Motor vehicle having water tank and air intake openings formed on both sides of longitudinal central axis in cover element of water tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive, comprising: a windshield; a water tank in front of the windshield, the water tank adapted to collect and discharge water accumulated in a transition region of the windshield and the front cover; the water tank has a bottom element (30) and a cover element (32), which form an intake space (38) for fresh air (FL); a fresh air inlet (40) of the air conditioning unit, which is fluidly connected to the intake space (38); the cover element (32) has a water retaining wall (34) extending along the windshield, the water retaining wall having a water retaining wall channel (34k) facing the windshield for discharging water to both sides of the motor vehicle; an intake opening (36) for fresh air (FL) is formed in the cover element (32); a water collection basin (42) with a bottom surface (42f) is formed in the base element (30). The air inlet openings (36) are formed on both sides of the longitudinal center axis (MA) of the motor vehicle with respect to the width direction of the motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive device, wherein the motor vehicle has: a windshield; a water tank arranged in front of the windshield, the water tank being adapted to collect and discharge water accumulated in the transition area between the windshield and the front cover; wherein the water tank has a bottom element and a cover element, the bottom element and the cover element forming an air intake space for fresh air; a fresh air inlet of an air conditioning unit, which is fluidically connected to the air intake space; wherein the cover element has a water retaining wall extending along the windshield, the water retaining wall having a water retaining wall channel facing the windshield for discharging water to both sides of the motor vehicle; wherein an air intake opening for fresh air is constructed in the cover element; and wherein a water collecting basin with a bottom surface is constructed in the bottom element. Background Art

[0002] For example, such a motor vehicle is known from EP 2 236 332 A2. In addition, reference is made to DE 40 12568 C1, which also discloses a motor vehicle having a water tank.

[0003] Until now, known motor vehicles have had sufficiently high external dimensions to provide a fresh air path with suitable flow parameters. The fresh air path is defined, in particular, by the surrounding wall components (radiator tank floor, radiator tank front wall, radiator tank cover), the front wall between the interior and the engine compartment, and the damper strut receptacles. Fresh air should flow outward (toward the sides) across the width of the vehicle through the vertically low, grooved radiator tank to the fresh air inlet of the air conditioning system or unit to achieve maximum water separation. The air conditioning unit is typically located on the passenger side, depending on the steering mechanism. The fresh air path is also designed to extend from the driver's side to the passenger side, depending on the specific circumstances of the steering mechanism. In known radiators, it has been shown that a significant amount of water is admitted through the air inlet opening in the radiator tank cover (cover element), which is then separated within the radiator tank.

[0004] Due to the so-called cab-forward design to increase the interior volume and the requirement for a flat front hood, air routing with sufficiently good flow parameters and a water separation effect is no longer possible, in particular with the previous longitudinal and height extensions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle with a water tank in which the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided and wherein, given the small amount of available space, a reliable water separation should be provided, in particular when the flow velocity of the drawn-in external air is sufficiently low and the flow cross section is as large as possible.

[0006] This object is achieved by a motor vehicle having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] A motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive is proposed, wherein the motor vehicle comprises: a windshield; a water tank arranged in front of the windshield, the water tank being adapted to collect and drain water that accumulates in the transition area between the windshield and the front cover; the water tank comprising a bottom element and a cover element, the bottom element and the cover element forming an intake space for fresh air; a fresh air inlet of an air conditioning unit, the fresh air inlet being fluidically connected to the intake space; the cover element comprising a water retaining wall extending along the windshield, the water retaining wall having a water retaining wall channel facing the windshield for draining water to both sides of the motor vehicle; an air intake opening for the fresh air is formed in the cover element; and a water collecting basin with a bottom surface is formed in the bottom element. It is proposed that the air intake openings are formed on both sides of the longitudinal center axis of the motor vehicle, relative to the width direction of the motor vehicle.

[0008] Arranging the air inlet opening in a central or middle area, in particular on both sides of the longitudinal center axis of the vehicle, can prevent or prevent a relatively large amount of water from entering the air inlet space for fresh air in cooperation with a water barrier extending along the windshield.

[0009] In motor vehicles, the air inlet opening can have an upwardly protruding, circumferential edge projection. This edge projection (which can also be referred to as a circumferential web) forms another element for preventing water from penetrating through the air inlet opening.

[0010] In a motor vehicle, the air inlet opening and the bottom surface of the collecting basin can have essentially the same shape, in particular a trapezoidal design.

[0011] In particular, the air inlet opening and the water collecting basin may be arranged one above the other, in particular such that the air inlet opening and the bottom surface are aligned in register or substantially correspond / coincide with one another.

[0012] This ensures that water which still enters through the air inlet opening or water droplets which may be entrained into the air inlet space due to air flows can be collected or separated directly below the air inlet opening.

[0013] In a motor vehicle, the bottom surface of the water collecting basin can extend obliquely in the longitudinal and width directions of the motor vehicle. This ensures that water collected in the water collecting basin can be directed to the lowest point. In particular, the bottom surface can be continuously inclined in one direction for water separation.

[0014] Here, a drain can be arranged at the lowest point of the bottom surface, in particular in the corner area, for draining the water collected in the collecting basin. Such a drain is especially arranged at the lowest point of the collecting basin so that water can be reliably drained from the water tank.

[0015] For this purpose, a water pipe, for example in the form of a hose or in particular a deformable pipe, can be connected to the drain of the collecting basin so that the water can be drained to the environment, bypassing other vehicle components, in particular electrical components.

[0016] In motor vehicles, a plurality of struts can be arranged in front of the windshield, which struts are oriented obliquely to one another and define a polygonal receiving space between them.

[0017] Such struts can be fastened in particular to body components of a motor vehicle, for example in the region of lateral strut mounts and / or in the region of cross members or partitions separating the vehicle interior from the engine compartment. Struts can therefore also be referred to as body reinforcement bars.

[0018] In this case, the bottom element can be supported by the struts, and the bottom surface can be arranged in the receiving space formed by the struts.

[0019] As a result, the receiving space formed by the struts can be optimally utilized for accommodating the collecting basin of the water box therein.

[0020] In motor vehicles, in motor vehicles that drive on the left and in motor vehicles that drive on the right, the bottom surface of the bottom element can have substantially the same, especially identical shape. In other words, the embodiment of the bottom surface of the bottom element can be independent of the steering device.

[0021] This makes it possible, for example, for the air inlet opening and the water collecting basin to be arranged or mounted at the same position of the motor vehicle, in particular at the same position relative to the aforementioned strut, regardless of the steering arrangement.

[0022] In a motor vehicle, the bottom element of the water tank can be designed such that the bottom element is arranged above a brake system of the motor vehicle, which is arranged in front of the windshield. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] in:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic top view of the front of a motor vehicle with a windshield and a front bonnet;

[0026] Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1Similar top view, but without the front cover and with the water tank visible;

[0027] Figure 3 Shows a rough correspondence Figure 1 and Figure 2 A simplified schematic cross-sectional view of the section line III-III;

[0028] Figure 4 Shows a rough correspondence Figure 2 A simplified schematic cross-sectional view of the section line IV-IV;

[0029] Figure 5 shows a simplified schematic perspective view of the front of a motor vehicle;

[0030] Figure 6 shows a simplified schematic perspective view of the front of a motor vehicle;

[0031] Figure 7 shows a simplified schematic top view of a bottom element of a water tank in a left-hand drive motor vehicle;

[0032] Figure 8 A simplified, schematic top view of a base element of a water tank in a right-hand drive motor vehicle is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] exist Figure 1 , a simplified and schematic top view of the front of a motor vehicle 10 is shown. In this view, a windshield 12 (also referred to as a windshield) and a front hood 14 can be seen from the motor vehicle 10.

[0034] An interior space 16 of the motor vehicle 10 is located behind the windshield 12. In the interior space, a driver's seat 18f and a passenger seat 18b as well as a center console 20 and a steering wheel 22 are shown in simplified form.

[0035] exist Figure 1 In the figures and also in the subsequent figures, the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle is indicated by X, the width direction is indicated by Y, and the height direction (orthogonal to X and Y) is indicated by Z. Figure 1 , an imaginary longitudinal center axis MA of the motor vehicle 10 is also shown by a dash-dot line.

[0036] The front cover 14 covers a structural space 24 ( Figure 2 ), which structural space is used in particular for drive motors, electronic and / or hydraulic systems (such as, for example, brake systems), refrigeration equipment, etc.

[0037] Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1 Similar top view, wherein the front hood 14 and the front hood 14 of the motor vehicle 10 are not shown again. Figure 1Since the front cover 14 is not shown, the construction space 24 is visible, wherein the technical components arranged therein are not shown.

[0038] from Figure 2 The water tank 26 arranged in front of the windshield 12 can be seen in the figure. The water tank is adapted to collect and discharge the water in the transition area 28 ( Figure 1 ) in the water accumulated in the

[0039] The water tank 26 has Figure 2 The bottom element 30 and the cover element 32 which are not visible in the figure. The cover element 32 has a water retaining wall 34 which extends along the windshield 12, in particular along the lower edge 12u of the windshield. An air inlet opening 36 for fresh air is formed in the cover element 32.

[0040] The air inlet opening 36 generally has a grille-like or screen-like cover 36 a to prevent larger particles or leaves from entering.

[0041] The water retaining wall 34 is configured to extend continuously from the left side to the right side of the motor vehicle 10. In particular, the water retaining wall 34 has a curved length in the width direction Y that substantially corresponds to the curved length of the lower edge 12u of the windshield 12, or is slightly shorter, in particular, at least 80% of the curved length of the lower edge 12u. In order to allow water deflected by the water retaining wall 34 to be drained out laterally, lateral drainage openings 35 are provided.

[0042] Figure 3 Shown corresponding to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Simplified cross-sectional view along the cutting line III-III.

[0043] In this figure, the front cover 14 can be seen arranged above the water tank 26. The water tank 26 has a Figure 2 3. The cover element 32 is seen in FIG. In this figure, the already mentioned bottom element 30 is also shown in a visible manner.

[0044] An air intake space 38 for fresh air is formed between the cover element 32 and the bottom element 30. Here, fresh air enters the water box 26 through the air intake opening 36 and is guided in the air intake space 38 to a fresh air inlet 40 (not shown in detail) of an air conditioning unit. Figure 4 and Figure 6 A collecting basin 42 with a bottom surface 42 f is formed in the bottom element 30 .

[0045] In addition, from Figure 3Can see that the water retaining wall 34 that stretches along windshield 12 has for water to both sides of motor vehicle discharge, facing water retaining wall channel 34k of windshield.Water retaining wall channel 34k can be configured to be concave for example with respect to windshield 12.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 It can be seen that the air inlet openings 36 are formed on both sides of the longitudinal center axis MA of the motor vehicle 10, relative to the width direction Y of the motor vehicle 10. In other words, the air inlet openings 36 of the water tank 26, or more specifically, of the cover element 32, are arranged in the middle or center relative to the width direction Y. In other words, an imaginary XZ plane containing the longitudinal center axis MA intersects an imaginary plane containing the air inlet openings 36.

[0047] from Figure 3 and Figure 5 It can be seen in FIG that the air inlet opening 36 has a peripheral edge projection 44 that protrudes upward, in particular in the Z direction. The edge projection 44 can also be referred to as a peripheral web.

[0048] Figure 4 Shown roughly along Figure 2 36. A simplified sectional view along the section line IV-IV of FIG. This sectional view also shows the air intake space 38 defined by the cover element 32 and the bottom element 30. Fresh air FL enters through the air intake opening 36 and is guided laterally to the fresh air inlet 40 of the air conditioning unit (not shown), already mentioned above.

[0049] Combine Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can also be seen that the bottom surface 42 f of the collecting basin 42 extends obliquely in the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y of the motor vehicle 10 .

[0050] exist Figure 4 Other elements shown in FIG. 1 are labeled with the same reference numerals as in the previous drawings, so that further description of these elements may be omitted.

[0051] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A motor vehicle 10 with a windshield 12 is shown in a simplified perspective view.

[0052] exist Figure 5 The cover element 32 of the water tank 26 can be seen in FIG. Figure 6 The cover element 32 is not shown so that the bottom element 30 can be seen. Figure 7 A top view without the cover element 32 can be seen in FIG. Figures 5 to 7 Provide a description.

[0053] It can be seen that the air inlet opening 36 and the bottom surface 42f of the water collecting basin 42 have essentially the same shape. In particular, they have a trapezoidal design. This is also combined with Figure 2 and Figure 7 It can be seen very clearly.

[0054] It can further be seen that the air inlet opening 36 and the collecting basin 42 are arranged one above the other, in particular such that the air inlet opening 36 and the bottom surface 42 f are aligned in alignment or substantially coincident with one another.

[0055] Especially from Figure 7 As can be seen in the figure, a drain 46 is arranged in a corner area of ​​the bottom surface 42f for draining away the water collected in the collection basin 42. In particular, the drain can be arranged at the lowest point or lowest area of ​​the inclined bottom surface 42f. The drain 46 can be configured as a return port, for example.

[0056] A plurality of struts 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d are arranged in front of the windshield 12. The struts 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d are oriented at an angle to one another so as to form or delimit therebetween a polygonal receiving space 50. The receiving space 50 can be, in particular, triangular or quadrilateral, wherein, for example, a trapezoidal receiving space 50 is defined by all four struts 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d.

[0057] The bottom element 30 of the water box 26 is supported by struts 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, wherein the bottom surface 42f of the collecting basin 42 is arranged in a receiving space 50 formed by the struts 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d.

[0058] The braces may also be referred to as: dome brace 48d, right A-pillar brace 48a, left A-pillar brace 48b, and connecting brace 48c.

[0059] The shape of the collecting basin 42, specifically the bottom surface 42f, is particularly the geometry provided by the right A-pillar strut 48a, the dome strut 48d and the connecting strut 48c. Here, the receiving space 50 formed between the struts 48a, 48c, 48d is only partially occupied by the collecting basin 42.

[0060] The struts 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d are in particular supported on other body parts of the motor vehicle 10 or connected to other body parts, such as, for example, the lateral damper strut mounts 52 (at Figure 5 ), and / or supported on a cross member or a separating wall 54 ( Figure 5 ) area.

[0061] exist Figures 1 to 7In FIG. 1 , a motor vehicle with a steering device (steering wheel 22) on the left is shown, while in FIG. Figure 8 , the embodiment of a floor element 30 for a motor vehicle with a steering device (steering wheel 22 ) on the right is shown.

[0062] Combine Figure 7 and Figure 8 It can be seen that in the left-hand driving motor vehicle 10 ( Figures 1 to 7 ) and right-hand drive motor vehicle 10 ( Figure 8 ), the bottom surface 42f of the bottom element 30 has a substantially identical, in particular identical, shape. In particular, the positioning of the bottom surface 42f, or more precisely the water collecting basin 42 of the bottom element 30 of the water tank 26, relative to the struts 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d can be identical.

[0063] refer to Figure 8 It should also be noted that the bottom element 30 of the water tank 26 can be designed so that it is arranged above a brake system 56 (shown simplified as a dashed rectangle) of the motor vehicle 10 , which is arranged in front of the windshield 12 . Figure 8 This should be understood as an example only, as Figure 7 In the embodiment of , the bottom element 30 is also designed such that it is arranged above the other components accommodated in the installation space 24 in front of the windshield 12 .

[0064] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 It should be noted that the free area of ​​the receiving space 50 formed between the struts 48a, 48c, 48d, which is not occupied by the collecting basin 42, can be used as an inlet for components of the motor vehicle 10 located below, such as an opening for a fluid reservoir (such as, for example, a brake fluid container for the braking system 56).

[0065] With the aid of the water box 26 described above, a multi-stage water separation concept can be provided. In this case, in the first stage, water is discharged by means of the water retaining wall 34. In the second stage, the water that enters the air intake space 38 through the air intake opening 36 is retained in the water collection basin 42 and discharged.

[0066] As a third stage, the fresh air inlet 40 is arranged at a higher position relative to the water collection basin 42 in the height direction Z. In particular, the grille covering the fresh air inlet 40 is higher than the bottom surface 42f. A groove is formed between the fresh air inlet 40 and the water collection basin 42. This groove serves to separate water that is drawn into the back of the water collection basin 42, particularly due to air flow. Water that reaches this groove can, for example, flow out of or below the fresh air inlet, for example, through a non-return valve.

[0067] Co-viewing Figures 1 to 8It can also be seen that the water box 26 described here serves to provide a flat structure for drawing in fresh air in terms of its extension in the height direction Z. Furthermore, the water box 26 is arranged to utilize the pedestrian protection deformation area for the fresh air flow.

[0068] In summary, it should be noted that in the corresponding Figures 1 to 8 The reference numerals shown in a figure may be more than those included in the description associated with that figure. The existing description of the reference numerals of one figure may also be adopted or applied to another figure, provided that the relevant reference numerals are only shown in this other figure but not described separately.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle (10) having an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive, wherein: The motor vehicle (10) has: - windshield (12); a water tank (26) arranged in front of the windshield (12) and adapted to collect and drain water accumulated in the transition region (28) between the windshield (12) and the front cover (14); The water tank (26) has a bottom element (30) and a cover element (32), which form an air intake space (38) for fresh air (FL); - a fresh air inlet (40) of an air conditioning unit, which is in fluid connection with the air intake space (38); The cover element (32) has a water retaining wall (34) extending along the windshield (12), and the water retaining wall has a water retaining wall channel (34k) facing the windshield (12) for discharging water to both sides of the motor vehicle (10); wherein an air inlet opening (36) for fresh air (FL) is formed in the cover element (32); and A collecting basin (42) with a bottom surface (42f) is formed in the bottom element (30); It is characterized in that The air inlet openings (36) are constructed on both sides of a longitudinal center axis (MA) of the motor vehicle (10) with reference to the width direction (Y) of the motor vehicle (10).

2. The motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The air inlet opening (36) has an upwardly protruding, circumferential edge projection (44).

3. The motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The air inlet opening (36) and the bottom surface (42f) of the collecting basin (42) have essentially the same shape, in particular a trapezoidal design.

4. The motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The air inlet opening (36) and the water collecting basin (42) are arranged one above the other, in particular such that the air inlet opening (36) and the bottom surface (42f) are aligned in alignment or substantially correspond to one another.

5. The motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The bottom surface (42f) extends obliquely in the longitudinal direction (X) and the width direction (Y) of the motor vehicle (10).

6. The motor vehicle (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that A drain (46) is arranged at the lowest point of the bottom surface (42f), in particular in a corner region, for draining away water collected in the collecting basin (42).

7. The motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A plurality of struts (48a, 48b, 48c, 48d) are arranged in front of the windshield (12), which are oriented obliquely to one another and define a polygonal receiving space (50) between them.

8. The motor vehicle (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The bottom element (30) is supported by the struts (48a, 48b, 48c, 48d), and the bottom surface (42f) is arranged in a receiving space (50) formed by the struts (48a, 48b, 48c, 48d).

9. The motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In left-hand drive vehicles and in right-hand drive vehicles, the bottom surface (42f) of the floor element (30) has essentially the same, in particular identical, shape.

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