Air inlet structure
By introducing waterproof valves and discharge holes into the intake structure, the seal failure problem caused by dust accumulation in the waterproof valve is solved, and effective drainage and dust removal in hybrid vehicles are achieved to ensure the normal operation of the engine.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311867638.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-01
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, waterproof valves are prone to accumulate dust in hybrid vehicles, resulting in failure of seals and inability to drain effectively, affecting the normal operation of the engine.
An air intake structure is designed, including a waterproof valve and a discharge hole, which is actuated by an actuator, and the discharge hole is located upstream of the waterproof valve for venting water when closed and blowing off dust when opened, combined with a guide plate structure to remove dust and particulate matter.
It realizes preventing water from entering the engine when wading, and at the same time, effectively removing dust during normal operation, preventing seal failure, and ensuring the normal operation of the engine.
Smart Images
Figure CN120231672A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an intake structure for an engine of a vehicle, and more particularly to an intake structure having a waterproof valve. Background Art
[0002] When a hybrid vehicle is traveling in water, it is necessary to turn off the engine and switch to pure electric drive. At this time, in order to prevent water from entering the engine through the intake pipe and causing damage to the engine, a waterproof valve is provided on the upstream side of the air filter. At the same time, when the engine is operating normally, dust accumulation is likely to occur on the waterproof valve during the engine's air intake process, thereby destroying the sealing performance of the water discharge valve and causing the intake pipe to be unsealed when the waterproof valve is closed.
[0003] Therefore, the prior art has the problem that dust is likely to accumulate on the waterproof valve, resulting in the failure of the waterproof valve. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an intake structure having a discharge hole and a waterproof valve to solve the problems in the prior art such as dust accumulation in the intake pipe causing sealing failure and ineffective drainage. The present invention can effectively discharge the inhaled water and remove dust.
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an intake structure for delivering air to an engine of a vehicle. The intake structure includes an intake pipe and a waterproof valve disposed in the intake pipe. The waterproof valve is actuated by an actuator to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the waterproof valve blocks air from entering the engine; in the open position, the waterproof valve allows air to flow into the engine. A discharge hole is provided in the wall of the intake pipe. When the waterproof valve is in the closed position, the discharge hole is located upstream of the waterproof valve in the intake direction and is within the area through which the waterproof valve moves during opening and closing, so as to discharge dust or particulate matter blown off from the waterproof valve.
[0006] Further, the discharge hole is located in the bottom of the intake pipe.
[0007] Further, the waterproof valve includes a valve plate and a guide plate. When the waterproof valve is in the closed position, the outer peripheral edge of the valve plate contacts the inner wall of the intake pipe to seal the intake pipe. The guide plate is mounted to the valve plate. When the waterproof valve is in the open position, the guide plate is closer to the central axis of the intake pipe relative to the valve plate, and the guide plate guides the air flow to blow off dust or particulate matter on the waterproof valve.
[0008] Further, the intake pipe includes a diameter-expanded portion for accommodating the waterproof valve when the waterproof valve is open.
[0009] Further, when the waterproof valve is open, the valve plate abuts against the inner wall of the diameter-expanded portion.
[0010] Further, the intake pipe is a straight pipe. When the waterproof valve is fully open, the guiding plate is inclined relative to the inner wall of the intake pipe, such that the guiding plate gradually approaches the central axis of the intake pipe in the direction of air travel.
[0011] Further, the intake pipe is a bent pipe. When the waterproof valve is fully open, the waterproof valve is located at the side wall of the intake pipe away from the center of curvature, and the guiding plate has a concave shape to conform to the bend of the intake pipe.
[0012] Further, the valve plate includes a central mounting portion and a peripheral support portion. A bolt passes through the guiding plate and is screwed into the central mounting portion to fix the guiding plate to the valve plate, and the peripheral support portion supports the periphery of the guiding plate.
[0013] Further, a first seal is mounted on the peripheral support portion. The first seal contacts the inner wall of the intake pipe when the waterproof valve is closed and seals the intake pipe in the axial direction.
[0014] Further, a second seal is mounted on the peripheral support portion. The second seal contacts the inner wall of the intake pipe when the waterproof valve is closed and seals the intake pipe in the radial direction.
[0015] Applying the technical solution of the intake structure of the present application, the waterproof valve is actively closed when the vehicle wades through water, preventing water from being sucked into the engine. A discharge hole is provided upstream of the waterproof valve for discharging the sucked water. When the waterproof valve is open and air is normally sucked in, due to the guiding plate structure of the waterproof valve, the sucked air can blow off the dust and particulate matter accumulated on the waterproof valve, and the larger dust and particulate matter can be discharged from the discharge hole, preventing the sealing failure of the waterproof valve caused by dust accumulation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings forming a part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an improper limitation of this application. In the drawings:
[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the intake pipe and the engine.
[0018] Figure 2 is a front external view schematic diagram of the intake pipe according to an embodiment of this application.
[0019] Figure 3 is a top external view schematic diagram of the intake pipe according to an embodiment of this application.
[0020] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional top view of the waterproof valve in the closed position according to an embodiment of this application.
[0021] Figure 5Partial cross-sectional top view of the waterproof valve in the open position according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0022] Figure 6 Partial cross-sectional top view of the waterproof valve in the open position according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0023] Among them, the above-mentioned drawings include the following reference numerals:
[0024] 1. Waterproof valve
[0025] 11. Valve plate
[0026] 12. Guide plate
[0027] 13. Bolt
[0028] 14. First seal
[0029] 15. Second seal
[0030] 16. Rotating shaft
[0031] 17. Central mounting portion
[0032] 18. Peripheral support portion
[0033] 2. Intake pipe
[0034] 3. Filter
[0035] 4. Engine
[0036] 5. Actuator
[0037] 6. Discharge hole
[0038] 7. Bearing
[0039] 8. Diameter enlarged portion
[0040] G. Direction of gravity Detailed implementation manners
[0041] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and in combination with the embodiments.
[0042] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or their combinations.
[0043] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description, claims and above-mentioned drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.
[0044] Now, exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited only to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present application is thorough and complete, and the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and thus their description will be omitted.
[0045] Figures 1 to 6 An intake structure of the present application is shown, which is used to deliver air to an engine 4 of a vehicle. As Figure 1 described, the intake structure includes an intake pipe 2 and a waterproof valve 1 disposed inside the intake pipe 2. Along the intake direction, downstream of the waterproof valve 1, a filter 3 is provided for further filtering impurities such as dust carried in the inhaled air. The filtered air is supplied to the engine 4.
[0046] The waterproof valve 1 is actuated by an actuator 5 to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the waterproof valve 1 blocks air from entering the engine 4; in the open position, the waterproof valve 1 allows air to flow into the engine 4. Therefore, when the waterproof valve 1 is closed, it can also prevent accidentally inhaled water from entering the engine interior. This waterproof valve 1 can be used in traditional fuel vehicles and is more suitable for hybrid vehicles. When the hybrid vehicle is driven purely electrically, the waterproof valve 1 can be closed to prevent water from entering the engine 4 through the intake pipe 2 and causing damage to the engine.
[0047] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the actuator 5 is disposed outside the intake pipe 2 and is used to actuate the opening and closing of the waterproof valve 1. As Figure 4As shown, a rotating shaft 16 is provided on one side of the waterproof valve 1. The rotating shaft 16 is installed in the bearing 7, enabling the waterproof valve 1 to rotate around the rotating shaft 16 under the operation of the actuator 5, thereby achieving opening and closing.
[0048] The wall of the intake pipe 2 is provided with a discharge hole 6. When the waterproof valve 1 is in the closed position, the discharge hole 6 is positioned upstream of the waterproof valve 1 in the intake air direction, and the discharge hole 6 is located within the area passed through during the opening and closing process of the waterproof valve 1, so as to discharge dust or particulate matter blown off from the waterproof valve 1. The provision of the discharge hole 6 not only facilitates the smooth discharge of water outside the vehicle when water is inhaled, but also, when the waterproof valve 1 is opened and air is inhaled, utilizes the flowing air to blow off the dust and particles accumulated on the waterproof valve 1, so that larger dust and particles are discharged through the discharge hole 6, while smaller dust and particles will be filtered by the downstream filter 3.
[0049] In addition, the discharge hole 6 is located in the bottom of the intake pipe 2. The discharge hole 6 provided at the bottom is more conducive to the discharge of water and dust.
[0050] The waterproof valve 1 includes a valve plate 11 and a guide plate 12. As Figure 4 shown, when the waterproof valve 1 is in the closed position, the outer peripheral edge of the valve plate 11 contacts the inner wall of the intake pipe 2 for sealing the intake pipe 2. The guide plate 12 is installed on the valve plate 11. When the waterproof valve 1 is in the open position, the guide plate 12 is closer to the central axis of the intake pipe 2 relative to the valve plate 11, and the guide plate 12 guides the air flow to blow off the dust or particulate matter on the waterproof valve 1. The provision of the guide plate 12 on the waterproof valve 1 is conducive to guiding the inhaled air so that the air flow blows off the dust and particulate matter accumulated on the waterproof valve 1.
[0051] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the intake pipe 2 includes a diameter enlarged portion 8 for accommodating the waterproof valve 1 when the waterproof valve 1 is opened. When the waterproof valve 1 is opened, the valve plate 11 abuts against the inner wall of the diameter enlarged portion 8. That is to say, when the waterproof valve 1 is opened, it is accommodated in the diameter enlarged portion 8, so that the portion of the waterproof valve 1 close to the central axis of the intake pipe 2 is substantially flush with the inner wall of the intake pipe 2, or the transition at the joint of this portion and the inner wall of the intake pipe 2 is smooth, thus facilitating the guide plate 12 to guide the air flow.
[0052] According to an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 6As shown, the intake pipe 2 is a straight pipe. When the waterproof valve 1 is fully open, the guide plate 12 is inclined relative to the inner wall of the intake pipe 2, such that the guide plate 12 gradually approaches the central axis of the intake pipe 2 in the direction of air travel. That is to say, the extension of the guide plate 12 causes the actual inner diameter of the intake pipe 2 to gradually decrease in the intake direction, increasing the pressure and accelerating the flow rate of the laminar air flow near the inclined guide plate 12 in the intake pipe 2, thereby more effectively blowing off the dust adhering to the waterproof valve 1.
[0053] According to another embodiment of the present application, as Figure 5 shown, the intake pipe 2 is a curved pipe. When the waterproof valve 1 is fully open, the waterproof valve 1 is located at the side wall of the intake pipe 2 away from the center of curvature, and the guide plate 12 has a concave shape to conform to the curvature of the intake pipe 2. That is to say, the guide plate 12 protrudes outward from the central axis of the intake pipe 2 towards the outside of the intake pipe 2. From Figure 5 it can be seen that the guide plate 12 has a concave shape or a shape that protrudes outward relative to the central axis of the intake pipe 2, and the concave curvature is substantially the same as the curvature of the outside of the curved intake pipe 2. In the curved intake pipe 2, the air flow is faster and has a greater pressure on the outside (i.e., the side away from the center of curvature) of the inside of the intake pipe 2 than on the inside. Therefore, by using the concave-shaped guide plate 12 to guide the air flow, it is easier to blow off the dust adhering to the waterproof valve 1, achieving the purpose of cleaning the waterproof valve 1.
[0054] Figure 5 and Figure 6 the arrows in
[0055] indicate the intake flow direction of the air.
[0056] The valve plate 11 includes a central mounting portion 17 and a peripheral support portion 18. The bolt 13 passes through the guide plate 12 and is screwed into the central mounting portion 17 to fix the guide plate 12 to the valve plate 11; the peripheral support portion 18 supports the periphery of the guide plate 12. By fixing the guide plate 12 to the valve plate 11 with the bolt 13 and supporting the periphery of the guide plate 12 with the peripheral support portion 18, the valve plate 11 and the guide 12 form an integral body.
[0056] A first seal 14 is installed on the peripheral support portion 18. The first seal 14 contacts the inner wall of the intake pipe 2 when the waterproof valve 1 is closed and seals the intake pipe 2 in the axial direction. A second seal 15 is also installed on the peripheral support portion 18. The second seal 15 contacts the inner wall of the intake pipe 2 when the waterproof valve 1 is closed and seals the intake pipe 2 in the radial direction. The first seal 14 and the second seal 15 double-seal the intake pipe 2 in the radial and axial directions, preventing water leakage and air leakage in the pipe.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present application, the actuator 5 can be automatically controlled by the vehicle's electronic control unit to open and close the waterproof valve 1 according to conditions such as the operation of the vehicle and road conditions, thereby achieving intelligent control.
[0058] From the above description, it can be seen that the intake structure of the present application achieves the following technical effects: when the vehicle wades through water, the waterproof valve is intelligently closed to prevent water from being sucked into the engine. A discharge hole is provided upstream of the waterproof valve for discharging the sucked water. When the waterproof valve is opened to normally suck air, since the waterproof valve has a guiding plate, the sucked air can blow off the dust and particulate matter accumulated on the waterproof valve, and the larger dust and particulate matter can be discharged from the discharge hole, preventing the sealing failure of the waterproof valve caused by dust accumulation, and thus realizing the self-cleaning function.
[0059] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above", "over", "on the upper surface", "upper" etc. can be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature shown in the figure with other devices or features. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figure for the device. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, the device described as "above" or "over" other devices or structures will then be positioned "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the orientations of "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and corresponding interpretations should be made for the spatial relative descriptions used here.
[0060] In addition to the above, it should also be noted that the "one embodiment", "another embodiment", "embodiment" etc. mentioned in this specification refer to the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment being included in at least one embodiment described generally in the present application. The same expression appearing in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when describing a specific feature, structure or characteristic in connection with any one embodiment, it is intended that the implementation of such feature, structure or characteristic in combination with other embodiments also falls within the scope of the present application.
[0061] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own focuses. For the parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.
[0062] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included within the protection scope of the present application.
Claims
1. An intake structure for delivering air to an engine (4) of a vehicle, characterized in that, The intake structure includes an intake pipe (2) and a waterproof valve (1) disposed within the intake pipe (2). The waterproof valve (1) is actuated by an actuator (5) to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the waterproof valve (1) blocks air from entering the engine (4); in the open position, the waterproof valve (1) allows air to flow into the engine (4). The wall of the intake pipe (2) is provided with a discharge hole (6). When the waterproof valve (1) is in the closed position, the discharge hole (6) is positioned upstream of the waterproof valve (1) in the intake direction and is located within the area through which the waterproof valve (1) passes during its opening and closing process, so as to discharge dust or particulate matter blown off from the waterproof valve (1).
2. The intake structure according to claim 1, wherein The discharge hole (6) is located in the bottom of the intake pipe (2).
3. The intake structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof valve (1) includes: a valve plate (11), when the waterproof valve (1) is in the closed position, the outer peripheral edge of the valve plate (11) contacts the inner wall of the intake pipe (2) to seal the intake pipe (2); and a guide plate (12), the guide plate (12) is mounted to the valve plate (11). When the waterproof valve (1) is in the open position, the guide plate (12) is closer to the central axis of the intake pipe (2) relative to the valve plate (11), and the guide plate (12) guides the air flow to blow off dust or particulate matter on the waterproof valve (1).
4. The intake structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The intake pipe (2) includes a diameter enlarged portion (8) for accommodating the waterproof valve (1) when the waterproof valve (1) is opened.
5. The intake structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the waterproof valve (1) is opened, the valve plate (11) abuts against the inner wall of the diameter enlarged portion (8).
6. The intake structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The intake pipe (2) is a straight pipe. When the waterproof valve (1) is fully opened, the guide plate (12) is inclined relative to the inner wall of the intake pipe (2) such that the guide plate (12) gradually approaches the central axis of the intake pipe (2) in the direction of air travel.
7. The intake structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The intake pipe (2) is a curved pipe. When the waterproof valve (1) is fully opened, the waterproof valve (1) is located at the side wall of the intake pipe (2) away from the center of curvature, and the guide plate (12) has a concave shape to conform to the curvature of the intake pipe (2).
8. The intake structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve plate (11) includes: a central mounting portion (17), a bolt (13) passes through the guide plate (12) and is screwed to the central mounting portion (17) to fix the guide plate (12) to the valve plate (11); and a peripheral support portion (18), the peripheral support portion (18) supports the periphery of the guide plate (12).
9. The intake structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, A first seal (14) is mounted on the peripheral support portion (18). The first seal (14) contacts the inner wall of the intake pipe (2) when the waterproof valve (1) is closed and seals the intake pipe (2) in the axial direction.
10. The intake structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, A second seal (15) is installed on the peripheral support portion (18), and the second seal (15) contacts the inner wall of the intake pipe (2) when the waterproof valve (1) is closed and seals the intake pipe (2) in the radial direction.