Air filter assembly and vehicle

Abstract

This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to an air filter assembly and a vehicle. The air filter assembly provided in this application includes: a housing having a filter chamber and an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the filter chamber; a drain outlet is provided on the bottom wall of the filter chamber; a filter element disposed within the filter chamber and located between the air inlet and the air outlet; a muffler pipe disposed within the filter chamber and communicating with the air inlet; and a switch assembly disposed at the drain outlet for opening or closing the drain outlet. The air filter assembly provided in this application helps to solve the problem that existing air filters cannot simultaneously achieve drainage efficiency and engine performance when wading through water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to an air filter assembly and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] An air filter, or simply air filter, is used in a car engine's intake system to filter dust and impurities from the air to protect the engine. The air filter affects the quality of the engine's intake air and combustion efficiency, and is a crucial component for ensuring the long-term stable operation of the powertrain.

[0003] When a car drives through flooded areas, water waves can enter the air filter through the engine's air intake. The solution involves creating a drainage hole at the bottom of the air filter, allowing the water to drain naturally under gravity.

[0004] However, existing air filters cannot balance drainage efficiency and engine performance. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this application provides an air filter assembly and vehicle that helps to solve the problem that existing air filters cannot simultaneously achieve drainage efficiency and engine performance when wading through water.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is implemented as follows:

[0007] On one hand, this application provides an air filter assembly, comprising: a housing having a filter chamber and an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the filter chamber, the bottom wall of the filter chamber having a drain outlet; a filter element disposed within the filter chamber and located between the air inlet and the air outlet; a silencer pipe disposed within the filter chamber and communicating with the air inlet; and a switch assembly disposed at the drain outlet, the switch assembly being used to open or close the drain outlet.

[0008] Thus, by incorporating a switch assembly at the drain outlet, the opening and closing status of the drain outlet can be dynamically controlled, effectively balancing drainage efficiency and engine performance. When the vehicle is wading through water and the water inside the housing reaches a certain volume, the switch assembly can open the drain outlet, allowing the water in the filter chamber to drain quickly, preventing filter element failure or air intake obstruction due to water retention, and improving drainage efficiency. When the vehicle is driving normally, the switch assembly can close the drain outlet, preventing unfiltered air, dust, or impurities from directly entering the filter chamber through the drain outlet, ensuring effective filtration of the intake air by the filter element, and guaranteeing the quality of engine intake air and combustion efficiency. In addition, the coordinated design of the muffler and filter element can reduce intake noise and optimize airflow distribution, further improving the overall performance of the air filter.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the housing includes: an upper shell, the upper shell including a top plate and an upper surrounding plate surrounding the top plate, the air outlet being disposed on the upper surrounding plate; and a lower shell, the lower shell including a bottom plate and a lower surrounding plate surrounding the bottom plate, the air inlet being disposed on the lower surrounding plate, the drain outlet being disposed on the bottom plate, the upper surrounding plate and the lower surrounding plate being interconnected so that the upper shell and the lower shell together define the filter chamber.

[0010] Thus, by connecting the upper and lower enclosures to form a filter chamber, the assembly convenience and manufacturing flexibility of the air filter can be effectively improved. The layout of the air inlet on the lower enclosure and the air outlet on the upper enclosure optimizes the airflow path (air enters from the lower shell, is filtered by the filter element, and exits from the upper shell), allowing the filter element to effectively cover the air intake area and improve filtration efficiency. Furthermore, placing the drain outlet on the bottom plate allows gravity to naturally guide accumulated water to the drain outlet, and precise drainage can be achieved in conjunction with the switch assembly.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the base plate includes a first region and a second region arranged along a first direction, the height of the first region being lower than the height of the second region, and the drain outlet being located in the first region.

[0012] Thus, by setting a first zone and a second zone at different heights along the first direction, and placing the drain outlet in the lower first zone, the water drainage path can be effectively optimized. As the lowest point of the base plate, the first zone allows water entering the filter chamber to naturally converge there, concentrating the water flow towards the drain outlet and significantly improving drainage efficiency. The higher design of the second zone prevents water from stagnating over a large area of ​​the base plate, reducing the contact time between water and the filter element and lowering the risk of decreased filtration performance due to prolonged wetting.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the base plate further includes a transition connection region connecting the first region and the second region, the transition connection region extending at an angle, and the drain outlet located at the intersection of the first region and the transition connection region.

[0014] Thus, by setting up an inclined transition connection area and placing the drain outlet at its intersection with the first area, the flow path and collection efficiency of accumulated water are effectively optimized. The inclined transition connection area uses gravity to guide the water in the second area to flow naturally towards the first area, avoiding water stagnation or dead zones on the bottom plate. The drain outlet, located at the intersection of the transition connection area and the first area, allows the accumulated water to be accelerated through the transition connection area and then concentrated into the drain outlet, significantly improving drainage efficiency. At the same time, the inclined transition structure reduces the contact area and time between the accumulated water and the filter element, reducing the risk of decreased filtration performance due to wetting of the filter element, ensuring effective filtration of the intake air by the air filter, thereby balancing rapid drainage during wading and the quality of engine intake air under normal operating conditions.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the switch assembly includes a switch element hinged to the housing, the switch element being configured to open under the influence of gravity on the water.

[0016] Thus, the automatic opening and closing of the hinged switch, achieved through the force of gravity and water flow, effectively balances drainage efficiency and engine performance. When the water level in the air filter reaches a certain point, gravity pushes the hinged switch downwards to open the drain outlet, allowing the water to drain quickly without additional power, thus improving drainage efficiency. After the water has drained, the switch automatically closes under the action of the reset structure, preventing unfiltered air, dust, or impurities from entering the filter chamber through the drain outlet, ensuring effective filtration of the intake air and maintaining the quality of the engine's intake air. Furthermore, the hinged structure is simple and reliable, avoiding the cost and failure risks of complex electronic control systems, ensuring stable operation under both wading and normal driving conditions, and achieving a dynamic balance between drainage function and engine performance.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the drain outlet is provided with hinge seats on opposite sides along the second direction, and the hinge seats are provided with pivot holes extending through the second direction; the switch is provided with a connecting seat, and the connecting seat is provided with pivot fitting holes extending through the second direction; the switch assembly further includes: a connecting shaft, which passes through the pivot holes and the pivot fitting holes to hinge the switch and the housing.

[0018] Thus, the hinge seats on both sides of the drain outlet, the pivoting holes of the connecting seats, and the through-hole design of the connecting shaft effectively ensure the stable hinge and reliable operation of the switching components. The hinge seats are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the drain outlet, and the connecting shaft passes through the pivoting holes to form a fixed axis of rotation, allowing the switching components to rotate smoothly around this axis and avoiding the offset or jamming that might occur with unilateral hinges. The through-hole structure of the connecting shaft enhances the structural strength of the hinged parts, reduces the risk of wear or loosening after long-term use, and improves the durability of the switching assembly.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the switch assembly further includes: an elastic reset member, which is sleeved on the connecting shaft, one end of which is connected to the switch and the other end of which is connected to the housing, and the elastic reset member is used to drive the switch to close the drain outlet after the drainage in the filter chamber is completed.

[0020] Thus, by adding a flexible reset component, the reliability and timeliness of the switch closing the drain outlet are effectively improved. Once the water in the filter chamber is drained, the flexible reset component releases its elastic force, driving the switch to rotate around the connecting shaft. This ensures the switch quickly and tightly closes the drain outlet, avoiding delays or incomplete closures caused by insufficient switch weight or vehicle vibration. The design of the flexible reset component, with one end connected to the switch and the other to the housing, works in conjunction with the hinge structure to enhance the reset stability of the switch assembly. Simultaneously, the flexible reset component's compact structure, fitted onto the connecting shaft, does not occupy additional space and allows for adjustment of the elastic force according to actual needs, adapting to drainage and closure requirements under different operating conditions. Ultimately, this achieves a balance between rapid drainage during wading and reliable engine performance under normal operating conditions.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the air filter assembly further includes a seal disposed around the drain outlet or the switch to seal the gap between the switch and the inner wall of the drain outlet.

[0022] Thus, by installing a seal around the drain outlet or switch, the sealing reliability between the switch and the drain outlet is effectively improved. The seal fills the gap between the switch and the inner wall of the drain outlet, preventing unfiltered air, dust, or impurities from directly entering the filter chamber under normal operating conditions, ensuring effective filtration of the intake air by the filter element and guaranteeing the quality of engine intake air. At the same time, the seal enhances the tightness of the switch when closed, ensuring the sealing performance of the drain outlet in the closed state and the drainage efficiency in the open state, ultimately achieving a balance between rapid drainage during wading and reliable engine performance under normal operating conditions.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the end face of the upper panel facing the lower panel forms a first mounting surface, and the end face of the lower panel facing the upper panel forms a second mounting surface. The first mounting surface is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the second mounting surface is parallel to the first mounting surface. The filter element includes a filter body and a mounting edge. The mounting edge surrounds the periphery of the filter body and is fixed between the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, so that the filter body is parallel to the first mounting surface.

[0024] In this way, by tilting the mounting surfaces of the upper and lower enclosures and fixing the mounting edge of the filter element between the parallel first and second mounting surfaces, the filter element is tilted, which is more effective in preventing it from being wetted by water accumulation on the lower side of the filter chamber compared to a horizontal arrangement. The tilted filter element surface forms an angle with the horizontal plane, causing water accumulation on the lower side of the filter chamber to flow along the tilted filter element surface towards the drain outlet under gravity, rather than stagnating directly below the filter element. Simultaneously, the lower edge of the tilted filter element is at a higher vertical distance from the accumulated water, making it difficult for splashing or rippled water to directly contact the filter element surface, reducing the contact area and time between water and the filter element. Furthermore, the tilted filter element creates a larger space between itself and the bottom of the lower housing, avoiding the risk of large-area wetting caused by the lower edge of the filter element being completely close to the water surface in a horizontal arrangement. This effectively reduces the problem of decreased filtration performance due to water immersion, ensuring stable filtration of engine intake air by the air filter.

[0025] On the other hand, this application also provides a vehicle, including: a body having an engine compartment; an engine disposed in the engine compartment; and an air filter assembly as described in any of the above possible implementations, the air filter assembly being disposed in the engine compartment, and the air outlet of the air filter assembly being connected to the air inlet of the engine.

[0026] The vehicle of this invention, by using the aforementioned air filter assembly, achieves dual protection of drainage efficiency and engine performance under wading conditions. When the vehicle is wading, the air filter's switching assembly can open the drain outlet, allowing accumulated water in the filter chamber to drain quickly, preventing filter element failure or air intake obstruction due to water retention, thus improving drainage efficiency. When the vehicle is driving normally, the switching assembly can close the drain outlet, preventing unfiltered air, dust, or impurities from directly entering the filter chamber through the drain outlet, ensuring effective filtration of the intake air by the filter element, and guaranteeing engine intake air quality and combustion efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air filter assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the air filter assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an air filter assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the usage state of the air filter assembly according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the usage state of the air filter assembly according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 .

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 1-Air filter assembly;

[0034] 10-Housing shell; 11-Filter chamber; 12-Air inlet; 13-Air outlet; 14-Drain outlet; 141-Hinge seat; 142-Pivot hole; 15-Upper shell; 151-Top plate; 152-Upper enclosure plate; 153-First mounting surface; 16-Lower shell; 161-Bottom plate; 162-Lower enclosure plate; 163-First area; 164-Second area; 165-Transition connection area; 166-Second mounting surface;

[0035] 20-Filter element; 21-Filter body; 22-Mounting edge;

[0036] 30 - Silencer;

[0037] 40-Switch assembly; 41-Switch element; 411-Connecting base; 412-Pivoting mating hole; 42-Connecting shaft; 43-Resilient reset element. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the specific technical solutions of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0039] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0040] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are defined relative to the orientation of the components shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0042] In embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0044] When a car drives through flooded areas, water waves can impact the air filter through the engine's air intake. Due to limitations in vehicle design, space allocation, and engine performance requirements, the position and size of the air filter's air intake cannot be adjusted, making it difficult to avoid water waves impacting the air intake and entering the air filter when the vehicle is wading through water. Related technologies involve creating drainage holes at the bottom of the air filter to allow water to drain naturally under gravity. However, existing air filters cannot balance drainage efficiency with engine performance. Specifically, if the diameter of the air filter's drainage holes is too small, the drainage speed is slow and the filter is easily clogged by impurities, leading to water retention. If the diameter of the air filter's drainage holes is too large, excessive air-fuel mixture is drawn into the engine compartment, affecting engine performance.

[0045] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an air filter assembly and a vehicle, which can dynamically control the opening and closing state of the drain outlet by setting a switch component at the drain outlet, effectively balancing drainage efficiency and engine performance.

[0046] It should be noted that the vehicle in this application can refer to large vehicles, small vehicles, special-purpose vehicles, etc. For example, according to vehicle type, the vehicle in this application can be a sedan, a bus, a truck, an off-road vehicle, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), or other types of vehicles. For instance, the vehicle can be any one of electric vehicles / electric cars, pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, range-extended electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and new energy vehicles.

[0047] Vehicles typically consist of wheels, a power source, and a transmission system between the wheels and the power source. The transmission system transmits the power provided by the power source to the wheels, causing them to rotate and thus driving the vehicle.

[0048] It should be noted that the type of power source of the vehicle is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, for fuel vehicles, the power source can refer to fuel engines such as gasoline engines and diesel engines; for electric vehicles, the power source can refer to electric motors; for hybrid vehicles, the power source can refer to engines or electric motors; for vehicles powered by other means, the power source can refer to devices that generate power.

[0049] The vehicle may also include a chassis and a body mounted on the chassis. The body may have a passenger compartment, which may include a driver's seat, passenger seats, etc., where the driver can operate the vehicle. For example, the vehicle body may also include structural components such as a steering wheel, clutch, and brakes to enable the vehicle to perform its full functions; this application does not impose any limitations on these components.

[0050] The following is for reference. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 This application provides an air filter assembly 1, including a housing 10, a filter element 20, a silencer pipe 30, and a switching assembly 40. The housing 10 has a filter chamber 11. The housing 10 also has an air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13. The air inlet 12 and the air outlet 13 can communicate with the filter chamber 11. Furthermore, a drain outlet 14 is provided on the bottom wall of the filter chamber 11.

[0051] A filter element 20 is also installed inside the filter chamber 11. Furthermore, the filter element 20 can be located between the air inlet 12 and the air outlet 13. The filter element 20 is the core component of the air filter; it intercepts dust and impurities in the air, ensuring clean air enters the engine and protecting it from wear.

[0052] The muffler 30 is also located within the filter chamber 11. The muffler 30 can be connected to the air intake 12. The muffler 30 can reduce the noise generated when high-speed airflow enters, while optimizing airflow distribution, reducing intake resistance, improving intake efficiency, and ensuring a smooth and quiet engine intake process.

[0053] A switch assembly 40 can be located at the drain outlet 14. The switch assembly 40 is used to open or close the drain outlet 14. Specifically, the switch assembly 40 can be opened when the water in the filter chamber 11 reaches a certain volume, so as to achieve rapid drainage of the water. The switch assembly 40 can be closed when there is no water or a small amount of water in the filter chamber 11, so as to prevent unfiltered air, dust or impurities from directly entering the filter chamber 11 through the drain outlet 14.

[0054] Understandably, by installing the switch assembly 40 at the drain outlet 14, the opening and closing state of the drain outlet 14 can be dynamically controlled, effectively balancing drainage efficiency and engine performance. When the vehicle is wading through water and the water inside the housing 10 reaches a certain volume, the switch assembly 40 can open the drain outlet 14, allowing the water in the filter chamber 11 to drain quickly, preventing the filter element 20 from failing or air intake from being blocked due to water retention, thus improving drainage efficiency. When the vehicle is driving normally, the switch assembly 40 can close the drain outlet 14, preventing unfiltered air, dust, or impurities from directly entering the filter chamber 11 through the drain outlet 14, ensuring that the filter element 20 effectively filters the intake air, and guaranteeing the quality of engine intake air and combustion efficiency. In addition, the coordinated design of the muffler 30 and the filter element 20 can reduce intake noise and optimize airflow distribution, further improving the overall performance of the air filter.

[0055] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 The housing 10 includes an upper housing 15 and a lower housing 16. The upper housing 15 includes a top plate 151 and an upper surrounding plate 152. The upper surrounding plate 152 can surround the top plate 151. An air outlet 13 can be disposed on the upper surrounding plate 152. The lower housing 16 includes a bottom plate 161 and a lower surrounding plate 162. The lower surrounding plate 162 can surround the bottom plate 161. An air inlet 12 can be disposed on the lower surrounding plate 162. The upper surrounding plate 152 and the lower surrounding plate 162 can be connected to each other so that the upper housing 15 and the lower housing 16 together define a filter chamber 11. Furthermore, a drain outlet 14 can be disposed on the bottom plate 161. The drain outlet 14 can drain water accumulated inside the filter chamber 11. The height of the upper surrounding plate 152 and the lower surrounding plate 162 can be determined according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any limitations. The position of the air outlet 13 can be determined according to actual gas flow and emission requirements. For example, the air outlet 13 can be located on one side or at the top of the upper enclosure 152. The shape of the air outlet 13 can be circular, square, or other suitable shapes. The location of the air inlet 12 can be determined according to requirements such as the direction and flow rate of the gas. For example, the air inlet 12 can be located on the side or at the bottom of the lower enclosure 162. The shape of the air inlet 12 can be circular, square, or other suitable shapes. The connection between the upper shell 15 and the lower shell 16 can be achieved by snap-fit ​​connection, bolt connection, or welding.

[0056] Understandably, the interconnection of the upper and lower enclosures 152 to form the filter chamber 11 effectively improves the ease of assembly and manufacturing flexibility of the air filter. The layout of the air inlet 12 on the lower enclosure 162 and the air outlet 13 on the upper enclosure 152 optimizes the airflow path (air enters from the lower shell 16, is filtered by the filter element 20, and then exits from the upper shell 15), allowing the filter element 20 to effectively cover the air intake area and improve filtration efficiency. Furthermore, placing the drain outlet 14 on the bottom plate 161 allows gravity to naturally guide accumulated water to the drain outlet 14, enabling precise drainage in conjunction with the switch assembly 40.

[0057] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 2 The base plate 161 includes a first region 163 and a second region 164. Specifically, the first region 163 and the second region 164 can be arranged along a first direction. It is understood that the first direction can refer to the X direction, that is, the length direction of the air filter assembly 1. Further, the height of the first region 163 is lower than the height of the second region 164. The drain outlet 14 can be located in the first region 163. The height difference between the first region 163 and the second region 164 can be determined according to the size of the air filter and the wading depth, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0058] It is understandable that by setting a first region 163 and a second region 164 at different heights along the first direction, and placing the drain outlet 14 in the lower first region 163, the drainage path of accumulated water can be effectively optimized. As the lowest point of the base plate 161, the first region 163 naturally collects water entering the filter chamber 11, causing the water to flow concentratedly towards the drain outlet 14, significantly improving drainage efficiency. The higher design of the second region 164 avoids large-area water retention on the base plate 161, reducing the contact time between water and the filter element 20, and lowering the risk of decreased filtration performance due to long-term immersion in water.

[0059] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 2 The base plate 161 also includes a transition connection region 165. The transition connection region 165 can be located between the first region 163 and the second region 164. The transition connection region 165 connects the first region 163 and the second region 164. The transition connection region 165 can extend at an angle to form a water-guiding slope between the first region 163 and the second region 164. The drain outlet 14 can be located at the intersection of the first region 163 and the transition connection region 165. The angle between the transition connection region 165 and the horizontal plane can be adjusted according to the air filter size and the maximum wading depth, which is not limited in this application. Optionally, a water-guiding groove can be provided on the surface of the transition connection region 165. The water-guiding groove can extend along a first direction, which can further guide accumulated water to converge towards the first region 163, while reducing surface friction resistance and accelerating the water flow velocity.

[0060] Understandably, by setting an inclined transition connection area 165 and placing the drain outlet 14 at its intersection with the first area 163, the flow path and collection efficiency of accumulated water are effectively optimized. The inclined transition connection area 165 uses gravity to guide the accumulated water in the second area 164 to flow naturally towards the first area 163, avoiding water stagnation or dead zones on the base plate 161. The drain outlet 14 is located at the intersection of the transition connection area 165 and the first area 163, allowing the accumulated water to be accelerated through the transition connection area 165 and then concentrated into the drain outlet 14, significantly improving drainage efficiency. At the same time, the inclined transition structure reduces the contact area and time between the accumulated water and the filter element 20, reducing the risk of decreased filtration performance of the filter element 20 due to wetting, ensuring effective filtration of the intake air by the air filter, thus balancing rapid drainage during wading and the quality of engine intake air under normal operating conditions.

[0061] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 The switch assembly 40 includes a switch element 41. The switch element 41 is hinged to the housing 10. Specifically, the switch element 41 is hinged to the lower housing 16. The switch element 41 is configured to open under the influence of gravity. The switch element 41 can be a plate-like or sheet-like structure adapted to the shape of the drain outlet 14. For example, the switch element 41 can be circular, square, or irregularly shaped to match the contour of the drain outlet 14. The dimensions of the switch element 41 can be slightly smaller than, equal to, or slightly larger than the dimensions of the drain outlet 14. Optionally, the upper surface of the switch element 41 (facing the filter chamber 11) can be designed as a slightly concave surface to guide accumulated water towards the center, enhancing the effect of gravity. The lower surface of the switch element 41 (facing away from the filter chamber 11) can be provided with reinforcing ribs to improve resistance to deformation.

[0062] Understandably, the automatic opening and closing of the hinged switch 41, combined with the gravity of the water, effectively balances drainage efficiency and engine performance. When the water accumulation in the air filter assembly 1 reaches a certain level, the gravity of the water pushes the hinged switch 41 downwards to open the drain port 14, allowing the water to drain quickly without additional power, thus improving drainage efficiency. After the water is drained, the switch 41 automatically closes under the action of the reset structure, preventing unfiltered air, dust, or impurities from entering the filter chamber 11 through the drain port 14, ensuring effective filtration of the intake air by the filter element 20 and maintaining the quality of the engine's intake air. Furthermore, the hinged structure is simple and reliable, avoiding the cost and failure risks of complex electronic control systems, ensuring stable operation under both wading and normal driving conditions, and achieving a dynamic balance between drainage function and engine performance.

[0063] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5Hinges 141 can be provided on both sides of the drain outlet 14. Specifically, the two hinges 141 can be respectively provided on opposite sides of the drain outlet 14 along a second direction. It can be understood that the second direction can refer to the Y direction, that is, the width direction of the air filter assembly 1. A pivot hole 142 is provided on the hinge 141. The pivot hole 142 passes through the hinge 141 along the second direction. Further, a connecting seat 411 is provided on the switch member 41. A pivot fitting hole 412 is provided on the connecting seat 411. The pivot fitting hole 412 can pass through the connecting seat 411 along the second direction. The switch assembly 40 also includes a connecting shaft 42. The connecting shaft 42 can pass through the pivot hole 142 and the pivot fitting hole 412 to make the switch member 41 and the housing 10 hinged. Optionally, the hinge 141 is a block structure extending downward from the lower housing 16. The bottom of the hinge 141 has a rounded transition. The connecting shaft 42 can be a cylindrical metal rod. For example, the connecting shaft 42 can be made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy. The surface of the connecting shaft 42 is chrome-plated for corrosion protection.

[0064] In the specific implementation, the connecting seat 411 of the switch 41 can be located between the hinge seats 141, and the pivot fitting hole 412 is aligned with the pivot hole 142. During installation, the connecting shaft 42 can be inserted through the pivot hole 142 of one hinge seat 141, and then exit through the pivot fitting hole 412 of the connecting seat 411 and the pivot hole 142 of the other hinge seat 141. Snap rings or limit caps can be installed at both ends of the connecting shaft 42 to prevent axial movement of the connecting shaft 42.

[0065] Understandably, the hinge seats 141 on both sides of the drain outlet 14, the pivot fitting holes 412 of the connecting seat 411, and the through-through design of the connecting shaft 42 effectively ensure the stable hinge and reliable operation of the switch component 41. The hinge seats 141 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the drain outlet 14, and the connecting shaft 42 passes through the pivot holes 142 and forms a fixed rotation axis with the pivot fitting holes 412, allowing the switch component 41 to rotate smoothly around this axis and avoiding the offset or jamming that may be caused by unilateral hinge. The through-through structure of the connecting shaft 42 enhances the structural strength of the hinge part, reduces the risk of wear or loosening after long-term use, and improves the durability of the switch assembly 40.

[0066] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5The switch assembly 40 also includes a resilient reset member 43. For example, the resilient reset member 43 can be a spring. The resilient reset member 43 can be sleeved on the connecting shaft 42. One end of the resilient reset member 43 can be connected to the switch member 41, and the other end can be connected to the housing 10. The resilient reset member 43 is used to drive the switch member 41 to close the drain outlet 14 after drainage is completed in the filter chamber 11. Specifically, one end of the resilient reset member 43 can be connected to a snap-fit ​​portion on the switch member 41. The other end of the resilient reset member 43 can be connected to a snap-fit ​​portion on the housing 10. The snap-fit ​​portion is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove, which can be a U-shaped or V-shaped groove. The legs at both ends of the resilient reset member 43 can snap into the snap-fit ​​groove to achieve a fixed connection.

[0067] In the specific implementation, when the weight of the water in the filter chamber 11 exceeds the preload of the elastic reset member 43, the switch member 41 can rotate downward around the connecting shaft 42, thus opening the drain outlet 14 and allowing the water to drain out. During the downward rotation of the switch member 41 around the connecting shaft 42, the elastic reset member 43 is further compressed, thereby storing elastic potential energy. When the water in the filter chamber 11 is drained or about to be drained, the elastic reset member 43 can release its elastic potential energy, driving the switch member 41 to rotate upward until the upper surface of the switch member 41 is flush with the base plate 161, thereby reclosing the drain outlet 14.

[0068] Understandably, by adding the elastic reset element 43, the reliability and timeliness of the switch element 41 in closing the drain outlet 14 are effectively improved. After the water in the filter chamber 11 is drained, the elastic reset element 43 releases its elastic force to drive the switch element 41 to rotate around the connecting shaft 42, ensuring that the switch element 41 quickly and tightly closes the drain outlet 14, avoiding problems such as delayed or incomplete closure due to insufficient weight of the switch element 41 or vehicle vibration. The design of the elastic reset element 43, with one end connected to the switch element 41 and the other end connected to the housing 10, works in conjunction with the hinge structure to enhance the reset stability of the switch assembly 40. At the same time, the structure of the elastic reset element 43 fitted onto the connecting shaft 42 is compact, does not occupy additional space, and the elastic force can be adjusted according to actual needs to adapt to drainage and closure requirements under different operating conditions, ultimately achieving a balance between rapid drainage during wading and reliable engine performance under normal operating conditions.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the air filter assembly 1 further includes a seal. The seal may be located around the drain outlet 14. Alternatively, the seal may be located around the switch element 41. The seal seals the gap between the switch element 41 and the inner wall of the drain outlet 14. Optionally, the seal may be made of EPDM rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, etc.

[0070] Understandably, by providing a seal around the drain outlet 14 or the switch element 41, the sealing reliability between the switch element 41 and the drain outlet 14 is effectively improved. The seal fills the gap between the switch element 41 and the inner wall of the drain outlet 14, preventing unfiltered air, dust, or impurities from directly entering the filter chamber 11 through the gap under normal operating conditions, ensuring effective filtration of the intake air by the filter element 20, and guaranteeing the quality of engine intake air. At the same time, the seal enhances the tightness of the switch element 41 when closed, ensuring the sealing performance of the drain outlet 14 in the closed state and the drainage efficiency in the open state, ultimately achieving a balance between rapid drainage during wading and reliable engine performance under normal operating conditions.

[0071] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 The upper panel 152 has a first mounting surface 153. Specifically, the end face of the upper panel 152 facing the lower panel 162 can form the first mounting surface 153. The lower panel 162 has a second mounting surface 166. Specifically, the end face of the lower panel 162 facing the upper panel 152 can form the second mounting surface 166. Further, the first mounting surface 153 can be inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The second mounting surface 166 can be parallel to the first mounting surface 153. That is, the second mounting surface 166 can also be inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0072] The filter element 20 includes a filter body 21 and a mounting edge 22. The mounting edge 22 can surround the periphery of the filter body 21. The mounting edge 22 can be fixed between a first mounting surface 153 and a second mounting surface 166, so that the filter body 21 is parallel to the first mounting surface 153. That is, the filter body 21 can be inclined relative to the horizontal plane. When the upper shell 15 and the lower shell 16 are connected by snaps or bolts, the first mounting surface 153 and the second mounting surface 166 can clamp the mounting edge 22 of the filter element 20 in the middle to ensure the stable fixation of the filter element 20.

[0073] Understandably, by tilting the mounting surfaces of the upper enclosure 152 and the lower enclosure 162, and fixing the mounting edge 22 of the filter element 20 between the parallel first mounting surface 153 and the second mounting surface 166, the filter element 20 is tilted, which is more effective than a horizontal arrangement in preventing it from being wetted by water accumulation on the lower side of the filter chamber 11. The tilted surface of the filter element 20 forms an angle with the horizontal plane, causing the water accumulation on the lower side of the filter chamber 11 to flow along the tilted surface of the filter element 20 towards the drain outlet 14 under the influence of gravity, rather than stagnating directly below the filter element 20. Simultaneously, the lower edge of the tilted filter element 20 is at a higher vertical distance from the accumulated water, making it difficult for splashing or rippled water to directly contact the surface of the filter element 20, thus reducing the contact area and time between water and the filter element 20. In addition, the inclined filter element 20 forms a larger space between itself and the bottom of the lower housing 16, avoiding the risk of large-area wetting caused by the lower edge of the filter element 20 being completely close to the surface of the accumulated water when it is set horizontally. This effectively reduces the problem of decreased filtration performance of the filter element 20 due to water wetting, and ensures stable filtration of engine intake air by the air filter assembly 1.

[0074] Furthermore, this application also provides a vehicle, including a body, an engine, and the aforementioned air filter assembly 1. The body has an engine compartment. The engine is located within the engine compartment. The aforementioned air filter assembly 1 can be located in the engine compartment, and the air outlet 13 of the air filter assembly 1 communicates with the air inlet of the engine.

[0075] The vehicle provided in this embodiment achieves dual protection of drainage efficiency and engine performance under wading conditions by using the aforementioned air filter assembly 1. When the vehicle is wading, the switch assembly 40 of the air filter assembly 1 can open the drain port 14 to quickly drain the water accumulated in the filter chamber 11, preventing the filter element 20 from failing or air intake from being blocked due to water retention, thus improving drainage efficiency. When the vehicle is driving normally, the switch assembly 40 can close the drain port 14 to prevent unfiltered air, dust, or impurities from directly entering the filter chamber 11 through the drain port 14, ensuring that the filter element 20 effectively filters the intake air and protecting the engine's intake air quality and combustion efficiency.

[0076] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An air filter assembly, characterized in that, include: The housing has a filter chamber and an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the filter chamber, and the bottom wall of the filter chamber is provided with a drain outlet; A filter element, wherein the filter element is disposed within the filter chamber and is located between the air inlet and the air outlet; A silencer pipe is disposed inside the filter chamber and connected to the air inlet; A switch assembly is provided at the drain outlet and is used to open or close the drain outlet.

2. The air filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes: The upper shell includes a top plate and an upper surrounding plate surrounding the top plate, and the air outlet is located on the upper surrounding plate; The lower shell includes a bottom plate and a lower enclosure plate surrounding the bottom plate. The air inlet is located on the lower enclosure plate, and the drain outlet is located on the bottom plate. The upper enclosure plate and the lower enclosure plate are connected to each other so that the upper shell and the lower shell together define the filter chamber.

3. The air filter assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base plate includes a first region and a second region arranged along a first direction, the height of the first region being lower than the height of the second region, and the drain outlet being located in the first region.

4. The air filter assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base plate also includes a transition connection region connecting the first region and the second region, the transition connection region extending at an angle. The drain outlet is located at the intersection of the first region and the transition connection region.

5. The air filter assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The switching assembly includes: A switch element, hinged to the housing, configured to open under the influence of gravity in the water.

6. The air filter assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drain outlet is provided with hinge seats on opposite sides along the second direction, and the hinge seats are provided with pivot holes that extend through the second direction. The switch is provided with a connecting seat, and the connecting seat is provided with a pivoting engagement hole that extends through the second direction; The switch assembly further includes a connecting shaft that passes through the pivot hole and the pivot mating hole to allow the switch element and the housing to be hinged.

7. The air filter assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The switching assembly further includes: a resilient reset member, which is sleeved on the connecting shaft, with one end connected to the switching element and the other end connected to the housing. The elastic reset element is used to drive the switch element to close the drain outlet after the drainage in the filter chamber is completed.

8. The air filter assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A sealing element is disposed around the drain outlet or the switch element to seal the gap between the switch element and the inner wall of the drain outlet.

9. The air filter assembly according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The end face of the upper panel facing the lower panel forms a first mounting surface, and the end face of the lower panel facing the upper panel forms a second mounting surface. The first mounting surface is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the second mounting surface is parallel to the first mounting surface; The filter element includes a filter body and an mounting edge. The mounting edge surrounds the periphery of the filter body and is fixed between the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface so that the filter body is parallel to the first mounting surface.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The vehicle body includes an engine compartment; The engine is located in the engine compartment; The air filter assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the air filter assembly is disposed in the engine compartment and the air outlet of the air filter assembly is connected to the air inlet of the engine.

Images