DE102024003424A1 - Storage compartment of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle as well as motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage compartment box of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is described, comprising a storage housing that surrounds a storage compartment, wherein the storage housing is open at least on one opening side, wherein the storage housing has at least one at least double-walled side wall that surrounds a closed cavity, wherein at least one liquid tank is provided in the cavity.

Description

A storage compartment in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle are described.

Storage compartment boxes in passenger compartments of motor vehicles, as well as motor vehicles of the type mentioned above, are known in the prior art.

Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with sensors to enable advanced driver assistance systems and improved autonomous driving capabilities. To ensure the reliable operation of most sensor types, it is essential that these sensors remain as clean as possible. Sensors at the front of the vehicle, in particular, but also at the rear, are susceptible to contamination while driving. This is due, among other things, to dust or dirty, sediment-laden water kicked up by the road. Such dirt strikes the sensors and becomes trapped there. To ensure sufficient cleanliness, cleaning systems, especially high-pressure cleaning systems, are frequently used for these contamination-sensitive sensors. These systems clean the sensors using a cleaning fluid, usually water with a detergent or solvent.

Vehicles operating at Level 3 or higher with semi-autonomous or fully autonomous driving capabilities require frequent sensor cleaning. In some cases, up to 3 liters of cleaning fluid are needed per 100 kilometers. Large water tanks are therefore necessary to store this amount of fluid; otherwise, driving comfort would be compromised because drivers would have to refill too often. Large water tanks currently reduce the available storage space.

The DE 10 2016 007 780 A1 Disclosing an instrument carrier of a motor vehicle, wherein the instrument carrier has at least one cavity located in an end region transverse to the direction of travel, which has an inner surface forming an insertion contour, wherein a housing is arranged in the cavity, the housing containing a vehicle component.

In the EP 1 717 130 A1 The invention describes an instrument panel support structure for a motor vehicle, comprising a cross member structure connected to the two lateral vehicle structures, a main support extending in the driver's-side area, a driver-side bearing block for connecting a steering device, and a connecting body for connecting the cross member structure to a front-side vehicle structure. The invention is characterized in that the connecting body forms a first receiving surface against which the main support rests, and a second receiving surface against which the bearing block rests, wherein the main support and bearing block are connected to the connecting body via a detachable or non-detachable connection, and the connecting body includes an extended projection towards the front of the vehicle for connecting the connecting body to a front-side vehicle structure.

The task therefore arises to further develop storage compartments in passenger compartments of motor vehicles and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above in such a way that the available vehicle volume is used in the best possible way in order to provide larger liquid tanks without affecting other storage volumes.

The problem is solved by a storage compartment box of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 and a motor vehicle according to dependent claim 9. Further embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A storage compartment box of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is described, comprising a storage housing that surrounds a storage compartment, wherein the storage housing is open at least on one opening side, wherein the storage housing has at least one at least double-walled side wall that surrounds a closed cavity, wherein at least one liquid tank is provided in the cavity.

A suitable storage box can have a generally six-sided geometry, for example, a cuboid, a truncated pyramid-like shape, or even a more complex six-sided geometry. A suitable storage box can also have a more complex geometry with more or fewer sides, and/or the sides can be curved or seamlessly blend into one another, etc.

The double-walled side wall can comprise part of one side, with at least one further part of the corresponding side being single-walled, for example to accommodate certain installation situations.

The storage box is open on at least one side to allow items such as vehicle documents or similar to be placed in the cavity formed by the storage box.

The opening side can be closed, for example, with one or more hinged, sliding, or otherwise opening flaps. A drawer that can be pulled out of the cavity can also be provided within it. The opening side can be, for example, essentially vertical or essentially horizontal.

The at least one liquid tank can be located on one or more sides of the storage compartment. If space in the passenger compartment permits, it may be advantageous to provide at least double-walled side panels on more than one side, as this increases the available tank volume. The at least one side can be the top, back, bottom, or any other side of the storage compartment.

The storage box can be a module that can be installed in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

The cavity can contain at least one liquid tank, for example in the form of an insert, a bladder or the like, or be designed as a liquid tank itself.

To fill the liquid tank with liquid, the relevant cavity can be provided with one or more suitable openings. These openings can, for example, be equipped with connections through which the liquid can be filled and removed.

This can include, among other things, hoses that extend into the liquid tank, particularly for extracting the liquid. This makes it possible to keep the cavity at the bottom liquid-tight without an opening, thus reducing the risk of leaks.

Furthermore, devices for venting the cavity may be provided, for example to prevent problems when refilling liquid into the liquid tank.

The hydraulic system can be designed to be removable, in order to be able to dismantle and reinstall a suitable storage box.

Such a storage box has the advantage that otherwise unused space can be used as a liquid tank. In motor vehicles, it is usually necessary for components or assemblies to be installed with clearance to prevent damage or noise from impacts, friction, or similar causes. By combining a storage box with the function of a liquid tank, the number and total volume of such clearances can be reduced.

In a first further development, it is provided that the storage compartment housing is at least double-walled.

The storage compartment can also have more than two walls, with some of the walls being arranged perpendicular to others and abutting at least two other walls, for example to form different liquid chambers, such as for water and for a cleaning agent.

In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that at least one liquid tank is made of metal.

Such a tank can be very robustly constructed.

In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that the liquid tank is made of plastic.

Such a tank can be chemically inert to the liquid(s). The liquid tank can be integrated into the cavity, for example as a bladder or as a coating.

If there is at least one separate liquid tank in the cavity, the liquid tank and side walls can be made of different materials.

In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that a storage insert is provided in the storage housing, which is attached to the storage housing.

In this way, an appealing aesthetic of the storage space can be ensured.

In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that at least one sensor is attached to the storage compartment housing.

Such a sensor can, for example, measure the liquid level in a liquid tank. A corresponding sensor can be designed as a float or use other technologies.

In a further, more advanced embodiment, the storage compartment is provided for as a glove compartment or a center console compartment.

Typically, there is unused space in the glove compartment and center console area that can be used for liquid storage.

In another further embodiment, it is provided that at least one liquid tank is soundproofed.

Such sound insulation can be achieved through the use of insulating mats or foams. This prevents passengers from being disturbed by the noise of sloshing liquids.

In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that the storage compartment housing is fixed to at least one body element of the motor vehicle.

Since a suitable storage box with a filled liquid tank can become quite heavy, it is essential that it is structurally well connected to the rest of the vehicle. This can be achieved by welding the storage box to a body component of the vehicle, such as a longitudinal or transverse member or another pillar.

A first independent item relates to a motor vehicle with at least one storage compartment of the type described above.

A vehicle equipped with this system can hold more cleaning fluid than a conventional vehicle without encroaching on other available storage space, such as in the front trunk. This increases the vehicle's usability for passengers.

A first further development provides that at least one sensor cleaning system is provided, which is fluidly connected to the at least one liquid tank.

Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which – possibly with reference to the drawing – at least one embodiment is described in detail. Identical, similar, and/or functionally equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals.

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einer Mehrzahl von Stauraumkästen;
• 2 eine Seitenansicht eines Abschnitts des Kraftfahrzeugs aus 1;
• 3 eine seitliche Schnittansicht einer Mittelkonsole des Kraftfahrzeugs aus 1;
• 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf ein Handschuhfach des Kraftfahrzeugs aus 1, sowie
• 5 eine seitliche Schnittansicht des Handschuhfachs aus 4.

They show schematically:

• 1 a top view of a motor vehicle with multiple storage compartments;
• 2 a side view of a section of the motor vehicle 1 ;
• 3 a side sectional view of a motor vehicle's center console 1 ;
• 4 a perspective view of a glove compartment of the motor vehicle 1 , as well as
• 5 a side sectional view of the glove compartment 4 .

In the embodiments described below, identical or equivalent components or elements are provided with the same reference numerals for better readability.

1 shows a top view of a motor vehicle 2.

The motor vehicle 2 has a passenger compartment 4 in which several individual seats or benches (not shown) are arranged, on which passengers can sit during a journey in the motor vehicle 2. The passenger compartment 4 contains several storage spaces and compartments, of which a glove compartment 6 and a center console 8 are shown here. Other storage compartments, e.g., in the doors or seats of the motor vehicle 2, are not shown.

In the front area of the motor vehicle 2, two sensor cleaning systems 10 are provided for cleaning sensors (not shown in detail). The sensor cleaning systems 10 are connected to the fluid lines 12 below. 3 to 5 connected to the liquid tanks described in more detail in the glove compartment 6 and in the center console compartment 8 of the motor vehicle 2.

The sensor cleaning system 10 is a high-pressure cleaning system. Using a high-pressure pump, the sensor cleaning system 10 shoots cleaning fluid from the fluid tanks of the glove compartment 6 and/or the center console compartment 8 at high pressure onto a surface of the sensor to remove contaminants from that surface.

A mixture of water and a detergent can be used as a cleaning fluid, which can help to dissolve the dirt.

The fluid reservoirs of the glove compartment 6 and the center console compartment 8 can be refilled using a filler neck 14. The filler neck 14 is located in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle 2, under the hood. The filler neck 14 is connected to the fluid supply line by means of a fluid line. gen 16 is connected to the glove compartment 6 and the center console compartment 8.

In alternative embodiments, more than the two liquid tanks may be provided in the glove compartment 6 and in the center console compartment 8, or only one liquid tank, for example in the glove compartment 6 or in the center console compartment 8.

2 shows a side view of a section of motor vehicle 2. 1 .

Glove compartment 6 and center console compartment 8 are connected from above to the filler neck 14 via fluid lines 16. For fluid level management, glove compartment 6 and center console compartment 8 can be equipped with appropriate sensors and valves.

In this case, the fluid lines 12 are arranged at the top of the glove compartment 6 and the center console compartment 8 in order to make the corresponding fluid tanks of glove compartment 6 and center console compartment 8 fluid-tight at the bottom in order to avoid possible leaks.

In alternative embodiments, the fluid lines 12 to the sensor cleaning systems 10 can be arranged at the bottom of the glove compartment 6 and the center console compartment 8. This has the advantage that the corresponding fluids can be drawn off by gravity.

3 Figure 1 shows a lateral sectional view through a center console 20 of the motor vehicle 2 in which the center console compartment 8 is located.

The center console compartment 8 is essentially truncated pyramid-shaped and has an upward-opening opening side 22, the opening side 22 being closed by means of a flap 24 which is fixed to the center console 20 by means of a hinge 26. In this way, the flap 24 can be pivoted upwards and downwards.

The center console compartment 8 has a storage housing 30 which is double-walled all around. That is, it has an inner housing wall 30.1 and an outer housing wall 30.2. The storage housing 30 encloses a cavity 32 inside.

The cavity 32 serves in this case as a liquid tank 34. In alternative embodiments, the cavity 32 can be sealed, coated or equipped with a separate tank housing.

As in connection with the 1 and 2 As described, the liquid tank 34 is connected via fluid lines 12, 16, to the filling nozzle 14 and sensor cleaning system 10 via connections not shown.

The storage compartment 30 includes a storage compartment 36 that passengers can use to store items. The storage compartment 36 can be lined accordingly, for example with a deep-drawn plastic tray that is carpeted or flocked.

The storage compartment housing 30 is structurally connected to the center console 20 via weld points 40.

4 shows a schematic perspective view of glove compartment 6.

The glove compartment 6 has a storage housing 30' in which a liquid tank 34 is provided only in the rear section. There is insufficient space for a liquid tank in the front section, near the flap 24'. Therefore, the storage housing 30' is not fully double-walled.

To avoid repetition, reference is made to the description of the center console compartment 8. 3 referred.

5 Figure 6 shows the glove compartment in a cutaway schematic representation.

The glove compartment 6 is closed by means of a flap 24 on an opening side 22.

The flap 24' is attached to the storage compartment housing 30' by means of a hinge 26.

The storage housing 30' includes a storage compartment 36 lined with a storage insert 42.

The storage compartment housing 30' is fixed in the motor vehicle 2 by means of spot welds. In the rear area of the storage compartment housing 30', the storage compartment housing 30' is double-walled and has housing walls 30.1 and 30.2, which form a cavity 32 that serves as a liquid tank 34.

A float sensor 44 is located in the liquid tank 34, which measures the liquid level in the liquid tank 34. With the help of the float sensor 44, a driver can be reminded in good time to refill the liquid, if necessary. for example, via a human-machine interface.

The liquid tank 34 is equipped with a suction hose 48, through which liquid can be drawn from the liquid tank 34. The suction hose 48 extends into a base area of the liquid tank 34.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned as examples are truly only examples and are not to be understood in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable a person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms. With knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, a person skilled in the art can make numerous modifications, for example, regarding the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as a further explanation in the description.

Reference symbol list

2

motor vehicle

4

Passenger compartment

6

glove compartment

8

center console compartment

10

Sensor cleaning system

12

Fluid line

14

Filler neck

16

Fluid line

20

center console

22

Opening page

24, 24'

flap

26

hinge

30, 30'

Storage compartment

30.1, 30.2

housing wall

32

cavity

34

liquid tank

36

storage compartment

40

weld point

42

Storage insert

44

float sensor

46

Access stub

48

Suction hose

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10 2016 007 780 A1 [0005]
• EP 1 717 130 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Storage compartment (6, 8) of a passenger compartment (4) of a motor vehicle (2), with a storage housing (30, 30') surrounding a storage compartment (36), wherein the storage housing (30, 30') is open at least to one opening side (22), characterized in that the storage housing (30, 30') has at least one at least double-walled side wall (30.1, 30.2) surrounding a closed cavity (32), wherein at least one liquid tank (32, 34) is provided in the cavity (32). Storage compartment (6, 8) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the storage compartment housing (30, 30') is at least double-walled. Storage compartment (6, 8) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one liquid tank (32, 34) is made of metal. Storage box (6, 8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid tank (32, 34) is made of plastic. Storage box (6, 8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a storage insert (42) is provided in the storage housing (30, 30') which is attached to the storage housing (30, 30'). Storage box (6, 8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (44) is attached to the storage box housing (30, 30'). Storage compartment (6, 8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage compartment is a glove compartment (6) or a center console compartment (8). Storage box (6, 8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage box housing (30, 30') is fixed to at least one body element of the motor vehicle (2). Motor vehicle (2) with at least one storage compartment box (6, 8) according to one of the preceding claims. motor vehicle (2) according to Claim 9 characterized in that at least one sensor cleaning system (10) is provided which is fluidly connected to the at least one liquid tank (32, 34).