Mechanism for pivoting a charging or fuel tank flap

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism (1) for pivoting a charging or refueling tank flap (2) on a charging or refueling neck housing (3) accommodated or accommodatable in a body component of a motor vehicle, wherein the mechanism (1) is configured to reversibly pivot the charging or refueling tank flap (2) between a first orientation of the charging or refueling tank flap (2), in particular a closed position, and a second orientation of the charging or refueling tank flap (2), in particular an open position, by superimposing at least two circular rotary movements of different radii which are at least temporarily performed simultaneously or by superimposing at least one circular rotary movement and at least one linear movement which are at least temporarily performed simultaneously.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a mechanism for pivoting a charging or refueling tank cover on a charging or refueling neck housing housed in or accommodating a body component of a motor vehicle, and to an assembly comprising a charging or refueling neck housing, at least one charging or refueling tank cover, and at least one of the aforementioned mechanisms. Furthermore, this invention relates to a motor vehicle having at least one of the aforementioned assemblies.

[0002] Motor vehicles, especially those with hybrid or electric drive systems, are included, however, vehicles with pure internal combustion engine drive systems are not excluded within the context of this invention.

[0003] Vehicles with hybrid drive or electric drive have at least one battery or traction battery that can be charged, for example in PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) or BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) vehicles, via a charging connector (typically a charging socket) accessible from the outside of the vehicle body, by connecting to a charging station or conventional external electrical terminals.

[0004] The charging connector is typically housed within a charging neck housing on the vehicle body, which is covered or closed by a charging flip cover or charging closure element. A mechanism working in conjunction with the charging flip cover or charging closure element allows for the selective opening and closing of the charging neck housing, or the flip cover or charging closure element being opened and closed relative to the charging neck housing, thus allowing access to the charging connector.

[0005] In vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, fuel is supplied to the fuel tank via an externally accessible fuel tank neck, for example, through a connection to a fuel pump or fuel injector. Similar to a charging connector, the fuel tank neck is typically housed within a neck housing associated with the vehicle body and is covered or closed by a fuel tank cap or fuel tank closure element. A mechanism cooperating with the fuel tank cap or closure element also allows for the selective opening and closing of the neck housing, or the opening and closing of the cap or closure element relative to the neck housing, thus allowing access to the fuel tank neck.

[0006] In a conventional assembly consisting of a charging or fuel tank flap and a charging or refueling neck housing interconnected by a mechanism, the mechanism typically only allows the charging or fuel tank flap to open at an angle of 90° relative to the charging or refueling neck housing in the direction of the vehicle body component housing the charging or refueling neck housing. Although the charging or refueling neck housing is typically released for the charging or refueling process at this 90° opening angle, it may be difficult to insert or introduce the charging plug or fuel injector due to the geometry of the charging plug or fuel injector or the position of the vehicle relative to the charging station or fuel pump.

[0007] Furthermore, it is conceivable that in the event of improper insertion or introduction of the plug or spray gun, the charging flip cover may unintentionally move beyond its maximum pivot position, and thus damage or completely destroy the mechanism used to open and close the flip cover.

[0008] To achieve a greater pivot or opening angle than the previously mentioned 90° for the charging or fuel tank flap, such conventional components necessitate the use of an extremely complex mechanism comprised of many different sub-components. Besides its complexity, this mechanism is typically relatively unstable, very expensive, and requires a vast amount of installation space, which is often unavailable.

[0009] Furthermore, in conventional assemblies consisting of a charging or fuel tank flap and a charging or refueling neck housing interconnected by a mechanism, the following problems arise during charging or refueling: the charging or refueling neck housing, especially the charging connector or fuel tank refueling neck, as well as the charging plug or fuel nozzle, are exposed to unprotected weather conditions. With the charging or fuel tank flap at a fixed 90° opening angle, rain, snow, hail, or strong winds can freely penetrate the area immediately between the charging or fuel tank flap and the charging or refueling neck housing, thus (over a long period) causing damage to components involved in the charging or refueling process, or causing premature aging of the materials used to manufacture the charging or refueling neck housing or other components.

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for pivoting a charging or refueling tank cover on a charging or refueling neck housing housed or accommodable in a body component of a motor vehicle. This mechanism allows easy access to the charging or refueling neck housing for charging or refueling, and also enables the charging or refueling tank cover to be moved to a so-called weather-protected position, in which the charging or refueling neck housing and any components involved in charging or refueling are reliably protected from weather conditions.

[0011] This objective is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1, wherein advantageous improvements of the mechanism according to the invention are given in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0012] This objective is also achieved by the subject matter of the parallel claims 14 and 15.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention particularly relates to a mechanism for pivoting a charging or fuel tank cover on a charging or refueling neck housing housed in or accommodating a body component of a motor vehicle, wherein the mechanism is configured to reversibly pivot the charging or fuel tank cover between a first orientation (particularly the closed position of the charging or fuel tank cover) and a second orientation (particularly the open position of the charging or fuel tank cover) by superimposing at least two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation, or by superimposing at least one rotational movement and at least one linear movement.

[0014] The mechanism according to the invention allows the charging or fuel tank cover to be pivoted by superimposing or overlapping at least two movements with minimal installation space requirements. This achieves a significantly larger pivot angle relative to the charging or refueling neck housing compared to conventional mechanisms, while maintaining the same movement path. Furthermore, the mechanism allows the charging or fuel tank cover to be pivoted to a so-called weather-protected position after charging or refueling has begun, reliably protecting the area between the charging or refueling neck housing and the charging or fuel tank cover, as well as any other components involved in charging or refueling, from weather conditions.

[0015] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention is proposed: the mechanism is configured to simultaneously lift the charging or refueling neck cover from the charging or refueling neck housing and rotate in the direction of the vehicle body component during pivoting from the first orientation to the second orientation.

[0016] The specific mechanism allows the charging or fuel tank cover to be forced into its complex motion or pivoting mode, thereby achieving a greater pivoting angle compared to conventional mechanisms. This motion or pivoting mode of the charging or fuel tank cover is preferably achieved by superimposing or overlapping at least two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation through a special connection on one side to the charging or filling neck housing and a special connection on the other side to the charging or fuel tank cover. The unique motion or pivoting mode of the charging or fuel tank cover is characterized by the fact that the cover is lifted or raised from the charging or filling neck housing (i.e., moves orthogonally (perpendicularly) away from the surface of the vehicle body components surrounding the charging or filling neck housing) and simultaneously rotates in the direction of the vehicle body components (i.e., about a rotation axis extending parallel to the surface of the vehicle body components).

[0017] Instead of the preferred embodiment of superimposed circular rotational motion, it is also conceivable that the mechanism transforms the charging or fuel tank cover to its unique motion mode by superimposing at least one circular rotational motion and at least one linear (linear) motion.

[0018] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention is proposed: the mechanism is rotatably mounted on a charging or fuel tank cover on one side and rotatably mounted on a charging or refueling neck housing on the other side.

[0019] By rotatably mounting the mechanism on the charging or fuel tank flap and the charging or refueling neck housing, a specific kinematic connection between the components can be achieved. This connection allows the motion generated by the mechanism to be superimposed or overlapped, such that the motion path (especially the pivot angle) of the charging or fuel tank flap is greater than the motion path (especially the rotation angle) of the mechanism.

[0020] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention is proposed: the mechanism is configured to pivot the charging or fuel tank cover to a third orientation, wherein the third orientation corresponds to the orientation of the charging or fuel tank cover between a first orientation and a second orientation.

[0021] This third orientation corresponds to the weather-protected position, in which the charging or refueling tank flap pivots only a certain amount, for example during the charging or refueling process, to protect the charging or refueling neck housing and all components involved in the charging or refueling process from any weather conditions, especially rain, snow, hail, or strong winds.

[0022] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention proposes that the rotation angle of the mechanism corresponds to a first rotation angle range, and the rotation angle of the charging or fuel tank cover corresponds to a second rotation angle range, wherein the rotation angle of the mechanism is always less than the rotation angle of the charging or fuel tank cover.

[0023] Therefore, a significantly increased rotation or pivot angle of the charging or fuel tank flap can be ensured through a small movement of the mechanism, thus significantly improving the accessibility of the charging or refueling neck housing and the comfort during the charging or refueling process.

[0024] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention proposes that the mechanism has a first rod and a second rod, wherein the first rod and the second rod are rotatably mounted on one side, particularly at a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, respectively, on one side, and on the other side, on the charging or refueling neck housing, and wherein the mounting points of the first rod and the second rod on one side on the charging or fuel tank cover and on the other side on the charging or refueling neck housing are spaced apart from each other.

[0025] The mechanism's configuration, consisting of two rods (or lever arms) (which are rotatably connected or mounted on the charging or fuel tank cap on one side and rotatably connected or mounted on the charging or refueling neck housing on the other side), and the spaced-apart positioning of the mounting points, allows for a so-called four-point motion mechanism. This mechanism creates a unique motion or pivoting pattern of the charging or fuel tank cap by superimposing or overlapping at least two movements of the rods, thereby pivoting the charging or fuel tank cap. The ratio of the rotation angle of the mechanism or rods to the rotation angle or pivoting angle of the cap can be changed or set by selecting the spacing between the mounting points.

[0026] In particular, the mechanism is configured to superimpose exactly two circular rotational movements with different radii, wherein the first and second rods are configured to perform one of these circular rotational movements in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction, respectively, about their respective mounting points on the charging or filling neck housing, and wherein the first rod performs the circular rotational movement with a larger rotational radius than the circular rotational movement performed by the second rod.

[0027] Therefore, the two levers of this mechanism trace different circular paths with different rotational movements around their mounting points on the charging or refueling neck housing. This unique pivoting movement of the charging or fuel tank cover is generated by rotatably mounting the two levers onto the cover, consisting of two partial movements (lifting + rotating). Compared to conventional mechanisms with only one rotatable lever, the overlapping of the rotational movements of the two levers, connected by a four-point motion mechanism, allows for a significantly larger pivot angle of the charging or fuel tank cover while maintaining the same rotation angle. Thus, an open position exceeding 90° relative to the closed position of the charging or fuel tank cover can be achieved, a position that would be fundamentally impossible with a conventional mechanism using only one lever, or would require a large installation space within the vehicle body area, making such a mechanism costly.

[0028] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention proposes that the pivoting of the charging or fuel tank cover from the first orientation to the second orientation corresponds to a pivoting angle movement of the charging or fuel tank cover in the direction of the vehicle body member of about 155°, and wherein the pivoting of the charging or fuel tank cover from the first orientation to the third orientation corresponds to a pivoting angle movement of the charging or fuel tank cover in the direction of the vehicle body member of about 80°.

[0029] The second orientation of the charging or fuel tank cover corresponds to a rotation angle of approximately 100° in the first rotation direction of the rod, and the third orientation of the charging or fuel tank cover corresponds to a rotation angle of approximately 55° in the first rotation direction of the rod.

[0030] In this context, the expression “approximately” is understood to mean a deviation of + / -10° from the stated angle.

[0031] The charging or fuel tank cap's upward opening or pivoting angle of approximately 155° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 155°) allows for a smooth initiation of the charging or refueling process without potential interference when introducing or inserting the charging plug or fuel nozzle due to an insufficiently small opening angle of the charging or fuel tank cap. As previously mentioned, the charging or fuel tank cap's pivoting angle of approximately 80° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 80°) allows for a weather-protected orientation of the charging or fuel tank cap, preventing rain, snow, hail, or strong winds from entering the area between the charging or refueling neck housing and the charging or fuel tank cap.

[0032] By rotating or rotating the rod about 100° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 100°) around its corresponding mounting point on the charging or refueling neck housing, the charging or fuel tank cover is pivoted about 155° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 155°) in the opening direction from its closed position. Furthermore, by rotating or rotating the rod about 55° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 55°) around its corresponding mounting point on the charging or refueling neck housing, the charging or fuel tank cover is positioned in the weather protection position (with a pivot angle of about 80° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 80°)).

[0033] Since the mechanism according to the invention allows for reversible pivoting of the charging or fuel tank cover, the aforementioned angular specifications can also be understood to mean that the charging or fuel tank cover can pivot from the second orientation to the direction toward the vehicle body member by about 75° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 75°), so as to thus shift from the second orientation to the third orientation. Furthermore, the charging or fuel tank cover can also pivot from the second orientation to the direction toward the vehicle body member by about 155° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 155°), so as to thus shift from the second orientation back to the first orientation. For the lever, the aforementioned angular specifications should also be understood to mean that the lever can rotate in the second rotational direction or rotate by a corresponding angular value (about (+ / -10°), especially exactly 45° and about (+ / -10°), especially exactly 100°) to cause the charging or fuel tank cover to, for example, shift from the second orientation to the third orientation or from the second orientation back to the first orientation.

[0034] However, the angle specifications mentioned above should not be interpreted as restrictive. Instead, the second position, relative to the first position (closed position) of the charging or fuel tank cover, can generally correspond to a rotation or pivot angle of the charging or fuel tank cover within the range of 110° to 180°, and the third position can generally correspond to a rotation or pivot angle of the charging or fuel tank cover within the range of 60° to 100°. The rotation angle of the lever can be decreased or increased accordingly, but the condition that the rotation angle of the mechanism or lever is always less than the rotation or pivot angle of the charging or fuel tank cover is always followed.

[0035] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention proposes that the first and second rods are constructed to complement each other, such that the second rod is at least partially accommodated or can be accommodated in the first rod.

[0036] Preferably, the second rod is configured such that, with the second rod being received in the first rod, the opening formed in the first rod for receiving the second rod is at least partially covered by the second rod.

[0037] This allows for an extremely compact arrangement of the mechanism, in which the two links (especially in the component mounting position or in the installed state) can be arranged close to each other and still perform their respective rotational movements without colliding with each other.

[0038] The special cover configuration of the second rod also serves to protect the mechanism itself from weather conditions (such as rain, snow, hail, or strong winds) during the rotation process used to pivot the charging or fuel tank cover. In particular, the second rod has a specially designed surface that protrudes from the actual outer contour of the second rod, so that when the second rod is housed within the first rod, this surface also at least partially covers the outer contour of the first rod, and thus closes the opening for housing the second rod within the first rod, allowing any fluid or snowmelt to bypass the mechanism without causing damage.

[0039] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention proposes that both the first and second rods are designed to be arc-shaped, especially swan-neck shaped.

[0040] This special design facilitates the arrangement of the rods relative to each other, allowing them to perform their individual rotational movements without obstruction, while still creating a compact mechanism that requires minimal installation space. Furthermore, this configuration also facilitates the creation of unique movement or pivoting patterns via the mechanism for charging or fuel tank opening.

[0041] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention proposes that the first and second rods are each rotatably mounted on the charging or fuel tank cover on one side by means of a support pin or a bearing pin, and rotatably mounted on the charging or refueling neck housing on the other side.

[0042] This configuration allows for very easy rotatable mounting of the rod to the charging or fuel tank flap and the charging or refueling neck housing. The configuration requires very little maintenance and is very low in cost, yet it is very stable, resulting in minimal wear on the four-point motion mechanism's critical mounting components or the parts required for mounting, even during numerous pivoting movements of the charging or fuel tank flap.

[0043] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention proposes that the superimposed motions by means of the mechanism are non-uniform.

[0044] This enables additional functions such as gently opening and / or closing the charging or fuel tank flap (soft opening / soft closing), rapidly pivoting the charging or fuel tank flap between its final position or orientation, and / or pivoting the charging or fuel tank flap against resistance (ice or strong winds). Where necessary, to generate this non-uniform movement, additional drive components or transmission devices (e.g., Maltese cross gears) can be provided, which are connected to the mechanism or the rod to be driven by the mechanism.

[0045] An advantageous improvement to the mechanism according to the invention proposes that the pivoting of the charging or fuel tank cover is initiated by actuation of the mechanism (especially the first lever), wherein the mechanism (especially the first lever) can be actuated manually, by means of elastic force, by means of Bowden wire and / or by means of an electric motor.

[0046] Actuation of the mechanism produces at least one movement of the mechanism, wherein at least one second movement is directly produced by mounting the mechanism on one side of the charging or fuel tank cover and on the other side of the charging or refueling neck housing. Superimposing these at least two movements forces the charging or fuel tank cover into its unique pivoting mode. Preferably, the mechanism is actuated by actuation of a first rod, causing the first rod to rotate about its mounting point on the charging or refueling neck housing. By rotatably connecting or mounting the first and second rods to the charging or fuel tank cover, this rotational movement of the first rod is directly transmitted to the second rod, causing the second rod to also rotate in a first rotational direction about its mounting point on the charging or refueling neck housing, corresponding to the first rod. Rotatably connecting the rods to the charging or fuel tank cover allows for the superposition or overlap of these two rotational movements of the rods, such that the cover moves orthogonally (perpendicularly) from or away from the surface of the body component and simultaneously rotates in the direction of the body component.

[0047] According to another aspect of the invention, a component is provided comprising a charging or refueling neck housing housed or accommodable in a vehicle body component, at least one charging or fuel tank cover, and at least one mechanism of the type described above.

[0048] According to another aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle having at least one component of the type described above is also provided.

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the mechanisms and components according to the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] In the attached diagram:

[0051] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention is shown schematically and in isometric view;

[0052] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the invention is shown schematically and in isometric view with the charging or fuel tank cover in a first orientation (especially with the charging or fuel tank cover in the closed position), the assembly comprising a charging or filling neck housing, a charging or fuel tank cover, and a mechanism according to the invention;

[0053] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the invention is shown schematically and in isometric view with the charging or fuel tank cover in a second orientation (especially with the charging or fuel tank cover in the open position), the assembly comprising a charging or filling neck housing, a charging or fuel tank cover, and a mechanism according to the invention;

[0054] Figure 4An exemplary embodiment of the component according to the invention is shown schematically and in isometric view with the charging or fuel tank cap in a third orientation (particularly in the weather-protected position), the component comprising a charging or filling neck housing, a charging or fuel tank cap, and a mechanism according to the invention; and

[0055] Figures 5A to 5C A schematic diagram of the movement process of a mechanism according to the invention for pivoting the charging or fuel tank cover is shown.

[0056] Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings denote the same or corresponding objects.

[0057] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 5C The illustrations in the figure illustrate the mechanism according to the invention and the components according to the invention.

[0058] First, it should be noted that although the mechanism according to the invention is described in the context of a charging or fuel tank flap and a charging or refueling neck housing, in principle the mechanism according to the invention can also be used to pivot any flap intended to close or release an opening or housing.

[0059] In the following detailed description, for clarity, the terms “klappe” and “mulde” are used to refer to the terms “charging or fuel tank klappe” and “charging or filling neck mulde”.

[0060] Figure 1 An isometric view of mechanism 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the mechanism is shown separate from the flip cover 2 and the outer casing 3. The following references are made to illustrate the working principle of mechanism 1. Figures 2 to 5C The illustrations in the diagram are described in detail. Figure 1 The mechanism 1 shown in the figure.

[0061] In principle, the working principle of mechanism 1 can be summarized as follows: by superimposing or overlapping at least two circular rotational motions with different radii, or at least one circular rotational motion and at least one linear motion, the flip cover 2, which is connected to or can be connected to the housing 3 by means of mechanism 1, can reversibly pivot relative to the housing 3 between a first orientation and a second orientation. The first orientation of the flip cover 2 is specifically described herein as the closed position of the flip cover 2, wherein the flip cover 2 is oriented or configured relative to the housing 3 such that the flip cover 2 closes the opening defined by the housing 3. Furthermore, the second orientation of the flip cover 2 further describes the open position or access position, wherein the flip cover 2 pivots or swings upward relative to the housing 3, thereby releasing the housing 3 or the opening defined by the housing 3, so that the charging plug of the charging station or the fuel nozzle of the fuel pump can be inserted or introduced into the housing 3 (in particular, inserted or introduced into the charging plug or fuel tank filling neck provided in the housing 3).

[0062] In this context, the term "overlapping" or "superimposed" means that overlapping movements occur simultaneously, at least temporarily and preferably continuously (i.e., during the entire pivoting process of charging or fuel tank opening).

[0063] By superimposing or overlapping at least two movements, it is possible for the flip cover 2 to open significantly further or swing at a significantly larger pivot angle than a conventional assembly consisting of a flip cover and a housing interconnected by a mechanism. According to the invention, the rotation angle of the mechanism 1 corresponding to a first rotation angle range is always smaller than the rotation angle or pivot angle of the flip cover 2 corresponding to a second rotation angle range. Unlike conventional assemblies, according to the invention, the flip cover 2, in its second orientation (i.e., its open position), not only pivots or swings upward relative to the housing 3 by 90°, but more precisely, pivots or swings upward by approximately 155° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 155°). Therefore, it is possible for the housing 3, or the opening defined by the housing 3, to be released, allowing for the smooth insertion or introduction of a charging plug or fuel injector, regardless of the possible orientation of the vehicle relative to the charging station or fuel pump.

[0064] The expanded pivot angle of the flap 2 is achieved as follows: mechanism 1 is rotatably mounted on the flap 2 on one side and on the outer shell 3 on the other side, and thus at least two movements generated in or by mechanism 1 can be superimposed or overlapped, such that the flap 2 moves orthogonally (perpendicularly) away from or raised from the outer shell 3, i.e., away from the surface of the vehicle body component (not shown in the figure) that houses and surrounds the outer shell 3, and rotates in the direction of the vehicle body component housing the outer shell 3, i.e., about a rotation axis extending parallel to the surface of the vehicle body component. Through the overlap of these two inherently independent movements of the flap 2 resulting from the superposition or overlap of the movements of mechanism 1, a significantly larger pivot angle of the flap 2 relative to the outer shell 3 than that allowed by conventional mechanisms for pivoting the flap can be achieved within approximately the same movement path of mechanism 1.

[0065] Furthermore, the flap 2 can be pivoted to a third orientation via mechanism 1, where the third orientation of the flap 2 corresponds to the so-called weather protection position of the flap 2. This third orientation of the flap 2 corresponds to a pivot angle of approximately 80° (+ / -10°) (exactly 80°) in the direction of the body component. Such a pivot angle of less than 90° cannot be achieved so easily with conventional mechanisms.

[0066] Therefore, after the charging plug or fuel nozzle is introduced or inserted into the charging connector or fuel tank filling neck, the mechanism 1 according to the invention allows the flap 2 to pivot, thereby reliably protecting the area between the housing 3 and the flap 2, as well as other components involved in charging or refueling (e.g., charging plug, fuel nozzle, charging connector, and / or fuel tank filling neck), from weather conditions (such as rain, snow, hail, or strong winds). Once charging or refueling is complete, the flap 2 can pivot again to occupy its second orientation (i.e., the so-called open position), allowing the charging plug or fuel nozzle to be easily removed again. After these components are removed, the flap 2 can be pivoted back to its first orientation, such that the flap 2 closes the housing 3 or the opening defined by the housing 3 or the charging plug or fuel tank filling neck.

[0067] According to such Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment shown, mechanism 1 has a first lever 4 (lever arm) and a second lever 5 (lever arm). The first lever 4 and the second lever 5 are each rotatably connected to the flip cover 2 on one side and to the housing 3 on the other side, or mounted on these components. The connection of the first lever 4 and the second lever 5 to the flip cover 2 and the housing 3 is made, in particular, by means of or via the first end of the levers 4 and 5 and the second end opposite to the first end. Importantly, the mounting points 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the first lever 4 and the second lever 5 on the flip cover 2 on one side and on the housing 3 on the other side are spaced apart from each other. This creates a so-called four-point motion mechanism that allows at least two movements (especially at least two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation) that can be performed by the first lever 4 and the second lever 5 to be superimposed or overlapped to produce the unique pivoting pattern or pivoting movement of the flip cover 2 as previously described.

[0068] The spacing of mounting points 6, 7, 8, and 9 allows for changing or adjusting the ratio of the rotation angle of levers 4 and 5 to the rotation angle or pivot angle of the flip cover 2, so as to obtain the desired orientation of the flip cover 2 relative to the housing 3 and at the same time require only a shorter movement path of levers 4 and 5.

[0069] Each of the rods 4 and 5 is designed or constructed such that it can perform one of these circular rotational movements about its mounting points 6 and 7 on the housing 3 in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction. In particular, the first rod 4 is designed or constructed such that it can perform a circular rotational movement with a larger radius of rotation than the circular rotational movement performed by the second rod 5.

[0070] The two rods 4 and 5 are arc-shaped (preferably gooseneck-shaped) and are designed or constructed to be complementary to each other, such that the second rod 5 is at least partially accommodated or can be accommodated in the first rod 4, allowing for the formation or arrangement of intersecting rods. According to... Figure 1In the embodiment shown, at least the first rod 4 is configured as a cavity structure having an opening on one surface, the opening being configured to receive the second rod 5. When the mechanism 1, the flip cover 2, and the housing 3 are assembled into the component 100 according to the invention (see [reference]... Figures 2 to 4 This allows for a very compact arrangement of the two rods 4 and 5, which can perform their rotational movements without obstruction.

[0071] For example, especially from Figure 1 As can also be seen, the second rod 5 can have a special configuration such that, when housed within the first rod 4, it at least partially covers the opening within the first rod 4 for receiving the second rod 5. For this purpose, the surface of the second rod 5 is configured such that it protrudes at least slightly from the outer contour of the second rod 4. This configuration of the second rod 4 allows the mechanism 1, which comes into contact with the environment during the pivoting of the flap 2, to be similarly protected from weather conditions, particularly from rain or snow. Other or additional geometric configurations (especially of their surfaces) of the rods 4 and 5 are also conceivable, such as protecting the mechanism 1 from weather conditions during the pivoting of the flap 2.

[0072] refer to Figures 5A to 5C The diagram below further details the movement of mechanism 1 via two (especially curved, preferably gooseneck-shaped) rods 4 and 5, and the corresponding pivoting movement or pivoting pattern of the flap 2. It should be noted that... Figures 5A to 5C The illustrations in the diagrams should be understood as schematic only and are intended to illustrate the basic motion process. Specific embodiments of mechanism 1 may be related to this configuration (see, for example, see...). Figure 1 The implementation methods are different.

[0073] When mechanism 1 is actuated (especially the first lever 4), the first lever 4 rotates about its mounting point 6 on the housing 3. Since the first lever 4 is rotatably mounted on the cover 2, and the second lever 5 is rotatably mounted on the housing 3 on one side and on the cover 2 on the other side, the motion introduced into the first lever 4 is directly transmitted to the second lever 5, causing the second lever to also rotate about its mounting point 7 on the housing 3. The rotatable mounting of the first lever 4 and the second lever 5 on the cover 2 allows the cover 2 to rotate relative to the levers 4 and 5 during their circular rotational movements. This four-point motion mechanism allows the circular rotational movements of the levers 4 and 5 to be superimposed or overlapped, such that the cover 2 performs a translational or near-translational movement in a direction away from the housing 3 or away from the surface of the housing 3 containing the body component, and simultaneously performs a rotational movement in the direction of the body component. This allows for a significantly larger pivot angle of the flip cover 2, and thus better release of the outer shell 3 or the opening defined by the outer shell 3, compared to a conventional assembly consisting of an outer shell, a flip cover, and a mechanism with only one lever, while maintaining the same movement path of the mechanism 1.

[0074] To pivot the flip cover 2 from its first orientation (closed position) to its second orientation (open position, pivot angle approximately 155° (+ / - 10°)), the levers 4 and 5 of the mechanism 1 according to the invention only need to perform a rotation angle of approximately 100° (+ / - 10°) (especially exactly 100°) in its first rotation direction. To pivot the flip cover 2 from its first orientation (closed position) to its third orientation (weather protection position, pivot angle approximately 80° (+ / - 10°)), the levers 4 and 5 of the mechanism 1 according to the invention only need to undergo a rotation angle of approximately 55° (+ / - 10°) (especially exactly 55°) in the first rotation direction.

[0075] Especially in Figures 2 to 4 As can be seen, in the second orientation (open position or access position) of the flip cover 2, the levers 4 and 5 abut against the surface or portion of the housing 3, creating end stops for the levers 4 and 5, and thus achieving a stable final position for the levers 4 and 5, protecting the mechanism 1 from damage in the event that the flip cover 2 unintentionally moves beyond its maximum open or pivot position. In this orientation, the first lever 4 also abuts against the second lever 5, or the second lever 5 provides additional stops for the first lever 4.

[0076] Since the mechanism 1 according to the invention allows for reversible pivoting of the flap 2, the mechanism 1 is also configured such that the levers 4 and 5 can rotate in the second rotational direction by corresponding angles of approximately 45° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 45°) and approximately 100° (+ / -10°) (especially exactly 100°) to move the flap 2 from the second orientation (open position, pivot angle approximately 155° (+ / -10°)) to the third orientation (weather protection position, pivot angle approximately 80° (+ / -10°)) or from the second orientation (open position, pivot angle approximately 155° (+ / -10°)) back to the first orientation (closed position).

[0077] As in Figures 1 to 4 As shown in detail, the first rod 4 and the second rod 5 are rotatably mounted or connected to the flip cover 2 and the outer casing 3, respectively, by means of support pins or bearing pins 10. This mounting or connection makes the installation very simple, low-cost, yet very robust and durable, which is important for the operation of the invention.

[0078] As previously referenced Figures 5A to 5C As mentioned in the detailed description of the movement process, mechanism 1 is actuated to initiate the pivoting process of the flip cover 2. Preferably, the first lever 4 of mechanism 1 is actuated, wherein such actuation is performed manually (by means of elastic force, by means of Bowden wire) and / or using an electric motor. The pivoting movement of the flip cover 2 is thus initiated by actuation of the first lever 4, wherein the first lever 4 performs a circular rotational movement about its mounting point 6 on the housing 3, wherein the second lever 5 performs a circular rotational movement about its mounting point 7 on the housing 3, similarly directly through other mounting points 8, 9 with a smaller radius of rotation. Mounting points 8, 9 allow the flip cover 2 to rotate about mounting points 8, 9 as levers 4, 5 rotate, and thus perform its unique pivoting movement.

[0079] The nature of the motion superimposed by mechanism 1 can be uniform or non-uniform. In the case of non-uniform motion, additional functions can be achieved, such as gently opening and / or closing the flap 2 (gentle opening / gentle closing), rapidly pivoting the flap 2 between its final position or orientation, and / or pivoting the flap 2 against resistance (e.g., ice or strong winds). For this purpose, additional transmission components or devices, such as Maltese cross gears, can be provided to generate the non-uniform motion and transmit it to the mechanism (especially one of the levers 4 and 5 of mechanism 1). Alternatively, it is conceivable that the non-uniform motion is generated directly by an electric motor. However, the use of additional transmission components or devices is not limited to generating non-uniform motion, but can also be used to generate uniform motion, for example, to obtain greater torque or faster pivoting speed during pivoting.

[0080] When mechanism 1 is manually actuated, additional locking fasteners or elastic elements may be provided to secure or fix the flap 2 at least temporarily in the first orientation, second orientation, and / or third orientation.

[0081] Although the second and third orientations of the flip cover 2 are described by rotational or pivotal angles of approximately 155° (+ / -10°) and approximately 80° (+ / -10°) in the direction of the body component accommodating the outer shell 3, it is naturally conceivable that the second and third orientations of the flip cover 2 can also describe any other pivotal angle. In particular, the second orientation of the flip cover 2 can correspond to a rotational or pivotal angle in the range of 110° to 180°, and the third orientation of the flip cover 2 corresponds to a rotational or pivotal angle in the range of 60° to 100° in the direction of the body component accommodating the outer shell 3. Correspondingly, the levers 4 and 5 of the mechanism 1 need to perform smaller or larger rotational movements about their respective mounting points 6 and 7 on the outer shell 3, however, the rotational angles of the levers 4 and 5 are always smaller than the rotational or pivotal angles of the flip cover 2.

[0082] exist Figures 2 to 4 The image shows an assembly 100 consisting of a housing 3, a flip cover 2, and a mechanism 1 according to the invention, wherein different orientations of the flip cover 2 relative to the housing 3 are shown, namely a first orientation (see [reference]). Figure 2 ), second orientation (see Figure 3 ) and third orientation (see Figure 4 In principle, it is also conceivable that component 100 consists of a housing 3, at least one flap 2, and at least one mechanism 1 according to the invention. According to another aspect of the invention, component 100 can be provided consisting of a housing 3, a flap 2, and two mechanisms 1 according to the invention. In this case, the mechanisms 1 are spaced apart from each other in component 100; however, these mechanisms have the same construction, such that they also perform the same movement process. In this configuration of component 100, the rods 4 and 5 of mechanism 1 can have special surface configurations, thus providing additional protection against the intrusion of liquids or snow, especially when accompanied by strong winds. In particular, it is proposed that the outward-facing surfaces of rods 4 and 5 in the open state (second orientation or third orientation) of the flap 2 (i.e., in the direction of the vehicle body component housing the housing 3) have this special weather protection configuration.

[0083] It should be noted that, instead of the detailed description of the embodiment of mechanism 1 having two rods 4 and 5 each performing a circular rotational motion, mechanism 1 based on the principle that the circular rotational motion and linear (straight-line) motion are superimposed or overlapped to obtain a unique pivoting motion or pivoting pattern of the flap 2. Accordingly, rods 4 and 5 are designed. In this configuration or mode of operation of mechanism 1, unlike the case of two circular rotational motions, the outer surface of the flap 2 (i.e., the surface of the flap 2 facing away from the body component in the first orientation (closed position)) does not face the body component in its second orientation (open or access position), but the inner surface of the flap 2 (i.e., the surface of the flap 2 facing the body component in the first orientation (closed position)) still faces the body component in its second orientation (open or access position).

[0084] Similarly, the present invention is not limited to simply superimposing or overlapping two movements. In principle, it is also conceivable that more than two movements can be superimposed through mechanism 1, resulting in a unique pivoting movement or a unique pivoting pattern of the flip cover 2. For this purpose, mechanism 1 may correspondingly have more than two levers 4, 5 and / or additional or other components.

[0085] The invention is not limited to exemplary embodiments of the mechanisms and components according to the invention, but rather derives from an overview of all the features disclosed herein.

[0086] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having at least one component 100, the component comprising a housing 3, at least one flap 2 and at least one mechanism 1 of the type described above.

[0087] List of reference numerals

[0088] 1 organization

[0089] 2. Flip-top

[0090] 3. Outer shell

[0091] 4 First shot

[0092] 5. Second shot

[0093] Mounting points of rods 6 and 7 on the casing

[0094] Mounting points of rods 8 and 9 on the flip cover

[0095] 10 Support pins or bearing pins

Claims

1. A mechanism for pivoting a charging or fuel tank cover on a charging or refueling neck housing, the charging or refueling neck housing being configured to be received within a body component of a motor vehicle. The mechanism is configured to reversibly pivot the charging or fuel tank cover between a first orientation in the closed position and a second orientation in the open position. The mechanism includes a first rod and a second rod. The first rod and the second rod are rotatably mounted on the charging or fuel tank flap on one side at a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, respectively, and are rotatably mounted on the charging or refueling neck housing on the other side. The first rod and the second rod are spaced apart from each other at their mounting points on one side of the charging or fuel tank flap and on the other side of the charging or refueling neck housing; The first rod is configured to perform a first circular rotational movement in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction in each case around a mounting point of the first rod on the charging or filling neck housing, and the second rod is configured to perform a second circular rotational movement in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction in each case around a mounting point of the second rod on the charging or filling neck housing, wherein the first circular rotational movement and the second circular rotational movement are superimposed so that they occur at least temporarily simultaneously; The first circular rotational motion has a larger rotational radius than the second circular rotational motion.

2. The mechanism according to claim 1, The mechanism is configured to simultaneously lift the charging or fuel tank cover from the charging or refueling neck housing and rotate in the direction of the vehicle body member during pivoting from the first orientation to the second orientation.

3. The mechanism according to claim 1, The mechanism is rotatably mounted on the charging or fuel tank flap on one side and rotatably mounted on the charging or refueling neck housing on the other side.

4. The mechanism according to claim 1, The mechanism is configured to pivot the charging or fuel tank cover to a third orientation. The third orientation corresponds to one of the orientations of the charging or fuel tank flap between the first orientation and the second orientation.

5. The mechanism according to claim 1, The rotation angle of the mechanism corresponds to a first rotation angle range. The rotation angle of the charging or fuel tank flip-top corresponds to the second rotation angle range. The rotation angle of the mechanism is always less than the rotation angle of the charging or fuel tank cover.

6. The mechanism according to claim 4, The pivoting of the charging or fuel tank cover from the first orientation to the second orientation corresponds to a pivoting movement of the charging or fuel tank cover in the direction of the vehicle body member with a pivoting angle of 155°. The pivoting of the charging or fuel tank cover from the first orientation to the third orientation corresponds to a pivoting movement of the charging or fuel tank cover in the direction of the vehicle body member by a pivoting angle of 80°. The second orientation of the charging or fuel tank flap corresponds to a 100° rotation angle of the rod in the first rotation direction. The third orientation of the charging or fuel tank flap corresponds to a rotation angle of 55° of the rod in the first rotation direction.

7. The mechanism according to claim 1, The first and second rods are configured to be complementary to each other, such that the second rod is at least partially accommodated or can be accommodated within the first rod, and The second rod is configured such that, when the second rod is contained within the first rod, the opening formed in the first rod for receiving the second rod is at least partially covered by the second rod.

8. The mechanism according to claim 1, Both the first and second rods are curved to give them a gooseneck shape.

9. The mechanism according to claim 1, The first rod and the second rod are each rotatably mounted on one side of the charging or fuel tank flap by means of a support pin or a bearing pin, and rotatably mounted on the charging or refueling neck housing on the other side.

10. The mechanism according to claim 1, The motion superimposed by the aforementioned mechanism is non-uniform.

11. The mechanism according to claim 1, The pivoting of the charging or fuel tank cover is initiated by actuation of the first rod.

12. An assembly comprising a charging or refueling neck housing housed in a body component of a motor vehicle, the assembly including at least one charging or fuel tank flap and at least one mechanism according to claim 1.

13. A motor vehicle comprising at least one component according to claim 12.

14. A mechanism for pivoting a charging or fuel tank cover on a charging or refueling neck housing, the charging or refueling neck housing being housed within a body component of a motor vehicle. The mechanism has a first component and a second component, the first component having a first circular rotational movement and the second component having a second circular rotational movement, wherein the first circular rotational movement and the second circular rotational movement are superimposed so as to occur at least temporarily simultaneously, wherein the first circular rotational movement and the second circular rotational movement have different radii of rotation, wherein the mechanism is configured to reversibly pivot the charging or fuel tank cover between a first orientation in the closed position of the charging or fuel tank cover and a second orientation in the open position of the charging or fuel tank cover; The rotation angle of the mechanism corresponds to a first rotation angle range. The rotation angle of the charging or fuel tank flip-top corresponds to the second rotation angle range. The rotation angle of the mechanism is always less than the rotation angle of the charging or fuel tank cover.

Images