MOTOR VEHICLE INCLUDING A WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID FILLING DEVICE
The integration of a hose input shaped like a prominent collar and a mobile closure hatch with a foam seal addresses the need for a removable cap in classic tank pipes, enhancing the filling process by reducing costs and architectural constraints.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023002865
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2033-03-27
AI Technical Summary
Classic tank pipes for motor vehicle washing machine liquid require a removable cap for closure, which adds cost and imposes architectural constraints and complicates access.
A filling device with a hose input shaped like a prominent collar and a mobile closure hatch that integrates seamlessly with the vehicle structure, featuring a foam seal and inclined joint to cover the collar edge, eliminating the need for a dedicated cap.
Provides a cost-effective and ergonomic solution that simplifies the filling process by integrating the hose input with the vehicle design, reducing manufacturing costs and architectural constraints while ensuring a secure seal.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR FILLING A WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle. The invention relates more particularly to a motor vehicle comprising a device for filling a liquid reservoir of the vehicle, in particular a windshield washer fluid reservoir, the device comprising a pipe for filling the reservoir, extending between the reservoir and a pipe inlet mounted integrally on the structure of the vehicle, the device also comprising a closing hatch mounted to move relative to the structure of the vehicle between a closed position in which the hatch covers the pipe inlet and an open position in which the hatch is spaced from the pipe inlet. Previous techniques
[0002] Conventional windshield washer fluid reservoir hoses in motor vehicles have a filler inlet or end that is generally closed by a removable cap. Such a cap has several disadvantages: it is an additional part to manufacture, resulting in additional cost. Its size and access impose architectural constraints. Handling is necessary to remove and install it. Statement of the invention
[0003] The aim of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle having a liquid reservoir, in particular a windshield washer fluid, provided with a filler pipe whose inlet does not require a dedicated cap.
[0004] To this end, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a device for filling a liquid reservoir of the vehicle, in particular a windshield washer fluid reservoir, the device comprising a pipe for filling the reservoir, extending between the reservoir and a pipe inlet mounted integrally on the structure of the vehicle, the device also comprising a closing hatch mounted to move relative to the structure of the vehicle between a closed position in which the hatch covers the pipe inlet and an open position in which the hatch is spaced from the pipe inlet, characterized in that the pipe inlet has the general shape of a prominent collar, while the hatch comprises an inner lining provided with a seal shaped to cover a free edge of the collar when the hatch is in the closed position.
[0005] Other advantageous characteristics of the invention are defined below.
[0006] - the seal is a foam seal,
[0007] - the seal has a flat shape closed on itself.
[0008] - the seal is glued to a flat face of the inner lining (23).
[0009] - the collar of the pipe inlet has a free edge inscribed in an inclined plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the filling pipe, in the vicinity of the pipe inlet, this inclination being at an angle of between 30° and 90°, in particular approximately 45°.
[0010] - the filling pipe inlet opens through a hollow shape consisting of by a box mounted on the structure of the vehicle, this hollow shape being delimited at its periphery by exterior body parts of the vehicle, the hatch closing the hollow shape when it is in the closed position.
[0011] - hatch is connected to the structure of the vehicle by means of at least one connection swan neck, in particular two links, one end of which is articulated on the structure.
[0012] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of a non-limiting example of the invention, and in light of the appended drawings.
[0013] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a left front side portion of a conventional motor vehicle provided with an access hatch with a hose for filling a windshield washer fluid reservoir, the hatch being in the closed position.
[0014] [Fig.2] is a view similar to [Fig.l], with the hatch in the open position.
[0015] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a left front side portion of a vehicle automobile according to the invention provided with an access hatch to a pipe for filling a windshield washer fluid reservoir, the hatch being in the open position.
[0016] [Fig.4] is another perspective view of the left front side portion of the vehicle automobile of the invention.
[0017] [Fig.5] is a sectional view along a cutting plane substantially parallel to the plane longitudinal vertical median of the vehicle, illustrating the hatch in the closed position.
[0018] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.4] illustrating another embodiment of the invention in section along a section plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal vertical median plane of the vehicle, illustrating the hatch in the closed position.
[0019] The expression "substantially" means that a slight deviation is permitted within the scope of the invention compared to a determined nominal value. For example, "substantially vertical" means that an inclination of the order of 10° compared to a strictly vertical direction is permitted within the scope of the invention.
[0020] For the purposes of the description, reference will be made to a direct orthonormal XYZ reference frame conventionally used in automobile design, in which the X axis designates the front-rear longitudinal direction of the vehicle, oriented towards the rear, the Y axis designates the transverse direction and is oriented towards the right of the vehicle, the Z axis designates the vertical direction, and is oriented upwards.
[0021] General presentation of the invention.
[0022] Figures 1 and 2 show the left front part of a motor vehicle 1 provided with a hatch 2 for accessing a pipe for filling a reservoir (not shown) of windshield washer fluid of the vehicle. This reservoir is intended to supply nozzles (not shown) provided for spraying windshield washer fluid onto a windshield 3 of the vehicle by means of a pump controlled from the driver's seat of the vehicle. In the example described, the hatch has a generally elongated shape and extends essentially in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle, centered relative to the longitudinal vertical median plane XZ of the vehicle. To simplify the illustration, only a left half of the movable hatch 2 is shown, it being understood that the hatch 2 is symmetrical relative to the median plane XZ.
[0023] In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the hatch 2 is articulated on the structure of the vehicle by two connections 4 called "swan neck". These connections are at a distance from each other in the transverse direction Y and arranged symmetrically on either side of the median plane XZ. The hatch 2 comprises an outer skin 21 covering an inner lining 22 attached to each other.
[0024] The inlet 102 of the filling pipe 100 opens through a hollow shape constituted by a housing 5 mounted on the structure of the vehicle. This hollow shape is delimited at its periphery by exterior bodywork parts 6 of the vehicle. As illustrated in [Fig.l], the hatch 2 has a shape and a contour complementary to the adjacent bodywork parts 6 so as to close the hollow shape of the housing 5 when it is in the closed position. In this position the outer skin 21 of the hatch 2 is in surface continuity, that is to say substantially flush, with the adjacent bodywork parts 6. A fine and regular peripheral clearance 7 is provided between the outer skin 21 of the hatch 2 and the adjacent bodywork parts 6. Each connection 4 comprises a circular part passing through a window provided in the housing 5.The circular part has a lower end rigidly fixed to a lever arm mounted to rotate relative to the structure of the vehicle, the axis of rotation being in an area close to the exterior bodywork of the vehicle, so that in the closed position of the hatch 2, the circular part is retracted into a housing located below the housing 5, while in the open position of the hatch 2, the circular part is essentially located above the housing 5 and visible outside the vehicle. In this configuration, the opening of the hatch 2 is carried out forwards and slightly downwards. The kinematics of the hatch 2 relative to the structure of the vehicle produced by the “swan neck” type connections is provided so as to dock the housing 5 in a “more flat” manner than a simple arti- . culation located on a lower edge of the hatch 2.
[0025] A locking member 8 ([Fig. 2]) is provided between the housing 5 and the inner lining 22 of the hatch 2. This locking member 8 is provided with a tenon penetrating into a recess of the inner lining 22 according to a “quarter turn” type principle or equivalent. This member is controlled from the driver's seat of the vehicle to release the hatch 2 and move it from the closed position ([Fig. 1]) to the open position ([Fig. 2]) by means of a return system.
[0026] In this conventional embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the inlet of the filling pipe 100 is closed by a conventional plug 101 of the prior art. This plug 101 is removable and fits manually onto the end of the filling pipe.
[0027] The above description, which was made with reference to a conventional arrangement of the prior art, also applies to the motor vehicle of the invention, with the exception of the interface between the inlet of the filler cap and the inner lining of the hatch. For the sake of clarity, the means of the invention which are identical to those of this conventional arrangement will be repeated with the same references in Figures 3 to 5 illustrating the invention and will not be described in more detail. The hatch 20 of the invention corresponds to the conventional hatch 2 with the exception of its inner lining 23 which is specific.
[0028] According to the invention, the inlet 102 of the filling pipe 100 has the general shape of a prominent collar 103 ([Fig.5]). The inner lining 23 of the hatch 20 has a substantially flat face 24 provided with a seal 25 shaped to cover the collar 103 when the hatch 20 is in the closed position.
[0029] The seal 25 is preferably a foam seal, which is partially crushed by the free edge of the collar 103.
[0030] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the seal 25 has a flat shape closed on itself. In this example the seal has the general shape of a disc.
[0031] The mouse seal is glued to a flat face 24 of the inner lining 23.
[0032] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the collar 103 of the pipe inlet 102 has a free edge inscribed in a plane inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the end or inlet 102 of the filling pipe 100. This inclination is at an angle of between 30° and 90°, in particular approximately 45°. In this illustrated example, the longitudinal axis of the pipe 100 is substantially vertical when the vehicle is resting on horizontal ground.
[0033] In the example illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the collar 104 has a section having a generally circular shape if this section is considered along a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of outlet of the filling pipe. In a non-limiting variant embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6], this circular section can be modified and replaced by a section having another shape, so as to adapted to the complementary shape of a filling container, to optimized ergonomics, but also to the architecture of a vehicle. These other possible section shapes are, for example, prismatic with rounded angles (polygonal, rectangular or triangular, trapezoidal), cylindrical, truncated cone-shaped, or truncated-pyramidal, with a flared (wider) zone located in the upper part. In this case, the foam seal 26 has a shape combined with the shape of the collar 104 so as to cover the free edge thereof.
[0034] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments or variants described above and includes all technical equivalents of these means.
[0035] Nomenclature of the elements cited in the description:
[0036] Vehicle 1
[0037] Hatch 2, 20
[0038] Outer skin 21
[0039] Inner lining 22, 23
[0040] Face 24
[0041] Joint 25, 26
[0042] Windshield 3
[0043] Link 4
[0044] Box 5
[0045] Body part 6
[0046] Peripheral game 7
[0047] Locking member 8
[0048] Pipe 100
[0049] Plug 101
[0050] Pipe inlet 102
[0051] Collar 103, 104
Claims
Claims
1. Motor vehicle (1) comprising a device for filling a liquid reservoir of the vehicle, in particular a windshield washer fluid reservoir, the device comprising a pipe (100) for filling the reservoir, extending between the reservoir and an inlet (102) of the pipe (100) mounted integrally on the structure of the vehicle (1), the device also comprising a closing hatch (20) mounted to move relative to the structure of the vehicle between a closed position in which the hatch (20) covers the inlet (102) of the pipe (100) and an open position in which the hatch (20) is spaced from the inlet of the pipe (100), characterized in that the inlet of the pipe (100) has the general shape of a prominent collar (103), while the hatch (20) comprises an inner lining (23) provided with a seal (25, 26) shaped to cover a free edge of the collar (103, 104) when the hatch (20) is in the closed position.
2. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the seal (25, 26) is a foam seal.
3. Motor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the seal (25, 26) has a flat shape closed on itself.
4. Motor vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the seal (25, 26) is glued to a flat face (24) of the inner lining (23).
5. Motor vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the collar (103, 104) of the inlet (102) of the pipe (100) has a free edge inscribed in a plane inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the filling pipe (100), in the vicinity of the inlet (102) of the pipe (100), this inclination being at an angle between 30° and 90°, in particular approximately 45°.
6. Motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet (102) of the filling pipe (100) opens through a hollow shape constituted by a housing (5) mounted on the structure of the vehicle, this hollow shape being delimited at its periphery by exterior bodywork parts (6) of the vehicle, the hatch (20) closing the hollow shape when it is in the closed position.
7. Motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hatch (20) is connected to the structure of the vehicle by means of at least one swan-neck connection (4), in particular two links (4), one end of which is articulated on the structure.