Carrier component for mounting in the outer shell of a vehicle and vehicle comprising the carrier component

Abstract

Carrier component (11) for mounting in an outer shell of a vehicle (10) comprising at least one environmental sensor (12), where the supporting component (11) further includes: - a mounting device (25) for mounting the support component (11) into a recess in the outer shell of the vehicle (10); and - a filling device (26) for filling a cleaning fluid reservoir of the vehicle (10), wherein the filling device (26) comprises a collection basin (18) for filling with cleaning fluid, which is designed to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (27) relative to the mounting device (25) in order to move the filling device (26) from an open state for filling with cleaning fluid to a closed state and vice versa, wherein the axis of rotation (27) in the mounted state of the support component (11) is parallel to a vehicle vertical axis and the collection basin (18) comprises a coupling device for coupling with a cleaning fluid drain, characterized by the fact that the collection basin (18) and / or the coupling device includes a connection (21) for coupling a cleaning fluid supply line.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a support component for mounting in the outer shell of a vehicle, comprising at least one environmental sensor.

[0002] The carrier component includes at least one environmental sensor configured to receive, transmit, and / or evaluate signals. These signals originate from the vehicle's surroundings. The vehicle's surroundings are defined as the area from which signals can be received by the at least one environmental sensor. As a further limitation, the surroundings are understood to be an area located outside the vehicle. The signals can be, for example, waves, particularly light and / or sound waves.

[0003] At least one environmental sensor is mounted on the carrier component, which in turn is designed to be installed in the vehicle's outer shell. The outer shell refers to the vehicle's body, excluding its load-bearing components. "Mounted" in this context means that the carrier component is firmly connected to the outer shell and thus to the vehicle.

[0004] The environmental sensor can provide data for at least one driver assistance system, such as image data, on the basis of which object recognition can take place, for example for an emergency braking assistant and / or partially and / or fully autonomous driving.

[0005] In addition to the ambient sensor, further components, such as at least one control unit, may be provided in the vehicle to enable at least one driver assistance system. This control unit may be located, in particular, in the vehicle's engine compartment. Several components, especially in the engine compartment, may be installed in a vehicle with at least one driver assistance system. In particular, individual elements in the engine compartment, such as the components required for the at least one driver assistance system, may be difficult to access. This may be characterized, for example, by the fact that at least one element is only accessible by removing another element and / or at least one filler opening for at least one fluid is positioned in such a way that attaching a container for filling the fluid is difficult or even impossible due to other elements in the engine compartment.Additionally or alternatively, the sheer number of components can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with automotive technology. This can make technical repairs, such as topping up various fluids like oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant, and / or brake fluid, and / or checking various engine components like timing belts, drive belts, and / or the levels of oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant, and / or brake fluid, unnecessarily complicated and / or prone to errors.

[0006] In this context, DE 10 2014 113 992 A1 describes a housing arrangement for a camera of a motor vehicle.

[0007] DE 10 2018 120 014 A1 discloses a service module for a motor vehicle comprising a tank recess that encloses a receiving space and includes a liquid passage opening that can be connected to a liquid storage container, as well as a filling tray, wherein the filling tray is arranged to pivot about an axis of rotation relative to the tank recess.

[0008] EP 3 392 099 A1 discloses a windshield washer system comprising a washer fluid reservoir and a filling device. The filling device is attached to a hinged door, which together allows it to be moved from an open position to a closed position.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of providing a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective concept for avoiding errors during at least one technical repair for a vehicle with a generic carrier component.

[0010] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0011] The invention is based on the insight that a user-friendly concept for refilling cleaning fluid is provided by a filling device for cleaning fluid, particularly in the fender area, with a collection basin that can be rotated out of the vehicle, thus replacing the need to refill the cleaning fluid in the engine compartment. Furthermore, at least the ambient light sensor is located in the fender area, i.e., at the position of the filling device. Therefore, integrating the ambient light sensor and the filling device into a single support component is particularly advantageous from an aesthetic point of view, as this means that only the support component needs to be integrated into the outer shell, thus significantly reducing the number of disruptive seams.Furthermore, the optical connection between the filling device and the environmental sensor, which can represent a consumer of the cleaning fluid to be filled into the filling device, reduces the risk of confusing the various containers intended for liquids in the vehicle when refilling the cleaning fluid.

[0012] As mentioned, the invention relates to a support component for mounting in the outer shell of a vehicle, comprising at least one environmental sensor. In the following, an environmental sensor will be understood to represent any number, i.e., one or more environmental sensors. Furthermore, the support component comprises a mounting device for mounting the support component in a recess in the outer shell of the vehicle. The support component can be inserted into the recess and / or connected to the outer shell for mounting.

[0013] Furthermore, the support component includes a filling device for filling a cleaning fluid reservoir of the vehicle, wherein the filling device includes a collection basin for filling cleaning fluid, which is designed to be rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the mounting device in order to bring the filling device from an open state for filling the cleaning fluid to a closed state and vice versa, wherein the axis of rotation in the mounted state of the support component runs parallel to a vehicle vertical axis and the collection basin includes a coupling device for coupling with a cleaning fluid drain.

[0014] In particular, combining the environmental sensor and the filling device in a single carrier component is advantageous, as only one component needs to be mounted in the vehicle's outer shell during assembly, instead of at least two separate components in the form of an environmental sensor and a filling device. This saves costs and effort during assembly by eliminating at least one assembly step.

[0015] In particular, positioning the environmental sensor and filling device in the fender area is advantageous. This gives the environmental sensor a particularly good view of its surroundings. This can be beneficial, for example, in the area of ​​semi-autonomous and / or fully autonomous driving. With regard to the filling device, the fender area of ​​a vehicle offers particularly advantageous accessibility, especially in terms of height, thus providing the driver with a user-friendly way to fill, for example, a liquid, especially cleaning fluid. This height is particularly advantageous due to the favorable slope for transferring the liquid, such as cleaning fluid, into a container in the engine compartment. The fender area also offers the advantage of typically containing an unused cavity.Therefore, it can be considered advantageous to design this cavity in such a way as to allow for the filling of the cleaning fluid. In the engine compartment, where space may be limited, this can at least reduce the space required for the cleaning fluid reservoir. In particular, it eliminates the need for a separate device for filling the cleaning fluid in the engine compartment.

[0016] Positioning the sensor in the fender area is particularly advantageous for the support component, as it allows for cost reductions, especially during assembly, by integrating at least one ambient sensor and the filling device into a single component. Another advantage lies in the aesthetics of integrating the ambient sensor and filling device into one component, as this significantly reduces the number of unsightly seams compared to separate mounting on the outer shell.

[0017] By combining an ambient sensor and a filling device, a potential consumer of the cleaning fluid—that is, a device for applying the cleaning fluid—and the filling device for refilling the cleaning fluid are integrated into a single carrier component. This integration of the filling device and ambient sensor into one carrier component allows these components to be presented, at least visually, as belonging together. This integration into the carrier component results in a user-friendly concept, particularly for a driver and / or vehicle user who wants to refill the cleaning fluid, as the combination of the filling device and the potential consumer makes it clear which fluid needs to be added. The carrier component eliminates the need to open the hood and select the correct fluid reservoir.In particular, the cleaning fluid reservoir cannot be confused with a reservoir for another fluid, such as oil, brake fluid, or coolant. This helps avoid errors during at least one technical repair, such as when refilling the cleaning fluid.

[0018] The filling device includes a collection basin that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. To ensure rotation relative to the mounting device and the vehicle when the support component is mounted (a support component mounted to a vehicle will hereinafter be referred to as the mounted support component), the filling device may include a joint in addition to the collection basin. This joint is preferably a pivot joint by which the collection basin can be rotated about the axis of rotation. In particular, the joint is connected to the mounting device.

[0019] The invention provides that the axis of rotation runs parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis when the support component is mounted in the vehicle's outer shell (a mounted support component is present). The vehicle's vertical axis runs in the vehicle's vertical direction. Rotation about the vehicle's vertical axis can cause a change in the direction of travel, for example, by turning the vehicle's steering wheel. The inventive orientation of the axis of rotation offers the advantage that a collection basin can be lower than with an axis of rotation in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, in order to provide an equally sized opening for filling with the cleaning fluid. The opening for filling with the cleaning fluid is to be referred to as the filling surface. The height refers to the extent of the collection basin in the assembled state in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis.This allows, in particular, an arrangement in the fender area of ​​the vehicle due to the limited space available there in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0020] To determine the extent in one direction, two points are chosen such that they touch the basin and the distance between the points in that direction is maximized. In other words, the extent in one direction is the distance between two surfaces whose normals point in that direction and which define the basin's boundaries; that is, they touch the basin but do not intersect it. The entire basin therefore lies on one side of each surface.

[0021] The collection basin can be in a closed or an open state. In the closed state, the collection basin is characterized by the fact that, with the support component installed, it is not visible from the outside and / or no cleaning fluid can be added. The support component preferably has a cover plate to which the collection basin is attached, the cover plate serving to ensure that the collection basin is not visible from the outside when closed. In particular, when the collection basin is closed, the cover plate is flush or nearly flush with the outer shell. "Nearly flush" in this context can mean that the cover plate protrudes from the outer shell by a maximum of 5 mm, and in particular a maximum of 3 mm.

[0022] When the collection basin rotates around its axis of rotation, it transitions from the closed to the open state, or vice versa. In the open state, the basin is visible from the outside when the support component is installed and is designed to collect cleaning fluid. For example, with the support component installed, at least part of the collection basin may extend beyond the volume defined by the vehicle's outer shell. This portion is specifically intended for filling and / or refilling with cleaning fluid.

[0023] The cleaning fluid is discharged via the coupling device. This can include connecting a cleaning fluid drain, for example in the form of a hose, to the coupling device once the support component is mounted, allowing the cleaning fluid to be discharged from the collection basin, via the coupling device, into a cleaning fluid reservoir.

[0024] The cleaning fluid is specifically designed for cleaning at least one window of a vehicle, in particular the windshield and / or the rear window. An additional or alternative use of the cleaning fluid is the cleaning of at least one environmental sensor, in particular the environmental sensor mounted on the carrier component. Specifically, the cleaning fluid is designed for cleaning the surface of an environmental sensor, in particular the environmental sensor itself. For cleaning with the cleaning fluid, the at least one window and / or the at least one environmental sensor, in particular the environmental sensor mounted on the carrier component, may have a spray device, which may, for example, be connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir via a hose.

[0025] The cleaning fluid can be water. Alternatively, it can be a composition and / or mixture of several liquids, for example, antifreeze and water.

[0026] The change between the open and closed states can be done manually, for example by pushing and / or pulling, or electrically on command, for example by input via a control device and / or a touch-sensitive screen and / or via a voice command.

[0027] The invention further provides that the collection basin and / or the coupling device includes a connection for coupling to a cleaning fluid supply line. This means that the filling device and / or the coupling device has a connection to which at least one cleaning fluid supply line can be coupled for supplying liquids to the filling device. The cleaning fluid supply line can, for example, be a hose, for instance, in the size of ½ inch, ¾ inch, or 1 inch.

[0028] DE 299 04 605 U1 describes a device for filling at least one reservoir with water, wherein the reservoir is arranged in or on a vehicle. The device comprises a filling nozzle for the water that is pivotable about an axis or extendable, as well as a hose as the intended connection between the filling nozzle and the at least one reservoir. The filling nozzle is vertically pivotable and thus has a considerable height compared to its other dimensions in order to provide a sufficiently large filling area for refilling cleaning fluid. This can lead to positioning problems, particularly when installed in the fender area, where there is less space along the vehicle's vertical axis than in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Moreover, a large ratio of vertical to longitudinal dimensions is visually unappealing.

[0029] The invention also includes further developments that result in additional advantages.

[0030] A further development involves designing the collection basin such that its height, i.e., its dimension in the vehicle's vertical direction when the support component is installed, is at its minimum. In particular, the height is at most 1 / 3, more specifically 1 / 5, preferably less than the smaller dimension of the collection basin in at least one of the other two directions perpendicular to the vehicle's vertical axis, for example, in the longitudinal and transverse directions. This means that when considering the directions perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the dimensions of the collection basin are larger, in particular by at least a factor of 3, preferably by a factor of 5, than in the direction of the axis of rotation. This dimension can be equated with the maximum dimension in that direction.

[0031] The ratio of the catch basin's dimensions in the vehicle's vertical direction to its dimensions in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's vertical direction offers the advantage that the cover plate has a smaller dimension, particularly in the upward direction (along the vehicle's vertical direction), than in other directions. This results in the smallest space requirement, especially in the direction where space is most limited in the fender area. This offers particular aesthetic advantages, as it reduces the length of the gap between the fender and the supporting component. The cover plate's surface area can be smaller than with a different orientation of the axis of rotation, which is especially beneficial aesthetically.By choosing a rotation axis parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis and a low height of the collection basin compared to the other dimensions, a particularly large filling area is advantageously achieved with small external dimensions of the cover plate, thus enabling particularly easy and / or user-friendly filling and / or refilling of cleaning fluid.

[0032] According to further training, the at least one environmental sensor can be an environmental sensor configured to provide data for object detection. The object detection can relate to at least one object located in the vicinity of the vehicle. This at least one object can be, in particular, at least one of the following: persons, animals, motor vehicles (especially cars, motorcycles, trailers, trucks, motorhomes, buses), traffic signs, and / or infrastructure.

[0033] The environmental sensor can be, in particular, an environmental sensor based on the detection of longitudinal and / or transverse waves, for example, sound waves and / or electromagnetic waves. Specifically, the environmental sensor can be, for example, a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, radar, and / or lidar.

[0034] To facilitate particularly efficient filling of the cleaning fluid, a further development provides that the collection basin, in its intended assembly state, has an inclination relative to the horizontal to direct the cleaning fluid poured into the basin towards the coupling device. This means that, with the support component mounted, and especially when open, the collection basin is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The horizontal plane is the plane whose normal runs parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis. This means that the bottom surface of the collection basin, i.e., the surface over which the cleaning fluid flows when poured into the basin, forms a non-zero angle with the horizontal plane. Preferably, this angle can be in the range of 5° to 25°, and particularly between 10° and 20°.

[0035] The incline is preferably designed such that, with the support component installed, the lowest point of the collection basin is preferably a point where the coupling device for draining the filled cleaning fluid from the collection basin is located. The lowest point of the collection basin is preferably at least one of those points whose distance to a vehicle floor is minimal.

[0036] This offers the advantage that the incline ensures the cleaning fluid flows towards the coupling device solely due to Earth's gravitational field. In particular, the incline and size of the coupling device allow for adjustment of the flow velocity and volume of the cleaning fluid through it. This can, for example, be adapted to predefined filling containers for the cleaning fluid.In particular, the inclination, preferably the adapted inclination and / or size of the coupling device to predefined filling containers, ensures that there is no need to wait during filling until the cleaning fluid has flowed through the coupling device. This allows the filling device, for example, to enable continuous filling up to the point where the cleaning fluid reservoir contains a predefined quantity of cleaning fluid. The adapted inclination and / or size of the coupling device can allow the cleaning fluid to drain completely. This ensures that no cleaning fluid residue remains in the collection basin.

[0037] A further development provides that the filling device includes a sieve. In particular, the sieve can be designed to run along the filling surface of the collection basin. The filling surface can run parallel to the base. The sieve can either cover the entire filling surface or only a portion of it. This portion of the filling surface includes at least the area visible when the device is open. Additionally or alternatively, the sieve can also be located near the coupling device. The sieve can be removable for cleaning purposes.

[0038] This offers the advantage that no foreign particles can enter the cleaning fluid reservoir via the filling device, which could, for example, clog the spray nozzle of the ambient sensor. This also allows cleaning fluid to be added from a dirty container while simultaneously ensuring that the cleaning fluid in the reservoir remains free of solid particles that could clog a spray nozzle.

[0039] A further development provides that the filling device, preferably the collection basin, includes a level indicator device which is designed to indicate a cleaning fluid level in the cleaning fluid reservoir.

[0040] The level indicator device can be designed, for example, as a pointer to display a number on a scale, as a digital display and / or as LEDs having at least two states (for example, activated and deactivated or different colors), in which the number of LEDs in one state is proportional to the cleaning fluid level.

[0041] The cleaning fluid level can be determined, for example, by a sensor that can transmit the corresponding information to the filling device, perhaps via a BUS system. The sensor can function in the same way as a sensor that, for example, determines the fuel level in a vehicle's fuel tank.

[0042] This offers the advantage that the cleaning fluid level can be read directly, and it is preferable to estimate when and / or how much cleaning fluid needs to be refilled. This results in a user-friendly concept.

[0043] The cleaning fluid need not be just water or a premixed liquid. It can be a mixture of several liquids, for example, antifreeze and water, in a predefined ratio. A further development provides that the filling device has a mixing indicator that displays the quantity of each liquid to be added, based on a predefined ratio. This offers the advantage of mixing the liquids in the correct ratio directly in the cleaning fluid reservoir. This advantageously eliminates the need for premixing in a separate container, thus avoiding the need to add the different liquids one after the other. In particular, a separate container for mixing the liquids can be omitted.

[0044] The mixing indicator device can be implemented, for example, by initializing it before the filling of at least one liquid begins. For initialization, an estimated fill quantity is determined by subtracting the cleaning liquid level from the total volume available in the cleaning liquid reservoir and the cleaning liquid level from the total volume. This estimated fill quantity serves as the basis for indicating the quantity of each individual liquid to be added to mix the cleaning liquid at a predefined mixing ratio.

[0045] This can be achieved, for example, as follows: The mixing indicator device can be designed as a display that ranges from 0% to 100% and resets to 0% upon initialization. The 100% corresponds to the expected fill quantity. In other words, 100% represents the volume that must be added to completely fill the cleaning fluid reservoir, starting from the cleaning fluid level present at initialization. The display can, for example, be a pointer indicating a value via a scale. Additionally or alternatively, it can be a digital display and / or a display using a light source, as already described for the N LED example.

[0046] It can be provided that, at least from initialization onwards, the cleaning fluid level is measured continuously and / or at predefined time intervals, and changes in the cleaning fluid level are indicated by changes in the display, for example, by a change in the pointer position, a different value being displayed on the digital display, and / or a change in the state of at least one indicator light. By displaying changes in the cleaning fluid level, a person filling the fluid (user) can, for example, recognize when the fluid needs to be changed. The percentage of each liquid component is known from the mixing ratio.For example, with a mixing ratio of N:M, it is intended that the first liquid is filled until the mixing indicator device shows (N / M)*100% and the remainder is filled with the second liquid so that the mixing indicator device shows 100% at the end of the filling process.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the mixing ratio can be entered via a control device in the vehicle or a connected mobile device. Based on the entered value, an audible or visual warning can be issued, for example, when a change of fluids to be added is required.

[0048] The coupling device can be extended such that the coupling device and / or the connection is configured to stop filling as soon as the cleaning fluid level in the cleaning fluid reservoir exceeds a predefined level and / or a predefined pressure measured in the coupling device and / or the connection is exceeded. This means that the cleaning fluid level in the cleaning fluid reservoir and / or the pressure in the coupling device and / or the connection is measured. If the cleaning fluid level in the cleaning fluid reservoir and / or the pressure in the coupling device and / or the connection exceeds a predefined threshold, a valve in the coupling device and / or the connection can be closed, preventing further filling with cleaning fluid.Additionally or alternatively, a visual and / or audible signal can be emitted, indicating that the cleaning fluid reservoir has reached a predefined level. This offers the advantage of preventing overfilling of the cleaning fluid reservoir and / or warning the person filling the reservoir of potential overfilling or leakage.

[0049] As a further aspect, the invention comprises a vehicle including at least one support component according to the invention. The support component includes a mounting device designed to mount the support component to the vehicle. Preferably, a recess is provided and / or created in the outer shell, preferably in the fender area of ​​the vehicle. This recess is preferably adapted to the support component and / or the mounting device such that the support component can be inserted into this recess and preferably attached to the outer shell and / or body of the vehicle via the mounting device.

[0050] If the vehicle is considered without the support component, its shape is determined by the vehicle's outer shell. If the support component is inserted with the filling device in the closed state, the vehicle's shape preferably remains unchanged, except that at least one joint is added at the transition between the outer shell and the support component, and / or the cover plate may only be approximately flush with the outer shell.

[0051] When open, at least part of the filling device, and in particular part of the collection basin, is located outside the vehicle's outer shell. This means that, to distinguish between inside and outside, the boundary is defined by the vehicle's outer shell, excluding any supporting components or recesses. Everything within this boundary is considered inside the vehicle, meaning it is within the volume defined by the outer shell; everything outside this boundary is considered outside. Specifically, the part of the filling device, and especially the collection basin, located outside the vehicle's outer shell is the part through which cleaning fluid is added.

[0052] The filling device includes a coupling device. The coupling device is configured to discharge the cleaning fluid supplied to the filling device, preferably the collection basin. Preferably, the coupling device is connected to a cleaning fluid drain, which may, for example, be a hose. The cleaning fluid drain is preferably connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir, thus establishing a connection between the filling device and the cleaning fluid reservoir. Preferably, the cleaning fluid can be discharged from the filling device, in particular the collection basin, via the coupling device and the cleaning fluid drain into the cleaning fluid reservoir.

[0053] The vehicle according to the invention may include further developments which have been described as further developments of the carrier component.

[0054] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0055] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a support component according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a support component according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a support component according to the invention; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a support component according to the invention.

[0056] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0057] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0058] Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a vehicle 10 on which the support component 11 is mounted. The support component 11 can be attached, in particular, in the fender area of ​​the vehicle 10. The support component 11 comprises a mounting device 25 for mounting the support component 11 to the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the support component 11 comprises an ambient sensor 12 and a filling device 26. The ambient sensor 12 is located in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the environmental sensor 12 is configured as a camera 14; however, it can also be another environmental sensor 12, for example, a radar, a lidar, and / or an ultrasonic sensor. The environmental sensor 12 is preferably a sensor that can be used, for example, in the context of semi-autonomous and / or fully autonomous driving. In particular, the environmental sensor 12 is a sensor whose data can be used as a basis for object recognition. Alternatively, the carrier component 11 can have several environmental sensors 12. Environmental sensors 12 based on various technologies can be used. A carrier component 11 can have several different environmental sensors 12, for example, a camera 14 and additionally another environmental sensor 12 that is not a camera 14, for example, a radar, a lidar, and / or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0059] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the environmental sensor 12 is positioned in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle in front of the filling device 26. However, this is only one example. The environmental sensor 12 can, for example, be mounted behind the filling device 26 in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle. In the embodiment shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows a camera 14 which detects an area opposite to the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle, i.e., towards the rear in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle. The environmental sensor 12 can be arranged such that it detects a different and / or further area in addition to or as an alternative to the rear area seen in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle. Preferably, the environmental sensor 12 detects an area outside the vehicle 10, such that a measuring surface 16 of the environmental sensor 12 does not point in the direction of the vehicle 10. Fig. 1 This can mean that the measuring surface 16 of the environmental sensor 12 does not point into the image plane.

[0060] The measuring surface 16 is the surface over which the environmental sensor 12 detects signals. In particular, the signals comprise measured values. Preferably, signals, for example in the form of longitudinal or transverse waves—i.e., light or sound—first reach the measuring surface 16 of the environmental sensor 12 before the signals are further processed. Only signals that reach the measuring surface 16 of the environmental sensor 12 are detected. In the case of a camera 14, the measuring surface 16 is, for example, the lens.

[0061] Fig. Figure 2, indicated by arrow 17, shows the rotational mobility or rotatability of the collection basin 18 of the filling device 26 about an axis of rotation 27. In other words, the collection basin 18 is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 27 with respect to the mounting device 25 and / or the vehicle 10. The axis of rotation 27 runs parallel to a vehicle vertical axis. The vehicle vertical axis runs perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction 15 as well as to the vehicle transverse direction. The filling device 26 can be in a closed state, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown, and exhibit an open state, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows the filling device. In the closed state, only a cover plate 13 is visible, not the collection basin 18. The collection basin 18 of the filling device 26 can change between these two states, as indicated by arrow 17, due to its rotatable mounting. The collection basin 18 is part of the filling device 26 and, in this example, has a height 19. The height 19 extends in the direction of the axis of rotation 27 and describes an extension of the collection basin 18, i.e., a dimension of the collection basin 18 in the direction of the axis of rotation 27. The extensions of the collection basin 18 in the two directions perpendicular to the axis of rotation 27 are each significantly greater than the height 19, meaning that the height 19 represents the smallest extension of the collection basin 18.

[0062] Due to its shape, the collection basin 18 can hold liquids in a pot-shaped container. In particular, the collection basin 18 can be shaped like a circular segment, especially with an angle between 30° and 60°, preferably 45°, which defines the circular segment. The height 19 describes the extent to which the collection basin 18 has an extension, at least in the direction of the axis of rotation 27, which allows it to hold a liquid, especially water and / or cleaning fluid. In particular, the height 19 can be a maximum of 5 cm, preferably less than or equal to 3 cm, and particularly 2 cm.

[0063] The collection basin 18 can have a sieve 20, which consists of a surface with holes, in particular through holes, thereby preventing solids from entering the collection basin 18. This means that solids larger than a predefinable value are caught by the sieve and not allowed to pass through the holes. Preferably, the sieve 20 runs parallel to and / or along a filling surface for filling the cleaning fluid.

[0064] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the filling device 26 of the support component 11 additionally has a connection 21 for coupling a cleaning fluid supply line, for example in the form of a hose 22, through which cleaning fluid can be supplied to the filling device 26.

[0065] Furthermore, port 21 can be configured to stop filling as soon as the cleaning fluid level in the cleaning fluid reservoir exceeds a predefined level and / or a predefined pressure measured at port 21 is exceeded. This means that in at least one of the aforementioned cases, for example, a valve in port 21 is closed to prevent overfilling of the cleaning fluid reservoir.

[0066] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the filling device includes a level indicator 23. In this example, a certain number N of light sources are present, of which a number M ≤ N illuminates depending on the fill level, where M is larger the higher the cleaning fluid level is in a cleaning fluid reservoir connected to the filling device. Additionally or alternatively, the level indicator can also include other types of indicators, as explained above.

[0067] In addition to or as an alternative to the level indicator device 23, a mixing indicator device 24 may be provided, which is designed to assist a user in supplying liquids to the collection basin 18 according to a predefinable mixing ratio.

[0068] The through Fig.The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 can include the environmental sensor 12 remaining in the position shown, regardless of whether the filling device 26 and / or the collection basin 18 is in the open or closed state. Alternatively, the environmental sensor 12 can be connected to the filling device 26 and / or the collection basin 18 in such a way that, when the collection basin 18 changes from the open to the closed state and vice versa, the environmental sensor 12 moves with the basin 18 by rotating it about the axis of rotation 27. In particular, the housing in which the environmental sensor 12 is installed and the collection basin 18 are manufactured as a single piece. This allows for savings in production costs through single-piece manufacturing.

[0069] A particularly preferred embodiment is given below.

[0070] Autonomous vehicles can have one or more cameras, at least one of which may be located in the fender area. In addition to a camera, other environmental sensors may also be used. For the purposes of this discussion, we will refer to a camera as a representative example. Cleaning all the cameras can require up to twice the amount of windshield washer fluid. This can mean that windshield washer fluid needs to be added approximately every 400 km. For vehicles with electric motors, windshield washer fluid may need to be added every time the car is charged.

[0071] Refilling the cleaning fluid is not user-friendly, as it requires opening the hood. Furthermore, the filler opening for the cleaning fluid cannot be ergonomically positioned. A filler in the fender area could be considered a more customer-friendly, and especially user-friendly, solution.

[0072] Mounting the filling device and the camera separately means higher costs and more effort during assembly. Additional flaps / seams can also be considered a disadvantage for aesthetic and quality reasons. Increasing the amount of cleaning fluid that fits in the reservoir and requiring more frequent refills can be very time-consuming for the user.

[0073] Additionally, the user may not receive feedback on the cleaning fluid level and / or filling in the dark may be difficult, for example due to limited visibility.

[0074] For this reason, at least one environmental sensor, such as a camera, can be integrated with a filling device as a carrier unit. Additionally, a connection, possibly with a pressure relief valve, can be provided for connecting a cleaning fluid supply line. A cleaning fluid supply line can be understood to be a hose. Additionally or alternatively, an illuminated level indicator can be provided, enabling precise, possibly manual, filling and / or refilling of the cleaning fluid. Additionally or alternatively, lighting can be provided, for example, to facilitate filling and / or refilling the cleaning fluid into the filling device.

[0075] Overall, the examples show how a combination of at least one cleaning fluid filling device and at least one environmental sensor can be provided. Reference symbol list: 10 vehicles 11 Support component 12 Environmental sensor 13 Cover plate 14 Camera 15 Vehicle longitudinal direction 16 measuring area 17 Arrow 18 collection basins 19 Height 20 sieves 21 connection 22 hose 23 Level indicator device 24 Mixture indicator device 25 Mounting device 26 Filling device 27 axis of rotation

Claims

[1] Carrier component (11) for mounting in an outer shell of a vehicle (10) comprising at least one environmental sensor (12), where the supporting component (11) further includes: - a mounting device (25) for mounting the support component (11) into a recess in the outer shell of the vehicle (10); and - a filling device (26) for filling a cleaning fluid reservoir of the vehicle (10), wherein the filling device (26) comprises a collection basin (18) for filling with cleaning fluid, which is designed to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (27) relative to the mounting device (25) in order to move the filling device (26) from an open state for filling with cleaning fluid to a closed state and vice versa, wherein the axis of rotation (27) in the mounted state of the support component (11) is parallel to a vehicle vertical axis and the collection basin (18) comprises a coupling device for coupling with a cleaning fluid drain, characterized by , that the collection basin (18) and / or the coupling device includes a connection (21) for coupling a cleaning fluid supply line. [2] Support component (11) according to claim 1, wherein the collection basin (18) has its smallest extent in the direction of the axis of rotation (27). [3] Support component (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the environmental sensors (12) is configured to provide data for object recognition. [4] Support component (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection basin (18) in the intended assembly state has an inclination relative to the horizontal to drain the cleaning fluid filled via the collection basin (18) in the direction of the coupling device. [5] Support component (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device (26) comprises a sieve (20). [6] Support component (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device (26) comprises a level indicator device (23) which is configured to indicate a cleaning fluid level of the cleaning fluid reservoir. [7] Support component (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device (26) has a mixing indicator device (24) which is configured to indicate the quantity of each liquid to be filled via a predefinable mixing ratio of several liquids to be filled. [8] Support component (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection (21) is configured to stop filling as soon as the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir exceeds a predeterminable cleaning fluid level and / or a predeterminable pressure measured in the connection (21) is exceeded. [9] Vehicle (10) comprising at least one support component (11) according to any of the preceding claims.

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