Automatic protection device and protection method for automobile wading engine

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automobile accessories, in particular to an automobile wading engine automatic protection device which comprises a valve rod and a valve cover, the valve rod penetrates through an air suction pipe in the radial direction of the air suction pipe of an air filter, the valve cover is installed on the valve rod and located in the air suction pipe, a reset mechanism is arranged on the valve rod, and a locking mechanism is further arranged on a shell of the air filter. In a normal state, the valve cover is in a first state, airflow can normally pass through the air suction pipe, the locking mechanism locks the valve rod, and when the vehicle wades into water, the triggering mechanism detects a water body and controls the locking mechanism to act to unlock the valve rod, the valve rod rotates to a second state under the action of the valve rod and the valve cover reset mechanism, and the valve cover seals the air suction pipe. Therefore, water is prevented from entering the air suction pipe. After the air filter is used once, due to the fact that the valve rod penetrates out of the shell of the air filter, the valve rod can be manually operated to reset, the locking mechanism can continue to execute the function of locking rotation of the valve rod at the moment, and reuse is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to an automatic protection device and method for automotive engines that are exposed to water. Background Technology

[0002] When a car is driving through water, if water enters the engine through the air filter's intake pipe, it can easily cause engine failure. Most existing cars use mechanical float valves, which can automatically close the air inlet when the water level rises. However, because they are installed inside the air filter, they are very inconvenient to inspect and maintain, and they need to be completely replaced after one use before they can be used again. They are not convenient to use and are also costly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an automatic protection device for an automotive engine when it is submerged in water, comprising: An actuator includes a valve stem and a valve cover, the valve stem passing radially through the intake pipe of an air filter, and the valve cover being fixedly mounted on the valve stem and located inside the intake pipe; A locking mechanism, mounted on the housing of the air filter, is used to lock the rotation of the valve stem; A triggering mechanism is used to control whether the locking mechanism releases the lock on the valve stem based on whether the air filter is wet; A reset mechanism is installed between the valve stem and the housing of the air filter. The reset mechanism has the tendency to drive the valve stem and valve cover to rotate from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the intake pipe is in passage, and in the second state, the valve cover closes the intake pipe.

[0004] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes: The mounting bracket is fixedly installed on the housing of the air filter; The valve stem has a locking block and a locking block. The locking block is fixedly installed on one side of the valve stem along the radial direction, and the locking block is movably disposed on the mounting bracket. The locking block has a first position that restricts the locking block from rotating with the valve stem and a second position that releases the restriction on the locking block. An elastic element is disposed between the locking block and the housing of the air filter, and the elastic element applies an elastic force to the locking block toward a first position; When the triggering mechanism is working, it controls the locking block to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and move to the second position.

[0005] Preferably, the locking block is shaft-shaped, and a guide cylinder is fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket. The locking block is axially movably mounted inside the guide cylinder, and the elastic element is a spring disposed between the guide cylinder and the locking block. A retaining ring is also installed at one end of the locking block near the first position. The diameter of the retaining ring is larger than the diameter of the locking block. A limiting hole is opened at one end of the mounting bracket near the valve stem. The diameter of the limiting hole is between the locking block and the retaining ring.

[0006] Preferably, the locking mechanism further includes a cover, which is detachably mounted to the housing of the air filter by screws, and the end of the valve stem and the mounting bracket are both located inside the cover; A sealing ring is provided at the point where the cover contacts the housing of the air filter.

[0007] Preferably, an operating hole is provided on the cover at a position corresponding to the valve cover, and a sealing plug is detachably installed in the operating hole.

[0008] Preferably, the triggering mechanism includes: Conductors are provided at least two at a predetermined height on the housing of the air filter, the predetermined height being lower than the height of the intake pipe; The trigger has two ends electrically connected to different conductors. Based on whether the water level at the air filter reaches the preset height, the trigger has an energized state and an de-energized state. In the energized state, the trigger can control the locking mechanism to release the lock on the valve stem.

[0009] Preferably, the triggering mechanism further includes a trigger housing, which is fixedly installed on the lower part of the housing of the air filter. The trigger housing has a first chamber and a second chamber that are separated from each other, and each of the first chamber and the second chamber has an exhaust port that communicates with the outside. The conductor includes a first electrode and a second electrode, which are respectively installed in the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0010] Preferably, the trigger of the triggering mechanism is an electromagnet. When the first electrode and the second electrode are in a circuit, the electromagnet is energized to drive the locking mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, the reset mechanism includes a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the valve stem, with one end of the torsion spring fixedly connected to the valve stem and the other end fixedly connected to the housing of the air filter.

[0012] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for protecting a car engine from water immersion, comprising the following steps: 1. Initial state setting: Set the valve stem and valve cover of the automatic engine protection device for water wading to the first state. At this time, the air filter intake pipe is in the open state, the locking mechanism locks the rotation of the valve stem, and the reset mechanism is in the energy storage state and has the tendency to drive the valve stem and valve cover to rotate to the second state. 2. Water immersion test: The water level at the air filter is detected by a trigger mechanism to see if it has reached a preset height, which is lower than the height of the intake pipe. 3. Unlocking action: When the triggering mechanism detects that the water level has reached the preset height, the triggering mechanism controls the locking mechanism to release the lock on the valve stem. IV. Enclosed protection: The reset mechanism releases stored energy to drive the valve stem and valve cover to rotate to the second state. The valve cover closes the air intake pipe, preventing water from entering the air intake pipe. 5. Manual Reset: After the vehicle leaves the water-filled environment, manually operate the valve stem at the end of the valve stem outside the air filter housing to overcome the force of the reset mechanism and return the valve stem and valve cover to the first state. The locking mechanism will automatically reset and relock the rotation of the valve stem, and the device will return to its initial state for standby.

[0013] The automatic engine protection device for automobiles wading through water provided by this invention includes a valve stem and a valve cover. The valve stem passes radially through the air filter's intake pipe. The valve cover is mounted on the valve stem and located inside the intake pipe. A reset mechanism for driving the valve stem to rotate is provided on the valve stem. A locking mechanism for locking the valve stem rotation and a trigger mechanism for controlling the locking mechanism's action are also provided on the air filter housing. Under normal vehicle operation, the valve stem and valve cover are in a first state, where airflow can pass normally through the intake pipe, and the locking mechanism locks the valve stem's rotation. When the vehicle wades through water, the trigger mechanism detects the presence of water and controls the locking mechanism to engage, causing it to disengage from the valve stem lock. The reset mechanism then drives the valve stem and valve cover to rotate to a second state, where the valve cover closes the intake pipe, thus preventing water from entering the intake pipe. After one use, since the valve stem extends beyond the air filter housing, it can be manually reset. The locking mechanism can then continue to perform its function of locking the valve stem rotation, facilitating reuse. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automatic protection device for a car engine that is used in water wading, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air filter housing for an automatic protection device for a car engine that is exposed to water, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the actuator of an automatic protection device for a car engine in water wading, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of an automatic protection device for a car engine in water wading, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the locking block of an automatic protection device for a car engine in water wading, provided in an embodiment of the present invention, in the second position. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the state of an automatic protection device for a car engine when it is manually reset, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the triggering mechanism of an automatic protection device for a car engine in water wading, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the triggering mechanism of an automatic protection device for a car engine in water wading provided in an embodiment of the present invention, installed on the housing; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the reset mechanism of an automatic protection device for a car engine that is used in water wading, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The components are as follows: 1. Air filter; 11. Housing; 12. Intake pipe; 13. Relief part; 14. Valve stem hole; 2. Actuator; 21. Valve stem; 211. Slot; 212. Sealing ring groove; 22. Valve cover; 23. Fastening pin; 3. Locking mechanism; 31. Mounting bracket; 32. Locking block; 321. Retaining ring; 33. Guide tube; 34. Slot; 35. Sealing gasket; 36. Cover; 361. Operating hole; 37. Sealing plug; 4. Triggering mechanism; 41. Trigger housing; 411. First chamber; 412. Second chamber; 413. Partition; 414. Exhaust port; 42. Waterproof cover; 43. Electromagnet; 5. Reset mechanism; 51. Torsion bar; 52. Hook. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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 some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0016] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this invention provides an automatic engine protection device for automobiles when wading through water. This device seals the intake pipe 12 of the air filter 1 when the vehicle is wading through water to prevent water from entering the engine through the intake pipe 12 and causing significant damage. The device includes an actuator 2 mounted on the air filter 1. The actuator 2 includes a valve stem 21 and a valve cover 22. The valve stem 21 passes through a valve stem hole 14 into the intake pipe 12 and the air filter 1. The valve cover 22 is fixedly mounted on the valve stem 21 and is located inside the intake pipe 12. The actuator 2 has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the valve stem 21 and the valve cover 22 are deflected at a certain angle, allowing the intake pipe 12 to be open and airflow to pass normally, enabling the vehicle to be driven normally. In the second state, the valve stem 21 drives the valve cover 22 to rotate, thus sealing the intake pipe 12 and preventing water from outside the vehicle from entering through it.

[0017] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, it also includes a reset mechanism 5 for driving the valve stem 21 to rotate, a locking mechanism 3 for locking the rotation of the valve stem 21, and a triggering mechanism 4 for controlling the action of the locking mechanism 3. The reset mechanism 5 has the tendency to drive the valve stem 21 and valve cover 22 to rotate from a first state to a second state. When the vehicle is driving normally, the locking mechanism 3 locks the valve stem 21 in the first state and restricts its rotation. If the vehicle is in water, the triggering mechanism 4 can sense the water level outside the vehicle. When the water level reaches a preset value, the triggering mechanism 4 controls the locking mechanism 3 to release the lock on the valve stem 21, thereby causing the reset mechanism 5 to drive the valve stem 21 and valve cover 22 to switch to the second state, which can close the intake pipe 12 and ensure the safety of the vehicle engine.

[0018] Based on the above, the automatic engine protection device for automobiles that is used in water wading provided by the present invention can respond quickly when the automobile is wading through water, so that the valve cover 22 closes the intake pipe 12. Since the valve stem 21 is set through the housing 11 of the air filter 1 and its two ends are located outside the air filter 1, after the vehicle is dehydrated, the valve stem 21 can be manually operated (or with the help of corresponding tools) to switch to the first state. Then, the locking mechanism 3 is controlled to continue to lock the valve stem 21, and the device completes the overall restoration. The vehicle can drive normally again, and the protection device can work again and play a protective role when wading through water. It is simpler and more portable to use and maintain.

[0019] The specific fitting method of the corresponding part of the valve cover 22 that mates with the valve cover 22 on the outer edge of the valve cover 22 or inside the intake pipe 12 can be referred to the fitting method of the throttle valve plate and throttle pipe of an automobile, and will not be elaborated here. The valve cover 22 can be installed on the valve stem 21 by fastening screws 23, or it can be fixedly connected to the valve stem 21 by welding or other methods.

[0020] like Figure 1, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the locking mechanism 3 includes a mounting bracket 31, which is fixedly mounted on the housing 11 of the air filter 1. It also includes a locking block 34 and a locking block 32. The locking block 34 is fixedly mounted on one radial side of the valve stem 21. The locking block 32 is movably mounted on the mounting bracket 31. The locking block 32 has a first position that restricts the locking block 34 from rotating with the valve stem 21 and a second position that releases the restriction on the locking block 34. An elastic element is provided between the locking block 32 and the housing 11 of the air filter 1. The elastic element is used to apply an elastic force to the locking block 32 to move toward the first position. When the triggering mechanism 4 is working, the triggering mechanism 4 controls the locking block 32 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and drives the locking block 32 to move to the second position.

[0021] like Figure 4 As shown, the locking block 34 and valve stem 21 tend to rotate clockwise under the drive of the reset mechanism 5, while the locking block 32 is positioned to the left under the drive of the elastic element. The locking block 32 is located in the rotation path of the locking block 34, thus preventing the locking block 34 from rotating with the valve stem 21. When the triggering mechanism 4 works, it drives the locking block 32 to move to the right against the elastic force of the elastic element, allowing the locking block 34 to rotate smoothly. This causes the valve stem 21 and valve cover 22 to rotate to the second state, closing the intake pipe 12. By setting the locking mechanism 3, the valve stem 21 can be quickly switched from locked to unlocked when the triggering mechanism 4 is triggered. The action is quick and the structure is relatively simple. Therefore, it can stably and quickly switch the state of the valve stem 21 and valve cover 22 and close the intake pipe 12 when water is involved, improving the convenience and stability of operation.

[0022] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the locking block 32 is axial in shape, and a guide cylinder 33 is fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket 31. The locking block 32 is movably disposed in the guide cylinder 33 along the axial direction. The elastic element is a spring disposed axially between the guide cylinder 33 and the locking block 32. When the locking block 32 is in the second position, the spring is compressed and accumulates elastic potential energy, and has an elastic force to push the locking block 32 to the first position. A retaining ring 321 is provided at the end of the locking block 32 near the first position. A limiting hole is opened at the end of the mounting bracket 31 near the valve stem 21. The diameter of the limiting hole is between the locking block 32 and the retaining ring 321. Based on the abutting fit between the end face of the limiting hole and the end face of the retaining ring 321, the movement range of the locking block 32 can be limited between the first position and the second position, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the movement of the locking block 32.

[0023] Among them, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, both the locking block 32 and the latching block 34 on the valve stem 21 have mating bevels at their opposite positions, making both the locking block 32 and the latching block 34 tongue-shaped. Thus, in normal use, as... Figure 4 The locking block 32 shown can effectively lock the locking block 34, preventing the clockwise rotation of the locking block 34 and the valve stem 21. Only when the trigger mechanism works after the vehicle has driven through water, causing the locking block 32 to retract, will the valve stem 21 rotate under the action of the reset mechanism 5. After one trigger, if it is necessary to reset the valve stem 21, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the inclined surfaces of the locking block 32 and the locking block 34 engage with each other. At this time, the valve stem 21 can be rotated counterclockwise manually or with the aid of a tool. The locking block 32 can slide along the inclined surface of the locking block 34, which can more easily overcome the spring force at the locking block 32, returning the valve stem 21 and the locking block 34 to their original positions. Figure 4 The state shown improves the ease of resetting the water immersion protection device after it has been triggered.

[0024] like Figure 6 As shown, the locking mechanism 3 also includes a cover 36, which is detachably mounted on the housing 11 of the air filter 1 by screws. The cover 36 can be used to cover the end of the valve cover 21, as well as the mounting bracket 31, locking block 32, and reset mechanism 5, etc. A sealing ring 35 is provided at the contact point between the cover 36 and the housing 11 of the air filter 1 to achieve a seal between the cover 36 and the housing 11, ensuring that water or dust and other debris will not enter the intake pipe 12 through the connection gap and then enter the engine at the locking mechanism 3. Furthermore, in combination with Figure 1 and Figure 6 An operating hole 361 is provided on the cover 36 at a position corresponding to the valve stem 21. This operating hole 361 is sealed by a sealing plug 37. When it is necessary to manually operate the valve stem 21 to reset the entire protection device, the sealing plug 37 can be opened to expose the valve stem 21, allowing for corresponding operations. This significantly improves the ease of use. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, a groove 211 is provided at the end of the valve stem 21. When the sealing plug 37 is opened, the valve stem 21 can be rotated by inserting a wrench or other tools into the groove 211, which improves the convenience of use.

[0025] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism 3 in this invention. In some other embodiments, the locking mechanism 3 can also lock the rotation of the valve stem 21 by friction. For example, a friction plate is provided in the locking mechanism 3. The friction plate abuts against the valve stem 21 under the action of the elastic element, which can limit the rotation of the valve stem 21. When the triggering mechanism 4 is triggered, the friction plate is driven to disengage from the valve stem 21, and the valve stem 21 can rotate to the second state under the drive of the reset mechanism 5, so that the valve cover closes the suction pipe 12. Alternatively, a radial inner hole can be opened on the valve stem 21. The locking mechanism 3 includes a locking shaft that cooperates with the inner hole. The locking shaft extends into the inner hole under the action of the elastic element, so that it can limit the rotation of the valve stem 21. When the triggering mechanism 4 is triggered, the locking shaft is driven to withdraw from the inner hole, so that the valve stem 21 can rotate under the drive of the reset mechanism 5, etc. The specific structure of the locking mechanism 3 can be adjusted according to the actual situation, or some existing technical solutions for locking the rotation of the shaft can be referred to, which will not be elaborated here.

[0026] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the triggering mechanism 4 of the water wading protection valve for the automotive air filter housing provided by the present invention includes trigger electrodes, namely a first electrode 431 and a second electrode 432, installed at two locations on the lower part of the housing 11 inside the air intake of the air filter. A water baffle is provided below the inner side of the air intake. The device also includes a trigger, which controls the action of the locking mechanism 3, specifically the action of the aforementioned locking block 32. The two ends of the trigger are connected to the first electrode 431 and the second electrode 432 respectively. When the car wades through water, causing water to enter the air filter 1, the first electrode 431 and the second electrode 432 are connected by the water to form a passage, energizing the trigger. In other words, when the car wades through water and the water level reaches the installation height of the electrodes on the air filter 1, the trigger and the electrodes automatically form a passage, thereby enabling the trigger to control the action of the locking mechanism 3, achieving a purely mechanical triggering action from water inflow to the closure of the air intake pipe 12. The entire process is more stable and reliable.

[0027] In addition, the water level threshold when the trigger is activated can be adjusted by adjusting the installation height of the first electric element 431 and the second electric element 432 on the housing 11. For example, the height of the first electric element 431 and the second electric element 432 can be set close to the height of the air intake pipe 12, so that the trigger will activate the locking mechanism 3 and the actuator 2 when the water level is about to reach the air intake pipe 12. Alternatively, the first electric element 431 and the second electric element 432 can be set at the bottom of the housing 11, so that the trigger will activate when the water level just reaches the air filter 1.

[0028] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in one preferred embodiment, the triggering mechanism 4 further includes a trigger housing 41, which is fixedly installed on the lower part of the housing 11 of the air filter 1. The trigger housing 41 has a first chamber 411 and a second chamber 412 that are separated from each other, which are used to install the first electrode 431 and the second electrode 432 respectively. A partition 413 is provided between the first chamber 411 and the second chamber 412 so that the first chamber 411 and the second chamber 412 are not directly connected. An exhaust hole 414 communicating with the outside is provided on both the first chamber 411 and the second chamber 412. A waterproof cover 42 that matches the shape of the trigger housing 41 is installed on the trigger housing 41.

[0029] Based on the above configuration, the spaces containing the first electrode 431 and the second electrode 432 are not directly connected. When the vehicle is wading through water on one side (for example, one side of the vehicle's wheels is in a low-lying puddle while the other side is in a high-lying flat area), the water level often fails to reach the air intake pipe 12. In this case, only one chamber of the trigger housing 41 of the triggering mechanism 4 is flooded, while the other chamber remains dry. The two electrodes remain in an open-circuit state. The trigger of the triggering mechanism 4 will only be activated when both sides of the vehicle are wading through water and the water level touches the first electrode 431 and the second electrode 432. This reduces false triggering caused by wading through water on one side of the vehicle and improves the accuracy of triggering and waterproof sealing actions. In addition, the conductor can also include more electrodes, with multiple electrodes installed at different positions on the air filter 1. These electrodes are connected in series with the trigger, and the trigger is activated only when the water level touches all electrodes, further improving the accuracy of triggering.

[0030] Combination Figure 4 The trigger of the triggering mechanism can be an electromagnet 43. The electromagnet 43 is mounted on one end of the mounting bracket 31 and is located at the end of the locking block 32 that is closer to the second position. When the first electric plate 431 and the second electric plate 432 are connected by water, the electromagnet 43 is energized and generates a magnetic force on the locking block 32, thereby attracting the locking block 32 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and move to the second position, so that the valve stem 21 and the locking block 34 can rotate. When the vehicle is dehydrated, the first electric plate 431 and the second electric plate 432 are disconnected, the electromagnet 43 is de-energized and loses its magnetic force, and the locking block 32 moves to the first position under the action of the elastic force of the elastic element. Through the cooperation of the first electric plate 431, the second electric plate 432 and the electromagnet 43, the control of the triggering mechanism 4 and the locking mechanism 3 is more stable, reliable and simple.

[0031] In some other embodiments, a control motherboard can also be installed within the mounting bracket 31, and the control motherboard is electrically connected to the first electrode 431 and the second electrode 432. When a circuit is established between the first electrode 431 and the second electrode 432, the control motherboard is energized, enabling it to control the electromagnet 43 to operate, thereby driving the movement of the locking block 32 and achieving control of the locking mechanism 3. The control motherboard can utilize some existing motherboard structures, such as a microcontroller, a PCB circuit board, etc. The process and principle of controlling the electromagnet 43 after being energized are commonly used technologies in the mechanical field, and this invention does not impose any limitations on it. Furthermore, the trigger can also be other devices. For example, the trigger can be a motor with a gear at its output end and a rack extending axially on one side of the locking block 32. When the control motherboard and the motor are energized, the motor outputs rotational force, causing the gear to drive the rack to move, thereby driving the locking block 32 to move axially, causing the locking block 32 to move to the second position, and so on. The type of trigger can be adjusted according to actual needs, or some existing technologies can be referenced for axial driving schemes of the shaft-shaped locking block 32. As long as it can drive the locking block 32 after forming a circuit with the electrode and being energized, it will not be elaborated here.

[0032] like Figure 9 As shown, the reset mechanism 5 of the automotive air filter housing water wading protection device provided by the present invention includes a torsion spring. The torsion spring is sleeved on the valve stem 21, one end of the torsion spring is fixedly connected to the valve stem 21, and the other end of the torsion spring is fixedly connected to the housing 11. When the valve stem 21 is in the first state, the torsion spring is in a rotational compression state and accumulates elastic potential energy, giving the valve stem 21 a tendency to rotate to the second state. When the locking mechanism 3 releases the locking of the valve stem 21, the torsion spring outputs its elastic potential energy to drive the valve stem 21 to rotate, thereby causing the valve cover 22 to close the intake pipe 12. Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the torsion spring has a torsion bar 51, which is connected to the helix of the torsion spring body and is embedded in the slot 211 of the valve stem 21, so that the torsion bar 51 and the valve stem 21 are locked together in the circumferential direction, making the cooperation between the torsion spring and the valve stem 21 more stable.

[0033] The above embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the reset mechanism 5. In some other embodiments, the reset mechanism 5 can also drive the valve stem 21 in other ways. For example, a gear can be fixedly installed at the part of the valve stem 21 that extends out of the housing 11. The reset mechanism 5 includes a rack mounted on the housing 11 and cooperating with the gear of the valve stem 21. One end of the rack is provided with an elastic element, which has the tendency to drive the rack to move. When the locking mechanism 3 locks the valve stem 21, the valve stem 21 is in the first state, and the elastic element is in the compressed state. When the locking mechanism 3 releases the lock, the elastic element releases its elastic force to drive the rack to move linearly, so that the rack drives the gear and the valve stem 21 to rotate, so that the valve cover 22 can close the suction pipe 12. The specific structure of the reset mechanism 5, as well as its specific connection method or cooperation relationship with the housing 11 and the valve stem 21, can be adapted to actual production needs. It can also refer to some existing technologies for elastically driving the rotation of the shaft, which will not be elaborated here.

[0034] Combination Figures 1 to 3 In one preferred embodiment, both ends of the valve stem 21 pass through the suction pipe 12, and both ends of the valve stem 21 are located outside the housing 11. A sealing ring groove 212 is provided at both ends of the valve stem 21, which is located at the contact position between the valve stem 21 and the housing 11. The sealing ring groove 212 is used to install a sealing ring, thereby achieving mutual sealing and isolation between the valve stem hole 14 and the suction pipe 12. The aforementioned slot 211 is provided at both ends of the valve stem 21, and a reset mechanism 5 is connected to both ends of the valve stem. The reset mechanism 5 at both ends simultaneously drives the rotation of the valve stem 21, making the rotation of the valve stem 21 more stable and rapid, and improving the reliability of the protection device.

[0035] In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a clearance portion 13 is provided on the housing 11 of the air filter 1. A valve stem hole 14 is formed on the end face of the clearance portion 13. The end of the valve stem 21 extends out of the valve stem hole 14 and is located within the space of the clearance portion 13. This clearance portion 13 can be used to install the aforementioned locking mechanism 3 and reset mechanism 5, etc., which can optimize the spatial layout of the protective device when installed on the air filter 1, improve the convenience of installing the air filter 1 in the vehicle body, and provide a certain degree of protection for the aforementioned locking mechanism 3 and reset mechanism 5. It should be noted that the structure of the air filter 1 in the accompanying drawings is only for explaining and illustrating the scheme of the water wading protection device provided by the present invention. The structure of the air filter 1 described in the embodiments should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. The water wading protection device provided by the present invention can be widely used in air filters of different specifications and shapes.

[0036] In addition to the aforementioned device, the present invention also provides a method for protecting an automobile engine from water immersion, comprising the following steps: I. Initial State Setting: The valve stem and valve cover of the automatic engine protection device for water wading are placed in the first state. At this time, the air filter intake pipe is in the open state, the locking mechanism locks the rotation of the valve stem, and the reset mechanism is in the energy storage state and has the tendency to drive the valve stem and valve cover to rotate to the second state. II. Water Wading Detection: The trigger mechanism detects whether the water level at the air filter has reached a preset height, which is lower than the height of the intake pipe. III. Unlocking Action: When the trigger mechanism detects that the water level has reached the preset height, the trigger mechanism controls the locking mechanism to release the lock on the valve stem. IV. Sealing Protection: The reset mechanism releases the stored energy to drive the valve stem and valve cover to rotate to the second state. The valve cover closes the intake pipe, preventing water from entering the intake pipe. V. Manual Reset: After the vehicle leaves the water-wading environment, the valve stem is manually operated through the valve stem end outside the air filter housing to overcome the force of the reset mechanism and rotate the valve stem and valve cover back to the first state. The locking mechanism automatically resets and relocks the rotation of the valve stem, and the device returns to the initial state for standby. The method provided by this invention can quickly and effectively shut off the engine's air intake pipe when a car is wading through water, thus providing good protection for the engine.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic engine protection device for automobiles that is submerged in water, characterized in that, include: An actuator includes a valve stem and a valve cover, the valve stem passing radially through the intake pipe of an air filter, and the valve cover being fixedly mounted on the valve stem and located inside the intake pipe; A locking mechanism, mounted on the housing of the air filter, is used to lock the rotation of the valve stem; A triggering mechanism is used to control whether the locking mechanism releases the lock on the valve stem based on whether the air filter is wet; A reset mechanism is installed between the valve stem and the housing of the air filter. The reset mechanism has the tendency to drive the valve stem and valve cover to rotate from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the intake pipe is in passage, and in the second state, the valve cover closes the intake pipe.

2. The automatic protection device for a car engine in water wading as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes: The mounting bracket is fixedly installed on the housing of the air filter; The valve stem has a locking block and a locking block. The locking block is fixedly installed on one side of the valve stem along the radial direction, and the locking block is movably disposed on the mounting bracket. The locking block has a first position that restricts the locking block from rotating with the valve stem and a second position that releases the restriction on the locking block. An elastic element is disposed between the locking block and the housing of the air filter, and the elastic element applies an elastic force to the locking block toward a first position; When the triggering mechanism is working, it controls the locking block to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and move to the second position.

3. The automatic protection device for a car engine when it is submerged in water, as described in claim 2, is characterized in that, The locking block is shaft-shaped, and a guide cylinder is fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket. The locking block is axially movable inside the guide cylinder, and the elastic element is a spring disposed between the guide cylinder and the locking block. A retaining ring is also installed at one end of the locking block near the first position. The diameter of the retaining ring is larger than the diameter of the locking block. A limiting hole is opened at one end of the mounting bracket near the valve stem. The diameter of the limiting hole is between the locking block and the retaining ring.

4. The automatic protection device for automobile engines in water wading as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The locking mechanism also includes a cover, which is detachably mounted to the housing of the air filter by screws, and the end of the valve stem and the mounting bracket are both located inside the cover; A sealing ring is provided at the point where the cover contacts the housing of the air filter.

5. The automatic protection device for a car engine in water wading as described in claim 4, characterized in that, An operating hole is provided on the cover at a position corresponding to the valve cover, and a sealing plug is detachably installed in the operating hole.

6. The automatic protection device for a car engine in water wading as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering mechanism includes: Conductors are provided at least two at a predetermined height on the housing of the air filter, the predetermined height being lower than the height of the intake pipe; The trigger has two ends electrically connected to different conductors. Based on whether the water level at the air filter reaches the preset height, the trigger has an energized state and an de-energized state. In the energized state, the trigger can control the locking mechanism to release the lock on the valve stem.

7. The automatic protection device for a car engine in water wading as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The triggering mechanism also includes a trigger housing, which is fixedly installed on the lower part of the housing of the air filter. The trigger housing has a first chamber and a second chamber that are separated from each other, and each of the first chamber and the second chamber has an exhaust port that communicates with the outside. The conductor includes a first electrode and a second electrode, which are respectively installed in the first chamber and the second chamber.

8. The automatic protection device for a car engine when it is submerged in water, as described in claim 7, is characterized in that, The trigger of the triggering mechanism is an electromagnet. When the first and second electrodes are connected by water, the electromagnet is energized to drive the locking mechanism.

9. The automatic protection device for a car engine when it is submerged in water, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that, The reset mechanism includes a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the valve stem, with one end of the torsion spring fixedly connected to the valve stem and the other end fixedly connected to the housing of the air filter.

10. A method for protecting a car engine when it is submerged in water, characterized in that, Includes the following steps:

1. Initial state setting: Set the valve stem and valve cover of the automatic engine protection device for water wading to the first state. At this time, the air filter intake pipe is in the open state, the locking mechanism locks the rotation of the valve stem, and the reset mechanism is in the energy storage state and has the tendency to drive the valve stem and valve cover to rotate to the second state.

2. Water immersion test: The water level at the air filter is detected by a trigger mechanism to see if it has reached a preset height, which is lower than the height of the intake pipe.

3. Unlocking action: When the triggering mechanism detects that the water level has reached the preset height, the triggering mechanism controls the locking mechanism to release the lock on the valve stem. IV. Enclosed protection: The reset mechanism releases stored energy to drive the valve stem and valve cover to rotate to the second state. The valve cover closes the air intake pipe, preventing water from entering the air intake pipe.

5. Manual Reset: After the vehicle leaves the water-filled environment, manually operate the valve stem at the end of the valve stem outside the air filter housing to overcome the force of the reset mechanism and return the valve stem and valve cover to the first state. The locking mechanism will automatically reset and relock the rotation of the valve stem, and the device will return to its initial state for standby.

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