EP1422411B1 - Exhaust gas recirculation device of internal combustion engine - Google Patents
Exhaust gas recirculation device of internal combustion engine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1422411B1 EP1422411B1 EP03026729A EP03026729A EP1422411B1 EP 1422411 B1 EP1422411 B1 EP 1422411B1 EP 03026729 A EP03026729 A EP 03026729A EP 03026729 A EP03026729 A EP 03026729A EP 1422411 B1 EP1422411 B1 EP 1422411B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- egr
- exhaust gas
- recirculation device
- passage
- gas recirculation
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 title claims description 11
- 230000003197 catalytic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 53
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M26/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding exhaust gases to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture, e.g. by exhaust gas recirculation [EGR] systems
- F02M26/12—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding exhaust gases to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture, e.g. by exhaust gas recirculation [EGR] systems characterised by means for attaching parts of an EGR system to each other or to engine parts
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M26/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding exhaust gases to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture, e.g. by exhaust gas recirculation [EGR] systems
- F02M26/13—Arrangement or layout of EGR passages, e.g. in relation to specific engine parts or for incorporation of accessories
- F02M26/14—Arrangement or layout of EGR passages, e.g. in relation to specific engine parts or for incorporation of accessories in relation to the exhaust system
- F02M26/15—Arrangement or layout of EGR passages, e.g. in relation to specific engine parts or for incorporation of accessories in relation to the exhaust system in relation to engine exhaust purifying apparatus
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) devices of an internal combustion engine and more particularly to the exhaust gas recirculation devices of a type which is compact in size, simple in construction and thus easy to be mounted on a limited space of an engine room of a motor vehicle.
- EGR exhaust gas recirculation
- exhaust gas recirculation devices are designed to circulate part of the exhaust gas into an intake system of the engine for lowering the combustion temperature of an air/fuel mixture in the engine thereby to reduce NOx emissions from the engine.
- Another exhaust gas circulation device is shown in document US-A1-2001/008616 , wherein the EGR gas inlet port is provided downstream the catalytic converter, and the EGR passage extends from the EGR gas inlet port to the intake system of the engine.
- an exhaust gas recirculation device for use with an internal combustion engine which has a spheric coupler through which an exhaust manifold and a catalytic converter are pivotally connected, which comprises an EGR gas inlet port provided in a downstream portion of the catalytic converter; and an EGR gas passage line extending from the EGR gas inlet port to an intake system of the engine, wherein at least a part of the EGR gas passage line is constructed by a passage defined in the spheric coupler.
- an exhaust gas recirculation device for use with an internal combustion engine having an exhaust manifold to which a catalytic converter is pivotally connected through a spheric coupler, which comprises an EGR gas inlet port provided in an exhaust pipe downstream of the catalytic converter; a passage defined in the spheric coupler, the passage of the spheric coupler keeping its open condition even when the spheric coupler assumes a tilted position; a first EGR tube extending from the EGR gas inlet port to an inlet part of the passage of the spheric coupler; and a second EGR tube extending from an outlet part of the passage of the spheric coupler to an intake system of the engine.
- FIG. 1 there is shown an exhaust gas recirculation device 100, which is the first embodiment of the present invention.
- an internal combustion engine 1 which is of a transversely mounted type.
- An intake manifold 2 is connected to a front side of engine 1, and a collector unit 3 of intake manifold 2 is positioned above engine 1.
- an exhaust manifold 4 which has on a united downstream portion of branches thereof a flange 5.
- a catalytic converter 7 To flange 5, there is connected a catalytic converter 7 through a spheric coupler 6.
- Catalytic converter 7 has an outlet port (no numeral) from which an exhaust pipe 8 extends.
- an EGR gas inlet port 9 is formed in a downstream part of catalytic converter 7. As will be described in detail hereinafter, EGR gas inlet port 9 is exposed to an EGR gas passage 10 that extends axially on and along a cylindrical case of catalytic converter 7. EGR gas passage 10 has an outlet from which a first EGR tube 11 extends to an EGR passage provided in spheric coupler 6. From the EGR passage of spheric coupler 6, there extends a second EGR tube 12 to the above-mentioned collector unit 3 through an EGR valve 13.
- flange 5 connected to the downstream united portion of exhaust manifold 4 is formed with a smaller diameter tubular part 5a about which an annular gasket 14 is tightly disposed via press-fitting.
- annular gasket 14 forms an essential element of spheric coupler 6 and has an open right end formed with a convex surface 14a.
- Catalytic converter 7 comprises generally a cylindrical case 17, a catalyst support 15 installed in case 17, a holding mat 16 pressed between cylindrical case 17 and catalyst support 15, a conical inlet defuser 18 connected to an inlet end of case 17 and a conical outlet defuser 19 connected to an outlet end of case 17.
- a flare flange unit 20 which forms another essential element of the above-mentioned spheric coupler 6 and has an open left part formed with a concave surface 20a which is intimately and slidably mated with convex surface 14a of annular gasket 14. It is now to be noted that due to the slidable contact between convex and concave surfaces 14a and 20a, a relative pivoting between annular gasket 14 and flare flange unit 20 is achieved.
- a peripheral portion 20b of flare flange unit 20 is formed at its diametrically opposed portions with two bolt holes through which two threaded bolts 21 pass to loosely connect flare flange unit 20 to flange 5. That is, for this connection, each threaded bolt 21 is screwed into a threaded bore formed in flange 5, as shown. About each threaded bolt 21, there is disposed a coil spring 22 which is arranged to pull the peripheral portion 20b of flare flange unit 20 toward flange 5. Due to the work of the coil springs 22, concave surface 20a of flare flange unit 20 is biased against convex surface 14a of annular gasket 14 thereby to achieve an assured sealing therebetween.
- flare flange unit 20 is caused to pivot relative to annular gasket 14 about an imaginary axis "L" (see Fig. 2 ) that connects the two bolts 21 while diametrically crossing flare flange unit 20. Due to this pivotal connection, vertical swing movement of exhaust manifold 4 and that of catalytic converter 7, which are inevitably caused by vertical vibration of engine 1, are assuredly and effectively absorbed.
- cylindrical case 17 is produced by curving a single metal plate. That is, as is understood from this drawing, the metal plate is pressed or curved to have a generally S-shaped cross section with a larger round upper part and a smaller rectangular lower part. Then, longitudinal flanged edges of the shaped metal plate are welded to predetermined portions "W". With these steps, there are defined a cylindrical exhaust gas chamber 17a which has catalyst support 15 (not shown in the drawing) received therein and an axially extending passage which constitutes the above-mentioned EGR gas passage 10. As shown, the EGR gas passage 10 extends in parallel with cylindrical exhaust gas chamber 17a and is isolated from the exhaust gas chamber 17a by a part 17b of case 17.
- conical outlet defuser 19 is produced by pressing a circular metal plate. Due to this pressing, a part of the metal plate is radially outwardly expanded to produce a radially expanded grooved portion 23 which serves as the above-mentioned EGR gas inlet port 9.
- EGR gas passage 10 has a downstream open end 10a which is positioned radially outside of conical inlet defuser 18. From the downstream open end 10a, there extends first EGR tube 11 to spheric coupler 6.
- the catalytic converter 7 when properly mounted in the exhaust system, the catalytic converter 7 is inclined in such a manner that its inlet port is positioned higher than its outlet port with respect to a road surface on which the associated motor vehicle stands. Due to this inclination of catalytic converter 7, EGR gas passage 10 inclines also, and thus, stagnation of condensed water in the passage 10 is prevented.
- spheric coupler 6 at a portion that constitutes a part of the exhaust gas recirculation device 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 , 6A , 6B , 7A and 7B .
- spheric coupler 6 comprises generally two parts which are, as is seen from Fig. 5 , the annular gasket 14 and the flare flange unit 20 which are connected to each other through a so-called spherical bearing connection.
- annular gasket 14 is formed with convex surface 14a and flare flange unit 20 is formed with concave surface 20a. These convex and concave surfaces 14a and 20a are mated to intimately contact to each other. If desired, to the contrary, the convex surface may be provided by flare flange unit 20 and the concave surface may be provided by annular gasket 14.
- annular gasket 14 is formed with two EGR passages 24 at diametrically opposed portions. Also flare flange unit 20 is formed with two EGR openings 25 at diametrically opposed portions.
- these EGR passages 24 and openings 25 are mated with one another at the mutually contacting convex and concave surfaces 14a and 20a.
- the two EGR openings 25 are exposed to a concave enclosed space 26 which is defined between an inner concave member 27a and an outer concave member 27b.
- outer member 27b is welded at its peripheral edge "W" to inner member 27a to constitute the flare flange unit 20.
- each of EGR openings 25 of flare flange unit 20 is so sized and shaped as to cover the entire area of the open end of the corresponding EGR passage 24 of annular gasket 14 even when flare flange unit 20 assumes a maximum angular position relative to annular gasket 14.
- each open end of the EGR passages 24 and each EGR opening 25 are shaped elliptical.
- flare flange unit 20 is permitted to pivot about the imaginary axis "L” (see Fig. 2 ) and thus can assume the maximum angular position that is denoted by reference " ⁇ " in Fig. 7B .
- concave enclosed space 26 of flare flange unit 20 is communicated with two EGR passages 24 of annular gasket 14 (see Fig. 2 ) as well as first EGR tube 11 (see Fig. 3 ) through an inlet opening 28 formed in outer concave member 27b of flare flange unit 20.
- inlet opening 28 is positioned at the lowermost portion of the outer concave member 27b with respect to a road surface on which the associated motor vehicle stands.
- the flange 5 provided on the united downstream portion of exhaust manifold 4 is formed with two EGR passages 29 which are connected with the passages 24 of annular gasket 14 respectively.
- the EGR passages 29 are united and then connected to second EGR tube 12 for connecting with EGR valve 13 (see Fig. 1 ).
- EGR gas inlet port 9 EGR gas passage 10
- first EGR tube 11 concave enclosed space 26
- two EGR openings 25 two EGR passages 24,
- two EGR passages 29 and second EGR tube 12 constitute a so-called "EGR gas passage line” that conveys a cleaned exhaust gas to the collector unit 3 through EGR valve 13.
- an intermediate part of the EGR gas passage line that is the part constructed by concave enclosed space 26 of flare flange unit 20, EGR openings 25 of flare flange unit 20, and EGR passages 24 of annular gasket 14, is compactly and effectively provided by spheric coupler 6. That is, as is seen from Fig. 1 , the fluid connection between first and second EGR tubes 11 and 12 is kept even when spheric coupler 6 shows its tilted condition (see Fig. 7B ) due to an angled position of catalytic converter 7 relative to exhaust manifold 4.
- Spheric coupler 6 is of an articulated type comprising annular gasket 14 with convex surface 14a and flare flange unit 20 with concave surface 20a which intimately and slidably contacts the convex surface 14a.
- Annular gasket 14 is formed with EGR passages 24 and flare flange unit 20 is formed with EGR openings 25 mated with concave enclosed space 26.
- EGR passages 24 and EGR openings 25 are mated at the area where convex surface 14a and concave surface 20a intimately contact.
- each of EGR openings 25 of flare flange unit 20 is so sized and shaped as to cover the entire area of the open end of the corresponding EGR passage 24 of annular gasket 14 even when flare flange unit 20 is largely angled relative to annular gasket 14.
- EGR gas flow in the EGR gas passage line is smoothly and assuredly carried out even when a large relative angle is kept between flare flange unit 20 and annular gasket 14.
- flare flange unit 20 Due to provision of two bolts 21 (see Fig. 2 ) that loosely connect flare flange unit 20 to the flange 5 of the exhaust manifold 4, flare flange unit 20 is caused to pivot relative to annular gasket 14 about the imaginary axis "L". Accordingly, relative displacement between the open ends of EGR passages 24 of annular gasket 14 and their corresponding EGR openings 25 of flare flange unit 20 can be minimized, which can reduce the size of the open ends of EGR passages and EGR openings 25.
- the welded portions "W" of flare flange unit 20 are kept away from the mutually contacting convex and concave surfaces 14a and 20a of spheric coupler 6.
- the heat generated during the welding has substantially no influence on such surfaces 14a and 20a, and thus, a sealing ability possessed by the surfaces 14a and 20a is kept unchanged.
- the welded portions "W" are exposed to the open area, the welding at such portions "W” is easily carried out.
- the opening 28 of outer concave member 27b of flare flange unit 20 is positioned at the lowermost portion of the member 27b. Accordingly, condensed water inevitably produced in concave enclosed space 26 of flare flange unit 20 is smoothly drained therefrom, and thus, flare flange unit 20 is suppressed from having rust.
- an upstream part of the EGR gas passage line that is, the part constructed by EGR gas inlet port 9 and EGR gas passage 10, is neatly, compactly and integrally provided by case 17 of catalytic converter 7.
- the exhaust gas recirculation device 100 can be simplified in construction and reduced in size. As is known, the exhaust gas recirculation device 100 having such features is easily mounted in an engine room even when the engine room has a limited space.
- EGR gas inlet port 9 is provided by pressing a part of conical outlet defuser 19 (see Fig. 4B ) and EGR gas passage 10 is provided by curving or pressing a single metal plate to have a generally S-shaped cross section (see Fig. 4A ).
- the upstream part of the EGR gas passage line can be provided at a lower cost.
- EGR gas inlet port 9 is positioned and constructed to receive a cleaned exhaust gas that has passed through catalytic converter 7, the interior of the EGR gas passage line is entirely protected from collecting unwanted deposits.
- catalytic converter 7 upon mounting on a motor vehicle, catalytic converter 7 is postured to incline with its inlet port positioned higher than its outlet port with respect to the road surface. Due to this inclination of catalytic converter 7, EGR gas passage 10 inclines also, and thus, stagnation of condensed water in the passage 10 is prevented. Thus, the passage 10 is protected from having rust.
- FIG. 8 there is shown an exhaust gas recirculation device 200, which is a second embodiment of the present invention.
- an EGR gas inlet port 31 is provided in exhaust pipe 8 downstream of catalytic converter 7, and an EGR tube 32 extends from EGR gas inlet port 31 to inlet opening 28 formed in outer concave member 27b of flare flange unit 20.
- the fluid connection between the two EGR tubes 32 and 12 is assuredly kept even when spheric coupler 6 shows its tilted condition (see Fig. 7B ) due to an angled position of catalytic converter 7 relative to exhaust manifold 4.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Exhaust-Gas Circulating Devices (AREA)
- Exhaust Gas After Treatment (AREA)
- Exhaust Silencers (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates in general to exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) devices of an internal combustion engine and more particularly to the exhaust gas recirculation devices of a type which is compact in size, simple in construction and thus easy to be mounted on a limited space of an engine room of a motor vehicle.
- As is known, exhaust gas recirculation devices (or systems) are designed to circulate part of the exhaust gas into an intake system of the engine for lowering the combustion temperature of an air/fuel mixture in the engine thereby to reduce NOx emissions from the engine.
- One of such exhaust gas circulation devices is shown in Laid-Open
Japanese Utility Model Application (Jikkaihei) 1-78256 - In internal combustion engines having the above-mentioned EGR device, there is a type of employing an articulated coupler for pivotally connecting a catalytic converter to an exhaust manifold for the purpose of blocking undesired transmission of the vibration, pitching and/or rolling of the engine to the catalytic converter.
- Another exhaust gas circulation device is shown in document
US-A1-2001/008616 , wherein the EGR gas inlet port is provided downstream the catalytic converter, and the EGR passage extends from the EGR gas inlet port to the intake system of the engine. - However, in the internal combustion engines of the above-mentioned type, usage of such articulated coupler, by which the catalytic converter is pivotally movable relative to the exhaust manifold, tends to induce a deformation of the longer EGR tube. Of course, when the deformation becomes marked, smoothed gas flow is not achieved in the EGR tube and thus in this case, satisfied performance of the EGR device is not expected. Furthermore, in the internal combustion engine of the type, layout of the EGR passage line of the EGR device has been given little thought. In fact, for just convenience sake, a longer EGR tube has been used which extends from the exhaust gas inlet port to the intake system of the engine running through a limited space defined in the engine room. As is known, such arrangement of the EGR device brings about a bulky and complicated construction of the same and thus makes the assembling work of the EGR device in the engine room difficult or at least troublesome.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an exhaust gas recirculation device, which is free of the above-mentioned drawbacks.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exhaust gas recirculation device for use with an internal combustion engine which has a spheric coupler through which an exhaust manifold and a catalytic converter are pivotally connected, which comprises an EGR gas inlet port provided in a downstream portion of the catalytic converter; and an EGR gas passage line extending from the EGR gas inlet port to an intake system of the engine, wherein at least a part of the EGR gas passage line is constructed by a passage defined in the spheric coupler.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exhaust gas recirculation device for use with an internal combustion engine having an exhaust manifold to which a catalytic converter is pivotally connected through a spheric coupler, which comprises an EGR gas inlet port provided in an exhaust pipe downstream of the catalytic converter; a passage defined in the spheric coupler, the passage of the spheric coupler keeping its open condition even when the spheric coupler assumes a tilted position; a first EGR tube extending from the EGR gas inlet port to an inlet part of the passage of the spheric coupler; and a second EGR tube extending from an outlet part of the passage of the spheric coupler to an intake system of the engine.
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Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an engine room of a motor vehicle in which an exhaust gas recirculation device of a first embodiment of the present invention is practically mounted; -
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an exhaust manifold and a catalytic converter connected thereto, which are incorporated with the first embodiment; -
Fig. 3 is a sectional view similar toFig. 2 , but showing the view taken from a different direction; -
Fig. 4A is a sectional view of a major portion of a case of the catalytic converter; -
Fig. 4B is an end view of an outlet defuser of the catalytic converter; -
Fig. 5 is a sectional and exploded view of a spheric coupler and its associated parts, which are employed in the first embodiment; -
Fig. 6A is a view taken from a direction of the arrow "C" ofFig. 5 ; -
Fig. 6B is a view taken from a direction of the arrow "D" ofFig. 5 ; -
Fig. 7A is a sectional view of the spheric coupler in an assembled condition; -
Fig. 7B is a view similar toFig. 7A , but showing a tilted condition of the spheric coupler; and -
Fig. 8 is a view similar toFig. 1 , but showing an exhaust gas recirculation device of a second embodiment of the present invention. - In the following, two, viz., first and
second embodiments - For ease of understanding, various directional terms, such as right, left, upper, lower, rightward, etc., will be used in the following description. However, such terms are to be understood with respect to only a drawing or drawings on which the corresponding part or portion is shown.
- Referring to
Fig. 1 , there is shown an exhaustgas recirculation device 100, which is the first embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in the drawing, mounted in an engine room of a motor vehicle is an internal combustion engine 1 which is of a transversely mounted type. An intake manifold 2 is connected to a front side of engine 1, and a
collector unit 3 of intake manifold 2 is positioned above engine 1. - To a rear side of engine 1, there is connected an
exhaust manifold 4 which has on a united downstream portion of branches thereof aflange 5. Toflange 5, there is connected acatalytic converter 7 through aspheric coupler 6.Catalytic converter 7 has an outlet port (no numeral) from which anexhaust pipe 8 extends. - Due to usage of
spheric coupler 6, relative pivoting betweencatalytic converter 7 andexhaust manifold 4 is permitted. Thus, swing movement of engine 1, which is inevitably produced under operation of the same, is appropriately absorbed byspheric coupler 6, and thus,catalytic converter 7 is suppressed from swinging largely. In fact, if the connection betweenexhaust manifold 4 and catalytic converter is tightly made without usage of suchspheric coupler 6, the swing movement of engine 1 would induce a larger swinging ofcatalytic converter 7, which increases a possibility of bumping ofcatalytic converter 7 against the vehicle body. In case wherein an exhaust manifold is large in size and thus largely projected from the engine, suchspheric coupler 6 is usually employed. - Referring back to
Fig. 1 , an EGRgas inlet port 9 is formed in a downstream part ofcatalytic converter 7. As will be described in detail hereinafter, EGRgas inlet port 9 is exposed to anEGR gas passage 10 that extends axially on and along a cylindrical case ofcatalytic converter 7. EGRgas passage 10 has an outlet from which a first EGRtube 11 extends to an EGR passage provided inspheric coupler 6. From the EGR passage ofspheric coupler 6, there extends asecond EGR tube 12 to the above-mentionedcollector unit 3 through anEGR valve 13. - In the following, the pivotal connection between
exhaust manifold 4 andcatalytic converter 7 throughspheric coupler 6 will be described in detail with reference toFigs. 2 and3 . - As shown,
flange 5 connected to the downstream united portion ofexhaust manifold 4 is formed with a smaller diametertubular part 5a about which anannular gasket 14 is tightly disposed via press-fitting. - As will become apparent hereinafter,
annular gasket 14 forms an essential element ofspheric coupler 6 and has an open right end formed with aconvex surface 14a. -
Catalytic converter 7 comprises generally acylindrical case 17, acatalyst support 15 installed incase 17, aholding mat 16 pressed betweencylindrical case 17 andcatalyst support 15, a conical inlet defuser 18 connected to an inlet end ofcase 17 and a conical outlet defuser 19 connected to an outlet end ofcase 17. - To conical inlet defuser 18, there is connected a
flare flange unit 20 which forms another essential element of the above-mentionedspheric coupler 6 and has an open left part formed with aconcave surface 20a which is intimately and slidably mated withconvex surface 14a ofannular gasket 14. It is now to be noted that due to the slidable contact between convex andconcave surfaces annular gasket 14 andflare flange unit 20 is achieved. - A
peripheral portion 20b offlare flange unit 20 is formed at its diametrically opposed portions with two bolt holes through which two threadedbolts 21 pass to loosely connectflare flange unit 20 toflange 5. That is, for this connection, each threadedbolt 21 is screwed into a threaded bore formed inflange 5, as shown. About each threadedbolt 21, there is disposed acoil spring 22 which is arranged to pull theperipheral portion 20b offlare flange unit 20 towardflange 5. Due to the work of the coil springs 22,concave surface 20a offlare flange unit 20 is biased againstconvex surface 14a ofannular gasket 14 thereby to achieve an assured sealing therebetween. - Because of provision of the two
bolts 21,flare flange unit 20 is caused to pivot relative toannular gasket 14 about an imaginary axis "L" (seeFig. 2 ) that connects the twobolts 21 while diametrically crossingflare flange unit 20. Due to this pivotal connection, vertical swing movement ofexhaust manifold 4 and that ofcatalytic converter 7, which are inevitably caused by vertical vibration of engine 1, are assuredly and effectively absorbed. - In the following, the detail of
catalytic converter 7 at a portion that constitutes a part of the exhaustgas recirculation device 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. - As is seen from
Fig. 4A ,cylindrical case 17 is produced by curving a single metal plate. That is, as is understood from this drawing, the metal plate is pressed or curved to have a generally S-shaped cross section with a larger round upper part and a smaller rectangular lower part. Then, longitudinal flanged edges of the shaped metal plate are welded to predetermined portions "W". With these steps, there are defined a cylindricalexhaust gas chamber 17a which has catalyst support 15 (not shown in the drawing) received therein and an axially extending passage which constitutes the above-mentionedEGR gas passage 10. As shown, theEGR gas passage 10 extends in parallel with cylindricalexhaust gas chamber 17a and is isolated from theexhaust gas chamber 17a by apart 17b ofcase 17. - As is seen from
Fig. 4B ,conical outlet defuser 19 is produced by pressing a circular metal plate. Due to this pressing, a part of the metal plate is radially outwardly expanded to produce a radially expandedgrooved portion 23 which serves as the above-mentioned EGRgas inlet port 9. - As is seen from
Fig. 3 , whenconical outlet defuser 19 is properly connected tocylindrical case 17, an inside part of grooved expandedportion 23 is exposed to an open end of theEGR gas passage 10. Thus, upon proper connection,exhaust gas chamber 17a andEGR gas passage 10 become communicated to each other through grooved expandedportion 23 which serves as the EGRgas inlet port 9. - As is seen from
Fig. 3 ,EGR gas passage 10 has a downstreamopen end 10a which is positioned radially outside ofconical inlet defuser 18. From the downstreamopen end 10a, there extendsfirst EGR tube 11 tospheric coupler 6. - As is seen from
Fig. 1 , when properly mounted in the exhaust system, thecatalytic converter 7 is inclined in such a manner that its inlet port is positioned higher than its outlet port with respect to a road surface on which the associated motor vehicle stands. Due to this inclination ofcatalytic converter 7,EGR gas passage 10 inclines also, and thus, stagnation of condensed water in thepassage 10 is prevented. - In the following, the detail of
spheric coupler 6 at a portion that constitutes a part of the exhaustgas recirculation device 100 will be described with reference toFigs. 5 ,6A ,6B ,7A and 7B . - As has been mentioned hereinafore,
spheric coupler 6 comprises generally two parts which are, as is seen fromFig. 5 , theannular gasket 14 and theflare flange unit 20 which are connected to each other through a so-called spherical bearing connection. - That is,
annular gasket 14 is formed withconvex surface 14a and flareflange unit 20 is formed withconcave surface 20a. These convex andconcave surfaces flare flange unit 20 and the concave surface may be provided byannular gasket 14. - As is seen from
Figs. 5 ,6A and 6B ,annular gasket 14 is formed with twoEGR passages 24 at diametrically opposed portions. Also flareflange unit 20 is formed with twoEGR openings 25 at diametrically opposed portions. - As is seen from
Fig. 2 , theseEGR passages 24 andopenings 25 are mated with one another at the mutually contacting convex andconcave surfaces - As is seen from this drawing, the two
EGR openings 25 are exposed to a concaveenclosed space 26 which is defined between an innerconcave member 27a and an outerconcave member 27b. As shown,outer member 27b is welded at its peripheral edge "W" toinner member 27a to constitute theflare flange unit 20. - As may be understood from
Figs. 5 ,7A and 7B , each ofEGR openings 25 offlare flange unit 20 is so sized and shaped as to cover the entire area of the open end of the correspondingEGR passage 24 ofannular gasket 14 even whenflare flange unit 20 assumes a maximum angular position relative toannular gasket 14. In the illustrated embodiment, each open end of theEGR passages 24 and eachEGR opening 25 are shaped elliptical. - As is seen from
Figs. 2 and7B , due to provision of two bolts 21 (seeFig. 2 ),flare flange unit 20 is permitted to pivot about the imaginary axis "L" (seeFig. 2 ) and thus can assume the maximum angular position that is denoted by reference "θ" inFig. 7B . - As is seen from
Figs. 6A and 6B , the open ends ofEGR passages 24 ofannular gasket 14 are positioned on the imaginary axis "L" andEGR openings 25 offlare flange unit 20 are also positioned on the imaginary axis "L". Due to this arrangement, relative displacement between the open ends ofEGR passages 24 and theircorresponding EGR openings 25 can be minimized, which can reduce the size of the open ends ofEGR passages 24 andEGR openings 25. - Referring back to
Figs. 2 and3 , concaveenclosed space 26 offlare flange unit 20 is communicated with twoEGR passages 24 of annular gasket 14 (seeFig. 2 ) as well as first EGR tube 11 (seeFig. 3 ) through aninlet opening 28 formed in outerconcave member 27b offlare flange unit 20. - As is seen from
Fig. 1 , when exhaustgas recirculation device 100 is properly mounted in the engine room, inlet opening 28 is positioned at the lowermost portion of the outerconcave member 27b with respect to a road surface on which the associated motor vehicle stands. - As is seen from
Fig. 2 , theflange 5 provided on the united downstream portion ofexhaust manifold 4 is formed with twoEGR passages 29 which are connected with thepassages 24 ofannular gasket 14 respectively. TheEGR passages 29 are united and then connected tosecond EGR tube 12 for connecting with EGR valve 13 (seeFig. 1 ). - Thus, as is seen from
Figs. 1 ,2 and3 , EGRgas inlet port 9,EGR gas passage 10,first EGR tube 11, concaveenclosed space 26, twoEGR openings 25, twoEGR passages 24, twoEGR passages 29 andsecond EGR tube 12 constitute a so-called "EGR gas passage line" that conveys a cleaned exhaust gas to thecollector unit 3 throughEGR valve 13. - In the following, operation of exhaust
gas recirculation device 100 will be described with the aid of the drawings, especiallyFigs. 1 ,2 and3 . - As is seen from
Fig. 1 , under operation of engine 1, exhaust gas from engine 1 is led intocatalytic converter 7 throughexhaust manifold 4 andspheric coupler 6. Thus, exhaust gas is treated and cleaned bycatalytic converter 7 before being discharged to the open air throughexhaust pipe 8. - During this, as is seen from
Fig. 3 , a part of the cleaned exhaust gas, that has passed throughcatalyst support 15 ofcatalytic converter 7, is led intoEGR gas passage 10 from EGRgas inlet port 9 defined byconical outlet defuser 19. The cleaned exhaust gas is then led intofirst EGR tube 11, concaveenclosed space 26 offlare flange unit 20, and then as is seen fromFig. 2 , intoEGR passages 24 ofannular gasket 14 and intoEGR passages 29 of theflange 5 and then, as is seen fromFig. 1 , intosecond EGR tube 12 and finally led to thecollector unit 3 throughEGR valve 13. Due to the EGR gas recirculation as mentioned hereinabove, NOx emissions from the engine 1 can be reduced. - Now, advantages of the above-mentioned exhaust gas recirculation device of the
first embodiment 100 will be described. - As is seen from
Figs. 1 and2 , an intermediate part of the EGR gas passage line, that is the part constructed by concaveenclosed space 26 offlare flange unit 20,EGR openings 25 offlare flange unit 20, andEGR passages 24 ofannular gasket 14, is compactly and effectively provided byspheric coupler 6. That is, as is seen fromFig. 1 , the fluid connection between first andsecond EGR tubes spheric coupler 6 shows its tilted condition (seeFig. 7B ) due to an angled position ofcatalytic converter 7 relative to exhaustmanifold 4. - Due to provision of
spheric coupler 6 having the above-mentioned construction, vertical swing movement ofexhaust manifold 4 and that ofcatalytic converter 7, which are inevitably produced by vertical vibration of engine 1, are assuredly and effectively absorbed while keeping the fluid connection between concaveenclosed space 26 offlare flange unit 20 and each ofEGR passages 24 ofannular gasket 14. As may be understood fromFigs. 1 and7B , the pivotal movement betweenflare flange unit 20 andannular gasket 14 applies no stress to first andsecond EGR tubes tubes -
Spheric coupler 6 is of an articulated type comprisingannular gasket 14 withconvex surface 14a and flareflange unit 20 withconcave surface 20a which intimately and slidably contacts theconvex surface 14a.Annular gasket 14 is formed withEGR passages 24 and flareflange unit 20 is formed withEGR openings 25 mated with concaveenclosed space 26. TheseEGR passages 24 andEGR openings 25 are mated at the area whereconvex surface 14a andconcave surface 20a intimately contact. These arrangements bring about not only an assured pivotal connection betweenexhaust manifold 4 andcatalytic converter 7 but also an assured constant fluid connection between first andsecond EGR tubes - As is seen from
Figs. 6A, 6B and7B , each ofEGR openings 25 offlare flange unit 20 is so sized and shaped as to cover the entire area of the open end of the correspondingEGR passage 24 ofannular gasket 14 even whenflare flange unit 20 is largely angled relative toannular gasket 14. Thus, EGR gas flow in the EGR gas passage line is smoothly and assuredly carried out even when a large relative angle is kept betweenflare flange unit 20 andannular gasket 14. - Due to provision of two bolts 21 (see
Fig. 2 ) that loosely connectflare flange unit 20 to theflange 5 of theexhaust manifold 4, flareflange unit 20 is caused to pivot relative toannular gasket 14 about the imaginary axis "L". Accordingly, relative displacement between the open ends ofEGR passages 24 ofannular gasket 14 and theircorresponding EGR openings 25 offlare flange unit 20 can be minimized, which can reduce the size of the open ends of EGR passages andEGR openings 25. - Since, as is seen from
Fig. 2 , twoEGR passages 24 ofannular gasket 14 and twoEGR openings 25 offlare'flange unit 20 are provided at diametrically opposed positions ofspheric coupler 6, not only a mechanically balanced construction ofspheric coupler 6 but also a hydro-mechanically balanced flow of EGR gas is achieved in the EGR gas passage line. - As is seen from
Fig. 3 , the welded portions "W" offlare flange unit 20 are kept away from the mutually contacting convex andconcave surfaces spheric coupler 6. Thus, the heat generated during the welding has substantially no influence onsuch surfaces surfaces - Upon assembly of the exhaust
gas recirculation device 100, theopening 28 of outerconcave member 27b offlare flange unit 20 is positioned at the lowermost portion of themember 27b. Accordingly, condensed water inevitably produced in concaveenclosed space 26 offlare flange unit 20 is smoothly drained therefrom, and thus, flareflange unit 20 is suppressed from having rust. - As is seen from
Fig. 3 , an upstream part of the EGR gas passage line, that is, the part constructed by EGRgas inlet port 9 andEGR gas passage 10, is neatly, compactly and integrally provided bycase 17 ofcatalytic converter 7. Thus, as is seen fromFig. 1 , the exhaustgas recirculation device 100 can be simplified in construction and reduced in size. As is known, the exhaustgas recirculation device 100 having such features is easily mounted in an engine room even when the engine room has a limited space. - EGR
gas inlet port 9 is provided by pressing a part of conical outlet defuser 19 (seeFig. 4B ) andEGR gas passage 10 is provided by curving or pressing a single metal plate to have a generally S-shaped cross section (seeFig. 4A ). Thus, the upstream part of the EGR gas passage line can be provided at a lower cost. - Since EGR
gas inlet port 9 is positioned and constructed to receive a cleaned exhaust gas that has passed throughcatalytic converter 7, the interior of the EGR gas passage line is entirely protected from collecting unwanted deposits. - As is seen from
Fig. 1 , upon mounting on a motor vehicle,catalytic converter 7 is postured to incline with its inlet port positioned higher than its outlet port with respect to the road surface. Due to this inclination ofcatalytic converter 7,EGR gas passage 10 inclines also, and thus, stagnation of condensed water in thepassage 10 is prevented. Thus, thepassage 10 is protected from having rust. - Referring to
Fig. 8 , there is shown an exhaustgas recirculation device 200, which is a second embodiment of the present invention. - In this
embodiment 200, there is no means that corresponds to the EGR gas passage (10) integrally provided bycatalytic converter 7 employed in the above-mentionedfirst embodiment 100. That is, in thissecond embodiment 200, an EGRgas inlet port 31 is provided inexhaust pipe 8 downstream ofcatalytic converter 7, and anEGR tube 32 extends from EGRgas inlet port 31 to inlet opening 28 formed in outerconcave member 27b offlare flange unit 20. Also in thisembodiment 200, the fluid connection between the twoEGR tubes spheric coupler 6 shows its tilted condition (seeFig. 7B ) due to an angled position ofcatalytic converter 7 relative to exhaustmanifold 4.
Claims (16)
- An exhaust gas recirculation device (100, 200) for use with an internal combustion engine (1) which has a spheric coupler through which an exhaust manifold (4) and a catalytic converter (7) are pivotally connected, comprising
an EGR gas inlet port (9, 31) provided in a downstream portion of the catalytic converter (7); and
an EGR gas passage line (10, 11, 24, 25, 26, 12, 32) extending from the EGR gas inlet port (9) to an intake system (3) of the engine (1), characterized in that,
at least a part of the EGR gas passage line is constructed by a passage (24, 25, 26) defined in the spheric coupler (6). - An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the spheric coupler comprises:a first member (14) having a convex surface (14a) and connected to one (4) of the exhaust manifold (4) and the catalytic converter (7);a second member (20) having a concave surface (20a) intimately contactable with the convex surface (14a) of the first member (14), the second member (20) being connected to the other (7) of the exhaust manifold (4) and the catalytic converter (7);a first EGR passage (24) defined in the first member (14);
anda second EGR passage (25, 26) defined in the second member (20) and constantly exposed to the first EGR passage (24) of the first member (14). - An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 2, in which one of mutually facing open ends of the first and second EGR passages (24, 25, 26) is so sized and shaped as to cover the entire area of the other of the mutually facing open ends even when the first and second members (14, 20) show a maximum relative angle therebetween.
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 3, in which the spheric coupler further comprises a pivot direction controller (21, 22) by which the second member (20) is permitted to pivot about a given axis relative to the first member (14), and in which the mutually facing ends of the first and second EGR passages (24, 25, 26) are positioned on the given axis.
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 4, in which the pivot direction controller (21, 22) comprises:two bolt holes formed in diametrically opposed portions of the second member (20);two bolts (21) respectively passing through the two bolt holes to loosely connect the second member (20) to a member (5) fixed to the first member (14); andtwo coil springs (22) respectively disposed about the two bolts (21) to bias the concave surface (20a) of the second member (20) against the convex surface (14a) of the first member (14).
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 2, in which each of the first and second EGR passages (24, 25, 26) comprises two passages that are provided at diametrically opposed positions of the spheric coupler.
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 2, in which the second member (20) is a flare flange unit which comprises:an inner concave member (27a) having the concave surface (20a) contactable with the convex surface (14a) of the first member (14);an outer concave member (27b) welded at its peripheral edge to the inner concave member (27a) in a manner to define therebetween a concave enclosed space (26), the concave enclosed space (26) constituting the second EGR passage (25, 26) of the second member (20).
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the outer concave member (27b) is formed with an inlet opening (28) to which a tube (11, 32) connected to the EGR gas inlet port (9, 31) is connected.
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 8, in which, upon assembly of the exhaust gas recirculation device (100, 200) in an engine room of a motor vehicle, the inlet opening (28) is positioned at the lowermost portion of the outer concave member (27b) with respect to a road surface on which the motor vehicle stands.
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising an EGR gas passage (10) which is integrally formed on and along a side wall of the catalytic converter (7), the EGR gas passage (10) constituting at least a part of the EGR gas passage line.
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 10, in which the EGR gas passage (10) extends along an axis of a case (17) of the catalytic converter (7), the case (17) having a catalytic support (15) installed therein, and in which the EGR gas passage (10) has an inlet part exposed to the EGR gas inlet port (9).
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 11, in which the EGR gas passage (10) is integrally provided by the case (17) of the catalytic converter (7).
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 12, in which the case (17) of the catalytic converter (7) is provided by pressing a metal plate to have a generally S-shaped cross section with a larger round upper part and a smaller rectangular lower part, and welding given edges of the shaped metal plate, the shaped and welded metal plate constituting the EGR gas passage (10) at a portion that has the smaller rectangular lower part.
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 13, in which the EGR gas inlet port (9) is defined by a radially expanded grooved portion (23) of an outlet defuser (19) of the catalytic converter (7), the groove of the radially expanded grooved portion (23) being exposed to the inlet part of the EGR gas passage (10).
- An exhaust gas recirculation device as claimed in Claim 1, in which, upon assembly of the exhaust gas recirculation device (100, 200) in an engine room of a motor vehicle, the catalyst converter (7) is inclined in such a manner that its inlet port is positioned higher than its outlet port with respect to a road surface on which the motor vehicle stands.
- An exhaust gas recirculation device (200) for use with an internal combustion engine (1) having an exhaust manifold (4) to which a catalytic converter (7) is pivotally connected through a spheric coupler (6) characterized by
an EGR gas inlet port (9) is provided in an exhaust pipe (8) downstream of the catalytic converter (7);
a passage (24, 25, 26) is defined in the spheric coupler (6), the passage of the spheric coupler keeping its open condition even when the spheric coupler (6) assumes a tilted position;
a first EGR tube (32) extends from the EGR gas inlet port (9) to an inlet part of the passage (24, 25, 26) of the spheric coupler (6); and
a second EGR tube (12) extends from an outlet part of the passage (24, 25, 26) of the spheric coupler (6) to an intake system (3) of the engine (1).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2002340646 | 2002-11-25 | ||
JP2002340646A JP4048931B2 (en) | 2002-11-25 | 2002-11-25 | EGR device for engine |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1422411A2 EP1422411A2 (en) | 2004-05-26 |
EP1422411A3 EP1422411A3 (en) | 2006-08-09 |
EP1422411B1 true EP1422411B1 (en) | 2010-12-22 |
Family
ID=32212153
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP03026729A Expired - Lifetime EP1422411B1 (en) | 2002-11-25 | 2003-11-21 | Exhaust gas recirculation device of internal combustion engine |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1422411B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4048931B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100589101B1 (en) |
CN (2) | CN1308575C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60335442D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4048931B2 (en) * | 2002-11-25 | 2008-02-20 | 日産自動車株式会社 | EGR device for engine |
JP5791458B2 (en) * | 2011-10-12 | 2015-10-07 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Exhaust gas recirculation device for internal combustion engine |
DE102016121434B4 (en) * | 2016-11-09 | 2022-10-27 | Man Energy Solutions Se | Exhaust aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine |
JP6521005B2 (en) * | 2017-08-24 | 2019-05-29 | マツダ株式会社 | Automobile |
JP6838542B2 (en) | 2017-10-12 | 2021-03-03 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Catalyst device |
JP2020197169A (en) * | 2019-06-03 | 2020-12-10 | 株式会社豊田自動織機 | Ammonia combustion system |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5374086A (en) * | 1992-07-29 | 1994-12-20 | Creative Industries Group, Inc. | Ball joint seal for vehicle exhaust system |
JP3248806B2 (en) * | 1994-03-18 | 2002-01-21 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Exhaust gas purification device for internal combustion engine |
JPH08291772A (en) * | 1995-04-20 | 1996-11-05 | Mazda Motor Corp | Egr gas taking-out structure for engine |
JP3250458B2 (en) * | 1996-05-31 | 2002-01-28 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Exhaust pipe connection structure of internal combustion engine |
JP3658115B2 (en) * | 1996-11-20 | 2005-06-08 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Exhaust gas purification device for internal combustion engine |
JP4434401B2 (en) * | 2000-01-19 | 2010-03-17 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Exhaust gas purification device for internal combustion engine |
JP2002285916A (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2002-10-03 | Mitsubishi Motors Corp | Exhaust gas recirculation apparatus |
JP4048931B2 (en) * | 2002-11-25 | 2008-02-20 | 日産自動車株式会社 | EGR device for engine |
-
2002
- 2002-11-25 JP JP2002340646A patent/JP4048931B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-11-21 DE DE60335442T patent/DE60335442D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-11-21 EP EP03026729A patent/EP1422411B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-11-24 KR KR1020030083424A patent/KR100589101B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-11-25 CN CNB2003101183529A patent/CN1308575C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-11-25 CN CNU2003201167875U patent/CN2742167Y/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1422411A2 (en) | 2004-05-26 |
JP4048931B2 (en) | 2008-02-20 |
DE60335442D1 (en) | 2011-02-03 |
CN1308575C (en) | 2007-04-04 |
CN2742167Y (en) | 2005-11-23 |
JP2004176553A (en) | 2004-06-24 |
KR100589101B1 (en) | 2006-06-14 |
EP1422411A3 (en) | 2006-08-09 |
KR20040045365A (en) | 2004-06-01 |
CN1502802A (en) | 2004-06-09 |
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