Motor vehicle with a water tank located in the area in front of the windshield

Abstract

Motor vehicle with a windshield (2) and a water box (3) arranged in the area in front of the windshield (2), which collects and drains water flowing from the windshield (2), wherein the water box (3) is closed at its upper side by a water box cover (4), wherein the water box cover (4) has at least one opening (5, 6, 33) through which water can enter the water box (3) from the upper side of the water box cover (4, 32), characterized in that a water guide device (10, 18-25, 34) is arranged below the wiper mechanism (8) between a component (9) of the motor vehicle (1) arranged in the water box (3) and a wiper mechanism (8) of a windshield wiper, which has a component (7) extending through the opening (5, 6), which guides water entering through the opening (5, 6, 33) and / or guided along the wiper mechanism (8) from leading away from component (9),where the component (9) is an electrical component (9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a windshield and a water box arranged in the area in front of the windshield, which collects and drains water flowing from the windshield, wherein the water box is closed at its top by a water box cover, wherein the water box cover has at least one opening through which water can enter the water box from the top of the water box cover.

[0002] To channel water running off a windshield in a controlled manner, motor vehicles typically use a plenum chamber. Water running off the windshield enters the plenum chamber at the top and is then channeled away from the bottom. This plenum chamber serves, in particular, to prevent uncontrolled water flow into the area below it, thus protecting components located there.

[0003] Such a water box is typically attached to the body at the upper end of a bulkhead separating the vehicle interior and engine compartment, and can, for example, extend between the strut mounts of the vehicle body. In addition to the function described above, it can also serve to support other components, such as windshield wiper motors or wiper linkages.

[0004] One possible design of such a water box is known, for example, from the publication DE 10 2011 106 226 A1.

[0005] The publication FR 2 623 455 A1 discloses a water box of a motor vehicle, which is closed at the top by a grille and which serves on the one hand for air intake and on the other hand includes windshield wiper motors as further components.

[0006] From publication DE 20 2015 004 642 U1, a panel arrangement for a motor vehicle is known, comprising an air intake panel that fulfills the function of a water box cover and a service panel that has a water collection area. The service panel can be arranged above a water box, and end walls of the service panel can be located between end walls of the water box.

[0007] Publication JP 2004-203 169 A discloses a water tank with a water tank cover, below which a deflector plate for water guidance is arranged.

[0008] The publication DE 102 48 188 A1 relates to an engine compartment in a motor vehicle for accommodating operating units, which is located in front of a front wall separating a passenger compartment from an engine compartment which can be covered by a hood and is closed all around except for an access opening pointing towards the hood.

[0009] Document FR 2 963 920 A1 discloses a grid arranged in the area of ​​the windshield, which has a water drainage and conveying unit for guiding and conveying water on the outside of the grid.

[0010] In modern vehicles, the aim is usually to make the best possible use of available installation space. For example, it may be desirable to arrange components within the plenum chamber. The plenum chamber area would be well-suited, for instance, to house heating elements, such as those used to heat air supplied to the vehicle's interior.

[0011] A problem with arranging additional components within the plenum chamber is that water flowing from the windshield is typically transported with high momentum, for example due to the movement of the windshield wipers, towards the plenum chamber cover and enters the plenum chamber largely uncontrolled. Although it is known that water on the top of the plenum chamber can be channeled away by partitions and, for example, triangular recesses in the area of ​​the wiper arm opening, it is still possible for all components located within the plenum chamber to be exposed to splash water. Therefore, only corrosion-resistant components can be used there, or complex electrical insulation is required for any electrical components located there.

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved motor vehicle in which, in particular, better utilization of installation space can be achieved.

[0013] The problem is solved according to the invention by a motor vehicle according to claim 1.

[0014] Within the scope of the invention, it was discovered that by using an additional water guide device within the water tank, water entering the tank can be diverted away from specific areas of the water tank, or in particular from a component located therein. This allows corresponding areas of the water tank to be dried out or at least protected from direct water ingress, thereby reducing the requirements regarding corrosion resistance and electrical insulation of components located therein.

[0015] The water guidance system can be arranged, particularly in the vertical direction of the vehicle, between the component and the opening or the wiper mechanism. An arrangement between the component and the wiper mechanism is especially advantageous if the component, for example a shaft, of the wiper mechanism is guided through the opening. This can cause water passing through the opening to be channeled away from the opening along the component or along other components of the wiper mechanism. Therefore, it can be advantageous to use the water guidance system to direct water flowing or dripping down from the wiper mechanism away from the component.

[0016] The water box is located specifically below the windshield, in the area in front of the windshield, i.e., offset from the windshield in the direction of travel. As mentioned earlier, its purpose is to drain water runoff from the windshield in a controlled manner.

[0017] As explained above, the opening could be for a component, such as a shaft, of a windshield wiper mechanism. Alternatively, however, it could also be an opening in the cowl cover that serves solely for water drainage.

[0018] The inventive method allows for a reduction in corrosion protection measures for components in the water tank. In some cases, it may even be possible to largely remove water from the water tank, allowing it to ultimately be used as a dry or semi-wet area. Water protection classes for electrical components can be reduced or, if at least some areas of the water tank are dried out, even eliminated entirely.

[0019] The water drainage system can be designed as an upward-facing channel or funnel, or in the form of a sloping roof. A channel can, for example, be V-shaped, U-shaped, parabolic, or semicircular, or have an upward-facing rectangular profile. If the water drainage system is designed as a sloping roof, it can be inclined, particularly in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the water drainage system can be in the form of a flat plate or an inverted V, U, or parabolic shape, where the ends of the water drainage system or the sloping roof slope downwards towards the underside of the vehicle. The described water drainage system designs are particularly suitable for controlled water drainage.

[0020] At least one section of the water drainage system, designed as a channel or sloping roof, can extend at an angle to the horizontal in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This allows water flowing into the channel or onto the sloping roof to be at least partially channeled transversely to the vehicle. The drainage can extend to the lateral edge of the water box, but the channel or sloping roof can also have several depressions in the transverse direction of the vehicle, where drains can be provided to channel water away from these locations.

[0021] A water guidance system designed as a gutter or sloping roof can slope diagonally to one side in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, for example be triangular in shape, or form several triangles or a sawtooth shape in order to create several depressions, as explained above.

[0022] The water guide device can be in contact with the water tank cover and / or the component and / or at least one other component of the wiper mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, at least one sealing element can be arranged between the water guide device and the water tank cover and / or the component and / or the other component of the wiper mechanism. By having the water guide device in contact with the water tank cover or at least one component of the wiper mechanism, or by using at least one sealing element between the aforementioned parts, the passage of water between the water guide device and the water tank cover or the component or the other component of the wiper mechanism can be significantly reduced or even completely prevented. This further improves the controlled water flow and, in particular, prevents water from entering dry areas.At least essentially dry areas of the water tank must be provided. A rubber seal, for example, can be used as a sealing element, or the connection area can be filled with expanding foam.

[0023] The sealing element, or at least one of the sealing elements, can be attached to the water channel or the water tank cover. For example, the sealing element can be designed as a U-shaped component into whose recess an edge or other projection of the water channel or the water tank cover engages. If the water channel is designed as a trough, a sealing element can be attached to the upper edges of the side walls that define the trough. This design of the sealing element(s) allows for a good seal to be achieved with minimal effort.

[0024] The water guidance system, the water box cover, and / or the component and / or further component of the wiper mechanism, and / or the sealing element(s) can form an elongated cavity for water guidance, with the exception of longitudinally spaced inlet and outlet openings. The longitudinal direction of the elongated cavity can, in particular, run in the transverse direction of the vehicle or be inclined relative to the transverse direction to allow the water to drain diagonally. One or more of the openings can form an inlet opening. Outlet openings can be formed, for example, by making the elongated cavity open at at least one of its ends, for instance, to allow water to drain away in the area of ​​the lateral edges of the water box, and / or by providing at least one opening or drain pipe at the bottom of the water guidance system.The formation of the elongated cavity can further improve the controlled drainage of water.

[0025] The component can be an electrical component and / or a component that consists at least partially of metal. As explained above, if such a component were located within the water box without utilizing the water channeling system, complex corrosion protection for metal components or a complex electrical installation for electrical components would be necessary. Examples of components requiring protection include cables, a high-voltage heater (e.g., for vehicle interior ventilation), or similar items. Particularly in electric vehicles, it can be advantageous to locate electrical components within the water box.

[0026] In the motor vehicle according to the invention, the water guidance device can be arranged between the component and the opening, wherein a component of a wiper mechanism of a windshield wiper is guided through a further opening in the water box cover, which is sealed by a sealant. The seal can be, in particular, watertight or at least largely watertight. This ensures that no or at least very little water is guided through the further opening through which the component of the wiper mechanism, i.e., for example, a shaft of the windshield wiper, is guided. Instead, water can be guided through a separate opening specifically provided for this purpose.This can facilitate controlled drainage of the water, as it prevents the water from flowing along the wiper mechanism, thus allowing, for example, the use of a more compact water guide element, such as a channel that contacts the water box cover directly or via a sealing element.

[0027] This allows for a largely complete drying of the water tank with minimal effort.

[0028] The water tank can have at least one outlet opening at its base for draining water entering through the opening in the water tank cover, wherein the water guide system has at least one drain opening located above the outlet opening. The drain opening of the water guide system and the outlet opening of the water tank can be located in the same position in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. In the vertical direction of the vehicle, the drain opening can be at least slightly spaced apart from the outlet opening, so that the outlet opening can also drain water from other areas of the water tank.

[0029] The drain opening can be connected to a water collection surface on the top of the water conveying device by a pipe extending upwards along the vehicle or at least at an angle to the horizontal plane in sections. This allows the water to be guided in a controlled manner even over longer distances between the water collection surface and the drain opening. For example, the water collection surface could be the inner surface of a funnel or trough, or the surface of a roof.

[0030] The described method of water guidance via a water guidance device can be easily integrated into existing designs for vehicle water tanks. Therefore, the invention can be implemented in existing models with minimal development effort.

[0031] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These schematically illustrate: Fig. 1 a detailed view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention, Fig. 2 a cutaway view of the water tank of the in Fig. 1 motor vehicle shown, Fig. 3 a sectional view along line III-III in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 - 11 alternative designs of the water guide element that can be used in further embodiments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, and Fig. 12 a water box cover in a further embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a detailed view of a motor vehicle 1. A water tank 3 is arranged in the direction of travel in front of the windshield 2 of the motor vehicle 1, from which the Fig. In illustration 1, only a water box cover 4 arranged on its upper side is visible. Water flowing from the windshield 2 or passing through it Fig. 1. The water wiped from the windshield (not shown) is initially collected by the water box cover 4 and discharged into the interior of the water box via openings 5, 6 provided on it, as will be explained later with reference to Fig. 2 will be explained. The openings 5, 6 also serve to guide a component of a wiper mechanism of the windshield wiper, for example a pivot axis of the windshield wiper, through the water box cover 4.

[0033] In the example shown, water flowing onto the water box cover 4 is directed towards it by partitions 39 and triangular recesses 40 in the area of ​​the openings 5, 6. However, due to the dynamics of the incoming water and the potential for water to be guided by the wiper mechanism, the water would, without further water guidance measures, be distributed over a large area within the water box 3. This would potentially necessitate costly insulation or corrosion protection for components located within the water box 3.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows a section through the water box 3 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As can be seen there, the water box 3 accommodates a component 9, which can be, for example, an electrical component or a metal component. In order to make this possible even without complex insulation or corrosion protection, a water guide 10 is arranged between the component 9 and the opening 5 or the wiper mechanism 8, whose component 7 is guided through the opening 5, to direct the water away from the component 9.

[0035] As in Fig. Figure 3 shows a section along line III-III in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the water guide is designed as an open channel 10, which in this example has a U-shape. Sealing elements 15 and 38 are arranged between component 7 and the water guide 10 and the water tank cover 4, respectively. Together, the water guide 10, the water tank cover 4, component 7, and the sealing elements 15 and 38 form an elongated cavity for water guidance. This cavity is bounded on all sides by the aforementioned components, except for the inlet openings formed by the openings 5 ​​and 6 and the outlet openings 11 and 12. Water entering through the openings 5 ​​and 6 can therefore only exit through the outlet openings 11 and 12, which are located as shown in Figure 2. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the components are located above outlet openings 13 and 14 in the base of the water tank 3. This allows water entering the water tank to bypass component 9.

[0036] To further improve water drainage and ensure that the area where component 9 is located is largely water-free, the following measures are taken in the Fig. 2. In the example shown, further water conveying devices 16, 17, in the example a funnel and a partition, are used to enable controlled conveyance of the water from the drainage openings 11, 12 to the outlet openings 13, 14.

[0037] The in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 can be varied in many ways. For example, instead of the U-shaped channel, a V-shaped channel can be used as the water guide 18, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 4 is shown, or a water conveying device 19 with an open rectangular profile, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown.

[0038] To improve the water flow to drainage openings 11, 12, 27, 28, 29 of a respective water flow device 10, 20, 21, the respective water flow device 20, 21 can be, as in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, each for a trough-shaped water conveying device 20, 21, is inclined towards the respective drainage openings 27, 28, 29.

[0039] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, component 7 moves relative to the water guide 10 when the windshield wiper is operated. Since the sealing element 15 is thus arranged between two moving components, wear can potentially occur. It may therefore be advantageous to use a water guide 22, arranged below the wiper mechanism 8, instead of the water guide 10 through which the wiper mechanism 8 passes, as in the example of a funnel-shaped water guide 22 in Figure 2. Fig. Figure 8 shows the water entering through the opening 5. The water falls directly, or after being guided by the wiper mechanism 8, onto a water collection surface 31 of the water supply system 22, which is connected to the drain opening 30 of the water supply system 22 via a pipe 26 extending at an angle to the horizontal plane.

[0040] The example shown can be modified, for instance, by enlarging or repositioning the water guide device 22 so that its upper area rests against the water box cover 4 or another component 37 of the wiper mechanism 8, which is not moving, in order to further improve water flow. It is also possible that sealing elements are arranged between at least parts of the aforementioned components.

[0041] As an alternative to using a funnel-shaped water guide device 22, a trough-shaped water guide device 10, 18, 19, 20, 21 could also be arranged below the wiper mechanism 8.

[0042] In some cases, it may also be advantageous to use a water guidance device 23, 24, 25 in the form of a sloping roof instead of a trough- or funnel-shaped water guidance device 10, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. In the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, such a sloping roof-like water guidance device 23, 24, 25 may be shaped as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shown trough-shaped water guide devices 20, 21. In the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the image in Fig. 2, can the in Fig. 9, Fig. The forms shown in Figures 10 and 11 for the water guide elements 23, 24, and 25 are implemented. The water guide device 23 is designed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the form of a flat plate. In this case, the water is primarily discharged in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0043] In some cases, however, it may also be advantageous to direct water away from component 9 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in addition to or as an alternative to the transverse drainage. This can be achieved, for example, by... Fig. 10 shows the inverted U-shape of the sloping roof in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle or through the in Fig. The inverted V-shape of the sloping roof shown in 11 is possible.

[0044] The drainage of water through openings 5, 6, through which a component 7 of a wiper mechanism 8 is also guided, requires either the sealing of moving parts to each other, as in Fig. 2 is shown, or the use of relatively large-area water supply systems, for example the water supply system 22, which essentially covers the entire wiper mechanism 8. Alternatively, it is also possible, as shown in Fig. Figure 12 shows the use of a water box cover 32 which has several openings 33 through which no component 7 of the wiper mechanism 8 is guided. The respective component 7 of the respective wiper mechanism can be guided through further openings 35 which are sealed by a sealant 36.

[0045] The drainage of the water passing through the openings 33 is relatively simple thanks to a water guide device 34, which is located in Fig. Figure 12 is only shown schematically. For example, this can essentially be the one in Fig.2 water supply device 10 shown, whereby a passage of the components 7 through the water supply device 34 is not required, which means that it can be of a simple design.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle with a windshield (2) and a water box (3) arranged in the area in front of the windshield (2), which collects and drains water flowing from the windshield (2), wherein the water box (3) is closed at its top by a water box cover (4), wherein the water box cover (4) has at least one opening (5, 6, 33) through which water can enter the water box (3) from the top of the water box cover (4, 32), characterized by, that between a component (9) of the motor vehicle (1) arranged in the water box (3) and a wiper mechanism (8) of a windscreen wiper, which has a component (7) passing through the opening (5, 6), a water guide device (10, 18 - 25, 34) is arranged below the wiper mechanism (8), which guides water passing through the opening (5, 6, 33) and / or along the wiper mechanism (8) away from the component (9), wherein the component (9) is an electrical component (9). [2] Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by , that the water conveying device (10, 18 - 25, 34) is designed as an upwardly open trough or an upwardly open funnel or in the form of a sloping roof. [3] Motor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one section of the gutter or the water guide device designed as a sloping roof (10, 18 - 25, 34) extends inclined to the horizontal in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle (1). [4] Motor vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the water guide device (10, 18 - 25, 34) rests against the water box cover (4, 32) and / or the component (7) and / or at least one further component (37) of the wiper mechanism (8) and / or that between the water guide device (10, 18 - 25, 34) and at least one sealing element (11, 15) is arranged in the water box cover (4, 32) and / or the component (7) and / or the further component (37) of the wiper mechanism (8). [5] Motor vehicle according to claim 4, characterized by, that the sealing element (11, 15) or at least one of the sealing elements (11, 15) is attached to the water guide device (10, 18 - 25, 34) or to the water box cover (4, 32). [6] Motor vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that by the water guide device (10, 18 - 25, 34) as well as the water box cover (4, 32) and / or the component (7) and / or the further component (37) of the wiper mechanism (8) and / or the sealing element (11, 15) or the sealing elements (11, 15) an elongated cavity for water guidance is bounded on all sides apart from longitudinally spaced inlet and outlet openings (11, 12). [7] Motor vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the component (9) is a component (9) that consists at least partially of metal. [8] Motor vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the water tank (3) has at least one outlet opening (13, 14) on its bottom side for draining the water that has entered the water tank (3) through the opening (5, 6, 33) in the water tank cover (4), wherein the water guide device (10, 18 - 25, 34) has at least one drain opening (11, 12, 27, 28, 29, 30) which is arranged above the outlet opening (13, 14). [9] Motor vehicle according to claim 8, characterized by , that the drain opening (30) is connected by a pipe (26) extending upwards in the direction of the motor vehicle (1) or at least at an angle to the horizontal plane to a water collection surface (31) on the top of the water guide device (22).

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