Motor vehicles with a liquid storage system for cleaning fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) with a liquid storage system for cleaning liquid, with at least one liquid container (12) arranged in the front frunk area (11) and held on a supporting structure of the vehicle via a fastening element, wherein the liquid container (12) has a precisely fitting geometry adapted to the installation environment, and in that the fastening element is designed to positively receive and fix the liquid container in the predetermined installation space, wherein the liquid container is integrated into an existing structural or cladding element of the vehicle without taking up additional installation space.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a liquid storage system for cleaning liquid, comprising at least one liquid container arranged in the front frunk area, according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Motor vehicles with such a fluid storage system serve to provide cleaning fluid for vehicle windows, cameras, sensors, and / or headlights. The cleaning fluid is stored in one or more tanks, which are located primarily in the frunk area or area of ​​the frunk area.

[0003] DE 20 2017 103 843 U1 discloses a fluid storage system integrated into a frunk area arrangement. The fluid reservoir described therein is arranged between a hood shell and an insulating layer of the hood and has a pillar section and several finger sections branching off from it.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of providing a liquid storage system for cleaning liquid that structurally uses existing vehicle components to integrate the liquid container, so that no additional installation space is required.

[0005] This object is achieved by a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the following description and the attached figures.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a fluid storage system for cleaning fluid, in particular for cleaning vehicle components such as sensors and cameras, comprising at least one fluid container arranged in the front frunk area and held to a supporting structure of the vehicle via a fastening element. The fluid container has a precisely fitting geometry adapted to the installation environment, wherein the fastening element is designed to positively receive and fix the fluid container in the specified installation space. The fluid container is integrated into an existing structural or trim element of the vehicle.

[0007] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "frunk area" refers to the front area of ​​a motor vehicle, which includes the so-called frunk (front trunk) - i.e., a storage space arranged at the front, particularly in electrically powered vehicles - as well as its immediate surrounding structure. The frunk area does not extend exclusively to the actual storage volume, but includes adjacent installation space zones in which, for example, trim, structural, or functional elements are housed. This frunk area is particularly well suited to the integration of functionally integrated components such as a fluid reservoir due to its typically present cavities and its lower technical occupancy compared to the conventional engine compartment.

[0008] In order to achieve the object of the invention and thus provide a liquid reservoir that can be integrated into existing structures without requiring additional space, the invention accordingly provides that the liquid container has a geometry adapted to the installation environment. This geometry enables form-fitting integration into an existing component of the motor vehicle, for example a panel or a structural component. The fastening element is designed such that it is intended both mechanically and geometrically for fixing the specifically shaped liquid container. This enables a particularly stable and space-saving arrangement, whereby the available installation space can be used more efficiently.

[0009] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fluid reservoir is integrated into the frunk panel in the front area of ​​the vehicle – i.e., in the so-called frunk. This integration allows the frunk panel to be designed as a functional or functionally integrated component. In particular, this embodiment enables the formation of a flat fluid reservoir along the existing geometric contours of the frunk panel. The underlying idea is to integrate the fluid reservoir directly into the frunk panel. This is constructed from two separate components that are permanently joined together by a joining process, such as welding. This creates a closed cavity that serves as a fluid reservoir and whose shape is adapted to the inner contour of the panel. The entire assembly is designed for tightness.A fillable opening is preferably located on the outer component of the fairing so that the cleaning fluid can be easily refilled from the outside. If the fluid reservoir is not integrated into the fairing but arranged separately, a gap must be maintained in the design, which leads to inefficient use of installation space. The integration according to the invention avoids this disadvantage, as the available installation space can be fully utilized. All sensors - for example, for level measurement, temperature monitoring or system control - are mounted directly on the fluid reservoir. This not only optimizes space utilization but also achieves a high level of functional integration. In addition, the fluid-filled tank performs an acoustic dampening function: It contributes to reducing sound transmission in the frunk area and thus improves the acoustic properties of the vehicle as a whole.

[0010] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the frunk cover consists of two interconnected component halves that together form the liquid container. This design enables modular production and flexible assembly. The two component halves are configured such that, when joined together, they form a closed container volume with an adapted geometry that fits precisely into the frunk cover. The component halves can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process, with suitable joining methods such as ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding being used to connect the two halves.

[0011] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, a plurality of electronic components are mounted on the liquid container, and the liquid container additionally contributes to sound and vibration damping or is designed to enable sound and vibration damping. The electronic components can be sensors, control units, cameras, and / or pump units. The mass inertia and damping behavior of the liquid-filled container reduces the transmission of structural vibrations.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fluid reservoir is integrated into the frunk cover panel or, alternatively, into the trunk lid panel. This is particularly advantageous when large volume reserves are available below the outer skin above the frunk area or in the area of ​​the rear end. The described embodiment also applies in principle to other body components such as doors, side panels, or similar structural elements where a hollow space between the inner and outer skin can be utilized. The basic idea is to functionally integrate the fluid reservoir into the inner structure of the trunk lid panel. The panel is constructed from two separate component halves that are permanently joined together using a suitable joining process.The joining process creates a closed cavity whose shape is adapted to the contour of the cladding and which serves as a fluid reservoir. The entire assembly is designed to be leak-proof. A fillable opening is preferably located on the outer component of the cladding, allowing easy refilling from the outside. If the fluid reservoir is not integrated but arranged separately from the cladding, a functionally-related intermediate space is required, which leads to inefficient use of installation space. The integration according to the invention avoids this disadvantage and enables maximum utilization of the available installation space. All necessary sensors, such as those for level detection and / or temperature measurement, can be mounted directly on the fluid reservoir.The combination of several functions in one component creates a high degree of functional integration while simultaneously optimizing space utilization.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outer cover panel has a fillable opening through which cleaning fluid can be refilled. This opening can be equipped with a bayonet or screw cap and is preferably accessible from the outside.

[0014] This improves usability and creates a user-friendly refill option.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fluid reservoir is integrated into the wheel house lining. This enables volume-optimized integration, particularly in the case of large, curved surface elements. The basic idea is to integrate the fluid reservoir directly into the wheel house lining. The wheel house lining is constructed from two separate components, preferably an inner and an outer part. The fluid reservoir is designed such that its geometry corresponds to the inner contour of the wheel house lining. The entire assembly is configured to form a sealed unit capable of storing fluids. An opening with a closure is provided for refilling. If the fluid reservoir and wheel house lining were arranged separately, a structural gap would have to be taken into account, which would lead to suboptimal installation space consumption.By integrating the fluid reservoir into the fairing structure, this gap is eliminated, allowing for significantly more efficient use of the available installation space. Furthermore, all sensor components, such as fill level sensors and / or temperature sensors, can be mounted directly on the fluid reservoir. This contributes to a compact, functionally integrated design. Eliminating the gaps results in better utilization of the available installation space. The more efficiently the installation space is used, the more components can be accommodated in the front or frunk area. Furthermore, the integrated fluid reservoir contributes to acoustic improvements thanks to its mass and material damping properties, as noise caused by the wheels is effectively reduced by the tank structure and the stored fluid.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fluid reservoir is arranged in such a way that noise caused by the wheels is dampened by the fluid and the tank structure. The positioning is close to the wheel bases, resulting in local acoustic decoupling.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the liquid container is integrated into the EKMV holder. The EKMV holder is used as a carrier for electrical components in the frunk area and therefore has structurally defined gaps suitable for the integration of the liquid container. The basic idea is to integrate the liquid container into the shell of the EKMV holder. The EKMV holder is constructed from two separate metal parts – an upper and a lower part. It is intended to either use a liquid container that exactly matches the inner contour of the EKMV holder, or to coat the insides of the metal parts with a plastic layer to make the entire assembly watertight. A lid is also provided through which the liquid container can be refilled.However, positioning the fluid reservoir separately from the EKMV holder creates a space-saving disadvantage, as clearances must be maintained between the two components. Combined integration eliminates this space. All relevant sensors are mounted directly on the fluid reservoir, further optimizing space utilization.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fluid reservoir is integrated into the longitudinal member of the vehicle frame. Here, too, the structure of the vehicle frame simultaneously serves as a functional storage unit. The implementation envisages integrating the fluid reservoir into the body shell of the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member also consists of two separate metal parts – an upper and a lower part. Analogous to the integration in the EKMV holder, either a fluid reservoir can be used that corresponds to the inner shape of the longitudinal member, or the inner surfaces can be coated with plastic to create a sealed, functionally integrated assembly. Refilling is again carried out via a corresponding lid. In this case, too, a separate arrangement of the tank and longitudinal member would lead to unnecessary loss of space, as a structural gap would be required.By integrating the sensor into the structural component, this space can be saved, thus achieving significantly more efficient space utilization. All sensors are mounted directly on the fluid container.

[0019] Both integration into the EKMV bracket and the side member optimizes the available installation space, as no additional clearances are required between separate components. The more efficiently the available space is used, the more components can be accommodated in the front of the vehicle or the frunk area. Other components, such as the frunk module, also benefit from the increased usable volume.

[0020] In other words, the motor vehicle is provided with a liquid storage system in which a liquid container is adapted to an existing structural shape and held therein in a form-fitting manner. In addition to the entire range of components, the invention encompasses configurations in which the fill level sensors, line outlets, and the peripheral attachment points are already integrated into the component geometry, thereby achieving a particularly high degree of prefabrication. The combination of these features thus leads to a structurally usable storage solution that essentially requires no additional installation space and enables functional multiple use of existing vehicle components.

[0021] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0022] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic cross-section of the motor vehicle to illustrate a positioning of the liquid container on a frunk fairing; Fig. 2 shows a further cross-section illustrating the positioning of the liquid container on a frunk lid; Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the positioning of the fluid reservoir on a wheel house; and Fig. 4 a further perspective view with respective cross sections of the liquid containers arranged in the EKMV or in the longitudinal member.

[0023] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of the front frunk area 11 of a motor vehicle 10, in which a liquid container 12 is an integral part of the frunk panel 13. The liquid container 12 is inserted into a geometrically defined receptacle within the frunk panel 13 and has a contour-following design that is precisely adapted to the inner shape of the frunk panel 13. The liquid container 12 is connected to the surrounding structure via a fastening element (not shown in detail), which enables mechanically resilient and position-secured fixation within the frunk panel 13 and optionally to a supporting structure in the frunk area 11. Possible connection technologies include positive-locking, non-positive-locking, or material-locking processes, in particular screw connections, snap-in connections, or welds.The design of the frunk cover 13, by integrating the fluid reservoir 12, enables extensive use of the available installation space without the need for separate brackets or additional support components. The fluid reservoir 12 is fully embedded in the frunk cover 13 and, when installed, is not visible from the outside. The fluid reservoir 12 is connected to other system components via suitable fluidic interfaces, ensuring the supply of cleaning fluid to consumers.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a liquid storage system in the area of ​​the front frunk region 11, in which the liquid container 12 is integrated into the frunk lid 14. The liquid container 12 is positively adapted to the inner contour of the frunk lid 14 and inserted within the lid panel. The structural integration is achieved by a fastening element integrated into the lid panel, which enables the liquid container 12 to be securely fixed within the frunk lid 14. The design of the liquid container 12 is selected to achieve maximum volume utilization along the available area within the frunk lid 14. For filling the liquid container 12, a refill opening is provided, which is located on the outside of the frunk lid 14.This refill opening is designed to be tightly closed with a closure element, such as a bayonet or screw cap. The fluid container 12 is connected to the rest of the fluid storage system via suitable connections and, thanks to its location in the front cover 14, is easily accessible and easy to maintain.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment in which the fluid reservoir 12 is integrated into the wheel house 15 of the front frunk area 11. The fluid reservoir 12 is arranged along the curved inner contour of the wheel house 15 and fully utilizes the cavity volume available there. The geometry of the fluid reservoir 12 is precisely adapted to the inner shape of the wheel house 15, so that a form-fitting embedding is achieved without loss of additional installation space. The fluid reservoir 12 is attached using a fastening element (not shown), which is designed to enable vibration-resistant, permanently stable mounting within the structure of the wheel house 15. The filled design of the fluid reservoir 12 also results in an acoustic damping effect, since vibrations that arise in the area of ​​the wheel contact are partially absorbed and reduced.The fluid reservoir 12 is connected to the overall system via connecting lines. The integration realized in the wheelhouse 15 also enables close proximity to cleaning targets such as cameras or sensors that are exposed to splash water or contamination, thus minimizing line lengths and system response times.

[0027] Fig.Figure 4 shows two alternative integration variants of the liquid reservoir 12 into structural components of a vehicle, specifically into an EKMV holder 16 and into a longitudinal member 17. The illustration includes section AA, which shows the installation of the liquid reservoir 12 in the longitudinal member 17, and section BB with the integration of the liquid reservoir 12 into the EKMV holder 16. In both cases, the liquid reservoir 12 follows the inner contour of the respective component, with the geometry being adapted to the available cavity structure. In the case of the EKMV holder 16, which is usually used for the assembly of electrical components, the available installation space is shared by the liquid reservoir 12, thereby achieving a functionally integrated component design. The liquid reservoir 12 can be inserted into a cavity between two metal structures of the EKMV holder 16 or sealed by an internal coating of the component's inner surfaces.In the case of the longitudinal member 17, the fluid reservoir 12 is integrated within a supporting body component, either as a separately inserted reservoir insert or by constructing the longitudinal member 17 with a double-walled hollow structure designed as a storage volume. Fixing is achieved via structurally adapted fastening elements that enable positive or non-positive mounting. In both embodiments, the fluid reservoir 12 is connected to the fluid storage system via suitable connection devices, whereby embedding it in existing components does not require any additional holders or housings.

[0028] In summary, an idea to improve the volume of the wiper fluid tank is proposed. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2017 103 843 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (10) with a liquid storage system for cleaning liquid, with at least one liquid container (12) arranged in the front frunk area (11) and held by a fastening element on a supporting structure of the vehicle, characterized by that the liquid container (12) has a precisely fitting geometry adapted to the installation environment, and that the fastening element is designed to positively receive and fix the liquid container in the predetermined installation space, wherein the liquid container is integrated into an existing structural or cladding element of the vehicle without taking up additional installation space. [2] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the liquid container (12) is integrated into the frunk cover in the front frunk area, [3] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 2, characterized bythat the frunk cladding has two interconnected component halves which together form the liquid container (12). [4] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that a plurality of electronic components are mounted on the liquid container (12) and the liquid container (12) additionally contributes to sound and vibration damping. [5] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the liquid reservoir is integrated into the front cover panel. [6] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that the outer lid panel has a fillable opening through which liquid can be refilled. [7] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the fluid reservoir (12) is integrated into the wheel house lining. [8] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 7, characterized bythat the liquid container (12) is arranged so that noise caused by the wheels is dampened by the liquid and the tank structure. [9] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the liquid container (12) is integrated into the EKMV holder. [10] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the liquid container (12) is integrated into the longitudinal member of the vehicle frame.

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