Electrically operated tank flap or charging flap system for vehicle with possibility of emergency opening, method for emergency opening, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrically operated tank shutter and / or charging shutter system (10) for a vehicle (50), comprising a movable closing shutter (12) which can be moved back and forth between a closed position and an open position in order to connect an external connection part for charging and / or fueling the vehicle (50) to the open shutter system (10), the shutter system is closed again after the charging or fueling. According to the invention, an elongate emergency opening tool (13) is designed to manually open the closing flap (12) in the event of a malfunction, to be inserted into an engagement gap (14) between a body element (11) of the vehicle (50) and the closing flap (12), and to subsequently pull and / or prize the closing flap (12). In a method for the emergency opening of a tank flap or charging flap system (10), an end section of an emergency opening tool (13) is inserted into an engagement gap (14) between a body element (11) and a closing flap (12) and thus the closing flap (12) is pulled open or prized open.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electrically operated tank flap and / or charging flap system for a vehicle, a method for emergency opening of an electrically operated tank flap and / or charging flap system, and a vehicle. The tank flap and / or charging flap system is also referred to herein as a flap system. Background Art

[0002] The invention is suitable in particular for use in electrically operated vehicles, wherein an external electrical energy source, for example a charging station, is connected to the vehicle in order to charge the vehicle with electrical current as energy carrier, which is stored in an electrical storage device of the vehicle.

[0003] However, the invention can also be used in vehicles with an internal combustion engine, wherein fuel is supplied to the vehicle as an energy carrier, for example at a refueling station. The invention can also be used in hybrid vehicles, wherein an external energy source is connected to the vehicle in order to charge the vehicle with electrical energy and / or to refuel the vehicle with fuel.

[0004] Such flap systems usually have a pivotable charging flap or closing flap driven by an electric motor. To fill the vehicle with an energy carrier, such as electric current or another type of fuel for driving the vehicle motor, the charging flap or closing flap is opened and closed again after filling in order to seal the connection or filling unit located behind it to the outside or to protect it from external influences.

[0005] In order to meet the requirements for the tightness of the charging flap, the charging socket, the joints and the connection as well as the locking forces required during driving and also to protect against misuse, active closing of the charging flap is necessary.

[0006] The problem is that in the event of a technical fault, for example in the electric motor of the valve system or in the area of ​​the valve control, the charging valve or the closing valve can no longer be opened and the vehicle can therefore no longer be charged or refueled. As a result, further driving is often no longer possible.

[0007] A known solution to this problem is to open the charging flap in the event of a fault by means of an air cushion which is inserted into a joint gap next to the charging flap and inflated. However, this is almost impossible or very difficult for the vehicle user to implement in the event of a sudden fault, since a corresponding device for opening the charging flap in the event of a fault requires a specialized procedure.

[0008] Therefore, in most cases, in the event of a fault, it is necessary to call a technical service or a service vehicle in order to open the closing flap and charge the vehicle for continued driving. This requires a high time expenditure and high costs. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an electrically operated charging flap or tank flap system and a method, wherein the tank flap or charging flap can be opened by a user in a simple and rapid manner in the event of a fault.

[0010] To achieve this object, the present invention provides, according to a first aspect, an electrically operated tank valve and / or charging valve system for fastening in a body element of a vehicle, comprising: a movable closing valve, which can reciprocate between a closed position and an open position so as to connect an external connection component for charging and / or refueling the vehicle to the opened tank valve and / or charging valve system, and then close the tank valve and / or charging valve system again; and an elongated emergency opening tool for manually opening the closing valve in the event of a functional failure, the emergency opening tool being configured to be inserted into a joining gap between the body element of the vehicle and the closing valve in the closed position of the closing valve and to be used to subsequently pull and / or pry open the closing valve.

[0011] The charging flap or tank flap is thereby opened and the vehicle can be charged. Expensive emergency maneuvers with all the known disadvantages are avoided. A customer solution is thus achieved, which does not require a service such as a service vehicle having to go to the vehicle to open the flap.

[0012] The emergency opening tool is preferably of elongated design.

[0013] Preferably, the emergency opening tool comprises a front end section, the thickness of which is smaller than the width of the joining gap.

[0014] Preferably, the emergency opening tool comprises a bent front end portion in order to engage the closure flap from behind when inserted into the engagement gap, so that the closure flap can be opened by subsequently pulling the emergency opening tool.

[0015] Advantageously, the tank flap / charging flap system comprises a coupling element in order to decouple the closing flap from an electrically operated drive element for driving the closing flap when it is pulled open or pried open.

[0016] Preferably, the tank valve / charging valve system comprises a locking mechanism for locking the closing valve in the closed position of the closing valve, the locking mechanism comprising a movable locking element which is held in the locking position of the locking element by means of an elastic element by means of a form-fitting connection.

[0017] In particular, the locking element is shaped such that the positive connection is released by pulling or prying open the closing flap.

[0018] For example, such pulling apart and / or prying apart can be performed counteracting the force exerted by the elastic element on the locking element.

[0019] Preferably, the elastic element is designed as a spring, in particular as a compression spring.

[0020] Advantageously, the movable locking element is designed as a bolt.

[0021] Advantageously, the movable locking element can be locked and / or unlocked by cooperating with a surface of the ramp which extends obliquely to the direction of movement of the locking element.

[0022] The emergency opening tool can be stored again in the luggage compartment, for example, after its use.

[0023] For example, the tank flap / charging flap system comprises a retaining element which is designed to be fastened to a body element, in particular to a side frame of the vehicle. For example, the retaining element is formed by a charging socket or charging slot and / or by a tank slot.

[0024] In particular, the holding element is designed to accommodate or hold a connecting element which is designed to connect an external connecting component in order to supply electrical energy or fuel to the vehicle.

[0025] For example, the connecting element is designed as a charging socket. However, the connecting element can also be designed as a socket or a connector for connecting a fuel supply for supplying combustion fuel.

[0026] In particular, the tank flap / charging flap system comprises an electric motor for driving the closing flap in order to move it into an open position or a closed position.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for emergency opening of an electrically operated tank valve and / or charging valve system is provided.

[0028] In which the flap system is fastened in a body element of the vehicle and comprises a closing flap which can be moved back and forth between a closed position and an open position by means of a reciprocating motion, the method comprising the steps of:

[0029] a) Provide emergency opening tools of elongated construction;

[0030] b) inserting an end section of the emergency opening tool into a joining gap between a body element of the vehicle and the closing flap when the closing flap is in the closed position; and

[0031] c) Pulling and / or prying open the closing flap by means of an emergency opening tool inserted into the joint gap.

[0032] Preferably, the end section of the emergency opening tool acts on the rear side of the closing flap during or after insertion into the joint gap.

[0033] Advantageously, a force is exerted via the end section on the rear side of the closing flap in the opening direction.

[0034] For example, the closing flap is decoupled from an electrically operated drive element for driving the closing flap by pulling it open or prying it open.

[0035] In particular, the closing flap is released from the locking of the form-fitting connection by pulling it open and / or prying it open against a spring force.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided which comprises a tank flap and / or a charging flap system according to the invention and / or which can be opened by a method according to the invention.

[0037] The advantages and details disclosed above and also below in conjunction with the flap system according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0038] Features described or shown in different embodiments and examples are to be understood as being combinable with one another, unless otherwise indicated or such a combination is obviously not impossible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. It is shown here:

[0040] Figure 1 The electrically operated tank flap or charging flap system installed in a vehicle according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown as a perspective view obliquely viewed from the outside during emergency opening of the tank flap or charging flap system;

[0041] Figure 2 The front view of the flap system in the open state is shown in a perspective view. Figure 1 The valve system shown in;

[0042] Figure 3 The first phase of the emergency opening process is shown as a perspective sectional view. Figure 1 An enlarged view of a section of an electrically operable tank valve or charging valve system;

[0043] Figure 4 Shows something like Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the valve system, but during the second stage of the emergency opening process;

[0044] Figure 5 Shows something like Figure 1 and Figure 4Schematic diagram of the valve system, however during the third stage of the emergency opening process;

[0045] Figure 6 shows an electrically operated tank flap or charging flap system installed in a vehicle during emergency opening of the tank flap or charging flap system according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0046] Figure 7 An electrically operated tank flap or charging flap system according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in a partial perspective sectional illustration, which includes a locking mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In the drawings, identical or mutually corresponding elements are respectively characterized by the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless this appears appropriate. The disclosure contained in the entire specification can be transferred to the same components with the same reference numerals or the same component names.

[0048] The terms "front", "rear", etc. refer to the state of the valve system when installed in the vehicle, as viewed from the outside of the vehicle toward the inside of the vehicle. These terms may also relate to the valve system itself, as viewed from its front or outside in the direction of its back or inside, as well as from it, looking outward.

[0049] Figure 1 and 2 An electrically operated tank flap and / or charging flap system 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, which is designed as a charging flap system for fastening in a body element 11 of a vehicle 50 in order to supply the vehicle with electrical energy for its drive. The body element 11 is, for example, a side frame of the vehicle 50 or a part thereof.

[0050] The charging valve system 10 is also referred to as a valve system. The charging valve system comprises a movable closing valve or valve 12, which can be in a closed position (see Figure 1 ) and the open position (see Figure 2 ) reciprocates between. Thus, an external connection component for charging the vehicle, not shown here, can be connected to the tank valve and / or the charging valve system 10 and the charging valve system 10 can then be closed again, such as in Figure 1 as shown in .

[0051] Furthermore, the charging flap system comprises an elongated emergency opening tool 13 extending in its longitudinal direction L, which is designed to manually open the closing flap 12 in the event of a malfunction. The emergency opening tool or opening tool 13 is designed so that when the flap 12 is in its closed position (e.g., Figure 1As shown in FIG. 3 ), the emergency opening tool or opening tool can be inserted or introduced in sections into the joint gap 14 between the body element or side frame 11 and the closing flap 12 .

[0052] Furthermore, the emergency opening tool 13 is designed such that, after it has been inserted into the joint gap 14 , the closing flap 12 can be manually pulled open and / or pried open with the opening tool 13 .

[0053] According to the preferred embodiment shown here, the flap system 10 comprises a retaining element in the form of a charging pot 15, which can also be referred to as a charging trough, for example, and is designed for fastening in the side frame element 11. The retaining element 15 is also shaped or designed such that it receives or retains a connecting element 16, which is designed as a charging socket in this example.

[0054] The connection element or charging socket 16 is designed to connect an external connection component (not shown in the drawing) thereto in order to supply electrical energy for driving the vehicle 50. The external connection component (not shown here) is, for example, a charging plug of an external charging station.

[0055] In the specific embodiment described here, the valve system 10 is designed as a charging valve system for supplying electrical energy to a vehicle.

[0056] In other embodiments, the valve system 10 is configured as a tank valve system for supplying fuel, such as gasoline, diesel or gas, to a vehicle to drive the vehicle. In these cases, the connecting element 16 is configured, for example, as a filling pipe sleeve, so that, for example, a filling valve or a filling gun of an external filling machine or a fuel filling machine is connected thereto. Here, the valve or cover valve 12 is also referred to as a tank valve. In the case of the tank valve system 10, the retaining element 15 is configured, for example, as a tank tank or tank body.

[0057] To drive the closing or covering flap 12 , the flap system 10 comprises an electric motor which is not visible in the drawing.

[0058] The elongated emergency opening tool 13 serves to open the flap 12 in the event of a technical fault which may have various causes, for example a fault in the electric motor for driving the flap 12 or a fault or software fault in a corresponding control unit.

[0059] As in Figure 2 As shown in , the flap 12 is fastened to the outer end 17 of an articulated arm 18. The articulated arm 18 is pivotably supported on a holding element or charging pot 15 so that when the electric motor is triggered by a control unit, the articulated arm is pivoted out of the charging pot 15 in a motor-driven manner.

[0060] The connecting element, which is designed here as a charging socket 16 , comprises a plug element or a plug surface 19 having a plurality of electrical contact elements 21 , which are designed for electrical contact with corresponding contact elements of an external charging plug or other electrical connection components.

[0061] The flap 12 is fastened to a flap fastening element 22 which is formed on the outer end 17 of the articulated arm 18 and is designed in the form of a plate.

[0062] Figure 3 The front end section 23 of the opening tool 13 is shown in an enlarged view after the opening tool has been inserted into the joint gap 14 between the flap 12 and the body element 11. The thickness of the front end section 23 is smaller than the width of the joint gap 14 when the flap 12 is closed.

[0063] The opening tool 13 tapers in a pointed or conical manner in the direction of its front end 24 in order to make it easier to insert or introduce the opening tool into the joint gap 14 when the flap 12 is in its closed position.

[0064] The opening tool 13 is designed so that after its front end section 23 has been inserted or introduced, it can be used as a lever in order to pry open the flap 12 with the end section 23 which is now located below or behind the flap 12. In this case, the section 25 of the opening tool 13 which protrudes above the flap 12 is pressed away from the flap 12 in the direction of the vehicle body region 26 opposite the flap 12, whereby the opening tool 13 performs a pivoting movement S1. In this case, the pivot axis is formed by an edge section 27 of the vehicle body region 26 which is opposite an edge section 28 of the flap 12 in the region of the joint gap 14.

[0065] As in Figure 4 As shown in , after being pried open by the opening tool 13 , the flap 12 is opened to a certain extent. As a result, its edge section 28 in the region of the opening tool 13 inserted into the joint gap 14 is now located above the body region 26 , which is opposite to the edge 28 .

[0066] In this state, an opening 29 is formed between the edge 28 of the flap 12 and the body region 26, into which the user of the vehicle can engage with one or more fingers of his hand 30 and thereby be able to move the vehicle as in the example of FIG. Figure 5 The flap 12 is pulled outwardly as shown in FIG. Here, the flap 12 performs a pivoting movement S2 about its pivot axis, which is formed by the movable fastening of the articulated arm 18 in the interior space of the vehicle.

[0067] Figure 6A further embodiment of a tank flap or charging flap system 10 is shown, in which the opening tool 13 has an angled front end 24 in the region of its end section 23 . In this case, the front end 24 is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the remaining region of the opening tool 23 .

[0068] Here, too, the opening tool 13 is designed to taper in a pointed manner at least in its front end section 23 or to be conical toward the front end 24. This facilitates the introduction of the front end section 23 of the opening tool 13 into the joint gap 14.

[0069] After the opening tool 13 has been inserted or introduced into the engagement gap 14, its front end 24 engages the flap 12 from behind on its rear side 43 so that the flap is moved and opened by pulling the opening tool 13 in the opening direction O. In the process, the flap is pivoted outward together with the articulated arm 18 to which it is fastened via the flap fastening element 22, so as to finally reach its open position (see Figure 2 ).

[0070] According to an embodiment, the drive of the flap 12 can be designed so that during the above-mentioned opening process, the self-locking of the electric motor provided for driving the flap can be overcome by means of the opening tool 13, so that the flap 12 can be manually opened by pulling or prying with the opening tool 13.

[0071] Alternatively or in addition thereto, the flap system 10 comprises a coupling element which is designed to decouple the flap 12 or the articulated arm 18 from the electric motor.

[0072] exist Figure 7 A particularly preferred embodiment of the shutter system 10 is shown in . The shutter system 10 additionally comprises a locking mechanism 31 for locking the shutter 12 when it is in its closed position.

[0073] The locking mechanism 31 comprises an elongated locking element 32 which is designed as a pin. The pin 32 is mounted movably in its longitudinal direction V so that it can move in the direction of a locking section 33 arranged on the articulated arm 18 and also in the opposite direction.

[0074] The pin 32 is preloaded in the direction of the locking section 33 by means of an elastic element designed as a spring or compression spring 34. For this purpose, the compression spring 34 is supported with one end on a cap element 35, which is designed as a cover cap and is fastened to the holding element or charging pot 15. The compression spring 34 elastically tensions the pin 32 in the direction of the locking section 33 of the articulated arm 18 via its end opposite the cover cap 35.

[0075] The housing 36 of the locking mechanism 31 surrounds the compression spring 34 and a part of the cylinder-shaped pin 32 , so that the pin is held and guided during its movement.

[0076] At its front end 37 , the bolt 32 forms a positive connection with the locking section 33 in the locked state by engaging its front end 37 in a corresponding recess 39 of the locking section 33 .

[0077] The locking section 33 forms a ramp for locking and unlocking the bolt 32 .

[0078] The locking section or ramp 33 comprises a surface 38 which extends obliquely relative to the direction of movement or longitudinal direction V of the bolt 32. When the flap 12 is closed, the articulated arm 18 together with the ramp 33 formed thereon is moved in the closing direction S, that is, in the direction of the vehicle interior or in the direction of the vehicle interior. Figure 7 Here, the pin 32 is pressed against the spring force of the compression spring 34 by means of the inclined surface 38 of the ramp 33, that is, Figure 7 Squeezed upward in the middle.

[0079] As soon as the flap 12 is completely closed, the front end 37 of the pin 32 reaches the recess 39 in the locking section 33 and latches therein due to the force exerted by the spring 34 , wherein a positive connection is formed between the pin 32 and the locking section 33 .

[0080] A further surface 41 extending obliquely to the direction of movement V of the bolt 32 is arranged on the opposite side of the ramp 33, so that the bolt 32 is moved in the opening direction O (i.e. Figure 7 During the movement of the pin 32 (to the left in the middle), the pin 32 moves away from the locking section 33. Here, the pin 32 slides with its front end 37 on the surface 41 of the ramp 33 and thereby moves against the spring force exerted on the pin 32 by the compression spring 34. By the movement of the pin 32 against the spring force, the pin is released from the recess 39, that is, the form-fitting connection is released.

[0081] When the flap 12 is opened further, the front end 37 of the pin 32 slides along the ramp 38 again in the direction of the articulated arm 18 due to the spring force exerted by the compression spring 34. The pin remains there until the flap 12 is brought back into its closed position.

[0082] A preferred exemplary embodiment of a method for emergency opening of an electrically operated tank flap and / or charging flap system 10 is described below with reference to the drawings. In this case, a tank flap or charging flap system 10 is used as described above, for example.

[0083] First, in a first step (a), an elongated emergency opening tool 13 is provided. The emergency opening tool is arranged, for example, in the luggage compartment of the vehicle so that it can be easily removed and can be used to open the flap system 10 in an emergency, that is, when the flap 12 cannot be opened electrically due to a fault.

[0084] Then, in the subsequent step (b), when the closing flap or the flap is in its closed position (see Figure 1 and Figure 3 ), the front end section 23 of the opening tool 13 is manually inserted or introduced by a user of the vehicle into a joining gap 14 which is formed between a body element 11 of the vehicle 50 and a closing flap or flap 12 of the flap system 10 .

[0085] In step (c), the flap 12 is then pried open and / or pulled open by means of the emergency opening tool 13 which is manually inserted into the joint gap 14. For this purpose, the emergency opening tool 13 is pivoted downward after being inserted into the joint gap.

[0086] By engaging the charging flap 12 from behind with a finger, the charging flap 12 can now be opened completely manually (see Figure 4-6 ).

[0087] Preferably, in step (c), the optionally provided bent front end 24 of the emergency opening tool 13 acts on the back side 43 of the flap 12 after being introduced into the joint gap 14 , and a tensile force is applied to the back side 43 of the flap 12 in the opening direction O via the bent end or end section 24 .

[0088] To this end, the angled end section 24 is first inserted into the joint gap 14 between the charging flap 12 and the side frame 11. Subsequently, the opening tool 13 is pivoted by approximately 90 degrees in the manner of a lever by means of its section protruding from the joint gap 14. The emergency opening tool 13 is now pulled in the opening direction O of the flap 12.

[0089] In a variant of the method, the flap 12 is decoupled by pulling or prying it open from an electrically operated drive element, such as an electric motor, for driving the flap 12. This is particularly advantageous when the motor's self-locking is too strong or the motor prevents the flap 12 from being pried open and / or pulled open.

[0090] For further details on the insertion of the emergency opening tool 13 into the joint gap 14 and for the subsequent pulling and / or prying open of the flap 12, see Figures 1 to 6 and description of the belonging.

[0091] In another variant of the method, in step (c), the locking of the movement device is released and the flap 12 is opened. In this case, the flap 12 is released from the locking of the form-locking connection by pulling or prying open, overcoming the elastic force exerted on the pin 32 by the compression spring 34. For further details on this, refer to Figure 7 and description of the belonging.

[0092] Reference numerals list

[0093] 10 Tank valve and / or charging valve system or valve system

[0094] 11 Body elements / side frames

[0095] 12 valve or closing valve, tank valve or charging valve

[0096] 13 Opening tool or emergency opening tool

[0097] 14Joint gap

[0098] 15 Holding element or charging pot, charging slot

[0099] 16Connection element or charging socket, filling tube sleeve

[0100] 17 Outer end

[0101] 18 Articulated Arm

[0102] 19 Plug-in element or plug-in surface

[0103] 21 contact elements

[0104] 22 valve fastening element

[0105] 23 front end section

[0106] 24 Bent front end / bent end section

[0107] 25 highlighted sections

[0108] 26 Body Area

[0109] 27 Edge section of the body area

[0110] 28 The edge or edge section of the valve

[0111] 29 Opening

[0112] 30 lots

[0113] 31 Locking mechanism

[0114] 32 Locking element or pin

[0115] 33 Locking section or slope

[0116] 34 Elastic element or spring or pressure spring

[0117] 35. Cover element or cover cover

[0118] 36 Shell

[0119] 37 Front end of locking element

[0120] 38 The inclined surface of the slope

[0121] 39 concavity

[0122] 41 The inclined surface of a slope

[0123] 43 dorsal

[0124] 50 vehicles

[0125] S1, S2 pivoting motion

[0126] OOpen direction

[0127] S closing direction

[0128] V-locking element longitudinal direction

Claims

1. An electrically operated tank flap and / or charging flap system (10) for fastening in a body element (11) of a vehicle (50), comprising: a movable closing flap (12) which can be reciprocated between a closed position and an open position in order to connect an external connection component for charging and / or refueling the vehicle (50) to the opened tank flap and / or charging flap system (10) and to close the tank flap and / or charging flap system (10) again after charging or refueling; as well as An elongated emergency opening tool (13) is used to manually open the closing flap (12) in the event of a malfunction, the emergency opening tool being configured to be inserted into a joining gap (14) between a body element (11) of the vehicle (50) and the closing flap (12) in the closed position of the closing flap and to subsequently pull open and / or pry open the closing flap (12).

2. The tank valve or charging valve system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The emergency opening tool (13) is of elongated design and comprises a front end section (23) whose thickness is smaller than the width of the joining gap (14).

3. The tank valve or charging valve system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The emergency opening tool (13) comprises a bent front end (24) so ​​as to engage the closing flap (12) from behind when inserted into the engagement gap (14), so that the closing flap (12) can be opened by subsequently pulling the emergency opening tool (13).

4. The tank valve or charging valve system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A coupling element is provided in order to decouple the closing flap (12) from an electrically operated drive element for driving the closing flap (12) when the closing flap (12) is pulled open or pried open.

5. The tank valve or charging valve system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A locking mechanism (31) is provided for locking the closing flap (12) in the closed position of the closing flap, the locking mechanism comprising a movable locking element (32), the locking element being held in the locking position of the locking element by means of a form-fitting connection via an elastic element (34), wherein the locking element (32) is shaped such that the form-fitting connection can be released by pulling or prying open the closing flap (12).

6. The tank valve or charging valve system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The movable locking element (32) is designed as a pin which can be locked and unlocked by cooperating with a surface (38) of a ramp (33) extending obliquely to the direction of movement of the pin.

7. A method for emergency opening of an electrically operated tank valve or charging valve system, wherein: The tank valve or charging valve system is fastened in a body element (11) of the vehicle (50) and comprises a closing valve (12) which can be moved back and forth between a closed position and an open position by means of a reciprocating motion. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing an emergency opening tool (13) of elongated construction; b) inserting an end section of the emergency opening tool (13) into a joining gap (14) between a body element (11) of the vehicle (50) and the closing flap (12) while the closing flap is in the closed position; as well as c) Pulling and / or prying open the closing flap (12) by means of an emergency opening tool (13) inserted into the joint gap (14).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The end section (24) of the emergency opening tool (13) acts on the rear side (43) of the closing flap (12) when or after being inserted into the joint gap (14) and subsequently exerts a force in an opening direction (O) on the rear side (43) of the closing flap (12) via the end section (43).

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the closing valve (12) is opened by pulling or prying 9.

1. Decoupling from an electrically operated drive element for driving the closing flap (12), and / or 9.

2. Release the locking of the form-locking connection by overcoming the elastic force.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises an electrically operated tank flap or charging flap system which is designed according to one of claims 1 to 6 and / or which can be opened by means of a method according to one of claims 7 to 9.

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