Vehicle front cargo area with splash protection

Abstract

The invention relates to a front loading space arrangement for a vehicle (1), comprising a housing (3) for forming a storage space of a front loading space, a filler opening (7) for a liquid tank (5) and a protective wall (9) which is arranged between the housing (3) and the filler opening (7) and can be moved from a non-use position to a use position and vice versa, wherein the protective wall (9) is recessed between the housing (3) and the filler opening (7) or into the housing (3) in the non-use position and projects beyond the filler opening in the use position in order to form a barrier for splashing liquid between the filler opening (7) and the storage space.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a front loading space arrangement for a vehicle, as well as a vehicle with a front loading space arrangement and with a liquid tank.

[0002] In automated vehicles such as passenger cars with SAE Level 3 and higher, the number of sensors and cameras per vehicle is very high for self-driving capabilities. These sensors and cameras typically need to be cleaned frequently. This leads to a very high demand for washer fluid. For example, a vehicle with SAE Level 3 may need to be refilled with 15 l or more of washer fluid every 700 km to 1000 km, and for SAE Level 4 even 20 l. With manual refilling, which is typically the only alternative, it is easy to miss a filler opening such as the opening in an access hose at such a frequency. This leads to a large water leak. Due to the typical space situation in a modern vehicle, especially a battery-electric vehicle, the filler opening is often located directly in front of a frunk.

[0003] While passenger cars with combustion engines for general road use often have an engine located under a bonnet, this space is at least partially free for other uses in exclusively battery-electric passenger cars. It is therefore possible to provide storage space under the bonnet. Such a front-side storage space, or front cargo space, is commonly referred to as a "frunk." The word "frunk" is a portmanteau of the English words "front" (for front, in front, or foreground) and "trunk" (for cargo space, loading space, or storage space). Variants and special embodiments of such a "frunk" are known in the prior art.

[0004] DE 10 2019 004 286 B3 relates, for example, in this context to a front loading space arrangement for a front end of a motor vehicle, with a housing for forming a front loading space, which can be displaced by means of a displacement device between a stowage position accommodated in the front end and an access position at least partially extended from the front end, and has a boundary wall designed as a flap, by means of which the front loading space is delimited and can be displaced into a loading position in the access position of the front loading space, wherein the flap is designed as a covering element to cover components of the front end arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction in front of the front loading space, wherein the front loading space is arranged in the access position inclined towards the outside of the vehicle compared to the stowage position.

[0005] DE 102017 004 263 A1 further relates to a motor vehicle with a front loading space arrangement which has a housing for forming a front loading space, wherein the front loading space is arranged at the front of the motor vehicle, and a height-adjustable loading space floor, in particular a height-adjustable loading space tray, with integrated loading sill protection is arranged in the front loading space.

[0006] DE 10 2019 007 850 A1 also relates to a front loading space arrangement for a front compartment of a motor vehicle that can be closed by a front hood, with a housing for forming a front loading space, which is closed by a cover arranged in a closed position below the front hood, which can also be moved between a closed position and an open position, which cover can be moved from the closed position into an open position, whereby a loading space of the housing is accessible via a loading opening thus released, wherein the cover is hood-shaped or trough-shaped and in its closed position projects upwards beyond an upper edge region of the front loading space that delimits the loading opening, and that the cover can be moved downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle relative to the front loading space in the event of an accident-related deformation of the front hood.

[0007] Finally, DE 102021 003 147 A1 discloses a front loading space arrangement for a vehicle, which has a housing for forming a front loading space and a loading space lid which is pivotally connected to the housing between an open position and a closed position relative to the housing, wherein the loading space lid is configured to close a loading space of the housing in the closed position and to release it in the open position, and wherein an inner surface of the loading space lid facing the loading space of the housing in the closed position forms a storage surface in the open position.

[0008] If the situation mentioned above occurs when washer fluid is spilled while refilling a fluid tank, a large portion of the washer fluid can enter the storage space of such a front load compartment, a so-called frunk. This can result in the washer fluid hitting items carried in the storage space of the front load compartment. If the frunk also has a delicate interior covering, such as a diluor, such a spill of washer fluid onto the diluor can lead to considerable dissatisfaction.

[0009] The object of the invention is to prevent accidentally spilled washing liquid from entering an interior of the front loading compartment when filling a liquid tank arranged in front of a front loading compartment, without the latter having to be separately closed with a lid.

[0010] The invention is based on the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] A first aspect of the invention relates to a front loading space arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a housing for forming a storage space of a front loading space, a filler opening for a liquid tank and a protective wall which is arranged between the housing and the filler opening and can be displaced from a non-use position to a use position and vice versa, wherein the protective wall is recessed between the housing and the filler opening or into the housing in the non-use position and projects beyond the filler opening in the use position in order to form a barrier for splashing liquid between the filler opening and the storage space.

[0012] The housing serves to enclose the storage space so that a passenger can store items. Preferably, the housing has a lid; alternatively, simply closing the hood can also close the housing, covering the storage space from above.

[0013] Due to limited space, the filler opening is located in close proximity to an opening in the housing for access to the storage compartment. Therefore, if fluid is spilled when refilling the fluid tank through the filler opening, such as a solution of water and propanol or another antifreeze, there is a risk that the fluid will enter the storage compartment of the housing and contaminate objects or a floor carpet.

[0014] To solve this problem, the invention provides a protective wall that can be raised from a non-use position to a use position during refilling of liquid into the liquid tank through the filler opening. The protective wall preferably moves from bottom to top, particularly preferably vertically from bottom to top. By positioning the protective wall in a region above the filler opening, it protects against liquid, in particular splashes in the area of ​​the filler opening, from penetrating the storage space of the front loading area, i.e., in particular, from penetrating the interior of the housing.

[0015] For this purpose, a guide is provided, particularly below the highest point of the filling opening, along which the protective wall can be guided from the use position to the non-use position and vice versa. The protective wall can be made of plastic, preferably particle-reinforced or fiber-reinforced plastic, or alternatively of sheet metal or other common materials.

[0016] To ensure that the protective wall protrudes over the filler opening and the edge of the housing only when necessary, it can be moved as described above. Preferably, it can be locked in its non-use position and moved into the use position upon a corresponding input. This input can be made electronically; however, release from the non-use position can also be achieved mechanically. This allows the user to move the protective wall out of its recess only when filling the fluid tank with fresh fluid, thus protecting the interior of the housing from the fluid, for example, splash water.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the front loading space arrangement further comprises a spring element which contacts the protective wall and is pre-tensioned when the protective wall moves from the use position to the non-use position.

[0018] The preload of the spring element, preferably implemented as a metallic spiral spring, helps to transfer the protective wall from the non-use position to the use position.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the front loading space arrangement further comprises a stop element against which the spring element and / or the protective wall abuts during the movement from the non-use position into the use position in order to limit the movement of the protective wall.

[0020] The stop element prevents the protective wall from jumping out when it is driven from the non-use position into the use position by the relaxing spring element.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the spring element and / or the protective wall is connected to a locking mechanism which, when the protective wall is sufficiently displaced towards the non-use position, engages and holds the protective wall back against the counterforce of the tensioned spring element from moving independently into the use position.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the locking mechanism is designed to release the protective wall held in the non-use position by the locking mechanism upon application of an external force in a direction corresponding to the movement from the use position to the non-use position, so that the protective wall is moved into its use position by relaxing the spring element.

[0023] With this so-called push-push mechanism, the protective wall can lock automatically when pressed down, and unlock when pressed down again, and then be moved upwards into the use position by the relaxing spring, where it protects the storage space of the housing from spilled and splashed liquid.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a lid which can be closed off the filling opening is arranged on the filling opening, wherein the lid is coupled to the locking mechanism so that when the lid is opened, the locking mechanism releases the protective wall from its non-use position.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the filling opening is surrounded by a plate which has at least in sections a surface inclined relative to a horizontal plane to form a funnel, and wherein a low point of the funnel has an outlet.

[0026] Any liquid that falls onto the plate can then flow out through the outlet. This is particularly advantageous if the filler opening is covered by the vehicle's hood.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the outlet and the housing are arranged on opposite sides of the filling opening for the liquid tank.

[0028] A further aspect of the invention relates to a front loading space arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a housing for forming a storage space of a front loading space, a filler opening for a liquid tank and a protective wall which is rotatably mounted between the housing and the filler opening and can be displaced from a non-use position to a use position and vice versa, wherein the protective wall forms a loading ramp for the storage space of the housing from the front of the vehicle to the storage space in the non-use position and projects beyond the filler opening in the use position in order to form a barrier for splashing liquid between the filler opening and the storage space.

[0029] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a front loading space arrangement as described above and below and having a liquid tank having the filling opening.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the protective wall is guided vertically between the non-use position and the use position.

[0031] Advantages and preferred developments of the proposed vehicle result from an analogous and analogous transfer of the statements made above in connection with the proposed front loading space arrangement.

[0032] Further advantages, features and details emerge from the following description, in which - if necessary with reference to the drawing - at least one embodiment is described in detail.

[0033] They show: Fig. 1: A vehicle with a front loading space arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2: A cross-section of the front loading space arrangement with the protective wall in the position of use according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3: A cross-section of the front loading space arrangement with the protective wall in the non-use position according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4: Details of the mechanism for moving the protective wall according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5: A cross section of a front loading space arrangement with a protective wall according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0034] The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a battery-electric vehicle 1 with a front loading compartment, the storage space of which is formed by a housing 3. The housing 3 has a frame and a base, which define the storage space at the bottom and sides in a shell-like manner. A filler opening 7 is provided very close to the edge of the housing 3, which provides access to a liquid tank 5 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows the front loading area of ​​the Fig. 1 in cross-section from the side. In the illustration of the Fig. 2 the view is directed to one side of the vehicle 1, the front of the vehicle is located on the left edge of the Fig. 2. Here, an exemplary arrangement of the liquid tank 5 is shown with an upwardly projecting filling opening 7, through which washing water can be refilled in order to ensure a sufficient fill level in the liquid tank 5. Furthermore, a protective wall 9 is provided, which is arranged to be movable in the vertical direction. In the state of the protective wall 9, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the protective wall 9 is in a use position. If liquid is splashed through the filler opening 7 when refilling, the protective wall 9 prevents it from splashing into the storage space of the front loading area and thus into the interior of the housing 3.

[0037] Fig. 3, however, shows in contrast to Fig. 2 the protective wall 9 in the retracted state, ie in the non-use state, in which a front hood of the vehicle 1 can be closed without hitting the protective wall 9. If, for example, only luggage is brought into the storage space within the housing 3, the protective wall 9 is of no use and can remain in its non-use position.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a section of the Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 with details of the mobility of the protective wall 9. Between the liquid tank 5 and the housing 3 (for the sake of simplicity not shown in Fig. 4) shows a guide device for vertically movable mounting of the protective wall 9. The protective wall 9 is connected to a spring element 11, which is increasingly tensioned as the protective wall 9 moves downwards into the non-use position. A locking mechanism ensures that when the protective wall 9 is pressed sufficiently deep by a user, the protective wall 9 locks into place and remains in its non-use position as shown in Fig. 3, remains. When the protective wall 9 is pressed again from above, the locking element releases the fixation of the protective wall 9, and driven by the spring force of the relaxing spring element 11, the protective wall 9 moves upwards into its position of use until a radial elevation on the protective wall 9 strikes a stop element 13. By pressing the protective wall 9 down again, it can again be fixed in place by the locking mechanism. Furthermore, an outlet 15 is shown on a slightly funnel-shaped platform, wherein the platform surrounds the filler opening 7 on its upper side. If liquid is sprayed above the filler opening 7 and hits the platform, it runs into the outlet 15, which leads into the surroundings of the vehicle 1.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the protective wall 9. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 5, the protective wall 9 can be configured as a frunk loading platform, which resembles a loading bar on the loading area of ​​a regular cargo area by rotating around a pivot point from a vertical position, in which it serves to prevent water ingress. When not in use, the platform is horizontal, and the customer can use it as a loading surface and store heavy objects before leaving them in the cargo area of ​​the housing 3. This protective wall 9 can be chrome-plated.

[0040] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that numerous variations exist. It is also clear that exemplary embodiments are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 3 housings 5 Liquid tank 7 Filling opening 9 Protective wall 11 Spring element 13 Stop element 15 Outlet

Claims

[1] Front loading space arrangement for a vehicle (1), comprising a housing (3) for forming a storage space of a front loading space, a filler opening (7) for a liquid tank (5) and a protective wall (9) which is arranged between the housing (3) and the filler opening (7) and can be displaced from a non-use position to a use position and vice versa, wherein the protective wall (9) is recessed between the housing (3) and the filler opening (7) or into the housing (3) in the non-use position and projects beyond the filler opening in the use position in order to form a barrier for splashing liquid between the filler opening (7) and the storage space. [2] Front loading space arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a spring element (11) which contacts the protective wall (9) and is prestressed when the protective wall (9) moves from the use position to the non-use position. [3] Front loading space arrangement according to claim 2, comprising a stop element (13) against which the spring element (11) and / or the protective wall (9) abuts during the movement from the non-use position into the use position in order to limit the movement of the protective wall (9). [4] Front loading space arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the spring element (11) and / or the protective wall (9) is connected to a locking mechanism which, upon sufficient displacement of the protective wall (9) towards the non-use position, locks into place and holds the protective wall (9) against the counterforce of the tensioned spring element (11) against independent movement into the use position. [5] Front loading space arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism is designed to release the protective wall (9) held in the non-use position by the locking mechanism upon an external force in a direction corresponding to the movement from the use position to the non-use position, so that by relaxing the spring element (11) the protective wall (9) is moved into its use position. [6] Front loading space arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 5, wherein a cover which can be closed off the filling opening (7) is arranged on the filling opening (7), wherein the cover is coupled to the locking mechanism so that when the cover is opened, the locking mechanism releases the protective wall (9) from its non-use position. [7] Front loading space arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling opening (7) is surrounded by a plate which has at least in sections a surface inclined with respect to a horizontal plane to form a funnel, and wherein a low point of the funnel has an outlet (15). [8] Front loading space arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the outlet (15) and the housing (3) are arranged on opposite sides of the filling opening (7) for the liquid tank (5). [9] Front loading space arrangement for a vehicle (1), comprising a housing (3) for forming a storage space of a front loading space, a filler opening (7) for a liquid tank (5) and a protective wall (9) which is rotatably mounted between the housing (3) and the filler opening (7) and can be displaced from a non-use position to a use position and vice versa, wherein the protective wall (9) in the non-use position forms a loading ramp for the storage space of the housing (3) from the front of the vehicle (1) to the storage space and in the use position projects beyond the filler opening in order to form a barrier for splashing liquid between the filler opening (7) and the storage space. [10] Vehicle (1) with a front loading space arrangement according to one of the preceding claims and with a liquid tank (5) which has the filling opening (7). [11] Vehicle (1) according to claim 10, wherein the protective wall (9) is guided vertically between the non-use position and the use position.

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