Vehicle exhaust system water wading protection
By adopting a switching valve body structure in the vehicle exhaust system, with the pivot shaft and housing arranged at an angle, and the sealing ring and valve plate arranged at an angle, the valve plate is rotated by an actuator to achieve sealing, thus solving the problem of insufficient sealing capacity in the prior art, simplifying the structure and improving sealing performance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521544976.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle exhaust systems suffer from reduced sealing capabilities when wading through water. Current technologies are complex and offer limited improvement, failing to effectively prevent water from entering the exhaust system.
The valve body adopts a switching structure, with the pivot shaft forming an angle α with the axial center line of the housing, the sealing ring perpendicular to the axial center line of the housing, and the pivot shaft and sealing ring forming an angle β. The valve plate and sealing ring are located on both sides, and the valve plate is rotated by the actuator to achieve sealing, which simplifies the structure and improves the sealing performance.
It achieves effective sealing of the exhaust system when the vehicle is wading or floating in water, simplifies the structure, improves sealing performance, prevents water from entering the engine, adapts to different leakage requirements, and has good sealing performance.
Smart Images
Figure CN224566736U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of vehicle exhaust system, and more specifically, it relates to a water-resistant structure for vehicle exhaust system. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing number of vehicle applications, vehicles need to wade through water and even float. When a vehicle wades through water, water can enter the interior through the exhaust system, causing damage to related components. Currently, the sealing methods for vehicle exhaust systems are: 1. Using a ball valve seal, with elastic elements providing support. As high-temperature exhaust gases continuously impact the system, the ball valve sealing area deforms, and the support force of the elastic element decreases, leading to a reduction in sealing capability; 2. Adding a secondary exhaust pipe, with the secondary exhaust pipe positioned higher than the main exhaust pipe to increase wading depth. This method is structurally complex and its improvement is limited by the vehicle's chassis height.
[0003] Existing technology includes a patent titled "A Waterproof Exhaust Pipe" with publication number CN209494617U. This technology discloses a waterproof exhaust pipe comprising an exhaust pipe body, a first bent pipe at the exhaust end of the exhaust pipe body, and a second bent pipe at the intake end of the exhaust pipe body. The intake end of the second bent pipe of the exhaust pipe body is connected to a connecting pipe, which is connected to the exhaust pipe flange of a motor vehicle. The outer radius of the second bent pipe is smaller than the outer radius of the exhaust pipe body. The first bent pipe, the exhaust pipe body, the second bent pipe, and the connecting pipe are sequentially welded together to form an integral exhaust channel. A heat-insulating inner pipe is fitted over the exhaust channel, and a heat-insulating outer pipe is fitted over the heat-insulating inner pipe. The beneficial effect of this novel technology is that it improves the water-wading capabilities of the motor vehicle's intake system, provides comprehensive protection for motor vehicles during prolonged water wading, and overcomes the defect of modified intake systems that cannot be shut off during water wading. However, this technology does not relate to the technical solution of this application. Utility Model Content
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a simple structure for a vehicle exhaust system that seals the exhaust system by closing the waterproof structure when the vehicle is wading or even floating in water, and the waterproof valve sealing area and the pivot shaft are respectively located on both sides of the valve plate, so there is no need to consider the sealing at the pivot shaft, and the sealing performance is effectively improved.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0006] This utility model is a water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system. The valve body has a mounting seat on its housing. A pivot shaft is provided on the mounting seat, extending into the housing channel. The pivot shaft and the axial center line of the housing form an angle α. A sealing ring is arranged perpendicular to the axial center line of the housing, and the pivot shaft and the sealing ring form an angle β. A sealing ring is provided around the inner ring of the housing channel. The pivot shaft is fitted into a mounting sleeve of the valve plate. The mounting sleeve is located on one side of the valve plate, and the sealing ring is located on the other side of the valve plate. The upper and lower ends of the valve plate contact the sealing ring.
[0007] The switching valve body is installed on the vehicle's exhaust system.
[0008] The switching valve body includes a limit block, an end cap, a pivot shaft, a valve plate, a housing, a sealing ring, and a housing channel.
[0009] The end cap is fixedly connected to the pivot shaft by welding. The end cap is also connected to the actuator. The limit block is fixed on the pivot shaft, and the limit seat is provided in the mounting base.
[0010] The actuator includes a DC motor, a worm gear, an intermediate gear, a sector gear with a magnet, a connector, and an actuator housing.
[0011] The DC motor, worm gear, intermediate gear, and sector gear with magnet are housed in the actuator housing. The shaft of the DC motor is fixedly connected to the worm gear. The worm gear meshes with the intermediate gear, and the intermediate gear meshes with the sector gear with magnet. The connector is part of the actuator housing and is connected to the engine EMS system via a wiring harness.
[0012] The actuator and the switching valve body are connected by an intermediate bracket.
[0013] The α angle is either acute or obtuse, and the β angle is either acute or obtuse; when the α angle is acute, the β angle is acute, and when the α angle is obtuse, the β angle is obtuse.
[0014] The screw passes through the mounting sleeve and is screwed into the threaded hole of the pivot shaft.
[0015] The housing channel and valve plate are both circular structures, and the sealing ring is a circular structure.
[0016] The working principle and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0017] The waterproof structure for a vehicle exhaust system described in this utility model features a unique arrangement of the pivot shaft and valve plate within the housing. The pivot shaft forms an angle (α) with the axial centerline of the housing, rather than being perpendicular. The sealing area (sealing ring) also forms an angle (β) with the pivot shaft. This arrangement places the waterproof valve's sealing area and the pivot shaft on opposite sides of the valve plate, meaning the valve plate's mounting sleeve is located on the side that will not come into contact with external water. This eliminates the need for sealing at the pivot shaft, simplifying the structure. The outer side of the valve plate remains in constant contact with the inner wall of the sealing ring, directly controlling the axial movement of the pivot shaft. No additional structures or parts are needed to control the axial clearance, effectively improving sealing performance while simplifying the structure. Compared to other waterproof valve structures, this utility model boasts a simple and compact structure. The sealing area is an annular region, requiring only two parts: the valve plate and the sealing ring. The annular structure of both the valve plate and the sealing ring facilitates size control and allows for adaptation to varying leakage requirements. The two parts fit snugly together during sealing, ensuring excellent sealing performance. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The following is a brief explanation of the contents depicted in the accompanying drawings and the markings therein:
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof structure of the vehicle exhaust system described in this utility model.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof structure of the vehicle exhaust system described in this utility model.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the actuator of the water-resistant structure for the vehicle exhaust system described in this utility model;
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the switching valve body of the water-resistant structure of the vehicle exhaust system described in this utility model;
[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the pivot shaft of the water-resistant structure of the vehicle exhaust system described in this utility model.
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the valve plate arrangement structure of the water-resistant structure of the vehicle exhaust system described in this utility model.
[0025] The labels in the attached diagram are as follows: 1. Actuator; 11. DC motor; 12. Worm gear; 13. Intermediate gear; 14. Sector gear with magnet; 15. Connector; 16. Actuator housing; 2. Intermediate support; 3. Switching valve body; 31. Limit block; 32. End cover; 33. Pivot shaft; 34. Valve plate; 35. Housing; 36. Sealing ring; 37. Housing channel; 38. Housing axial centerline; 39. Mounting sleeve; 310. Mounting seat; 311. Limit seat; 312. Upper end of valve plate; 313. Lower end of valve plate. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, provides a more detailed explanation of the specific embodiments of this utility model, including the shape and structure of each component, the relative positions and connections between the parts, the functions and working principles of each part:
[0027] As attached Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 6As shown, this utility model is a water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system. A mounting base 310 is installed on the housing 35 of the switching valve body 3. A pivot shaft 33 extending into the housing channel 37 is provided on the mounting base 310. The pivot shaft 33 and the axial center line 38 of the housing form an angle α. A sealing ring 36 is arranged perpendicular to the axial center line 38 of the housing, and the pivot shaft 33 and the sealing ring 36 form an angle β. A sealing ring 36 is arranged around the inner circumference of the housing channel 37. The pivot shaft 33 is fitted into a mounting sleeve 39 of the valve plate 34. The mounting sleeve 39 is located on one side of the valve plate 34, and the sealing ring 36 is located on the other side of the valve plate 34. The upper end 312 and lower end 313 of the valve plate contact the sealing ring 36. This structure addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing an improved technical solution. In the structural design, the pivot shaft 33 and the valve plate are arranged inside the housing 35 at a certain angle (angle α) to the axial centerline 38 of the housing, rather than being perpendicular. The sealing area (sealing ring 36) also forms an angle (angle β) with the pivot shaft 33. Thus, the sealing area and the pivot shaft 33 are positioned on opposite sides of the valve plate, meaning the mounting sleeve 39 of the valve plate 34 is located on the side that will not come into contact with external water. This eliminates the need to consider sealing at the pivot shaft 33, simplifying the structure. The outer side of the valve plate 34 (upper end 312 and lower end 313) is always in contact with the inner wall of the sealing ring 36, directly controlling the axial movement of the pivot shaft 33. No additional structure or parts are needed to control the axial clearance, effectively improving sealing performance while simplifying the structure. Compared to other waterproof valve structures, this invention has a simple and compact structure, with a circular sealing area requiring only the valve plate and sealing ring for sealing. The valve plate 34 has a circular ring structure, and the sealing ring also has a circular ring structure, which facilitates size control and can adapt to different leakage requirements. The two fit together perfectly during sealing, resulting in good sealing performance. The waterproof structure for the vehicle exhaust system described in this invention is simple in structure. When the vehicle is wading or even floating, the exhaust system is sealed by closing the waterproof structure. Furthermore, the waterproof valve sealing area and the pivot shaft are located on opposite sides of the valve plate, eliminating the need to consider sealing at the pivot shaft and effectively improving sealing performance.
[0028] The switching valve body 3 is installed on the vehicle's exhaust system. The working process of the above structure is as follows: 1. When the vehicle is driving normally, the waterproof valve is open, and the vehicle's exhaust system exhausts normally through the switching valve body 3. 2. When the vehicle enters other modes (such as wading and floating modes), when the wading depth reaches a certain height, the wading sensor transmits a signal to the engine management system (EMS), which then sends a command to the waterproof valve actuator to close the valve plate 34 of the waterproof valve, thus achieving a sealing effect. 3. When the waterproof valve needs to be closed, the actuator drives the pivot shaft 33, thereby rotating the valve plate 34; the valve plate 34 rotates to a certain position, fully contacting the inner wall of the sealing ring 36, forming a sealing area, preventing water from passing through, and achieving a sealing effect. 4. This valve has the advantages of high temperature resistance and strong sealing ability, and can be used to seal high-temperature airflow, applied to the vehicle's exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. This utility model has a simple structure and strong sealing ability. It is connected to the exhaust pipe by welding, which can meet the requirements of high-temperature exhaust and prevent water from entering the engine through the exhaust pipe and causing damage. This utility model interacts with the engine management system (EMS) via electrical signals, and can open and close the waterproof valve according to instructions.
[0029] The switching valve body 3 includes a limiting block 31, an end cap 32, a pivot shaft 33, a valve plate 34, a housing 35, a sealing ring 36, and a housing channel 37. The end cap 32 is fixedly connected to the pivot shaft 33 by welding. The end cap 32 is also connected to the actuator 1. The limiting block 31 is fixed to the pivot shaft 33, and a limiting seat 311 is provided within the mounting base 310. In this structure, the switching valve body 3 uses the rotational force applied by the actuator 1 to drive the rotation of the end cap 32 and the pivot shaft 33, thereby opening and closing the valve plate 34. The end cap 32 is fixed to the pivot shaft 33 by welding and is also connected to the actuator 1. The main function of the end cap is heat insulation, preventing heat from being conducted through the pivot shaft 33, which could cause the actuator 1 to malfunction. The valve plate 34 and the sealing ring 37 form a sealing structure. When the valve plate 34 moves from the open position to the position shown in the figure above, the valve body has sealing performance. In order to limit the further rotation of the valve plate 34, a limit is added to control the rotation angle of the valve plate 34 within 0-90°.
[0030] The actuator 1 includes a DC motor 11, a worm gear 12, an intermediate gear 13, a sector gear 14 with a magnet, a connector 15, and an actuator housing 16. The DC motor 11, worm gear 12, intermediate gear 13, and sector gear 14 with a magnet are housed within the actuator housing 16. The shaft of the DC motor 11 is fixedly connected to the worm gear 12. The worm gear 12 meshes with the intermediate gear 13, and the intermediate gear 13 meshes with the sector gear 14 with a magnet. The connector 15 is part of the actuator housing 16. In this structure, the actuator 1 receives power from the vehicle battery through the connector 15. The DC motor 11 rotates, driving the worm gear 12 to rotate. The worm gear 12 drives the intermediate gear 13 and the sector gear 14 with a magnet to rotate. Simultaneously, the rotation of the sector gear 14 with a magnet causes the magnet to rotate, changing the position of the magnet and altering the direction of the magnetic field lines. This change is detected by a Hall sensor, converted into an electrical signal, and transmitted to the engine management system (EMS) through the connector 15, providing real-time position feedback. In this way, the switching control of opening and closing of the switching valve body can be reliably realized.
[0031] The actuator 1 and the switching valve body 3 are connected by an intermediate bracket 2. The α angle is either acute or obtuse, and the β angle is either acute or obtuse. When the α angle is acute, the β angle is acute; when the α angle is obtuse, the β angle is obtuse. This structure, through angle control, allows the valve plate to be reliably arranged within the housing channel and enables opening and closing control. Both the housing channel 37 and the valve plate 34 are circular structures, and the sealing ring 36 is a circular ring structure.
[0032] In this invention, the screw passes through the mounting sleeve 39 and is screwed into the screw hole of the pivot shaft 33. In this structure, the valve plate is connected to the pivot shaft 33 by screws (or welding). During the rotation of the pivot shaft 33, the outer side of the valve plate 34 is always in contact with the inner wall of the sealing ring 26, directly controlling the axial movement of the pivot shaft 33 without requiring additional structures or parts to control the axial clearance.
[0033] The water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system described in this utility model includes an actuator 1, an intermediate support 2, and a switching valve body 3. The switching valve body 2 is welded to the exhaust pipe at both ends, capable of sealing the exhaust pipe to disconnect it from the outside environment. The actuator 1 includes a DC motor 11, a worm gear 12, an intermediate gear 13, a sector gear 14 with a magnet, and a connector 15. The actuator 1 is connected to the engine management system (EMS) via the connector 15 for feedback of its real-time position. The switching valve body 3 includes a limit block 31, an end cap 32, a pivot shaft 33, a valve plate 34, a housing 35, a sealing ring 36, and a housing channel (throat) 37. The pivot shaft 33 rotates, thereby driving the valve plate 34 to rotate, forming a sealing structure with the sealing ring 36. The pivot shaft 33 is not perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing 35, but forms a certain angle (acute or obtuse angle, depending on the direction). Similarly, the rotation axis of the valve plate 34 also forms a certain angle with the center line. The pivot shaft 33 is fixed to the valve plate 34 by welding or screw connection. The outer edge of the valve plate 34 is always in contact with the inner side of the sealing ring 36 during rotation, which can control the axial movement of the pivot shaft 33 and does not require additional parts or structures to limit the axial clearance.
[0034] The sealing ring is made of hard graphite. With the above structure, the sealing ring can effectively provide a seal.
[0035] The waterproof structure for a vehicle exhaust system described in this utility model features a unique arrangement of the pivot shaft 33 and valve plate within the housing 35. The pivot shaft 33 forms an angle (α) with the axial center line 38 of the housing, rather than being perpendicular. The sealing area (sealing ring 36) also forms an angle (β) with the pivot shaft 33. The waterproof valve's sealing area and the pivot shaft 33 are positioned on opposite sides of the valve plate, meaning the mounting sleeve 39 of the valve plate 34 is located on the side that will not come into contact with external water. This eliminates the need to consider sealing at the pivot shaft 33, simplifying the structure. The outer side of the valve plate 34 remains in contact with the inner wall of the sealing ring 36, directly controlling the axial movement of the pivot shaft 33. No additional structure or parts are needed to control the axial clearance, effectively improving sealing performance while simplifying the structure. Compared to other waterproof valve structures, this utility model has a simple and compact structure. The sealing area is a circular area, requiring only two parts: the valve plate and the sealing ring. The valve plate 34 has a circular structure, and the sealing ring has a circular structure, which facilitates size control and can adapt to different leakage requirements. The two fit together when sealing, resulting in good sealing performance.
[0036] The present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system, characterized in that: A mounting base (310) is provided on the housing (35) of the switching valve body (3). A pivot shaft (33) extending into the housing channel (37) is provided on the mounting base (310). The pivot shaft (33) and the axial center line (38) of the housing form an angle α. The sealing ring (36) is arranged perpendicular to the axial center line (38) of the housing. The pivot shaft (33) and the sealing ring (36) form an angle β. The sealing ring (36) is provided around the inner ring of the housing channel (37). The pivot shaft (33) is fitted into the mounting sleeve (39) of the valve plate (34).
2. The water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching valve body (3) is installed on the vehicle exhaust system.
3. The water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The switching valve body (3) includes a limiting block (31), an end cap (32), a pivot shaft (33), a valve plate (34), a housing (35), a sealing ring (36), and a housing channel (37).
4. The water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end cap (32) is fixedly connected to the pivot shaft (33) by welding. The end cap (32) is also connected to the actuator (1). The limit block (31) is fixed on the pivot shaft (33). The mounting base (310) is provided with a limit seat (311).
5. The water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The actuator (1) includes a DC motor (11), a worm gear (12), an intermediate gear (13), a sector gear with a magnet (14), a connector (15), and an actuator housing (16).
6. The water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The DC motor (11), worm (12), intermediate gear (13), and sector gear (14) with magnet are installed inside the actuator housing (16). The shaft of the DC motor (11) is fixedly connected to the worm (12). The worm (12) meshes with the intermediate gear (13). The intermediate gear (13) meshes with the sector gear (14) with magnet. The connector (15) is part of the actuator housing (16) and is connected to the engine EMS system through a wiring harness.
7. The water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The actuator (1) and the switching valve body (3) are connected by an intermediate bracket (2).
8. The water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The α angle is either acute or obtuse, and the β angle is either acute or obtuse; when the α angle is acute, the β angle is acute; when the α angle is obtuse, the β angle is obtuse.
9. The water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The screw passes through the mounting sleeve (39) and is screwed into the screw hole of the pivot shaft (33).
10. The water-resistant structure for a vehicle exhaust system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting sleeve (39) is located on one side of the valve plate (34), and the sealing ring (36) is located on the other side of the valve plate (34). The upper end (312) and the lower end (313) of the valve plate contact the sealing ring (36).