Motor vehicle antifreeze cartridge and antifreeze protection system

Abstract

The invention relates to an antifreeze cartridge (1) having a container (2) containing an antifreeze and a sealing membrane on the container (2). A connection structure (3) is configured and intended to be connected by force fit or form fit to a complementary receiver (4) of an antifreeze inlet (5) of a motor vehicle, wherein the container (2) has an operating portion (2a) configured and intended to allow the connection of the connection structure (3) manually to the complementary receiver (4) of the antifreeze inlet (5). The sealing membrane is configured and intended to be perforated by a hollow perforating element (6) of the antifreeze inlet (5) so that the antifreeze contained in the container (2) can be supplied through the hollow perforating element (6) to an antifreeze protection system (7) of the motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having an antifreeze inlet (5), wherein the antifreeze inlet (5) is accessible from outside of an engine compartment of the motor vehicle without the need to open a hood (13) of the motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an antifreeze canister, and an antifreeze protection system comprising the antifreeze canister and an antifreeze supply device for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having an antifreeze inlet. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicles typically have a windshield washer can containing detergent for the windshield washer system. The detergent consists of antifreeze and a water-based thinner. The thinner can be, for example, distilled water. Antifreeze must be added to the thinner to lower its freezing point to the necessary temperature. Depending on the concentration of antifreeze in the thinner, the freezing point is lowered to, for example, -10°C, -30°C, or -50°C. Antifreeze, also known as antifreeze concentrate, must be mixed with the thinner for proper use. Antifreeze is usually sold in plastic cans or bottles, and users add it to the windshield washer can, typically located in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, through the appropriate filler neck. To do this, the user must open and secure the hood and then remove the windshield washer can cap to refill. This process is not user-friendly, especially for users with physical limitations. Furthermore, the engine compartment is often dirty, so users may also get their clothes or bodies soiled. During the lifespan of a motor vehicle, the windshield washer can needs to be refilled at least several times, whenever it is empty.

[0003] DE 103 18 752 A1 discloses a sensor having a measuring element immersed in a water mixture for measuring the concentration of antifreeze in the water mixture. The water mixture is located in a tank connected to the antifreeze via connecting lines and a pump assembly. Based on the measured concentration, a corresponding amount of antifreeze is added to the water mixture.

[0004] DE 10 2009 012 010 A1 describes an antifreeze protection system having a wash liquid container, a sensor unit on the wash liquid container, a multi-chamber concentrate storage container for receiving different liquid concentrates having at least one antifreeze cartridge, a wash concentrate chamber and at least one additional wash concentrate chamber, and a mixing device, a wash liquid pump at the outlet of the wash liquid container, and a windshield that can be sprayed with wash liquid and concentrates mixed therein via at least one wash nozzle; wherein when the temperature of the wash liquid in the wash liquid container is close to or below the freezing point, antifreeze is introduced into the wash liquid container from the antifreeze chamber of the multi-chamber concentrate storage container via a connecting line, and independently, when the windshield becomes dirty, at least one wash concentrate is guided from at least one wash concentrate storage container of the multi-chamber concentrate storage container to the mixing device via at least one connecting line.

[0005] Similar technologies are known from US 5,141,160 A and US 6,732,953 A. US 5,141,160 A describes an apparatus for defrosting the windshield of a motor vehicle, comprising a windshield washer unit and a pressure vessel. The windshield washer unit has a pump for supplying washer fluid to the washer unit, and methanol is discharged from the pressure vessel through a valve to mix with the washer fluid. US 6,732,953 A describes a windshield washer system for a motor vehicle, comprising a washer fluid reservoir containing washer fluid, and a separator for receiving the washer fluid from the reservoir and for adjusting the concentration of hydrocarbon additives in the washer fluid according to temperature.

[0006] US2005 / 0184096A1 discloses a flexible bag that can contain a coolant with antifreeze, but this is not further mixed.

[0007] Finally, it is generally known that the antifreeze inlet is located in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, more precisely, under the hood.

[0008] Given the existing technology shown, there is room for improvement in antifreeze cartridges, antifreeze protection systems, and motor vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an antifreeze cartridge, an antifreeze protection system, and a motor vehicle, which can improve user-friendliness.

[0010] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the antifreeze cartridge, antifreeze protection system, and motor vehicle described herein.

[0011] It should be noted that the features and measures listed individually in the following description can be combined with each other in any technically reasonable manner, and other embodiments of the invention are disclosed. The invention is further characterized and specified in particular in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0012] The antifreeze cartridge according to the invention comprises a container for containing antifreeze for a windshield washer system of a motor vehicle, a sealing film on the container, and a connecting structure configured and intended to be connected by press-fit or form-fit to a complementary receiver of the antifreeze inlet of the motor vehicle. The container has an operating portion configured and intended to allow manual connection of the connecting structure to the complementary receiver of the antifreeze inlet. The sealing film is configured and intended to be permeated by a hollow perforated element of the antifreeze inlet, such that the antifreeze contained in the container can be supplied to the antifreeze protection system of the motor vehicle through the hollow perforated element. Advantageously, user-friendliness is greatly improved because filling can be achieved with a “single action,” as the antifreeze cartridge is simply and permanently attached directly to the antifreeze inlet of the motor vehicle without further equipment.

[0013] Preferably, the connection structure is configured such that the hollow perforated element automatically penetrates the sealing membrane when connected to the complementary receiver of the antifreeze inlet. Therefore, connection of the antifreeze cartridge can be easily achieved. Preferably, the connection structure is a threaded, bayonet, or snap-fit ​​connection, the snap-fit ​​being further preferably waterproof.

[0014] Preferably, the connection structure has a blocking device configured to prevent the connection structure from releasing from the complementary receiver at the antifreeze inlet if a predefined minimum amount of antifreeze is present in the container. This prevents accidental release of the filled antifreeze cartridge by the user and unintended leakage of antifreeze.

[0015] The antifreeze protection system according to the invention includes an antifreeze canister and an antifreeze supply device for a motor vehicle having an antifreeze inlet. The antifreeze supply device includes a windshield washer canister connected via a delivery line to a hollow perforated element for supplying antifreeze from the antifreeze inlet to the windshield washer canister, and the antifreeze supply device includes a pump and a control device configured to meterly supply antifreeze from the container to the windshield washer canister.

[0016] Preferably, the antifreeze supply device has an overflow line through which antifreeze can be discharged from the container into the environment. In this way, for example, if a user wishes to release an antifreeze canister that still contains residual antifreeze, the antifreeze can be discharged manually and quickly.

[0017] Preferably, the antifreeze canister is located in the glove compartment of the vehicle. This means the antifreeze canister is easily accessible. Replacing the antifreeze canister does not require opening the vehicle's engine hood.

[0018] This objective is also achieved through motor vehicles equipped with antifreeze inlets, where the antifreeze inlets are accessible from the outside of the vehicle's engine compartment without opening the hood. In this case, when the antifreeze is full, it is not necessary to open the hood, thus greatly improving user-friendliness.

[0019] Preferably, the antifreeze inlet is concealed beneath the vehicle's branding or under the cap of the vehicle's fuel filler neck. This achieves an economical solution because a separate cap for the antifreeze inlet is not required.

[0020] Preferably, the motor vehicle includes the aforementioned antifreeze protection system, thereby further improving user-friendliness. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the description of the dependent claims and the following drawings. The drawings illustrate:

[0022] Figure 1 This is an antifreeze protection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprising an antifreeze canister and an antifreeze supply device for a motor vehicle;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a view of the vehicle interior showing the glove compartment in an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a view of a motor vehicle according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the various figures, the same parts are always marked with the same reference numerals, so they are usually described only once.

[0026] Figure 1 An antifreeze protection system 7 according to the present invention, comprising an antifreeze cartridge 1 and an antifreeze supply device 8 for a motor vehicle, is shown. The antifreeze protection system 7 is referred to as an antifreeze capsule replenishment system (ACRS). The antifreeze cartridge 1 has a container 2 for containing antifreeze for a windshield washer system of a motor vehicle, a sealing film (not shown) on the container 2, and a connecting structure 3 configured to be connected by press-fit or form-fit to a complementary receiver 4 of the antifreeze inlet 5 of the motor vehicle. The container 2 is a substantially hollow cylindrical body with a rigid shell, which serves as an operating part 2a to allow the connecting structure 3 to be manually connected to the complementary receiver 4 of the antifreeze inlet 5. The container 2 can be designed to have various formats, colors, and temperature ratings. Certain design elements, such as LEDs for illumination, can also be integrated. LEDs indicating the fill level in the container 2 can also be integrated.

[0027] The sealing membrane seals the outlet of container 2. The sealing membrane is configured to be perforated by a hollow perforated element 6 of the antifreeze inlet 5, allowing the antifreeze contained in container 2 to be supplied to the vehicle's antifreeze protection system 7 through the hollow perforated element 6. The hollow perforated element 6 can be, for example, a hollow needle or a sleeve.

[0028] The connecting structure 3 is configured such that, upon connection with the complementary receiver 4 of the antifreeze inlet 5, the hollow perforated element 6 automatically penetrates the sealing membrane. For this purpose, the connecting structure 3 is preferably threaded. The thread is preferably a self-sealing thread. Alternatively, a sealing ring may be provided between the thread and the complementary receiver 4 of the antifreeze inlet 5. However, the connecting structure 3 is not limited to threads and can be any other suitable structure, such as a bayonet connection or snap-fit. Furthermore, a simple press fit or transition fit can be made between the connecting structure 3 and the complementary receiver 4 of the antifreeze inlet 5.

[0029] The connecting structure 3 has a blocking device (not shown) configured to prevent the connecting structure 3 from releasing from the complementary receiver 4 of the antifreeze inlet 5 if a predefined minimum amount of antifreeze is present in the container 2. This prevents accidental release of the filled antifreeze cartridge 1 by the user and unintended spillage of antifreeze. The blocking device can be a mechanical interlocking device actuated by an electric motor and a control device described below. If the control device detects that the antifreeze cartridge 1 is empty or contains less than the predefined minimum amount of antifreeze, the control device can send a control signal to the electric motor to release the mechanical interlock of the blocking device. Alternatively, a purely mechanical solution is conceivable; the blocking device can, for example, have a float and a locking element. If the antifreeze cartridge 1 contains the predefined minimum amount or more of antifreeze, the float can hold the locking element in a locked position, preventing the connecting structure 3 from releasing from the complementary receiver 4 of the antifreeze inlet 5.

[0030] The antifreeze supply device 8 includes a windshield washer tank 9, which is connected via a delivery line 10 to a hollow perforated element 6 to supply antifreeze from the antifreeze inlet 5 to the windshield washer tank 9. The windshield washer tank 9 contains a water-based diluent used in windshield washer systems for motor vehicles. The diluent may be, for example, distilled water. The antifreeze supply device 8 includes a pump (not shown) and a control device (not shown), respectively configured to meterly supply antifreeze from container 2 to windshield washer tank 9. Additionally, the amount of antifreeze supplied to windshield washer tank 9 can be metered according to certain parameters, such as the antifreeze concentration in the washer fluid, the external temperature, or the fill level of the washer fluid in windshield washer tank 9. The lower the external temperature, the lower the antifreeze concentration, or the higher the fill level of the washer fluid in windshield washer tank 9, the more antifreeze should be added. The control unit can also be connected to the vehicle information system to notify the user whether the antifreeze canister 1 contains antifreeze and how much antifreeze it contains. The control unit can also notify the vehicle information system that the empty antifreeze canister 1 should be replaced. The pump and control unit are located in or on the antifreeze inlet 5. The pump and control unit can also be located in or on the windshield washer reservoir 9.

[0031] The antifreeze, mixed with a thinner, forms a windshield washer fluid, which is supplied to the windshield of a motor vehicle via lines and nozzles not shown.

[0032] The antifreeze supply device 8 also includes an overflow line 11 through which antifreeze can be discharged from container 2 into the environment. Therefore, for example, if a user wishes to release antifreeze cartridge 1 that still contains residual antifreeze, the antifreeze can be discharged manually and quickly.

[0033] Figure 2 A view of the vehicle's interior is shown. The antifreeze canister 1 is located in the vehicle's glove compartment 12. Therefore, the antifreeze canister is easily accessible. It is not necessary to open the vehicle's hood to replace the antifreeze canister 1.

[0034] Figure 3 An alternative solution to the problem of the present invention is shown. Here, the motor vehicle has an antifreeze inlet 5 that is accessible from the outside of the motor vehicle's engine compartment without opening the hood 13. In this case, it is also unnecessary to open the hood 13 to replenish the antifreeze. More specifically, the antifreeze inlet 5 is concealed beneath the vehicle's branding logo 14. The branding logo 14 is pivoted to the vehicle body by means of a hinge and can be easily folded open to access the antifreeze inlet 5. Alternatively, the antifreeze inlet 5 can be concealed beneath a cap on the vehicle's fuel filler neck. In both cases, an economical solution is achieved because a separate cap for the antifreeze inlet is not required.

[0035] Motor vehicles can also be equipped with the aforementioned antifreeze protection system 7, thereby further achieving the aforementioned advantages.

[0036] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0037] 1. Antifreeze canister

[0038] 2. Container

[0039] 2a. Operation Section

[0040] 3. Connection Structure

[0041] 4. Complementary receivers

[0042] 5. Antifreeze inlet

[0043] 6. Perforated elements

[0044] 7. Antifreeze protection system

[0045] 8. Antifreeze supply device

[0046] 9. Windshield washer fluid tank

[0047] 10. Delivery pipelines

[0048] 11. Overflow line

[0049] 12. Storage box

[0050] 13. Engine hood

[0051] 14. Brand Identity

Claims

1. An antifreeze cartridge (1), comprising: (2) A container for containing antifreeze for windshield washer systems in motor vehicles. Its features are, Also includes The sealing film on the container (2), A connection structure (3) is configured to be connected to a complementary receiver (4) of the antifreeze inlet (5) of the motor vehicle by force fit or form fit, wherein... The container (2) has an operating portion (2a) configured to allow the connection structure (3) to be manually connected to the complementary receiver (4) of the antifreeze inlet (5) without opening the engine hood (13) of the motor vehicle, wherein, The sealing membrane is configured to penetrate through the hollow perforated element (6) of the antifreeze inlet (5), so that the antifreeze contained in the container (2) can be supplied to the antifreeze protection system (7) of the motor vehicle through the hollow perforated element (6). The connection structure (3) has a blocking device configured to prevent the connection structure (3) from being released from the complementary receiver (4) of the antifreeze inlet (5) in the presence of a predefined minimum amount of the antifreeze in the container (2).

2. The antifreeze cartridge (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The connection structure (3) is configured such that when connected to the complementary receiver (4) of the antifreeze inlet (5), the hollow perforated element (6) automatically penetrates the sealing membrane.

3. The antifreeze cartridge (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The connection structure (3) is a threaded, bayonet, or snap-fit ​​connection.

4. An antifreeze protection system (7) comprising, in particular, an antifreeze cartridge (1) as described in any one of claims 1-3, and an antifreeze supply device (8) for a motor vehicle having said antifreeze inlet (5). Its features are, The antifreeze supply device (8) has a windshield washer tank (9) which is connected to the hollow perforated element (6) via a delivery line (10) to supply the antifreeze from the antifreeze inlet (5) to the windshield washer tank (9). The antifreeze supply device (8) has a pump and a control device configured to supply the antifreeze from the container (2) to the windshield washer tank (9) in a metering manner.

5. The antifreeze protection system (7) according to claim 4. Its features are, The antifreeze supply device (8) has an overflow line (11) through which the antifreeze can be discharged from the container (2) into the environment.

6. The antifreeze protection system (7) according to claim 4 or 5. Its features are, The antifreeze cartridge (1) is placed in the glove compartment (12) of the motor vehicle.

7. A motor vehicle having an antifreeze inlet (5), Its features are, Includes the antifreeze protection system (7) according to any one of claims 4-6. The antifreeze inlet (5) can be accessed from the outside of the engine compartment of the motor vehicle without opening the engine hood (13) of the motor vehicle.

8. The motor vehicle according to claim 7, Its features are, The antifreeze inlet (5) is hidden under the brand logo (14) of the motor vehicle or under the cap of the fuel filler neck of the motor vehicle.

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