Container arrangement

Abstract

Container arrangement (1) for a vehicle (100) with a liquid container (11) and a liquid supply (12), wherein the liquid container (11) has a cavity (111) inside it, which is provided for receiving a liquid, and wherein the liquid container (11) has a container opening (112) on its upwardly facing side, which forms an access to the cavity (111), and The liquid container (11) comprises a lid (113) which, in a closed position, seals the container opening (112) in a liquid-tight manner and, in a filling position, releases the container opening (112) so that it can be used to fill the liquid container (11) with a liquid, wherein a lid mechanism (114) is provided which guides and / or moves the lid (113) from the closed position to the filling position and vice versa as required, and The liquid supply (12) is partially funnel-shaped and is arranged at least partially above the container opening (112), wherein the liquid supply (12) is connected to the liquid container (11) below or at the same level as the container opening (112) in a liquid-tight manner, and the funnel-shaped portion of the liquid supply (12) has a larger opening width on its side facing away from the liquid container (11) than in the liquid-tight connection with the liquid container (11), wherein the portion of the funnel-shaped liquid supply (12) with the larger opening width is arranged adjacent to or near the base of a windshield (W) of a vehicle (100), wherein the funnel-shaped portion of the liquid supply (12) is formed by a collection area (121), and the liquid supply (12) is connected to the liquid container (11) via a supply area (122).wherein the collection area (121) is arranged above the feed area (122) and the feed area (122) is arranged above the liquid container (11), wherein the feed area (122) has at least partially a constant opening width in the vertical direction, and in this area with constant opening width at least one drain channel (123) is arranged which opens into the area with constant opening width, characterized by the fact that in the closed position the lid (113) is positioned below the drain channel (123), so that liquid can flow from the collection area (121) and the feed area (122) into the drain channel (123), and in the filling position the lid (113) is positioned above its position in the closed position and closes the drain channel (123), so that liquid can flow from the collection area (121) into the container opening (112), but not into the drain channel (123).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container arrangement for a vehicle with a liquid container and a liquid supply, wherein the liquid container has a cavity inside which is intended to hold a liquid and The liquid container comprises a lid which, in a closed position, seals the container opening in a liquid-tight manner and, in a filling position, releases the container opening. The liquid supply is partially funnel-shaped and arranged at least partially above the container opening, with the liquid supply being connected to the liquid container below or at the same level as the container opening in a liquid-tight manner. A portion of the funnel-shaped liquid supply is arranged adjacent to or near the base of a vehicle's windshield. The invention further relates to a vehicle with a container arrangement and a method for filling a liquid container.

[0002] Vehicles, especially automobiles, typically include several fluid reservoirs for storing operating fluids. For example, there is usually a reservoir for windshield washer fluid used to clean the windshield and / or headlights. When such a reservoir is empty, it must be refilled. These reservoirs usually have a lid that must be opened to add fluid. The lid is often concealed behind a cover to keep it out of sight and out of sight when not in use. Refilling the reservoir can therefore be quite involved, as it usually requires first opening a cover and then removing the reservoir's lid.Depending on the position and size of the filling opening of the liquid container, the actual filling of the liquid can also be difficult, especially if the filling opening is small and / or difficult to reach.

[0003] DE 103 36 847 A1 describes a vehicle with a maintenance area in which one or more inlets for vehicle operating fluids are arranged. The maintenance area is not covered by a cover and is located below the windshield in the vehicle's water box.

[0004] FR 2 895 358 A3 describes a solution in which the opening for filling a fluid reservoir for windshield washer fluid is arranged below a hinged cover adjacent to the windshield of a vehicle.

[0005] EP 0 752 363 A2 describes a cover for a motor vehicle's water tank. Service-relevant components, such as fluid reservoirs, are located in the water tank. The water tank is covered from above by a service hatch, which is kinematically linked to the vehicle's hood. When the hood is opened, the service hatch also opens automatically, providing access to the service-relevant components.

[0006] German patent DE 600 15 648 T2 describes a filling device that facilitates the filling of a reservoir for a washer fluid used to clean the windshield of a vehicle. This filling device is funnel-shaped and located between the hood and the windshield. A labyrinth seal is provided to prevent contaminants from entering the reservoir.

[0007] KR 20 1998 0 031 638 U describes a filling device located between the hood and windshield of a vehicle. This filling device can be closed with a sliding lid and has a funnel-shaped filling area.

[0008] The object of the invention is to propose solutions that make filling a vehicle's fluid reservoir simpler and more convenient. This object is achieved by the features of main claim 1 and dependent claims 7 and 9. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] This object of the invention is solved by a container arrangement for a vehicle with a liquid container and a liquid supply, wherein the liquid container has a cavity inside which is provided for receiving a liquid and wherein the liquid container has a container opening on its upwardly facing side which forms an access to the cavity and the liquid container comprises a lid which, in a closed position, seals the container opening liquid-tight and, in a filling position, releases the container opening so that it can be used to fill the liquid container with a liquid, wherein a lid mechanism is provided.which guides and / or moves the lid as required from the closed position to the filling position and vice versa, and the liquid supply is partially funnel-shaped and is arranged at least partially above the container opening, wherein the liquid supply is connected to the liquid container below or at the same level as the container opening in a liquid-tight manner, and the funnel-shaped area of ​​the liquid supply has a larger opening width on its side facing away from the liquid container than in the liquid-tight connection with the liquid container, wherein the part of the funnel-shaped liquid supply with the larger opening width is adjacent to or near the base of a windshield, in particular in the water box,a vehicle. The funnel-shaped area of ​​the liquid supply is formed by a collection area, and the liquid supply is connected to the liquid container via a feed area, wherein the collection area is arranged above the feed area and the feed area is arranged above the liquid container, wherein the feed area has at least a portion of a constant opening width in the vertical direction, and in this area with a constant opening width, at least one drain channel is arranged which opens into the area with a constant opening width, the lid is positioned below the drain channel in the closed position so that liquid can flow from the collection area and the feed area into the drain channel, and in the filling position, the lid is positioned above its position in the closed position and closes the drain channel.so that liquid can flow from the collection area into the container opening, but not into the drain channel.

[0010] The container arrangement according to the invention comprises a liquid container and a liquid supply, which facilitates filling the liquid container. The container arrangement is located in a vehicle, adjacent to its windshield. Preferably, the container arrangement is located in or below, adjacent to the vehicle's water tank.

[0011] The liquid container of the container assembly includes an internal cavity for holding a liquid, for example, windshield washer fluid. However, the liquid container can also be used to hold other liquids, such as a liquid coolant. The liquid container has an opening on its upward-facing side, which is connected to the cavity. "Upper" here refers to the vertical direction. The vertical direction is relevant to the invention because liquids automatically flow vertically from top to bottom due to gravity. Positioning the opening on the upward-facing side of the liquid container causes the liquid to automatically flow into the cavity from this opening due to gravity.The liquid container includes a lid that is movably mounted relative to the container opening and can assume a closed position in which it seals the opening liquid-tight. Furthermore, the lid can assume a filling position in which it opens the container opening, allowing it to be used for filling the liquid container. A lid mechanism is provided that guides and / or moves the lid. This lid mechanism can be designed in various ways and, for example, be actuated by applying a vertically directed force or a horizontally directed torque. Preferably, the lid mechanism is connected to a section of the liquid container on one side and to the lid on the other. The liquid supply is located mostly above the liquid container and is partially funnel-shaped.This funnel-shaped design facilitates the application or filling of liquid into the liquid supply. To this end, the funnel-shaped section has a larger opening width on its upward-facing side, away from the liquid container, than in the area where it connects to the container's opening. Thus, the opening width of the funnel-shaped section decreases vertically from top to bottom. According to the invention, the funnel-shaped section of the liquid supply is arranged below and adjacent to the base of a windshield. This arrangement allows liquid applied to the windshield to flow, by gravity, into the funnel-shaped section of the liquid supply and then through the container opening into the cavity.This makes it easy to apply the liquid to the reservoir directly onto the windshield. This application is very convenient because the windshield is easily accessible. The invention thus utilizes the existing windshield as a filling aid for the reservoir. Alternatively, the liquid can, of course, be poured into the reservoir's inlet, which has a significantly larger opening than the reservoir's opening. In this case as well, the inlet makes filling the reservoir considerably more convenient. The inlet acts like a funnel, but it is permanently integrated into the reservoir assembly or the vehicle. To fill the reservoir, it is only necessary to operate the lid mechanism and move the lid into the filling position.The liquid can then be easily poured into the cavity by applying it to the windshield and / or via the liquid supply. A further advantage of the container arrangement according to the invention is that the liquid supply can be integrated, at least partially, into a water box that is already required on the vehicle. A water box is always necessary to drain water from the windshield during heavy rain. Thanks to the lid mechanism, the container arrangement according to the invention is also easy to operate without having to open the vehicle's hood to refill the liquid container.

[0012] According to the invention, the funnel-shaped area of ​​the liquid supply is formed by a collection area, and the liquid supply is connected to the liquid container via a supply area, wherein the collection area is arranged above the supply area and the supply area is arranged above the liquid container, wherein the supply area has at least a portion of a constant opening width in the vertical direction, and at least one drain channel is arranged in this area with a constant opening width and opens into the area with a constant opening width, wherein the lid is positioned below the drain channel in the closed position, so that liquid can flow from the collection area and the supply area into the drain channel, and in the filling position the lid is positioned above its position in the closed position and closes the drain channel.so that liquid can flow from the collection area into the container opening, but not into the drain channel. In this embodiment, the liquid feed has two sections that adjoin each other in the vertical direction. The liquid feed can be a single piece, with the two sections merging into one another. The funnel-shaped section is formed by a collection area designed to collect liquid. The second section is formed by a feed area that carries liquid from the collection area to the container opening. The feed area has a section in which its opening width or cross-section is constant in the vertical direction.

[0013] Such a section can, for example, be formed by a hollow cylinder oriented vertically with its central axis. At least one drain channel opens into this section, which has a constant opening width or cross-section. This drain channel is designed to remove liquid from the liquid supply without allowing the liquid to enter the liquid container. In this embodiment, the cover has essentially the same shape and size as the interior of the section of the supply area with the constant opening width. This allows the cover to be moved vertically within this section. In the closed position, the cover is positioned below the opening of the drain channel, leaving the opening accessible. Simultaneously, the cover, particularly its underside, seals the container opening.In this closed position, if liquid is applied to the liquid inlet or the adjacent windshield, it flows into the inlet area and from there out through the drain channel. In this closed position, the container assembly thus functions like a typical water tank. When the lid is moved to the filling position, it is positioned higher vertically and seals the drain channel, particularly with its outer surface. Simultaneously, the lid provides access to the container opening. This ensures that when filling the liquid container, liquid flows only into the container and cannot drain out through the drain channel.A particular advantage of this design is that the windshield, water box, and fluid supply can all be used together, like a funnel integrated into the vehicle, for easy filling of the fluid reservoir. Naturally, it is also possible to provide multiple drain channels that open into the supply area and are sealed by the lid when filling.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the lid mechanism is actuated by a downward force applied vertically to move the lid from the filling position to the closing position and vice versa. The lid mechanism includes at least one elastically acting return element that pushes the lid away from the container opening in the filling position. In this embodiment, the lid mechanism is designed as a so-called push-push mechanism. This means that only a downward force needs to be applied to the lid to move it from the closing position to the filling position, and vice versa. More complex movements, such as a rotational movement, are not required to move the lid from one position to the other. This makes the lid very quick and easy to operate.Furthermore, an elastic return element is provided, which pushes the lid upwards in the filling position. This ensures that the container opening is always freely accessible in the filling position. The elastic return element could, for example, be a coil spring. Of course, it is also possible for the lid mechanism to be designed so that the transition from the filling position to the closed position, and vice versa, is achieved by applying a rotary motion to the lid. In this case, for example, a threaded spindle could be provided, which is inserted into an opening in the lid with an internal thread.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the lid mechanism is connected to the liquid container via a first subsection and to the lid via a second subsection opposite the first subsection. A length-adjustable locking mechanism is arranged between the first and second subsections, having a first locking point in the closed position and a second locking point in the filling position. The length of the locking mechanism at the first locking point in the closed position is shorter than at the second locking point in the filling position. The locking mechanism can be moved from the first to the second locking point and vice versa by applying a vertically directed force to the second subsection of the lid mechanism. In this embodiment, the lid mechanism includes a length-adjustable locking mechanism.A first length of the locking mechanism, defined by a first detent point, corresponds to the closed position. A second length, defined by a second detent point, corresponds to the filling position. By applying a downward vertical force, the locking mechanism can be moved from the first length to the second length and vice versa. Each side of the variable-length locking mechanism is connected to a section that, on two opposite sides relative to the locking mechanism, is connected either to the liquid container or to the lid. The locking mechanism may, for example, incorporate a cam guide and a spring preload.Such a cam mechanism ensures that, alternately, after applying a force directed in a vertical direction and moving one of the sub-areas of the lid mechanism, the first length and the second length of the locking mechanism are set.

[0016] Optionally, a sieve is provided in the liquid container below the container opening, completely covering the access to the cavity. In particular, the sieve is arranged vertically within the liquid container in a form-fitting manner and can be removed upwards from the container opening. Such a sieve serves to clean the liquid introduced via the liquid supply before it enters the cavity. If the lid has been in the closed position for an extended period before filling, it is possible for contaminants or objects to accumulate in the liquid supply, which would then be flushed into the cavity during filling. The sieve traps such contaminants. Preferably, the sieve is secured below the container opening within the liquid container in a form-fitting manner and can be removed upwards from the container opening for cleaning or replacement.

[0017] In a further embodiment, a level indicator is provided which displays the fill level of a liquid in the liquid container. The level indicator comprises a float movably arranged in the cavity, which floats on the liquid in the container. The float is connected to a display located on or in the liquid inlet, and the fill level of the liquid in the container can be read from above the liquid inlet based on the display's position. In this embodiment, a level indicator is provided which enables the fill level of a liquid in the cavity of the liquid container to be read or detected. In a simpler embodiment, a float is located in the cavity, and its vertical position is indicated by a display located in or on the liquid inlet.The float can be mechanically connected to the display, for example. Alternatively, an electronic sensor can be used to determine the float's vertical position and transmit this information to an electronic display.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the float has a rod-shaped, upwardly directed section, and a riser tube is provided which connects the cavity to the liquid supply in a vertical direction. The rod-shaped section is movably inserted into the riser tube, and the upper end of the rod-shaped section of the float, together with the opening of the riser tube in the liquid supply, forms the indicator. In this embodiment, the container arrangement includes a mechanically implemented level indicator. A rod-shaped section of the float is inserted into a cylindrical riser tube and movably mounted therein in a vertical direction.When the float is positioned on the liquid in a completely filled container, the upper end of the rod-shaped section appears in the opening of the riser tube in the liquid inlet, forming a simple indicator. This design is particularly simple and allows the complete filling of the liquid container to be determined from above, simply by looking at the liquid inlet.

[0019] The object of the invention is further achieved by a vehicle with a container arrangement according to one of the previously described embodiments, wherein the liquid supply is arranged at least partially below the base of the vehicle's windshield, in particular in the vehicle's water box, and the liquid container is arranged below the liquid supply. The vehicle according to the invention comprises a container arrangement according to the invention, which is arranged below the vehicle's windshield. The container arrangement can be integrated into the vehicle's water box and thus serves, on the one hand, to drain rainwater from the windshield and the roof of the vehicle. On the other hand, the container arrangement enables simple and convenient filling of a liquid container. The specific function of the container arrangement in the vehicle according to the invention depends on the position of the lid.In the closed position, the container arrangement serves to drain rainwater from the windshield, and in the filling position, the liquid inlet allows for convenient filling of a liquid container. Compared to known solutions where a liquid container is located under a cover, filling the liquid container in the vehicle according to the invention is faster and easier.

[0020] In one embodiment of the vehicle, the fluid applied to the windshield and / or the fluid supply in the filling position flows by gravity through the reservoir opening into the cavity, and the fluid reservoir is a reservoir for windshield washer fluid. In this embodiment, the fluid reservoir is formed by a reservoir for washer fluid. This washer fluid can be used, for example, to clean the windshield or the headlights. Alternatively, the fluid reservoir could also be a reservoir for coolant or similar fluid.

[0021] The object of the invention is ultimately achieved by a method for filling the liquid container in a vehicle according to one of the previously described embodiments, comprising the method steps A) Moving the lid into the filling position, B) Applying liquid to the windscreen and / or the liquid supply, causing the liquid to flow into the cavity of the liquid reservoir due to gravity, C) Moving the lid into the closed position.

[0022] The method according to the invention serves to simplify the filling of a liquid container in a vehicle. The liquid container can, for example, be a reservoir for windshield washer fluid.

[0023] In the first step of the process, the lid is moved into the filling position. This is achieved by actuating the lid mechanism, specifically by applying a downward force to the lid. In the filling position, the container opening is open.

[0024] In a second step, the liquid to be added to the fluid reservoir is applied to the vehicle's windshield or directly to the fluid inlet. This liquid then flows by gravity through the reservoir opening into the reservoir's cavity. If a level indicator is provided, it can be used to check the fluid level in the cavity during filling.

[0025] Once the liquid container is filled, the lid is moved into the closed position in a third and final step. This is achieved primarily by applying downward pressure to the lid. In the closed position, the liquid container is sealed, and the liquid inlet of the container assembly can be used to drain rainwater from the windshield.

[0026] The method according to the invention is easy to carry out and comprises fewer process steps than known solutions in which a liquid container is arranged under a cover in the vehicle.

[0027] Features, effects, and advantages disclosed in connection with the container arrangement are also deemed disclosed in connection with the vehicle and the process. Conversely, features, effects, and advantages disclosed in connection with the vehicle and / or the process are also deemed disclosed in connection with the container arrangement.

[0028] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawings and is further described with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 in a schematic, partially cutaway view a partial area of ​​a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 in a schematic, partially cutaway view a container arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic, partially cutaway view of a section of a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The schematically depicted vehicle 100 is an automobile, of which only the front section is shown. Looking to the left, the hood is visible, and to its right side is the windshield W, which faces forward in the direction of travel. A so-called water box is arranged between the hood and the windshield W. The water box serves to collect water running down from the windshield W during rain and to drain it away from under the vehicle 100. In this way, it is ensured that rainwater does not excessively impair the driver's view through the windshield W. The depicted vehicle 100 according to the invention includes a container arrangement 1, which is arranged in the water box below the base of the windshield W.Container arrangement 1 is in . Fig. 1 is only a simplified representation; details are in Fig. Figure 2 shows and explains the arrangement of containers. The container arrangement 1 serves to easily fill a liquid container 11 located inside the vehicle. For this purpose, a partially funnel-shaped liquid supply 12 is provided, which in the illustrated embodiment is integrated into the water tank of the vehicle 100. The liquid supply 12 can extend in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle 100 across the entire width of the vehicle or only across a portion of its width.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic, partially cutaway view of a container arrangement 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig.Figure 2 schematically depicts the container arrangement 1 without any other components of the vehicle 100. The liquid container 11, which has a cavity 111 containing a liquid, is located in the lower part of the illustration. The liquid container 11 is shown in section and not in perspective. Above the liquid container 11, the liquid supply 12 is visible. For clarity, it is shown in simplified perspective and, in the illustrated embodiment, extends into the plane of the drawing. The liquid supply 12 is shown in section in the same plane as the liquid container 11.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid container 11 is formed by a plastic container designed for storing windshield washer fluid. The liquid container 11 is shown in a simplified manner; in particular, components for dispensing the liquid from the liquid container 11 are not shown. The liquid container has a container opening 112 on its upward-facing side, which is circular in this case. Adjacent to the container opening 112, the liquid container 11 is designed similarly to a bottle neck. The container opening 112 is designed for filling the liquid container 11 with liquid. The liquid container 11 includes a lid 113, which can assume a closed position and a filling position. The lid 113 is shown in the filling position with solid lines.The same lid 113' is shown in the closed position with dashed lines. Only a single lid 113 is present, but it is shown in two different positions relative to the container opening 112. The movement or position of the lid 113 is guided or adjusted by a lid mechanism 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid mechanism 114 is connected to the liquid container 11 via a first section within the cavity 111. This connection is designed so that liquid poured into the container opening 112 can flow past the connection between the liquid container 11 and the lid mechanism 114. The lid mechanism 114 is also rigidly connected to the lid 113 via a second section. In the illustrated embodiment, the first section is located at the bottom and the second section at the top.The first and second sections are thus positioned opposite each other in a vertical direction. Here, the first and second sections are designed as sleeves with different inner diameters. In this way, the first and second sections can be inserted into one another like a telescope. A locking mechanism, the length of which is variable, is arranged between the two sections. This locking mechanism allows the entire length of the lid mechanism 114 to be adjusted. The locking mechanism comprises two detents: the first detent defines the length of the locking mechanism in the closed position, and the second detent defines the length of the locking mechanism in the filling position. Furthermore, an elastic return element in the form of a coil spring is arranged between the first and second sections.In the filling position, shown with solid lines, this return element pushes the lid 113 upwards, away from the container opening 112. This ensures that the container opening 112 is always open in the filling position, allowing liquid to be introduced into the cavity 111. To move the lid 113 from the filling position (shown with solid lines) to the closed position (shown with dashed lines), a downward force is applied to the lid 113, and the lid 113 is moved downwards until the locking mechanism reaches the first detent point. The locking mechanism then engages at the first detent point, and the lid 113' remains in the closed position, thereby sealing the container opening 112.To return the lid 113' to the filling position, a downward force is applied to the lid 113' in the closed position, initially releasing the first detent. The lid 113 is then pushed upward into the filling position by the upward force of the elastic return element and held there. In the filling position, the locking mechanism engages at the second detent. A lid mechanism 14 designed in this way can be moved from one position to the other by simple downward pressure. Operation is therefore very simple, and the opening of the container opening 112 is assisted by the upward force of the elastic return element. A lid mechanism 14 designed in this way can also be described as a push-push mechanism.A sieve 115 is arranged below the container opening 112, completely covering the passage between the container opening 112 and the cavity 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the sieve 115 is designed as a circular insert, which is arranged on a circumferential projection in the connection area between the container opening 112 and the cavity 111. In this way, the sieve 115 is positively fixed in the liquid container 11 and cannot fall down into the liquid. Furthermore, the sieve can be easily removed upwards from the container opening 112, for example, for cleaning or replacement. The sieve 115 is designed to clean the liquid poured into the cavity 111 during filling. In the illustrated embodiment, the sieve 115 has a circular opening in its center through which the second part of the lid mechanism 114 is movably guided.In this way, the lid 113 can be moved vertically relative to the sieve 115.

[0032] Above the liquid reservoir 11 is the liquid inlet 12. The liquid inlet 12 includes a funnel-shaped collection area 121 located at the top. This collection area 121 has its widest opening at the very top. The opening of the collection area 121 decreases vertically from top to bottom. Thus, the collection area 121 tapers from top to bottom, creating the funnel shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the collection area 121 extends rearward into the plane of the drawing with a constant cross-section. The collection area 121 can extend along the entire width of the vehicle at the base of the windshield W or in the plenum chamber. Alternatively, the collection area 121 can extend only in a partial area below the base of the windshield W or in the plenum chamber.Below the funnel-shaped collection area 121, the liquid supply includes a supply area 122. This supply area 122 connects the collection area 121, located at the very top, to the liquid container 11. In the section where the lid 113' is shown with dashed lines in the closed position, the supply area 122 has a constant cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply area 122 is designed as a hollow cylinder. The lower end of the supply area 122 is connected to the liquid container 11 in a liquid-tight manner, adjacent to the container opening 112. A drain channel 123 opens into the section with the constant cross-section of the supply area 122. The drain channel 123 is designed to discharge liquid applied to or into the liquid supply 12 when the lid is closed.In the closed position, filling the liquid container 11 is not possible, so the liquid must be drained by other means. This need for liquid drainage arises, for example, when it rains and rainwater needs to be drained from the windshield W. According to the invention, the lid 113, together with the lid mechanism 114, ensures easy filling of the liquid container 11. In the filling position, the lid 113' (shown with dashed lines) is in its lower position and seals the container opening 112 in a liquid-tight manner. At the same time, however, the opening of the drain channel 123 into the supply area 122 is open and accessible, so that liquid can flow from the liquid supply 12 into the drain channel 123.If liquid is to be filled into the liquid container 11, the lid 113 is moved into the filling position indicated by solid lines, in which the lid is positioned higher relative to the liquid container 11. In the filling position, the outer surface of the lid 113 seals the drain channel 123, thus preventing liquid from flowing from the liquid inlet 12 into the drain channel 123. Liquid applied to or into the collection area 121 can therefore flow past the lid 113 through the inlet area 122 into the liquid container 11. The funnel-shaped section of the liquid inlet 12 thus serves as a filling aid for the convenient filling of the liquid container 11.The liquid supply 12 is used for two functions in the container arrangement 1 according to the invention, namely for the simplified filling of the liquid container 11 and for the drainage of rainwater from a windshield W, in a case in which the liquid container 11 is not to be filled.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the container arrangement 1 also includes a level indicator 13, with which the liquid level in the cavity 111 can be easily read or checked. The level indicator 13 comprises a float 131, which is arranged inside the cavity 111. The float 131 has an upwardly directed, cylindrical or rod-shaped section, which serves as an indicator rod. The rod-shaped section of the float 131 is inserted into a riser tube 133 and is movably mounted therein in a vertical direction. The riser tube 133 extends vertically upwards from the upward-facing side of the liquid container 11 and is connected therein to a section of the liquid supply 12, in particular the collection area 121.At this connection point, the liquid supply 12 has an opening that allows the upper end of the rod-shaped section of the float 131 to exit. When the liquid level in the cavity 111 is sufficient, the upper end of the rod-shaped section of the float 131 is visible in the opening in the liquid supply 12. Thus, in this embodiment, the upper end of the rod-shaped section of the float 131, together with the opening of the riser tube 133 in the liquid supply 12, forms an indicator 132, which allows it to be determined from above the liquid supply 12 whether there is sufficient liquid in the cavity 111. Of course, the level indicator 13 can also be designed differently and, for example, include a sensor that detects the vertical position of the float 131 and electronically determines the fish level and transmits it to an electronic display 132. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 Container arrangement 11 liquid containers 111 Cavity 112 Container opening 113 lids (in the filling position) 113' Lid (in the closed position) 114 Lid mechanism 115 sieve 12. Liquid supply 121 Collection area 122 Feed area 123 Drainage channel 13 Level indicator 131 swimmers 132 ads 133 Riser pipe 100 vehicles W Windshield

Claims

[1] Container arrangement (1) for a vehicle (100) comprising a liquid container (11) and a liquid supply (12), wherein the liquid container (11) has a cavity (111) inside it, which is provided for receiving a liquid, and wherein the liquid container (11) has a container opening (112) on its upwardly facing side, which forms an access to the cavity (111), and The liquid container (11) comprises a lid (113) which, in a closed position, seals the container opening (112) in a liquid-tight manner and, in a filling position, releases the container opening (112) so that it can be used to fill the liquid container (11) with a liquid, wherein a lid mechanism (114) is provided which guides and / or moves the lid (113) from the closed position to the filling position and vice versa as required, and The liquid supply (12) is partially funnel-shaped and is arranged at least partially above the container opening (112), wherein the liquid supply (12) is connected to the liquid container (11) below or at the same level as the container opening (112) in a liquid-tight manner, and the funnel-shaped portion of the liquid supply (12) has a larger opening width on its side facing away from the liquid container (11) than in the liquid-tight connection with the liquid container (11), wherein the portion of the funnel-shaped liquid supply (12) with the larger opening width is arranged adjacent to or near the base of a windshield (W) of a vehicle (100), wherein the funnel-shaped portion of the liquid supply (12) is formed by a collection area (121), and the liquid supply (12) is connected to the liquid container (11) via a supply area (122).wherein the collection area (121) is arranged above the feed area (122) and the feed area (122) is arranged above the liquid container (11), wherein the feed area (122) has at least partially a constant opening width in the vertical direction, and in this area with constant opening width at least one drain channel (123) is arranged which opens into the area with constant opening width, characterized by , that in the closed position the lid (113) is positioned below the drain channel (123), so that liquid can flow from the collection area (121) and the feed area (122) into the drain channel (123), and in the filling position the lid (113) is positioned above its position in the closed position and closes the drain channel (123), so that liquid can flow from the collection area (121) into the container opening (112), but not into the drain channel (123). [2] Container arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lid mechanism (114) can be actuated by a downwardly directed force applied in a vertical direction to move the lid (113) from the filling position to the closing position and from the closing position to the filling position, wherein the lid mechanism (114) comprises at least one elastically acting return element which pushes the lid (113) away from the container opening (112) in the filling position. [3] Container arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim 2, wherein the lid mechanism (114) is connected with a first sub-section to the liquid container (11) and with a second sub-section opposite the first sub-section to the lid (113), wherein a locking mechanism of variable length is arranged between the first and the second sub-section, which has a first locking point in the closed position and which has a second locking point in the filling position, wherein the length of the locking mechanism in the closed position at the first locking point is shorter than in the filling position at the second locking point, wherein the locking mechanism can be moved from the first to the second locking point and vice versa by applying the force directed in a vertical direction to the second sub-section of the lid mechanism (114). [4] Container arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein a sieve (115) is arranged in the liquid container (11) below the container opening (112), which completely covers the access to the cavity (111), wherein the sieve (115) is arranged in a form-fitting manner in the liquid container (11) in a vertical direction and can be removed upwards from the container opening (112). [5] Container arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein a level indicator (13) is provided which indicates the level of a liquid in the liquid container (11), wherein the level indicator (13) comprises a float (131) movably arranged in the cavity (111) which floats on the liquid in the liquid container (11), wherein the float (131) is connected to a display (132) arranged on or in the liquid supply (12) and the level of the liquid in the liquid container (11) can be read from above the liquid supply (12) based on the state of the display (132). [6] Container arrangement (1) according to claim 5, wherein the float (131) has a rod-shaped, upwardly directed part and a riser tube (133) is provided which connects the cavity (111) with the liquid supply (12) in a vertical direction, wherein the rod-shaped part is movably inserted into the riser tube (133) in a vertical direction and the upper end of the rod-shaped part of the float (131) together with the opening of the riser tube (133) in the liquid supply (12) forms the indicator (132). [7] Vehicle (100) with a container arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid supply (12) is arranged at least partially below the base of the windshield (W) of the vehicle (100) and the liquid container (11) is arranged below the liquid supply (12). [8] Vehicle (100) according to claim 7, wherein, in the filling position, liquid applied to the windshield (W) and / or the liquid supply (12) flows by gravity through the container opening (112) into the cavity (111) and the liquid container (11) is a reservoir for windshield washer fluid. [9] Method for filling the liquid container (11) in a vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, comprising the method steps A) Transferring the lid (113) into the filling position, B) Applying liquid to the windscreen (W) and / or the liquid supply (12), causing the liquid to flow into the cavity (111) of the liquid reservoir (11) due to gravity, C) Moving the lid (113) into the closed position.

Images