Device for floating an automobile and communication in an emergency

#The present invention relates to a device for floating an automobile and communication in an emergency, and more particularly to a device including air bags mounted on an automobile that are inflated in case of an accidental fall of the automobile into water, and also to an emergency signal generated in case of abnormal manipulation of a key due to a car theft and the like.

#In general, conventional automobiles are not provided with an alarm system which senses accidents and informs the outside of the accidents, nor with a device for floating automobiles in an emergency. Therefore, if an automobile falls into the water by an accident, e.g., if an automobile falls down into the water by the collision against other automobiles or by the sudden collapse of a bridge, it is rarely possible for a driver or passengers to escape before the automobile is submerged.

#Also, as most of the conventional automobiles are typically not supplied with an alarm system for unexpected accidents, e.g., if an automobile is stolen and it is manipulated by means other than the key which fits the lock, there was no way of automatically determining the location of the stolen automobile.

#The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic plane view of an automobile in which a device for floating an automobile and communication in an emergency according to the present invention is installed;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the device for floating an automobile and communication in an emergency according to the present invention; and

#Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

#According to the present invention, a device for floating an automobile and communication in an emergency comprises a plurality of immersion sensing means 1. Means 1 are mounted on the automobile, preferably on the right and left sides of front and rear parts, inside the bottom surface of the automobile to detect immersion and generate electronic signals in response thereto. A control means 2 generates predetermined output signals upon detecting the electronic signals from any one of the sensing means 1. Controller 2 preferably comprises a processor and memory, as well as conventional associated hardware and software, such that it may be programmed to execute the control functions according to the present invention by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Air bags 4 are preferably mounted on both right and left sides of front and rear wheel parts to keep the automobile floating on the surface of water in case of immersion. A driving unit 3 drives the air bags 4 in response to the output signal from the control means 2. Means 7 generates an emergency signal of a predetermined frequency into the air, i.e., broadcasts the signal, in response to the output signal from the control means 2.

#Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, sensing means 1 comprises a casing 11 having an open top and an inwardly-slanted upper side wall-part 12. A sensor 13 is mounted, preferably vertically, on the bottom surface of the casing 11 to detect the inflow of water up to a predetermined height and to generate and transmit electronic signals to the control means 2. A cover 14 is placed above the top of the casing 11 to cover the inwardly slanted upper part 12 of the casing 11 at ordinary times, so that water, such as rain, can be prevented from flowing into the casing 11 in situations other than immersion of the vehicle. Cover 14 forms an interstice 15 with the casing 11 such that when the automobile is immersed and the casing 11 is completely submerged, water can be introduced into the casing 11 through the interstice 15.