Water escape device for vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the field of automobiles and discloses a water-falling escape device of a vehicle and the vehicle. The water-falling escape device comprises an air bag and an ejector. The ejector comprises a first air port, a second air port and a third air port, the first air port is used for being connected with an inflator, the second air port is used for being connected with the air bag, and the third air port is used for being connected with the outside atmosphere. The inside of the ejector comprises an air flow channel, the first air port is connected with the second air port through the air flow channel, and the third air port is connected with the second air port through the air flow channel. Through the ejector of the water-falling escape device, outside air and gas in the inflator can be filled into the air bag, so that the volume of the air bag is increased, and the sinking speed of the vehicle after falling into water is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive technology, and in particular to a vehicle's water escape device and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, to slow down the sinking speed of a vehicle after it accidentally falls into water, the passenger compartment is generally made sealed. This prevents water from entering the passenger compartment after the vehicle falls into the water, allowing the vehicle to float and thus extending rescue time and ensuring passenger safety. However, achieving a sealed vehicle is difficult and expensive, resulting in high vehicle costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] The embodiments of this application provide a vehicle water escape device and a vehicle.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle submersion escape device. The vehicle includes an inflation device, and the submersion escape device includes an airbag and an ejector. The ejector includes a first air port, a second air port, and a third air port. The first air port is connected to the inflation device, the second air port is connected to the airbag, and the third air port is connected to the outside atmosphere. The ejector includes an airflow channel. The first air port is connected to the second air port through the airflow channel, and the third air port is connected to the second air port through the airflow channel. When the vehicle is submerged, high-pressure gas from the inflation device can sequentially enter the airbag through the first air port, the airflow channel, and the second air port. Furthermore, as the high-pressure gas flows through the airflow channel, the air pressure in the airflow channel decreases, allowing outside atmosphere to sequentially enter the airbag through the third air port, the airflow channel, and the second air port.

[0006] In some embodiments of this application, after the vehicle detects that it has fallen into water, the inflation device can inflate the airbag via an ejector, thereby reducing the vehicle's sinking speed. Furthermore, during the inflation process, the ejector can draw atmospheric air into the airbag, increasing the inflation speed and the inflated volume of the airbag. This eliminates the need for the vehicle to occupy a large space for gas storage, thus reducing costs.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the inflation device includes an air tank and an air spring, the inner cavities of the air tank and the air spring are connected through a first pipe, and a first air port is used to communicate with the first pipe.

[0008] In the embodiments of this application, the vehicle itself has an air tank and an air spring. The air tank and air spring are used to adjust the height of the vehicle and its shock absorption performance. High-pressure air is provided by the air tank and air spring, eliminating the need to add an additional inflation device to the vehicle, thereby further saving costs.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the first air port and the first pipe are connected through a second pipe, and the second pipe is provided with an air valve.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, when the vehicle is not submerged in water, the air valve can remain closed, allowing the air tank to adjust the air spring pressure normally. After the vehicle detects that it has fallen into water, the air valve can be opened, allowing the high-pressure gas in the air tank and air spring to be injected into the airbag by the ejector.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the aforementioned water escape device includes a control unit for opening an air valve after detecting that the vehicle has entered a water-falling state.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the aforementioned water escape device further includes an airbag box, in which the airbag is folded and stored.

[0013] In the embodiments of this application, folding the airbag and storing it in the airbag box can reduce the volume of the airbag, thereby avoiding the airbag occupying too much space in the vehicle.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the airbag box includes a lid and a box body, the lid being rotatably connected to the box body via a return spring.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the box body includes a fixed wall, and the box body is fixed to the vehicle by the fixed wall.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the airbag is a first color, the first color causing the airbag to have a light reflectivity greater than 40%.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the higher the reflectivity of the airbag's color to light, the more conspicuous the airbag will be, so that rescuers can spot the submerged vehicle in time and improve rescue efficiency.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the aforementioned water escape device further includes an air intake pipe connected to a third air inlet of the ejector. The air intake of the air intake pipe is connected to outside air, and the air intake of the air intake pipe is located in an area greater than 2 / 3 of the vehicle's height.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, after a vehicle falls into water, the bottom of the vehicle may sink into the water first. Therefore, in order for the ejector to properly inflate the airbag with outside air, the third air port of the ejector can be connected to the air intake pipe. The air intake of the air intake pipe is located at a position greater than 2 / 3 of the vehicle's height. Therefore, after the vehicle falls into water, outside air can still enter the ejector from the air intake of the air intake pipe, thereby ensuring the inflation rate.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle including an inflation device and a water escape device in any possible implementation of the first method described above. The inflation device is capable of providing high-pressure gas to the water escape device. The beneficial effects achievable in this second aspect can be referred to in the context of the water escape device for a vehicle provided in any embodiment of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the second aspect described above, the vehicle further includes an air bleed pipe connected to a third air port of the ejector. The air inlet of the air bleed pipe is connected to outside air, and the air inlet of the air bleed pipe is located in an area greater than 2 / 3 of the vehicle's height.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the second aspect above, the number of the aforementioned water escape devices is greater than or equal to 2, and the water escape devices are located on opposite sides of the width direction of the vehicle chassis. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1A According to some embodiments of this application, a perspective view of a vehicle chassis is shown;

[0024] Figure 1B According to some embodiments of this application, a top view of a vehicle chassis is shown;

[0025] Figure 1C According to some embodiments of this application, a side view of a vehicle chassis is shown;

[0026] Figure 2A A perspective view of an ejector is shown according to some embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 2B According to some embodiments of this application, a cross-sectional view of an ejector is shown ( Figure 2A (Cross-section diagram of AA)

[0028] Figure 3A According to some embodiments of this application, a perspective view of an airbag box is shown;

[0029] Figure 3B According to some embodiments of this application, a schematic diagram of an airbag box including a fixed wall is shown;

[0030] Figure 3C According to some embodiments of this application, a schematic diagram of an airbag stored in an airbag box is shown;

[0031] Figure 3D According to some embodiments of this application, a schematic diagram of an airbag inflating out of an airbag box is shown;

[0032] Figure 4 According to some embodiments of this application, a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] This application provides a vehicle water escape device and a vehicle. The vehicle water escape device may include an airbag, which is connected to the vehicle's air tank and air spring. After the vehicle detects that it has fallen into water, high-pressure air from the air tank and air spring can be injected into the airbag through an ejector to inflate the airbag. Furthermore, the ejector can also inject outside air into the airbag based on the Venturi effect, which can improve the airbag's inflation efficiency and increase its inflation volume, thereby slowing down the vehicle's sinking speed. Thus, with relatively low investment costs, the sinking speed of a vehicle after falling into water can be reduced, extending rescue time.

[0035] For example, Figures 1A to 1C A schematic diagram of a vehicle's water escape device is shown, wherein, Figure 1A According to some embodiments of this application, a perspective view of a vehicle chassis is shown. Figure 1B According to some embodiments of this application, a top view of a vehicle chassis is shown. Figure 1C According to some embodiments of this application, a side view of a vehicle chassis is shown.

[0036] In the illustrations in this article, the X direction represents the length of vehicle 100, the Y direction represents the width of vehicle 100, and the Z direction represents the height of vehicle 100. The X, Y, and Z directions can be perpendicular to each other.

[0037] The vehicle 100 includes an inflation device 20 and a water escape device, wherein the water escape device includes an ejector 30 and an airbag 40.

[0038] Reference Figures 1A to 1C The inflation device 20 includes an air tank 21 and an air spring 22. The inner cavities of the air tank 21 and the air spring 22 are connected through a first pipe 50. The ejector 30 is used to connect with the first pipe 50, so that the ejector 30 can inflate the gas in the air tank 21 and the air spring 22 into the airbag 40.

[0039] For example, the air spring 22 may include a front air spring and a rear air spring. The vehicle 100 can control the air pressure inside the air spring 22 according to the gas stored in the air tank 21, thereby adjusting the vehicle height and shock absorption characteristics of the vehicle 100. In some embodiments of this application, the air spring 22 and the air tank 21 can be used as an inflation device 20. When the vehicle 100 detects falling into water, the air spring 22 and the air tank 21 inflate the airbag 40 through the ejector 30, causing the airbag 40 to expand, thereby reducing the sinking speed of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the vehicle 100 does not need to be equipped with additional air storage devices or other structures, and the water escape device does not need to occupy much space in the vehicle 100.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the ejector 30 and the first conduit 50 are connected via a second conduit 60, and the second conduit 60 is equipped with an air valve 61. It is understood that when the vehicle 100 is in normal driving condition, the air valve 61 can be closed, thus the air tank 21 can adjust the air pressure within the air spring 22 via the first conduit 50. After the vehicle 100 detects water damage, the vehicle 100 can open the air valve 61, allowing the high-pressure air within the air spring 22 to enter the second conduit 60 via the first conduit 50 and the air valve 61. Similarly, the high-pressure air in the air tank 21 can also enter the second conduit 60 via the first conduit 50 and the air valve 61. Furthermore, the high-pressure air from the air spring 22 and the air tank 21 can be injected into the airbag 40 via the ejector 30, causing the airbag 40 to inflate.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the water escape device includes a control unit 70, which is used to open the air valve 61 after detecting that the vehicle 100 has entered a water-related state. Exemplarily, the function of controlling the opening and closing of the air valve 61 in the control unit 70 of this application embodiment can be integrated with the air supply unit (e.g., the CAirS unit) in the vehicle 100 that controls the adjustment of the air spring 22 of the air tank 21. That is, the air supply unit can be used as the control unit 70, for example, referring to... Figures 1A to 1C The air tank 21 and air spring 22 are connected to the control unit 70 via the first pipe 50. Therefore, the control unit 70 can control the air pressure in the air tank 21 and air spring 22 through structures such as solenoid valves to adjust the vehicle height of the vehicle 100 or the shock absorption performance of the air spring 22. The second pipe 60 is also connected to the control unit 70, or rather, the second pipe 60 is connected to the first pipe 50 within the control unit 70. Thus, after the control unit 70 opens the air valve 61, the high-pressure air from the air tank 21 and air spring 22 can enter the second pipe 60 through the first pipe 50, and then inflate the airbag 40 through the ejector 30.

[0042] The control unit 70 may also include, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU) capable of detecting whether the vehicle 100 is in a submerged state. After the control unit 70 detects that the vehicle 100 has fallen into the water, it can control the air supply unit to open the air valve 61. In other embodiments, the control unit 70 may also independently control the opening and closing of the air valve 61.

[0043] With the above structure, after detecting falling into water, the vehicle 100 can inflate the airbag 40 with gas from the gas tank 21 and the air spring 22, thereby reducing the sinking speed of the vehicle 100. However, the gas volume that the gas tank 21 and the air spring 22 in the vehicle 100 can provide to the airbag 40 is relatively small. If the volume of the gas tank 21 is increased, it will occupy space in the vehicle 100. Therefore, in the embodiment of this application, gas from the outside air can be inflated into the airbag 40 through the ejector 30.

[0044] The ejector in the embodiments of this application is described below.

[0045] For example, Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram of an ejector 30 is shown. Figure 2A A perspective view of an ejector 30 is shown according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2B According to some embodiments of this application, a cross-sectional view of an ejector 30 is shown ( Figure 2A (Cross-section view of AA).

[0046] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The ejector 30 includes a first air port 31, a second air port 32 and a third air port 33. The first air port 31 is used to connect to the inflation device 20. For example, the first air port 31 is connected to the first pipe 50 through the second pipe 60. The first pipe 50 connects the air tank 21 and the air spring 22. That is, the first air port 31 can be connected to the air tank 21 and the air spring 22 through the second pipe 60 and the first pipe 50.

[0047] The second air vent is used to connect to the airbag 40, and the third air vent 33 is used to connect to the outside atmosphere.

[0048] The ejector 30 includes an air channel 34 inside. The first air port 31 is connected to the second air port 32 through the air channel 34, and the third air port 33 is connected to the second air port 32 through the air channel.

[0049] When vehicle 100 is submerged in water, the high-pressure gas in inflation device 20 can sequentially enter airbag 40 through first air port 31, air channel 34, and second air port 32. For example, after the ECU corresponding to vehicle 100 control unit 70 detects that vehicle 100 has fallen into water, it can control air valve 61 to open, so that high-pressure gas inside air tank 21 and air spring 22 can pass through first air port 31. Furthermore, when high-pressure gas flows through air channel 34, the air pressure in air channel 34 decreases, so that outside air can sequentially enter airbag 40 through third air port 33, air channel 34, and second air port 32.

[0050] For example, continue to refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B In some embodiments of this application, the ejector 30 may be a cylindrical structure extending along the n-direction, where the n-direction is the axial direction of the ejector 30. The second air port 32 and the third air port 33 are located at opposite ends of the ejector 30 along the n-direction. Furthermore, along the n-direction, the airflow channel 34 of the ejector 30 includes multiple sections with different diameters. For example, along the n-direction, the airflow channel 34, from the third air port 33 to the second air port 32, sequentially includes an intake section 341, a compression section 342, a mixing section 343, and a diffusion section 344. The diameter d1 of the mixing section 343 is smaller than the diameter d2 of the intake section 341. The diameter of the compression section 342 decreases sequentially from d2 to d1 along the n1-direction, and the diameter of the diffusion section 344 increases sequentially from d1 to d3 along the n1-direction, where the n1-direction is the direction from the third air port 33 to the second air port 32.

[0051] The first air port 31 of the ejector 30 is opened on the cylinder wall of the air intake section 341. The ejector 30 also includes a jet head 35, which is disposed in the air flow channel 34 and is sealed to the first air port 31.

[0052] The jet head 35 is a cylindrical structure extending along the n direction, and the jet nozzle 351 of the jet head 35 faces the second gas port 32 along the n direction. Furthermore, along the n direction, the position of the jet nozzle 351 is located in the compression section 342 so as to discharge high-pressure gas to the second gas port 32.

[0053] In some embodiments of this application, high-pressure gas enters the jet head 35 through the first air port 31 and is then sprayed from the jet port 351 towards the second air port 32 in the n1 direction. The high-pressure gas passes through the compression section 342, where the inner diameter gradually decreases, resulting in a gradually increasing flow velocity. Therefore, after flowing into the mixing section 343, the high-pressure gas forms a negative pressure zone, absorbing some of the air from the intake section 341. Then, outside air enters the ejector 30 through the third air port 33 and enters the mixing section 343 through the airflow channel 34, mixing with the high-pressure gas. The mixed gas then passes through the diffusion section 344, where its flow velocity decreases and its static pressure increases. This gas is then inflated from the second air port 32 into the airbag 40, thereby reducing the vehicle 100's sinking speed. It is understood that because the mixed gas includes outside air, the airbag 40 has a larger volume compared to a system that only inflates through the air tank 21 and air spring 22.

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, the four air springs 22 contain a total of 8 liters of compressed air at 8 bar, and the air tank 21 contains 8 liters of compressed air at 16 bar. Assuming that the compressed air in the air springs 22 and air tank 21 decreases by 5 bar due to exhaust, by designing the inner diameter of different sections in the ejector 30, the flow ratio of the driving fluid (i.e., the high-pressure gas ejected from the jet head 35) to the intake fluid (i.e., the gas flowing in from the outside air) can be designed to be 1:44. Thus, a 2-cubic-meter airbag 40 can be inflated within 10 seconds, thereby increasing the inflation speed and the volume of the airbag 40. It is understood that in other embodiments, the air springs 22 and air tank 21 can also be configured with air of different volumes and pressures. The embodiments of this application do not limit the pressure or quantity of air stored in the air springs 22 and air tank 21.

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, the water escape device also includes an airbag box 90, in which the airbag 40 is folded and stored, thereby reducing the space required to store the airbag 40 in the vehicle 100.

[0056] For example, Figure 3A and Figure 3D A schematic diagram of an airbag box 90 and an airbag 40 is shown, wherein... Figure 3A According to some embodiments of this application, a perspective view of an airbag box 90 is shown. Figure 3B According to some embodiments of this application, a schematic diagram of an airbag box 90 including a fixed wall 94 is shown. Figure 3C According to some embodiments of this application, a schematic diagram is shown of an airbag 40 stored in an airbag box 90. Figure 3C for Figure 3B Schematic diagram of cross-sectional structure ( Figure 3B (Cross section of CC). Figure 3D According to some embodiments of this application, a schematic diagram of an airbag 40 inflating into an airbag box 90 is shown.

[0057] The x-direction is the width of the airbag box 90, the y-direction is the length of the airbag box 90, and the z-direction is the height of the airbag box 90. The x, y, and z directions can be perpendicular to each other.

[0058] Reference Figures 3A to 3D In some embodiments of this application, the airbag box 90 includes a cover 91 and a box body 92, and the cover 91 is rotatably connected to the box body 92 by a return spring 95.

[0059] For example, the lid 91 can rotate relative to the box body along the XZ plane via the return spring 95, and the lid 91 can close onto the box body 92, thereby forming a receiving cavity 93 together with the box body 92, and the airbag 40 can be folded and stored in the receiving cavity 93.

[0060] In some embodiments of this application, the housing 92 includes a fixing wall 94, which fixes the housing 92 to the vehicle 100. For example, the fixing wall 94 is located on the side of the housing 92 opposite to the cover 91 along the x-direction. The airbag housing 90 is fixed to the vehicle 100 with screws. The number of water escape devices installed on the vehicle 100 is greater than or equal to two, as shown in the reference. Figures 1A to 1C Two water escape devices are provided on the vehicle 100. The airbag boxes 90 of the two water escape devices are located at opposite ends of the chassis 10 of the vehicle 100 along the Y direction. When the airbag boxes 90 are installed on the vehicle 100, the opening of the airbag boxes 90 faces the bottom of the vehicle 100 along the Z direction.

[0061] Reference Figure 3C When the airbag 40 is not inflated, the lid 91 is kept closed by the return spring 95. (Refer to...) Figure 3D After vehicle 100 falls into the water, airbag 40 inflates and can open the cover 91, thereby supporting vehicle 100 and reducing the sinking speed of vehicle 100.

[0062] In some embodiments of this application, the airbag 40 may be a bright orange (as an example of a first color). A bright orange light can make the airbag 40 reflect light with a reflectivity greater than 40%. This makes the exposed orange airbag 40 more conspicuous after the vehicle 100 falls into the water, making it easier for rescuers to spot and thus improving the efficiency of rescuing the vehicle 100. It is understood that in other embodiments, the airbag 40 may also be a bright red or white, or other conspicuous colors. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific color of the airbag 40.

[0063] It is understandable that, since a portion of the vehicle 100 may be submerged after it falls into water, if the airbag box 90 is installed on the chassis 10 of the vehicle 100, the airbag box 90 may be submerged first, causing the ejector 30 used to inflate the airbag 40 to also be submerged. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, the air bleed tube 80 can be connected to the third air port 33 of the ejector 30.

[0064] For example, Figure 4 According to some embodiments of this application, a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 100 is shown.

[0065] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, the structures located inside vehicle 100 are indicated by dashed lines, as shown in the reference diagram. Figure 4 as well as Figures 1A to 1C The vehicle 100 also includes an air bleed pipe 80, which is connected to the third air port 33 of the ejector 30. The air inlet 81 of the air bleed pipe 80 is connected to the outside air, and the position of the air inlet 81 of the air bleed pipe 80 is located in an area greater than 2 / 3 of the vehicle 100's body height. In this way, the third air port 33 of the ejector 30 can be prevented from falling below the water surface after the vehicle 100 falls into the water, thus preventing the airbag 40 from being inflated by outside air and ensuring the inflation effect of the ejector 30.

[0066] In the above description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can identify A or B; the "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A existing alone, B existing alone, and A and B existing simultaneously. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the values ​​of each data range include end values. For example, A = 10~50 means that A can include 10 and 50.

Claims

1. A vehicle water escape device, characterized in that, The vehicle includes an inflation device, and the water escape device includes an airbag and an ejector. The ejector includes a first air port, a second air port, and a third air port. The first air port is used to connect to the inflation device, the second air port is used to connect to the airbag, and the third air port is used to connect to the outside atmosphere. The ejector includes an air channel inside, the first air port is connected to the second air port through the air channel, and the third air port is connected to the second air port through the air channel; In the case where the vehicle is submerged in water, the high-pressure gas in the inflation device can enter the airbag sequentially through the first air inlet, the air channel, and the second air inlet; and when the high-pressure gas flows through the air channel, the air pressure in the air channel decreases, so that the outside atmosphere enters the airbag sequentially through the third air inlet, the air channel, and the second air inlet.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The inflation device includes an air tank and an air spring. The inner cavities of the air tank and the air spring are connected through a first pipe, and the first air port is used to connect with the first pipe.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first air inlet and the first pipe are connected through a second pipe, and the second pipe is equipped with an air valve.

4. The apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The water escape device includes a control unit, which is used to open the air valve after detecting that the vehicle has entered the water.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The water escape device also includes an airbag box, in which the airbag is folded and stored.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The airbag box includes a lid and a box body, and the lid is rotatably connected to the box body by a return spring.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The box body includes a fixed wall, and the box body is fixed to the vehicle by the fixed wall.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag is a first color, which makes the airbag reflective of light greater than 40%.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The water escape device also includes an air intake pipe; The air intake tube is connected to the third air port of the ejector; The air inlet of the air duct is connected to the outside air, and the air inlet of the air duct is located in an area greater than 2 / 3 of the vehicle body height.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes an inflation device and a water escape device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inflation device is capable of providing high-pressure gas to the water escape device.

11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes an air bleed pipe; The air intake tube is connected to the third air port of the ejector; The air inlet of the air duct is connected to the outside air, and the air inlet of the air duct is located in an area greater than 2 / 3 of the vehicle body height.

12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The number of the water escape devices is greater than or equal to 2, and the water escape devices are located on opposite sides of the width direction of the vehicle chassis.

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