Process and apparatus for producing a metallic honeycomb body

• US 6,751,864 B2
• Filed: 09/24/2001
• Issued: 06/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft für Emissionstechnologie mbH (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft für Emissionstechnologie mbH (Continental AG)
• Inventors: Wieres, Ludwig
• Primary Examiner(s): ROSENBAUM, IRENE CUDA
• Application Number:
  US09/962,702
• Publication Number:
  US 20020069529A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,002 Days
• Field of Search: 298/90, 295/15, 295/16, 298/900.8, 295/20, 422/180, 422/179
• US Class Current: 29/890
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 35/56 Foraminous structures having flow-through passages or channels, e.g. grids or three-dimensional monoliths
• CPC Class Codes: F01N 3/2817 only with non-corrugated sheets, plates or foils
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49345 Catalytic device making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49934 by axially applying force

Abstract

A process for producing a metallic honeycomb body includes winding, laminating or intertwining at least one at least partly structured layer of sheet metal to form a matrix placed in a tubular jacket. At least the tubular jacket is elastically deformed by successively exerting a substantially linearly and radially inwardly directed force on the peripheral surface of the tubular jacket, as seen in circumferential direction of the tubular jacket. An apparatus for producing a metallic honeycomb body includes at least two mutually movable and variably spaced apart pressure elements for receiving the honeycomb body therebetween and bringing the two pressure elements to bear against the peripheral surface of the tubular jacket, to successively exert a substantially radially inwardly directed force on at least part of the periphery of the tubular jacket for elastically deforming at least the tubular jacket.

Claims

1. A process for producing a metallic honeycomb body, which comprises:

winding, laminating or intertwining at least one at least partly structured layer of sheet metal to form a matrix;

placing the matrix in a tubular jacket having a peripheral surface and a circumferential direction, to form a honeycomb body;

placing the honeycomb body between at least two pressure elements spaced-apart by a mutually variable distance, and rotationally driving at least one of the pressure elements; and

elastically deforming at least the tubular jacket by successively exerting a substantially linearly and substantially radially inwardly directed force on the peripheral surface of the tubular jacket, as seen in the circumferential direction of the tubular jacket.

2. The process according to claim 1, which further comprises providing the at least two pressure elements, between which the honeycomb body is placed, as at least three cylindrical pressure elements rotatable about respective axes.

3. A process for producing a metallic honeycomb body, which comprises:

winding, laminating or intertwining at least one at least partly structured layer of sheet metal to form a matrix;

placing the matrix in a tubular jacket having a peripheral surface and a circumferential direction, to form a honeycomb body;

placing the honeycomb body between two plate-shaped pressure elements spaced-apart by a mutually variable distance, and translationally moving the pressure elements relative to and substantially parallel to one another by fixing one of the plate-shaped pressure elements in place and moving the other of the plate-shaped pressure elements; and

elastically deforming at least the tubular jacket by successively exerting a substantially linearly and substantially radially inwardly directed force on the peripheral surface of the tubular jacket, as seen in the circumferential direction of the tubular jacket.

4. A process for producing a metallic honeycomb body, which comprises:

winding, laminating or intertwining at least one at least partly structured layer of sheet metal to form a matrix;

placing the matrix in a tubular jacket having a peripheral surface and a circumferential direction, to form a honeycomb body;

placing the honeycomb body between two plate-shaped pressure elements spaced-apart by a mutually variable distance, and translationally moving the pressure elements relative to and substantially parallel to one another by moving the plate-shaped pressure elements in opposite directions; and

elastically deforming at least the tubular jacket by successively exerting a substantially linearly and substantially radially inwardly directed force on the peripheral surface of the tubular jacket, as seen in the circumferential direction of the tubular jacket.