 13 (a process of burning and removing the PM deposited on the GPF 13) based on the differential pressure signal read from the differential pressure sensor 15. The regeneration process of the GPF 13 is, for example, by increasing the fuel injection amount to flow high-temperature exhaust gas to the GPF 13 and burning and removing the PM deposited on the GPF 13. Such a regeneration process is performed not only while the vehicle is running but also while the vehicle is stopped for maintenance.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of embodying the engine 1 of the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state where the engine 1 is mounted on a vehicle. Further, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the GPF 13 and the differential pressure sensor 15 of the engine 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the first bracket 50 and the second bracket 60 of the present embodiment.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with three cylinder rows (cylinder banks) on the left side of the vehicle and three cylinder rows (cylinder banks) on the right side of the vehicle, and the above-described intake pipe 3 and exhaust pipe 11 are provided in each of the left and right cylinder banks. And, as described above, the GPF 13 is provided in the exhaust pipe 11 directly below the turbocharger 6 in the engine 1 of the present embodiment. Providing the GPF 13 directly below the turbocharger 6 means that no other element other than the exhaust pipe 11 is interposed in the exhaust pipe 11 between the turbocharger 6 and the GPF 13. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flange of the unit of the turbocharger 6 and the flange on the upstream side of the GPF 13 are directly connected. A catalyst may be provided between the turbocharger 6 and the GPF 13.

[0018] In the engine 1 of the present embodiment, when the GPF 13 is provided directly below each of the two turbochargers 6, in FIG. 1 showing the front view of the vehicle, the unit of the turbocharger 6 is arranged at the portion indicated by T on the left and right side surfaces of the engine body 2, and the GPF 13 is arranged at the portion indicated by G below it. And since the differential pressure sensor 15 for detecting the differential pressure of the GPF 13 is a component that requires maintenance such as servicing, considering the maintainability of the maintenance work, it is provided above the GPF 13 in the vehicle vertical direction and inside the turbocharger 6, that is, on the center side of the vehicle.

[0019] Although details will be described later, specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is fixed to the front portion of the transmission 23. When the differential pressure sensor 15, which is a component that requires maintenance, is provided above the GPF 13 and inside the turbocharger 6, it is in front of the cowl 19 of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 4, visible to the maintenance operator, and moreover, it is in a position where it can be reached from the engine room. Also, around the connection portion between the cowl 19 of the vehicle and the fender, where the battery and hydraulic system components are arranged, by providing the differential pressure sensor 15 inside the turbocharger 6, it will not be made invisible by these components or the operator's hand will not be obstructed.

[0020] In the engine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the upstream pipe 16 and the downstream pipe 17 are connected to the differential pressure sensor 15. Each of these upstream pipe 16 and downstream pipe 17 is composed of two parts, a sensor side pipe 20 formed of a flexible material containing rubber and a filter side pipe 21 formed of a metal material containing iron, as shown in FIG. 6. And one end of the sensor side pipe 20 formed of a flexible material is connected to the input portion of the differential pressure sensor 15, and one end of the filter side pipe 21 formed of a metal material is connected to the other end of the sensor side pipe 20, and the other end of the filter side pipe 21 is connected to the exhaust pipe 11 of the GPF 13 (the exhaust pipe 11 upstream of the GPF 13 in the case of the upstream pipe 16 and the exhaust pipe 11 downstream of the GPF 13 in the case of the downstream pipe 17).

[0021] Here, one end of the sensor-side piping 20 is fixed to the input section of the differential pressure sensor 15 with a band clamp or the like. The other end of the sensor-side piping 20 and one end of the filter-side piping 21 are connected by inserting one end of the filter-side piping 21, which is made of metal, into the other end of the sensor-side piping 20, which is made of flexible material, and fixing them together with a band clamp. The other end of the filter-side piping 21 is fixed to a mounting section formed on the exhaust pipe 11 with a screw.

[0022] As described above, the filter-side piping 21 of the upstream piping 16 and downstream piping 17 in this embodiment is made of a metal material such as iron. As shown in Figure 6, a portion of the filter-side piping 21 made of metal is supported by a first bracket 50 fixed to the upstream flange 22 of the GPF 13. Figure 7 shows the first bracket 50 of this embodiment as (A) a rear view, (B) a top view, and (C) a side view.

[0023] As shown in Figure 7, the first bracket 50 of this embodiment is a plate-shaped member made by bending a sheet of metal material such as steel plate, and has a first fixing portion 51 fixed to the upstream flange 22 of the GPF 13, a first mounting portion 52 that bends and extends from the first fixing portion 51 and to which the filter-side piping 21 is attached, a ceiling portion 53 that bends and extends from the tip of the first mounting portion 52 toward the turbocharger 6, and a notched portion 54 whose edge is cut out from the first fixing portion 51 to the first mounting portion 52.

[0024] As shown in Figure 7, the first fixing portion 51 of the first bracket 50 has an edge that curves along the outer surface of the exhaust pipe 11, abuts against the upstream flange 22 of the GPF 13, and is fixed by welding. The first mounting portion 52 of the first bracket 50 extends along the axial direction of the exhaust pipe 11 and is provided with two through holes and weld nuts, and fasteners that sandwich each of the two filter-side pipes 21 are fixed by bolts.

[0025] As shown in Figure 7(A), the ceiling portion 53 of the first bracket 50 has a plane that bends and extends from the tip of the first mounting portion 52 toward the turbocharger 6, and as shown in Figure 7(C), a through hole 55 may be formed therein. The ceiling portion 53 of the first bracket 50 is located above the flange of the turbocharger 6 and the upstream flange 22 of the GPF 13, and extends to cover these flanges. Therefore, if a rag used in maintenance work is left in the engine compartment, it has the function of preventing the rag from directly coming into contact with the area around the hot upstream flange 22. In addition, the through hole 55 formed in the ceiling portion 53 has the function of preventing the ceiling portion 53 from obstructing the flow of airflow from driving or cooling air from the radiator fan, similar to the notch portion 54.

[0026] As shown in Figure 7(A), the notch 54 of the first bracket 50 is a hollowed-out portion with its edge cut out from the first fixing portion 51 to the first mounting portion 52, and has the function of preventing the first mounting portion 52 from obstructing the flow of airflow while driving or cooling air from the radiator fan.

[0027] In this embodiment, the engine 1 has a transmission 23 located behind it. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the differential pressure sensor 15 in this embodiment is mounted on a second bracket 60 fixed to the casing of the transmission 23. Figures 8(A) and 8(B) are perspective views showing the second bracket 60 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the second bracket 60 in this embodiment is a plate-shaped member made by bending a sheet of metal material such as steel plate, and has a second fixing portion 61 that is fixed to the transmission, and a second mounting portion 62 that extends upward from the second fixing portion 61 toward the vehicle and to which the differential pressure sensor 15 is attached.

[0028] As described above, the differential pressure sensor 15 is provided with an input section to which the upstream pipe 16 for detecting the upstream exhaust pressure is connected, and an input section to which the downstream pipe 17 for detecting the downstream exhaust pressure is connected, side by side. As shown in Figure 8(A), the differential pressure sensor 15 is mounted on the second bracket 60 such that the direction in which the upstream pipe 16 and the downstream pipe 17 are aligned is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Two screw holes are formed in the casing of the transmission 23 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the second bracket 60 is fixed to the casing of the transmission 23 by inserting bolts through the two through holes formed in the second fixing part 61 and screwing them in place.

[0029] As described above, the mounting structure for the vehicle GPF of this embodiment is a mounting structure for attaching a GPF 13 to a turbocharged V-type multi-cylinder engine 1 mounted longitudinally in a vehicle. The GPF 13 is provided in the exhaust pipe 11 directly below the turbocharger 6, and the differential pressure sensor 15 that detects the differential pressure between the upstream exhaust pressure and the downstream exhaust pressure of the GPF 13 is provided above the GPF 13 in the vertical direction of the vehicle and inside the turbocharger 6 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the differential pressure sensor 15 is positioned in front of the vehicle's cowl 19 in a plan view. As a result, when a mechanic inspects or replaces the differential pressure sensor 15 in a service shop such as a car dealer, the differential pressure sensor 15 can be seen from above the engine compartment by opening the hood, thus improving the workability of the service. Consequently, there is no longer a need for mechanics to work by feel because they cannot see the differential pressure sensor 15, or to remove the powertrain, including the engine 1 and transmission 23, from the vehicle for service.

[0030] Furthermore, in the mounting structure of the vehicle GPF of this embodiment, one end of the sensor-side piping 20 is connected to the differential pressure sensor 15, and one end of the filter-side piping 21 is connected to the other end of the sensor-side piping 20. The filter-side piping 21 is supported by a first bracket 50 fixed to the upstream flange 22 of the GPF 13, so that the filter-side piping 21 can be assembled with the GPF 13. Then, by assembling the GPF 13 and filter-side piping 21 into the engine 1, the ease of assembly in the automobile assembly process and the ease of maintenance in repair shops such as automobile dealers are improved.

[0031] Furthermore, in the mounting structure for the vehicle GPF of this embodiment, the first bracket 50 has a first fixing portion 51 fixed to the upstream flange 22 of the GPF 13, a first mounting portion 52 that extends from the first fixing portion 51 and to which the filter-side piping 21 is attached, and a notched portion 54 whose edge is cut out from the first fixing portion 51 to the first mounting portion 52. As a result, obstruction of the airflow from the vehicle, which flows from the front to the rear, and the airflow of the cooling fan from the radiator fan are suppressed.

[0032] If the first fixing portion 51 and the first mounting portion 52 of the first bracket 50 face each other in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, they will obstruct the airflow from driving and the cooling air from the radiator fan. The area around the flange connecting the turbocharger 6 and the GPF 13 to which the first bracket 50 is attached becomes a high-temperature environment due to exhaust gases. If the first bracket 50 obstructs the airflow from driving and the cooling air, the vehicle body panels such as the dash panel behind the first bracket 50 will be exposed to high temperatures, which may cause the paint to peel off and lead to rust. Therefore, by providing a notch 54 in the first bracket 50, obstruction of the airflow from driving and the cooling air can be suppressed, and rust caused by peeling of the paint can be prevented.

[0033] Furthermore, in the mounting structure for the vehicle GPF of this embodiment, the first bracket 50 has a first fixing portion 51 fixed to the upstream flange 22 of the GPF 13, a first mounting portion 52 that bends and extends from the first fixing portion 51 and to which the filter-side piping 21 is attached, and a ceiling portion 53 that bends and extends from the tip of the first mounting portion 52 toward the turbocharger 6. By providing the ceiling portion 53, it is possible to prevent rags used during maintenance work from being left in the engine compartment and directly coming into contact with the upstream flange 22 connecting the turbocharger 6 and the GPF 13, which have become hot due to exhaust gas, and thus becoming hot.

[0034] Furthermore, in the mounting structure of the vehicle GPF of this embodiment, the sensor-side piping 20 is made of a flexible material including rubber, and the filter-side piping 21 is made of a metal material including iron. By using flexible and pliable rubber hoses or the like for a portion of the upstream piping 16 and downstream piping 17 connected to the differential pressure sensor 15, variations in part precision and assembly can be absorbed. As a result, when attaching and detaching both the sensor-side piping 20 and the filter-side piping 21, it is easier to make them conform to the position and shape of the rigid filter-side piping 21. In addition, by using metal piping such as iron for the filter-side piping 21, damage to the piping due to heat damage from exhaust gas can be suppressed, eliminating the need to provide heat shields or the like.

[0035] Furthermore, in the mounting structure of the vehicle GPF of this embodiment, a transmission 23 is provided behind the turbocharged V-type multi-cylinder engine 1, and the differential pressure sensor 15 is attached to a second bracket 60 fixed to the transmission 23. This ensures sufficient distance from the exhaust pipe 11 of the engine 1, which is in a high-temperature environment, and reduces the risk of failure of the differential pressure sensor 15 compared to when it is mounted on the rear surface of the cylinder block of the engine 1. In addition, since the differential pressure sensor 15 is mounted on the transmission 23, which is relatively closer to the GPF 13 compared to when it is mounted on the engine 1, the total length of the sensor-side piping 20 and the filter-side piping 21 can be made relatively shorter, and the number of fixing points along the piping can be further reduced. As a result, the sensor-side piping 20 and the filter-side piping 21 can be manufactured inexpensively and lightly.

[0036] Furthermore, in the mounting structure of the vehicle GPF of this embodiment, the differential pressure sensor 15 is connected side by side to an upstream pipe 16 for detecting the upstream exhaust pressure and a downstream pipe 17 for detecting the downstream exhaust pressure. The differential pressure sensor 15 is mounted on the second bracket 60 such that the direction in which the upstream pipe 16 and the downstream pipe 17 are aligned is along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. As a result, the upstream pipe 16 and the downstream pipe 17 between the differential pressure sensor 15 and the GPF 13 can be routed in a virtual plane without twisting. Consequently, the upstream pipe 16 and the downstream pipe 17 can be laid out in a narrow space in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] Furthermore, in the mounting structure for the vehicle GPF of this embodiment, the second bracket 60 has a second fixing portion 61 fixed to the transmission 23, and a second mounting portion 62 extending from the second fixing portion 61 to which the differential pressure sensor 15 is attached. Since the second mounting portion 62 extends along the vertical direction of the vehicle, when a maintenance worker inspects the differential pressure sensor 15 in the engine compartment, it is easier to see the differential pressure sensor 15 by accessing it from the fender side, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 1…Engine 2…Engine body 3…Intake pipe 4…Intake collector 5…Throttle valve 6… Turbocharger 7... Compressor 8... Air cleaner 9…Water-cooled intercooler 10…Recirculation valve 11… Exhaust pipe 12... Turbine 13…Gasoline Particulate Filter / GPF 14…Wastegate valve 15…Differential pressure sensor 16…Upstream piping 17… Downstream piping 19... Cowl 20...Sensor-side piping 21…Filter side piping 22…Upstream flange of GPF 23... Transmission 50…First bracket 51...First fixed part 52...First mounting section 53...Ceiling 54... Notch 60...2nd bracket 61…Second fixed part 62...Second mounting section

Claims

1. In a mounting structure for attaching a gasoline particulate filter to a turbocharged V-type multi-cylinder engine mounted longitudinally in a vehicle, The gasoline particulate filter is installed in the exhaust pipe directly below the turbocharger. A mounting structure for a vehicle GPF (Gas Particulate Filter) is provided, wherein the differential pressure sensor for detecting the differential pressure between the upstream exhaust pressure and the downstream exhaust pressure of the gasoline particulate filter is located above the gasoline particulate filter in the vertical direction of the vehicle and inside the turbocharger in the vehicle width direction.

2. One end of the sensor-side piping is connected to the differential pressure sensor. One end of the filter-side piping is connected to the other end of the sensor-side piping. The mounting structure for a vehicle GPF according to claim 1, wherein the filter-side piping is supported by a first bracket fixed to the upstream flange of the gasoline particulate filter.

3. The first bracket is, A first fixing part fixed to the upstream flange of the gasoline particulate filter, A first mounting portion extends from the first fixing portion by bending, and to which the filter-side piping is attached, Mounting structure for a vehicle GPF according to claim 2, comprising: a notched portion whose edge is cut out from the first fixing portion to the first mounting portion.

4. The first bracket is, A first fixing part fixed to the upstream flange of the gasoline particulate filter, A first mounting portion extends from the first fixing portion by bending, and to which the filter-side piping is attached, Mounting structure for a vehicle GPF according to claim 2, comprising a ceiling portion that bends and extends from the tip of the first mounting portion toward the turbocharger.

5. The mounting structure for a vehicle GPF according to claim 4, wherein a through hole is formed in the ceiling portion.

6. The sensor-side piping is formed of a flexible material including rubber, The mounting structure for a vehicle GPF according to claim 2, wherein the filter-side piping is formed of a metal material including iron.

7. A transmission is provided at the rear of the aforementioned turbocharged V-type multi-cylinder engine. The mounting structure for a vehicle GPF according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the differential pressure sensor is attached to a second bracket fixed to the transmission.

8. The differential pressure sensor is connected in parallel to an upstream pipe for detecting the upstream exhaust pressure and a downstream pipe for detecting the downstream exhaust pressure. The mounting structure for a vehicle GPF according to claim 7, wherein the differential pressure sensor is mounted on the second bracket such that the direction in which the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe are aligned is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

9. The second bracket is, A second fixing part fixed to the transmission, It has a second mounting portion that extends from the second fixing portion and to which the differential pressure sensor is attached, The mounting structure for a vehicle GPF according to claim 7, wherein the second mounting portion extends along the vertical direction of the vehicle.

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