Method and apparatus for assembling an insert assembly for a catalytic

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assembling an insert assembly in a catalytic converter comprising a casing and an insert assembly therein. The insert assembly comprises a columnar catalyst having a seal mat wound around the outer periphery thereof and a mesh ring attached thereto. The seal mat is fitted in a groove provided in a receiving member for the placement of a catalyst and the catalyst is placed and positioned, with its axis substantially horizontal, on the receiving member. A guide member is positioned adjacent to the catalyst on the same axis as the catalyst and supported from the sides thereof, the guide member having an outer inclined surface enlarged towards the catalyst. The mesh ring is positioned on the same axis as the catalyst on the side of the guide member opposite to the side of the catalyst. The opposite end of the seal mat are engaged to wind the seal mat around the catalyst and the mesh ring is resiliently supported from the outside thereof. The guide member is supported from an axial direction through said mesh ring and at the same time, is released from the side support. The mesh ring is pushed towards the catalyst while expanding it along the outer inclined surface of the guide member, and the mesh ring is thereby fitted onto the catalyst. With this method and apparatus, the winding of the seal mat around and the attaching of the mesh ring to the catalyst can be conducted in one step to provide a reduction in assembling time.