Filling device for a vehicle and vehicle having such a filling device

Abstract

A filling device for a vehicle comprises a vehicle body flap (2) which at least partially forms the outer surface of the vehicle, is arranged to pivot between a first position and a second position, and has an opening (7), a container (9), a filling connection (3) which is mounted on the vehicle body flap such that the filling connection can pivot together with the vehicle body flap relative to the container between the first position and the second position and is connected to the opening, an end section (10) of the filling connection partially projects into an opening section (12) of the container when the vehicle body flap is in the first position, such that the container can be filled with a fluid via the opening and the filling connection, a support device (20) which is arranged to support one element from among the opening section and the end section in an initial position and to allow movement of said one element from the initial position to a compensation position, such that a deviation of the other element is compensated for by the movement of said one element to the compensation position when the end section projects into the opening section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling device for vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, and a vehicle having such a filling device. Background Technology

[0002] In conventional vehicles, such as motor vehicles, filling devices are known, for example, in relation to the filling of washing water containers in conventional glass washing equipment.

[0003] Typically, in traditional glass washing equipment, the filling pipe for the wash water container is located under the vehicle body flap, such as the front flap of a vehicle, or under the hood in the engine compartment.

[0004] Alternative implementations specify that the filling pipe is located, for example, in the drain groove of the vehicle's tailgate. Other implementations specify that the wash water container is filled via, for example, the main gap between the hood and the fender.

[0005] If the vehicle has a front flap, which should only be operated at the factory with the aid of special tools and is widely referred to as a "maintenance flap," then the filling pipe for the wash water container should not be easily accessible. Generally, for aesthetic and manufacturing reasons, visible single flaps or covers are avoided in body components—which are subject to specific aesthetic requirements—if this is possible.

[0006] exist Figure 1 The figure shows another embodiment known from the prior art, and the figure is a schematic diagram of the filling device 1' belonging to the prior art in cross-sectional view.

[0007] In principle, Figure 1 Vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, not described in more detail herein, include the filling device 1', which has a body flap 2' that at least partially constitutes the exterior of the vehicle and is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position different from the first position. The body flap 2' has an opening 7', as shown in... Figure 1 As described in the text. In the described case, the body flap 2' is an external part of the vehicle body, especially a front flap or engine hood.

[0008] Here, the second position corresponds to the conventional open position of the front hood or engine hood, making the engine compartment accessible, while the first position is the conventional closed position of the front hood or engine hood.

[0009] Additionally, the filling device 1' includes means for opening and closing the opening 7' by means of a pivotable cover element 4' disposed on the opening 7', and includes a filling tube 3' disposed relative to the opening 7' such that when the vehicle body flap 2' is in a first position, i.e. when the vehicle body flap 2' is in the closed position, the filling tube 3' can be filled with a fluid such as glass wash fluid through the opening 7'.

[0010] The device for opening and closing includes a support device 5' that pivotally supports the cover element 4' on the filling tube 3'. Accordingly, the cover element 4' can be moved to open the opening 7' and close the opening 7', wherein the cover element 4' is sealed against the vehicle body flap 2' in the closed position.

[0011] The filling connector 3' is connected to the windshield washer fluid container 9', allowing the container 9' to be filled via the filling connector. Here, the filling connector 3' and the windshield washer fluid container 9' are configured as separate components. Specifically, the filling connector 3' is connected to the vehicle body flap 2', such that the filling connector 3' and the flap element 4' move together with the vehicle body flap 2' when the flap 2' pivots from a first position to a second position, while the windshield washer fluid container 9' remains fixed in position relative to the vehicle's upper structure.

[0012] If the vehicle body flap 2' returns from the second position to the first position, then the lower end section or edge section 10' of the filling nozzle 3' and the opening 12' of the container 9' for windshield washer fluid are sealed to each other or in contact in such a way that the lower end section is provided with a tapered sealing ring, which is inserted into the opening 12' and sealed via a friction-locking connection and / or a form-locking connection, as in Figure 1 As described in [the text].

[0013] For example, markings not described in more detail can be provided on the outside of the cover element 4', so that the cover element is hidden or inconspicuous in terms of visual appearance or technical aspects.

[0014] If the filling connector 3' and the container 9' for windshield washer fluid are precisely oriented, a watertight connection can be established between the filling connector 3' fixed to the cover and the container 9' fixed to the vehicle body when the vehicle body flap 2' moves from the second position (front flap open) to the first position (front flap closed).

[0015] However, when, for example, due to production fluctuations, there are deviations in all three coordinate directions of the conventional vehicle coordinate system, namely the x, y, and z directions, for example, deviations of several millimeters, such that there are deviations of several millimeters, it is not always possible to establish such a watertight connection between these components (fixed to the flip cover / fixed to the vehicle body).

[0016] Although it is possible to ensure, without collision, that the filling pipe 3', which is fixed to the flap, is introduced into the corresponding pipe of the container 9', which is fixed to the vehicle body, by using sufficient gaps and perhaps by setting an inlet ramp.

[0017] However, with the aid of the seal, on the one hand, the significantly eccentric position of the lower end section or edge section 10' of the filling pipe 3' in the x and y directions cannot be fully compensated, and on the other hand, the sealing fit of the seal provided on the edge section 10' in the z direction cannot be guaranteed.

[0018] Therefore, a lack of seal may occur between the filling nozzle 3' fixed to the flap and the container 9' fixed to the vehicle body, such that, for example, when the filling nozzle 3' is being filled, water may inadvertently flow through vehicle components, perhaps electrical or electronic components, located below the filling nozzle, and cause damage. Summary of the Invention

[0019] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a filling device and a motor vehicle having such a filling device, which can overcome the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0020] In particular, the present invention aims to provide a filling device and a motor vehicle having such a filling device, which can ensure a sealed connection between the filling nozzle and the container fixed to the vehicle body.

[0021] The objective is achieved by a filling device according to the invention and by a vehicle according to the invention, the vehicle including the filling device.

[0022] The filling device according to the invention is provided for a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, and the filling device includes: a body flap that at least partially constitutes the exterior of the vehicle and is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position different from the first position, the body flap having an opening; a container for holding fluid; and a filling nozzle mounted on the body flap such that the filling nozzle, together with the body flap, is pivotable relative to the container between the first and second positions and the filling nozzle is connected to the opening, wherein, when the body flap is in the first position, an end section of the filling nozzle partially extends into an open section of the container, such that the container can be filled with fluid via the opening and the filling nozzle, wherein a support device is provided, the support device being configured to support one of the components of the open section of the container and the end section of the filling nozzle in an initial position, and to allow movement of said one component from the initial position to a compensated position within one or more predetermined degrees of freedom, such that deviation of the other component when the end section extends into the open section is compensated by the movement of said one component to the compensated position.

[0023] Preferably, the support device is configured to support the opening section of the container in an initial position and allow the opening section to move from the initial position to a compensated position within one or more predetermined degrees of freedom, such that deviations in the filling nozzle when the end section extends into the opening section are compensated by the movement of the opening section to the compensated position.

[0024] Therefore, the present invention provides a filling device by means of which the end section or lower edge section of the filling nozzle can be centeredly inserted into the open section of the container and simultaneously sealed. Here, centering is achieved by the end section of the filling nozzle being configured as a cone, that is, centering is achieved on the nozzle fixed to the flap, during which the nozzle enters the open section of the container configured as a corresponding nozzle during the rotational and / or translational movement of the end section in approximately the z direction of a conventional vehicle coordinate system, and at this time the open section is centered with minimal gap in the x and y directions of a conventional vehicle coordinate system.

[0025] To achieve this, according to the present invention, the corresponding connector is movably mounted on the storage container fixed to the vehicle body within defined limits in all three spatial directions, for example, by means of a support device. Preferably, the corresponding connector is configured such that it can return to its initial position (defined zero position) after the vehicle body flap is opened, for example by means of a reset force, preferably applied by a reset spring. Furthermore, a rotary seal can be provided on the filling connector fixed to the flap, which is pressed axially, particularly in the z-direction, against the corresponding connector. This sealing pressure is applied to the corresponding connector by springback, for example by the springback of a pleat, and error compensation is provided.

[0026] Furthermore, the filling device according to the present invention can be configured such that the support device is configured to compensate for the deviation of the filling pipe only up to the maximum compensation position, and to resist or prevent further movement of the opening section when the maximum compensation position is reached.

[0027] Furthermore, the filling device according to the present invention can be configured such that the support device is configured as a floating support device.

[0028] Furthermore, the filling device according to the invention can be implemented such that the opening section is funnel-shaped, such that when the vehicle body flap pivots from its second position to its first position, the filling nozzle is centered through the opening section, while the support device compensates for the deviation.

[0029] In addition, the filling device according to the invention can be configured such that the opening section is held in the initial position by a restoring force, and / or the opening section returns from the compensated position to the initial position by the restoring force of the support device.

[0030] Furthermore, the filling device according to the invention can be implemented such that the filling tube has a sealing ring on its end section, the sealing ring having a surrounding sealing lip on its outer circumference, the sealing lip contacting the inner circumferential surface of the open section when the vehicle body flap is in the first position.

[0031] Furthermore, the filling device according to the invention can be further configured such that the opening section is partially configured as a fold, which is arranged such that when the vehicle body flap is in the first position, a reaction force is applied in response to the force applied due to the end section of the filling tube extending into the opening section, so that the sealing ring is further pressed into the opening section.

[0032] In addition, the filling device according to the invention can be configured such that a mark is provided on the outside of a cover element provided on the opening, and / or the body flap is an external part of the vehicle body, especially a front flap or engine hood.

[0033] The vehicle according to the invention, particularly a motor vehicle, includes a filling device according to the invention.

[0034] Therefore, the features and advantages of the filling device according to the invention are produced in the same or similar manner, so to avoid repetition, see the above description of the filling device according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] The attached image is as follows:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a filling device according to the prior art.

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the filling device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the filling device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the same or similar elements of the filling device 1 according to the present invention are compared with those belonging to the prior art and Figure 1 The elements of the filling device 1' described herein are provided with the same or similar reference numerals. Here, the differences from the filling device 1', which belongs to the prior art, will be explained in more detail in the following description.

[0040] As in Figure 2 As described in the figure, the filling device 1 according to the invention is used for a vehicle not described in more detail, which in this embodiment is a motor vehicle.

[0041] The filling device 1 includes a body flap 2, which is formed as an external part of the vehicle body by means of the vehicle's front flap or engine hood, and thus partially forms the exterior of the vehicle.

[0042] Here, the body cover 2 is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position different from the first position. The body cover 2, which is configured as a front cover or engine hood, is in a closed state in the first position, that is, the engine compartment of the vehicle is closed, while the body cover 2 is in an open state in the second position, that is, the engine compartment of the vehicle is released, or in other words, the engine compartment can be accessed from the outside.

[0043] In addition, the vehicle body flap 2 has an opening 7, which can be closed or opened via a cover 4, and a mark can be placed on the cover.

[0044] In addition, the filling device 1 has a container 9 for storing fluid, in this case windshield washer fluid, which is fixedly mounted on the upper structure of the vehicle, and the filling device also has a filling tube 3, which is mounted on the body flap 2 such that the filling tube 3 can pivot with the body flap 2 relative to the container 9 between a first position and a second position, and the filling tube is connected to the opening 7.

[0045] Here, the end section 10 of the filling pipe 3 is formed in the form of a centering cone, as in... Figure 2 As can be seen, when the vehicle body flap 2 is in the first position, this end section partially extends into the open section 12 of the container 9, allowing the container 9 to be filled with fluid via the opening 7 and the filling nozzle 3, as this is seen in Figure 2 As described in [the text].

[0046] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the open section 12 is constructed in the form of a funnel 18 to receive the centering cone. Here, the funnel 16 is connected to the container 9 via a folding canopy 14.

[0047] Furthermore, in the described embodiment, the filling device 1 has a support device 20 configured to support the opening section 12 of the container 9 in an initial position (zero position) and allow movement of the opening section 12 from the initial position to a compensated position within a plurality of predetermined degrees of freedom, i.e., within the degrees of freedom in the x, y, and z directions of a conventional vehicle coordinate system. It goes without saying that, depending on the application, it may be considered to allow only certain degrees of freedom in a few specific directions of the conventional vehicle coordinate system, for example, only in the x and z directions, if centering in the y direction is not required; any combination of degrees of freedom in the corresponding directions may be considered.

[0048] Preferably, the support device 20 is configured to compensate for the deviation of the filling pipe 3 only up to the maximum compensation position, and to resist further movement of the opening section 12 and prevent further movement beyond the maximum compensation position when the maximum compensation position is reached. That is, in the described embodiment, the support device 20 implements a retaining device that allows the opening section 12 to move in three spatial directions, i.e., in the x, y, and z directions of the vehicle coordinate system, until the maximum compensation position is reached. For example, the retaining device can be configured as a hook 42 extending from the opening section 12, which is embedded in a shaft 40 formed on the container 9, and in this case, can move in the x, y, and z directions in a predefined manner up to a certain extent, i.e., up to the maximum compensation position. In particular, the hook 42 can move freely within the shaft 40. Additionally, a molded spring element 44 is provided on the hook 42 to return the pipe, in the form of the opening section 12, which is fixed to the vehicle body or the vehicle superstructure, to its initial position in the x and y directions of the conventional vehicle coordinate system. Conversely, the location or position of the open section 12 in the z-direction is defined by the position of the open section 12 or by the connection between the open section and the container 9 via the flap 14 (e.g., in the form of a bellows). Thus, the injection-molded spring element 44 and the flap 14 act as spring elements for applying a restoring force to the open section 12, causing the open section 12 to be pushed back from its compensated position toward its initial position.

[0049] Correspondingly, this is achieved by means of a so-called "floating" support device, which moves the opening section 12 to a compensation position when the end section 10 extends into the opening section 12, compensating for the deviation of the filling pipe 3. As already mentioned, the support device 20 is configured with a spring element such that the opening section 12 is held in the initial position by a restoring force, and correspondingly, returns from the compensation position to the initial position by the restoring force of the support device 20. Therefore, the combination of hook / shaft / folding shed can function as a return spring.

[0050] Additionally, as in Figure 2 As can be seen, the opening section 12 is configured as a funnel 16, that is, it is conical and expands in the positive z direction, so that when the body flap 2 pivots from its second position to its first position, the filling pipe 3 is centered through the opening section 12, and the support device 20 compensates for the deviation. The filling pipe 3 is also conical in its end section 10, but is tapered in the negative z direction.

[0051] In order to achieve a sealed connection between the filling pipe 3 and the opening section 12, the filling pipe 3 is provided with a sealing ring 30 on its end section 10. The sealing ring 30 has a sealing lip around its outer circumference. The sealing lip contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening section 12, or funnel 16, when the body flap 2 is in the first position.

[0052] Furthermore, as already mentioned above, the opening section 12 is partially configured as a folding canopy 14, which is arranged to apply a reaction force in response to the force applied due to the end section 10 of the filling pipe 3 extending into the opening section 12 when the vehicle body flap 2 is in the first position. Preferably, the reaction force is applied in the positive z direction, so that the sealing ring 30 is further pressed into the opening section 12.

[0053] Therefore, according to the present invention, the filling device 1 can be used to achieve functional separation in terms of centering of the filling tube 3 relative to the open section 12 and in terms of the sealing ring 30 of the filling device.

[0054] In this embodiment, a mark, not described in more detail, is provided on the outside of a cover element 4 for opening and closing the opening 7, which is provided on the opening 7 such that the cover element 4 is visually or aesthetically concealed or inconspicuous.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the hook 42 and the shaft 40 are formed by a planar receiving portion and a centering top fixed to the container and floatingly supported in two spatial directions, thus realizing a support device with degrees of freedom in the x and y directions but no degree of freedom in the z direction. Therefore, in this case, it is sufficient to only center the opening section in the x and y directions, provided that the end section 10 of the filling nozzle 3 is inserted sufficiently far into the opening section 12.

[0056] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims are substantial for achieving the invention, not only individually but also in any combination.

Claims

1. A filling device (1) for a vehicle, the filling device comprising: A body flap (2) at least partially constitutes the exterior of the vehicle and is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position different from the first position, the body flap (2) having an opening (7). Containers for storing fluids (9); as well as A filling nozzle (3) is mounted on the vehicle body flap (2) such that the filling nozzle (3) together with the vehicle body flap (2) can pivot relative to the container (9) between a first position and a second position, and the filling nozzle is connected to the opening (7); When the vehicle body flap (2) is in the first position, the end section (10) of the filling tube (3) extends partially into the open section (12) of the container (9), so that the container (9) can be filled with fluid through the opening (7) and the filling tube (3). The device includes a support (20) configured to support one of the components, namely the open section (12) of the container (9) and the end section (10) of the filling nozzle (3), in an initial position, and to allow the component to move from the initial position to a compensation position within one or more predetermined degrees of freedom, such that when the end section (10) extends into the open section (12), the component moves to the compensation position to compensate for the deviation of the other component.

2. The filling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The support device (20) is configured to support the opening section (12) of the container (9) in an initial position and allow the opening section (12) to move from the initial position to a compensation position within one or more predetermined degrees of freedom, such that when the end section (10) extends into the opening section (12), the opening section (12) moves to the compensation position to compensate for the deviation of the filling pipe (3).

3. The filling device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The support device (20) is configured to compensate for the deviation of the filling pipe (3) only up to the maximum compensation position of the opening section (12), and to resist or prevent further movement of the opening section (12) when the maximum compensation position of the opening section (12) is reached.

4. The filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The support device (20) is configured as a floating support device.

5. The filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The opening section (12) is funnel-shaped, such that when the body flap (2) pivots from its second position to its first position, the filling pipe (3) is centered through the opening section (12), and the support device (20) compensates for the deviation.

6. The filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The open section (12) is held in the initial position by a restoring force, and / or the open section (12) is returned from the compensated position to the initial position by the restoring force of the support device (20).

7. The filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The filling pipe (3) is provided with a sealing ring (30) on its end section (10), the sealing ring (30) having a sealing lip around its outer circumference, the sealing lip contacting the inner circumferential surface of the opening section (12) when the body flap (2) is in the first position.

8. The filling device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The opening section (12) is partially configured as a folding canopy (14) which is arranged to apply a reaction force in response to the force applied due to the end section (10) of the filling pipe (3) extending into the opening section (12) when the vehicle body flap (2) is in the first position, so that the sealing ring (30) is further squeezed into the opening section (12).

9. The filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sign is set on the outside of a cover element (4) set on the opening (7), and / or the body flap (2) is an external body part of the vehicle.

10. The filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The vehicle body flap (2) is the front flap or engine cover of the vehicle.

11. The filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The filling device is used in motor vehicles.

12. A vehicle comprising a filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The vehicle in question is a motor vehicle.

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