Support structure for muffler

Abstract

Provided is a support structure for a particulate filter stored inside and properly detachable and attachable, which is low in manufacturing cost, hardly causes stress concentration and readily prevents interference with peripheral devices. Concerned is a support structure for a muffler 11 with the particulate filter 6 stored inside, the muffler 11 being divided at positions in front of and behind the portion for storage of the filter into portions, the divided portions being detachably fastened together through flanges 12 a, 13 a and 14 a . Brackets 15 and 16 for suspension and support of the muffler 11 from and by a frame 9 (vehicle body) are fitted by fastening the brackets together upon fastening of the flanges 12 a and 13 a and the flanges 13 a and 14 a.

1 . A support structure for a muffler with a particulate filter stored inside, the muffler being divided, at positions in front of and behind the stored filter, into portions, said divided portions being fastened together through flanges thereof for easy detachment and attachment, comprising brackets for suspension and support of the muffler from and by a vehicle body, said brackets fitted by fastening said brackets together upon fastening of the flanges.  
   
   
       2 . The support structure for the muffler according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the brackets has a lower end formed with an overlap portion for overlapping with corresponding ones of the flanges only at portions thereof adjacent to their tops, said bracket being fitted by fastening the overlap portion together with the flanges at a position adjacent to the tops of the flanges.  
   
   
       3 . The support structure for the muffler according to  claim 1 , wherein the particulate filter carries oxidation catalyst.  
   
   
       4 . The support structure for the muffler according to  claim 2 , wherein the particulate filter carries oxidation catalyst.  
   
   
       5 . The support structure for the muffler according to  claim 1 , wherein the particulate filter carries NO x  absorption reduction catalyst.  
   
   
       6 . The support structure for the muffler according to  claim 2 , wherein the particulate filter carries NO x  absorption reduction catalyst.