U.S. patent application number 10/878879 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for device and method for heat and noise insulation of motor vehicles.
Invention is credited to Ulrich Bertsch.
Application Number | 20070169991 10/878879 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33515085 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070169991 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bertsch; Ulrich |
July 26, 2007 |
Device and method for heat and noise insulation of motor
vehicles
Abstract
A device for heat and noise insulation has a first carrier layer
rigidly connected with a component to be insulated, particularly an
oil-carrying element of an internal combustion engine, as well as
an insulating layer with a plurality of individual damping
elements, particularly fiber or honeycomb elements which are
individually connected with the carrier layer and/or joined to it
in articulated manner. An air cushion is formed between the
individual damping elements within the insulating layer and/or
between the carrier layer and the insulating layer. The cushion can
be changed by adjusting several of the damping elements, the entire
insulating layer and/or the carrier layer. A method for insulating
comprises connecting the carrier layer to a component to be
insulated and attaching a plurality of the damping elements to the
carrier layer, with the air cushion being formed between the
damping elements, within the insulating layer or between the
carrier layer and the insulating layer.
Inventors: |
Bertsch; Ulrich;
(Burgstetten, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM COLLARD;COLLARD & ROE, P.C.
1077 NORTHERN BOULEVARD
ROSLYN
NY
11576
US
|
Family ID: |
33515085 |
Appl. No.: |
10/878879 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
181/290 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02B 77/11 20130101;
B60R 13/0838 20130101; F16L 59/026 20130101; B60R 13/0876 20130101;
F16L 59/07 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
181/290 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/82 20060101
E04B001/82 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 26, 2003 |
DE |
103 28 680.2 |
Claims
1. A device for heat insulation and noise insulation of a
component, comprising: a first carrier layer adapted to be rigidly
connected with the component to be insulated; and an insulating
layer having a plurality of individual damping elements that are
individually connected with the carrier layer in an articulated
manner; wherein an air cushion is formed between the individual
damping elements, within the insulating layer or between the
carrier layer and the insulating layer, said cushion being
changeable by adjusting several of said damping elements, the
entire insulating layer, or the carrier layer.
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein several of said damping
elements are elastic fibers made of a material having poor heat
conduction properties, said fibers being adjustable by way of an
air stream.
3. Device according to claim 1, wherein several of said damping
elements are fibers having shape-changing properties, said fibers
being adjustable by way of a thermal or electrical control that
turns said fibers on.
4. Device according to claim 1, wherein several of said damping
elements are movably mounted honeycomb elements that are adjustable
in their position or orientation by way of said carrier layer.
5. Device according to claim 1, wherein several of said damping
elements are honeycomb elements arranged to be immovable relative
to the component to be insulated when said device is connected with
the component to be insulated, and wherein movable honeycomb
elements are mounted between the immovable honeycomb elements.
6. Device according to claim 1, wherein several of said damping
elements are honeycomb elements arranged to be immovable relative
to the component to be insulated when said device is connected to
said component to be insulated, and wherein the immovable honeycomb
elements demonstrate shape-changing properties and can be adjusted
by a thermal or electrical turn-on control imparted by way of the
carrier layer.
7. Device according to claim 1, wherein the insulating layer has
several air pockets separated from one another and wherein one of
said damping elements is arranged in at least one of the air
pockets.
8. A method for providing heat insulation or noise insulation in
motor vehicles, comprising; connecting a carrier layer with a
component to be insulated; and individually connecting a plurality
of individual damping elements with the carrier layer to form an
insulating layer, wherein an air cushion is formed between the
individual damping elements, within the insulating layer or between
the carrier layer and the insulating layer, which cushion is
changed by adjusting several damping elements, the entire
insulating layer or the carrier layer.
9. Method according to claim 8, wherein several of said damping
elements are elastic fibers made of a material having poor heat
conduction properties, which fibers are adjustable by way of an air
stream.
10. Method according to claim 8, wherein several of said damping
elements are fibers having shape-changing properties, which are
adjusted by way of a thermal or electrical control that turns them
on.
11. Method according to claim 8, wherein several of said damping
elements are implemented as movably mounted honeycomb elements that
are adjusted in their position or orientation by way of a carrier
layer that can be turned on or moved.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a device for heat
insulation and/or noise insulation for a component such as an
oil-carrying element of an internal combustion engine. The device
has a first carrier layer that is rigidly connected with the
component to be insulated and an insulating layer that demonstrates
poor heat and noise conduction properties.
[0003] 2. The Prior Art
[0004] A heat-insulating and noise-insulating paneling for the
engine space of a motor vehicle is described in German Patent No.
DE 198 21 532 A1, which comprises a cover layer on the engine side
and a cover layer facing away from the engine side, as well as a
first, thin carrier layer made of an acoustically insulating,
temperature-resistant, duroplastic foam material and an insulating
layer made of a plastic foam material, a particle laminate foam
material, or a nonwoven fabric. One cover layer consists of a
nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, or a knitted fabric, whereby the
fibers are woven together, spun together, or connected with one
another in some other manner (particularly by means of binders).
The same holds true for the fiber nonwoven fabric of the insulating
layer. The paneling is structured as a molded part that has been
pressed to produce a unit, and is intended for lining car body
components such as the face wall of the engine space or the
transmission tunnel.
[0005] Furthermore, a heat-insulating and noise-insulating
component comprising a reinforcing carrier layer and an absorbent
insulating layer is known from German Patent No. DE 199 59 089 A1.
In this connection, the carrier layer is formed by a metal
intermediate wall of a motor vehicle, for example a partition
between the passenger space and the engine space of the motor
vehicle. The insulating layer, on the other hand, is formed from
several plies of fiber nonwoven fabric that have been consolidated
in themselves, or shape-retaining foam materials, as necessary.
Within the insulating layer, convection channels through which air
can flow, having defined inlet and outlet openings and a rigidly
defined position and expanse, are furthermore provided, to increase
the heat resistance (i.e. for cooling) of the component.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
device that provides effective heat insulation and/or noise
insulation with simple means, which insulation can be changed
during operation and thereby adapted to operating conditions.
[0007] This object is accomplished by means of a device which has a
plurality of individual damping elements, particularly fiber or
honeycomb elements, which are individually connected with the
carrier layer and/or joined to it in articulated manner. An air
cushion is formed between the individual damping elements, within
the insulating layer and/or between the carrier layer and the
insulating layer, which cushion can be changed by means of an
adjustment of several damping elements, the entire insulating layer
and/or the carrier layer. The air cushion demonstrates reduced heat
and noise conduction properties and thereby acts as a damping
material. The air cushion can be changed in accordance with the
operating conditions of the motor vehicle, by adjusting the damping
elements, the insulating layer and/or the carrier layer. Therefore
the heat and noise conduction properties of the device can be
adapted to the operating conditions of the motor vehicle.
[0008] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention,
several damping elements are implemented as elastic fibers made of
a material having poor heat conduction properties. The fibers are
adjustable by way of an air stream, particularly the head wind of a
motor vehicle. In this way, a device that can be adjusted in a
particularly simple manner is created, which automatically changes
its heat transfer properties as a function of the driving speed of
the motor vehicle, if the head wind moves the fibers because of
their air resistance. In this connection, a particularly good
shielding property of the device is provided, in particular in the
case of a cold start and a low start-up speed, so that the device
is preferably suitable for being affixed on the outside of an
internal combustion engine. In this connection, the device
according to the invention improves the cold-start behavior of the
internal combustion engine. The device is particularly advantageous
for use on the outside of an oil pan, with fibers hanging down.
[0009] In another embodiment of the device according to the
invention, several damping elements are implemented as fibers
having shape-changing properties, which are adjustable by way of a
thermal and/or electrical control that turns them on, which is
preferably imparted by way of the carrier layer. Therefore the
fibers can be adjusted actively and in a targeted manner,
independent of the head wind or the influence of gravity, so that
an adjustment of the heat and noise conduction properties in
accordance with current requirements possible at any time. Fibers
that are adjustable by means of piezo effects, bimetal effects,
and/or memory effects are preferred. A preferred turn-on control by
way of the carrier layer allows simultaneous and parallel turn-on
control of all the damping elements.
[0010] In another embodiment of the device according to the
invention, there are several damping elements which are configured
as movably mounted honeycomb elements. These elements are
adjustable in their position and/or orientation via a carrier layer
that can be turned on. The honeycomb elements are implemented as
hollow bodies that are stable in shape, to a great extent, and are
preferably rigidly connected with the carrier layer or at least
indirectly coupled with it. In this connection, a honeycomb element
is not limited, according to the invention, to a specific
structure, for example an octagonal or eight-sided structure, but
instead, a honeycomb element can have any desired
tube-like/chamber-like structure. Preferably, the honeycomb
elements are filled with air or another gas that conducts heat
poorly, whereby a more or less strong vacuum can also be provided.
In addition, a certain air cushion is provided in the region of the
honeycomb elements, which cushion is surrounded by the honeycomb
elements at least in certain segments. By adjusting the honeycomb
elements, it is therefore also possible to adjust the air
cushion.
[0011] In another embodiment of the device according to the
invention, several damping elements are implemented as honeycomb
elements arranged to be immovable relative to the component to be
insulated. These movable honeycomb elements are mounted between the
immovable honeycomb elements, or the immovable honeycomb elements
demonstrate shape-changing properties and can be adjusted by way of
a thermal and/or electrical turn-on control, which is preferably
imparted by way of the carrier layer. The honeycomb elements
implemented to be immovable are not displaceable in a translational
manner. An air cushion consisting of many individual volumes is
preferably formed between them, and individual volumes can be
adjusted by a translational adjustment of movable honeycomb
elements and/or a shape change of the immovable honeycomb
elements.
[0012] In another embodiment of the device according to the
invention, the insulating layer has several air pockets that are
separated from one another. A damping element is arranged in at
least one of the air pockets. In this connection, a ply that
delimits and surrounds the air pockets is assigned to the
insulating layer. This ply can also be represented by the carrier
layer. Any desired gas having poor heat-conducting properties can
be accommodated in the air pockets, if applicable, under vacuum
conditions. The damping element is preferably implemented as a
honeycomb element, or as another barrier body that has mass and
poor heat/noise-conducting properties. The damping element
preferably serves to adjust the air pockets from the inside
out.
[0013] The invention also includes a method for heat insulation
and/or noise insulation, wherein a first carrier layer is connected
with a component to be insulated, particularly an oil-carrying
element of an internal combustion engine. A plurality of individual
damping elements, particularly fiber or honeycomb elements, are
individually connected with the carrier layer and/or joined to it
in articulated manner, to form an insulating layer. An air cushion
is formed between the individual damping elements, within the
insulating layer and/or between the carrier layer and the
insulating layer, which cushion is changed by means of an
adjustment of several damping elements, the entire insulating layer
and/or the carrier layer. The method according to the invention
makes effective insulation of the internal combustion engine
possible, in that one or more oil-carrying elements are provided
with an insulating device comprising a plurality of damping
elements. According to the invention, the damping elements, the
insulating layer and/or the carrier layer are adjustable, in such a
manner that the air cushion that is preferably formed in or around
the damping elements can be adapted to the operating conditions of
the internal combustion engine. In addition to the conditions in
the engine, the ambient conditions must also be taken into
consideration.
[0014] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention,
several damping elements are implemented as elastic fibers made of
a material having poor heat conduction properties. These fibers are
adjustable by way of an air stream, particularly the head wind of a
motor vehicle. In this connection, the method utilizes the head
wind of the motor vehicle in order to automatically change the heat
transfer properties of the air cushion as a function of the driving
speed of the motor vehicle, if the head wind moves the fibers
because of their air resistance. In this connection, the method
produces a particularly good shielding of the internal combustion
engine, in particular in the case of a cold start and a low
start-up speed. The method thereby makes it possible to improve the
cold-start behavior of the internal combustion engine, by achieving
a faster warm-up of the internal combustion engine.
[0015] In another embodiment of the method according to the
invention, several damping elements are implemented as fibers
having shape-changing properties, which are adjusted by way of a
thermal and/or electrical control that turns them on, which is
preferably imparted by way of the carrier layer. Therefore the
fibers can be adjusted actively and in a targeted manner,
independent of the head wind or the influence of gravity, so that
an adjustment of the heat and noise conduction properties in
accordance with current requirements possible at any time. Fibers
that are adjustable by means of piezo effects, bimetal effects,
and/or memory effects are preferred. A turn-on control by way of
the carrier layer allows simultaneous and parallel turn-on control
of all the damping elements.
[0016] In another embodiment of the method according to the
invention, several damping elements are implemented as movably
mounted honeycomb elements that are adjusted in their position
and/or orientation by way of a carrier layer that can be turned on
or moved. The honeycomb elements are implemented as hollow bodies
that are stable in shape, to a great extent, and which are
connected with the carrier layer or articulated on it. In this
connection, a honeycomb element is not limited, according to the
invention, to a specific structure, for example an octagonal or
eight-sided structure, but instead, a honeycomb element can have
any desired tube-like/chamber-like structure. Preferably, the
honeycomb elements are filled with air or another gas that conducts
heat poorly, whereby a more or less strong vacuum can also be
provided. In addition, a certain air cushion is provided in the
region of the honeycomb elements, which cushion is surrounded by
the honeycomb elements at least in certain segments. By means of
adjusting the honeycomb elements, it is therefore also possible to
adjust the air cushion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Other objects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be
understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an
illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the
invention.
[0018] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote
similar elements throughout the several views:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a fundamental diagram relating to a first
exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention;
[0020] FIGS. 2a and 2b show additional fundamental diagrams
relating to the adjustment of the device according to FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a fundamental diagram relating to a second
exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention;
and
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a fundamental diagram relating to a third
exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a
first exemplary embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention
for heat insulation and noise insulation, in schematic, simplified
manner. The insulating device 1 is affixed to the outside of an
oil-carrying component 2 to be insulated, of a diesel internal
combustion engine, not shown in detail. Component 2 to be insulated
is preferably an oil pan or another oil-carrying component of the
engine.
[0024] A carrier layer 3 is affixed to component 2 to be insulated,
in order to form device 1; in turn, a plurality of damping elements
in the form of fibers 5 is attached to this layer. Fibers 5
represent essential parts of an insulating layer 4. Fibers 5 are
preferably produced from mineral silicates, ceramics, carbon,
metal, or heat-resistant, particularly duroplastic plastics. Fibers
that can be used are also described in German Patent No. DE 198 21
532 A1. Between the fibers, a continuous air cushion 6 is formed,
in the manner of an animal fur, which cushion represents another
essential part of the insulating layer 4.
[0025] Fibers 5 are preferably attached to carrier layer 3 in a
hanging manner and at a minimum angle .alpha. of between 70.degree.
and 90.degree.. In the operation of the motor vehicle, fibers 5 are
then preferably exposed to the head wind, whereby a force
equilibrium occurs between the force of gravity, the air
resistance, and the internal tension of fibers 5. Depending on how
the fibers are attached in carrier layer 3, the thickness of the
fibers, and the material properties of the fibers, different
behaviors of the fibers can be adjusted. Preferably, as shown in
FIGS. 2a and 2b, there is a change in the angle .alpha. between the
fibers and the carrier layer when the head wind flows through the
fibers 5 in different ways.
[0026] FIG. 2a assumes a strong lateral flow from the right, in
which fibers 5 rest against carrier layer 3, as shown. In this
connection, the air cushion between the fibers is reduced in terms
of its thickness and its volume, so that a reduced insulation
property is achieved. FIG. 2b assumes a weak flow from the left,
whereby the fibers stand up and an increased insulation property is
achieved by means of a larger air cushion between the fibers 5.
[0027] In a modified exemplary embodiment, device 1 is implemented
without an air flow at rest, in accordance with FIG. 2b. The fibers
are configured to be easy to bend.
[0028] In another exemplary embodiment, not shown, the fibers are
elastically bendable, so that a particularly strong and rigid
attachment of the fibers in the carrier layer can be implemented,
while at the same time, strong bending of the fibers as a result of
the head wind of the motor vehicle can be achieved.
[0029] In another modified exemplary embodiment, fibers 5 are
implemented to be adjustable using piezo effects, bimetal effects
and/or memory effects. A preferred turn-on control occurs by way of
carrier layer 3, which passes a corresponding adjustment signal on
to all the fibers 5 at the same time, in parallel. In this way,
also, an orientation of the fibers relative to the carrier layer
and thereby relative to component 2 to be insulated can be changed,
and this in turn results in a changed degree of insulation.
[0030] Turn-on control of the fibers takes place, according to the
invention, on the basis of the internal need for heat of component
2, i.e. of the entire internal combustion engine, and/or on the
basis of external general conditions such as the ambient
temperature, the driving speed of the motor vehicle, etc.
Furthermore, turn-on control of the fibers can take place as a
function of the noise emission requirements, i.e. the noise
development of the component 2, i.e. the internal combustion
engine.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment 1' of the device
for heat insulation and noise insulation according to the
invention. In this connection, the component 2 to be insulated
serves, at the same time, as the carrier layer 3', i.e. as an
integral part of the carrier layer, on which an insulating layer 4'
is again arranged, on the outside. In this connection, several
damping elements are implemented as movably mounted honeycomb
elements, which are adjustable in their position relative to the
component 2 to be insulated. Honeycomb elements 8 that are
immovable, to a great extent, relative to the component 2, are
provided between the movable honeycomb elements.
[0032] Honeycomb elements 7, 8 are hollow bodies that are stable in
shape, to a great extent, which are preferably firmly connected
with the carrier layer. In this connection, a honeycomb element is
implemented, according to the invention, as a component comprising
uniformly octagonal tubes arranged parallel to one another, but is
not limited to a specific structure, for example an octagonal or
eight-sided structure. Instead, a honeycomb element can have any
desired tube-like/chamber-like structure. The honeycomb elements
are preferably filled with air or another gas that conducts heat
poorly, whereby a more or less strong vacuum can also be provided.
A tube structure of the immovable honeycomb elements 8 is
preferably rotated by 90.degree. relative to the structure of the
movable honeycomb elements 7, in order to achieve air cushions that
are delimited in themselves. In addition, an air cushion 6 is
provided in the region of the honeycomb elements, which cushion is
surrounded by the honeycomb elements, at least in segments, and
forms another integral part of insulating layer 4'. By adjusting
honeycomb elements 7, air cushion 6 is therefore also adjustable
(indicated by arrows 11).
[0033] In a modified exemplary embodiment, the immovable honeycomb
elements have shape-changing properties and are adjustable by way
of a thermal and/or electrical turn-on control that is preferably
imparted by the carrier layer. In this connection, a modified
insulating layer can consist exclusively of such immovable
honeycomb elements.
[0034] In another embodiment according to FIG. 4, a modified device
1'' has a carrier layer 3'' as well as an insulating layer 4''. The
insulating layer 4'' is fixed on a component 2 to be insulated, at
certain points or along lines. The insulating layer 4'' is
implemented to be elastically deformable or very stretchable and,
in more or less sealed manner, surrounds several air pockets 9 that
are separated from one another, whereby a damping element in the
form of a honeycomb element 10 is arranged in each of the air
pockets 9.
[0035] Such a honeycomb element 10 is preferably implemented like
the honeycomb elements already described and/or as another barrier
body that has mass and is poorly heat/noise-conductive. It is
filled with any desired gas that has poor heat conductivity, if
applicable under vacuum conditions. The honeycomb elements 10
preferably adjust the air pockets from the inside, in that they are
adjustable, for example, by means of piezo effects, bimetal effects
and/or memory effects. A preferred turn-on control by way of the
carrier layer 3'' allows simultaneous and parallel turn-on of all
the honeycomb elements 10 that are in touch contact with the
carrier layer 3'' or are attached to it.
[0036] From the devices described, a method according to the
invention for heat insulation and/or noise insulation results. In
this method, a carrier layer is connected with a component to be
insulated, particularly an oil-carrying element of an internal
combustion engine. A plurality of individual damping elements,
particularly fiber or honeycomb elements, are individually
connected with the carrier layer and/or joined to it in articulated
manner, to form an insulating layer. An air cushion is formed
between the individual damping elements, within the insulating
layer and/or between the carrier layer and the insulating layer,
which cushion is changed by means of an adjustment of several
damping elements, the entire insulating layer and/or the carrier
layer.
[0037] The method according to the invention makes effective
insulation of the internal combustion engine possible, in that one
or more oil-carrying elements are provided with an insulating
device comprising a plurality of damping elements. According to the
invention, the damping elements, the insulating layer and/or the
carrier layer are adjustable, in such a manner that the air cushion
that is preferably formed in or around the damping elements can be
adapted to the operating conditions of the internal combustion
engine. In addition to the conditions in the engine, the ambient
conditions must also be taken into consideration.
[0038] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention
according to FIGS. 1, 2a, and 2b, several damping elements are
implemented as elastic fibers made of a material having poor heat
conduction properties, which fibers are adjustable by way of an air
stream, particularly the head wind of a motor vehicle. In this
connection, the method utilizes the head wind of a motor vehicle in
order to automatically change the heat transfer properties of the
air cushion as a function of the driving speed of the motor
vehicle, if the head wind moves the fibers 5 because of their air
resistance. In this connection, the method produces a particularly
good shielding of the internal combustion engine, in particular, in
the case of a cold start and a low start-up speed. The method
thereby makes it possible to improve the cold-start behavior of the
internal combustion engine, by achieving a faster warm-up of the
internal combustion engine.
[0039] In another embodiment of the method according to the
invention, several damping elements are implemented as fibers
having shape-changing properties, which are adjusted by way of a
thermal and/or electrical control that turns them on, which is
preferably imparted by way of the carrier layer. Therefore the
fibers can be adjusted actively and in a targeted manner,
independent of the head wind or the influence of gravity, so that
an adjustment of the heat and noise conduction properties in
accordance with current requirements is made possible at any time.
Fibers that are adjustable by means of piezo effects, bimetal
effects, and/or memory effects are preferred. A turn-on control by
way of the carrier layer allows simultaneous and parallel turn-on
control of all the damping elements.
[0040] In another embodiment of the method according to the
invention, according to FIGS. 3 and 4, several damping elements are
implemented as movably mounted honeycomb elements 7, 8, 10 that are
adjusted in their position and/or orientation by way of a carrier
layer 3', 3'' that can be moved. The honeycomb elements are
implemented as hollow bodies that are stable in shape, to a great
extent, which are connected with the carrier layer or articulated
on it. The honeycomb elements are preferably filled with air or
another gas that conducts heat poorly. In addition, a certain air
cushion 6 is provided in the region of the honeycomb elements 7, 8,
which cushion is surrounded by the honeycomb elements 7, 8 at least
in certain segments. By adjusting the honeycomb elements, it is
therefore also possible to adjust the air cushion. On the other
hand, according to FIG. 4, sharply defined air cushions 9 can be
assigned to honeycomb elements 10, but these are also adjustable by
a movement/adjustment of the honeycomb elements 10 (indicated by
the arrows 11).
[0041] The characteristics of the exemplary embodiments of the
device according to the invention, which are described merely as
examples, and of the method which is to be understood analogously,
can be combined with one another in practically any desired manner,
so that additional advantageous characteristics and combinations of
characteristics can result.
[0042] Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the present
invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many
changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *