Automobile hood air intake structure and automobile

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of automobile hood air intake structure and automobile, it is related to automobile hood technical field, wherein, automobile hood air intake structure includes hood, first damper and second damper, hood includes and is spaced apart in up-down direction upper plate and inner plate, and the air duct that is extended along front and back is formed between upper plate and inner plate, air duct rear end is equipped with to connect air conditioner air conditioner air inlet, inner plate front end is bent upwards, to and upper plate are enclosed to form the air inlet of connecting air duct, air filter air inlet for connecting air duct and engine air filter element is arranged on inner plate, first damper is located in air duct, and it is located air filter air inlet side away from air inlet, to close or connect air inlet and air conditioner air inlet, second damper is located in air duct, to close or connect air inlet and air filter air inlet is set corresponding air filter air inlet.Such, enough filter structure of combustion air and air conditioner air intake can be integrated to the hood, and sufficient collapse space for protecting pedestrian when collision occurs is reserved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive hood technology, and particularly to an automotive hood air intake structure and an automotive. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the significant challenges of short driving range, poor charging experience, and range anxiety faced by the large-scale promotion of pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles remain popular in the market. Because hybrid vehicles need to integrate both an engine and a three-electric system (battery, motor, and electronic control system), they place great emphasis on the integration of their hardware structure to accommodate more system components within a limited structural space and provide more human-machine interaction space. Furthermore, stricter pedestrian protection regulations mean that the traditional multi-layered sheet metal sandwich design of the hood cannot be reduced in size due to the need to allow for crumple zone protection for pedestrians in the event of a collision.

[0003] However, existing hybrid vehicles cannot make reasonable use of the irregular, large space of the hood as a structural design for the air intake without sacrificing pedestrian protection performance, so as to ensure the air intake capacity of the air conditioning and air filter without affecting wind resistance performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to propose an air intake structure for an automobile hood and an automobile in order to solve the problem that existing hybrid vehicles cannot make reasonable use of the irregular, large space of the hood as an air intake duct without sacrificing pedestrian protection performance, so as to ensure the air intake capacity of the air conditioning and air filter without affecting wind resistance performance.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an automotive hood air intake structure. The hood includes an outer panel and an inner panel spaced apart vertically. An air duct extending in a front-to-back direction is formed between the outer panel and the inner panel. An air conditioning air intake for connecting to an air conditioner is provided at the rear end of the air duct. The front end of the inner panel is bent upward to enclose the outer panel and form an air intake for connecting to the front end of the air duct. An air filter air intake for connecting the air duct and the engine air filter is provided through the inner panel.

[0006] A first damper, disposed within the air duct and located on the side of the air filter inlet away from the air inlet, is capable of closing or connecting the air inlet and the air conditioning inlet; and,

[0007] The second air damper is located inside the air duct and is configured corresponding to the air filter inlet. The second air damper can close or connect the air inlet and the air filter inlet.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first damper is rotatably configured along an axis extending vertically;

[0009] The vehicle hood air intake structure also includes a first stepper motor, which is connected to the first damper drive to drive the first damper to rotate along a vertically extending axis and control the rotation angle of the first damper; and / or,

[0010] The second damper is rotatably configured along an axis extending vertically;

[0011] The vehicle hood air intake structure also includes a second stepper motor, which is connected to the second damper drive to drive the second damper to rotate along an axis extending vertically, and to control the rotation angle of the second damper.

[0012] In one embodiment, two air ducts are formed, and the two air ducts are arranged at a left-right interval, one of which is used to connect to the engine air filter.

[0013] Two air inlets, two air conditioning inlets, and two first dampers are provided, and each air inlet, air filter inlet, and first damper corresponds to one air duct.

[0014] In one embodiment, the two air ducts are connected at the middle in the front-to-back direction to form a connecting section;

[0015] The vehicle hood air intake structure also includes a third air damper, which is located at the connecting section and can close or connect the two air ducts.

[0016] In one embodiment, the third damper is rotatably configured along an axis extending vertically;

[0017] The vehicle hood air intake structure also includes a third stepper motor, which is driven and connected to the third damper to drive the third damper to rotate along an axis extending vertically, and to control the rotation angle of the third damper.

[0018] In one embodiment, the air duct is inclined upwards in the direction from front to back.

[0019] In one embodiment, a drain outlet is provided through the inner plate, the drain outlet is connected to the front end of the air duct, and the drain outlet is used to drain the water accumulated in the air duct.

[0020] In one embodiment, the lower end of the inner panel is further provided with a hood lock, the hood lock protruding from the inner panel and used to lock the inner panel to the vehicle body.

[0021] In one embodiment, the car hood air intake structure further includes multiple buffer structures, which are spaced apart on the lower end surface of the inner panel and are elastically arranged vertically upwards. Each buffer structure is used to abut against the car body.

[0022] The present invention also proposes an automobile including the above-described automobile hood air intake structure.

[0023] In the technical solution of this invention, during normal vehicle operation, the hood is swept by airflow from front to back. At this time, the airflow sweeping onto the outer panel flows into the air duct through the air inlet. When the driver or passengers in the vehicle's cabin do not need to use the air conditioning, the first damper closes the air inlet and the air conditioning inlet, and the second damper connects the air inlet and the air filter inlet. All the air flowing into the air duct from the air inlet flows into the engine air filter element through the air filter inlet, and is then introduced into the engine combustion chamber to mix with gasoline for combustion. The system provides air for combustion in the engine's combustion chamber. When the driver or passengers in the car need to use the air conditioning, the first damper connects the air inlet and the air intake port, and the second damper connects the air inlet and the air filter intake port. Air flowing into the air duct from the air inlet is split, with some air flowing from the air filter intake port into the engine air filter element, and then introduced into the engine combustion chamber to mix with gasoline for combustion. The remaining air flows from the air conditioning intake port into the air conditioning system, is cooled or heated, and then blown into the car's cabin to regulate the temperature inside the cabin. This configuration integrates the combustion air intake and air conditioning air intake filtration structures onto the hood, freeing up space in the engine compartment for hardware structures and reserving sufficient crumple zone to protect pedestrians in the event of a collision. Furthermore, because the air inlet is oriented upwards, it is positioned away from the wind, avoiding increased wind resistance during normal vehicle operation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the automotive hood air intake structure provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the air intake structure of a Chinese automobile hood along the front and rear directions;

[0027] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0028] 100. Car hood air intake structure; 1. Hood; 11. Outer panel; 12. Inner panel; 13. Air conditioning air intake; 14. Air inlet; 15. Air filter air intake; 16. Drain outlet; 2. First air damper; 3. Second air damper; 4. Third air damper; 5. Hood lock; 6. Buffer structure.

[0029] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0032] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0033] This invention proposes an air intake structure for an automotive hood. It aims to address the problem in existing hybrid vehicles where the irregular, expansive space of the hood cannot be rationally utilized as an air intake duct without sacrificing pedestrian protection performance, thus ensuring the air intake capacity for air conditioning and air filters without affecting wind resistance.

[0034] Please see Figure 1-2In one embodiment of the present invention, the car hood air intake structure 100 includes a hood 11, a first air damper 2, and a second air damper 3. The hood 11 includes an outer panel 11 and an inner panel 12 spaced vertically upwards. An air duct extending in a front-to-back direction is formed between the outer panel 11 and the inner panel 12. The rear end of the air duct is provided with an air conditioning intake 13 for connecting to an air conditioner. The front end of the inner panel 12 is bent upwards to form an air inlet 14 connecting to the front end of the air duct, together with the outer panel 11. A through-hole is provided on the inner panel 12. An air filter inlet 15 is connected to the air duct, which is used to connect the air duct and the engine air filter. A first damper 2 is located in the air duct and on the side of the air filter inlet 15 away from the air inlet 14. The first damper 2 can close or connect the air inlet 14 and the air conditioning inlet 13. A second damper 3 is located in the air duct and is arranged corresponding to the air filter inlet 15. The second damper 3 can close or connect the air inlet 14 and the air filter inlet 15.

[0035] In the technical solution of this invention, during normal vehicle operation, the hood 11 is swept by airflow from front to back. At this time, the airflow sweeping onto the outer panel 11 flows into the air duct through the air inlet 14. When the driver or passengers in the vehicle's cabin do not need to use the air conditioning, the first damper 2 closes the air inlet 14 and the air conditioning inlet 13. The second damper 3 connects the air inlet 14 and the air filter inlet 15. All the air flowing into the air duct from the air inlet 14 flows into the engine air filter element through the air filter inlet 15, and is then introduced into the engine combustion chamber to mix with gasoline for combustion. The air intake provides air for combustion in the engine's combustion chamber. When the driver or passengers in the car need to use the air conditioning, the first damper 2 connects the air intake 14 and the air inlet, and the second damper 3 connects the air intake 14 and the air filter inlet 15. Air flowing into the air duct from the air intake 14 is split, with some air flowing from the air filter inlet 15 into the engine air filter element, and then introduced into the engine combustion chamber to mix with gasoline for combustion. The remaining air flows from the air conditioning inlet 13 into the air conditioning system, and after being cooled or heated, is blown into the car's cabin to regulate the temperature inside the cabin. This configuration integrates the combustion air intake and air conditioning air intake filtration structures onto the hood 11, freeing up space in the engine compartment for hardware structures and reserving sufficient crumple zone to protect pedestrians in the event of a collision. Furthermore, because the air intake 14 is oriented upwards, it is positioned away from the wind, avoiding increased wind resistance during normal vehicle operation.

[0036] It should be noted that, in one embodiment of the present invention, the outer panel 11 and the inner panel 12 are only partially spaced vertically to form the air duct. The portions of the outer panel 11 and the inner panel 12 located on the left and right sides of the air duct are abutted together. In this way, the portion of the hood 11 on the left and right sides of the air duct has sufficient redundant space, which allows for the free arrangement of resonant cavities or mufflers according to the intake NVH performance, physically freeing the adjustment volume limitation, so that the car can achieve good NVH performance.

[0037] It is understandable that when the driver or passengers in the car's cabin change their demand for air conditioning, the demand for air flowing into the air conditioning unit from the air intake 13 will also change. Therefore, in order to ensure that the amount of air flowing into the air intake 13 can change with the needs of the driver or passengers, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first damper 2 is rotatably configured along an axis extending vertically. The car hood air intake structure 100 also includes a first stepper motor, which is driven and connected to the first damper 2 to drive the first damper 2 to rotate along the axis extending vertically and to control the rotation angle of the first damper 2. With this configuration, the first stepper motor can drive the first damper 2 to rotate along the axis extending vertically according to the needs of the driver or passengers, adjusting the rotation angle of the first damper 2, that is, adjusting the opening of the first damper 2, so as to adjust the amount of air flowing into the air intake 13 from the air intake 14, thereby achieving the purpose of adapting to the needs of the driver or passengers.

[0038] Of course, the present invention does not limit the specific form of the first air damper 2. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first air damper 2 can also be configured as two first plate segments that are spaced apart in the left and right directions and can move in the direction of approaching or moving away from each other. In this way, the two first plate segments can move closer or further away from each other according to the needs of the driver or passenger, change the distance between the two first plate segments, that is, adjust the opening of the first air damper 2, so as to adjust the amount of air flowing into the air conditioning air intake 13 from the air inlet 14, thereby achieving the purpose of adapting to the needs of the driver or passenger.

[0039] Similarly, when the operating conditions of the car engine change, the engine's demand for the amount of air flowing into the air filter from the air filter intake port 15 also changes. To ensure that the amount of air flowing into the air filter intake port 15 can change with the engine's operating conditions, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second damper 3 is rotatably configured along a vertically extending axis. The car hood air intake structure 100 also includes a second stepper motor, which is drivenly connected to the second damper 3 to drive the second damper 3 to rotate along the vertically extending axis and control the rotation angle of the second damper 3. With this configuration, the second stepper motor can drive the second damper 3 to rotate along the vertically extending axis according to the engine's operating conditions, adjusting the rotation angle of the second damper 3, i.e., adjusting the opening of the second damper 3, to adjust the amount of air flowing into the air filter intake port 15 from the air intake port 14, thereby adapting to the engine's operating conditions.

[0040] Of course, the present invention does not limit the specific form of the second damper 3. In another embodiment of the present invention, the second damper 3 can also be configured as two second plate segments that are spaced apart in the left and right directions and can move in the direction of approaching or moving away from each other. In this way, the two second plate segments can move in the direction of approaching or moving away from each other according to the engine operating conditions, thereby adjusting the opening of the second damper 3 to adjust the amount of air flowing into the air filter intake port 15 from the air intake port 14, so as to adapt to the engine operating conditions.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention does not limit the specific number of air ducts. In one embodiment of the present invention, one air duct is provided. In this case, in order for the air duct to simultaneously meet the air outlet requirements of multiple air conditioning outlets in the car's cab, the air duct includes a first branch and a second branch arranged sequentially from front to back. Multiple second branches are provided, and multiple second branches are provided corresponding to multiple air conditioning outlets. One end of each second branch is connected to an air conditioning outlet, and the other end is connected to the rear end of the first branch. The front end of the first branch is connected to the air inlet 14. The first damper 2 and the second damper 3 are both located in the first branch. With this arrangement, even if only one air duct is provided, it can still meet the air outlet requirements of multiple air conditioning outlets.

[0042] It should be considered that when the driver or passenger in the cab needs to use the air conditioning, the first damper 2 connects the air inlet 14 and the air conditioning inlet 13. At this time, some of the air flowing into the air duct from the air inlet 14 will be diverted to the air conditioning inlet 13. This will reduce the amount of air flowing into the air filter inlet 15, resulting in incomplete combustion in the engine combustion chamber. To avoid the above situation, in another embodiment of the present invention, two air ducts are formed, and the two air ducts are arranged at intervals from left to right. One of the air ducts is used to connect the engine air filter. There are two air inlets 14, two air conditioning inlets 13, and two first dampers 2. Each air inlet 14, each air filter inlet 15, and each first damper 2 corresponds to one air duct. Thus, when the driver or passenger in the cab needs to use the air conditioning, both first air dampers 2 are connected to the corresponding air inlets 14 and air conditioning outlets to simultaneously supply air to the air conditioning. At this time, one of the air ducts with the air conditioning inlet 13 and the first air damper 2 can independently supply air to the air conditioning. In this way, the amount of air that needs to be diverted to the air conditioning inlet 13 in the other air duct decreases, allowing more air to flow into the air filter inlet 15 and into the engine air filter element. It is then introduced into the engine combustion chamber to mix with gasoline for combustion, thereby ensuring that the gasoline in the engine combustion chamber can be fully burned.

[0043] To further ensure that the two air ducts can provide stable air pressure for the air conditioner, in another embodiment of the present invention, the two air ducts are connected in the middle of their front-to-back direction to form a connecting section. The car hood air intake structure 100 also includes a third air damper 4, which is located at the connecting section and can close or connect the two air ducts. With this configuration, when the third air damper 4 closes the two air ducts, the two air ducts are independent, and there is a pressure difference between them. However, when the pressure difference between the two air ducts is too large, which could easily affect the normal operation of the car air conditioner, the third air damper 4 connects the two air ducts, allowing air to circulate under the influence of the pressure difference, thereby balancing the air pressure in the two air ducts and ensuring the normal operation of the air conditioner.

[0044] To enable the third air damper 4 to constantly adjust the flow rate and back pressure of the air flowing into the air conditioning intake 13 and the air filter intake 15, in one embodiment of the present invention, the third air damper 4 is rotatably configured along an axis extending vertically. The vehicle hood air intake structure 100 also includes a third stepper motor, which is drivenly connected to the third air damper 4 to drive the third air damper 4 to rotate along the axis extending vertically and to control the rotation angle of the third air damper 4. With this configuration, the third stepper motor can adjust the rotation angle of the third air damper 4 by driving it to rotate along the axis extending vertically, thereby constantly adjusting the flow rate and back pressure of the air flowing into the air conditioning intake 13 and the air filter intake 15, ensuring that the air flowing into the air conditioning intake 13 and the air filter intake 15 meets the needs of the air conditioning and engine.

[0045] Of course, the present invention does not limit the specific structure of the third damper 4. In another embodiment of the present invention, the third damper 4 can also be configured as two third plate segments that are spaced apart in the left and right direction and can move in the direction of approaching or moving away from each other. The third plate segments can move in the direction of approaching or moving away from each other to adjust the opening of the third damper 4, thereby adjusting the flow rate and back pressure of the air flowing into the air conditioning inlet 13 and the air filter inlet 15, and ensuring that the air flowing into the air conditioning inlet 13 and the air filter inlet 15 can meet the needs of the air conditioning and the engine.

[0046] Furthermore, it is understood that since the air inlet 14 is upward-facing, rainwater can easily drip from it into the duct. To prevent it from being drawn into the air conditioner by the negative pressure of the blower or the air filter by the negative pressure of the combustion chamber, in one embodiment of the present invention, the duct is inclined upwards in the front-to-back direction. With this configuration, rainwater dripping from the air inlet 14 into the duct will move towards the front end of the duct under the influence of gravity, thereby preventing rainwater from being drawn into the air conditioner or the filter.

[0047] Furthermore, to prevent excessive water accumulation in the air duct, which could allow water to seep into the air conditioner or filter, in another embodiment of the invention, a drain outlet 16 is provided on the inner plate 12. The drain outlet 16 connects to the front end of the air duct and is used to drain water from the air duct. With this arrangement, rainwater moving towards the front end of the air duct under gravity will flow to the drain outlet 16 and then drain out of the air duct, thus preventing excessive water accumulation in the air duct. This further improves the safety performance of the car hood air intake structure 100, ensures the safety of the air conditioner and filter, and reduces the manufacturing cost of independent drainage channels.

[0048] Furthermore, a hood lock 5 is provided at the lower end of the inner panel 12. The hood lock 5 protrudes from the inner panel 12 and is used to lock the inner panel 12 to the vehicle body. This design ensures the stability of the hood 11 during normal vehicle operation, thereby ensuring the stability of air intake for the air conditioning inlet 13 and the air filter inlet 15, and ultimately ensuring the normal operation of the air conditioning system and the engine.

[0049] Of course, the present invention does not limit the specific form of the cover lock 5. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover lock 5 can be configured as a mechanical lock structure; in another embodiment of the present invention, the cover lock 5 can also be configured as an electronic lock structure. The present invention does not limit this.

[0050] Furthermore, the vehicle hood air intake structure 100 also includes multiple buffer structures 6, which are spaced apart on the lower end surface of the inner panel 12 and are elastically arranged vertically upwards. Each buffer structure 6 is used to abut against the vehicle body. This arrangement not only provides support for the hood 11, but also, since multiple air intakes need to be sealed and pressed against corresponding vehicle components after the hood 11 is closed to prevent air leakage, the multiple buffer structures 6 increase the height of the hood 11, thereby compensating for and adjusting the sealing degree between it and the vehicle components.

[0051] The present invention also proposes an automobile, which includes an air intake structure 100 for the hood. The specific structure of the air intake structure 100 for the hood is as described in the above embodiments. Since the automobile adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0052] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air intake structure for an automobile hood, characterized in that, include: The engine hood includes an outer panel and an inner panel spaced apart vertically. An air duct extending in the front-to-back direction is formed between the outer panel and the inner panel. An air conditioning air inlet for connecting to an air conditioner is provided at the rear end of the air duct. The front end of the inner panel is bent upward to enclose the outer panel and form an air inlet connecting to the front end of the air duct. An air filter air inlet for connecting the air duct is provided through the inner panel and is used to connect the air duct and the engine air filter. A first damper, disposed within the air duct and located on the side of the air filter inlet away from the air inlet, is capable of closing or connecting the air inlet and the air conditioning inlet; and, The second air damper is located inside the air duct and is configured corresponding to the air filter inlet. The second air damper can close or connect the air inlet and the air filter inlet. The first air damper is rotatably configured along an axis extending vertically. The car hood air intake structure also includes a first stepper motor, which is connected to the first damper drive to drive the first damper to rotate along an axis extending vertically, and to control the rotation angle of the first damper. The second damper is rotatably configured along an axis extending vertically; The car hood air intake structure also includes a second stepper motor, which is connected to the second damper drive to drive the second damper to rotate along an axis extending vertically, and to control the rotation angle of the second damper. There are two air ducts, which are arranged at intervals along the left and right sides. One of the air ducts is used to connect to the engine air filter. Two air inlets, two air conditioning inlets, and two first air dampers are provided, and each air inlet, air conditioning inlet, and first air damper corresponds to one air duct. The two air ducts are connected at the middle in the front-to-back direction to form a connecting section; The vehicle hood air intake structure also includes a third air damper, which is located at the connecting section and can close or connect the two air ducts.

2. The automotive hood air intake structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The third damper is rotatably configured along an axis extending vertically. The vehicle hood air intake structure also includes a third stepper motor, which is driven and connected to the third damper to drive the third damper to rotate along an axis extending vertically, and to control the rotation angle of the third damper.

3. The automotive hood air intake structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct is inclined upwards in the direction from front to back.

4. The automotive hood air intake structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A drain outlet is provided through the inner plate, which is connected to the front end of the air duct and is used to drain the water accumulated in the air duct.

5. The automotive hood air intake structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the inner panel is also provided with a hood lock, which protrudes from the inner panel and is used to lock the inner panel to the vehicle body.

6. The automotive hood air intake structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The car hood air intake structure also includes multiple buffer structures, which are spaced apart on the lower end surface of the inner panel and are elastically arranged in the vertical direction. Each buffer structure is used to abut against the car body.

7. A car, characterized in that, Including the automotive hood air intake structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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