Clearance for the conduiting of fluids

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a chamber for conveying fluids into a designated fluid container. Such a chamber is intended for vehicles whose bodywork is integrated so that fluids can be supplied to the vehicle from outside. background

[0002] In vehicles, it has previously been common practice for fluids such as windshield washer fluid to be added via filler necks in the engine compartment. To do this, access to the engine compartment must first be gained by opening the hood. This is cumbersome and requires a certain level of expertise, as ideally only qualified personnel should have access to a vehicle's engine compartment to carry out professional maintenance or repairs. The way in which access to the engine compartment is granted also varies from model to model and is by no means intuitive. For example, the hood is always locked by a hidden safety lever, which must be operated when opening and is designed and located in different locations from model to model.

[0003] Furthermore, such a conventional method of supplying fluids entails, on the one hand, the risk of the fluids being spilled during filling and thus entering the engine compartment, potentially damaging sensitive components there. On the other hand, the engine compartment can be very hot immediately after driving, which in turn poses a certain risk of injury during filling, not to mention moving engine parts if the engine is still running.

[0004] To avoid having to access the engine compartment to add fluids, the vehicle can also be equipped with service hatches that can be easily folded out when needed to allow the required fluid to be added. After filling, the service hatch can be closed again. This is modeled on the refueling of liquid fuel, which for many years has been done exclusively via separate tank hatches – often located at the rear right and / or left of a vehicle. State of the art

[0005] DE 10 2018 120 014 A1 describes a service module for a motor vehicle with a tank recess that defines a receiving space and has a fluid passage opening that can be connected to a fluid storage container. A filler pan with a fluid outlet opening is provided in the tank recess, which is pivotable about a rotation axis relative to the tank recess, wherein the fluid outlet opening and the fluid passage opening are arranged directly adjacent to one another and penetrated by the rotation axis. A disadvantage of this service module is that the arrangement of the fluid outlet opening and the fluid passage opening relative to one another cannot ensure a tight seal with respect to the motor vehicle, since the two openings rotate simultaneously relative to one another according to the rotation axis. However, this location represents a weak point due to potential leaks.During filling, fluid can leak from this point and enter the vehicle's interior. Furthermore, the described service module has dead spaces due to its design, where added fluid remains and does not reach the fluid reservoir via the fluid outlet and flow openings.

[0006] DE 20 2016 106 334 U1 describes a front grille emblem for a motor vehicle, which includes an integral hood release and a windshield washer fluid collector. The front grille emblem is adjustable between a front grille emblem display position, a hood release position, and a windshield washer fluid filling position. The windshield washer fluid collector has a lateral opening in a side wall through which, in the windshield washer fluid filling position, windshield washer fluid enters a hose and is guided to a windshield washer fluid reservoir. Another disadvantage here is that, on the one hand, the described structural design creates dead spaces in which windshield washer fluid collects unused, and, on the other hand, the lateral opening and the pipe only lie on top of one another in the windshield washer fluid filling position.Away from this position, the side opening is exposed, allowing excess windshield washer fluid to leak uncontrollably from the reservoir into the vehicle's interior. Furthermore, the offset of the side opening relative to the hose prevents a tight connection. In the worst case, windshield washer fluid could leak uncontrollably during filling and enter the engine compartment, where it could damage components. Uncontrolled leakage of windshield washer fluid also pollutes the environment. Task

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a space for conducting fluids into a fluid container provided for this purpose, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and, on the one hand, avoids dead spaces and, on the other hand, provides a permanently tight connection between the space and the fluid container. Solution

[0008] The above object is achieved by a spatial arrangement according to the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are named and illustrated with reference to the dependent patent claims and the further description.

[0009] The present invention is a chamber for conducting fluids into a fluid container provided for this purpose, wherein the chamber is integrated into a body of a vehicle, at least comprising a housing with a lower recess, a front recess and at least one lateral recess as well as at least one lateral bearing bush.

[0010] In addition, the chamber also comprises an insert which is at least partially received in the housing and has an upper opening for filling a fluid and a lower opening for discharging the fluid, wherein the upper opening has a larger cross-section than the lower opening and a downwardly extending hose holder is additionally arranged at the lower opening.

[0011] The chamber further comprises at least one bearing pin which is arranged laterally on the insert and extends outwards, engaging in the at least one lateral bearing bush on the housing so that they form a common tilting axis about which the insert can be pivoted within the housing and thus can be moved from a non-tilted closed position into a tilted filling position or vice versa.

[0012] In addition, the chamber further comprises at least one guide pin extending laterally outward from the insert and engaging into the at least one lateral recess in the housing, thereby forming both a movement guide and a movement limiter for the insert, which define the closed position and the filling position of the insert. Furthermore, the chamber comprises a fluid hose, which connects to the hose holder at the lower opening of the insert and is guided out of the housing through the lower recess in the housing.

[0013] The arrangement also has a cover which is arranged on the insert with at least one locking lug arranged on the cover, wherein the at least one locking lug engages in at least one corresponding locking receptacle which is arranged on the insert, and wherein the cover, in the closed position, closes the front recess of the housing and is flush with the body of the vehicle.

[0014] Further advantageous embodiments result from the features according to the dependent subclaims.

[0015] Advantageously, the downwardly extending hose holder is designed as an integral component of the insert. This means that the shape of the lower opening merges seamlessly into the hose holder. This eliminates a gap between the insert and the hose holder, which has the advantage that nothing can leak out when fluid is added.

[0016] The insert is designed as a container, open on both sides through the upper opening at the top and the lower opening at the bottom, allowing fluid to be easily and conveniently poured in through the upper opening and drained out through the lower opening. The lower opening acts as a drain, allowing the added fluid to leave the insert and flow through the hose holder into the attached fluid hose.

[0017] The fluid hose, in turn, is advantageously connected to a fluid tank. This means that the fluid hose forms a connection between the fluid tank and the compartment or the compartment insert. This allows fluid to flow into the fluid tank during filling without having to fill it directly via, for example, the engine compartment. Such a fluid tank could be a windshield washer fluid tank, for example.

[0018] Advantageously, the hose is connected to both the fluid tank and the insert in a fluid-tight manner. This is achieved by firmly connecting the hose and insert and preventing them from moving relative to each other. Such a connection is achieved, for example, by attaching the fluid hose to the hose holder – which can be designed as a hose nozzle. Additionally, the connection between the fluid hose and the hose holder can be secured with a hose clamp. This ensures a very high degree of fluid-tight reliability.

[0019] In the closed position, the insert is not tilted and is completely housed in the housing. "Not tilted" means a substantially vertical alignment. Deviations from the vertical alignment of up to 10° are permissible. Deviations of less than 10° from the vertical alignment are also included in the term "substantially." In this position, the panel advantageously sits flush with the vehicle body. The space is thus visible from the outside, i.e. . From outside the body, the air intake is no longer accessible, meaning that fluid can no longer be added in this position. At the same time, the air intake through the cover fits almost seamlessly into the vehicle's body, fitting flush with the surrounding bodywork.

[0020] In the filling position, the insert is tilted within the housing around the tilt axis so that the upper opening protrudes diagonally upwards from the chamber. This allows fluid to be filled into the chamber or the insert of the chamber via the upper opening as intended. The tilt or inclination angle in the tilted filling position is a maximum of 90° compared to the closed position; advantageously this is up to 60°, more advantageously up to 45°, and in a particularly advantageous embodiment 30° compared to the non-tilted closed position. Deviations of a few degrees - provided they are within the range of technically usual tolerances - are included. Deviations of more than 5° should not be exceeded.

[0021] The tilted filling position as well as the non-tilted closed position are predetermined by the at least one lateral recess and the at least one guide pin engaging therein. When the insert is tilted, the at least one guide pin slides along within the at least one recess. The at least one lateral recess provides a guide path for the at least one guide pin. The at least one lateral recess simultaneously forms a stop at one end of the guide path. When the tilted filling position is reached, the at least one guide pin abuts this stop, thereby stopping any further movement of the insert about the common tilt axis. The insert is thus simultaneously held in the tilted filling position in the housing of the space and cannot fall out forwards.The guidance via at least one guide pin also enables stable mounting of the insert. In an alternative embodiment, two guide pins can be provided, which are located opposite each other and engage in two lateral recesses, which are also located opposite each other on the housing. This ensures particularly stable mounting of the insert within the housing.

[0022] It is also conceivable that at least one lateral recess may be provided with an additional stop to limit the movement of the insert in the closed position. This prevents the insert from being pushed further into the housing upon reaching the closed position, ensuring that the cover is flush with the body. This effectively prevents any damage to the cavity caused by improperly pushing the insert too deeply into the housing after filling.

[0023] In every position, the fluid hose is connected to the hose holder in such a way that it always exits downwards through the lower recess. This ensures that fluid can drain downwards through the fluid hose at all times - regardless of the position of the insert, ie. . Tilted or not tilted. This is relevant, for example, if there is still fluid inside the insert after the filling process, but the insert is already in the closed position. The connection between the fluid tank and the chamber via the fluid hose remains intact in every position, so that any remaining fluid can continue to drain from the insert into the fluid tank, regardless of the position.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, a drain valve can also be provided on the hose holder, which is designed to allow filled fluid to flow in only one direction - namely, in the drain direction. This way, filled fluid can only flow through the drain valve and the fluid hose in the direction of the fluid tank; backflow would be prevented by the drain valve. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the drain valve to be designed such that it is open in the filling position and closed in the closing position. This way, for example, fluid added while driving cannot slosh or flow back into the insert from the fluid tank via the fluid hose, which could happen due to movement of the fluid.

[0025] The at least one locking lug and at least one locking receptacle between the insert and the cover are advantageously designed as a click connection, allowing, for example, covers of different shapes and / or colors to be quickly and easily attached to the insert. This makes it possible to quickly and easily provide the space described here for a wide variety of vehicle models by quickly and easily connecting the desired cover to the insert.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the space according to the features of claim 2, the insert is designed as a single piece. The material of the insert is plastic, metal, a composite material, or a combination thereof. For example, glass fiber- or carbon fiber-reinforced plastics can be used as the composite material.

[0027] The insert is advantageously designed as a one-piece injection-molded part, which includes the at least one locking receptacle, the at least one bearing pin, the at least one guide pin, and the hose attachment at the lower opening. If the material is plastic, the insert is designed as a plastic injection-molded part. This allows the insert to be manufactured quickly, cost-effectively, in high quantities, and with high stability.

[0028] It is also conceivable that the remaining components of the arrangement - such as the housing and the cover together with the at least one locking lug - are also designed as an injection-molded part, preferably as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of the chamber according to the features of patent claim 3, the lower opening is arranged at the lowest point of the insert. This reliably ensures that fluid drains away in all cases. This also results in rapid and direct fluid flow during filling, so that the chamber can advantageously be designed to be correspondingly compact. A further advantage is that the rapid drainage of filled fluid, which is ensured by the arrangement of the lower opening at the lowest point of the insert, firstly enables rapid filling, which saves unnecessary waiting times, and secondly prevents overflow because, for example, a lot of fluid was filled in a very short time, which in turn is quickly absorbed by the insert and passed on to the fluid tank.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment of the arrangement according to the features of claim 4, the lower opening is designed as a pyramidal or conical-shaped drainage opening. In this case, the insert has a round or square funnel shape in the lower area, i.e., in the area of ​​the lower opening.

[0031] In the case of the pyramid-shaped drain opening, the surfaces in the lower area of ​​the insert that directly border the lower opening are inclined downwards and simultaneously tapered towards it, so that fluids are always directed toward the lower opening and can drain there. These surfaces do not necessarily have to be flat. They can also be curved in an alternative design. In any case, they are designed to direct the fluid toward the lower opening.

[0032] In the case of the conical drain opening, the surface in the lower part of the insert, which directly borders the lower opening, has a downwardly tapered cone shape. This always directs the fluid toward the lower opening. The cone shape does not necessarily have to correspond to a strictly mathematically defined cone shape. In an alternative design, it can also be concave or convex.

[0033] The pyramidal or conical surfaces in the lower area of ​​the insert advantageously eliminate any horizontal surfaces or corners toward the lower opening, which could create so-called dead spaces in which the added fluid remains after filling and, disadvantageously, cannot drain away, thus remaining in the insert. This ensures that the filled fluid drains completely from the insert into the fluid hose and then into the fluid tank, regardless of the position of the insert. This design of the lower area of ​​the insert advantageously prevents fluid residue from remaining in the insert.

[0034] Furthermore, this structural design ensures that fluid drains away reliably in all circumstances. This also ensures that the fluid flows quickly and directly during filling, allowing the space to be designed accordingly compactly. The added fluid flows directly into the fluid hose without any major detours and can drain away quickly. A further advantage is that the rapid drainage of the added fluid, which is ensured by this structural design of the insert, enables fluid to be filled quickly, saving unnecessary waiting times, and prevents overflow, for example because a lot of fluid is filled in a very short space of time. This in turn is quickly absorbed by the insert and quickly passed on to the fluid tank.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the arrangement according to the features of patent claim 5, the lower opening with the downwardly extending hose holder and the fluid hose connected to it is arranged offset to the tilting axis. The hose holder is arranged offset towards the front recess of the housing. As a result, the lower opening in the tilted filling position simultaneously forms a drainage opening at the lowest point of the insert. In this position, the insert itself then functions like a funnel, whereby all of the fluid that is filled in is directed towards the lower opening. Any fluid residue cannot remain in the insert and drains away completely due to the position offset from the tilting axis. Advantageously, no fluid remains in the insert after filling.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment of the arrangement according to the features of patent claim 6, the hose holder is designed as a hose nozzle onto which the fluid hose can be plugged. This enables particularly simple but also secure attachment of the fluid hose to the insert. When plugged in, the fluid hose and the hose nozzle form a tight connection. This effectively prevents any fluid that has been filled in from escaping. To hold the hose more securely, it is also conceivable for the hose nozzle to have projections running around its outer circumference that act like barbs and thus prevent the fluid hose from tearing off. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable for the fluid hose to be secured to the hose connector with a hose clamp. This prevents any unintentional leakage of fluid in any case.

[0037] The ability to simply attach the fluid hose to the hose nozzle also makes installation of the room simple and straightforward.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment of the spatial arrangement according to the features of patent claim 7, it is selected that the at least one lateral recess on the housing is designed as a circular arc with its center point on the tilting axis. As a result, the tilting movement of the insert, whose at least one guide pin engages in the at least one lateral recess and is guided thereby, is limited, thus predetermining at least the tilted filling position. Upon reaching the tilted filling position, the at least one guide pin strikes the respective end of the lateral recess, which is arranged in the direction of the front recess of the housing. This stop prevents the insert from tipping too far forward out of the housing in the tilted filling position.

[0039] It is also conceivable for the end of the at least one lateral recess on the housing, which is arranged in the opposite direction to the front recess on the housing, to define the non-tilted closed position, in that the at least one guide pin abuts this end upon reaching this position. This stop prevents the insert from being pushed further into the housing in the non-tilted closed position. This advantageously ensures an optimal flush fit of the panel with the body in the closed position.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment of the enclosure according to the features of claim 8, the housing additionally comprises one or more mounts for one or more attachments. This allows functional attachments to be integrated into the enclosure, for example, to facilitate the filling of fluid. The mount(s) can be designed as locking projections, locking receptacles, or projections for fastening with screws, clamps, rivets, and / or adhesive.

[0041] Possible add-on components include actuators such as central locking adjusters (CC adjusters), electric servomotors, stepper motors, or locking cylinders. Also conceivable are add-on components in the form of sensors, such as fill level sensors, or signal generators that can emit optical and / or acoustic signals. For example, during filling, a signal can be given when the maximum fill level has been reached and filling should stop. It is also conceivable for lighting elements, such as one or more LEDs, to be provided as add-on components. These illuminate the filling area, i.e., the area around the upper opening of the insert, thus enabling efficient and safe filling even in poor lighting conditions.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment of the chamber according to the features of patent claim 9, the attachment is a closing cylinder, which is arranged opposite the front recess of the housing. Put simply, the closing cylinder is arranged on the rear wall of the housing, the rear wall being the wall of the housing which is opposite the front recess. The closing cylinder serves to open and close the chamber. This can have a push-push mechanism or a push-top-open mechanism. By pressing on the cover, the insert is pushed slightly backwards into the body, whereby the insert presses against the closing cylinder, whereupon the cylinder releases the insert and in turn pushes it forwards into the tilted filling position.After the fluid has been applied, the insert can be easily pushed back into the body by applying pressure to the cover. The insert then presses against the locking cylinder again, which then locks the insert and simultaneously holds it in the non-tilted closed position. This process can be repeated as often as required.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment of the arrangement according to the features of patent claim 10, at least one spring element is arranged on the housing on at least one side, which spring element has an operative connection with the at least one bearing pin and is arranged coaxially to the tilting axis. In the simplest case, the at least one spring element is designed as a spiral spring. It exerts a torque on the at least one operatively connected bearing pin, whereby the insert, which is also operatively connected to the at least one bearing pin, can be moved into a specific position about the common tilting axis. Advantageously, the at least one spring element exerts a restoring force in the direction of the filling position, so that when the insert is released, it is automatically pivoted or tilted into the filling position by the spring force of the at least one spring element.If the insert is pivoted back into the closed position, pressure must be applied to the insert from the outside, overcoming the return force of at least one spring element. Once the closed position is reached, the spring element is preloaded again. Advantageously, the insert is automatically held in this position until the next release.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment of the arrangement according to the features of patent claim 11, at least one damping element is arranged on the housing, which has an operative connection with the at least one bearing pin and is arranged coaxially or parallel to the tilt axis. The operative connection is advantageously established by a gear or at least by a gear segment, wherein the gear or gear segment can rotate with the at least one bearing pin and thus transmits the rotational movement to the at least one damping element. This has the advantage that the insert cannot simply pivot or tilt into the filling position, but is damped in the process. As a result, the insert glides smoothly into the filling position. Conversely, the at least one damping element exerts a damping effect in the opposite direction when the insert is returned to the closed position.The dampening of the movement of the insert from the closing position to the filling position or vice versa has the advantage that the slower movement protects the components of the chamber and prevents them from being damaged by uncontrolled and rapid movement of the insert within the housing.

[0045] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one spring element and at least one damping element can be provided as attachments. This creates a spring-damper mechanism that, on the one hand, creates a restoring force and, on the other hand, dampens the spring effect, thus ensuring a smooth movement of the insert when changing from the closed position to the filling position and vice versa.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment of the spacer according to the features of claim 12, the housing has at least one retaining element for securing the spacer to the body. Such a retaining element is advantageously designed as a projection in the form of a retaining lug that presses against the inside of the body. At the same time, a portion of the housing encompasses the inner edge of the recess in the body in which the spacer is arranged and through which the insert of the spacer is accessible from outside the body. To better secure the spacer to the body, multiple retainers can also be provided.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment of the spatial arrangement according to the features of patent claim 13, the housing is provided with at least one acoustic and / or optical signal generator. Such a signal generator is able to give the person filling the fluid optical and / or acoustic feedback about the fill level of the fluid in the fluid tank. In the case of an optical signal generator, a light element can flash and / or indicate by a specific color whether, for example, the maximum fill level has been reached and the filling of fluid should be stopped. For example, it is conceivable that red stands for a low fill level, yellow for half full, and green for full. It is also conceivable for the fill level to be indicated by flashing the optical signal generator. For example, slow flashing can indicate a low fill level and fast flashing a high fill level in the fluid tank. The speed of the indicator can represent the fill level. For example,Several light elements arranged next to each other form an optical level indicator, with different numbers of light elements emitting light depending on the level.

[0048] In the case of an acoustic signaling device, it is conceivable that a beep provides feedback about the fill level in the fluid tank. For example, a beep could indicate that the maximum fill level has been reached and filling should be stopped. The beep could also be emitted at a different tempo depending on the current fill level in the fluid tank. Likewise, the pitch of the acoustic signaling device could be varied depending on the fill level.

[0049] In any case, one or more fill level sensors are arranged in the fluid tank to transmit the fill level to the acoustic and / or optical signal transmitters.

[0050] In an advantageous embodiment of the filling device according to the features of claim 14, the housing is designed to have at least one light element for illuminating the insert. This advantageously allows for easy and safe filling of fluid even in poor lighting conditions. At the same time, a person wishing to fill fluid is guided to the filling device by the light of the light element, since the illumination is visible from outside the body. This provides simple and intuitive operation of the filling device.

[0051] Further advantages, features and design options emerge from the following description of figures of non-limiting embodiments. Brief description of the drawings

[0052] In the drawings shows: Fig. 1 Perspective view of a chamber in a closed position, viewed diagonally from above Fig. 2 Perspective view of a chamber in a filling position, viewed diagonally from the rear Fig. 3 Perspective view of a chamber in a filling position, viewed diagonally from the front Fig. 4 Perspective view of a chamber in a filling position, viewed diagonally from above Fig. 5 Chamber without cover Fig. 6 Cover with locking lugs Fig. 7 Insert Fig. 8 Partial view of an insert with a fluid hose arranged on it Fig. 9 Housing Fig. 10 Insert Fig. 11 Perspective view of an insert of a chamber from behind and diagonally from above Fig. 12 Partial section of a body Fig. 13 Partial view of the chamber with spring-damper mechanism Fig. 14 Bearing journal with gear ring Fig. 15 Partial view of the chamber without damping element and with spring element Fig. 16 Bearing journal without gear ring Fig. 17aA first embodiment of an attachment Fig. 17bA second embodiment of an attachment Fig.17cA third embodiment of an attachment.

[0053] Elements provided with the same reference numerals in the drawings essentially correspond to one another unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, components that are not essential to understanding the technical teaching disclosed herein are omitted. Reference numerals will not be repeated for all elements already introduced and illustrated, provided that the elements themselves and their function have already been described or are known to a person skilled in the art. Detailed description of implementation examples

[0054] Fig. 1shows a perspective view of a space 1 in a closed position, viewed diagonally from above, with the front of the space being on the right from the viewer's perspective. This space is formed by a body 100 - shown here as a section - of a vehicle and, centrally and flush therein, by a panel 4. In the embodiment shown, the panel 4 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners and an upright orientation. The panel is fastened to an insert 3, which in turn is pivotally received in a housing 2. The pivoting movement is effected by a pivotable mounting of the insert 3 on the housing 2. For this purpose, two lateral bearing bushes 8 are provided in the lower region of the housing 2, which are arranged opposite one another and into each of which a bearing pin 9 (not shown here) is inserted, wherein the bearing pins 9 are in turn connected to the insert 3.

[0055] In the upper area of ​​the housing 2, two lateral recesses 7 in the form of guide slots are provided, which are arranged opposite one another, wherein one of the two lateral recesses 7 is arranged on the side facing away from the viewer and thus in the shown Fig. 1 is not visible. A guide pin 5 engages in each of the lateral recesses 7, which are connected to the insert 3. The guide pins 5 are guided through the lateral recesses 7. This allows the insert 3 to be safely guided in its tilting or pivoting movement and from a closed position, as shown here in Fig. 1 shown, into a filling position.

[0056] Below the insert 3, a fluid hose 6 is arranged, which is led downwards out of the housing 2 and establishes the connection to a fluid tank, which is not shown here.

[0057] On the rear side of the housing 2, opposite the panel 4, an attachment 10 is arranged in the upper area. The attachment 10 can have various functions. It is conceivable that this can be used to lock or unlock the insert 3, so that the compartment 1 can be locked or unlocked as desired via an external control unit upon a user's command. For example, the insert 3 can be locked in the closed position so that it cannot be opened from outside the body 100.

[0058] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a chamber 1 in a filling position from the rear. Fig. 2 shows the layout 1, as already shown in Fig. 1shown, but in a different position and without fluid hose 6, body 100, and cover 4. In the filling position shown, the insert 3 is tilted or pivoted about a tilt axis K, with the insert 3 partially protruding from the housing 2. The tilt axis K runs through the two lateral bearing bushes 8 and the bearing pins 9 received therein.

[0059] In the tilted position of the insert 3 in the filling position, the upper portion of the insert 3 is exposed. This is open at the top so that a fluid can be poured into the insert from above. The filling position of the insert 3 is limited by the guide pins 5 abutting against the front ends of the lateral recesses 7. Further pivoting of the insert 3 around the tilt axis K out of the housing 2 is therefore not possible.

[0060] An attachment 10 is arranged in the upper area at the rear of the housing 2. Such an attachment 10 can - as already Fig. 1 described - locking or unlocking of the insert 3. For this purpose, the attachment 10 can be designed as a push-push mechanism, push-to-open mechanism, 2-pole or 4-pole central locking actuator with an electric actuator motor.

[0061] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a chamber 1 in a filling position from the front. It essentially shows the chamber 1 as it is already shown in Fig. 1shown, but in a different position and without fluid hose 6. The insert 3 is tilted or pivoted forward out of the housing 2, so that the insert 3 is open at the top and thus a fluid can be filled from above. The cover 4, which is attached to the front of the insert 3, is no longer arranged flush with the body 100 in the filling position, but is equally tilted thereto. The lower part of the insert 3 and the cover 4 are partially displaced inwards into the housing 2 in this position. This follows the pivoting movement about the tilt axis K, which is not shown here.

[0062] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a chamber 1 in a filling position from above. The chamber 1 corresponds to the chamber 1 as already shown in Fig. 1shown, but in a different position. The insert 3 is tilted or pivoted forward out of the housing and is therefore open at the top so that a fluid can be filled into the insert 3 from above. The fluid can flow downwards through the insert 3 and into the fluid hose 6, which is arranged below the insert 3 and leads downwards out of the housing 2. The filled fluid can reach a fluid tank, not shown here, via the fluid hose 6. The fluid flows via the insert 3 directly into the fluid hose 6, with the insert 3 serving as a funnel for the fluid hose 6, whereby the filled fluid can be filled quickly and effectively. Unnecessary impact surfaces and dead spaces for the fluid are thus advantageously avoided.

[0063] The tilted position of the insert 3 is limited by the fact that the guide pins 5 of the insert 3 abut against the front end of the lateral recesses 7. Further pivoting of the insert 3 forward out of the housing is thus impossible. The insert 3 is thus stably mounted in the filling position, which facilitates filling with fluid.

[0064] Fig. 5shows a chamber 1 without a cover 4 in a perspective view obliquely from the front. The chamber 1 has a housing 2 which is open at the front and in which an insert 3 is received. In the embodiment shown, the insert 3 is in a closed position and is thus completely received in the housing 2. In the lower area, the housing 2 has two lateral bearing bushes 8 which are arranged opposite one another and of which only one is visible here. The insert 3 is mounted in the lateral bearing bushes 8 by bearing pins 9 (not shown here) and can be pivoted about a tilting axis K, wherein the tilting axis K runs through the lateral bearing bushes 8.

[0065] The housing 2 has two lateral recesses 7 in the form of elongated guide slots in the upper area, whereby only one recess 7 is visible in the view shown. Guide pins 5 of the insert 3 engage in the lateral recesses 7, allowing the insert 3 to be guided in a possible pivoting movement about the tilt axis K. Thus, the insert 3 can be pivoted forward out of the housing 2 toward the viewer.

[0066] On the front side, which faces the viewer, the insert 3 is provided with a total of three locking receptacles 12 arranged in pairs, onto which a panel 4 can be arranged via corresponding locking lugs 13 - neither of which is shown here. At the lower end of the insert 3, this forms a hose holder 11. In the embodiment shown, this is designed as a hose nozzle onto which a fluid hose 6 is plugged from below. The fluid hose thus connects directly to the bottom of the insert 3. Furthermore, the fluid hose 6 is led downwards out of the housing 2. For this purpose, the housing 2 is designed to be at least partially open at the bottom.

[0067] At the upper end of the housing 2, on the side facing away from the viewer, an attachment 10 is arranged, which is partially concealed by the housing 2 from the perspective shown.

[0068] Fig. 6shows a cover 4 with locking lugs 13. In the embodiment shown, the locking lugs 13 are arranged in pairs so that they can be received by corresponding locking receptacles 12 on an insert 3 (both not shown here). This allows the insert 3 to be quickly and easily provided with a cover 4. The cover 6 serves as a covering for the insert 3. In the embodiment shown, the cover 4 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The rectangular shape extends vertically, meaning that the long sides are aligned vertically.

[0069] Fig. 7 shows an insert 3 without additional attachments. The insert 3 is already at least partially in Fig. 2 , 3 , 4 and 5shown. The insert 3 has an essentially cuboidal basic shape with a vertical longitudinal extension. The cuboid shape is slightly tapered towards the bottom, creating a funnel effect for the insert 3. The insert 3 is open at the top. At the lower end there is a hose holder 11 in the form of a hose nozzle, which merges seamlessly into the insert 3. Also arranged downwards on the insert 3 are two downwardly extending, parallel to one another, vibrating wings each with a bearing pin 9. It can also be clearly seen that the hose holder 11 is offset forward relative to the bearing pins 9. This means that a tilting axis K running through the bearing pins 9, not shown separately here, does not cross the hose holder 11.

[0070] The hose holder 11 which is displaced forward has the advantage that it is located at the lowest point of the insert 3 in the tilted filling position, so that on the one hand filled fluid can drain away quickly and on the other hand no fluid can remain in the insert 3, since this would collect at the lowest point in the insert 3 due to gravity, which in this case would immediately drain through the hose holder 11, which at the same time forms a lower opening of the insert 3.

[0071] In the upper area of ​​the insert 3, two wings are arranged parallel to one another towards the rear, ie to the left from the viewer's perspective, each with an outwardly projecting guide pin 5, whereby only one wing with guide pin 5 can be seen here.

[0072] On the front side of the insert 3, pointing to the right from the viewer, six locking receptacles 12 are arranged in pairs, to which a panel 4 with corresponding locking lugs 13, as shown in Fig. 6 shown.

[0073] If a fluid were poured into insert 3 from above, it would flow directly out of the lower opening in the form of hose holder 11. Insert 3 thus creates a funnel effect.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, insert 3 is designed as a one-piece injection-molded piece. This allows it to be manufactured quickly, easily, and cost-effectively in large quantities with high quality and dimensional accuracy.

[0075] Fig. 8 shows a partial view of an insert 3 with a fluid hose 6 arranged thereon, wherein the partial view shows the . in Fig. 73 shows a partial view of the insert 3 shown. Here, the lower region of the insert 3 is shown with two parallel, downwardly extending oscillating vanes and the guide pins 9 arranged thereon. Likewise, a hose holder 11 in the form of a hose nozzle is arranged at the lower end of the insert 3, onto which the fluid hose 6 is plugged and guided downwards. The fluid hose 6 and the hose holder 11 thus form a fluid-tight connection. This means that nothing can escape when fluid flows through.

[0076] In addition, Fig. 8 a pair of locking receptacles 12 are shown, which are arranged at the front at the lower end of the insert 3.

[0077] Fig. 9 shows a housing 2 in a perspective view from below. The housing 2 is also already used in Fig. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5shown. The housing 2 has a substantially cuboidal basic shape with a vertical longitudinal extension. The housing 2 is open towards the front, i.e., to the left as viewed from the viewer. Furthermore, the housing 2 is also open towards the bottom. In the upper region, the housing 2 has two oppositely arranged lateral recesses 7 in the form of elongated guide slots. They have a circular arc shape, the center of which lies in two oppositely arranged lateral bearing bushes 8, wherein the bearing bushes 8 are arranged in the lower region of the housing 2.

[0078] In the center of the vertical longitudinal extension of the housing 2, two opposing retaining elements 14 are arranged laterally and forwardly. Only one of the two is visible here, since the other is concealed by the housing 2 itself. The retaining elements 14 are designed as elevations that have a forward-facing contact surface to which, in a position mounted on a vehicle, a body 100 (not shown here), for example, can connect. The retaining elements 14 serve to hold the housing 2 and thus the entire enclosure 1 on a body 100 of a vehicle.

[0079] The illustrated embodiment of the housing 2 is advantageously designed as a one-piece injection-molded piece. This allows it to be manufactured quickly, easily, and cost-effectively in large quantities with high quality and dimensional accuracy.

[0080] Fig. 10 shows a bet 3, as already shown in Fig. 7is shown, but in a perspective view obliquely from below, so that the hose holder 11 in the form of a hose nozzle arranged at the bottom of the insert 3 is clearly visible. It is clearly visible that the hose nozzle is arranged offset forward relative to the bearing pins 9, only one of which is visible here. The advantage of the forward-displaced arrangement has already been explained in the previous description.

[0081] In the embodiment shown, the hose holder 11 further comprises radially circumferential projections which provide additional support for a plugged-on fluid hose 6 (not shown here).

[0082] Fig. 11shows a perspective view of an insert 3 of a chamber 1 from behind and diagonally above. The insert 3 corresponds to the embodiment already shown in the previous figures. It can be clearly seen that the insert 3 is open at the top, i.e. facing the viewer. In addition, a lower opening can be seen in the insert 3 through which the fluid added can drain. The lower opening is also the hose holder 11, which is not visible here as it is covered by the insert 3 itself. A holder 15 for add-on parts is arranged in the upper area on the rear of the insert 3. In the view shown, the two wings extending to the rear, each with guide pins 5 pointing outwards, can be seen.

[0083] Fig. 12 shows a partial section of a body 100, as it has already been shown in the previous Fig. 1 , 3 and 4is shown. The body 100 has a recess into which a chamber 1 (not shown here) can be flush. The shape of the recess corresponds to the shape of the front side of the housing 2 of the chamber 1.

[0084] Fig. 13 shows a partial view of the chamber 1 with a spring-damper mechanism, which is arranged in the lower area of ​​a housing 2. It is arranged on the bearing pin 9 and is operatively connected to it. It is sufficient for the chamber 1 to have only one spring-damper mechanism, which is accordingly arranged on only one side of the housing 2. However, it is also conceivable in an alternative embodiment that a spring-damper mechanism is provided on each side of the housing 2.

[0085] A spring element 16 in the form of a spiral spring is arranged coaxially with the bearing pin 9. The spring element 16 and the bearing pin 9 are operatively connected to one another, so that a rotational movement of the bearing pin 9 causes the spring element 16 to be tensioned. Conversely, a relaxation of the spring element 16 causes the bearing pin 9 to be rotated. This ensures that an insert 3 connected to the bearing pin 9 (not shown here) is driven by the spring element 16 and always returns to the same position, provided no external force is applied to the insert 3. Such a position can, for example, be a filling position, so that the insert 3 can only be moved into a closed position by an external force and would always pivot back into the filling position without a locking mechanism.

[0086] Also arranged on the bearing journal 9 is a gearwheel, which transmits a rotational movement of the bearing journal 9 to a damping element 17. In the embodiment shown, the damping element 17 is arranged above the bearing journal 9, parallel to the axis. The gearwheel is designed as a circular segment. The damping element 17 also has a gearwheel, to which the rotational movement of the aforementioned gearwheel or gearwheel segment is transmitted. The damping element 17 effects damping in the direction of rotation. This means that the rotational movement of the bearing journal 9 is transmitted to the damping element 17 via the gearwheel pairing described here and is damped.

[0087] As a result, when the insert 3 is released, it will pivot gently from the closed position to the filling position, driven by the spring element 16. Without the damping element 17, the tilting or pivoting movement would be rapid and unbraked, which in the worst case could lead to damage to the housing 2 or the insert 3 itself.

[0088] Fig. 14shows a bearing journal 9 with a gear ring at one outer end, wherein the gear ring is designed as a circular segment. In the embodiment shown, the circular segment is a quarter circle with teeth on the outer radius. At the center of the circle, a journal is arranged on which a spring element 16 (not shown here) can be arranged. One end of the spring element 16 engages the journal and the other end engages the housing 2 (also not shown here), thus creating a spring effect between the bearing journal 9 and the housing 2. The bearing journal 9 also has key-like elevations along its length, which engage in corresponding recesses in the insert 3 (not shown here) and thus transmit the spring effect of the spring element 16 via the bearing journal 9 to the insert 3. A rotational movement of the bearing journal 9 is therefore directly coupled to a pivoting or tilting movement of the insert 3 by means of the key-like elevations.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing pin 9 has a pair of expanding wings at the outer end opposite the gear ring, allowing the bearing pin 9 to be quickly and easily installed by inserting it into a bearing bushing, effectively preventing it from slipping out again. This allows for simple click-in installation of the bearing pin 9.

[0090] Fig. 15 shows a partial view of the chamber 1 without damping element 17 and with spring element 16. The view shown essentially corresponds to that of Fig. 13 , but without damping element 17, which is why the gear ring on the bearing pin 9 is also omitted. The spring element 16 engages with one end on the housing 2 and with the other end on the bearing pin 9, thus creating a spring effect between the housing 2 and the bearing pin 9 and thus also with an insert 3 - not shown here - which is connected to the bearing pin 9.

[0091] Fig. 16shows a bearing journal 9 without a gear ring, as shown in Fig. 15 shown embodiment. The bearing pin 9 corresponds to the bearing pin 9 shown in Fig. 14 shown, but without a sprocket.

[0092] Fig. 17a-c show various embodiments of an attachment part 10, which can be attached to a housing 2 via a holder 15 - both not shown here. Fig. 17a shows a first embodiment of the attachment 10, which has a purely mechanical push-push locking function or push-push mechanism. Such a function is also known as a push-to-open mechanism. By pressing on a locking cylinder 18, which is Fig. 17aLocated at the top left of the attachment 10 and extending vertically upwards, the attachment is released, with the locking cylinder 18 extending telescopically and completing a quarter turn. A transverse locking pin 19 is arranged at the outer end of the locking cylinder 18, which is moved in accordance with the rotation of the locking cylinder 18. The locking pin 19 is designed to engage a corresponding recess on an insert 3 (not shown here).

[0093] The Fig. 17aThe attachment 10 shown is in the position in which an associated insert 3 is in the closed position. The locking cylinder 18 is in a retracted state and the locking pin 19 lies transversely, thereby positively holding and locking the insert 3 in the closed position. If pressure is now exerted on the insert 3 from the outside, this is transferred to the locking cylinder 18, which is thereby slightly compressed. This compression activates the push-push mechanism, i.e., when the pressure is removed, the locking cylinder 18 extends telescopically and pushes the insert 3, which then pivots from the closed position into the filling position.At the same time, the locking pin 19 performs a quarter turn, whereby it slides out of the recess on the insert 3 and thus the positive connection between the attachment part 10 and the insert 3 is canceled, so that the insert 3 can pivot completely into the filling position and is no longer held back by the attachment part 10.

[0094] When transferring insert 3 from the filling position to the closing position, the above-described process is performed in reverse. At the end, insert 3 is back in the closing position and is held in this position by attachment 10 with locking pin 19. Insert 3 can therefore no longer pivot back into the filling position on its own.

[0095] Fig. 17b shows a second embodiment of the attachment part 10, as already shown in Fig. 17aIn contrast, the embodiment shown here also has an electric actuator inside, which can be controlled via a 2-pin connection and a control unit. The 2-pin connection is in the Fig. 17b Located below the attachment, as seen from the viewer, and designed as a plug socket. The electric actuator inside the attachment 10 serves to move the locking cylinder electrically, so that no initial external pressure is required to move the insert 3 from the closed position to the filling position. Such an attachment 10 can also be referred to as a 2-pin central locking actuator or a 2-pin central locking actuator.

[0096] Fig. 17c shows a third embodiment of the attachment part 10, as already shown in Fig. 17bshown, with the difference that a 4-pin connector is provided instead of a 2-pin connector. Accordingly, the socket for the 4-pin connector is larger than that of the 2-pin connector. The attachment 10 shown has the same functions as the attachment 10 from Fig. 17b . Finally, such an add-on part 10 can also be referred to as a 4-pin central locking actuator or a 4-pin central locking actuator.

[0097] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of the advantageous embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples. Other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols

[0098] 1Casing 2Housing 3Insert 4Cover 5Guide pin 6Fluid hose 7Side recess 8Side bearing bush 9Bearing pin 10Attachment 11Hose holder 12Locking receptacle 13Locking lug 14Holding element 15Holder for attachment 16Spring element 17Damping element 18Locking cylinder 19Locking pin 100Body Tilt axis

Claims

1. Spatial arrangement (1) for delivering fluids into a fluid container provided for this purpose, the spatial arrangement (1) being integrated into a body (100) of a vehicle, at least comprising a housing (2), having a lower recess, a front recess and at least one lateral recess (7) as well as at least one lateral bearing bush (8), an insert (3), which is received at least in part in the housing (2) and which has an upper opening for filling a fluid in and a lower opening for letting the fluid out, the upper opening having a larger cross section than the lower opening, and a downwardly extending hose mounting (11) additionally being arranged at the lower opening, at least one bearing journal (9), which is arranged laterally at the insert (3) and extends outwards, engaging in the at least one lateral bearing bush (8) at the housing (2) in such a way that they form a common tilt axis (K), about which the insert (3) is pivotable within the housing (2) and can thus be brought from an untilted closed position into a tilted filling position or vice versa, characterised in that the spatial arrangement additionally comprises: at least one guide journal (5), which extends laterally outwards from the insert (3) and thus engages in the at least one lateral recess (7) at the housing (2), in such a way that, for the insert (3), both a movement guide and a movement delimitation are formed, by means of which the closed position and the filling position of the insert (3) are defined, a fluid hose (6), which connects to the hose mounting (11) at the lower opening of the insert (3) and is passed out of the housing (2) through the lower recess at the housing (2), a panel (4), arranged with at least one locking tab (13), arranged at the panel (4), at the insert (3), the at least one locking tab (13) engaging in at least one corresponding locking recess (12) arranged at the insert (3), and the panel (4), in the closed position, sealing the front recess of the housing (2) and ending flush with the body (100) of the vehicle.

2. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the insert (3) is formed in a single part.

3. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the lower opening is arranged at the lowest point of the insert (3).

4. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the lower opening is formed as a pyramidally or conically shaped drain opening.

5. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the lower opening is arranged with the downwardly extending hose mounting (11), having the fluid hose (6) arranged thereon, offset from the tilt axis (K).

6. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the hose mounting (11) is formed as a hose connector onto which the fluid hose (6) can be plugged.

7. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one lateral recess (7) at the housing (2) is formed as an arc having a centre point on the tilt axis (K).

8. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing (2) additionally comprises one or more mountings (15) for one or more attachment parts (10).

9. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the attachment part (10) is a sealing cylinder which is arranged opposite the front recess of the housing (2).

10. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one spring element (16) is arranged at the housing (2) on at least one face and is operatively connected to at least one bearing journal (9) and arranged coaxial with the tilt axis (K).

11. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that at least one damping element (17) is arranged at the housing and is operatively connected to the at least one bearing journal (9) and arranged coaxial with or parallel to the tilt axis (K).

12. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing (2) has at least one holding element (14) for mounting the spatial arrangement (1) on the body.

13. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing (2) has at least one acoustic and / or optical signal generator.

14. Spatial arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing (2) has at least one light element for illuminating the insert (3).