FRUNK SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A frunk system for a vehicle comprising a first tray member including a base wall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of side walls defining a washer fluid reservoir. A fluid filler neck is fluidly connected to the washer fluid reservoir. A second tray member is mated to the first tray member. The second tray member includes a base wall portion having an inner surface portion and an outer surface portion and a plurality of side wall portions that collectively define an article storage zone extending into the washer fluid reservoir. The second tray member is sealed to the first tray member. The outer surface of the base wall includes a plurality of resilient fasteners that support the frunk system within the vehicle.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a frunk system for a vehicle. The present disclosure relates to the art of vehicles having front trunks or frunks, and more particularly to a combined frunk and washer fluid reservoir for a vehicle.

[0002] For example, the document DE 10 2023 001 757 B3 discloses a frunk system for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The documents US 2018 / 0 037 150 A1, DE 10 2020 128 579 A1, US 2021 / 0 284 242 A1 and DE 10 2018 206 316 A1 disclose related systems.

[0003] Most vehicles include a passenger compartment, an engine compartment, and a storage area. The storage area is often used for storing spare tires, tools, luggage, groceries, and / or the like. The storage area can take the form of a rear compartment or "trunk," a front trunk or "frunk," or an eTrunk. The trunk is often located at or behind the vehicle's rear wheels. In some cases, the trunk is positioned above or behind the vehicle's gas tank. Conversely, the frunk is typically positioned between the vehicle's front wheels.

[0004] Whether a vehicle is equipped with a trunk or a frunk depends largely on the powertrain choice. Vehicles with the engine located in front of the passenger compartment are equipped with a trunk. Vehicles with the engine located behind the passenger compartment are equipped with a frunk. In both cases, the storage area is provided with a hatch or cover that secures items stored in the trunk or frunk. SUMMARY

[0005] A frunk system for a vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a first shell member including a base wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of side walls forming a washer fluid reservoir. A fluid filler neck is fluidly connected to the washer fluid reservoir. A second shell member is mated to the first shell member. The second shell member includes a base wall portion having an inner surface portion and an outer surface portion and a plurality of side wall portions that collectively define an article storage zone extending into the washer fluid reservoir. The second shell member is sealed to the first shell member. The outer surface of the base wall includes a plurality of resilient fasteners that support the frunk system within the vehicle.

[0006] In other features, the fluid filler neck is fluidly connected to the washing fluid reservoir.

[0007] In other features, an insulating barrier is provided between the first shell member and the second shell member.

[0008] In other features, the insulating barrier is a rubber seal provided around the base wall portion of the second shell member.

[0009] In other features, the rubber seal extends around the base wall portion along one of the plurality of side wall portions of the second shell member.

[0010] At least one of the inner surfaces and outer surfaces carries a plurality of ribs extending into the washing fluid reservoir.

[0011] The inner surface of the base wall includes a first plurality of ribs extending into the washing fluid reservoir, and the outer surface of the base wall portion includes a second plurality of ribs extending into the washing fluid reservoir.

[0012] The first plurality of ribs are interleaved with the second plurality of ribs to form a serpentine flow path across the washing fluid reservoir.

[0013] In other features, a washing fluid pump is fluidly connected to the washing fluid container.

[0014] In other features, a fluid drain extends from the article storage zone through the wash fluid reservoir, the fluid drain configured to selectively discharge fluid from the article storage zone.

[0015] According to one non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a body partially defining a passenger compartment. A hood is disposed forward of the passenger compartment. A frunk system is disposed forward of the passenger compartment and can be selectively covered by the hood. The frunk system includes a first shell member including a base wall and a plurality of side walls forming a washer fluid reservoir, and a second shell member mated to the first shell member. The second shell member includes a base wall portion and a plurality of side wall portions that collectively define an article storage zone extending into the washer fluid reservoir. The second shell member is sealed to the first shell member.

[0016] In other features, a fluid filler neck is connected to one of the plurality of side walls of the first shell member, the fluid filler neck being fluidly connected to the washing fluid reservoir.

[0017] In other features, an insulating barrier is provided between the first shell member and the second shell member.

[0018] In other features, the insulating barrier is a rubber seal provided around the base wall portion of the second shell member.

[0019] In other features, the rubber seal extends around the base wall portion along one of the plurality of side wall portions of the second shell member.

[0020] In other features, the base wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and the base wall portion includes an inner surface portion and an outer surface portion, wherein at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface carries a plurality of ribs extending into the wash fluid reservoir.

[0021] In other features, the inner surface of the base wall includes a first plurality of ribs extending into the wash fluid reservoir, and the outer surface of the base wall portion includes a second plurality of ribs extending into the wash fluid reservoir.

[0022] In other features, the first plurality of ribs are interleaved with the second plurality of ribs to form a serpentine flow path across the wash fluid reservoir.

[0023] In other features, a washing fluid pump is fluidly connected to the washing fluid container.

[0024] In other features, a fluid drain extends from the article storage zone through the wash fluid reservoir, the fluid drain configured to selectively discharge fluid from the article storage zone.

[0025] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view, from the top right, of a vehicle including a frunk system including a combined frunk and washer fluid reservoir, according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a top view of the frunk system of Fig. 1 is, according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3 a side cross-sectional view of the frunk system of Fig. 2 is, according to the present disclosure; and Fig. 4 a bottom view of the frunk system of Fig. 3, according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Reference symbols may be reused in the drawings to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Modern vehicles have many surfaces that must be cleaned regularly, often while driving. In addition to directing washer fluid toward the windshield, washer fluid can also be directed toward mirror surfaces, camera surfaces, and / or sensor surfaces. The large number of additional surfaces requires more washer fluid than is typically present in a vehicle. Adding a large reservoir to the front section of a vehicle is challenging, particularly in vehicles that include a frunk or front storage area. Combining the frunk and washer fluid reservoir as described herein provides a solution for transporting a large amount of washer fluid without compromising storage space.

[0029] A vehicle, as used in the present disclosure, is generally designated 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 that partially defines a passenger compartment 14. The vehicle 10 includes a hood 16 pivotally mounted to the body 12 forward of the passenger compartment 14. The hood 16 selectively covers a frunk system 30. The frunk system 30, as will become more apparent herein, defines a front storage compartment for the vehicle 10. Aspects of the present disclosure may apply to various powertrain systems, including internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and with further reference to Fig. 1, the frunk system 30 includes a first tray member 32 and a second tray member 34. The second tray member 34 is nested within the first tray member 32. The first tray member 32 includes a base wall or bottom surface 40 and a plurality of side walls 42. The plurality of side walls 42 include a front side wall 44, a rear side wall 46, a first lateral side wall 48, and a second lateral side wall 50. The first tray member 32 includes an inner surface 51 and an outer surface 52. The inner surface 51 of the base wall 40 and the plurality of side walls 42 define a wash fluid reservoir 54.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the front side wall 44 includes a first recess 56 forming a first support surface 58, and the rear side wall 46 includes a second recess 60 forming a second support surface 62, a third recess 64 forming a third support surface 66, and a fourth recess 68 forming a fourth support surface 70. A first elastic fastening element 72 is arranged on the first support surface 58, a second elastic fastening element 74 is arranged on the second support surface 62, a third elastic fastening element 76 is arranged on the third support surface 66, and a fourth elastic fastening element 78 is arranged on the fourth support surface 70.

[0032] The first resilient fastener 72, the second resilient fastener 74, the third resilient fastener 76, and the fourth resilient fastener 78 can take various forms, including rubber mounts, elastomeric mounts, silicone mounts, spring-based mounts, or other devices that provide both support and vibration isolation. This means that the resilient fasteners not only hold the frunk system 30 within the body 12 but also provide a vibration isolation function. This means that the first resilient fastener 72, the second resilient fastener 74, the third resilient fastener 76, and the fourth resilient fastener 78 isolate vibrations that might be caused by movement of the washer fluid in the washer fluid reservoir 54 from entering the passenger compartment 15 and being perceived by the passengers.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 3 and with further reference to Fig. 2, the second tray member 34 includes a base wall portion 80 and a plurality of side wall portions 82. The plurality of side wall portions 82 include a front side wall portion 84, a rear side wall portion 86, a first lateral side wall portion 88, and a second lateral side wall portion 90. The front side wall portion 84 includes a first step member 92, and the rear side wall portion 86 includes a second step member 94. The first step member 92 and the second step member 94 nest within the first recess 56 and the second recess 60 when the second tray member 34 is placed within the first tray member 32. The second tray member 34 includes an interior surface portion 98 and an exterior surface portion 100. The interior surface portion 98 of the base wall portion 80 and the plurality of side wall portions 82 define an article or cargo storage zone 102.The outer surface portion 100 of the base wall portion 80 and the plurality of side wall portions 82 form part of the washing fluid container 54.

[0034] According to the present disclosure, which is set forth in Fig. 3, the frunk system 30 includes an insulating barrier 104 disposed between the first shell member 32 and the second shell member 34. The insulating barrier 104 insulates wash fluid in the wash fluid reservoir from cold temperatures that may exist in the cargo storage zone 102. The insulating barrier 104 is shown in the form of a rubber seal 106 extending around the inner surface 51 of the wash fluid reservoir 54. As shown in Fig. 3, the rubber seal 106 is located between the first recess 56 and the first step member 92 and the second recess 60 and the second step member 94 and forms a temperature-insulating interface between the inner surface 51 of the first shell member 32 and the outer surface portion 100 of the second shell member 34 to prevent freezing of washing fluid in the washing fluid container 54.

[0035] With reference to Fig. 4, the first shell member 32 includes a fluid filler neck 110 extending outwardly from the rear side wall 46. The location of the fluid filler neck 110 may vary depending on the vehicle model and design and should not be considered limited to the arrangement on the rear side wall. In the example shown, the filler neck 110 is attached to the second lateral side wall 50, as shown in Fig. 2, and is provided with an inlet 112. The first shell member 32 is shown as also including an outlet 114 connected to a washer pump 116. The washer pump 116 is selectively activated to deliver washer fluid from the washer fluid reservoir to a selected surface to be washed. The selected surface may be a window, a mirror, a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, or the like. The selected surface to be washed may vary depending on the vehicle model and selected vehicle features. The second shell member 34 is also shown carrying a washer fluid sensor 118 that provides feedback to the vehicle occupants regarding the washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir 54.

[0036] With further reference to Fig. 4, according to the present disclosure, the first shell member 32 includes a first plurality of ribs 126 projecting upwardly from the inner surface 51 of the base wall 40. The second shell member 34 includes a second plurality of ribs 128 projecting downwardly from the outer surface portion 100 of the base wall portion 80. The first plurality of ribs 126 and the second plurality of ribs 128 provide barriers to fluid flow within the washer fluid reservoir 54 that are positioned to reduce sloshing and associated noise. Reducing the noise associated with fluid sloshing within the washer fluid reservoir 54 improves the ride experience for passengers within the vehicle 10.

[0037] The second plurality of ribs 128 includes a first plurality of rib elements 132 and a second plurality of rib elements 134. Each of the first plurality of rib elements 132 extends from the outer surface portion 100 of the base wall portion 80 between the front sidewall portion 84 and the rear sidewall portion 86 and forms a plurality of channels (not separately labeled). The second plurality of rib elements 134 extends from the base wall portion 80 between adjacent elements of the first plurality of rib elements 132.

[0038] The second plurality of rib elements 134 overlap with the first plurality of ribs 126 projecting upwardly from the base wall 40 of the first shell element 32. In this arrangement, the first plurality of ribs 126 and the second plurality of ribs 128 form a first serpentine flow path 138 ( Fig. 3) and a second serpentine flow path 140 ( Fig. 4) in the washer fluid reservoir 54. The first serpentine flow path 138 and the second serpentine flow path 140 slow the movement of the fluid in the washer fluid reservoir 54 to reduce sloshing that may be caused by turning, sudden accelerations, and / or sudden decelerations.

[0039] According to the present disclosure, the cargo storage area 102, in addition to storing cargo, can also serve as an ice chest during a barbecue or other event. In this context, the second tray member 34 includes a liquid drain 144 extending through the first tray member 32 to the environment. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig.3, the fluid drain 144 includes a drain port 146 attached to the first shell member 32 by a thread 148. A first seal 150 prevents fluid from the cargo storage zone 102 from leaking into the wash fluid reservoir 54, and a second seal 152 prevents fluid from the wash fluid reservoir 54 from escaping to the environment along the drain port 146. A drain plug 156 disposed in the base wall portion 80 in the cargo storage zone 102 ensures that fluid remains in the second shell member 34 until it is desired to be drained.

[0040] Furthermore, although the embodiments are each described above as having specific features, any one or more of these features described with respect to one embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented and / or combined with features of any of the other embodiments, even if this combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and an exchange of one or more embodiments for one another remains within the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "engaging," "coupled," "adjacent," "beside," "on top of," "over," "below," and "disposed." Where a relationship between first and second elements is not explicitly described as "direct" in the above disclosure, that relationship may be a direct relationship, with no other intervening elements between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship, with one or more intervening elements (either spatial or functional) between the first and second elements.As used herein, the term “A, B and / or C” should be construed as logical (A ORed with B ORed with C) using a non-exclusive logical OR and should not be understood as “at least one of A, at least one of B and at least one of C”.

Claims

[1] Frunk system (30) for a vehicle (10), comprising: a first shell member (32) comprising a base wall (40) having an inner surface (51) and an outer surface (52), and a plurality of side walls (42) forming a washing fluid container (54); a liquid filler neck (110) connected to the washing fluid container (54); and a second shell member (34) mated to the first shell member (32), the second shell member (34) comprising a base wall portion (80) having an inner surface portion (98) and an outer surface portion (100) and a plurality of side wall portions (82) that collectively define an article storage zone (102) extending into the washer fluid reservoir (54), the second shell member (34) being sealed to the first shell member (32), the outer surface (52) of the base wall (40) having a plurality of resilient fasteners (72, 74, 76, 78) that support the frunk system (30) within the vehicle (10), characterized by , that at least one of the inner surfaces (51) and the outer surfaces (52) carries a plurality of ribs (126, 128) extending into the washing fluid container (54), wherein the inner surface (51) of the base wall (40) comprises a first plurality of ribs (126) extending into the washing fluid container (54), and the outer surface (52) of the base wall portion (80) comprises a second plurality of ribs (128) extending into the washing fluid container (54), wherein the first plurality of ribs (126) are interleaved with the second plurality of ribs (128) to form a serpentine flow path (138, 140) across the washing fluid reservoir (54), wherein the second plurality of ribs (128) comprises a first plurality of rib elements (132) and a second plurality of rib elements (134), each of the first plurality of rib elements (132) extending from the outer surface portion (100) of the base wall portion (80) between the front side wall portion (84) and the rear side wall portion (86) and forming a plurality of channels, the second plurality of rib elements (134) extending from the base wall portion (80) between adjacent elements of the first plurality of rib elements (132), wherein the second plurality of rib elements (134) overlap with the first plurality of ribs (126) projecting upwardly from the base wall (40) of the first shell element (32), wherein the first plurality of ribs (126) and the second plurality of ribs (128) form a first serpentine flow path (138) and a second serpentine flow path (140) in the washing fluid reservoir (54). [2] The frunk system (30) of claim 1, wherein the fluid filler neck (110) is connected to one of the plurality of side walls (42) of the first shell member (32). [3] The frunk system (30) of claim 1, further comprising: an insulating barrier (104) provided between the first shell member (32) and the second shell member (34). [4] The frunk system (30) of claim 3, wherein the insulating barrier (104) is a rubber seal (106) provided around the base wall portion (80) of the second shell member (34). [5] The frunk system (30) of claim 4, wherein the rubber seal (106) extends around the base wall portion (80) along one of the plurality of side wall portions (82) of the second shell member (34). [6] The frunk system (30) of claim 1, further comprising: a washing fluid pump (116) fluidly connected to the washing fluid reservoir (54). [7] The frunk system (30) of claim 1, further comprising: a liquid drain (144) extending from the article storage zone (102) through the wash fluid reservoir (54), the liquid drain (144) configured to selectively discharge fluid from the article storage zone (102).

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