Filter replacement prompting system and filter replacement prompting method

Abstract

The present application relates to a filter replacement prompting system and a filter replacement prompting method, the filter replacement prompting system comprising: an engine speed sensor for sensing an engine speed of an engine; a pressure valve installed to a clean air side of an air cleaner of the engine and having an electromagnet capable of changing a magnetic force according to a first control signal, the pressure valve being capable of generating a trigger action when an air negative pressure value at the clean air side of the air cleaner exceeds an acting force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet, thereby generating a first trigger signal; and a controller electrically connected with the engine speed sensor and the pressure valve, the controller receiving engine speed information sensed by the engine speed sensor to determine the first control signal for controlling the magnetic force of the electromagnet, and the controller receiving the first trigger signal sent by the pressure valve to determine that a filter needs to be replaced. The present application can save vehicle maintenance cost and vehicle use cost of a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to a filter replacement reminder system and a filter replacement reminder method. Background Technology

[0002] The air filter is a crucial component of a car's engine system. It purifies the air before it enters the engine's combustion chamber, preventing dust and other impurities from entering the engine along with the airflow. If these impurities are drawn into the engine, it will shorten its lifespan, thereby increasing the user's vehicle operating and maintenance costs.

[0003] The air filter element is the core filtration component inside the air filter, as it directly contacts and filters the incoming air. Currently, determining when to replace the filter element relies primarily on the fixed intervals recommended in the vehicle maintenance manual or the driver's subjective judgment. This often overlooks the impact of diverse environmental conditions on filter lifespan. For example, Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) likely operate primarily on electric motors, potentially leading to longer filter replacement intervals. Conversely, dusty areas, rainy seasons, and frequent short-distance driving may result in shorter replacement intervals.

[0004] In addition, as more and more dust and other impurities accumulate on the filter element, the air resistance of the filter element will increase, resulting in less air entering the air filter. This will lead to incomplete combustion of fuel and thus increase fuel consumption.

[0005] Therefore, a solution is needed to accurately assess the condition of the filter element and promptly remind users to replace it, thereby avoiding unnecessary maintenance costs and ensuring efficient engine operation.

[0006] The information disclosed in the background section of this invention is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a filter replacement reminder system and method that can accurately determine the replacement time of the air filter element, reduce engine wear, and thus save users' vehicle maintenance costs. Furthermore, timely filter replacement can reduce the filter element's airflow resistance, thereby reducing fuel consumption and saving users' vehicle operating costs.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a filter replacement reminder system is provided, comprising: an engine speed sensor for sensing engine speed; a pressure valve mounted to the clean air side of an air filter of the engine and having an electromagnet capable of changing its magnetic force according to a first control signal, the pressure valve being capable of triggering an action when the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter exceeds the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet, thereby generating a first trigger signal; and a controller electrically connected to the engine speed sensor and the pressure valve, the controller receiving engine speed information sensed by the engine speed sensor to determine a first control signal for controlling the magnetic force of the electromagnet, and the controller receiving the first trigger signal sent by the pressure valve to determine that the filter needs to be replaced.

[0009] Preferably, the pressure valve further comprises: a valve body mounted to an air filter, the valve body having an internal receiving cavity; a valve core movably mounted to the receiving cavity, the valve core extending from the receiving cavity to the clean air side of the air filter near the engine; an end cap mounted on an end face of the valve body; a permanent magnet mounted to one end of the valve core near the end cap; and a displacement sensor mounted on the valve body or the end cap, the displacement sensor generating the first trigger signal upon sensing movement of the valve core; wherein the electromagnet is mounted to the end cap near the valve core and electrically connected to the controller, thereby generating a magnetic force to attract the permanent magnet according to a first control signal provided by the controller; the valve core is capable of moving away from the end cap when the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter exceeds the force between the electromagnet and the permanent magnet, thereby forming the trigger action, and the displacement sensor is capable of sensing the movement of the valve core to generate the first trigger signal.

[0010] Preferably, the inner surface of the receiving cavity has a groove, the outer peripheral surface of the valve body has at least one vent hole, and the vent hole communicates with the receiving cavity; the end face of the valve body has a retaining groove, and the end of the retaining groove away from the end cap communicates with the outer peripheral surface of the valve body; the outer peripheral surface of the valve core has a vent groove and a boss, the vent groove communicates with the vent hole, and the boss is inserted into the groove; the end face of the end cap has a latching part corresponding to the retaining groove, and the latching part is inserted into the retaining groove.

[0011] Preferably, the end face of the valve body further has a limiting groove, and the end face of the end cap further has a limiting portion, the limiting portion being inserted into the limiting groove.

[0012] Preferably, the filter replacement reminder system further includes a reminder device electrically connected to the controller; the controller can generate a second control signal according to a first trigger signal and send the second control signal to the reminder device; the reminder device can display a first reminder message according to the second control signal, the first reminder message being used to remind that the filter needs to be replaced.

[0013] Preferably, the prompting device can also display a first prompting option according to a second control signal, the first prompting option being used to prompt the user to perform a first click operation; the prompting device can receive the first click operation, generate a second trigger signal according to the first click operation, and send the second trigger signal to the controller; the controller can generate a third control signal according to the second trigger signal, and send the third control signal to the prompting device; the prompting device can generate a second prompting message according to the third control signal, the second prompting message being used to prompt the filter replacement method.

[0014] Preferably, the controller can change the first control signal according to the first trigger signal, so that the first control signal changes from a first control value to a second control value, thereby increasing the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet, and thus resetting the permanent magnet and the valve core. The first control value is determined by the controller based on the engine speed information.

[0015] Preferably, the prompting device can also display a second prompting option according to a third control signal, the second prompting option being used to prompt the user to perform a second click operation; the prompting device can receive the second click operation and generate a third trigger signal according to the second click operation, the prompting device can send the third trigger signal to the controller; the controller can change the first control signal according to the third trigger signal, so that the first control signal changes from a second control value to a first control value.

[0016] Preferably, the filter replacement reminder system further includes: a memory electrically connected to the controller, the memory pre-stores a mapping table, the mapping table recording the mapping relationship between engine speed and the first control signal.

[0017] Preferably, the controller reads a mapping table in the memory and determines a first control signal based on the engine speed information according to the read mapping table.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for prompting filter replacement is provided, comprising: sensing the engine speed using an engine speed sensor and sending the sensed engine speed information to a controller; determining a corresponding first control signal using the controller based on the engine speed information and sending the first control signal to an electromagnet of a pressure valve, so that the electromagnet generates a magnetic force according to the first control signal, wherein the pressure valve is disposed on the clean air side of the engine's air filter; when the negative air pressure value on the clean air side of the air filter exceeds the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet, the pressure valve generates a trigger action, thereby generating a first trigger signal, and sending the first trigger signal to the controller; and determining, using the controller, that the filter needs to be replaced based on the first trigger signal.

[0019] Preferably, the pressure valve further comprises: a valve body mounted to an air filter, the valve body having an internal receiving cavity; a valve core movably mounted to the receiving cavity, the valve core extending from the receiving cavity to the clean air side of the air filter near the engine of the valve body; an end cap mounted on an end face of the valve body; a permanent magnet mounted to one end of the valve core near the end cap; and a displacement sensor mounted on the valve body or the end cap, the displacement sensor generating the first trigger signal when it senses movement of the valve core; wherein, an electromagnet is mounted to one end of the end cap near the valve core and electrically connected to the controller, the electromagnet generating a magnetic force to attract the permanent magnet according to a first control signal provided by the controller; when the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter exceeds the force between the electromagnet and the permanent magnet, the valve core moves away from the end cap to form the trigger action, and the displacement sensor senses the movement of the valve core to generate the first trigger signal.

[0020] Preferably, after the controller determines that the filter element needs to be replaced based on the first trigger signal, the filter element replacement prompting method further includes: using the controller to generate a second control signal based on the first trigger signal, and sending the second control signal to the prompting device; using the prompting device to display a first prompting message based on the second control signal, the first prompting message being used to prompt that the filter element needs to be replaced.

[0021] Preferably, after the controller generates a second control signal based on the first trigger signal and sends the second control signal to the prompting device, the filter replacement prompting method further includes: using the prompting device to display a first prompting option based on the second control signal, the first prompting option being used to prompt the user to perform a first click operation; using the prompting device to receive the first click operation, and generating a second trigger signal based on the first click operation, and sending the second trigger signal to the controller; using the controller to generate a third control signal based on the second trigger signal, and sending the third control signal to the prompting device; using the prompting device to generate a second prompting message based on the third control signal, the second prompting message being used to prompt the filter replacement method.

[0022] Preferably, after the first trigger signal is sent to the controller using the pressure valve, the filter replacement prompt method further includes: using the controller to change the first control signal according to the first trigger signal, so that the first control signal changes from a first control value to a second control value, so as to increase the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet, thereby causing the permanent magnet and the valve core to reset, wherein the first control value is determined by the controller based on the engine speed information.

[0023] Preferably, after the controller sends the third control signal to the prompting device, the filter replacement prompting method further includes: using the prompting device to display a second prompting option based on the third control signal, the second prompting option being used to prompt the user to perform a second click operation; using the prompting device to receive the second click operation, and generating a third trigger signal based on the second click operation, and sending the third trigger signal to the controller; using the controller to change a first control signal based on the third trigger signal, such that the first control signal changes from a second control value to a first control value.

[0024] Preferably, before the controller determines the corresponding first control signal based on the engine speed information, the filter replacement prompt method further includes: using a memory to pre-store a mapping table, the mapping table recording the mapping relationship between engine speed and the first control signal, the memory being electrically connected to the controller.

[0025] Preferably, the step of using the controller to determine the corresponding first control signal based on the engine speed information includes: using the controller to read the mapping table in the memory, and determining the first control signal based on the engine speed information according to the read mapping table.

[0026] The filter replacement reminder system of this invention sets the absolute value of the air negative pressure threshold corresponding to the filter element that needs replacement as the magnitude of the force generated by the electromagnet's magnetic force. This allows the pressure valve to trigger when the air negative pressure on the clean air side of the air filter exceeds the force generated by the electromagnet's magnetic force, thereby generating a first trigger signal. Through this configuration, the filter replacement reminder system can accurately determine the replacement time of the air filter element, reducing engine wear and thus saving on vehicle maintenance costs for the user. Furthermore, timely filter replacement reduces the filter's airflow resistance, thereby reducing fuel consumption and saving on vehicle operating costs for the user.

[0027] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages that will be apparent from or will be set forth in detail in the accompanying drawings and subsequent embodiments incorporated herein, which together serve to explain the particular principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the pressure valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a filter replacement reminder system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of a pressure valve;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve body;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve core;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap structure;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing that the valve core of a pressure valve is not open.

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the valve core of a pressure valve open;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a first schematic diagram of the prompting device;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a second schematic diagram of the prompting device;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a third schematic diagram of the prompting device;

[0039] Figure 12This is a method for prompting the replacement of a filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0041] 100: Engine speed sensor 200: Pressure valve

[0042] 210: Electromagnet 220: Valve body

[0043] 221: Receiving cavity; 222: Slide groove

[0044] 223: Vent hole; 224: Slot

[0045] 225: Limit groove; 230: Valve core

[0046] 231: Ventilation slot; 232: Boss

[0047] 240: End cap; 241: Snap-fit ​​part

[0048] 242: Limiting part; 243: Interface

[0049] 244: Power connection terminal; 250: Permanent magnet.

[0050] 260: Displacement sensor; 271: First sealing ring

[0051] 272: Second sealing ring; 280: Sealing gasket

[0052] 300: Controller; 400: Air Filter

[0053] 401: Filter element; 402: Cover body

[0054] 403: Main body; 500: Notification device

[0055] 600: Memory.

[0056] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present simplified representations of various features to illustrate the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features disclosed in this invention (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific environment in which they are intended for application and use.

[0057] Throughout these figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are presented in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the invention to these exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit of the invention and the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0059] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 12 A filter replacement reminder system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle's air filter 400 includes a body 403 and a cover 402. The air filter 400 has a filter element 401 inside. The filter element 401 can divide the air filter 400 into a clean air side (the side near the cover 402) and an unfiltered air side (the side near the body 403). The air on the unfiltered air side is filtered by the filter element 401 to become clean air and enters the clean air side.

[0061] As the usage time of filter element 401 increases, the amount of dust and other impurities accumulated on it gradually increases, leading to increased airflow resistance and consequently, a larger absolute value of the negative air pressure on the clean air side of air filter 400. When the accumulated dust and other impurities on filter element 401 reach a certain level, filter element 401 needs to be replaced. At this point, the negative air pressure value on the clean air side of air filter 400 is the negative air pressure threshold.

[0062] Subsequently, as dust and other impurities continue to accumulate on filter element 401, the negative air pressure value on the clean air side of air filter 400 will exceed the negative air pressure threshold. If a trigger signal can be generated when the negative air pressure value exceeds the negative air pressure threshold, it can be detected that filter element 401 needs to be replaced.

[0063] The present invention adds a pressure valve 200 to the cover 402 on the clean air side of the filter element 401. When the negative air pressure value on the clean air side of the air filter 400 exceeds the negative air pressure threshold, the pressure valve 200 is controlled to generate a trigger action under the action of the negative air pressure on the clean air side, thereby generating a trigger signal.

[0064] For the same engine, the air negative pressure threshold varies at different engine speeds. Therefore, the controller 300 needs to acquire engine speed information. Specifically, the higher the engine speed, the larger the absolute value of the air negative pressure threshold, and the larger the magnitude of the first control signal mentioned later.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the filter replacement reminder system of the present invention includes: an engine speed sensor 100, a pressure valve 200, and a controller 300.

[0066] The engine speed sensor 100 is used to sense the engine speed and send the sensed engine speed information to the controller 300.

[0067] Pressure valve 200 is installed on cover 402 on the clean air side of air filter 400 of the engine (see...). Figure 1 It also has an electromagnet 210 capable of changing its magnetic force according to a first control signal (see...). Figure 3 The pressure valve 200 can generate a trigger action when the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter 400 exceeds the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 210, thereby generating a first trigger signal.

[0068] The controller 300 is electrically connected to the engine speed sensor 100 and the pressure valve. The controller 300 receives the engine speed information sensed by the engine speed sensor 100 to determine the first control signal for controlling the magnetic force of the electromagnet 210. The controller 300 also receives the first trigger signal sent by the pressure valve 200 to determine that the filter element needs to be replaced.

[0069] This invention sets the absolute value of the negative air pressure threshold corresponding to the filter element that needs replacement as the magnitude of the force generated by the magnetism of the electromagnet 210. This allows the pressure valve 200 to trigger when the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter 400 exceeds the force generated by the magnetism of the electromagnet 210, thereby generating a first trigger signal. Through this configuration, the filter element replacement reminder system can accurately determine the replacement time of the air filter element, reducing engine wear and thus saving users' vehicle maintenance costs. Furthermore, timely filter element replacement reduces the airflow resistance of the filter element 401, thereby reducing fuel consumption and saving users' vehicle operating costs.

[0070] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the pressure valve 200 further includes: a valve body 220, a valve core 230, an end cap 240, a permanent magnet 250, and a displacement sensor 260.

[0071] Valve body 220 is mounted to cover 402 of air filter 400, and the interior of valve body 220 has receiving cavity 221 (see Figure 4 ).

[0072] The valve core 230 is movably mounted into the receiving cavity 221. The valve core 230 extends from the receiving cavity 221 to the clean air side of the valve body 220 near the air filter 400, so that the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter 400 can attract the valve core 230.

[0073] End cap 240 is mounted on the end face of valve body 220 away from air filter 400. Permanent magnet 250 is mounted to the end of valve core 230 near end cap 240.

[0074] Displacement sensor 260 is mounted on end cap 240 (see Figure 6 The first trigger signal can be generated on the valve body 220 or the valve core 230 when the movement of the valve core 230 is sensed.

[0075] The electromagnet 210 is mounted to one end of the end cap 240 near the valve core 230 and is electrically connected to the controller 300, thereby generating a magnetic force to attract the permanent magnet 250 according to a first control signal provided by the controller 300.

[0076] When the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter 400 exceeds the force between the electromagnet 210 and the permanent magnet 250, the valve core 230 moves away from the end cover 240 (i.e., the negative air pressure on the clean air side allows the valve core 230 to overcome the force between the electromagnet 210 and the permanent magnet 250 and move away from the end cover 240), thus triggering the action. Furthermore, the displacement sensor 260 senses the movement of the valve core 230 to generate the first trigger signal. The force between the electromagnet 210 and the permanent magnet 250 is the aforementioned negative air pressure threshold, and the magnitude of this force can be controlled by a first control signal provided by the controller 300 to the electromagnet 210. Specifically, the first control signal is the current provided by the controller 300 to the electromagnet 210.

[0077] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the pressure valve 200 further includes a sealing gasket 280, which is disposed between the valve core 230 and the cover 402 of the air filter 400 to ensure a tight seal. The sealing gasket 280 may be made of rubber.

[0078] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the pressure valve 200 further includes a first sealing ring 271, which is disposed between the valve body 220 and the cover 402 of the air filter 400 to ensure sealing.

[0079] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 3As shown, the pressure valve 200 further includes a second sealing ring 272, which is disposed between the valve body 220 and the end cap 240 to ensure sealing. Both the first sealing ring 271 and the second sealing ring 272 can be made of rubber.

[0080] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the inner surface of the receiving cavity 221 has a groove 222, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the valve core 230 has a boss 232 corresponding to the slide groove 222. The boss 232 is inserted into the slide groove 222, so that the valve core 230 can be movably installed into the receiving cavity 221 and can prevent the valve core 230 from rotating relative to the valve body 220.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the end face of the valve body 220 has a groove 224, and the end of the groove 224 away from the end cap 240 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 220. Figure 6 As shown, the end face of the end cap 240 has a latching part 241 corresponding to the slot 224. The latching part 241 is inserted into the slot 224 to fix the end cap 240 to the valve body 220. There are 5 latching parts 241 and 5 slots 224. The number can be adjusted according to the situation, for example, it can be set to any number from 3 to 8.

[0082] In one implementation, the valve body 220 may not be immediately reset after being moved away from the end cap 240, but may be reset when the filter element is replaced.

[0083] In another embodiment, the valve body 220 resets within a short time (e.g., within 1 second) after moving away from the end cap 240, i.e., before replacing the filter element. In such an embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 220 has at least one vent hole 223 (see...). Figure 4 When the pressure valve 200 is installed on the cover 402 of the air filter 400, the vent 223 opens downward and is connected to the receiving cavity 221.

[0084] The outer peripheral surface of the valve core 230 has a vent groove 231 corresponding to the vent hole 223 (see...) Figure 5 The vent groove 231 of the valve core 230 is connected to the vent hole 223 of the valve body 220 (see...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0085] When the valve core 230 is not moved away from the end cover 240, the vent groove 231 of the valve core 230 is not connected to the clean air side of the air filter 400. After the valve core 230 moves away from the end cover 240, a portion of the vent groove 231 of the valve core 230 connects to the clean air side of the air filter 400, and remains connected to the vent 223 (see...). Figure 8 Unfiltered air from outside the air filter 400 can enter the clean air side of the air filter 400 through the vent 223 and vent 231, thereby reducing the pressure difference on both sides of the valve core 230 (the clean air side of the air filter 400 and the outside atmosphere side), and thus reducing the reset force required for the valve core 230 to reset. This reset force can be the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 210. The specific reset method of this implementation scheme will be described later.

[0086] When the pressure valve 200 is installed on the cover 402 of the air filter 400, the openings of the vent 223 and the vent groove 231 face downwards, which can prevent water and other impurities from entering the air filter 400 through the vent 223 and the vent groove 231.

[0087] exist Figure 3 In the implementation scheme, there are three vent holes 223 and three vent slots 231. The number of these vent holes can be adjusted as needed, for example, it can be set to any number from 2 to 5.

[0088] exist Figure 4 In the implementation scheme, the cross-section of the vent 223 is a fan ring, and the degree of the central angle subtended by the fan ring is 36°, and the angle between the center lines of adjacent vents 223 is set to 72°.

[0089] exist Figure 5 In the implementation scheme, the cross-section of the ventilation groove 231 is a fan ring, and the degree of the central angle subtended by the fan ring is 36°, and the angle between the center lines of adjacent ventilation grooves 231 is set to 72°.

[0090] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the end cap 240 has an interface 243, and a power connection terminal 244 is provided in the interface 243. The electromagnet 210 is electrically connected to the controller 300 through the power connection terminal 244.

[0091] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the end face of the valve body 220 further has a limiting groove 225, such as Figure 6As shown, the end face of the end cap 240 further has a limiting part 242, which is inserted into the limiting groove 225 to ensure that the interface 243 of the end cap 240 faces upward when the pressure valve 200 is installed on the cover 402 of the air filter 400, thereby facilitating the assembly personnel to electrically connect the power connection terminal 244 to the controller 300.

[0092] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the filter replacement reminder system further includes a reminder device 500, which is electrically connected to the controller 300.

[0093] The controller 300 can generate a second control signal based on the first trigger signal and send the second control signal to the prompting device 500.

[0094] The prompting device 500 can display a first prompt message according to the second control signal. The first prompt message is used to indicate that the filter element needs to be replaced.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the prompting device 500 may include a display capable of displaying first prompting information in response to a second control signal. In embodiments including a display, the first prompting information is presented in the form of text and / or graphics.

[0096] In addition to the display, the prompting device 500 may also include a voice prompt or a flashing light. In an embodiment including a voice prompt, the first prompt is given in the form of a voice broadcast. In an embodiment including a voice flashing light, the first prompt is given in the form of a flashing light.

[0097] The following implementation schemes will all be introduced using a monitor as an example.

[0098] like Figure 9 As shown, the first prompt message is the text "Please replace the filter".

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the prompting device 500 can also display a first prompting option according to a second control signal, the first prompting option being used to prompt the user to perform a first click operation.

[0100] The prompting device 500 can receive the first click operation performed by the user and generate a second trigger signal based on the first click operation. The prompting device 500 can send the second trigger signal to the controller 300.

[0101] The controller 300 can generate a third control signal based on the second trigger signal and send the third control signal to the prompting device 500.

[0102] The prompting device 500 can generate a second prompting message based on a third control signal, the second prompting message being used to indicate the method for replacing the filter element.

[0103] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first prompt option on the prompting device 500 is the "Confirm" option. After the user clicks the "Confirm" option, the prompting device 500 displays the filter replacement method. The user's click on the "Confirm" option is the first click operation, and the filter replacement method is the second prompt message. The first click operation can be performed before or after parking.

[0104] for Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this implementation scheme, when the negative air pressure on the clean air side exceeds the negative air pressure threshold, the negative air pressure on the clean air side causes the valve core 230 to move away from the end cover 240. Unfiltered air from outside the air filter 400 can enter the clean air side of the air filter 400 through the vent 223 and vent groove 231, reducing the pressure difference across the valve core 230 and thus reducing the reset force required for the valve core 230 to reset. This reset force can be the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 210. To prevent impurities in the unfiltered air from entering the clean air side of the air filter 400, the valve core 230 needs to be quickly reset.

[0105] To reset the valve core 230, after the valve core 230 moves away from the end cover 240, the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 210 needs to be increased. Specifically, this can be achieved by increasing the first control signal. That is, the first control signal needs to be changed simultaneously with the prompt that the filter element needs to be replaced.

[0106] Therefore, the controller 300 can change the first control signal provided to the electromagnet 210 according to the first trigger signal, changing the first control signal from a first control value to a second control value, thereby increasing the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 210, and thus causing the permanent magnet 250 and the valve core 230 to reset. The first control value is determined by the controller 300 based on the engine speed information. For example, when the first control signal is the first control value, the absolute value of the air negative pressure threshold corresponding to the force between the electromagnet 210 and the permanent magnet 250 is 3 kPa (this 3 kPa is just an example; when the engine speed changes, the absolute value of the air negative pressure threshold will also change, for example, to 2.5 kPa, 3.5 kPa, etc.). When the first control signal is the second control value, the absolute value of the air negative pressure threshold corresponding to the force between the electromagnet 210 and the permanent magnet 250 is 8 kPa (this is a fixed value). The time from the trigger action of the valve core 230 to the reset of the valve core 230 is about 1 second, that is, the vehicle has not yet stopped when the valve core 230 resets.

[0107] Since the force between the electromagnet 210 and the permanent magnet 250 has increased to a relatively large value, under the action of this force, the valve core 230 can no longer move away from the end cover 240, so that the vent groove 231 of the valve core 230 is no longer connected to the clean air side of the air filter 400. At this time, unfiltered air from outside the air filter 400 no longer enters the clean air side of the air filter 400 through the vent hole 223 and the vent groove 231.

[0108] When replacing filter element 401, the machine must be stopped first, and then the filter element should be replaced according to the replacement method indicated by the prompting device 500. After the user has replaced filter element 401, the force between the electromagnet 210 and the permanent magnet 250 of the pressure valve 200 needs to be reset to the force corresponding to the first control signal being the first control value, so that the filter element replacement prompting system of the present invention can monitor the usage status of the new filter element 401.

[0109] Therefore, the prompting device 500 can also display a second prompting option according to the third control signal, the second prompting option being used to prompt the user to perform a second click operation.

[0110] The prompting device 500 can receive a second click operation performed by the user and generate a third trigger signal based on the second click operation. The prompting device 500 can send the third trigger signal to the controller 300.

[0111] The controller 300 can change the first control signal according to the third trigger signal, so that the first control signal changes from the second control value to the first control value, so that the force between the electromagnet 210 and the permanent magnet 250 is restored to the value corresponding to the engine speed (for example, at a certain engine speed, the absolute value of the air negative pressure threshold corresponding to this force is 3 kPa). At this time, the filter replacement reminder system can monitor the usage status of the new filter 401.

[0112] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, the second prompt option on the prompting device 500 is the "Reset" option. After the user clicks the "Reset" option, the controller 300 can change the first control signal according to the third trigger signal. The user's click operation on the "Reset" option is the second click operation.

[0113] After the user clicks the "Reset" option, the prompting device 500 can also indicate that the reset is complete. The controller 300 can also generate a fourth control signal based on the third trigger signal and send the fourth control signal to the prompting device 500. The prompting device 500 displays a third prompt message based on the fourth control signal, which indicates that the reset is complete (see [link]). Figure 11 ).

[0114] For different engines in different vehicle models, the mapping relationship between engine speed and air negative pressure threshold varies, which results in different mapping relationships between engine speed and the first control signal (i.e., different mapping tables). Therefore, during the vehicle development phase, it is necessary to pre-store the mapping table of engine speed and the first control signal for that vehicle in the vehicle. Therefore, the filter replacement reminder system of the present invention further includes a memory 600 (see...). Figure 2 The memory 600 is electrically connected to the controller 300 and pre-stores a mapping table that records the mapping relationship between engine speed and the first control signal. Specifically, the higher the engine speed, the larger the magnitude of the first control signal. The first control signal is the current supplied by the controller 300 to the electromagnet 210.

[0115] The higher the engine speed, the greater the current, and the greater the force generated by the magnetic force produced by the current, which means the higher the air negative pressure threshold.

[0116] The memory 600 and the controller 300 can both be integrated into the vehicle's onboard computer.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 300 reads a mapping table in the memory 600 and determines a first control signal based on the engine speed information according to the read mapping table.

[0118] This invention also provides a vehicle equipped with the aforementioned filter replacement reminder system. Other components and functions of the vehicle according to this invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail to avoid redundancy.

[0119] like Figure 12 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for prompting the replacement of a filter element, which includes:

[0120] Step S110: The engine speed is sensed by the engine speed sensor 100 and the sensed engine speed information is sent to the controller 300.

[0121] In step S120, the controller 300 determines the corresponding first control signal based on the engine speed information and sends the first control signal to the electromagnet 210 of the pressure valve 200 so that the electromagnet 210 generates magnetic force according to the first control signal. The pressure valve 200 is located on the clean air side of the engine's air filter 400.

[0122] In step S130, when the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter 400 exceeds the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 210, the pressure valve 200 generates a trigger action, thereby generating a first trigger signal, which is then sent to the controller 300.

[0123] In step S140, the controller 300 determines that the filter element 401 needs to be replaced based on the first trigger signal.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, after the controller 300 determines that the filter element needs to be replaced based on the first trigger signal (i.e., step S140), the filter element replacement prompting method further includes:

[0125] In step S150, the controller 300 generates a second control signal based on the first trigger signal and sends the second control signal to the prompting device 500.

[0126] In step S160, the prompting device 500 displays a first prompt message according to the second control signal. The first prompt message is used to indicate that the filter element needs to be replaced.

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, after the controller 300 generates a second control signal based on a first trigger signal and sends the second control signal to the prompting device 500 (i.e., step S150), the filter replacement prompting method further includes:

[0128] In step S170, the prompting device 500 displays a first prompting option according to the second control signal. The first prompting option is used to prompt the user to perform a first click operation.

[0129] In step S180, the prompting device 500 receives the first click operation, generates a second trigger signal based on the first click operation, and sends the second trigger signal to the controller 300.

[0130] In step S190, the controller 300 generates a third control signal based on the second trigger signal and sends the third control signal to the prompting device 500.

[0131] In step S200, the prompting device 500 generates a second prompting message based on a third control signal. The second prompting message is used to indicate the method for replacing the filter element.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, after the pressure valve 200 sends a first trigger signal to the controller 300 (i.e., step S130), the filter replacement prompting method further includes:

[0133] Step S131: The controller changes the first control signal according to the first trigger signal, so that the first control signal changes from the first control value to the second control value, so as to increase the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet, thereby resetting the permanent magnet and the valve core. The first control value is determined by the controller according to the engine speed information.

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, after the controller 300 sends a third control signal to the prompting device 500 (i.e., step S190), the method for prompting the replacement of the filter cartridge further includes:

[0135] Step S191: The prompting device 500 displays a second prompting option according to the third control signal. The second prompting option is used to prompt the user to perform a second click operation.

[0136] In step S192, the prompting device 500 receives the second click operation, generates a third trigger signal based on the second click operation, and sends the third trigger signal to the controller 300.

[0137] Step S193: The controller 300 changes the first control signal according to the third trigger signal, so that the first control signal changes from the second control value to the first control value.

[0138] In an exemplary embodiment, before the controller 300 determines the corresponding first control signal based on the engine speed information (i.e., step S120), the filter replacement prompting method further includes:

[0139] Step S101: A mapping table is pre-stored in the memory 600. The mapping table records the mapping relationship between engine speed and the first control signal. The memory is electrically connected to the controller.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of determining the corresponding first control signal based on the engine speed information using the controller 300 (i.e., step S120) specifically includes:

[0141] The controller 300 reads the mapping table in the memory 600 and determines the first control signal based on the engine speed information according to the read mapping table.

[0142] For ease of interpretation and precise definition of the appended claims, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “above,” “below,” “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “front,” “back,” “behind,” “inner side,” “outer side,” “inward,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” “inner,” “external,” “forward,” and “backward” are used to describe the features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of these features shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0143] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention is for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; clearly, many changes and variations are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain the specific principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to implement and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as their different alternatives and modifications. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A filter replacement reminder system, comprising: An engine speed sensor is used to sense the engine speed. A pressure valve is installed on the clean air side of the air filter of the engine and has an electromagnet that can change its magnetic force according to a first control signal. The pressure valve can generate a trigger action when the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter exceeds the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet, thereby generating a first trigger signal. as well as The controller is electrically connected to the engine speed sensor and the pressure valve. The controller receives engine speed information sensed by the engine speed sensor to determine a first control signal for controlling the magnetic force of the electromagnet, and the controller receives a first trigger signal sent by the pressure valve to determine that the filter element needs to be replaced.

2. The filter replacement reminder system according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure valve further includes: A valve body, which is installed to an air filter, has an internal receiving cavity; A valve core, which is movably mounted into the receiving cavity, extends from the receiving cavity to the clean air side of the valve body near the air filter of the engine; An end cap, which is installed on the end face of the valve body; A permanent magnet, which is mounted to one end of the valve core near the end cap; and A displacement sensor is mounted on the valve body or the end cover, and the displacement sensor can generate the first trigger signal when it senses the movement of the valve core; The electromagnet is installed at one end of the end cap near the valve core and is electrically connected to the controller, thereby generating a magnetic force to attract the permanent magnet according to a first control signal provided by the controller. The valve core can move away from the end cover when the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter exceeds the force between the electromagnet and the permanent magnet, thereby triggering the action. The displacement sensor can sense the movement of the valve core to generate the first trigger signal.

3. The filter replacement reminder system according to claim 2, wherein, The inner surface of the receiving cavity has a groove, the outer peripheral surface of the valve body has at least one vent hole, and the vent hole is connected to the receiving cavity. The end face of the valve body has a retaining groove, and the end of the retaining groove away from the end cover is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the valve body. The outer peripheral surface of the valve core has a vent groove and a boss, the vent groove is connected to the vent hole, and the boss is inserted into the slide groove; The end face of the end cap has a snap-fit ​​part corresponding to the slot, and the snap-fit ​​part is inserted into the slot.

4. The filter replacement reminder system according to claim 3, wherein, The end face of the valve body further has a limiting groove, and the end face of the end cover further has a limiting part, which is inserted into the limiting groove.

5. The filter replacement reminder system according to claim 4, wherein, The system further includes a prompting device electrically connected to the controller; The controller can generate a second control signal based on the first trigger signal and send the second control signal to the prompting device; The prompting device can display a first prompt message according to a second control signal, the first prompt message being used to indicate that the filter element needs to be replaced.

6. The filter replacement reminder system according to claim 5, wherein, The prompting device can also display a first prompting option according to the second control signal, the first prompting option being used to prompt the user to perform a first click operation; The prompting device can receive the first click operation, generate a second trigger signal based on the first click operation, and send the second trigger signal to the controller; The controller can generate a third control signal based on the second trigger signal and send the third control signal to the prompting device; The prompting device can generate a second prompting message based on the third control signal, and the second prompting message is used to prompt the method of replacing the filter element.

7. The filter replacement reminder system according to claim 2, wherein, The controller can change the first control signal according to the first trigger signal, so that the first control signal changes from the first control value to the second control value, thereby increasing the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet, and thus causing the permanent magnet and the valve core to reset. The first control value is determined by the controller based on the engine speed information.

8. The filter replacement reminder system according to claim 7, wherein, The prompting device can also display a second prompting option according to a third control signal, the second prompting option being used to prompt the user to perform a second click operation; The prompting device can receive the second click operation and generate a third trigger signal based on the second click operation. The prompting device can send the third trigger signal to the controller. The controller can change the first control signal according to the third trigger signal, so that the first control signal changes from the second control value to the first control value.

9. The filter replacement reminder system according to claim 1, wherein, It further includes: A memory, electrically connected to the controller, pre-stores a mapping table containing the mapping relationship between engine speed and the first control signal.

10. The filter replacement reminder system according to claim 9, wherein, The controller reads the mapping table in the memory and determines the first control signal based on the engine speed information according to the read mapping table.

11. A method for indicating when to replace a filter element, comprising: The engine speed sensor is used to sense the engine speed and the sensed engine speed information is sent to the controller. The controller determines the corresponding first control signal based on the engine speed information and sends the first control signal to the electromagnet of the pressure valve so that the electromagnet generates magnetic force according to the first control signal. The pressure valve is located on the clean air side of the engine's air filter. When the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter exceeds the force generated by the electromagnet's magnetic force, the pressure valve triggers a first trigger signal, which is then sent to the controller. The controller determines that the filter needs to be replaced based on the first trigger signal.

12. The method for prompting filter replacement according to claim 11, wherein, The pressure valve further includes: A valve body, which is installed to an air filter, has an internal receiving cavity; A valve core, which is movably mounted into the receiving cavity, extends from the receiving cavity to the clean air side of the valve body near the air filter of the engine; An end cap, which is installed on the end face of the valve body; A permanent magnet, which is mounted to one end of the valve core near the end cap; and A displacement sensor is mounted on the valve body or the end cover, and the displacement sensor can generate the first trigger signal when it senses the movement of the valve core; The electromagnet is installed at one end of the end cap near the valve core and is electrically connected to the controller. The electromagnet generates a magnetic force to attract the permanent magnet according to a first control signal provided by the controller. When the negative air pressure on the clean air side of the air filter exceeds the force between the electromagnet and the permanent magnet, the valve core moves away from the end cover to trigger the action, and the displacement sensor senses the movement of the valve core to generate the first trigger signal.

13. The method for prompting filter replacement according to claim 11, wherein, After the controller determines that the filter element needs to be replaced based on the first trigger signal, the filter element replacement prompt method further includes: The controller generates a second control signal based on the first trigger signal and sends the second control signal to the prompting device; The prompting device displays a first prompt message based on a second control signal, the first prompt message being used to indicate that the filter element needs to be replaced.

14. The method for prompting filter replacement according to claim 13, wherein, After the controller generates a second control signal based on the first trigger signal and sends the second control signal to the reminder device, the filter replacement reminder method further includes: The prompting device displays a first prompting option according to a second control signal, and the first prompting option is used to prompt the user to perform a first click operation; The system receives the first click operation using the prompting device, generates a second trigger signal based on the first click operation, and sends the second trigger signal to the controller. The controller generates a third control signal based on the second trigger signal and sends the third control signal to the prompting device. The prompting device generates a second prompt message based on the third control signal. The second prompt message is used to indicate the method for replacing the filter element.

15. The method for prompting filter replacement according to claim 12, wherein, After sending a first trigger signal to the controller using a pressure valve, the filter replacement prompt method further includes: The controller changes the first control signal according to the first trigger signal, so that the first control signal changes from the first control value to the second control value, thereby increasing the force generated by the magnetic force of the electromagnet, and thus causing the permanent magnet and the valve core to reset. The first control value is determined by the controller based on the engine speed information.

16. The method for prompting filter replacement according to claim 14, wherein, After the controller sends a third control signal to the prompting device, the method for prompting the replacement of the filter element further includes: The prompting device displays a second prompting option based on a third control signal, and the second prompting option is used to prompt the user to perform a second click operation; The system receives the second click operation using the prompting device, generates a third trigger signal based on the second click operation, and sends the third trigger signal to the controller. The controller changes the first control signal according to the third trigger signal, so that the first control signal changes from the second control value to the first control value.

17. The method for prompting filter replacement according to claim 16, wherein, Before using the controller to determine the corresponding first control signal based on the engine speed information, the filter replacement reminder method further includes: A mapping table is pre-stored in the memory, which records the mapping relationship between engine speed and the first control signal. The memory is electrically connected to the controller.

18. The method for prompting filter replacement according to claim 17, wherein, The steps for determining the corresponding first control signal based on the engine speed information using the controller include: The controller reads the mapping table in the memory and determines the first control signal based on the engine speed information according to the read mapping table.

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