Filling device for motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

A filling device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a tank having a filler neck extending along a main axis (X); and means (30) for filling the tank through the neck. In particular, the member (30) is configured such that it can be mounted to slide within the neck along an axis (X) between a proximal position in which the neck is closed and a distal position in which the tank can be filled at a distance. The member (30) comprises: a tubular body (32) provided with a closed distal end portion (34D); and a peripheral wall provided with a filling port (40), the member (30) being configured such that, in the proximal position, the distal portion (34D) forms a cap for sealing the neck and, in the distal position, the filling port (40) of the member (30) is released from the neck to allow filling of the tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of filling tanks of motor vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to the field of fluid tanks for cleaning glass surfaces of motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] In a manner known in the art, motor vehicles are equipped with systems for wiping and washing the outer surfaces of the vehicle windows, and in particular the outer surfaces of the vehicle windscreen.

[0003] Such a wiping and washing system prevents the driver's view of the environment from being obstructed, particularly when the vehicle is driven in the rain or when the windshield is covered with various types of dirt, including dust, dirt, insects, or other foreign matter that may obscure the driver's view. In some cases, the system can also be used to defrost the glass surface in cold weather.

[0004] Such a system may comprise one or more wiper blades, each wiper blade being designed to wipe at least a portion of the outer surface of the vehicle window, in particular to remove water from this surface.

[0005] Typically, the nozzles or spray nozzles are arranged, for example, on a portion of the vehicle body close to the window to be wiped, or may be built into a windscreen wiper blade, and are supplied with a washer liquid, known as windscreen washer fluid, via a circuit comprising a pump and a pipe system, in particular connected to a windscreen washer fluid tank, to spray the fluid onto the surface of the vehicle window.

[0006] Almost all internal combustion engine vehicles are equipped with a windshield wiper system having a fluid tank positioned under the hood and adjacent to the engine components. This means that the filler opening faces upwards, making it easier to fill the tank when it is empty.

[0007] In recent years, however, the battle against atmospheric pollution has led car manufacturers to develop mass-produced electric vehicles comprising an electric motor as the sole driving force and in which the battery is mounted in the floor of the vehicle body, thereby freeing up the space traditionally occupied by the engine block in the front hood. The space thus freed up at the front of the electric vehicle can be used to form a box, for example for luggage.

[0008] To meet the aesthetic and perceived quality demands of electric vehicle users, some manufacturers have moved the traditional hood-accessible tank filler port to the side or front of the vehicle body and made it accessible through a hatch, making filling the tank more difficult.

[0009] As a result, the tank structure becomes complicated and a large, multi-component structure is formed by assembling a large number of parts.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for filling a liquid tank of a motor vehicle, the filling orifice of which is accessible from a part of the side or front of the body, or more generally from the periphery, the device being ergonomic and easy to use and making it possible to reduce the risk of fluid leaking onto the body during the filling operation while minimizing the number of components. Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention relates in particular to a device for a motor vehicle, comprising: a tank provided with a filler neck extending along a main axis; and a member for filling the tank through the neck, wherein the member is configured to be mounted so that it slides along the axis inside the neck between a proximal position and a distal position, in which the neck is closed and in which the tank can be filled at a distance, and wherein the member comprises: a body provided with a closed distal portion; and a peripheral wall provided with a filling opening, the member being configured so that: in the proximal position, the distal portion forms a cap for closing the neck, and in the distal position, the filling opening of the member is released from the neck to allow filling of the tank.

[0012] By the invention, since the filling opening is located in a distal position on the peripheral wall of the body of the filling member, filling the tank via the neck when it is open towards the side wall or the front wall of the motor vehicle becomes simple and can be done at a distance from the body wall.

[0013] The device according to the invention may also include one or more of the following features.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, in case the main axis of the neck is inclined upwards relative to the horizontal, the member is configured to be able to tilt downwards relative to the main axis of the neck at least in its distal position.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises locking means for quickly locking the member to the neck in the proximal position.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprise male and female elements designed to cooperate with each other, carried by external flanges connected to the neck and the member, respectively.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the locking means are of the bayonet type, the member being pre-mounted on the neck by inserting the male element into the female element and then locked to the neck by rotation about the main axis.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the body has a substantially longitudinally truncated cylindrical shape, such as a semi-cylindrical shape, and the body has a flat surface on which the filling port is formed.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the neck and member are provided with locating means to force the filler opening to be positioned upwards in use.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning means comprises an internal partition extending as a lateral protrusion to the interior of the neck and defining an insertion-shaped cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the tubular member at the proximal portion.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the neck further comprises at least one longitudinal rib along the main axis configured to prevent rotation of the member about the main axis.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the distal end wall includes a circumferential groove for receiving an O-ring seal.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing wall is in the form of a cap having a circumferential flange defining elements for gripping and manipulating the cap.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the proximal end of the member is provided with an abutment portion designed to engage with an internal raised portion of the container to prevent the member from being separated from the neck when the member completes sliding movement towards the distal position.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the body of the component is made by moulding the composite material in one piece.

[0026] Another object of the invention is a motor vehicle comprising a filling device according to the invention, wherein the filling device is accessible from a hatch mounted on a surrounding body structure such that the filling device is accessible from the outside, the hatch being located, for example, on the side or front of the motor vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention will be better understood and its benefits will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a hatch of a windscreen washer fluid tank for a motor vehicle comprising a device according to the invention.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of the device in the proximal closed position.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 sectional view of the device in the distal filling position.

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of components for filling the device according to the invention.

[0032] Figure 5 A view on an enlarged scale of the filler neck of the tank of the device according to the invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 A view on an enlarged scale of the device for connecting a neck and a member for filling the device according to the invention is shown in a released configuration.

[0034] Figure 7 Three views A, B, C are shown, respectively illustrating different configurations of the connection device (view A: filler only; view B: unlocked; view C: released).

[0035] Figure 8 Shows Figure 5 Front view of the neck.

[0036] Fig. 9 A perspective view is shown of the filling member in an inclined distal position relative to the neck.

[0037] Fig.10 Three views A, B, C are shown, respectively illustrating various stages of the operation of the device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figures 1 to 10 A device for filling a vehicle tank is shown. In the subsequent part of this specification, the device will be referred to by the overall reference numeral 10.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the device 10 is designed to be mounted in a motor vehicle 100. Preferably, the filling device 10 is accessible from a hatch 104 mounted on a peripheral body structure 102 (eg on the side or front of the motor vehicle 100), such that the filling device 10 is accessible from the outside.

[0040] The filling liquid may be, for example, water or an alcohol-based antifreeze liquid for supply to the nozzles.

[0041] Figure 1 The door 104 is shown to include a hinge 106 for rotating the door to allow access to the location where the filling equipment 10 is mounted.

[0042] In the remainder of this description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "upper", "lower", "top" and "bottom" are used to describe elements that are used when the motor vehicle is operating on flat, level ground.

[0043] According to the invention, the device 10 comprises a tank 20 comprising a tank body and a neck 22 for filling the body. The neck 22 has a generally tubular shape, for example extending longitudinally along a main axis X (see Figure 3 ), the neck is preferably in a Figure 2 The configuration shown is tilted upwards in the motor vehicle 100. As shown, the neck 22 is provided with a filler opening 24. The inclination of the neck 22 relative to the horizontal plane is preferably between 5 and 45 degrees, for example between 25 and 35 degrees.

[0044] The device 10 also comprises means 30 for filling the tank 20 through the neck 22. Figure 3 As shown, the member 30 is configured to be located within the neck 22 along the axis X at a proximal position ( Figure 2 ) and distal position ( Figure 3 ), in which proximal position the neck 22 is closed and in which distal position the tank 20 can be filled at a distance.

[0045] Preferably, the member 30 includes a tubular body 32 having a closed distal end portion 34D and a peripheral wall 36 having a fill port 40 .

[0046] For example, the body 32 has a generally longitudinally truncated cylindrical shape, for example a semi-cylindrical shape, with a flat surface 38 on which the filling opening 40 is formed. Although not shown in the figures, the member 30 and the neck 22 may alternatively have an overall shape that is not strictly tubular, but on the contrary may have any other overall shape that allows them to complement each other in shape so that they can slide relative to each other along the axis X.

[0047] Preferably, the distal end wall 34D is in the form of a cap having a generally solid disc shape in cross section.

[0048] Furthermore, the distal wall 34D preferably comprises a circumferential groove 340 for receiving the O-ring seal 50. Generally, the distal wall 34D may have, for example, a circumferential flange 344 defining an element 346 for gripping and manipulating the cap 34 (and more generally the filler 30).

[0049] These clamping elements 346 are, for example, in the form of diametrically opposed ears.

[0050] In use, the member 30 is configured such that in the proximal position, the distal portion 34D forms a cap for closing the neck 22 , and in the distal position, the filling port 40 of the member 30 is released from the neck 22 to allow filling of the tank 20 through the filling port 40 .

[0051] Since the main axis X of the neck 22 is inclined upward relative to the horizontal, the tubular member 30 is configured to be able to tilt downward relative to the main axis X of the neck 22 at least in its distal position.

[0052] The filling member 30 also comprises a downwardly projecting longitudinal rib 35 , preferably positioned along the midline on the semi-cylindrical portion 36 of the body 32 , which allows guiding the filler in the axial direction.

[0053] Thus, when the member 30 slides in the neck 22, the rib 35 of the member 30 defines a longitudinal support line against the inner wall 220 of the neck 22 in the axial direction, thereby guiding the member 30 axially into the neck 22. Preferably, the rib 35 has an inclined notch 37 at the proximal end. When the notch 37 of the rib 35 passes through the orifice 24 during the sliding of the member 30 in the axial direction, the member 30 tilts downward.

[0054] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the preferred embodiment shown, means 60 are included for quickly locking the member 30 to the neck 22 in the proximal position.

[0055] Preferably, the locking means 60 comprises a male element 420 and a female element 280 designed to cooperate with each other, carried by external flanges respectively connected to the member 30 and the neck 22. The locking means 60 are preferably removable, making it easier to lock and unlock the device 10.

[0056] Thus, the distal portion 34D of the member 30 is provided with a flange 42 carrying, on its periphery, at least one male element 420, shaped, for example, like a mushroom. Furthermore, the neck 22 comprises a flange 26 having a peripheral opening 280 for receiving the element 420. These male and female elements are designed to cooperate with each other by clamping, snapping or any other unlockable means.

[0057] Preferably, the locking device 60 is of the bayonet connection type, the member 30 being pre-mounted on the neck 22 by inserting the protruding pin 420 into the opening 280 and then locked to the neck 22 by rotating it about the main axis X. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the aperture 280 has a wider portion 282 for inserting the pin 420 and a narrower portion 284 connected together by a channel 286 for preventing the pin 420 from passing between the two portions. For example, the channel 286 includes a constricted portion.

[0058] like Figure 8As shown, the neck 22 and the member 30 are provided with a positioning device 70 to force the filling port to be positioned upwards when in use. For example, the positioning device comprises an internal baffle 72 which projects transversely inside the neck 22 and defines a cross section of an insertion shape complementary to the cross section of the tubular member 30. The baffle 72 has, for example, the general shape of a truncated disk centered on the X axis.

[0059] The inner wall 220 of the neck 22 also comprises at least one longitudinal rib 224 along the main axis X, which is configured to prevent the member 30 from rotating about the main axis X. Figure 8 As shown, the inner wall 220 includes two ribs 224 extending from the inner baffle 72. These ribs 224 are located on either side of the axis of symmetry of the inner baffle 72.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the tubular member 30 is provided with a stopper 360 in the proximal portion 34P, which is designed to fit into the internal raised portion 202 of the tank 20 to prevent the member from being separated from the neck 22 when the member completes sliding toward the distal position.

[0061] For example, the body 32 of the member 30 is molded in a single piece from a composite material.

[0062] refer to Figures 1 to 10 , the main aspects of how the device according to the invention works will now be described.

[0063] In the initial state, the device is in a closed configuration. The filling member cap seals the filling member in its proximal position. The bayonet connection 60 is in a locked configuration in which the pin 420 is accommodated in the narrowest part of the opening 280.

[0064] To fill tank 20 , the user opens a hatch of the motor vehicle, which may be located on a side wall or on the front wall of the motor vehicle, in the case shown, on the front wall.

[0065] The user then grasps the collar on the member 30 to rotate the member 30 inside the neck 22. In the example shown, the user feels the force applied to move the pin 420 within the opening 280 and thereby unlock the device 60.

[0066] After the filling member 30 has been unlocked from the tank 20 , it slides inside the neck 22 along its longitudinal ribs 35 to a distal position.

[0067] In this distal position, the filling member 30 can be tilted slightly via the tilted notch 37 to bring the tilt of the member 30 closer to the horizontal plane, thereby facilitating filling through the filling port 40. The tilt also brings the notch 37 into contact with the outer surface of the flange 26, thereby forming a retaining portion and preventing the member 30 from returning to the proximal position under its own weight.

[0068] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Other embodiments known to a person skilled in the art may also be considered without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A filling device (10) for a motor vehicle (100), comprising: A tank (20) provided with a filler neck (22) extending along a main axis (X); and a member (30) for filling the tank (20) through the neck (22), characterized in that the member (30) is configured to be mounted to slide along the main axis (X) inside the neck (22) between a proximal position for closing the neck (22) and a distal position for allowing the tank (20) to be filled at a certain distance, and wherein the member (30) comprises: a body (32) having a closed distal portion (34D); and a peripheral wall (36) having a filling opening (40), the member (30) being configured so that: in the proximal position, the distal portion (34D) forms a cap for sealing the neck (22), and in the distal position, the filling opening (40) of the member (30) is released from the neck (22) to allow the tank (20) to be filled.

2. Filling device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein The main axis (X) of the neck (22) is inclined upward relative to the horizontal, and the member (30) is configured to be able to tilt downward relative to the main axis (X) of the neck (22) at least in its distal position.

3. Filling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising locking means (60) for quickly locking the member (30) to the neck (22) in the proximal position.

4. Filling device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein The locking device (60) comprises a male element (420) and a female element (280) designed to cooperate with each other, the male element (420) and the female element (280) being carried by external flanges (26, 42) connected to the neck (22) and the member (30), respectively.

5. Filling device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein The locking device (60) is of the bayonet connection type, the member (30) being pre-mounted on the neck (22) by inserting the male element (420) into the female element (280) and then locked to the neck (22) by rotating about the main axis (X).

6. Filling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The body (32) has a generally longitudinally truncated cylindrical shape, such as a semi-cylindrical shape, and has a flat surface (38) on which the filling port (40) is located.

7. Filling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The neck (22) and the member (30) are provided with positioning means (70) to force the filling port (40) to be positioned upwards when in use.

8. Filling device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein The positioning device (70) comprises an internal partition (72) which projects transversely within the neck (22) and defines an insertion-shaped cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the member (30) at the proximal end portion (34P).

9. Filling device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein The inner wall (220) of the neck (22) further comprises at least one longitudinal rib (224) along the main axis (X), the at least one longitudinal rib being configured to prevent the member (30) from rotating about the main axis (X).

10. Filling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The distal portion (34D) includes a circumferential groove (340) for receiving an O-ring seal (50).

11. Filling device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein The distal portion (34D) is in the form of a cap having a circumferential flange (344) defining elements (346) for gripping and manipulating the cap.

12. Filling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The member (30) has a stopper (360) in the proximal portion (34P) designed to engage with an internal raised portion (202) of the tank (20) to prevent the member from separating from the neck (22) when the member (30) completes sliding toward the distal position.

13. Filling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The body (32) of the member (30) is made by molding a synthetic material in a single piece.

14. A motor vehicle (100) comprising a filling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The filling device (10) is accessible from a hatch (104) mounted on a surrounding body structure, such that the filling device (10) is accessible from the outside, the hatch being located, for example, on the side or front of the motor vehicle (100).

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