Connector system for an exhaust extraction system, a nozzle and the use of such nozzle

A connector system includes an adaptor with a magnetic target surface, and a nozzle that is configured to be connected to the magnetic target surface of the adaptor by a magnetic coupling. The nozzle has a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a throughgoing channel having an axial extension therebetween. The housing includes one or more magnets that are arranged at the inlet end and configured to direct or indirect engage the magnetic target surface in a condition when the nozzle is connected to the adaptor. Further, the housing includes one or more air vents that are arranged at the outlet end and which have an axial extension being radially displaced in view of the axial extension of the throughgoing channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based on PCI filing PCT/EP2020/078412, filed Oct. 9, 2020, which claims priority to EP 19203531.9, filed Oct. 16, 2019, the entire contents of each are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention refers to a connector system for an exhaust extraction system, a nozzle and also the use of such nozzle in an exhaust extraction system.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Emergency vehicles are typically parked in garages or at the station when not in used. Even when parked, there is a lot of work going on in and around the vehicle that requires the engine to be running for extended periods of time. The thus generated exhaust gas must be vented. This is typically made by the tail pipe being connected to an exhaust extraction system via a connector system. In case of an emergency, the connector system must allow a quick release from the tail pipe. The release is typically made by the vehicle driving away which disengages a locking engagement between a first part of the connector system that is permanently attached to the tail pipe and a second part of the connector system that is attached to a flexible hose forming part of the exhaust extraction system. This kind of systems are well known in the art. One example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,243,734 and another example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,759. Both these prior art systems use a magnetic engagement between the first and second parts. Magnetic engagement is easy to use since there is no need for any wiring or the like. Still, there is a problem with the magnets being damaged over time due to the heat of the exhaust gases. Exhaust gases from a diesel engine typically have a temperature around 370° C. (700° F.) and sometimes even higher. It is in fact a tendency that the temperature will be even higher in the future with more fuel-efficient engines. The high temperature does not only have a negative impact on the magnets but also to the flexible hose arrangement that connects to the second part. As a measure to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gases, it is known to intermix air from the ambience with the stream of exhaust gas coming from the tail pipe. This is typically made by providing the first or the second part with a membrane which opens automatically as a result of the suction force applied by the exhaust extraction system. Thereby a stream of cooler air is intermixed with the stream of hot exhaust gas. There is however a need for an even better cooling to prolong the overall life length of the connector system as such and also of the flexible hose arrangement.

SUMMARY

One object of the present invention is to provide a connector system for an exhaust extraction system that allows cooling of the magnets forming part of the magnetic coupling to thereby allow a prolonged life length of the magnets.

Another object is to provide a connector system that allows a combined cooling of not only the magnets but also intermixing of cooling air with the hot exhaust gases leaving the tail pipe.

Yet another object is to provide a nozzle of a connector system that is easy to mount to vehicles, and even without the need for any adaptor to be connected to the tail pipe of the vehicle.

According to a first aspect, a connector system for an exhaust extraction system is provided. The connector system comprises:an adaptor configured to be connected to a tail pipe of a vehicle, the adaptor comprising a magnetic target surface;
anda nozzle forming part of the exhaust extraction system and the nozzle being configured to be connected to the magnetic target surface of the adaptor by a magnetic coupling;said nozzle comprising a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a throughgoing channel having an axial extension between the inlet end and the outlet end, and wherein said housing comprises:one or more magnets that are arranged at the inlet end, said magnets being configured to direct or indirect engage the magnetic target surface of the adaptor in a condition when the nozzle is connected to the adaptor; andone or more air vents that are arranged at the outlet end and which are radially displaced in view of the axial extension of the throughgoing channel.

Accordingly, a connector system is provided which comprises an adaptor and a nozzle which are configured to engage each other by a magnetic coupling. A quick release is thereby allowed, simply by a releasing acting moment which is provided when driving away with the vehicle.

In the context of the invention, a direct engagement with the magnetic target surface is to be understood as that the magnet is configured to physically engage the magnetic target surface without any intermediate element. On the contrary, an indirect engagement with the magnetic target surface is to be understood as that there may be an element arranged between the magnet and the magnetic target surface. Such element may by way of example be a wall portion of the nozzle or a cover of the magnetic target surface.

The one or more magnets are arranged at the inlet end of the housing while the one or more air vents are arranged at the outlet end of the housing. By the one or more magnets being arranged opposite the one or more air vents, the ambient air that is allowed to enter the housing via the one or more air vents will pass the one or more magnets before leaving the housing via the outlet end. Since the one or more air vents are arranged at the outlet end, ambient air is drawn from a cooler place than if the air vents instead where to be arranged at the inlet end adjacent the tail pipe. The ambient air flow is generated by the suction applied by a suction source forming part of an exhaust extraction system to be connected to the nozzle. By the design of the housing, the air flow changes its direction more or less 180 degrees during its passage through the housing from the air vents to the throughgoing channel. Thereby the residence time in the housing and hence the contact with the magnets is substantially increased as compared to a design where the at least one air vent and the at least one magnet are arranged at the same end, i.e. the inlet end. The supplied flow of ambient air having a lower temperature accordingly serves a dual purpose of cooling the magnet(s) and intermixing with and reducing the temperature of the exhaust gas. Accordingly, the design of the nozzle results in a connector system having a prolonged life length in view of the functionality of the magnets and further in view of the flexible hose to be connected to the nozzle.

The one or more air vents may be circumferentially arranged around the throughgoing channel of the nozzle as seen in a plane extending transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the throughgoing channel. In case of a plurality of air vents, these may be symmetrically arranged around the circumference.

The one or more air vents may have an axial extension that is aligned with or which forms an angle to the longitudinal centerline of the throughgoing channel.

The one or more air vents may be axially aligned with the one or more magnets. Alternatively, the one or more air vents may be arranged further away from a longitudinal centerline of the throughgoing channel of the nozzle than the one or more magnets as seen in a plane extending transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the throughgoing channel. Thereby the ambient air having a substantially lower temperature than the exhaust gas will pass the magnet(s) on its way from the one or more air vents towards the outlet end of the housing before intermixing with the exhaust gas. Thereby the temperature of the magnets(s) will be reduced and their life length prolonged.

The one or more air vents may be provided with an openable membrane which is configured to be set to an open condition by a suction force to be generated when operating the exhaust extraction system, thereby allowing the throughgoing channel of the nozzle to be set in communication with the ambience via the one or more air vents. The suction force results in a vacuum in the housing which forces the membrane to open.

The openable membrane may be provided as an openable flap or as a slit diaphragm. The openable membrane acts as a check valve that allows ambient air of a lower temperature to enter the housing, while at the same time preventing exhaust gas from exiting there through. The openable membrane is configured to be set to its open position by the suction force generated by a suction source forming part of the exhaust extraction system.

The throughgoing channel may be centrally arranged in the nozzle.

An exterior wall portion of the housing configured to face the magnetic target surface of the adaptor may be provided with a flexible lip. The flexible lip preferably has a circumferential extension to thereby contribute to maintaining the vacuum in the housing and hence contribute to the setting of the openable membrane to its open position. The flexible lip is preferably arranged in a position radially outside the position of the one or more magnets.

The adaptor may be provided with a cone-shaped protrusion and the nozzle be provided with a complementary cone-shaped receiving portion. Alternatively, the nozzle may be provided with a cone-shaped protrusion and the adaptor be provided with a complementary cone-shaped receiving portion. The cone-shape contributes to a guiding effect when moving the nozzle into engagement with the adaptor of the tail pipe and hence contributes to a strong magnetic coupling. This also allows for a reduced surface area and hence size of the magnetic target surface

An exterior surface of the housing may be provided with an impact bumper. The impact bumper may be provided with at least one indent. Since the magnetic coupling is configured to be released by driving away with the vehicle, a swing back effect may occur as a result of the flexible hosing being temporarily extended before the magnetic coupling is released. This may result in the nozzle hitting objects in and around the area in a manner that is hard to control. By providing the exterior surface of the housing with an impact bumper, the energy will at least to some extent be absorbed by the impact bumper. The provision of at least one indent is a measure to reduce weight of the nozzle and hence the momentum. The indents may also, depending on their design, contribute to energy absorption.

In case of a plurality of magnets, these may be more densely arranged around a lower edge portion of the inlet end of the nozzle.

According to another aspect, a nozzle configured to form part of an exhaust extraction system and to be connected directly or indirectly to a tail pipe of a vehicle by a magnetic coupling is provided. The nozzle comprises a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a throughgoing channel having an axial extension between the inlet end and the outlet end, and wherein said housing comprises:one or more magnets that are arranged at the inlet end, said magnets being configured to engage a magnetic target surface of a vehicle; andone or more air vents that are arranged at the outlet end and which have an axial extension being radially displaced in view of the axial extension of the throughgoing channel.

The nozzle and advantages provided by the same have been thoroughly discussed above. To avoid undue repetition, reference is made to that discussion. That information is equally applicable to the nozzle as a standalone part.

The one or more air vents may be circumferentially arranged around the throughgoing channel of the nozzle as seen in a plane extending transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the throughgoing channel.

The one or more air vents may be axially aligned with the one or more magnets. Alternatively, the one or more air vents may be arranged further away from a longitudinal centerline of the throughgoing channel of the nozzle than the one or more magnets as seen in a plane extending transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the throughgoing channel.

According to yet another aspect, the invention refers to the use of a nozzle according to any of claims10-12in an exhaust extraction system.

Further objects and advantages of the connector system and the nozzle will be obvious to a person skilled in the art reading the detailed description given below describing different embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Now turning toFIGS.1and2one embodiment of a connector system1000for an exhaust extraction system is disclosed. The connector system1000comprises two main components—an adaptor100and a nozzle200. To facilitate understanding, the adaptor100and the nozzle200are disclosed in a separated condition.

The adaptor100is configured to be permanently connected to the free end of a non-disclosed tail pipe of a vehicle. The adaptor100comprises a tube portion101and a flange portion102which together define a longitudinally extending throughgoing channel103. The tube portion101and the flange portion102may be formed by sheet metal and may be formed as two or more joined parts or as an integral body.

The tube portion101comprises an inlet end104configured to face the tail pipe. The flange portion102comprises an outlet end105configured to face the nozzle200.

The tube portion101is configured to be slid onto the exterior envelope surface of the free end of the tail pipe. The tube portion101supports a locking arrangement106which is configured to provide a locking engagement between the adaptor100and the tail pipe. The locking arrangement106is provided as a hose clamp107, which as such is well known in the art. By setting a bolt or screw108of the hose clamp107, the diameter of the tube portion101is reduced to thereby clamp around the tail pipe. To facilitate the clamping, the tube portion101is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending slits109.

As is best seen inFIG.3, the flange portion102comprises a radially extending flange110encircling the outlet end105of the adaptor100. The flange portion102may be formed by a metal material to thereby form a magnetic target surface111. Alternatively, the magnetic target surface111may, as is illustrated, be provided as a separate part that is joined to, and thereby supported by the flange portion102. The joining may be made by bolting, screwing, riveting or even adhesive.

The magnetic target surface111is preferably a generally flat surface, seeFIG.3, to thereby facilitate engagement with the nozzle200. A flat surface in this context is to be understood as a surface substantially free from any surface irregularities. Accordingly, it is preferred that any connecting means used to connect the magnetic target surface111to the flange portion102are received in countersunk holes.

The magnetic target surface111is configured to form part of a magnetic coupling to be described below.

The throughgoing channel103has a circular cross section. Other cross sections are possible with remained function. It is preferred that at least the tube portion101has a cross section that is complementary to the tail pipe.

The skilled person will understand that other locking arrangements than a hose clamp are equally applicable with remained function.

In the following the nozzle200will be discussed. The nozzle200comprises a housing201having an inlet end202and an outlet end203and a throughgoing channel204having an axial extension between the inlet end202and the outlet end203. The throughgoing channel204is centrally arranged in the nozzle200. It goes without saying that in a condition when the nozzle200is magnetically connected to the adaptor100, the throughgoing channel204of the nozzle200is aligned with the throughgoing channel103of the adaptor100.

The inlet end202is configured to face the outlet end105of the adaptor100. The outlet end203is in the disclosed embodiment connected to a bend205. The bend205may be integral with the nozzle200or be a component to be mounted thereto. The bend205may even be omitted.

In use, the outlet end203of the nozzle200is configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a non-disclosed exhaust extraction system via a non-disclosed hosing. The bend205is used to connect the nozzle to the hose which typically is suspended in the ceiling. Further, the bend205contributes to providing an active moment when releasing the magnetic coupling. Accordingly, depending on the use of a bend205or not, the connection to the hose may be direct via the outlet end203of the nozzle200or indirect via an outlet end206of the bend205. In the disclosed embodiment the outlet end206of the bend205is configured to be connected to the hose. The hose is preferably of the flexible type.

An exterior surface of the housing201is provided with an impact bumper207. The impact bumper207may be provided by a flexible material, such as rubber. In the disclosed embodiment, the impact bumper207is provided with a plurality of indents208. The impact pumper contributes to provide a closed cavity to the housing201.

In the disclosed embodiment, the inlet end202is provided with an optional protective mesh260.

Now specifically turning toFIG.3, a cross section of the connector system1000is disclosed as seen along the longitudinal centerline L. The housing201comprises two halves—a first half210facing the inlet end202and a second half211facing the outlet end203. The two halves210;211are encircled by the impact bumper207. The two halves210,211together with the impact bumper207defines a cavity240that is radially displaced in view of the throughgoing channel204which extends between the inlet end202and the outlet end203. The cavity240is arranged to communicate with the throughgoing channel204via a circumferentially extending gap241between the first and second halves210,211. The impact pumper207contributes to provide a closed cavity240.

The first half210comprises a cone shaped protrusion212at the inlet end202. The adaptor100comprises a complementary cone-shape receiving portion112. The cone-shape contributes to a guiding effect when moving the nozzle200into engagement with the adaptor100to thereby form the magnetic coupling. It is to be understood that alternatively, and with remained function, the nozzle may be provided with a cone-shaped receiving portion and the adaptor be provided with a complementary cone-shaped protrusion.

The first half210further comprises a radially extending support surface213at the inlet end202. The support surface213extends in a plane extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal extension of the throughgoing channel204and also in parallel with the magnetic target surface111of the adaptor100. Accordingly, the support surface213has a radial extension complementary to the magnetic target surface111. The support surface213supports magnets214.

The magnets214are in the disclosed embodiment arranged on the interior wall portion of the radially extending support surface213and hence inside the housing201. The magnets214are configured to directly or indirectly engage the magnetic target surface111in a condition when the nozzle200is connected to the adaptor100to thereby form a magnetic coupling.

In the disclosed embodiment where the magnets214are arranged on the inner wall portion of the housing201an indirect magnetic coupling is provided for between the adaptor100and the nozzle200. In another, non-disclosed embodiment, the magnets may be arranged on the exterior wall portion of the housing or in throughgoing channels or even indents in the exterior wall portion. In such embodiment, a direct magnetic coupling with the magnetic target surface of the adaptor will be provided in a condition when the nozzle is connected to the adaptor.

The second half211of the housing201comprises a flange portion215which forms an abutment surface configured to abut an inner wall portion of the impact bumper207. A through-going hole216extends through the flange portion215and the impact bumper207in order to receive a bolt217.

An openable membrane218is mounted in the interface between the flange portion215of the housing201and the inner wall portion of the impact bumper207. In the disclosed embodiment the openable membrane is provided as a flexible, thin disc219which encircles the throughgoing channel204of the nozzle200and which is secured by the bolts217. The openable membrane218has a radial extension. An outer edge portion220of the openable membrane218abuts an inner abutment surface221of the impact bumper207. The openable membrane218may be provided by a thin flexible material such as a silicon or rubber material.

Accordingly, an outer edge portion220of the disc-shaped openable membrane218is free while its inner edge portion250is fixed. Thereby the outer edge portion220is a free end which is pivotable in view of its inner edge portion250. Thus, the outer edge portion220is pivotable to act as an openable and closable flap.

An opposite end of the second half211comprises a funnel-like connection portion222configured to lockingly engage with either the bend205or directly with the non-disclosed hose.

As is best seen inFIG.2, the housing201comprises a plurality of air vents223. The air vents223are arranged adjacent the outlet end203of the housing201and are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction L through a radially extending wall portion of the impact bumper207. The air vents223are provided as a plurality of throughgoing openings224. The air vents223are circumferentially arranged around the throughgoing channel204of the nozzle200as seen in a plane extending transverse to the longitudinal centerline L of the throughgoing channel204. Although a plurality of air vents223are provided in the disclosed embodiment, it is to be understood that it with remained function may be sufficient with one air vent only. In case of a plurality of air vents223, these may be symmetrically arranged around the circumference as disclosed inFIG.2. The cross section of the individual air vents223may differ.

As is best seen inFIG.3, the respective openings224of the air vents223facing the cavity240of the housing201are covered by the openable membrane218.

As is best seen inFIG.3, the air vents223are substantially axially aligned with the magnets214. Alternatively, the one or more air vents223may be arranged further away from a longitudinal centerline L of the throughgoing channel204of the nozzle200than the one or more magnets214as seen in a plane extending transverse to the longitudinal centerline L of the throughgoing channel204.

In case of a plurality of magnets214, these may, as is seen inFIG.1be more densely arranged around a lower edge portion of the inlet end202of the nozzle200.

As is also seen inFIG.1, the exterior wall portion of the housing201configured to face the magnetic target surface111of the adaptor100is provided with an optional flexible lip225. The flexible lip225may be integral with the impact bumper207. Alternatively, the flexible lip225may be part of the magnetic target surface111or the adaptor100. No matter position, it is preferred that the flexible lip225has a circumferential extension. The flexible lip225is preferably arranged in a position radially outside the position of the one or more magnets.

Now turning toFIG.4, the operation of the connector system1000will be discussed. To facilitate understanding the adaptor is omitted. The nozzle200is connected via the bend205to an exhaust extraction system (not disclosed) which comprises an inherent suction source.

In operation, a flow of hot exhaust gas, arrow A, coming from a tail pipe (not disclosed) of a vehicle is schematically illustrated. The flow of hot exhaust gas enters the nozzle200via its inlet end202.

Further, a suction force applied by the suction source of the exhaust extraction system is schematically illustrated as arrow B. Since the cavity240of the housing201is arranged in communication with the throughgoing channel204extending through the nozzle200, the suction force generates a vacuum in the cavity240. This vacuum results in that the openable membrane218which extends across the opening of each air vent223is set to an open position, thereby allowing an inflow of air, see Arrow C, from the ambience into the housing201. More precisely, since the outer edge portion220of the disc-shaped openable membrane218is free while the inner edge portion250is fixed, the free end of the membrane218will open inwardly like a flap as a result of the vacuum. Thereby a passage for the air flow from the ambience into the housing210and its cavity240is allowed. For better illustration, the openable membrane218is disclosed in dashed lines in its closed position, and in solid lines in its open position.

This inflow of air from the ambience, Arrow C, has an initial direction counter to the suction force, Arrow B, and also counter to the flow of exhaust gas, arrow A.

By the one or more magnets214being arranged opposite the one or more air vents223, the ambient air that enters the housing201via the one or more air vents223will pass the one or more magnets214before leaving the cavity240via the gap241. In fact, by the design of the housing201, the air flow changes its direction more or less 180 degrees during its passage through the cavity240from the air vents223to the throughgoing channel204. Thereby the residence time in the cavity240and thereby the contact with the magnets214is substantially increased as compared to a hypothetic design in which the at least one air vent223and the at least one magnet214were arranged at the same end. Accordingly, the magnets214which are heated by the exhaust gas and by the contact with the adaptor100will be efficiently cooled. Thereby their life length will be prolonged.

Further, while the incoming exhaust gas, arrow A, has a temperature of about 370° C., the inflow of air from the ambience, arrow C, is typically at room temperature. Since the two fluid flows intermix when meeting in the throughgoing channel204, the resulting temperature of the outgoing fluid flow, arrow B, leaving the nozzle200will be reduced. Thereby the hose (not disclosed) that is typically used to connect the nozzle200to the exhaust extraction system will be subjected to lower temperatures and thereby have a prolonged life length. This also applies to other components downstream the nozzle, such as an exhaust fan. In other words, the supplied flow of ambient air having a substantially lower temperature than the hot exhaust gas serves a dual purpose of cooling the magnet(s) and also intermixing with and reducing the temperature of the exhaust gas. Accordingly, the design of the nozzle results in a connector system having a prolonged life length in view of the functionality of the magnets and in view of the flexible hose to be connected to the nozzle.

The provided connector system comprises an adaptor and a nozzle which are configured to engage each other by a magnetic coupling. Not only is a quick engagement allowed simply by moving the two parts together whereby the magnetic coupling will keep the two parts in a firm engagement, but also a quick release is provided for. The release is allowed by driving away with the vehicle whereby a releasing acting moment is generated which releases the magnetic coupling. The acting moment is enhanced by the bend205. The skilled person will realize that the bend205with remained function may be replaced by a non-disclosed straight tube forming an angle to the longitudinal centerline L of the nozzle200.

In the embodiment described above, the openable membrane218has been disclosed as a flexible disc which acts as an openable flap when subjected to the suction force. Instead of a single membrane that interacts with several air vents, each air vent may be provided with its own openable membrane. The skilled person realizes that the same effect may be provided by a slit diaphragm that is fixedly arranged to the housing and which covers the opening of the one or more air vent. The openable membrane, no matter design acts as a check valve operable by the exhaust extraction system.

The nozzle may be used without any adaptor. In such solution, the magnetic target surface may be provided by a wall portion of the body of a vehicle which wall portion encircles the tail pipe. In such solution, when connecting the nozzle to the body, the tail pipe may be arranged to extend into the throughgoing channel of the nozzle. The flexible lip225of the nozzle may be arranged to provide a circumferential sealing against the body preventing exhaust gas from escaping in the radial direction.

In principle one magnet is enough. In case of one magnet only, such magnet may be ring shaped. The material of such ring, as seen in the radial direction, is preferably arranged opposing the at least one air vent.

The nozzle may, in a non-disclosed embodiment, be provided with an air-permeable debris screen. Such screen may be arranged across the inlet opening.