Electrically operated flap system with weather protection for charging and / or refueling vehicle, method for charging and / or refueling, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrically operated flap system (10, 40) for charging and / or refueling a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, comprising: a connection element (13, 43) for connecting a connection part (11) of a charging and / or gas station to the vehicle; a pivotable cover flap (14) for covering the joint element (13, 43) in a closed position and releasing the joint element in an open position; an electric motor (15) for driving the cover flap (14) via a hinge arm (99); a control device (16) for controlling the electric motor (15) in order to move the cover flap (14) in the closing direction (S) and the opening direction (O); and an obstacle recognition device for determining whether the cover flap (14) and / or the hinge arm (99) abuts against the connecting part (11) and prevents further movement thereof when the cover flap (14) and / or the hinge arm (99) is moved in the closing direction (S). According to the invention, the control device (16) causes a counter-movement of the cover flap (14) in the opening direction (O) as a result of the determination of the obstruction caused by the connecting part (11) until the cover flap (14) assumes a protective position between a position of the cover flap reaching the connecting part (11) and the opening position in order to form a weather protection during charging and / or refueling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electrically operated flap system with weather protection for charging and / or refueling a vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for charging and / or refueling a vehicle with an electrically operated flap system and to a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The invention is particularly suitable for use in electrically operated vehicles, for which an external power 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 internal combustion engines, for which fuel is supplied to the vehicle as an energy carrier, for example at a filling station. The invention can also be used in hybrid vehicles, for which an external energy source is connected to the vehicle in order to charge or refuel the vehicle with electrical energy and / or fuel.

[0004] Such flap systems are also referred to as tank flap systems or charging flap systems. They usually have a pivotable cover flap or closing flap, which is opened to fill the vehicle with an energy carrier, such as electric current or with another type of fuel to drive the vehicle motor, and is closed again after filling. In the closed state, the cover flap protects a connector element located behind it, which is used, for example, to connect a charging plug of a charging station and / or a fuel line of a gas pump to it. The connector element can be, for example, a charging socket, which is held in a holding element of the flap system or a charging basin or charging recess.

[0005] The problem here is that the connection element or the charging socket and the charging recess are not protected from the weather when the cover flap is open. Therefore, rain, moisture, snow and leaves can reach the connection element or the charging socket and get into the charging recess when the vehicle is charged or refueled. Especially in winter operation, when the vehicle is charged, snow can accumulate in the charging recess and cover the connection element and the charging plug connected thereto. In addition, there are many different charging systems, regional variants, positions in the charging basin, charging plugs or variants of the filling opening and nozzle for gasoline or diesel. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a flap system or tank flap system which provides weather protection for the connection elements when charging or refueling the vehicle, even in different charging systems, and in particular protects the charging socket and the charging recess or also the fuel filling opening from weather influences.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an electrically operated flap system with weather protection for charging and / or refueling a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, comprising: a joint element for connecting a connecting part of a charging station and / or a refueling station to the vehicle; a pivotable cover flap for covering the joint element in a closed position and releasing the joint element in an open position in order to connect the connecting part to the joint element; an electric motor coupled to the cover flap via a hinge arm for driving the cover flap; a control device for controlling the electric motor in order to move the cover flap in a closing direction and in an opening direction; and an obstacle detection device in order to determine whether the cover flap and / or the hinge arm abut against the connected connecting part when it moves in the closing direction and is therefore prevented from moving further in the closing direction; wherein the control device is configured so that it causes the cover flap to move in the opposite direction in the opening direction due to the recognition that further movement is hindered by the connecting part until the cover flap occupies a protective position, which is between the position of the cover flap reaching the connecting part and the open position in order to form weather protection during charging and / or refueling.

[0008] The invention ensures the best possible weather protection, regardless of different regional variants, charging systems, charging plugs or refueling nozzles. This is achieved in particular by not requiring a fixed position for the cover flap to be stored or stored during charging or refueling.

[0009] Preferably, the control device is designed in such a way that it causes the covering flap to move in the closing direction at a reduced displacement speed.

[0010] Preferably, the control device is designed in such a way that it causes the covering flap to move in the closing direction with a reduced drive torque.

[0011] Preferably, the control device is designed in such a way that it causes the covering flap to move in the opposite direction in the opening direction by a predefined amount.

[0012] The obstacle detection device is preferably designed to detect an increase in torque of the electric motor.

[0013] Advantageously, the control device is designed in such a way that it moves the covering flap from the protective position into the open position when an authenticated user approaches.

[0014] Preferably, the flap system comprises a sensor element which is designed to detect a manual actuation of the cover flap and / or the performance of a gesture in order to move the cover flap from the protective position into the open position.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for charging and / or refueling a vehicle with an electrically operated flap system is provided, the flap system being fastened to a body element of the vehicle, wherein the flap system comprises a connection element for connecting to a connection part of a charging station and / or a refueling station, and a pivotable covering flap connected to a hinge arm for covering the connection element in a closed position and for releasing the connection element in an open position, and wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0016] (A) moving a pivotable cover flap of the flap system from a closed position in an opening direction by means of an electric motor coupled to the hinge arm until the cover flap reaches the open position;

[0017] (B) connecting the connecting member to the connector element while the cover flap is in the open position;

[0018] (C) moving the cover flap in the closing direction by means of an electric motor coupled to the hinge arm until the obstacle detection device determines that the cover flap and / or the hinge arm has abutted against the connected connecting part and is therefore prevented from further movement;

[0019] (D) moving the cover flap again in the opening direction until it adopts a protective position which is between the position of the cover flap reaching the obstacle and the open position in order to provide weather protection for the connector element during charging and / or refueling; and

[0020] (E) Charging and / or refueling the vehicle while the covering flap is in the protective position.

[0021] Preferably, the covering flap is moved by a predefined amount in the opening direction from the position in which it reaches the connecting element in order to reach the protective position.

[0022] Advantageously, upon approach of an authenticated user, the covering flap is automatically moved from the protective position into the open position.

[0023] Preferably, a manual actuation and / or the performance of a gesture on the covering flap and / or the hinge arm is detected, thereby triggering a movement of the covering flap from the protective position into the open position.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, is provided, which comprises a flap system according to the present invention.

[0025] The advantages, features and details described in conjunction with the flap system also apply to the described method and vice versa.

[0026] 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 not obviously impossible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 A flap system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in a side view with a connected charging plug, wherein the cover flap is in a protective position for protection from weather influences when the vehicle is being charged;

[0029] Figure 2 Shows the closed state Figure 1 The flap system shown in ;

[0030] Figure 3 A flap system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in a closed state, which is designed as a fuel tank flap system;

[0031] Figure 4 Shown with the flip cover fully opened Figures 1 to 3 The flap system shown in ;

[0032] Figure 5 Show Figures 1 to 3 The flap system shown in , which is in a state where the flap abuts against the charging plug or the refueling nozzle from above;

[0033] Figure 6 Shown in its protected position Figures 1 to 3 , wherein, in order to start the opening process, the flap system is manually manipulated in a first manner; and

[0034] Figure 7 Shown in its protected position Figures 1 to 3 , wherein the flap system is manually actuated in a second manner in order to start the opening process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the drawings, identical or mutually corresponding elements are respectively marked with the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless this appears inappropriate. The disclosure contained in the entire specification can be transferred to the components with the same reference numerals or the same component names in a meaningful manner.

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An electrically operated flap system 10 is shown according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention, which is designed as a charging flap system. Figure 1 The flap system 10 is shown during a charging process with a connecting element 11 in the form of a charging plug connected thereto. Figure 2The flap system 10 is shown in the closed state.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the charging plug 11 is connected to an external charging station (not shown in the figure) via a charging cable 12. The flap system 10 includes a connector element 13, which is designed as a charging socket in this embodiment and is used to connect the charging plug 11, which constitutes a connecting part. A pivotable covering flap in the form of a charging flap 14 is provided to cover the charging socket or the connector element 13 in the closed position and to release it in the open position so that the connecting part or the charging plug 11 can be connected to the connector element or the charging socket 13. Figure 1 , the cover flap 14 is shown in a partially opened state, in which the charging plug 11 and the charging socket 13 located therebelow are provided with weather protection, ie, in a protective position.

[0038] The cover flap 14 is coupled via a movable or pivotable hinge arm 99 to an electric motor 15, which is designed to drive the cover flap 14 in order to bring it into its open position (see Figure 4 ) and its closed position (see Figure 2 In the closed position, the charging socket 13 is completely covered by the cover flap 14 and is closed toward the outside.

[0039] The hinge arm 99 is designed as a receiving plate in order to fasten the flap 14 thereto.

[0040] The control device 16 serves to control the electric motor 15 in order to move the covering flap 14 in the closing direction S and in the opening direction O.

[0041] An obstacle detection device (not visible in the figure), for example integrated in the electric motor 15, is provided in order to determine whether the cover flap 14 and / or the hinge arm 99, when it moves in the closing direction S, abuts against an obstacle formed by the charging plug 11 inserted into the connection element 13. In the position in which the obstacle or the charging plug 11 is reached, the underside 19 of the cover flap 14 or of the hinge arm 99 contacts the charging plug 11 (see Figure 5 ).

[0042] The hinge arm 99 , like the covering flap 14 , can also form a counterface for an obstacle.

[0043] The obstacle detection device is designed so that it detects the increase in torque of the electric motor 15 by means of a torque sensor when the cover flap 14 moves in the closing direction S. As soon as the increase in torque and thus the obstacle is detected, the closing process ends and the reverse movement in the opening direction O is initiated by the control device 16.

[0044] That is, the control device 16 is designed so that, due to the detection of the obstacle, it causes the cover flap 14 to move in the opposite direction in the opening direction O (directed opposite to the closing direction S) until the cover flap 14 adopts a protective position, which is between the position of the cover flap reaching the obstacle and the open position. As soon as the cover flap 14 adopts its protective position, it forms a weather protection when the vehicle is charged (see Figure 1 ).

[0045] The charging socket 13 is connected to the vehicle's body in white and is not shown in detail in the figures. A retaining element 17 designed as a charging cup or charging recess adjoins the charging socket 13. The retaining element or charging cup 17 is fixed in a body element 18 of the vehicle, which forms the outer skin of the vehicle. In particular, the fixing is formed by clamping.

[0046] The control device 16 is designed in particular to actuate the cover flap 14 at a reduced displacement speed and reduced drive torque during the closing process, i.e., during its movement in the closing direction S. The flap system 10 continues to carry out the closing process with the required displacement profile until the cover flap 14 abuts against an existing obstacle, which in the case of vehicle charging is formed by the charging plug 11 inserted into the connection element 13 or in the case of a tank flap system is formed by a filling nozzle or the like.

[0047] Since the flap 14 moves in the closing direction S until it reaches an obstacle or the plug 11 or another connected connecting component, and then moves the cover flap 14 in the opposite direction in the opening direction O so that a small distance is formed between the cover flap 14 or the hinge arm 99 and the charging plug 11 during the charging process, even if the charging plug or the connecting component 11 connected to the connector element 13 is shaped differently, optimized weather protection against rain, snow, fallen leaves, etc. is achieved.

[0048] Furthermore, it is achieved that the cover flap 14 does not rest on the charging plug 11 during the charging process, which provides additional protection against damage to the hinge arm 99 or the underside 19 of the cover flap 14 .

[0049] A charge stop button 21 is arranged on the charging socket 13 and is accessible from the outside when the cover flap 14 is open. The charge stop button 21 causes the charging process to end when it is actuated by the user.

[0050] Figure 3The flap system 40 according to a preferred second embodiment of the invention is shown in a closed state. In the exemplary embodiment, the flap system 40 is designed as a tank flap system for supplying a vehicle with fuel, such as in particular gasoline or diesel.

[0051] In this case, the filling device 43 is designed as a connection element instead of a charging socket, and comprises a filling opening 44, which is designed to receive or connect a connecting element 11 in the form of a fuel discharge line, in particular a fuel pump nozzle, to it. The filling device 43 is connected to the fuel tank in the vehicle interior via a fuel line 45.

[0052] In this embodiment, the cover flap 14 is formed by a tank flap. The retaining element 17 is designed as a pot or a recess surrounding the connecting element 43, wherein the retaining element 17 is preferably fixed to the outer skin 18 by clamping.

[0053] The opening desire recognition device 46 is designed to recognize a user's desire to open the fuel tank flap 14 , for example by means of a signal, a gesture, etc., and subsequently cause the fuel tank flap 14 to open.

[0054] With regard to all other features and details, the tank flap system 40 is designed like the previously described charging flap system 10 according to the preferred first embodiment, to which explicit reference is made here in order to avoid repetition.

[0055] A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is described below. The method can be carried out in the same manner both with the charging flap system 10 and with the fuel tank flap system 40. The figures referenced for describing the method relate to both types of flap systems.

[0056] First, the cover flap 14 is in the closed state (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0057] Step A:

[0058] In order to charge or refuel the vehicle, the cover flap or flap 14 is first completely opened by means of the motor 15. Here, the pivotable cover flap 14 of the flap system 10, 40 or the hinge arm 99 connected thereto is moved by the electric motor 15 from its closed position in the opening direction O until the cover flap 14 reaches the open position (see Figure 4 ).

[0059] Step B:

[0060] After the cover flap 14 has reached its open position, the connecting element 11, in particular a charging plug or a refueling nozzle, is connected or plugged into the charging socket 13 or the filling device 43, as in Figure 4As shown in .

[0061] According to the subsequent steps C and D, the flap 14 is now moved into the variable closed position according to the respective requirements. For this purpose, the movement command to the variable closed position is implemented by the control device 16 designed as a function master.

[0062] Step C:

[0063] In order to move into the variable closed position, the cover flap 14 or the hinge arm 99 connected thereto is first moved in the closing direction S by the electric motor 15 until the obstacle detection device determines that the cover flap 14 and / or the hinge arm 99 has abutted against the connected connecting part 11 (see Figure 5 ).

[0064] The movement of the cover flap 14 in the closing direction S, which is initiated by the control device 16, is performed with reduced drive torque and at reduced movement speed. The obstacle is detected by the increase in torque at the motor 15 when the obstacle formed by the connected charging plug or the fuel pump is reached. The motor then stops moving.

[0065] Step D:

[0066] Now, the cover flap 14 is moved again in the opening direction O until it assumes a protective position, which is between the position of the cover flap reaching the obstacle 11 and the open position. For this purpose, a brief reversal is performed by the flap system 10 or 40 in the opening direction or in the opening direction O, that is, the flap 14 or the hinge arm 99 is moved away from the charging plug again and forms a small distance from the charging plug. In this case, the control device 16 causes the cover flap 14 to move in the opposite direction in the opening direction O by a predefined amount or reversal angle. This preset angle can be, for example, 3 to 40 degrees. In particular, the opening angle is preferably about 10 to 15 degrees.

[0067] It is also possible to cause the covering flap to move in the opposite direction in the opening direction O by a variable reversal angle which depends on the position of the detected obstacle.

[0068] The flap 14 or the hinge arm 99 is now in the variable closed position which depends on the shape of the charging plug 11 or the refueling nozzle used in each case (see Figure 1 In the variable closed position, the flap 14 is in a protective position in which it optimally covers the connected connecting part 11 and thus protects it from rain, snow, hail, fallen leaves and the like.

[0069] In this way, the flap 14 forms weather protection for both the connection element, ie the charging socket 13 or the filling device 43 , and the connecting part 11 during charging and / or refueling of the vehicle.

[0070] Step E:

[0071] The vehicle can now be charged and / or refueled while the covering flap 14 is in the protective position.

[0072] In order to open the flap system 10 or 40 from the variable closed position after the charging or refueling process is completed, for example, a vehicle user with a valid authentication is detected approaching the vehicle. Subsequently, a movement command is issued by the function master or controller 16, which causes the flap 14 to open via the electric motor 15 (see Figure 4 ). In the opened position reached, the charging plug 11 or the fuel pump nozzle can be pulled out of the flap system 10 , 40 and separated therefrom.

[0073] The flap 14 is then closed, for example automatically or by actuating a corresponding button.

[0074] In particular, as in Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the opening of the flap 14 can be manually triggered by an authenticated user via a Tip-to-Run function. To this end, the user grasps the hinge arm 99 or the flap 14 (which is in the position according to the Figure 1 The flap 14 is moved under the edge of the hinge 99 (in the protective position) and exerts a pulling force on its underside 19 in the opening direction O on the flap 14 or the hinge arm 99. The movement recognition device in the actuator or motor 15 detects the rotational movement of the pivotable flap 14 about its pivot axis or rotation axis 23 caused by the applied pulling force. Then, by means of a light touch to operate the function, the flap 14 is moved into the open position or the open posture, such as in Figure 4 In order to be able to unplug the charging plug 11 or the fuel pump nozzle 11 .

[0075] As in Figure 7 As shown in , the flap system 10 or 40 can also be opened from a variable closed position by activating an optional sensor 22, which is especially configured as a contact sensor. Preferably, the sensor 22 is arranged on the underside 19 of the flap 14, ie, on its inner side or back side.

[0076] For this purpose, when a user with valid authentication approaches the vehicle, the vehicle is first awakened. When the flap 14 is touched at a sensitive position in the area of ​​the sensor 22 (for example, by tapping or touching), the sensor 22 sends an opening request signal to the function master or controller 16, whereby the motor 15 causes the flap 14 to move in the opening direction O until the flap 14 is fully opened. Subsequently, the charging plug 11 or the refueling nozzle 11 (see Figure 2 ).

[0077] The sensor 22 may be designed to detect a manual actuation of the covering flap 14 and / or to detect the performance of a gesture. Reference numerals list

[0078] 10 Flip system or charging flip system

[0079] 11Connection parts / charging plug / fuel nozzle

[0080] 12 Charging cable

[0081] 13 Connector components / charging socket

[0082] 14 Cover the flap

[0083] 15 Electric Motor

[0084] 16 Control Devices

[0085] 17 Holding element or charging basin

[0086] 18 Body components / skin

[0087] 19 Cover the underside of the flap

[0088] 21 Charging stop button

[0089] 22 Sensors

[0090] 23 Rotation axis

[0091] 40 flap system or fuel tank flap system

[0092] 43 Injection equipment

[0093] 44 injection opening

[0094] 45 fuel line

[0095] 46 Open the desired identification device

[0096] 99 hinge arm / receiving plate

[0097] OOpen direction

[0098] S Close direction

Claims

1. A flap system (10, 40) for electrically operating a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, for charging and / or refueling, the flap system comprising: A connector element (13, 43) for connecting a connection component (11) of a charging station and / or a refueling station to a vehicle; a pivotable covering flap (14) for covering the joint element (13, 43) in a closed position and for releasing the joint element in an open position in order to connect the connecting part to the joint element; an electric motor (15) coupled to the cover flap (14) via an articulated arm (99) for driving the cover flap (14); A control device (16) for controlling the electric motor (15) so as to move the cover flap (14) in a closing direction (S) and an opening direction (O); and an obstacle detection device for determining whether the covering flap (14) and / or the articulated arm (99) abuts against the connecting part (11) during its movement in the closing direction (S) and is thus prevented from further movement in the closing direction (S); The control device (16) is designed so that, upon detecting that further movement is blocked by the connecting element, it causes the cover flap (14) to move in the opposite direction in the opening direction (O) until the cover flap (14) assumes a protective position, which is between the position of the cover flap reaching the connecting element (11) and the open position, in order to provide weather protection during charging and / or refueling.

2. The flap system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (16) is configured so that 2.

1. Prompting the covering flap (14) to move in the closing direction (S) at a reduced movement speed; and / or 2.

2. Prompting the covering flap (14) to move in the closing direction (S) with a reduced driving torque; and / or 2.

3. causing the cover flap (14) to move in the opposite direction of the opening direction (O) by a predetermined amount; and / or 2.

4. Prompting the covering flap (14) to move in the opposite direction of the opening direction (O) by a variable reversal angle, which depends on the position of the detected obstacle.

3. The flip cover system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The obstacle detection device is designed to detect an increase in the torque of the electric motor (15).

4. Flap system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control device (16) is designed such that it moves the covering flap (14) from the protective position into the open position when an authenticated user approaches.

5. Flap system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A sensor element is provided, which is designed to detect a manual actuation of the cover flap (14) and / or the performance of a gesture in order to move the cover flap (14) from the protective position into the open position.

6. A method for charging and / or refueling a vehicle with an electrically operated flap system (10, 40), the flap system being fixed in a body element (18) of the vehicle, the flap system comprising a connection element (13, 43) for connecting to a connection part of a charging station and / or a refueling station, and a pivotable cover flap (14) connected to a hinge arm (99) for covering the connection element (13, 43) in a closed position and for releasing the connection element (13, 43) in an open position, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: (A) moving a pivotable cover flap (14) of a flap system (10, 40) from a closed position in an opening direction (O) by means of an electric motor (15) coupled to a hinge arm (99) until the cover flap (14) reaches the open position; (B) connecting the connecting part to the joint element (13, 43) while the cover flap (14) is in the open position; (C) moving the cover flap (14) in the closing direction (S) by means of an electric motor (15) coupled to the hinge arm (99) until the obstacle detection device determines that the cover flap (14) and / or the hinge arm (99) has abutted against the connected connecting part (11) and is therefore prevented from further movement; (D) moving the cover flap (14) again in the opening direction (O) until it adopts a protective position which is between the position of the cover flap reaching the connection part (11) and the open position in order to provide weather protection for the connector element (13, 43) during charging and / or refueling; and (E) While the covering flap (14) is in the protective position, the vehicle is charged and / or refueled.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The covering flap (14) is moved by a predefined amount in the opening direction (O) from the position reaching the connecting element (11) in order to reach the protective position.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: When an authenticated user approaches, the covering flap (14) is automatically moved from the protective position into the open position.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that A manual actuation and / or a gesture of the covering flap (14) and / or the hinge arm (99) is detected and a movement of the covering flap (14) from the protective position into the open position is triggered.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that The vehicle comprises a flap system (10, 40) according to one of claims 1 to 5.

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