Vehicle-mounted drinking water system and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a vehicle-mounted drinking water system, which at least comprises: a water storage tank mounted on a vehicle; a first drinking water outlet arranged on a driver side A column; and a water pump mounted on a lower area of a sub-instrument panel, wherein a water suction end of the water pump is connected with the water storage tank through a water supply pipeline, and a water outlet end of the water pump is connected with the first drinking water outlet through a first drinking water pipeline, and the first drinking water pipeline extends to the driver side A column through an instrument panel and is connected with the first drinking water outlet. According to the embodiments of the application, the driver can conveniently drink clean cold and hot water without the assistance of others even during driving. In addition, the vehicle-mounted drinking water system has excellent expansibility and is also convenient for providing other passengers in the vehicle with convenient drinking water function, so that the passengers do not need to additionally carry and store drinking water utensils and occupy the space in the vehicle. The application also provides a corresponding vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to an on-board drinking water system and a vehicle having the on-board drinking water system. Background Technology

[0002] As the demand for intelligent and lifestyle-oriented features in automobiles increases, passengers are placing higher demands on convenient functions within the vehicle. However, most vehicles currently still have relatively basic water supply systems.

[0003] Traditional vehicles typically only have cup holders in the center console or allow storage of drinking devices within the center console's storage space. When a driver needs to drink water while driving, they often need assistance from the front passenger or rear passengers to retrieve the device; if driving alone, they must take their hands off the steering wheel to do so, which severely distracts them and prevents independent, unimpeded drinking during safe driving. Furthermore, if they need to prepare drinks like formula while driving, the driver or passengers must rely on pre-prepared bottled water or thermos flasks. This existing system has many drawbacks: firstly, bottled water or thermos flasks take up valuable storage space in the vehicle; secondly, the lack of a fixed and easily accessible drinking device means passengers cannot readily access hot or room temperature water while traveling, significantly reducing in-car convenience and driving safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an in-vehicle drinking water system and a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle drinking water system, so as to at least partially solve various technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an in-vehicle drinking water system is provided, the in-vehicle drinking water system comprising at least: Water tanks installed on vehicles; The first drinking water inlet is located on the driver's side A-pillar; A water pump is installed in the area below the sub-dashboard. The suction end of the water pump is connected to the water storage tank via a water supply pipe, and the outlet end of the water pump is connected to the first drinking water inlet via a first drinking water pipe. The first drinking water pipe extends from inside the dashboard to the driver's side A-pillar and connects to the first drinking water inlet.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, the first drinking spout is configured to switch between a standby position housed in the A-pillar and a working position extending from the A-pillar to allow the driver to access the drinking water.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, the first drinking spout is provided with a resilient mechanism and is configured to be switched from the standby position to the working position by manual operation, and to be switched from the working position to the standby position by means of the elastic recovery action of the resilient mechanism.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the first drinking spout is configured to switch between the standby position and the working position via a button operation, the button preferably being arranged on a steering wheel.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the first drinking water pipeline is provided with a negative pressure sensor for detecting negative pressure in the first drinking water pipeline and an on / off valve for controlling the opening and closing of the first drinking water pipeline. The negative pressure sensor is configured to issue a first detection signal indicating that a suction action is to occur when the absolute value of the detected negative pressure exceeds a first predetermined threshold, and to issue a second detection signal indicating that the suction action is to stop when the absolute value of the detected negative pressure is lower than a second predetermined threshold, wherein the first predetermined threshold is greater than the second predetermined threshold, and the vehicle-mounted drinking water system is configured to: open the on / off valve and cause the water pump to perform a water supply operation in response to the acquisition of the first detection signal, and stop the water pump from performing a water supply operation and then close the on / off valve in response to the acquisition of the second detection signal.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle-mounted drinking water system further includes a heat exchange device configured to heat and / or cool the water in the first drinking water line. Preferably, a control component adapted to control the heat exchange device to heat and / or cool the water in the first drinking water line is arranged on the steering wheel.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the first drinking water pipeline is provided with a drainage structure, which is configured to open after the water pump stops operating and before the on / off valve closes, so as to drain residual water in the first drinking water pipeline.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the water tank is provided with a water level detection device, which is configured to issue a water shortage signal when the water level in the water tank is detected to be lower than a preset water level. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system is configured to stop the operation of the water pump or keep the water pump in a stopped state in response to the water shortage signal.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle-mounted drinking water system further includes: The second drinking water outlet is located on the A-pillar on the passenger side. The water pump's outlet is connected to the second drinking water inlet via a second drinking water pipe. This second drinking water pipe extends from inside the dashboard to the passenger-side A-pillar and connects to the second drinking water inlet. Preferably, the second drinking outlet has the same configuration as the first drinking outlet, and the second drinking pipe has the same configuration as the first drinking pipe.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle-mounted drinking water system further includes: A water outlet unit is located at the rear of the center armrest. The water outlet unit is equipped with control components suitable for operation from the rear passenger space and at least one water outlet. The water pump outlet is also connected to the at least one water outlet of the water outlet unit via at least one rear drinking water pipe. The control component is configured to control the operation of the water pump and the on / off state of the rear drinking water pipeline.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment, the water tank is disposed in the front compartment and / or trunk of the vehicle and / or under the vehicle seats.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, a water purification device is provided on the outlet side of the water pump.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, a coarse filter is provided on the suction side of the water pump.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided that includes an onboard drinking water system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention, based on the above aspects, are that by arranging the water pump, the first drinking inlet, and the first drinking pipe in existing structural spaces such as the area below the vehicle's sub-dashboard, the driver's side A-pillar, and the interior of the dashboard, the drinking system can be integrated into the vehicle without occupying additional space in the passenger compartment. Furthermore, the relevant components and pipes can be hidden within the interior, without affecting the aesthetics of the cabin or driving operation. Simultaneously, the first drinking inlet's proximity to the driver allows the driver to access drinking water without changing their seating position, providing convenient drinking functionality and enabling them to easily drink clean hot or cold water even while driving without assistance, thus helping to maintain driving focus. In addition, it facilitates the installation of second drinking inlets or water outlets at the rear of the passenger-side A-pillar and the center armrest, respectively, enabling multi-location water access within the vehicle to meet the drinking needs of occupants in different seats, eliminating the need for occupants to carry and store additional drinking utensils, thus saving interior space. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will provide a better understanding of its principles, features, and advantages. The drawings include: Figure 1 A vehicle including an on-board drinking water system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically; Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of an in-vehicle drinking water system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water outlet unit of an on-board drinking water system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0022] Figure 1 A vehicle 200 is schematically shown including an on-board drinking water system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of an in-vehicle drinking water system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an in-vehicle drinking water system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes at least a water pump 1, a first drinking port 2 for the driver to drink water, and a water tank 3. The water pump 1 is connected to the first drinking port 2 and the water tank 3 respectively via pipes 20 and 30, so as to pump water from the water tank 3 to the first drinking port 2 for the driver to drink.

[0023] Specifically, in the in-vehicle drinking water system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the water pump 1 is installed in the area below the sub-dashboard, for example, it may be installed in the area below the center armrest, or more forward in the area below the dashboard. The water tank 3 may be arranged in the front compartment and / or trunk of the vehicle. Figure 1(This illustration only shows the water tank 3 arranged in the front compartment) without occupying additional cabin space. The first drinking spout 2 is located on the driver's side A-pillar for easy access by the driver. The suction end of the water pump 1 is connected to the water tank 3 via a water supply pipe 30, and the outlet end of the water pump 1 is connected to the first drinking spout 2 via a first drinking water pipe 20. This first drinking water pipe 20 extends from inside the dashboard to the driver's side A-pillar and connects to the first drinking spout 2. Thus, the water pump 1, the first drinking spout 2, and the first drinking water pipe 20 are respectively arranged in the existing structural space of the vehicle cabin, such as the area below the vehicle's sub-dashboard, the driver's side A-pillar, and inside the dashboard, and can be hidden inside the interior, without occupying additional passenger compartment space, and without affecting the aesthetics of the cabin or driving operation. At the same time, the first drinking spout 2 can be placed as close as possible to the driver's head position without interfering with driving operation, making it convenient for the driver to drink water. In particular, by installing the water pump 1 in the area below the sub-dashboard, compared to the conventional arrangement near the water tank 3, the length of the first drinking water pipe 20 on the high-pressure side of the water pump 1 can be shortened, resulting in stable water pressure. Especially when the water pump 1 and the main pipe joints are concentrated under the center armrest, it also facilitates assembly and maintenance. Furthermore, it facilitates the expansion of multiple drinking water outlets in the vehicle interior, helping to shorten the drinking water pipes between the water pump 1 and each drinking water outlet, thus achieving stable water supply from multiple sources, which will be described in detail later. In addition, the area below the sub-dashboard has abundant vehicle wiring harness resources, and the power supply and signal harness of the water pump 1 has a short laying distance, which can reduce the safety hazards caused by long-distance mixed laying of pipes and electrical harnesses.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the first drinking spout 2 is configured to switch between a standby position housed in the A-pillar and a working position extending from the A-pillar to allow the driver to access the drinking water. Figure 1 An example is shown of the state when the first drinking spout 2 extends a certain distance from post A.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, the first drinking spout 2 may be equipped with a resilient mechanism and configured to overcome the elastic restoring force of the resilient mechanism by manual operation of the driver, and switch from a standby position to a working position, i.e., be manually pulled out from the A-pillar by the driver for drinking. After the driver finishes drinking, they can release their hand directly, at which point the first drinking spout 2 can switch from the working position back to the standby position by means of the elastic restoring force of the resilient mechanism. Alternatively, the elastic restoring force of the resilient mechanism may be configured to allow the driver to hold the first drinking spout 2 in their mouth without retracting it, so that the driver does not need to occupy their hand to hold the first drinking spout 2 when drinking, so as to minimize the impact on their driving operation; and when the driver opens their mouth and releases the first drinking spout 2, the first drinking spout 2 returns to the standby position located in the A-pillar by means of the elastic restoring force of the resilient mechanism.

[0026] In another alternative embodiment, the first drinking spout 2 can also be configured to switch between a standby position and a working position via button operation. The button controlling the position switching of the first drinking spout 2 is preferably located on the steering wheel, so that when the driver wants to drink water, they can directly press the corresponding button on the steering wheel. In response, the first drinking spout 2 extends from the standby position in the A-pillar to the working position near the driver's mouth, making it convenient for the driver to drink. After the driver finishes drinking, they can press the button again, and in response, the first drinking spout 2 returns from the working position to the standby position in the A-pillar.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the in-vehicle drinking water system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a controller 10 to assist in implementing various control operations, such as the position switching operation of the first drinking spout 2 in the optional embodiment described above. Specifically, the driver's operation signal to the aforementioned button is transmitted to the controller 10, and the controller 10, in response to the acquisition of the operation signal, controls the corresponding actuator to perform the aforementioned position switching operation of the first drinking spout 2.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the first drinking water pipeline 20 is provided with a negative pressure sensor 21 for detecting negative pressure in the first drinking water pipeline 20 and an on / off valve 22 for controlling the opening and closing of the first drinking water pipeline 20. The negative pressure sensor 21 is configured to issue a first detection signal indicating that a suction action should occur when the absolute value of the detected negative pressure exceeds a first predetermined threshold, and to issue a second detection signal indicating that the suction action should stop when the absolute value of the detected negative pressure is lower than a second predetermined threshold, wherein the first predetermined threshold is greater than the second predetermined threshold. Accordingly, the vehicle-mounted drinking water system 100, specifically the controller 10, is configured to: open the on / off valve 22 and cause the water pump 1 to perform a water supply operation in response to the acquisition of the first detection signal, and stop the water pump 1 from performing a water supply operation and then close the on / off valve 22 in response to the acquisition of the second detection signal.

[0029] In one optional example, the first predetermined threshold is, for example, 8 kPa, and the second predetermined threshold is, for example, 3 kPa. After receiving the first detection signal, the controller 10 controls the water pump 1 to operate in a low-power / flow mode, for example, controlling the output flow rate of the water pump 1 to be 10~30 mL / min, for example, 20 mL / min, which is less than the flow rate drawn when a person sucks. Thus, when the driver continuously sucks on the first drinking nozzle 2, since the driver's sucking flow rate is greater than the water pump's supply flow rate, the first drinking water pipeline 20 can maintain a negative pressure state, especially a negative pressure state with an absolute value greater than the second predetermined threshold, so that the system 100 can continuously supply water; when the driver stops sucking, the pressure in the first drinking water pipeline 20 will quickly return to near atmospheric pressure, and then the negative pressure sensor 21 will detect that the absolute value of the negative pressure is lower than the second predetermined threshold and output a second detection signal, and the controller 10 will then shut down the water pump 1 and close the on / off valve 22. This allows the water pump 1 to automatically respond to the driver's sucking action, while preventing the pipeline from shutting off the operation of the water pump 1 due to excessive water supply and resulting in high positive pressure, thus interrupting the driver's drinking or causing water overflow.

[0030] After the driver stops sucking, causing the water pump 1 to stop operating, some water will remain in the first drinking water line 20. In a vehicle environment, this residual water may deteriorate due to temperature changes, freeze and expand at low temperatures, damaging the line, or grow bacteria if left unused for a long time. To address this, in a preferred embodiment, the first drinking water line 20 is also equipped with a drainage structure (not shown). This drainage structure is configured to open after the water pump 1 stops operating and before the on / off valve 22 closes, to drain the residual water in the first drinking water line 20 and prevent the aforementioned adverse situations from occurring.

[0031] Furthermore, if the water level in the water tank 3 is insufficient, but the water pump 1 continues to operate, there is a risk that the water pump 1 may run dry and be damaged. To address this, in a preferred embodiment, the water tank 3 is equipped with a water level detection device. This device can be configured to issue a water shortage signal when it detects that the water level in the water tank 3 is lower than a preset water level. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system 100, i.e., the controller 10, is configured to stop the operation of the water pump 1 or keep the water pump 1 in a stopped state in response to the water shortage signal.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle-mounted drinking water system 100 further includes a heat exchanger 6 configured to heat and / or cool water in the first drinking water line 20, so that the driver can drink hot water, room temperature water, and / or cold water. Control components for the driver to control the operation of the heat exchanger 6 may also be located on the steering wheel.

[0033] Through one or more of the above embodiments, drivers can conveniently drink water at the required temperature even while driving, without affecting driving operations.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle-mounted drinking water system 100 may further include a second drinking inlet 4 disposed on the passenger-side A-pillar. The outlet of the water pump 1 is connected to the second drinking inlet 4 via a second drinking water pipe 40, which extends from inside the dashboard to the passenger-side A-pillar and connects to the second drinking inlet 4. Particularly preferably, the second drinking inlet 4 has the same configuration as the first drinking inlet 2, i.e., it can also be configured to switch between a standby position housed in the A-pillar and a working position extending from the A-pillar to allow the passenger to access the drinking water. Figure 1 The example shows a second drinking spout 4 in a standby position, which may also be configured with a flexible mechanism or adapted for position switching via button operation. The corresponding control buttons may be located on the door lining, or in any other suitable location. Similarly, the second drinking water line 40 may have the same configuration as the first drinking water line 20. That is, the second drinking water line 40 may also be equipped with a corresponding negative pressure sensor and an on / off valve, and the controller 10 is configured to open or close the on / off valve and control the operation of the water pump 1 in response to the detection signal of the corresponding negative pressure sensor. Furthermore, the second drinking water line 40 may also be arranged to pass through a heat exchanger 6. Or more preferably, the common main line of the first drinking water line 20 and the second drinking water line 40 may pass through the heat exchanger 6, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger 6 can also heat and / or cool the water in the second drinking water line 40, and its corresponding control components can be arranged in the door lining or other suitable locations. Furthermore, the aforementioned drainage structure can also be provided on the second drinking water line 40. Through this embodiment, the front passenger can conveniently drink water at the desired temperature, thus improving their riding experience.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, in order to facilitate drinking water for rear passengers, the vehicle drinking water system 100 also includes a water outlet unit 5 disposed at the rear end of the center armrest. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water outlet unit 5 of an in-vehicle drinking water system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3As shown, the water outlet unit 5 is equipped with a control component 51 suitable for operation from the rear passenger space and at least one water outlet 52. The water outlet of the water pump 1 is also connected to at least one water outlet 52 of the water outlet unit 5 via at least one rear drinking water pipe 50. The control component 51 can be configured to control the operation of the water pump 1 and the on / off state of the rear drinking water pipe 50, eliminating the need for a negative pressure sensor and drainage structure. Preferably, the rear drinking water pipe 50 can also be arranged to pass through a heat exchanger 6, or the common main pipe of the rear drinking water pipe 50, the first drinking water pipe 20, and the second drinking water pipe 40 can pass through the heat exchanger 6. Thus, the heat exchanger 6 can also heat and / or cool the water in the rear drinking water pipe 50, and the control component 51 can include relevant control elements. Through this embodiment, rear passengers can obtain drinking water at the desired temperature through the water outlet unit 5, thereby improving their travel experience.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, a water purification device 7 is provided on the outlet side of the water pump 1. Therefore, when the water in the water storage tank 3 is tap water, or when the water supply pipeline 30 is switched to a tap water source, the vehicle occupants can still drink clean water.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, a coarse filter 8 is provided on the suction end side of the water pump 1. Therefore, when the water in the water storage tank 3 is tap water, or when the water supply pipeline 30 is switched to tap water, the water pump 1 can be protected and its wear reduced.

[0038] In an optional embodiment, the water tank 3 can also be located under the vehicle seats, such as under the rear seats.

[0039] The present invention also provides a vehicle 200 including an on-board drinking water system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, they are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various substitutions, alterations, and modifications can be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100), said vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) comprising at least: Water tank installed on the vehicle (3); The first drinking water inlet (2) is located on the driver's side A-pillar. A water pump (1) is installed in the area below the sub-dashboard. The suction end of the water pump (1) is connected to the water storage tank (3) through a water supply pipe (30), and the outlet end of the water pump (1) is connected to the first drinking water inlet (2) through a first drinking water pipe (20). The first drinking water pipe (20) extends from inside the dashboard to the driver's side A-pillar and is connected to the first drinking water inlet (2).

2. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first drinking spout (2) is configured to switch between a standby position housed in the A-pillar and a working position extending from the A-pillar to allow the driver to access the drinking water.

3. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The first drinking spout (2) is equipped with a flexible mechanism and is configured to be manually operated to switch from the standby position to the working position, and to be able to switch from the working position to the standby position by means of the elastic recovery of the flexible mechanism; or The first drinking spout (2) is configured to be switched between the standby position and the working position by means of a button, the button preferably being arranged on the steering wheel.

4. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first drinking water pipeline (20) is equipped with a negative pressure sensor (21) for detecting negative pressure in the first drinking water pipeline (20) and an on / off valve (22) for controlling the opening and closing of the first drinking water pipeline (20). The negative pressure sensor (21) is configured to issue a first detection signal indicating that a suction action should occur when the absolute value of the detected negative pressure exceeds a first predetermined threshold, and to issue a second detection signal indicating that the suction action should stop when the absolute value of the detected negative pressure is lower than a second predetermined threshold, wherein the first predetermined threshold is greater than the second predetermined threshold, and The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) is configured to: open the on / off valve (22) and cause the water pump (1) to perform a water supply operation in response to the acquisition of the first detection signal, and stop the water pump (1) from performing a water supply operation and then close the on / off valve (22) in response to the acquisition of the second detection signal.

5. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) also includes: A heat exchange device (6) is configured to heat and / or cool the water in the first drinking water pipeline (20). Preferably, a control component suitable for controlling the heat exchange device (6) to heat and / or cool the water in the first drinking water pipeline (20) is arranged on the steering wheel.

6. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first drinking water pipeline (20) is provided with a drainage structure, which is configured to open after the water pump (1) stops operating and before the on / off valve (22) closes, so as to drain residual water in the first drinking water pipeline (20); and / or The water storage tank (3) is equipped with a water level detection device. The water level detection device is configured to issue a water shortage signal when it detects that the water level in the water storage tank (3) is lower than a preset water level. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) is configured to stop the operation of the water pump (1) or keep the water pump (1) in a stopped state in response to the water shortage signal.

7. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) also includes: The second drinking water inlet (4) is located on the A-pillar on the passenger side. The water pump (1) has its outlet end connected to the second drinking water inlet (4) via a second drinking water pipe (40). The second drinking water pipe (40) extends from inside the dashboard to the A-pillar on the passenger side and connects to the second drinking water inlet (4). Preferably, the second drinking port (4) has the same configuration as the first drinking port (2), and the second drinking pipe (40) has the same configuration as the first drinking pipe (20).

8. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) also includes: A water outlet unit (5) is provided at the rear of the center armrest. The water outlet unit (5) is provided with a control component (51) suitable for operation from the rear seat space of the vehicle and at least one water outlet (52). The water outlet of the water pump (1) is also connected to the at least one water outlet (52) of the water outlet unit (5) through at least one rear drinking water pipe (50). The control component (51) is configured to control the operation of the water pump (1) and the opening and closing of the rear drinking water pipeline (50).

9. The vehicle-mounted drinking water system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The water tank (3) is located in the front compartment and / or trunk of the vehicle and / or under the vehicle seats; and / or A water purification device (7) is provided on the outlet side of the water pump (1); and / or The water pump (1) is equipped with a coarse filter (8) on the suction end side.

10. A vehicle comprising an onboard drinking water system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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