A charging flap assembly or fuel tank flap assembly of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging flap assembly or tank flap assembly (10) of a motor vehicle, having a base body (11) which receives a charging socket (12) or a tank connection, a flap body (15) which is pivotable about a rotation axis (17) and supports a panel body (16) on a first section (15a), in a first position of the flap body (15) the flap body closes an opening (18) in a vehicle body (19) of the motor vehicle and blocks access to the charging socket (12) or to the tank connection, in a second position of the flap body (15) the flap body releases the opening (18) of the vehicle body (19) of the motor vehicle and the access to the charging socket (12) or to the tank connection, and a push-push mechanism (21) for locking the flap body (15) and for releasing the flap body (15) in its first position, wherein the push-push mechanism (21) is arranged on a side of the rotation axis (17) of the flap body (15) which is different from the first section (15a) of the flap body (15) supporting the panel body (16) with regard to the first position of the flap body (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a charging flip-top assembly or a fuel tank flip-top assembly for a motor vehicle. Furthermore, this invention relates to a motor vehicle having a charging flip-top assembly or a fuel tank flip-top assembly.

[0002] Motor vehicles have a charging flip-top assembly and / or a fuel tank flip-top assembly. The fuel tank flip-top is used to release or block access to the fuel tank connection pipe. The charging flip-top assembly is used to release or block access to the charging socket. Hybrid vehicles have both a fuel tank flip-top assembly and a charging flip-top assembly. Pure electric vehicles have only a charging flip-top assembly. Background Technology

[0003] DE 10 2014 115 907 A1 discloses a charging flip-top assembly for a motor vehicle configured as an electric vehicle. The charging flip-top assembly has a charging socket received by a base body. Furthermore, the charging flip-top assembly has a pivotable flip-top body pivotable about a drehachse axis. In a first position, the flip-top body closes an opening in the motor vehicle body and blocks access to the charging socket. In a second position, the flip-top body releases the opening in the motor vehicle body and the access to the charging socket or charging inlet. The charging flip-top assembly has a push-push mechanism including a lever and an actuating element to provide push-push functionality for locking and releasing the flip-top body. When the charging flip-top is open, the push-push mechanism is visible and accessible.

[0004] DE 10 2020 112 178 A1 and GB 2 412 097 B disclose additional charging flip-top components for motor vehicles.

[0005] If the push-pull mechanism is visible when the flip cover is open, it will negatively impact the overall aesthetics. Furthermore, the push-pull mechanism could be damaged during charging or refueling operations. Additionally, the flip cover must be relatively large so that it covers or conceals the push-pull mechanism when closed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to create a novel charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly for a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle having the charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly.

[0007] This objective is achieved by a charging flip-top assembly or a fuel tank flip-top assembly for a motor vehicle according to the present invention.

[0008] The charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly according to the present invention includes a base body that receives a charging socket or fuel tank connector.

[0009] The charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly according to the invention further includes a flip-top body pivotable about a rotation axis and supporting a panel body in a first section, wherein in a first position of the flip-top body, the flip-top body closes an opening in the body of the motor vehicle and blocks a passage to the charging socket or the fuel tank connector, and wherein in a second position of the flip-top body, the flip-top body opens the opening in the body of the motor vehicle and the passage to the charging socket or the fuel tank connector.

[0010] The charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly according to the invention further includes a push-push mechanism for locking the flip-top body and for releasing the flip-top body in a first position, wherein, with respect to the first position of the flip-top body, the push-push mechanism is arranged on a side of the rotation axis of the flip-top body that is different from the first section of the flip-top body supporting the panel body.

[0011] Because the push-push mechanism is positioned on the opposite side of the rotation axis from the first section of the support panel body of the flip cover, it is invisible when the flip cover is open. Therefore, the push-push mechanism does not affect the overall aesthetics. Furthermore, there is no risk of damage to the push-push mechanism during charging or refueling operations. Additionally, a smaller flip cover body can be used.

[0012] Preferably, with respect to the second position of the flip cover body, the push-push mechanism is arranged on the same side of the rotation axis of the flip cover body as the first section of the flip cover body supporting the panel body. This ensures that the charging port or fuel tank connector is easily accessible when the flip cover body is open.

[0013] Preferably, in the first position of the flip cover body, a second section of the flip cover body cooperates with the push-push mechanism, such that the second section supports or forms a locking element that cooperates with the locking element of the push-push mechanism. Specifically, the second section of the flip cover body is configured as an extension of a connecting leg of a third section, preferably U-shaped, of the flip cover body. In the first position of the flip cover body, the locking element cooperates with the locking element to lock the flip cover body in the first position. After actuation of the push-push mechanism, the locking element releases the locking element, thereby releasing the flip cover body.

[0014] Preferably, the push-push mechanism is arranged behind the main body of the motor vehicle in a recess at least partially defined by the base body. This is particularly preferred in order to provide a particularly advantageous aesthetic impression and to avoid the risk of damage to the push-push mechanism during charging or refueling operations.

[0015] According to the present invention, a corresponding motor vehicle is also proposed.

[0016] Preferred extensions of the invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments and the following description. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but are not limited thereto. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a motor vehicle according to the invention in a first position of the flip-top body in the region of the charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly according to the invention, wherein the flip-top body closes an opening in the body of the motor vehicle.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a cross section of Figure 1 when actuated to release the opening in the body of the motor vehicle;

[0019] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of Figure 1 in the position of the flip-top body, wherein the flip-top body partially releases the opening in the body of the motor vehicle; and

[0020] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of Figure 1 in a second position of the flip cover body, wherein the flip cover body, together with the charging plug of the charging cable, is fully released from the opening in the body of the motor vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Figures 1 to 4 show cross-sections of a motor vehicle in the region of the charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly 10 according to the invention, wherein the invention is described below with respect to the charging flip-top assembly 10. However, the invention can also be applied to the fuel tank flip-top assembly. Figures 1 to 4 show different states of the charging flip-top assembly 10.

[0022] The charging flip assembly 10 has a base body 11 that receives the charging socket 12. For charging operations, the charging plug 13 of the charging cable 14 (see FIG. 4) can be connected to the charging socket 12.

[0023] The charging socket 12 is arranged in a recess that is at least partially defined by the base body 11.

[0024] The charging flip assembly 10 also has a flip body 15, which supports the panel body 16 on a first section 15a. The flip body 15 is pivotable about a rotation axis 17.

[0025] In the first position of the flip-top body 15 shown in FIG1, the flip-top body closes the opening 18 in the body 19 of the motor vehicle, wherein the flip-top body 15 subsequently blocks the passage to the charging socket 12. In the first position of the flip-top body 15 (see FIG1), the panel body 16 of the charging flip-top assembly 10 received on the first section 15a of the flip-top body 15 is flush with the surface of the body 19 of the motor vehicle, wherein in the first position of FIG1, a gap 20 is formed between the panel body 16 and the body 19.

[0026] In the second position of the flip cover body 15 (see Figure 4), the flip cover body releases the opening 18 of the vehicle body 19 and the passage to the charging socket 12.

[0027] The charging flip assembly 10 also has a push-push mechanism 21 for locking the flip body 15 in the first position of FIG. 1 and for releasing the flip body 15, also in the first position of FIG. 1. With respect to the first position of the flip body 15 (see FIG. 1), the push-push mechanism 21 is arranged on the side of the rotation axis 17 of the flip body 15, which is different from the first section 15a of the support panel body 16 of the flip body 15.

[0028] In the second position of the flip body 15 (see Figure 4), the push-push mechanism 21 and the first section 15a of the support panel body 16 of the flip body 15 are preferably arranged on the same side of the rotation axis 17 of the flip body 15.

[0029] The flip-cover body 15 has a second section 15b that engages with a push-push mechanism 21 in a first position. The push-push mechanism 21 has a locking element 22 that engages with a cooperating locking element 23. In the first position of the flip-cover body 15 (see FIG. 1), to lock the flip-cover body, the locking element 22 of the push-push mechanism 21 protrudes into the cooperating locking element 23 of the second section 15b of the flip-cover body 15, and in particular reliably locks the flip-cover body 15. The cooperating locking element 23 is either a component of or received by the second section 15b of the flip-cover body 15.

[0030] If the flip cover body 15 is manually actuated according to FIG. 2, the second section 15b of the flip cover body 15 is pressed against the locking element 22 of the push-push mechanism 21, wherein the locking element 22 is then twisted and then engages with the locking element 23 to release the flip cover body 15, so that the flip cover body can then pivot about the rotation axis 17 to release the opening 18, specifically past the intermediate position shown in FIG. 3, to the fully open second position shown in FIG. 4.

[0031] The first section 15a of the support panel body 16 of the flip body 15 is connected to the rotation shaft 17 via a particularly U-shaped third section 15c of the flip body 15. The first leg 24 of the third section 15c of the flip body 15 engages with the rotation shaft 17, and the second leg 25 of the third section 15c engages with the first section 15a of the flip body 15. A connecting leg 26 of the third section 15c extends between the two legs 24 and 25 and connects the two legs 24 and 25. The second section 15b of the flip body 15 is configured as an extension of the connecting leg 26 of the third section 15c, wherein the second section 15b of the flip body 15 extends the connecting leg 26 of the third section 15c beyond the first leg 24.

[0032] The first section 15a of the flip cover body 15 is parallel or substantially parallel to the second section 15b and the third section 15c of the flip cover body 15. The first support leg 24 and the second support leg 24 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other, and preferably form an angle of not equal to 90° with the first section 15a and the second section 15b of the flip cover body 15.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the push-push mechanism 21 is arranged within a recess at least partially defined by the base body 11, specifically behind the vehicle body 19. Even when the flip-top body 15 is open (see Figure 4), the push-push mechanism 21 is not visible from the outside, so it does not affect the design and there is no risk of damage to the push-push mechanism during charging operation.

[0034] Spring element 27 engages with rotation shaft 17. Spring element 27 provides a spring force that tends to automatically transfer the flip cover body 15 from the first position in FIG. 1 to the second position in FIG. 4. As the flip cover body 15 moves from the second position in FIG. 4 toward the first position in FIG. 1, the flip cover body 15 must pivot against the spring force of spring element 27. The flip cover body 15 can then be locked by engaging the locking element 22 of the push-push mechanism 21 with the cooperating locking element 23, so as to hold the flip cover body in the closed first position in FIG. 1 against the spring force of spring element 27.

[0035] The heart-shaped curve mechanism is preferably integrated into the push-push mechanism 21, and the flip body 15 is locked or released by the interaction of the locking element 22 and the cooperating locking element 23 actuating the flip body.

[0036] Figures 1 through 4 also show a sealing element 28, which engages in the base body 11 and seals the flip-top body 15 to the base body 11 in its closed state. This sealing element 28 is specifically a rubber seal, which also provides a damping function for the flip-top body 15.

[0037] The charging flip assembly 10 according to the invention has the advantage that the push-push mechanism 21 does not affect its design. There is also no risk of damaging the push-push mechanism 21 during charging operation. The flip body 15 can be relatively small.

[0038] The present invention is not limited to the charging flip-top assembly, but can also be used in a fuel tank assembly in which the charging socket 12 is replaced by a fuel tank connector.

Claims

1. A charging cover assembly or fuel tank cover assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising: The base body (11) receives a charging socket (12) or a fuel tank connector; A flip cover body (15) is pivotable about a rotation axis (17), and the flip cover body supports a panel body (16) on a first section (15a). In a first position of the flap body (15), the flap body closes the opening (18) in the body (19) of the motor vehicle and blocks the passage to the charging socket (12) or the fuel tank connector. In the second position of the flip cover body (15), the flip cover body releases the opening (18) of the vehicle body (19) and releases the passage leading to the charging socket (12) or the fuel tank connector; A push-push mechanism (21) is used to lock the flip cover body (15) and to release the flip cover body (15) from its first position. With respect to the first position of the flip body (15), the push-push mechanism (21) is arranged on the side of the rotation axis (17) of the flip body (15) that is different from the first section (15a) of the flip body (15) that supports the panel body (16).

2. The charging or tank flap assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that With respect to the second position of the flip body (15), the push-push mechanism (21) is arranged on the same side of the rotation axis (17) of the flip body (15) as the first section (15a) of the flip body (15) that supports the panel body (16).

3. A charging flap assembly or tank flap assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At the first position of the flip body (15), the second section (15b) of the flip body (15) cooperates with the push-push mechanism (21) such that the second section (15b) of the flip body (15) supports or forms a cooperating locking element (23) that cooperates with the locking element (22) of the push-push mechanism (21).

4. The charging or tank flap assembly (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The first section (15a) of the flip body (15) supporting the panel body (16) is connected to the rotating shaft (17) via a section of the third section (15c) of the flip body (15), wherein the first leg (24) of the third section engages on the rotating shaft (17), wherein the second leg (25) of the third section engages on the first section (15a), and wherein the first leg (24) and the second leg (25) are connected via a connecting leg (26).

5. The charging or tank flap assembly (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The second section (15b) of the flap body (15) is formed as an extension of the connecting leg (26) of the third section (15c) of the flap body (15).

6. The charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The second section (15b) of the flap body (15) extends the connecting leg (26) of the third section (15c) beyond the first leg (24) of the third section.

7. The charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The push-push mechanism (21) is arranged behind the body (19) of the motor vehicle in a recess at least partially defined by the base body (11).

8. The charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spring element (27) cooperates with the rotating shaft (17), and the spring force of the spring element moves the flip cover body (15) to the second position.

9. The charging flip-top assembly or fuel tank flip-top assembly (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third section (15c) has a U-shaped geological structure.

10. A motor vehicle having a charging flip-top assembly or a fuel tank flip-top assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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