Catalytic converter comprising inner heat shield with noise suppression

摘要

A catalytic converter for an automotive exhaust system or the like comprises a catalyst substrate within a midsection of a metal housing. The metal housing includes an end section that extends from the midsection and includes an opening, which may be either an inlet or an outlet for the catalytic converter. An inner heat shield is disposed within the end section and includes a flared section that is spaced apart from the housing end section to provide thermal insulation. The flared section is formed of a metal sheet and includes one or more ribs to reinforce the flared section and reduce vibration that might otherwise produce noise. Preferably, the ribs are formed by elongated ridges that extend generally in the direction of gas flow through the converter.