FLUID SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a liquid device according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a liquid device according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0002] From GB 2 485 424 A, a method for adapting a vehicle with a windshield washer system is disclosed, the system comprising a windshield washer fluid reservoir, wherein the reservoir has a filling device through which the windshield washer fluid can be refilled. Both the inlet and outlet for the fluid are located in a front area of ​​the motor vehicle.

[0003] From DE 10 2012 006 754 A1, a system consisting of several units is known, each comprising a water tank, a water pump, connecting hoses, and an external button or pipe. The external buttons or pipes are mounted on the vehicle body in such a way that the pressure of the water jets causes the outlet nozzles to swivel outwards. The system can be started and controlled both from inside the vehicle and from the outside, as well as via remote control.

[0004] Finally, further windshield washer systems from the state of the art are known from DE 20 2017 101 340 U1 and from DE 102 50 440 A1.

[0005] The object of the invention is to create a liquid device and a method by which a liquid jet can be conveyed to a corresponding liquid container.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a liquid device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of the liquid device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0007] The liquid device according to the invention for generating a liquid jet on an exterior area of ​​a motor vehicle comprises a liquid outlet through which the liquid jet, generated by means of a pump device and supplied from a tank, exits on the exterior of the motor vehicle.

[0008] To create a liquid handling system by means of which the liquid jet can be conveyed to a corresponding liquid container, the invention provides that the liquid handling system comprises a liquid container with a liquid inlet in which the liquid jet exiting the liquid outlet can be received in the exterior of the vehicle. Furthermore, the liquid inlet is connected to the tank via a line. In other words, a pump is supplied with liquid from the tank, and the liquid is conveyed as a liquid jet into the vicinity of the liquid handling system via the liquid outlet. The liquid jet travels along a trajectory to the liquid container and its liquid inlet. From the liquid container, the liquid is conveyed back into the tank via the line, thus completing the liquid cycle.

[0009] The fluid outlet is located longitudinally in a front exterior area of ​​the vehicle, and the fluid inlet is located longitudinally in a rear exterior area. The fluid outlet is designed to direct the fluid jet at an angle between the rearward direction (longitudinally) and the upward direction (vertically) into the rear exterior area, where the fluid inlet and the fluid reservoir are located. In other words, the fluid system allows a fluid jet to flow from the outlet with a trajectory such that it enters the fluid reservoir. The fluid inlet is, for example, at least partially conical to accommodate varying trajectories, such as those caused by wind.

[0010] The pumping device is also designed to transfer the liquid via the line into the tank upon entry of the liquid jet into the liquid container. This results in a small amount of liquid being drawn in relative to the volume of the liquid container, with the remainder being fed back into the system. This refills the tank with liquid to allow the liquid jet to continue being released. Furthermore, it is possible not only to release a single liquid jet using the pumping device, but also multiple jets of liquid released sequentially. In other words, this enables the integration of a liquid system or water reservoir that, via the pumping device, projects short jets of liquid or sequences of water jets or streams from the front of the vehicle towards the rear.The water is collected there and returned, so that a small amount of liquid or water carried in a small tank is sufficient to create an optical water feature in the exterior of the vehicle.

[0011] Finally, it is provided that the fluid outlet is located in a front exterior area of ​​the vehicle and the fluid inlet in a rear exterior area. The front exterior area is provided, in particular, by the vehicle's hood. Specifically, the fluid outlet is located in a central area of ​​the hood at the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. It is possible to position the fluid outlet below a cover element, in particular below the vehicle's emblem, whereby, when the fluid system is in use, the cover element can be designed to be hinged or extended by means of a further actuator of the fluid system, and the fluid outlet can be extended.

[0012] The fluid inlet is located, in particular, in a rearward, central area of ​​the rear of the vehicle. It is possible to position the fluid inlet below a second cover element, especially below an antenna of the vehicle, whereby, when the fluid system is used, the cover element can be opened by means of the actuator of the fluid system and the fluid inlet can be extended.

[0013] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the liquid jet can be guided along a trajectory from the liquid outlet to the liquid container. For example, the liquid container can be designed so that it is mounted at least partially tilted forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, particularly at an angle of incidence corresponding to the trajectory of the liquid jet entering the liquid inlet. An adjustable design of the liquid container allows for multiple angles, which can be adjusted, for example, by means of a control device and an actuator. Similarly, a corresponding control of the liquid outlet can adjust the exit angle of the liquid jet. Thus, the trajectory of the liquid jet is at least partially controllable.

[0014] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention has proven to be one in which the liquid device comprises a light source, in particular a laser beam, by means of which the liquid jet can be illuminated. Here, the light source is, for example, arranged at a position from which it illuminates or shines on the liquid jet, for example in color, thereby creating a light show in addition to the water feature.

[0015] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a quantity of liquid from at least one further component of the motor vehicle can be fed into the tank by means of at least one additional line connected to the tank. Here, the further component is, for example, an air conditioning system of the motor vehicle, in which liquid is produced and from which it can be drawn. The feeding process can be controlled, for example, by means of the additional line and by means of the pumping device and corresponding valves.

[0016] Furthermore, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the liquid device is controllable by means of an at least partially automated switch unit. The switch unit can be operated manually and / or at least semi-automatically, particularly when the vehicle is parked, thereby activating the liquid device for optical effects. In particular, it can be electronically coupled with an electronic computing unit and / or a driver assistance system of the vehicle, thus enabling remote control via, for example, an ID transmitter or a remote-controlled key. The liquid device can also be controlled by means of a mobile phone and corresponding applications that can be wirelessly connected to the vehicle. Adjusting the liquid jet and the light source is also possible via remote control.

[0017] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been found in which at least one additional, second liquid outlet with a corresponding second pumping device and at least one additional, second liquid container with a second liquid inlet are arranged. In this embodiment, at least one second liquid jet can be directed analogously to the first. In other words, at least one second liquid jet can be generated, in particular a plurality thereof, by which the water feature is further enhanced. In particular, all liquid outlets and liquid inlets are connected to the same tank, thus maintaining a closed loop.

[0018] Furthermore, a further embodiment of the invention has proven advantageous in which several liquid jets can be accommodated in a single liquid container. This means that, regardless of the number of liquid jets, the single liquid container is designed to accommodate all of them. For this purpose, for example, the angle of the liquid container can be changed in all degrees of freedom by means of a movement device provided for this purpose.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that several liquid jets can be controlled independently of one another. This makes it possible to design different liquid jets to create various shapes and timed effects. In conjunction with the light source, this allows for an optimized design of the water feature and the lighting effect. The lighting effects can be enhanced, for example, with a loudspeaker and associated sound system. This makes it possible, for instance, to add water sounds to the water feature, as well as to select suitable music or other sounds. Finally, the multitude of liquid jets can be controlled by a sensor device, enabling them to be switched on and off at least semi-automatically. When someone approaches the vehicle, for example a pedestrian, the liquid feature can be activated by the sensor device.Once the passerby has moved on, the water feature automatically switches off, thus saving energy. This can also be achieved using a timer for the water feature. The timer activates the water feature after a preset time, again saving energy. Furthermore, with many water features, it is possible to expand and optimize the water display using a dedicated timer.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a liquid device for generating a liquid jet on the exterior of a motor vehicle, in which a liquid jet, generated by a pump device and supplied from a tank, is provided on the exterior of the motor vehicle and exits via a liquid outlet. The method is characterized in that the liquid jet exiting the liquid outlet is collected by means of a liquid container comprising a liquid inlet, which is arranged on the exterior of the motor vehicle and connected to the tank via a line.

[0021] In summary, the invention describes a water feature or gargoyle with a water supply located in an exterior area of ​​a motor vehicle. Outflow rate and outflow direction are two parameters required to control the trajectory of the liquid jet, which is generated by the pump and actuators.

[0022] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the single figure alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0023] The only one shows Fig. 1 a perspective view of a motor vehicle with a liquid device according to the invention in operation.

[0024] In the only Fig. 1 Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0025] The only Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exterior area 10 of a motor vehicle 12, in particular a front exterior area 10a and a rear exterior area 10b, with a liquid system 14 in operation. The liquid system 14 has a liquid outlet 16, a pump 18, and a tank 20, as well as three pipe sections 22a, 22b, 22c of a pipe 22, which connects a liquid container 24 to the tank 20, the liquid container 24 having a liquid inlet 26. In other words, the liquid system 14 is designed to discharge a liquid jet 28, wherein the liquid jet 28, generated by the pump 18 and supplied by the tank 20, reaches the liquid container 24 via a trajectory through a liquid outlet 16.The liquid jet 28 can be received into the liquid container 24 via the liquid inlet 26, the liquid container 24 being connected to the tank 20 by means of the first line section 22a. The tank 20 is connected to the pumping device 18 via the second line section 22b and to the liquid outlet 16 via the third line section 22c, so that a circuit is closed when the liquid device 14 is used.

[0026] The front exterior area 10a is provided by a cover 30 of the motor vehicle 12. The liquid outlet 16 is located on a front area 32 of the cover 30 in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle, specifically in a central area 34 of the front area 32 in the transverse direction y of the vehicle. The liquid outlet 16 is located below a first cover element 36, specifically below an emblem of the motor vehicle 12. When the liquid device 14 is used, the cover element 36 can be opened or extended by means of a first actuator 38 of the liquid device 14, and the liquid outlet 16 is exposed by being raised in the vertical direction z of the vehicle by means of a second actuator 40 of the liquid device 14.

[0027] The rear exterior area 10b is provided by a rear section 44 of the motor vehicle 12. The liquid inlet 26 is located in a longitudinally x rearward area 46 of the rear section 44, specifically in a transversely y centrally located area 48 of the rear section 46. The liquid inlet 26 is positioned below a second cover element 50, particularly below an antenna of the motor vehicle 12. When the liquid device 14 is used, the second cover element 50 is opened by means of a third actuator 52 of the liquid device 14, and the liquid inlet 26 is exposed by a fourth actuator 54 of the liquid device 14 raising the cover element z in the vehicle direction. A fifth actuator 56 of the liquid device 14 enables the liquid container 24 to be tilted.The pumping device 18 makes it possible to control a liquid jet 28 with respect to an outflow direction 58 and / or outflow intensity 60. Thus, the liquid jet 28 can be generated. Furthermore, a light source 62, in particular a laser beam, is arranged on the liquid device 14, which illuminates the liquid jet 28, for example, in color. Here, the light source 62 is arranged, for example, at a position 64 from which it illuminates the liquid jet 28, thereby creating a play of light and water from the optical effects. The light source 62 can also be arranged at another position on the vehicle 12, for example, in the area of ​​its rear.

[0028] Furthermore, it is possible to connect at least one tank 20 and in the only Fig. 1 A quantity of liquid from at least one other component of the motor vehicle 12 can be fed into the tank 20 via a second, non-visible line. The only component in this system is... Fig. 1 Another component, also not visible, is provided, for example, the air conditioning system of the vehicle 12, from which fluid can be drawn. The supply is controllable via the second line and the pump unit 18 and corresponding valves.

[0029] Finally, the liquid device 14 is associated with an at least partially automated switch unit 66. The switch unit 66 can be operated manually and / or at least semi-automatically, particularly when the vehicle 12 is parked, thereby activating the liquid device 14 for optical effects. Specifically, it can be electronically coupled to an electronic computing device and / or a driver assistance system of the vehicle 12, allowing the liquid device 14 to be activated via a remote control 68, such as an ID transmitter or a remote-controlled key. Furthermore, it can be activated using mobile phones and applications that can be wirelessly connected to the vehicle 12. The liquid jet 28 and the light source 62 can also be adjusted using the remote control 68.

Claims

1. Liquid device (14) for generating a liquid jet (28) on an outer region (10) of a motor vehicle (12), comprising a liquid outlet (16) which is arranged in a front outer region (10a) of the motor vehicle (12) and via which the liquid jet (28), which is generated by means of a pump device (18) and is fed from a tank (20), exits in the outer region (10) of the motor vehicle (12), the liquid device (14) comprising a liquid container (24) having a liquid inlet (26) in which the liquid jet (28) exiting from the liquid outlet (16) can be received in the outer region (10) of the motor vehicle and which is connected via a conduit (22) to the tank (20), the liquid jet (28) being able to be guided in a trajectory from the liquid outlet (16) to the liquid container (24), characterized in that the liquid inlet (26) is arranged in a rear outer region (10b) of the motor vehicle.

2. Liquid device (14) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid device (14) comprises a light source (62) by means of which the liquid jet (28) can be illuminated.

3. Liquid device (14) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, by means of at least one further conduit connected to the tank (20), an amount of liquid from at least one further component of the motor vehicle (12) can be fed into the tank (20).

4. Liquid device (14) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid device (14) can be controlled by means of an at least partially automated switch unit (66).

5. Liquid device (14) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further second liquid outlet (17) is arranged with a corresponding second pump device (19), and at least one further second liquid container (25) is arranged with a second liquid inlet (27), wherein at least one second liquid jet (29) can be guided in a manner analogous to the liquid jet (28).

6. Liquid device (14) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of liquid jets (28, 29) can be received in a liquid container (24).

7. Liquid device (14) according to claim 6, characterized in that the plurality of liquid jets (28, 29) can be controlled independently of one another.

8. Method for operating a liquid device (14) for generating a liquid jet (28) on an outer region (10) of a motor vehicle (12), in which a liquid jet (28), which exits via a liquid outlet (16), is generated by a pump device (18) and is fed by a tank (20), is provided in the outer region (10) of the motor vehicle (12), wherein the liquid jet (28) exiting from the liquid outlet (16) is received by means of a liquid container (24) comprising a liquid inlet (26), which container is arranged in the outer region (10) of the motor vehicle and is connected to the tank (20) via a conduit (22), wherein the liquid jet (28) can be guided in a trajectory from the liquid outlet (16) to the liquid container (24), characterized in that the liquid jet (28) is received via the liquid inlet (26) arranged in a rear outer region (10b) of the motor vehicle.