Charging or refueling notch assembly with display panel

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging or refueling recess assembly (1) for a vehicle, wherein the charging or refueling recess assembly (1) has a charging or refueling recess (2) and a cover. According to the invention, in particular it is proposed that the charging or refueling recess assembly (1) also has a display panel (4) for displaying at least one icon (5) as required, the display panel (4) having at least one light source associated with the at least one icon (5) displayed as required, and the display panel (4) being configured as a "hidden up to lighting" component, in the component, the at least one icon (5) displayed as needed can be visually perceived only when the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon (5) displayed as needed is activated.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a charging or refueling recess assembly for vehicles.

[0002] Vehicles with hybrid drive or electric drive systems have at least one battery or traction battery that can be charged, for example in PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electrical Vehicle) or BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) vehicles, via a charging port (typically a charging box) accessible from the outside of the vehicle body or outer skin, by connection to, for example, a charging station or a conventional household power supply.

[0003] Charging ports are typically located in charging recesses within the vehicle body or exterior skin, which are usually covered or closed by a closure element (hereinafter also referred to as a "cover"). Mechanisms that interact with the closure element or cover allow: opening and closing the charging recess or flipping the closure element open and closed relative to the charging recess (when it is designed as a charging flip cover); and thus allowing access to the charging port.

[0004] This mechanism could, for example, include a so-called push-push power mechanism, as is already used in conventional fuel filler caps. Because in practice, a seal is often lacking between the locking element and the charging recess when using such a push-push mechanism—a seal that may be necessary to protect the charging port with metallic electrical contacts from dirt, dust, and liquids (especially water) and thus ensure its continued functionality—an additional charging port cover is currently required. This charging port cover is either set onto or threaded onto the charging port to protect it.

[0005] Unlike motor vehicles with combustion engines (which are typically refueled at gas stations, where refueling takes place either during the day or in well-lit conditions), charging in vehicles with hybrid or electric drive systems is usually done in the dark. Thus, it is common, for example, to charge vehicles with hybrid or electric drive systems in dark, unlit underground parking lots. In this situation, it is highly advantageous to have adequate lighting to help the operator or driver locate the charging connector in the charging recess.

[0006] For this purpose, it is known to provide illumination in the charging recess.

[0007] Another suggestion is to arrange light sources around the charging connector in the charging recess to highlight the charging connector.

[0008] For example, publication DE 10 2011 108 817 A1 describes a charging device for an electric vehicle in which segmented light sources are arranged around a charging connector in a charging recess, such that these light sources form a closed ring around the charging connector. LEDs are used to illuminate the charging connector and provide a scale that can be used to indicate the charging status of the electric vehicle battery.

[0009] Therefore, it can be seen that the charging or refueling notch assembly of a vehicle must have different functions: on the one hand, preferably, it is provided with a suitable lighting device, specifically for illuminating the charging or refueling notch area of ​​the charging or refueling notch assembly. Preferably, the lighting device should also indicate the charging status of the vehicle's battery to be charged.

[0010] On the other hand, detecting or monitoring the location of the covers of charging or refueling recess assemblies is also common or desirable. This is especially true for vehicles, for example, that have multiple charging or refueling recess assemblies on the port side and starboard side of the vehicle. For such vehicle types, it is essential to ensure that the covers of charging or refueling recess assemblies that are not used for charging the vehicle battery are securely closed with appropriate covers to prevent potential access to the charging box of such charging or refueling recess assemblies.

[0011] However, even for vehicle types with only a single charging or refueling notch assembly, it is required to inspect the position of the cover of the charging or refueling notch assembly to ensure that the vehicle's charging or refueling notch is securely closed while the vehicle is in motion.

[0012] The cover, especially in its closed position, can typically exhibit different states. These include, for example, an unlocked state, in which the cover can be moved manually or by a motor from the closed position to the open position; and a locked state, in which the cover cannot be moved from the closed position to the open position. The state of the cover (unlocked / locked) is usually controlled by a motor. The system also needs to be able to record the state of the cover.

[0013] There are also other functions of the charging or refueling notch assembly. For example, the cover of the charging or refueling notch assembly can typically be switched from its closed position to its open position and / or vice versa by a motor.

[0014] Another example is monitoring the charging status of a vehicle's battery.

[0015] Therefore, it should be noted that vehicle components (such as charging or refueling notch assemblies) have multiple functions. Here, the function of the charging or refueling notch assembly is typically controlled by at least one motor actuator (and often by multiple motor actuators). Furthermore, it is desirable to control the illumination / lighting of the charging or refueling notch, and optionally control the charging status display.

[0016] This example illustrates that various vehicle components must assume an increasing number of different functions that require appropriate control. Typically, the control of various functions of vehicle components (such as charging or refueling nozzle assemblies) is based on the detection results of sensor systems.

[0017] For example, in the case of a charging or refueling notch assembly, the sensor system can be used in particular to detect the position of the cover of the charging or refueling notch assembly and / or to detect the state of the cover (unlocked state / locked state).

[0018] To indicate to the user the various states and functions of the charging or refueling notch assembly, an illuminated area is typically applied in a conventional charging or refueling notch assembly, for example, as known from the aforementioned publication DE 10 2011 108 817 A1. Here, the light source typically emits light of different wavelengths to indicate the corresponding state.

[0019] However, this conventional approach has limitations when it comes to demonstrating multiple different functions of a charging or refueling notch assembly. For example, while it's conceivable to alter the flashing frequency of the light emitted by the light source to indicate other states or functions of the charging or refueling notch assembly, users typically cannot intuitively identify what information the light source is actually providing.

[0020] In conventional charging or refueling notch assemblies, a lookup table is provided, for example, at the hinge arm connecting the cover to the charging or refueling notch, allowing the user to "translate" the signal emitted by the light source. However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory because the lookup table is typically small and therefore difficult to read. Furthermore, it cannot be guaranteed that the table will remain clear and legible over the long term.

[0021] Therefore, based on this problem, the object of the present invention is to provide a charging or refueling notch assembly for a vehicle, wherein the charging or refueling notch assembly is characterized by having various functions and indicating these functions to the user in an intuitive manner that is easy to understand.

[0022] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1, wherein advantageous improvements of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0023] Therefore, the present invention particularly relates to a charging or refueling recess assembly for a vehicle, wherein the charging or refueling recess assembly has a charging or refueling recess for insertion into a body opening or an opening in the vehicle skin, and a cover member operatively connected to a mechanical mechanism such that the cover member can switch between a closed position that at least partially or partially covers the charging or refueling recess and an open position that at least partially or partially exposes the charging or refueling recess.

[0024] A key feature of the charging or refueling notch assembly according to the present invention is that it further comprises a display panel for displaying at least one icon as needed. The at least one icon displayed as needed may be, for example, a mark, symbol, image, letter, text, etc.

[0025] The display panel has at least one light source associated with the at least one icon to be displayed as required. The light source is in particular at least one light-emitting diode (LED) or a light-emitting film, although other light sources are also suitable in principle.

[0026] The display panel is specifically designed as a so-called "hidden until illuminated" component, in which the at least one icon to be displayed is only visually perceptible when the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon to be displayed as needed is activated.

[0027] Obviously, the advantages obtainable by means of the solution according to the invention are that, by providing a display panel, the different states or functions of the charging or refueling notch assembly can be intuitively (i.e., easily understood) to the user in an easily implemented yet effective manner. On the other hand, providing a display panel means that a corresponding light source can be eliminated. This simplifies the overall structure of the charging or refueling notch assembly, especially the necessary sealing of each light source outlet in conventional designs. The display panel can be integrated into the charging or refueling notch in a way that allows it to be inserted / integrated into the charging or refueling notch in a dust-proof and moisture-proof manner.

[0028] Preferably, the display panel includes a plurality of icons that can be displayed as needed. For example, the display panel may have: at least one first icon for displaying the position of the cover of the charging or refueling notch assembly as needed; at least one second icon for displaying the status of the cover as needed; at least one third icon for displaying the charging status as needed; at least one fourth icon for displaying the status that the charging plug is inserted into the charging box of the charging or refueling notch assembly and fixed there if necessary; at least one fifth icon for displaying the charging duration and / or remaining charging duration as needed; at least one sixth icon for displaying the status of AC charging or DC charging as needed; and / or at least one seventh icon for displaying the status of at least one charging port of the charging or refueling notch assembly as needed or for displaying the status of at least one charging port of a second (additional) charging or refueling notch assembly of the vehicle as needed.

[0029] Preferably, the charging or refueling notch assembly has a sensor system. However, it is also conceivable that the charging or refueling notch assembly is associated with a sensor system, wherein the sensor system is not necessarily part of the charging or refueling notch assembly.

[0030] In principle, the sensor system includes at least one sensor and / or switch, especially a microswitch, which is specifically designed to: detect the position of the cover, especially a closed position, an open position and / or at least one intermediate position; detect the state of the cover, especially a locked state and / or an unlocked state; detect a state in which the charging plug is inserted into the charging box of the charging or refueling recess assembly and fixed there if necessary; and / or detect the charging state.

[0031] In this regard, it is particularly convenient that the charging or refueling notch assembly has a control device. However, it is also conceivable that the charging or refueling notch assembly is associated with the control device, in particular that the control device is not part of the charging or refueling notch assembly.

[0032] In principle, the control device should be designed to, in particular, according to the state detected by the sensor system,: activate or disable the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon to be displayed as needed; change the brightness of the light emitted by the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon to be displayed as needed; change the color of the light emitted by the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon to be displayed as needed; and / or change the flashing frequency of the light emitted by the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon to be displayed as needed.

[0033] An improvement to the charging or refueling notch assembly according to the invention proposes that: a display panel is a particularly integrated part of the user interface of the charging or refueling notch assembly and has at least one control panel having at least one control element, particularly at least one touch element.

[0034] Preferably, the at least one control element is designed to detect the user's touch and / or the location of the user's touch in a capacitive manner.

[0035] In this regard, it is particularly advantageous that the at least one control element is also preferably designed as a "hidden until illuminated" component, in which the control element can only be visually perceived when the user interface light source associated with the at least one control element is activated.

[0036] For example, the at least one control element can be designed as a pressure-sensitive slide switch, which is designed such that when the pressure applied by the user acts along the control element from one position to another, the parameters of the display area of ​​the user interface will change or be able to change.

[0037] The touch elements of the display panel's control panel are made of a surface, for example, glass or a similar material, with transparent conductive elements on the inner side of the surface. These conductive elements are configured to detect the location of the user's touch capacitively. This type of touch control has advantages over conventional control elements such as buttons, joysticks, and keys, especially in terms of dust and water resistance in the charging or refueling recess area.

[0038] When the control element is implemented as a slide switch, the slide switch may have a variable resistance layer configured to close different circuits at each corresponding point where pressure is applied by the user, and to open the circuit when the pressure applied by the user moves away from any point where one of the closed circuits is closed. At the point where pressure is applied by the user, the resistance of the variable resistance layer is less than at the point where no pressure is applied by the user.

[0039] According to one aspect of the above embodiments, it is particularly proposed that the at least one control element is designed to provide tactile and / or acoustic feedback signals when it is actuated.

[0040] In principle, it is conceivable that the at least one control element of the control panel of the display panel is designed to: activate or disable the actuator associated with the cover of the charging or refueling notch assembly; activate or disable the locking device associated with the cover; start, end, cancel or interrupt the charging process; and / or activate or disable the charging plug locking device associated with the charging box of the charging or refueling notch assembly.

[0041] According to an improved embodiment of the charging or refueling notch assembly of the present invention, the display panel may have a display device for displaying, as needed, particularly variable images. Particularly variable images refer to, for example, static or dynamic images.

[0042] In this improved embodiment of the charging or refueling notch assembly according to the invention, the display device should preferably also be designed as a "hidden until illuminated" component, in which the image can only be visually perceived when the display device is activated.

[0043] Display devices can employ various design variations. Thin-film display devices are particularly suitable, especially those with OLED, TFT, LCD, ITO thin-film displays, or SED displays.

[0044] Regarding the structural design of the display panel of the charging or refueling notch assembly according to the present invention, an implementation according to the present invention proposes that the display panel has a carrier for the at least one light source and a layer structure having a front side for displaying the at least one icon that has been displayed or is to be displayed and a back side that can be illuminated by the at least one light source. To avoid crosstalk between the area of ​​the icon to be displayed and the area of ​​the icon not displayed, an opaque crosstalk reduction layer is conceivable.

[0045] Alternatively or otherwise, it is conceivable that the carrier for the at least one light source is segmented such that light emitted by the at least one light source associated with the first icon illuminates only the area on the back side of the layer structure in which the first icon is formed (to be displayed), and light emitted by the at least one light source associated with the second icon illuminates only the area on the back side of the layer structure in which the second icon is formed (to be displayed).

[0046] Regarding the layer structure of the display panel, it is conceivable that the layer structure has at least a partially or partially translucent overlay layer and a template layer. Here, the at least one icon to be displayed is introduced into the template layer, particularly by etching, such as laser etching or electrical etching. However, alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one icon to be displayed is applied to the surface of the template layer, particularly by printing, especially inkjet printing or screen printing.

[0047] The term “semi-transparent” or “semi-transparent material” as used in this article can be understood as a material with a certain degree of light transmittance, such as frosted glass, in which light can be at least partially scattered or absorbed due to the material properties, making it possible to see colors, bright and dark areas, but not all the details of an icon, for example.

[0048] The translucent overlay can be made of translucent plastics, especially polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyamide (PA), UV-resistant ABS, polypropylene (PP), or translucent polymers or silicone resins, or glass or glass materials.

[0049] Preferably, the translucent covering layer has a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm.

[0050] For visible light, in terms of transmittance T, the translucent covering should have a value of 5% to 70%, especially 5% to 50%, and preferably 5% to about 15%.

[0051] The term "visible light" as used in this article can be understood as light with wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 700 nm.

[0052] It has been confirmed that even with a relatively low light source, such as a 0.5-watt LED, the luminance of the area to be displayed (icon) can reach 2 cd / m². 2 Up to 4 cd / m 2 (cd = candela), even 2cd / m 2 Up to 5 cd / m 2 This allows for good background lighting, where the user cannot perceive the display system from the outside when the display system is off.

[0053] In particular, the composite consisting of a translucent overlay layer and a template layer can have a transmittance T of, for example, 5% to 10% in the visible light wavelength range. As a result, the translucent overlay layer, the template layer, and the at least one light source can be matched to each other such that when the at least one light source is activated, the backlight of the icon to be displayed can reach, for example, 2 cd / m². 2 Up to 4 cd / m 2 or 2cd / m 2 Up to 5 cd / m 2 or 5 cd / m 2 Up to 10 cd / m 2 or approximately 4 cd / m 2 Or approximately 5 cd / m 2 .

[0054] Of course, other light densities can also be imagined, specifically achieved through the appropriate selection of light sources and translucent overlays.

[0055] A semi-transparent overlay can also be partially made opaque.

[0056] In a particular alternative implementation of the "hide until light-up" function for the display panel, it is proposed that the layer structure of the display panel has an electrochromic layer with opaque suspended particles, which can at least partially switch between an opaque state and a transparent or translucent state by means of electrical energy provided by a voltage source.

[0057] In this regard, it is conceivable to set up individually operable electrochromic layers for each area of ​​the display panel, which contains icons that need to be displayed.

[0058] In an improved embodiment of the above-described variant, it is conceivable that the layer structure of the display panel has a template layer, wherein the at least one icon to be displayed is introduced into the template layer, in particular by etching, such as laser etching or electrical etching, or applied to the surface of the template layer, in particular by printing, especially inkjet printing or screen printing.

[0059] Regardless of how the layer structure of the display panel is ultimately designed, the layer structure may also have at least one color layer, which is preferably applied at least partially or partially, especially to the front or back of the top cover layer.

[0060] The display panel is particularly housed in the charging or refueling recess, preferably in a detachable or replaceable manner, or integrated into the charging or refueling recess.

[0061] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments of the charging or refueling notch assembly according to the invention.

[0062] In the attached diagram:

[0063] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the charging or refueling notch assembly according to the present invention is shown schematically, in which the cover of the charging or refueling notch assembly is in its open position, and in which the display panel of the charging or refueling notch assembly is not activated.

[0064] Figure 2 Schematic illustration based on Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the charging or refueling notch assembly according to the present invention, wherein the display panel is activated and all icons on the display panel are visually perceptible;

[0065] Figure 3 Schematic and shown in cross-section according to Figure 1 Exemplary embodiments of the charging or refueling notch assembly according to the present invention; and

[0066] Figure 4 Schematic and later views show according to Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the charging or refueling notch assembly according to the present invention.

[0067] An exemplary embodiment of the charging or refueling recess assembly 1 according to the present invention, shown in the figure, includes a charging or refueling recess 2 inserted into an opening in the vehicle body 3. Furthermore, the charging or refueling recess assembly 1 has a cover (not shown in the figure) operatively connected to a corresponding mechanical mechanism, such that the cover can be switched relative to the charging or refueling recess 2 in a closed position, at least partially or partially covering the charging or refueling recess 2, and in an open position, at least partially or partially exposing the charging or refueling recess 2.

[0068] exist Figures 1 to 3 The image shows the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 with its cover in the open position.

[0069] Specifically, in the charging or refueling recess assembly 1 shown in the figure, the cover is reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover is arranged flush with, and preferably flush with, the vehicle body 3, especially the vehicle outer skin. In the open position, the cover is arranged at least partially or partially behind the vehicle body 3, especially the vehicle outer skin. For this purpose, the actuation mechanism preferably has a drive unit (especially in the form of an electric motor with a drive shaft) and a motion mechanism or connecting mechanism operatively connected, especially to the back of the cover and the drive unit.

[0070] The actuation mechanism used in the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 shown in the figure is, in particular, the actuation mechanism described in publication DE102023 103 567A1.

[0071] Therefore, the actuation mechanism is especially capable of moving the cover between an open position and a closed position and in the opposite direction, wherein the actuation mechanism is particularly capable of automatically exposing or closing openings in the vehicle profile (e.g., body 3).

[0072] However, the invention is not limited to charging or refueling recess assemblies 1 in which the cover is arranged at least partially or partially behind the vehicle body 3, and especially the vehicle's outer skin, in its open position. More precisely, it is also conceivable in principle that when the charging port 7 is released, the cover pivots outward and protrudes from the vehicle at an angle of, for example, 90° in the open state.

[0073] As schematically shown in the figure, the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 is particularly characterized in that: the charging or refueling notch assembly also has a display panel 4 for displaying icons 5 as needed, wherein the display panel 4 is designed as a "hidden until illuminated" component, in which a single icon 5 or multiple icons 5 to be displayed as needed can only be visually perceived when the light source associated with the display panel 4 and the icon 5 to be displayed as needed is activated.

[0074] exist Figure 1 The image shows a state in which the light source associated with display panel 4 or icon 5 of display panel 4 is not activated, so icon 5 of display panel 4 cannot be visually perceived.

[0075] and Figure 2 This shows that all icons 5 on the display panel 4 are visually perceptible.

[0076] As shown in the figure, the icons 5 on the display panel 4 are especially marks, signs, images or letters, although other icons 5, such as text, could also be conceived in principle.

[0077] In particular, the display panel 4 can display: a first icon 5, used to display the position of the cover as needed; a second icon 5, used to display the status of the cover as needed; a third icon 5, used to display the charging status as needed; a fourth icon 5, used to display the status as needed, i.e., in this status, the charging plug is inserted into the charging box 7 of the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 and fixed there if necessary; a fifth icon 5, used to display the charging duration and / or remaining charging time as needed; a sixth icon 5, used to display the status as needed, i.e., in this status, AC charging or DC charging is being performed; and / or a seventh icon 5, used to display the status of at least one charging port of the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 as needed, or to display the status of at least one charging port of the second charging or refueling notch assembly 1 of the vehicle as needed.

[0078] Although not shown in the figure, the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 has a sensor system, or the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 is associated with a sensor system. The sensor system is specifically designed to: detect the position of the cover, especially the closed position, the open position and / or at least one intermediate position; detect the state of the cover, especially the locked state and / or the unlocked state of the cover; detect the state in which the charging plug is inserted into the charging box 7 of the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 and fixed there if necessary; and / or detect the charging state.

[0079] Similarly, the following information is not shown in the figure: that the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 has a control device, or that the control device is associated with the charging or refueling notch assembly 1, and that the control device is specifically designed to: activate or disable the light source associated with the corresponding icon 5 on the display panel 4 according to the state detected by the sensor system; change the brightness of the light emitted by the light source associated with the icon 5 to be displayed as needed; change the color of the light emitted by the light source associated with the icon 5 to be displayed as needed; and / or change the flashing frequency of the light emitted by the light source associated with the icon 5 to be displayed as needed.

[0080] Each icon 5 displayed on the display panel 4 as needed is associated with a corresponding light source, especially a light source in the form of an LED or a light-emitting film.

[0081] As especially from the basis Figure 3 sectional view and according to Figure 4 As can be seen in the rear view, the display panel 4 has a carrier 6 for accommodating a corresponding light source for the icon 5 to be displayed. It is proposed that the carrier 6 is correspondingly segmented such that the light emitted by the light source associated with the first icon 5 illuminates only the back area of ​​the icon to be displayed.

[0082] Specifically, it is proposed that, in addition to the carrier 6 for the corresponding light source, the display panel 4 also has a layer structure, the front of which is used to display the displayed icon 5, and the back can be illuminated by the light source.

[0083] The layer structure may have at least a partially or partially translucent overlay layer and a template layer, wherein the icons 5 displayed on the display panel 4 as needed may be placed in the template layer, in particular by means of engraving, such as laser engraving or electrical engraving.

[0084] The translucent overlay is preferably made of a translucent plastic, such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyamide (PA), UV-resistant ABS, or polypropylene (PP). However, the translucent overlay can also be made of a translucent polymer, silicone, glass, or similar glass material.

[0085] The translucent covering layer preferably has a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, and also preferably has a transmittance T of 5% to 70%, especially 5% to 50%, and more preferably 5% to 15% for visible light.

[0086] The display panel 4 is installed in the charging or refueling recess 2 in a dustproof and waterproof manner, preferably in a detachable or replaceable manner.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment of the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 shown in the accompanying drawings, but is derived from an overview of all the features disclosed herein.

[0088] In particular, it is conceivable that the display panel 4 is an integral part of the user interface and has at least one control panel having at least one control element, especially a touch element.

[0089] The control element can be designed to capacitively detect a user's touch and / or the location of that touch. The control element is preferably also designed as a "hidden-to-illuminate" component, in which the control element is only visually perceived when a light source associated with the control element in the user interface is activated.

[0090] Alternatively, or in addition to this, the control element can be designed as a pressure-sensitive slide switch, which is specifically designed such that when, for example, pressure applied by the user acts along the control element from one position to another, the parameters in the display area of ​​the user interface change or can be changed.

[0091] In principle, it is advantageous that the control element is designed to provide tactile and / or acoustic feedback signals when it is actuated.

[0092] The control element can be used, in particular, to: activate or disable the actuator associated with the cover; activate or disable the locking device associated with the cover; start, end, cancel, or interrupt the charging process; and / or activate or disable the charging plug locking device of the charging box 7 associated with the charging or refueling notch assembly 1 when it is actuated.

[0093] In principle, it is also conceivable that the display panel 4 has a display device for displaying particularly variable images, especially static or dynamic images, as needed. Here, the display device should preferably be designed as a "hidden until illuminated" component, in which the image can only be visually perceived when the display device is activated.

[0094] Thin-film display devices are particularly suitable as display devices, such as OLED, TFT, LCD, ITO thin-film displays or SED displays.

[0095] List of reference numerals

[0096] 1. Charging or refueling notch assembly

[0097] 2. Charging or refueling notch

[0098] 3. Body / Vehicle Outer Skin

[0099] 4 Display Panel

[0100] 5 icons

[0101] 6. Display panel carrier

[0102] 7 charging ports / charging case

Claims

1. A charging or refueling notch assembly (1) for a vehicle, wherein the charging or refueling notch assembly (1) has: - A charging or refueling recess (2), said charging or refueling recess being used to insert into an opening in the vehicle body (3) or an opening in the vehicle's outer skin; and - A cover, operatively connected to a mechanical mechanism, such that the cover can switch between a closed position that at least partially or partially covers the charging or refueling recess (2) and an open position that at least partially or partially releases the charging or refueling recess (2) relative to the charging or refueling recess (2). Its features are, The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) also has a display panel (4) for displaying at least one icon (5) as needed, especially an icon in the form of a mark, sign, image, letter, text, etc., wherein the display panel (4) has at least one light source associated with the at least one icon (5) to be displayed as needed, especially in the form of an LED or a light-emitting film, and wherein the display panel (4) is configured as a "hidden until illuminated" component, wherein the at least one icon (5) to be displayed as needed can only be visually perceived when the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon (5) to be displayed as needed is activated.

2. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 1, The display panel (4) described therein has: - At least one first icon (5) for displaying the position of the cover as needed; and / or - At least one second icon (5) for displaying the status of the cover as needed; and / or - At least one third icon (5) for displaying charging status as needed; and / or - At least one fourth icon (5) is used to indicate, as needed, that the charging plug is inserted into the charging case (7) of the charging or refueling notch assembly (1) and locked there if necessary; and / or - At least one fifth icon (5) for displaying charging duration and / or remaining charging time as needed; and / or - At least one sixth icon (5) is used to display, as needed, a state in which AC charging or DC charging is performed; and / or - At least one seventh icon (5) is used to display the status of at least one charging port of the charging or refueling notch assembly (1) as needed, or to display the status of at least one charging port of the second charging or refueling notch assembly (1) of the vehicle as needed.

3. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) has a sensor system, or the charging or refueling notch assembly (1) is associated with a sensor system, wherein the sensor system has at least one sensor and / or switch, the sensor and / or switch being configured in particular for: - Detect the position of the cover, especially the closed position, the open position, and / or at least one intermediate position; and / or - Detect the state of the cover, especially its locked and / or unlocked state; and / or -Detect the following state, namely, in the state where the charging plug is inserted into the charging box (7) of the charging or refueling notch assembly (1) and locked there if necessary; and / or - Detect charging status.

4. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 3, The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) has a control device, or the charging or refueling notch assembly (1) is associated with a control device, wherein the control device is configured to, in particular, according to the state detected by the sensor system: - Activate or disable the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon (5) to be displayed as needed; and / or - Change the brightness of the light emitted by the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon (5) displayed as needed; and / or - Change the color of the light emitted by the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon (5) to be displayed as needed; and / or - Change the flashing frequency of the light emitted by the at least one light source associated with the at least one icon (5) to be displayed as needed.

5. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The display panel (4) is a particularly integrated part of the user interface and has at least one control panel, the at least one control panel having at least one control element, particularly a touch element.

6. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 5, The at least one control element is configured to detect a user's touch and / or the location of the user's touch in a capacitive manner, wherein the at least one control element is preferably configured as a "hidden until illuminated" component, wherein the control element can only be visually perceived when a light source associated with the at least one control element in the user interface is activated.

7. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 5 or 6, The at least one of the control elements can be configured as a pressure-sensitive push switch, which is designed such that when pressure applied by the user acts along the control element from one position to another, the parameters of the display area of ​​the user interface change or can be changed.

8. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, The at least one control element is configured to provide tactile and / or acoustic feedback signals when it is actuated.

9. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, The at least one control element is designed to be used when it is actuated: - Activate or disable the actuator associated with the cover; and / or - Activate or disable the locking device associated with the cover; and / or - Start, end, cancel, or interrupt charging operations; and / or -Activate or disable the charging plug locking device associated with the charging box (7) of the charging or refueling notch assembly (1).

10. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The display panel (4) therein has a display device for displaying particularly variable images, especially particularly variable static or dynamic images, wherein the display device is preferably configured as a "hidden until illuminated" component, in which the image can only be visually perceived when the display device is activated.

11. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 10, The display device is configured as a thin-film display device, and preferably has an OLED, TFT, LCD, ITO thin-film display or SED display.

12. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display panel (4) has a carrier (6) for the at least one light source and a layer structure having a front for displaying the at least one icon (5) and a back that can be illuminated by the at least one light source.

13. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 12, The display panel (4) has at least two icons that are displayed as needed, each icon being associated with at least one light source. The carrier (6) is segmented such that light emitted by the at least one light source associated with the first icon (5) illuminates only the area on the back side of the layer structure in which the first icon (5) is disposed, and light emitted by the at least one light source associated with the second icon (5) illuminates only the area on the back side of the layer structure in which the second icon (5) is disposed.

14. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, The layer structure has at least a partially or partially translucent overlay and a template layer, wherein the at least one icon (5) to be displayed as required is introduced into the template layer, in particular by marking, such as laser marking or electrical marking, or applied to the surface of the template layer, in particular by printing, especially inkjet printing or screen printing.

15. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 14, The translucent covering layer is made of translucent plastic, especially polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyamide (PA), UV-resistant ABS, polypropylene (PP), or a translucent polymer or silicone resin or glass, and preferably has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm. The covering layer also preferably has a transmittance T of 5% to 70%, especially 5% to 50%, and preferably 5% to 15% for visible light.

16. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 14 or 15, The cover layer is configured to be partially or partially opaque.

17. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the layer structure has an electrochromic layer with opaque suspended particles, the electrochromic layer being capable of electrically switching between an opaque state and a transparent or translucent state at least partially by means of electrical energy provided by a voltage source.

18. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to claim 17, The layer structure further includes a template layer, wherein at least one icon (5) to be displayed as required is introduced into the template layer, in particular by marking, such as laser marking or electrical marking, or applied to the surface of the template layer, in particular by printing, especially inkjet printing or screen printing.

19. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the layer structure further comprises at least one colored layer, the colored layer preferably being applied at least partially or partially, particularly to the front or back side of the cover layer.

20. The charging or refueling notch assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, The display panel (4) is housed in the charging or refueling recess (2), preferably in a detachable or replaceable manner. Alternatively, it can be integrated into the charging or refueling recess (2).

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