초록 ▼

A catalytic converter includes a housing, a honeycomb heater fixed to inside the housing, and a catalytic element disposed downstream of the honeycomb heater. The honeycomb heater has a first honeycomb structure made of metal having a first partition wall having a plurality of first throughholes, an

A catalytic converter includes a housing, a honeycomb heater fixed to inside the housing, and a catalytic element disposed downstream of the honeycomb heater. The honeycomb heater has a first honeycomb structure made of metal having a first partition wall having a plurality of first throughholes, and at least one electrode for electrifying the first honeycomb structure. The catalytic element fixed to inside the housing and disposed downstream of the honeycomb heater has a second honeycomb structure having a second partition wall having a plurality of second throughholes, and a catalytic compound loaded on the second honeycomb structure. A horizontal cross-section of the honeycomb structure is made smaller than that of the honeycomb structure. Further, a gap between an outflow end surface of the honeycomb structure and an inflow end surface of the honeycomb structure is made large. According to the catalytic converter, a durability of a honeycomb structure, particularly resistance against vibrations extending over a long period of time can be improved while maintaining an exhaust gas purification ability under severe driving conditions. Further, according to the present invention, the temperature of a honeycomb heater can be raised in a short period of time.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A catalytic converter, comprising:a housing;a honeycomb heater fixed inside said housing; anda catalytic element disposed downstream of said honeycomb heater;wherein said honeycomb heater comprises:a first honeycomb structure comprising metal having a first partition wall

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A catalytic converter, comprising:a housing;a honeycomb heater fixed inside said housing; anda catalytic element disposed downstream of said honeycomb heater;wherein said honeycomb heater comprises:a first honeycomb structure comprising metal having a first partition wall having a plurality of first throughholes, and at least one electrode for electrifying said first honeycomb structure, attached to said first honeycomb structure; said first honeycomb structure having a first inflow end surface into which a fluid can flow into said first throughholes, and a first outflow end surface from which the fluid can pass out through said first throughholes; andsaid catalytic element comprises:a second honeycomb structure having a second partition wall having a plurality of second throughholes, and a catalytic compound loaded on said second honeycomb structure; the second honeycomb structure having a second inflow end surface into which the fluid can flow into said second throughholes, and a second outflow end surface from which the fluid can pass out through said second throughholes; andwherein an area of the second inflow end surface of said second honeycomb structure is 1.2-10 times of an area of the first outflow end surface of said first honeycomb structure and a gap between the first outflow end surface of said first honeycomb structure and the second inflow end surface of said second honeycomb structure is about 20 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm.