Device for switching and actuating the functions of a charging / refuelling neck

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for switching and actuating a plurality of functions of a charging and / or refueling neck system of a vehicle, wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging and / or refueling neck and a cover which is movable relative to the charging and / or refueling neck. The device (1) has a drive element (2) with a drive shaft (3), wherein the drive shaft (3) is in operative connection with the cover, such that the cover can be moved relative to the charging and / or refueling neck upon rotation of the drive shaft (3). The device (1) also has a mechanical control or switching mechanism (4), in particular in the form of or with a transmission mechanism (5), wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed in such a way that the rotational movement of the drive shaft (3) can be intercepted by means of the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) upon rotation of the drive shaft (3) in order to manipulate at least one functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system as required.

Description

[0001] This invention generally relates to actuating devices for opening and closing covers in or on a vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to means for switching and actuating multiple functions or functional components of a vehicle's charging and / or refueling neck system, wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging and / or refueling neck and a cover movable relative to the charging and / or refueling neck.

[0002] Actuation devices for opening and closing covers in or on vehicles are generally known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 2008 057 933B4, DE 10 2009 060 119A1, DE 10 2011 101 838A1 and DE 102012 004 078A1.

[0003] In an actuation device known, for example, from published document DE 10 2009 060 119A1, a push-push motion is performed, which simultaneously includes the rotational movement of a push rod and the engagement of at least one protrusion on the inner circumferential surface of the actuation device's housing into a groove. The known actuation device is characterized by a small number of components, resulting in a robust and inexpensive construction. Furthermore, the actuation device reliably ensures the necessary locking and unlocking of the flip cover, for example, during refueling or charging, at all times. Moreover, the actuation device can be combined with a central locking function.

[0004] However, there is a fundamental requirement in the prior art for charging and / or refueling neck systems that must be able to coordinately switch and actuate multiple functions. These functions include, in particular: unlocking and locking or releasing and locking the cover by means of a flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism; moving the unlocked cover relative to the charging and / or refueling neck to allow the cover to move from a closed position to an open position (and vice versa); locking and / or securing the charging connection, charging connector, and / or refueling neck of the charging and / or refueling neck system; and other functions as needed, such as enabling and disabling a lighting device for illuminating at least one area of ​​the charging and / or refueling neck when it is open.

[0005] Different functions or components of the charging and / or refueling neck system must be manipulated or operated in a seemingly coordinated manner over time. For example, during charging, the cover is first unlocked from its closed state by means of the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism of the charging and / or refueling neck system, wherein the cover can only be moved relative to the charging and / or refueling notch to change it to the open state after it has been unlocked. Only then is the charging connection or charging plug connector allowed to be connected and subsequently locked.

[0006] To manipulate and coordinate these functions or components, it is common practice for the charging and / or refueling neck system to be associated with multiple actuators, each responsible for actuating a corresponding associated functional component. Examples of actuators include controlling the flip-top unlocking / locking mechanism, moving the unlocked flip-top relative to the corresponding charging and / or refueling neck, and locking and / or locking the charging connection or charging connector. To coordinate the operation of the different functional components of the charging and / or refueling neck system, a control device is typically used that coordinates the operation of the corresponding actuators.

[0007] On the other hand, vehicles typically offer only relatively little space to integrate charging and / or refueling neck systems. This limitation usually restricts the number of functions or functional components that can be implemented in the charging and / or refueling neck system.

[0008] Therefore, the basic objective of this invention is to improve the type of actuation device described at the beginning of this document, such that the actuation device has a relatively small structural space requirement, while simultaneously being able to reliably and coordinately operate multiple functions or functional components of the charging and / or refueling neck system. Furthermore, it is also desirable to reduce the manufacturing cost of the actuation device despite its compact construction.

[0009] According to the invention, this objective is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous improvements of the invention are described in the dependent patent claims.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention particularly relates to an apparatus for switching and actuating multiple functions or functional components of a charging and / or refueling neck system of a vehicle, wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging and / or refueling neck and a cover movable relative to the charging and / or refueling neck.

[0011] The device according to the invention is characterized in particular by having a drive element (especially a single one) in the form of an actuator, for example in the form of an electric motor, wherein the drive shaft of the drive element is operatively connected to the cover of the charging and / or refueling neck system so as to enable the cover of the charging and / or refueling neck system to be moved relative to the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed.

[0012] The device according to the invention also has a mechanical control or switching mechanism operatively connected to the drive shaft of the drive element, for example in the form of a transmission mechanism, which is designed to intercept the rotational motion of the drive shaft when the drive shaft of the drive element rotates, so as to manipulate at least one (additional) functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed.

[0013] For example, it is conceivable that a mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element into a preferred translational force as the drive shaft of the drive element rotates to achieve the actuation purpose, so as to manipulate at least one (additional) functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed by means of the preferred translational force.

[0014] The at least one additional functional component is, for example, a flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism for the charging and / or refueling neck system, which is used to lock or lock the cover of the charging and / or refueling neck system in its closed state or, as needed, unlock or release the cover locked in the closed state when the charging or refueling process is to be started.

[0015] As another example of a functional component that is to be operated on demand by means of a transmission mechanism operatively connected to the second output shaft of the drive element, a locking / unlocking mechanism is proposed that locks and / or locks the charging connection, charging plug connector and / or refueling neck received in the through opening of the charging and / or refueling neck as needed.

[0016] As another example of a functional component of a charging and / or refueling neck system, the second output shaft of a transmission mechanism operated and operatively connected to the second output shaft of a drive element is proposed as an illumination device for the charging and / or refueling neck system, which is associated with a corresponding switch to enable or disable the illumination device as needed.

[0017] Of course, the functions or functional components of the charging and / or refueling neck system listed above that can be operated as needed by means of mechanical control or switching mechanisms should not be considered restrictive.

[0018] The advantages of using the device according to the invention are obvious: by setting a single drive element, such as a single drive device in the form of an electric motor, it is possible to not only move the cap relative to the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed, but also to manipulate other functions or functional components of the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed, thus minimizing the overall number of actuators required in the charging and / or refueling neck system. This makes the construction of the entire charging and / or refueling neck system particularly inexpensive and compact. It also reduces manufacturing costs while still ensuring a wide range of functions of the charging and / or refueling neck system.

[0019] In an advantageous manner, the mechanical control or switching mechanism of the device according to the invention, which is operatively connected to the drive shaft of the drive element, is designed to coordinate the manipulation of at least one (additional) functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system with, in particular, the movement of the cover relative to the charging and / or refueling notch, according to a previously determined or determinable sequence of events.

[0020] In other words, a further advantageous improvement according to the invention ensures, for example, that during the charging and / or refueling operation, the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism is first operated by means of a transmission mechanism, thereby correspondingly unlocking the cover of the charging and / or refueling neck system, which is (still) in its closed state.

[0021] Only after the cover is unlocked can it move relative to the charging and / or refueling notch by means of a drive element and thus change from its closed state to its open state.

[0022] As an additional functional component that can be coordinated and operated by a mechanical control or switching mechanism, a locking / unlocking mechanism is proposed that does not release the charging connection, charging connector and / or refueling neck of the charging and / or refueling neck system until the cover has been moved to its open position.

[0023] In order to achieve coordinated manipulation of the at least one (additional) functional component with the movement of the cover relative to the charging and / or refueling neck, according to an embodiment of the device of the invention, a mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed to manipulate the at least one (additional) functional component according to the rotation angle of the second output shaft of the drive element.

[0024] As already indicated, according to an embodiment of the invention, the charging and / or refueling neck system has a flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism for locking or locking the cover in a closed state (closed position) or unlocking or releasing the cover as needed, wherein preferably, the mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element into a preferred translational force when the second output shaft of the drive element rotates, which serves as the actuating force for manipulating the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, according to embodiments of the invention, the charging and / or refueling neck system may have a charging connection, a charging connector, and / or a refueling neck received in a through opening within the charging and / or refueling neck, and a corresponding locking / unlocking mechanism, wherein the locking / unlocking mechanism associated with the charging connection, the charging connector, and / or the refueling neck is designed to lock or engage the charging connection, the charging connector, and / or the refueling neck as needed. Preferably, a mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element into a preferred translational force when the drive shaft of the drive element rotates, which serves as an actuating force for manipulating the locking / unlocking mechanism as needed.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the charging and / or refueling neck system may have a lighting device with a correspondingly assigned switch, wherein the switch is used to activate and deactivate the lighting device as needed. The mechanical control or switching mechanism is preferably designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element into a preferred translational force when the drive shaft of the drive element rotates, which is used to operate the switch as needed.

[0027] In particular, the mechanical control or switching mechanism may be designed to coordinate the manipulation of the at least one functional component with the movement of the cover relative to the charging and / or refueling neck according to a previously determined or determinable sequence of events, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism is preferably designed, in particular, to move the cover relative to the charging and / or refueling neck and / or manipulate the at least one functional component according to the rotation angle and / or number of rotations of the drive shaft.

[0028] According to the implementation of the device of the invention, the charging and / or refueling neck system has a flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism for locking or securing the cover in the closed state, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element into a preferred translational force, particularly according to a previously determined or determinable sequence of events, when the drive shaft of the drive element rotates, so as to operate the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism as needed.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the charging and / or refueling neck system may have a charging connection, a charging plug connector, and / or a refueling neck received in a through opening of the charging and / or refueling neck, and a corresponding associated locking / unlocking mechanism for locking / locking or unlocking / releasing the charging connection, the charging plug connector, and / or the refueling neck as needed, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element into a preferred translational force, particularly according to a previously determined or determinable sequence of events, when the drive shaft of the drive element rotates, so as to manipulate the locking / unlocking mechanism as needed.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the charging and / or refueling neck system may have a lighting device with a corresponding associated switch for enabling and disabling the lighting device as needed, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element into a preferred translational force in order to operate the switch as needed, especially according to a previously determined or determinable sequence of events, when the drive shaft of the drive element rotates.

[0031] According to an improved embodiment of the previously described method, the mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed to generate the force required to operate the flip-top unlock / lock mechanism and / or the locking / unlock mechanism and / or the switch, based on the rotation angle and / or number of rotations of the drive shaft of the drive element. In particular, the mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed to generate the force required to operate the flip-top unlock / lock mechanism and the locking / unlock mechanism and the switch, respectively, based on the rotation angle and / or number of rotations of the drive shaft of the drive element.

[0032] In a preferred implementation of the solution according to the invention, the drive shaft is operatively connected to the cover and the mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed such that—starting from the initial position of the drive shaft—during the first number of revolutions of the drive shaft or during the first rotation angle of the drive shaft, the mechanical control or switching mechanism generates the force required to operate the flip-top unlocking / locking mechanism, thereby causing the cover to move relative to the charging and / or refueling neck only after the first number of revolutions or the first rotation angle of the drive shaft and preferably only during the particularly subsequent second number of revolutions or the second rotation angle of the drive shaft, and thereby causing the mechanical control or switching mechanism to generate the force required to operate the locking / unlocking mechanism only after the second number of revolutions or the second rotation angle of the drive shaft and during the particularly subsequent third number of revolutions or the third rotation angle of the drive shaft.

[0033] The proposed improvement in this regard is that the drive shaft is operatively connected to the cover and the mechanical control or switching mechanism is designed such that the force required to operate the locking / unlocking mechanism is generated again by the mechanical control or switching mechanism during the fourth rotation or fourth rotation angle of the drive shaft, particularly immediately following the third rotation or third rotation angle. This causes the cover to move again relative to the charging and / or refueling neck only after the fourth rotation or fourth rotation angle of the drive shaft, and preferably only during the fifth rotation or fifth rotation angle of the drive shaft, particularly immediately following the fifth rotation or fifth rotation angle. This also causes the force required to operate the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism to be generated again by the mechanical control or switching mechanism during the sixth rotation or sixth rotation angle of the drive shaft, particularly immediately following the sixth rotation or sixth rotation angle.

[0034] In particular, after reaching the third rotation angle of the drive shaft, the rotation direction of the drive shaft changes, so that the fourth rotation angle corresponds to the third rotation angle in magnitude, the fifth rotation angle corresponds to the second rotation angle in magnitude, and the sixth rotation angle corresponds to the first rotation angle in magnitude.

[0035] Different solutions are considered for the implementation of the transmission mechanism:

[0036] According to a particularly easy-to-implement yet still efficient embodiment of the invention, the mechanical control or switching mechanism has a transmission mechanism, particularly implemented as a connecting transmission device, having a crank and a rocker arm, wherein the crank is driven to rotate by or can be driven by a drive shaft of a drive element, and wherein the connection between the crank and the rocker arm is generated or interrupted at least temporarily depending on the rotation angle of the crank.

[0037] Alternatively, the mechanical control or switching mechanism has a transmission mechanism having at least one rotatably supported cam carrier, which is driven to rotate by or can be driven by the output shaft of the drive element when the drive element is actuated.

[0038] In this embodiment, it is preferably proposed that the transmission mechanism further has at least one intercepting element, which is supported about the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier such that the at least one intercepting element continuously follows the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier to generate the force required for manipulating the at least one functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system.

[0039] According to an advantageous improvement of this embodiment of the transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism preferably has a corresponding intercepting element for each functional component to be operated in the charging and / or refueling neck system. The intercepting element is supported with respect to the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier such that the intercepting element continuously follows the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier to generate a corresponding output movement for operating at least one functional component.

[0040] Preferably, the at least one intercepting element is connected to a corresponding force-transmitting element to transmit tensile and / or compressive forces from the at least one intercepting element to a functional component to be manipulated as needed. Different implementations of the force-transmitting element are considered, such as rods, ropes, and / or Bowden lines.

[0041] In order to enable the at least one intercepting element to continuously follow the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier, a further improvement according to the invention proposes that the at least one intercepting element be associated with a preloading element, in particular in the form of a compression spring, so as to preload the intercepting element in the direction toward the cam carrier.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier of the transmission mechanism, the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier is designed as at least one cam disk.

[0043] In particular, according to a preferred implementation of the transmission mechanism, the at least one cam carrier has at least one drive member, wherein the transmission mechanism also has at least one drive element implemented to be at least partially complementary to and associated with the at least one drive member.

[0044] It is proposed here that the at least one drive element associated with the at least one drive member is supported and arranged with respect to the at least one cam carrier such that the at least one drive element engages with the associated drive member only within a previously determined or determinable range of rotation angles of the at least one cam carrier.

[0045] For this purpose, the at least one drive element may be associated with a forced guide, for example, to guide the movement of the drive element when a driver associated with at least one cam carrier is driven by a driver associated with at least one drive element within a previously determined or determinable range of rotation angles of at least one cam carrier. A slotted guide or a slider guide may be considered as a forced guide.

[0046] According to a preferred implementation of the last mentioned embodiment, the forced guide has a free movement region, which keeps the drive element associated with the at least one drive element in the free movement region (maintaining free movement) when the drive element is not engaged with the associated at least one drive member.

[0047] As described in conjunction with the at least one intercepting element, it is proposed that the at least one driving element be connected to a corresponding force transmission element to transmit tension and / or pressure from the at least one driving element to a functional component to be manipulated as needed. Examples of force transmission elements include, for instance, rods, ropes, and / or Bowden lines.

[0048] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at the initial rotational position of the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier, the at least one drive element engages with the at least one drive member of the cam carrier, and the at least one intercepting element abuts against the edge region of the cam carrier at the first position.

[0049] During the rotation of the rotatably supported cam carrier within a first rotation angle range and starting from the previously mentioned initial rotation position, the at least one drive element is driven by the associated drive member and transferred to the free movement area of ​​the forced guide, while the at least one intercepting element remains abutting the edge area of ​​the cam carrier at its first position.

[0050] During the further rotation of the rotatably supported cam carrier within a second rotation angle range, the at least one drive element remains in the free movement region of the forced guide, while the at least one intercepting element abuts against the edge region of the cam carrier at a second position, which differs from the first position.

[0051] During the further rotation of the rotatably supported cam carrier within a third rotation angle range, the at least one drive element is in the free movement area of ​​the forced guide, at which point the at least one intercepting element again abuts against the edge area of ​​the cam carrier in the first position.

[0052] In this context, for example, it is conceivable that the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier of the transmission mechanism is designed as at least one cam disk having a first region with an irregularly shaped edge, the outline of which is always followed by the at least one intercepting element as the cam carrier designed as the cam disk rotates, wherein the cam carrier of the transmission mechanism designed as the cam disk has a second region preferably with an irregularly shaped edge, wherein the at least one drive element is formed in the second region.

[0053] This invention relates not only to an apparatus for switching and operating multiple functions or functional components of a charging and / or refueling neck system by means of a (single) drive element, but also to a charging and / or refueling neck system for a vehicle, wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging and / or refueling neck and a cover movable relative to the charging and / or refueling neck, and wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system according to the invention has an apparatus for switching and operating multiple functions or functional components of the charging and / or refueling neck system.

[0054] An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for switching and operating a vehicle's charging and / or refueling neck system, according to the present invention, will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] In the attached diagram:

[0056] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a device for switching and operating a charging and / or refueling neck system of a vehicle according to the invention is shown schematically and in a first isometric view, particularly with the transmission mechanism of the device according to the invention in its initial rotational position.

[0057] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown schematically and in a second isometric view with the transmission mechanism in its initial rotational position;

[0058] Figure 3AA top view schematically illustrates a transmission mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the transmission mechanism is in an initial rotational position;

[0059] Figure 3B Schematic illustration based on Figure 3A A top view of the transmission mechanism, especially in the state where the rotatably supported cam carrier of the transmission mechanism has rotated within a first rotation angle range;

[0060] Figure 3C Schematic and shown in top view according to Figure 3A The transmission mechanism, especially when the rotatably supported cam carrier of the transmission mechanism has rotated within a second rotation angle range;

[0061] Figure 3D Schematic and shown in top view according to Figure 3A The transmission mechanism, especially when the rotatably supported cam carrier of the transmission mechanism has rotated to a third rotation angle range;

[0062] Figure 4A Schematic and top view showing the initial rotation position according to Figure 3A Components of the transmission mechanism;

[0063] Figure 4B Schematic and top view showing the rotatably supported cam carrier after rotating through a first rotation angle range, according to Figure 3B Components of the transmission mechanism;

[0064] Figure 4C Schematic and shown in top view according to Figure 3C The components of the transmission mechanism, especially when the rotatably supported cam carrier has rotated to a second rotation angle range;

[0065] Figure 4D Schematic and shown in top view according to Figure 3D The transmission mechanism, especially when the rotatably supported cam carrier has rotated to a third rotation angle range;

[0066] Figures 5A to 5C Alternative embodiments of the mechanical control or switching mechanism of the device according to the invention are illustrated schematically;

[0067] Figures 6A to 6C Alternative embodiments of the mechanical control or switching mechanism of the device according to the invention are schematically illustrated; and

[0068] Figure 7 The temporal sequence of functions that can be switched or operated by means of the device according to the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0069] Vehicles with hybrid or electric drive systems have at least one battery or traction battery that is charged, for example in PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electrical Vehicle) or BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) vehicles, via an externally accessible charging connection (typically a charging socket) on the vehicle body, through connection to a charging station or conventional household electrical terminals.

[0070] The charging connection is typically located in a charging recess in the vehicle body, which is generally covered or closed by a cover serving as a sealing element. A mechanism working in conjunction with the cover allows the charging recess to be opened and closed selectively, or the cover to be flipped open and closed relative to the charging recess, and thus access to the charging interface.

[0071] In order to enable the operation (i.e., switching and / or actuation) of multiple functions or functional components of the vehicle's charging and / or refueling neck system on demand and in a particularly coordinated manner in the most compact structural form, an exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings proposes that the device has a drive element 2 in the form of a drive device, for example, an electric motor, wherein the drive element 2 has a drive shaft (not explicitly shown in the drawings) operatively connected via a drive shaft 3 to a cover (not shown in the drawings) so as to move the cover relative to the charging and / or refueling neck of the charging and / or refueling neck system on demand.

[0072] Figure 1 The exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 4 also includes a transmission mechanism 5 operatively connected to the drive shaft 3 of the drive element 2. Referring below... Figure 1 The structure and function of the transmission mechanism 5 will be described in detail in Figure 4.

[0073] Specifically, the transmission mechanism 5 is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element 2 into a preferred translational force as the drive shaft 3 of the drive element 2 rotates, which is used to manipulate at least one function or functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed.

[0074] As mentioned below Figure 1 As described in further detail in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the transmission mechanism 5 is specifically designed to coordinate the manipulation of at least one functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system with the movement of the cover relative to the charging and / or refueling neck according to a previously determined or determinable sequence of events.

[0075] In particular, the transmission mechanism 5 (whose construction and function will be specifically referred to below) Figures 3A to 3D and in Figures 4A to 4D (The illustration is described in detail) and is designed to coordinate the manipulation of at least one functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system with the movement of the cover relative to the charging and / or refueling neck according to a previously determined or determinable sequence of events.

[0076] Therefore, in the embodiment schematically shown in the accompanying drawings, the transmission mechanism 5 has a rotatably supported cam carrier 6, which is driven by or can be driven by the drive shaft 3 of the drive element 2 when the drive element 2 is driven.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment of the transmission mechanism 5 shown in the accompanying drawings, the transmission mechanism also has an intercepting element 7, which is supported such that it preferably continuously follows the rotatably supported cam carrier 6 in order to generate an output motion, i.e., the force required to manipulate the functional components.

[0078] In this context, it is particularly noted that the intercepting element 7 has a force transmission element 10 (in the form of a Bowden line) to transmit tension and / or pressure from the intercepting element 7 to the functional components to be operated as needed.

[0079] For example, especially from Figures 4A to 4D As can be seen from the diagram, the intercepting element 7 is associated with a preload element 11 in the form of a compression spring, so as to preload the intercepting element 7 in the direction of the cam carrier 6. In this way, it is ensured that the intercepting element 7 continuously follows the cam carrier 6 to generate transmission motion.

[0080] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is further proposed that the cam carrier 6 has a drive member 9, and the transmission mechanism 5 also has at least one drive element 8, which is preferably at least partially complementary to and associated with the drive member 9, wherein the drive element 8 is supported and arranged relative to the cam carrier 6 such that the drive element 8 engages with the associated drive member 9 only within a previously determined or determinable range of rotation angles of the cam carrier 6.

[0081] For this purpose, the drive element 8 is associated with the forced guide 12 so as to guide the movement of the drive element 8 when the drive element 8 is driven by the associated drive element 9 as the cam carrier 6 rotates within a previously determined or determinable range of rotation angles, wherein the forced guide 12 is preferably implemented as a grooved guide or a slider guide.

[0082] As from Figures 3A to 3DAs can be seen from the diagram, the forced guide 12 has a free movement region 13, in which the drive element 8 associated with the drive element 9 remains when it is not engaged with the associated drive element 9.

[0083] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of the transmission mechanism 5 according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, it is proposed that the drive element 8 is connected to the force transmission element 10 in the form of a Bowden line so as to transmit tension and / or pressure from the drive element 8 to the functional component to be operated as needed.

[0084] The cam carrier 6 is rotatably supported by the transmission mechanism 5. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 4A (As shown in the figure) In the initial rotation position, the drive element 8 engages with the drive element 9 of the cam carrier 6, while the intercepting element 7 is in the first position abutting the edge region of the cam carrier 6.

[0085] As from Figure 3B and Figure 4B As can be seen from the diagram, during the rotation of the rotatably supported cam carrier 6 from its initial rotational position within a first rotational angle range, the drive element 8 is driven by the associated drive member 9 of the cam carrier 6 and moves into the free movement region 13 of the forced guide 12. Simultaneously, the intercepting element 7 abuts against the edge region of the cam carrier 6 at the first position.

[0086] As from Figure 3C and Figure 4C As can be seen from the illustration, during the further rotation of the rotatably supported cam carrier 6 within a second rotation angle range, the drive element 8 remains in the free movement region 13 of the forced guide 12, while the intercepting element 7 abuts against the edge region of the cam carrier 6 at a second position different from the first position.

[0087] During the third rotational angle range of the rotatably supported cam carrier 6 (see...) Figure 3D and Figure 4D The drive element 8 is located in the free movement area 13 of the forced guide part 12, while the intercepting element 7 is also located in the first position against the edge area of ​​the cam carrier 6.

[0088] Specifically, it is proposed here that the rotatably supported cam carrier 6 of the transmission mechanism 5 is designed as a cam disk having a first region with an irregularly shaped edge, the outline of which is continuously followed by the intercepting element 7 as the cam carrier 6, designed as a cam disk, rotates, wherein the cam carrier 6, designed as a cam disk, has a second region preferably with an irregularly shaped edge, wherein at least one drive element 9 for driving element 8 is formed in the second region.

[0089] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the drive element 8 is used to operate the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism of the charging and / or refueling neck system. The flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism is used to unlock / release or lock / lock the cover of the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed when it is in a closed state. Here, the transmission mechanism 5, and in particular the drive element 8 of the transmission mechanism 5, is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element 2 into a preferred translational force when the drive shaft 3 of the drive element 2 rotates and the rotatably supported cam carrier 6 rotates accordingly, so as to correspondingly operate, i.e., unlock the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism.

[0090] On the other hand, in the embodiment of the transmission mechanism 5 schematically shown in the accompanying drawings, the intercepting element 7 is used to operate the locking / unlocking mechanism on demand, which is associated with a charging connection or charging plug connector housed in a through opening in the charging and / or refueling neck. The locking / unlocking mechanism is hereby used particularly for locking and / or securing the charging connection or charging plug connector on demand.

[0091] Specifically, the transmission mechanism 5, and especially the intercepting element 7 associated with the transmission mechanism 5, is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element 2 into a preferred translational force to operate the locking / unlocking mechanism when the drive shaft 3 of the drive element 2 rotates and thus the rotatably supported cam carrier 6 rotates.

[0092] exist Figures 5A to 5C An alternative implementation of the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 is shown in the figure.

[0093] In this embodiment, the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 is provided with a transmission mechanism 5, which is particularly implemented as a connecting transmission device, having a crank 14 and a rocker arm 15, wherein the crank 14 is driven or can be driven to rotate by the drive shaft 3 of the drive element 2.

[0094] According to the rotation angle of crank 14 (e.g. from Figures 5A to 5C (As can be deduced from the process), at least temporarily interrupting the coupling between crank 14 and rocker arm 16.

[0095] exist Figures 6A to 6C An alternative implementation of the transmission mechanism 5, which is implemented as a connecting transmission device, is provided. In this implementation, the connection between the crank 14 and the rocker arm 16 occurs by means of a partially interrupted tooth, resulting in the connection between the crank 14 and the rocker arm 15 being interrupted at least temporarily depending on the rotation angle of the crank 14.

[0096] Figure 7 The temporal sequence of functions that can be switched or operated by means of the device according to the invention is schematically shown. Figure 7 In the diagram, the Y-axis represents the rotation angle or path of the movable cover relative to the charging and / or refueling neck, as well as the actuation path, which is intercepted by the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 of the drive shaft 3 of the motor drive 2 to manipulate the functional components of the charging and / or refueling neck system. The X-axis represents time.

[0097] The stroke indicated by reference numeral "A" corresponds to the rotation angle or number of revolutions of the drive shaft 3 of the drive element 2, which is in the form of an electric motor. The curve indicated by reference numeral "B" shows the rotation angle of the cover of the charging and / or refueling neck system relative to the charging and / or refueling neck.

[0098] The path indicated by the reference numeral "C" shows the path generated by the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 for operating the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism of the charging and / or refueling neck system.

[0099] The path indicated by the reference numeral "D" shows the path generated by the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 for manipulating the locking / unlocking mechanism of the charging and / or refueling neck system.

[0100] from Figure 7 In particular, it can be concluded that the various functions of the charging and / or refueling neck system are consistent with each other and operate / manipulate according to a previously determined or determinable sequence of events.

[0101] Starting from the initial position of the drive shaft 3 (at time t=0), during the first number of revolutions or the first rotation angle of the drive shaft 3 of the drive device 2, the force required to operate the flip unlock / flip lock mechanism is generated by the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4.

[0102] Then, at time t=1, the cover of the charging and / or refueling neck system is unlocked. Then, from time t=1 to time t=2, the drive shaft 3 rotates a second rotation angle or a second number of revolutions. During this time period, the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 is disengaged from the drive shaft 3. However, the cover is still manipulated by the drive shaft 3 to change to its open state.

[0103] At time t=2, the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 is again connected to the drive shaft 3 of the drive unit 2, which is in the form of an electric motor; however, the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 is disengaged from the mechanism for actuating the cover. In other words, during the time period from time t=2 to time t=3, the drive shaft 3 rotates a third rotation angle or a third number of revolutions. During this time period, the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 generates the force required to operate the locking / unlocking mechanism and, for example, locks the charging plug inserted into the fuel filler neck.

[0104] During the time period t=3 to t=4, the drive device in the form of an electric motor did not function.

[0105] During the time interval t=4 to t=5, the drive shaft of the electric motor-type drive device rotates a fourth number of revolutions or a fourth rotation angle. Specifically, at time t=4, the direction of rotation of the drive shaft changes. During the time interval t=4 to t=5, the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 is connected to the drive shaft 3 and similarly generates the force required to operate the locking / unlocking mechanism. Specifically, during the time interval t=4 to t=5, the charging plug is, for example, unlocked.

[0106] Next, during the time period t=5 to t=6, the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 disengages from the drive shaft 3, and the rotation of the drive shaft 3 causes the cover of the charging and / or refueling neck system to close during this time period. Between the time periods t=6 and t=7, only the mechanical control or switching mechanism 4 is engaged with the drive shaft, thereby generating the force required to operate the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism to correspondingly lock or lock the cover.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but is the result of a summary of all the features disclosed herein.

[0108] In particular, the present invention also relates to a charging and / or refueling neck system for a vehicle, wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging and / or refueling neck and a cover movable relative to the charging and / or refueling neck, and wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system also has a device 1 of the type described above according to the present invention, which is used to switch and actuate multiple functions of the charging and / or refueling neck system.

[0109] List of reference numerals

[0110] 1. A device for switching and actuating multiple functions of the charging and / or refueling neck system.

[0111] 2. Driving components

[0112] 3 drive shafts

[0113] 4. Control or switching mechanism

[0114] 5. Transmission Mechanism

[0115] 6 Cam Carrier

[0116] 7. Intercepting Components

[0117] 8. Driving components

[0118] 9. Drive components

[0119] 10 Force Transmission Elements

[0120] 11 Preloaded Components

[0121] 12. Forced Guidance Department

[0122] 13. Free movement area of ​​the forced guidance unit

[0123] 14 Crank

[0124] 15 Joysticks

Claims

1. A device (1) for switching and actuating multiple functions of a charging and / or refueling neck system of a vehicle, wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging and / or refueling neck and a cover movable relative to the charging and / or refueling neck, and wherein the device (1) comprises: - A drive element (2) having a drive shaft (3), wherein the drive shaft (3) is operatively connected to the cover such that the cover can move relative to the charging and / or refueling neck when the drive shaft (3) is rotated; and - Mechanical control or switching mechanism (4), wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to intercept the rotational movement of the drive shaft (3) as it rotates in order to manipulate at least one functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed; The charging and / or refueling neck system has a flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism for locking and / or securing the cover when it is closed. The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force when the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2) rotates, so as to operate the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism as needed; and / or The charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging connection, a charging connector, and / or a refueling neck received in a through opening of the charging and / or refueling neck, and corresponding associated locking / unlocking mechanisms for locking / locking or unlocking / releasing the charging connection, charging connector, and / or refueling neck as needed. The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force when the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2) rotates, so as to manipulate the locking / unlocking mechanism as needed; and / or The charging and / or refueling neck system has an illumination device with a corresponding associated switch for enabling and disabling the illumination device as needed, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force when the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2) rotates so as to operate the switch as needed; The drive shaft (3) is operatively connected to the cover and the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed such that, starting from the initial position of the drive shaft (3), during a first number of rotations of the drive shaft (3) or during a first rotation angle of the drive shaft, the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) generates the force required to manipulate the flip-top unlocking / locking mechanism, such that the cover is moved relative to the charging and / or refueling neck only after the first number of rotations or the first rotation angle of the drive shaft (3) and only during the immediately following second number of rotations or the second rotation angle of the drive shaft (3), and such that, only after the second number of rotations or the second rotation angle of the drive shaft (3) and only during the immediately following third number of rotations or the third rotation angle of the drive shaft (3), the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) generates the force required to manipulate the locking / unlocking mechanism.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. The drive shaft (3) is operatively connected to the cover and the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed such that during the fourth rotation or fourth angle of the drive shaft (3) immediately following the third rotation or third angle, the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) again generates the force required to manipulate the locking / unlocking mechanism, so that the cover is moved again relative to the charging and / or refueling neck only after the fourth rotation or fourth angle of the drive shaft (3) and only during the fifth rotation or fifth angle of the drive shaft (3) immediately following, and so that during the sixth rotation or sixth angle of the drive shaft (3) immediately following, the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) again generates the force required to manipulate the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) therein has a transmission mechanism designed to connect a transmission device, the transmission mechanism having a crank (14) and a rocker arm (15), wherein the crank (14) is driven to rotate by or can be driven by the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2), and wherein the connection between the crank (14) and the rocker arm (15) is interrupted at least temporarily according to the rotation angle of the crank (14).

4. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft (3) as the drive shaft (3) rotates, so as to manipulate at least one functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed.

5. A device (1) for switching and actuating multiple functions of a charging and / or refueling neck system of a vehicle, wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging and / or refueling neck and a cover movable relative to the charging and / or refueling neck, and wherein the device (1) comprises: - A drive element (2) having a drive shaft (3), wherein the drive shaft (3) is operatively connected to the cover such that the cover can move relative to the charging and / or refueling neck when the drive shaft (3) is rotated; and - Mechanical control or switching mechanism (4), wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to intercept the rotational movement of the drive shaft (3) as it rotates in order to manipulate at least one functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed; The charging and / or refueling neck system has a flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism for locking and / or securing the cover when it is closed. The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force when the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2) rotates, so as to operate the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism as needed; and / or The charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging connection, a charging connector, and / or a refueling neck received in a through opening of the charging and / or refueling neck, and corresponding associated locking / unlocking mechanisms for locking / locking or unlocking / releasing the charging connection, charging connector, and / or refueling neck as needed. The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force when the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2) rotates, so as to manipulate the locking / unlocking mechanism as needed; and / or The charging and / or refueling neck system has an illumination device with a corresponding associated switch for enabling and disabling the illumination device as needed, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force when the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2) rotates so as to operate the switch as needed; The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to generate the force required to operate the flip unlock / flip lock mechanism and / or the lock / unlock mechanism and / or the switch according to the rotation angle and / or number of rotations of the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2), wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to generate the force required to operate the flip unlock / flip lock mechanism and the lock / unlock mechanism and the switch according to the rotation angle and / or number of rotations of the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2).

6. A device (1) for switching and actuating multiple functions of a charging and / or refueling neck system of a vehicle, wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging and / or refueling neck and a cover movable relative to the charging and / or refueling neck, and wherein the device (1) comprises: - A drive element (2) having a drive shaft (3), wherein the drive shaft (3) is operatively connected to the cover such that the cover can move relative to the charging and / or refueling neck when the drive shaft (3) is rotated; and - A mechanical control or switching mechanism (4), wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to intercept the rotational movement of the drive shaft (3) as it rotates in order to manipulate at least one functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed. The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) has a transmission mechanism (5) having at least one rotatably supported cam carrier (6) that is driven to rotate by or can be driven by the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2) when the drive element (2) is actuated, and the transmission mechanism (5) also has at least one intercepting element (7) supported to continuously follow the outer periphery of the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier (6) to generate the output motion required for manipulating the functional components of the charging and / or refueling neck system, wherein the transmission mechanism (5) has a corresponding associated intercepting element (7) for each functional component to be manipulated, the intercepting element being supported to continuously follow the outer periphery of the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier (6) to generate the output motion required for manipulating the corresponding associated functional component; The at least one rotatably supported cam carrier (6) is designed in the form of a cam disk, and the at least one cam carrier (6) has at least one drive member (9), and the transmission mechanism (5) also has at least one drive element (8), the drive element being designed to be at least partially complementary to and associated with the at least one drive member (9), wherein the at least one drive element (8) associated with the at least one drive member (9) is supported with respect to the at least one cam carrier (6) and arranged such that the at least one drive element (8) engages with the associated drive member (9) only within a previously determined or determinable range of rotation angles of the at least one cam carrier (6); The at least one drive element (8) is provided with a forced guide (12) to guide the movement of the drive element (8) when the at least one cam carrier (6) is rotated within a previously determined or determinable range of rotational angles by an associated drive element (9), wherein the forced guide (12) is implemented as a grooved guide or a slider guide, and / or wherein the forced guide (12) has a free movement region (13) in which the drive element (8) associated with the at least one drive element (9) remains when the drive element (8) is no longer engaged with the associated at least one drive element (9); and / or The at least one drive element (8) is connected to a force transmission element (10) in the form of a rod, rope, and / or Bowden line to transmit tension and / or pressure from the at least one drive element (8) to a functional component to be operated as needed.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6. The at least one intercepting element (7) is equipped with a preloading element (11) in the form of a compression spring to preload the intercepting element toward the cam carrier (6).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein at the initial rotational position of the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier (6), the at least one drive element (8) engages with the at least one drive member (9) of the cam carrier (6), and the at least one intercepting element (7) abuts against the edge region of the cam carrier (6) at the first position. During the rotation of the rotatably supported cam carrier (6) from the initial rotational position within a first rotational angle range, the at least one drive element (8) is driven by the associated drive member (9) and moved into the free movement area (13) of the forced guide (12), while the at least one intercepting element (7) abuts against the edge region of the cam carrier (6) at its first position. During the further rotation of the rotatably supported cam carrier (6) within a second rotation angle range, the at least one drive element (8) remains within the free movement region (13) of the forced guide (12), while the at least one intercepting element (7) abuts against the edge region of the cam carrier (6) at the second position, and During the further rotation of the rotatably supported cam carrier (6) within a third rotation angle range, at least one drive element (8) is located in the free movement region (13) of the forced guide (12), and at least one intercepting element (7) again abuts against the edge region of the cam carrier (6) at the first position.

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one rotatably supported cam carrier (6) is designed as a cam disk having a first region with an irregularly shaped edge, the outline of the first region being continuously followed by the at least one intercepting element (7) as the cam carrier (6) designed as a cam disk rotates, and wherein the cam carrier (6) designed as a cam disk has a second region with an irregularly shaped edge, wherein the at least one drive element (9) is formed in the second region.

10. The apparatus according to claim 6, The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force as needed when the drive shaft (3) rotates, so as to manipulate at least one functional component of the charging and / or refueling neck system as needed.

11. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6. The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to coordinate the manipulation of the at least one functional component with the movement of the cover relative to the charging and / or refueling neck according to a previously determined or determinable sequence of events, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to move the cover relative to the charging and / or refueling neck and / or manipulate the at least one functional component according to the rotation angle and / or number of rotations of the drive shaft (3).

12. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6. The charging and / or refueling neck system has a flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism for locking and / or securing the cover when it is closed. The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force when the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2) rotates, so as to operate the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism as needed; and / or The charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging connection, a charging connector, and / or a refueling neck received in a through opening of the charging and / or refueling neck, and corresponding associated locking / unlocking mechanisms for locking / locking or unlocking / releasing the charging connection, charging connector, and / or refueling neck as needed. The mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force when the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2) rotates, so as to manipulate the locking / unlocking mechanism as needed; and / or The charging and / or refueling neck system has an illumination device with a corresponding associated switch for enabling and disabling the illumination device as needed, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to convert the torque generated by the drive element (2) into a translational force when the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2) rotates so as to operate the switch as needed.

13. The device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed to generate the force required to operate the flip unlock / flip lock mechanism and / or the locking / unlock mechanism and / or the switch, based on the rotation angle and / or number of rotations of the drive shaft (3) of the drive element (2).

14. The apparatus (1) according to claim 13. The drive shaft (3) is operatively connected to the cover and the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed such that, starting from the initial position of the drive shaft (3), during a first number of rotations of the drive shaft (3) or during a first rotation angle of the drive shaft, the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) generates the force required to manipulate the flip-top unlocking / locking mechanism, such that the cover is moved relative to the charging and / or refueling neck only after the first number of rotations or the first rotation angle of the drive shaft (3) and only during the immediately following second number of rotations or the second rotation angle of the drive shaft (3), and such that, only after the second number of rotations or the second rotation angle of the drive shaft (3) and only during the immediately following third number of rotations or the third rotation angle of the drive shaft (3), the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) generates the force required to manipulate the locking / unlocking mechanism.

15. The device (1) according to claim 14, wherein the drive shaft (3) is operatively connected to the cover and the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) is designed such that during a fourth rotation or fourth rotation angle of the drive shaft (3) immediately following the third rotation or third rotation angle, the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) again generates the force required to manipulate the locking / unlocking mechanism, such that the cover is moved again relative to the charging and / or refueling neck only after the fourth rotation or fourth rotation angle of the drive shaft (3) and only during a fifth rotation or fifth rotation angle of the drive shaft (3) immediately following, and such that during a sixth rotation or sixth rotation angle of the drive shaft (3) immediately following, the mechanical control or switching mechanism (4) again generates the force required to manipulate the flip-top unlocking / flip-top locking mechanism.

16. A charging and / or refueling neck system for a vehicle, wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging and / or refueling neck and a cover movable relative to the charging and / or refueling neck, and wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system further has a device (1) according to claim 1, the device being used to switch and actuate a plurality of functions or functional components of the charging and / or refueling neck system.

17. A charging and / or refueling neck system for a vehicle, wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system has a charging and / or refueling neck and a cover movable relative to the charging and / or refueling neck, and wherein the charging and / or refueling neck system further has a device (1) according to claim 6, the device being used to switch and actuate a plurality of functions or functional components of the charging and / or refueling neck system.

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