Drain device for an exhaust system of a motor vehicle and exhaust system with a drain device

Abstract

Drain device (1) for an exhaust system (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least: - an insert (3) with a receptacle (4); and - a capillary body (5) with a plurality of capillaries (6), wherein the capillary body (5) is or can be arranged in the receptacle (4). Furthermore, an exhaust system (2) with such a drain device (1) is proposed.

Description

[0001] Drainage device for an exhaust system of a motor vehicle and exhaust system with a drainage device

[0002] The present invention relates to a drain device for the exhaust system of a motor vehicle and to an exhaust system with a drain device. The exhaust system allows exhaust gases generated by an internal combustion engine to be treated before they are released into the environment.

[0003] In particular, the exhaust system can clean the exhaust gas, thus reducing environmental pollution from pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and / or particulate matter. The exhaust system can also serve to reduce noise.

[0004] When hot exhaust gases flow through the exhaust system and come into contact with cooler parts of the system, they cool down. This cooling can cause water vapor contained in the exhaust gases to condense, forming liquid condensate. Water is also produced during the combustion of fuel in the internal combustion engine, which must be transported outwards through the exhaust system. The condensate, or water, must be drained from the exhaust system via a tailpipe to prevent damage. This can occur in a liquid state or in a gaseous state after the condensate has evaporated within the exhaust system. However, evaporation of the condensate requires a sufficiently high temperature in the exhaust system. Especially during short journeys, the temperature of the exhaust system may not be high enough for the condensate to evaporate, allowing a significant amount of condensate to accumulate.The condensate can reduce the flow cross-section of the exhaust system and / or increase corrosion in the exhaust system.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a drain device for an exhaust system of a motor vehicle with which liquid condensate from the exhaust system can be discharged into the environment. Furthermore, an exhaust system for a motor vehicle is to be provided whose drain device can discharge liquid condensate from the exhaust system into the environment.

[0006] These problems are solved by a draining device and an exhaust system according to the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0007] This is achieved by a drain device for the exhaust system of a motor vehicle, which has at least the following features:

[0008] - an operation with a recording; and

[0009] - a capillary body with a plurality of capillaries, wherein the capillary body is arranged or can be arranged in the recording.

[0010] A motor vehicle is, in particular, a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine and designed for the transport of people or goods on roads. The internal combustion engine can, for example, run on gasoline, diesel, or gas. Specifically, the motor vehicle can be a passenger car, a truck, a bus, or a motorcycle. The motor vehicle can also be a hybrid vehicle, in which the internal combustion engine only runs intermittently. As a result, the exhaust gas and the exhaust system are often cold, and there is a high risk of condensation forming or accumulating.

[0011] The exhaust system allows exhaust gases from the combustion engine to be discharged into the environment. The exhaust system can have at least one exhaust duct or pipe for the exhaust gases. This exhaust duct can be, in particular, a component of the exhaust system through which the exhaust gas is routed. Examples of such components include an exhaust manifold, a catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter, a muffler, a rear muffler, an exhaust collector pipe, an intermediate pipe, a connecting piece, and / or an exhaust pipe. The exhaust system, or at least one exhaust duct, can have at least one drain opening in which a drain device can be installed. This drain opening can be located, in particular, in an outer wall of the exhaust system or the exhaust duct.In particular, the drain opening can be located downstream of a main exhaust aftertreatment system, in a condensate collection point, and / or at the lowest point of the exhaust system, exhaust duct, and / or exhaust pipe. The collection point can, for example, be designed as a half-shell. The half-shell can have a cover that provides at least one opening for the liquid. For example, the cover can be at least partially sieve-shaped. The drain device can be detachably or interchangeably arranged or attached in the drain opening, so that (liquid) condensate, for example, water, can be discharged from the exhaust system to the surrounding environment via the drain device. For example, the drain device can be screwed or clamped into the drain opening. The drain device can be designed as a screw.

[0012] The draining device includes an insert. The insert may be made at least partially of metal. The insert may extend along a longitudinal axis of the draining device or the insert, particularly a straight one, from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end. The insert may have a length of, for example, 10 mm to 50 mm (particularly parallel to the longitudinal axis) and / or a diameter of, for example, 10 mm to 50 mm (particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). The draining device or the insert may have at least one surface for applying force, for example, for a wrench or open-end wrench. The insert includes a receptacle. The receptacle extends, in particular, parallel to the longitudinal axis and / or from the first longitudinal end of the insert to the second longitudinal end of the insert.The receptacle can be designed coaxially to the longitudinal axis and / or concentrically to the insert. The receptacle can extend (especially straight) through the insert, have a circular cross-section (especially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), and / or be designed like a bore. The receptacle can have a diameter of, for example, 5 mm to 48 mm (especially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis).

[0013] The draining device comprises a capillary body with a plurality of capillaries, which is arranged or secured in the receptacle. The securing can be achieved, for example, by crimping the insert or with at least one fastening element, such as a snap ring, a grid, or a rod. The capillary body can, in particular, be made at least partially of metal. The capillary body does not, in particular, comprise sintered metal. The capillaries can extend through the capillary body, in particular from a liquid inlet of the capillary body to a liquid outlet of the capillary body. The capillaries are, in particular, flow channels. The individual capillaries are, in particular, separated from one another and / or not connected to each other or within the capillary body in a fluid-conducting manner.The individual capillaries can, especially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, have a (especially mean) capillary diameter of, for example, 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm and / or a flow cross-section of, for example, 0.002 mm. 2 [square millimeter] to 0.2 mm 2The individual capillaries may (assuming the sinusoidal cell has a pitch-to-wavelength ratio of 2 to 3) exhibit, for example, a wavelength of 0.7 mm to 0.8 mm and / or a cell width ("pitch") of 0.35 mm to 0.7 mm. In particular, at approximately 10,000 cpsi (cells per square inch), the cell width ("pitch") may be approximately 0.36 mm and / or the wavelength approximately 0.12 mm. The individual capillaries may have a capillary length of, for example, 5 mm to 50 mm (especially parallel to the longitudinal axis). The number of capillaries and / or the geometry of the capillaries can be designed such that condensate can be discharged to the environment via the multitude of capillaries, for example at an exhaust gas pressure of 50 mbar [millibar] to 300 mbar, at a rate of 0.5 g / min [grams per minute] to 2,000 g / min, preferably 100 g / min to 250 g / min.The capillaries can create a capillary effect, allowing the condensate to be drawn through them, particularly from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet. Therefore, the condensate no longer needs to be vaporized in the exhaust system but can be discharged to the environment via the capillaries of the drain device. At the same time, the capillaries can create a high pressure drop or flow resistance relative to the exhaust gas in the system, minimizing the amount of exhaust gas escaping into the environment. For example, liquid may remain in the capillaries due to surface tension, forming a barrier to the exhaust gas. A minimum exhaust gas pressure may be required to discharge exhaust gas through the capillaries.

[0014] The insert can be at least partially sleeve-shaped. The insert can be at least partially tubular.

[0015] The insert may have a thread. In particular, the insert may have an external thread. The drain device or insert can be attached to the exhaust system via the thread.

[0016] The capillary body can have 1,000 to 35,000 capillaries per square inch, preferably 8,000 to 15,000 capillaries per square inch. The number of capillaries per square inch can be measured, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] The capillaries can run straight. In particular, all capillaries can run straight.

[0018] The capillaries can each have a constant diameter. In particular, the diameter along the longitudinal axis can be (essentially) constant. The capillaries can each have an (essentially) constant flow cross-section. In particular, the flow cross-section along the longitudinal axis can be (essentially) constant.

[0019] The capillary body can be a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure can comprise at least one metal foil. The at least one metal foil can have a thickness of, for example, 20 pm [micrometers] to 65 pm, preferably 25 pm to 50 pm. The honeycomb structure can be formed at least partially from at least one at least partially corrugated metal foil and / or at least one at least partially smooth metal foil. The heat exchanger can have a plurality of smooth metal foils and corrugated metal foils arranged or stacked on top of each other. One smooth metal foil and one corrugated metal foil can each form a layer. The smooth metal foils and the corrugated metal foils can be stacked alternately on top of each other and / or attached to one another, for example by means of a soldered or welded joint. In particular, the corrugated metal foils space apart each pair of adjacent smooth metal foils.The capillaries can be formed or delimited by at least one at least partially corrugated metal foil and / or by at least one at least partially smooth metal foil. The at least one at least partially corrugated metal foil and the at least one at least partially smooth metal foil can form gussets within the individual capillaries, generating capillary action. The at least one metal foil, or the at least one at least partially corrugated metal foil and / or the at least one at least partially smooth metal foil, can be wound, for example, spirally or in an S-shape. The honeycomb structure can have a cell density of 1,000 to 35,000 cpsi, preferably 8,000 to 15,000 cpsi.

[0020] The capillary body can contain a multitude of tubes. The tubes can be arranged side by side or adjacent to one another. The capillaries can be located within and / or between the tubes.

[0021] The capillary body can have a multitude of wires. The wires can be arranged side by side or adjacent to one another. The capillaries can be formed between the wires. The drain device can have a surge tank. The surge tank can be arranged or attached to the first longitudinal end of the insert. The surge tank can be annular and / or extend along the longitudinal axis. The surge tank can have a length of, for example, 5 mm to 20 mm (particularly parallel to the longitudinal axis). The surge tank can have at least one opening, which extends through the surge tank, particularly in a radial direction. The surge tank can have an outer diameter of, for example, 10 mm to 50 mm and / or an inner diameter of, for example, 8 mm to 48 mm (particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis).The surge tank can surround the liquid inlet of the capillary body. Condensate can collect in the surge tank, for example, due to sloshing movements and / or if the drain device or exhaust system is tilted. The surge tank can retain the condensate in the area of ​​the liquid inlet.

[0022] The drain device may include a filter. This filter may be a pre-filter and / or a coarse filter. The filter can at least partially prevent contaminants or dirt from entering the capillaries. The filter may be hood-shaped or bell-shaped. The filter may be located inside the surge tank.

[0023] The liquid inlet of the capillary body can be uneven or irregularly shaped. For example, the liquid inlet can be convex or conical. This can increase the entry area into the capillaries and / or reduce the accumulation of contaminants. Following a further aspect, an exhaust system for a motor vehicle is also proposed that includes at least one exhaust manifold with at least one drain device as described here.

[0024] For further details regarding the exhaust system, please refer in full to the description of the exhaust system.

[0025] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but that the invention is not limited to these. Identical components in the figures are designated with the same reference numerals. The figures show, by way of example and schematically:

[0026] Fig. 1: an exhaust system for a motor vehicle;

[0027] Fig. 2: a first variant of a drain device for the exhaust system in a longitudinal section;

[0028] Fig. 3: the first variant of the draining device in a cross-section;

[0029] Fig. 4: a second variant of the draining device in cross-section; and

[0030] Fig. 5: a third variant of the draining device in cross-section.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows an exhaust system 2 for a motor vehicle not shown here. The exhaust system 2 has an exhaust duct 11 comprising an exhaust manifold 16, a catalytic converter 17, a center silencer 18, a rear silencer 19, and exhaust pipes 20. Three drain devices 1 for draining condensate from the exhaust system 2 to an environment 21 of the exhaust system 2 are arranged in the exhaust duct 11.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a first variant of the drain device 1 in a longitudinal section. The drain device 1 comprises an insert 3 extending along a (straight) longitudinal axis 22 from a first longitudinal end 23 to a second longitudinal end 24. The insert 3 is sleeve-shaped and has a thread 7 on its outer circumferential surface 25. The drain device 1 can be screwed into the exhaust duct 11 of the exhaust system 2 shown in Fig. 1 by means of the thread 7. The insert 3 has a receptacle 4 extending along the longitudinal axis 22 from the first longitudinal end 23 to the second longitudinal end 24 of the insert 3. The receptacle 4 is designed in the form of a bore. A capillary body 5 with a plurality of capillaries 6 is arranged in the receptacle 4.The capillaries 6 extend parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 from a liquid inlet 14 of the capillary body 5 to a liquid outlet 15 of the capillary body 5. At the liquid inlet 14, the condensate can enter the capillaries 6 and flow through them to the liquid outlet 15. The condensate can exit the capillaries 6 at the liquid outlet 15. The condensate can then be discharged to the environment 21 via the liquid outlet 15. The capillaries 6 each have a diameter 26 that is (essentially) constant along the longitudinal axis 22. The liquid inlet 14 of the capillary body 5 is convex, and the liquid outlet 15 of the capillary body 5 is concave.

[0033] The liquid inlet 14 is surrounded by an annular surge tank 13. The surge tank 13 is attached to the first longitudinal end 23 of the insert 3 and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 22. The surge tank 13 has openings 27 that extend radially 30 through the surge tank 13. A filter 12 is arranged inside the surge tank 13. The filter 12 surrounds the liquid inlet 14 like a hood and can at least partially prevent dirt from entering the capillaries 6.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows the first variant of the draining device 1 in a cross-section along section line III-III shown in Fig. 2. In the first variant of the draining device 1, the capillary body 5 arranged in the receptacle 4 of the insert 3 is designed as a honeycomb structure 8. The honeycomb structure 8 comprises a plurality of corrugated metal foils 28 and smooth metal foils 29, which are stacked alternately on top of each other. The capillaries 6 are formed between the corrugated metal foils 28 and the smooth metal foils 29.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a second variant of the draining device 1 in a cross-section along section line III-III shown in Fig. 2. The second variant of the draining device 1 differs from the first variant of the draining device 1 only in that the capillary body 5 is formed with a plurality of tubes 9. The tubes 9 run parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 shown in Fig. 2. The capillaries 6 extend through and between the tubes 9.

[0036] Fig. 5 shows a third variant of the draining device 1 in a cross-section along section line III-III shown in Fig. 2. The third variant of the draining device 1 differs from the first and second variants of the draining device 1 only in that the capillary body 5 is formed with a plurality of wires 10. The wires 10 run parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 shown in Fig. 2. The capillaries 6 are formed between the wires 10.

[0037] Liquid condensate from the exhaust system 2 can be discharged into the environment 21 via the drain device 1. Reference list

[0038] 1 Drainage device

[0039] 2 Exhaust system

[0040] 3 deployment

[0041] 4 recording

[0042] 5 capillary bodies

[0043] 6 capillaries

[0044] 7 threads

[0045] 8 honeycomb bodies

[0046] 9 pipe

[0047] 10 wires

[0048] 11 Exhaust system

[0049] 12 filters

[0050] 13 surge tank

[0051] 14 Liquid inlet

[0052] 15 Liquid outlet

[0053] 16 exhaust manifolds

[0054] 17 Catalyst

[0055] 18 Center mufflers

[0056] 19 Rear silencers

[0057] 20 Exhaust pipe

[0058] 21 Surroundings

[0059] 22 Longitudinal axis

[0060] 23 first longitudinal end

[0061] 24 second longitudinal end

[0062] 25 outer circumferential area

[0063] 26 Diameter Opening

[0064] corrugated metal foil smooth metal foil radial direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Drainage device (1) for an exhaust system (2) of a motor vehicle, at least comprising: - an operation (3) with a recording (4); and - a capillary body (5) with a plurality of capillaries (6), wherein the capillary body (5) is arranged or can be arranged in the receptacle (4).

2. Drainage device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insert (3) is at least partially sleeve-shaped.

3. Drainage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3) has a thread (7).

4. Drainage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capillary body (5) has 500 to 25,000 capillaries (6) per square inch.

5. Drainage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capillaries (6) run straight.

6. Drainage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capillaries (6) run parallel to each other.

7. Drainage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capillaries (6) have a constant diameter (26).

8. Drainage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capillary body (5) is a honeycomb body (8).

9. Drainage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capillary body (5) comprises a plurality of tubes (9).

10. Exhaust device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capillary body (5) has a plurality of wires (10).

11. Drainage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a surge tank (13).

12. Drainage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a filter (12).

13. Exhaust device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a liquid inlet (14) of the capillary body (5) is not planar.

14. Exhaust system (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one exhaust guide (11) with at least one drain device (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims.

Images