Charging flap system with emergency opening function for vehicle, in particular electric vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

A charging flap system (10) with an emergency opening function for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, comprises a charging flap (11) fastened on a rotatable shaft (12) for closing by a pivoting movement a connection element for connecting an energy source to the vehicle (40), and a drive unit (13) having a drive shaft (14) to move the charging cover (11) between a closed position and an open position. A coupling unit (16) is provided which comprises a first coupling element (17) and a second coupling element (18) and is arranged between the drive shaft (14) of the drive unit (13) and the rotatable shaft (12) of the charging cover (11) in order to transmit a torque from the drive unit (13) to the rotatable shaft (12) of the charging cover (11) and optionally separate the drive shaft (14) of the drive unit (13) from the rotatable shaft (12) of the charging cover (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging cover system with an emergency opening function for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, and a vehicle equipped with the charging cover system

[0002] The invention is particularly suitable for electric vehicles, in which an external power source, for example a charging station, is connected to the vehicle in order to charge the vehicle's energy storage unit with the current stored in the vehicle's energy storage unit as an energy carrier. Background Art

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

[0004] Charging or fuel flap systems typically have a pivotable loading or closing flap that is opened to fill the vehicle with an energy source, such as electricity or another type of fuel to drive the vehicle engine, and closed after filling. In the closed position, the charging flap must be actively closed or locked to seal the connection or filling unit behind it or protect it from external influences.

[0005] For example, the charging socket used to connect the charging plug to the vehicle must be sealed from the outside and protected against water and dust. Wind or passing air can also create a suction effect during driving, requiring a retaining force to prevent the charging cover from accidentally opening. Furthermore, a secure hold is necessary to prevent accidental operation or vandalism, or to ensure readiness for driving in certain countries. However, users must be able to open the charging cover in the event of an error.

[0006] In order to allow the user to open the charging cover in the event of an error, such as a software error or the like, emergency procedures are known in which the charging cover can be opened, for example, using a Bowden cable installed in the vehicle. However, this requires a high level of assembly effort and an increased need for installation space. Utility Model Content

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create a charging or refueling flap system in which no Bowden cables need to be installed and in which the electrically operated and / or mechanical charging flap can continue to be used after emergency opening.

[0008] In order to solve this problem, the present invention proposes a charging cover system with an emergency opening function for a vehicle, especially an electric vehicle, comprising: a charging cover fixed on a rotatable shaft so that a connecting element for connecting an energy source to the vehicle is locked by a pivoting movement; a drive unit with a drive shaft for moving the charging cover between a closed position and an open position; a coupling unit, comprising a first coupling element and a second coupling element and arranged between the drive shaft of the drive unit and the rotatable shaft of the charging cover to transmit torque from the drive unit to the rotatable shaft of the charging cover and, when necessary, separate the drive shaft of the drive unit from the rotatable shaft of the charging cover.

[0009] Preferably, the first coupling element and the second coupling element engage with one another in a form-fitting manner for transmitting torque.

[0010] Preferably, the first coupling element and the second coupling element are released to separate the drive shafts from each other.

[0011] Preferably, the first coupling element is designed as a first tooth segment and the second coupling element is designed as a second tooth segment.

[0012] Preferably, the first coupling element is arranged on a drive shaft of the drive unit, and the second coupling element is preferably arranged on a rotatable shaft of the charging cover.

[0013] Preferably, each coupling element has an end face with a plurality of teeth.

[0014] The end faces of the two coupling elements are advantageously arranged opposite one another.

[0015] The charging flap system preferably comprises an elastic element which presses the two coupling elements against each other in order to transmit torque.

[0016] Preferably, the elastic element is configured such that manually pulling the charging cover apart against the force of the elastic element and rotating the two shafts relative to each other associated with manually pulling the charging cover apart causes the drive shaft to separate from the rotatable shaft of the charging cover.

[0017] The tooth segments preferably have a non-uniform toothing, so that the teeth of these tooth segments mesh with one another only in defined positions of the tooth segments.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, is provided, which comprises a charging flap system according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1A perspective view showing an angled view from behind or back of a charging cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A perspective view of the front part of the charging cover system or its front side, wherein the motor is also shown on the rear side for the sake of clarity;

[0022] Figure 3 Shown for Figure 1 and Figure 2 A coupling unit in a coupled state in a charging cover system; and

[0023] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 The coupling unit is shown, but in a decoupled state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are respectively given the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless it does not seem to be in line with the purpose. The disclosure contained in the entire specification can be similarly applied to components with the same reference numerals or the same component names.

[0025] The terms "front" and "rear" refer to the position of the charging cover system installed in the vehicle, viewed from the outside of the vehicle towards the inside. You may also refer to the charging cover system itself, viewed from the front towards its rear and beyond.

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rear side of the vehicle 40 ( Figure 1 ) or its front side ( Figure 2 ) is a perspective view showing a charging cover system 10 for a vehicle 40. The charging cover system 10 includes a charging cover 11 (see Figure 2 ), which is fastened to a rotatable shaft 12 so as to be able to pivot. Due to the pivoting movement of the charging cover 11, a connecting element (not shown here), in particular a charging socket, for connecting an energy source to the vehicle 40 is closed from the outside or also released to the outside.

[0027] In this example, vehicle 40 is designed as an electric vehicle. However, if charging flap system 10 is configured according to another embodiment (not shown here) for use in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, it forms a fuel filler flap system, with charging flap 11 forming the fuel filler flap. In this case, the connecting element is configured, for example, as a filler manifold for the fuel supply.

[0028] Furthermore, the charging cover system 10 comprises a drive unit 13 having a drive shaft 14 , Figure 2The charge cover 11 visible in the middle moves or pivots back and forth between a closed position and an open position by means of the drive unit. For this purpose, the drive unit 13 comprises a motor 15 configured as an electric motor, which drives a drive shaft 14 such that this rotates about its longitudinal axis.

[0029] The coupling unit 16 comprises a first coupling element 17 and a second coupling element 18. The coupling unit 16 is arranged between the drive shaft 14 and the rotatable shaft 12 to which the charge cover 11 is fastened. The coupling unit 16 is configured to transmit a torque from the drive unit 13 or its drive shaft 14 to the rotatable shaft 12 of the charge cover 11 and, if necessary, to decouple the drive shaft 14 of the drive unit 13 from the rotatable shaft 12 of the charge cover 11. Figure 2 The rotatable shaft 12 of the charge cover 11 visible in the middle is separated from the drive shaft 14 of the drive unit 13.

[0030] The rotatable shaft 12 is capable of performing a rotational movement or, in other words, a rotation R about its longitudinal axis, whereby the charge cover 11 performs a pivoting movement between a closed position in which the connecting element is latched and an open position in which the connecting element is released.

[0031] The rotatable shaft 12 forms part of a hinge arm 32 to which the charge cover 11 is fastened.

[0032] In order to transmit a torque from the drive shaft 14 to the rotatable shaft 12, the two coupling elements 17, 18 configured as toothing are interlockingly connected to one another.

[0033] The first coupling element or toothing 17 is arranged on the drive shaft 14 of the drive unit 13 such that it is rotationally fixedly coupled or connected to this drive shaft. In the same way, the second coupling element or toothing 18 is arranged on the rotatable shaft 12 or on the hinge arm 32 of the charge cover 11 such that it is rotationally fixedly coupled or connected to the charge cover 11.

[0034] The rotatable shaft 12 or the hinge arm 32 to which the charge cover 11 is fastened is rotatably supported in a charging pot 25 of the charge cover system 10. The charging pot 25 has an opening 26 for accommodating a connecting element, in particular a charging socket.

[0035] The hinge arm 32 is fastened on the hinge shaft or rotatable shaft 12, i.e. rotationally fixedly connected thereto, for example via a slot system and a spring system.

[0036] In order to press the two tooth segments 17, 18 against one another with their end faces 21 or 22, an elastic element 23 is provided, which is configured as a pressure spring. The pressure spring 23 elastically presses the drive shaft 14 of the drive unit 13 together with the first coupling element 17 in the axial direction against the second coupling element 18 and thus against the rotatable shaft 12 of the charging cover 11. This means that the first tooth segment 17 arranged or fastened on the drive shaft 14 is pre-tensioned in the direction of the second tooth segment 18. It elastically presses against the second tooth segment 18, which is arranged on or is rotatably fixed to the rotatable shaft 12 or the hinge arm 32 of the charging cover 11.

[0037] The pressure spring 23 is supported on a housing 24, which is for example fastened on the charging tank 25 or cannot perform a relative movement with respect to the charging tank. Only the drive shaft 14 together with the first tooth segment 17 connected thereto can be displaced in its axial direction with respect to the charging tank 25. The housing 24 also forms a cover for the pressure spring 23.

[0038] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The coupling unit 16 is shown in an enlarged view, wherein Figure 3 The coupling unit 16 is shown in a state in which the coupling elements 17, 18 are connected to one another in a form-locked manner, whereas Figure 4 The coupling unit 16 is shown in a state in which the coupling elements 17, 18 are separated from one another or decoupled.

[0039] To this end, each coupling element or tooth segment 17, 18 has a plurality of teeth 19 or 20, which engage in a form-locked manner in order to transmit a torque.

[0040] The teeth 19 of the first tooth segment 17 are formed on its end face 21. Likewise, the teeth 20 of the second tooth segment 18 are formed on its end face 22. The end faces 21, 22 of the two tooth segments 17, 18 are arranged opposite one another. If the two tooth segments 17, 18 are connected to one another in a form-locked manner by means of the plurality of teeth 19, 20, a rotational movement or a torque of the drive shaft 14 of the motor 15 is transmitted from the first tooth segment 17 to the second tooth segment 18.

[0041] The teeth 19, 20 of the two tooth segments 17 and 18, which are opposite one another, have inclined contact faces 27, which create a contact between the two tooth segments 17, 18.

[0042] By manually pulling open the charging cover 11, Figure 1 The rotatable shaft 12 of the hinge arm 32 shown in Fig. 3 is rotated with respect to the drive shaft 14 of the drive unit 13, since the charging cover 11 is fixedly connected with the hinge arm 32. Since the opposite teeth 19, 20 have inclined contact faces 27, as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, by this rotation the two tooth segments 17, 18 are caused to move away from each other against the force F exerted by the pressure spring 23.

[0043] That is, since the charging cover 11 is manually pulled apart by a user of the vehicle, a rotation of the second tooth segment 18 relative to the first tooth segment 17 occurs, which causes the drive shaft 14 of the drive unit 13 to move away from the rotatable shaft 12 of the charging cover 11 in axial direction against the spring force F, so that the two tooth segments 17, 18 no longer engage with each other and a torque can no longer be transmitted between the tooth segments 17, 18.

[0044] Thus, when the charging cover 11 is manually pulled apart from the outside by a user, due to the inclined geometry of the toothing or teeth 19, 20, the form closure between the two tooth segments 17, 18 is released, whereby they decouple from each other.

[0045] In this way, the charging cover 11 can be pulled apart with a self-limiting force in the event of a malfunction, for example mechanically or due to a software error, since the spring-loaded first tooth segment 17 is pushed away from the second tooth segment 18 by means of the form closure with each other, thereby enabling the opening of the charging cover 11. The tooth segments 17, 18 no longer engage with each other here.

[0046] The charging cover 11 can be pulled apart, in particular, by means of an engagement gap that is joined to the edge of the charging cover 11. The manual opening of the charging cover 11 by pulling it apart can be done, in particular, with the aid of a pointed object that is inserted into the engagement gap by the user. In this case, after a small first opening movement, the charging cover 11 is grasped by the user and then pulled apart completely purely manually without the aid of a tool.

[0047] The two tooth segments 17, 18 have a non-uniform toothing. This means that the teeth 19 of the first tooth segment 17 and the teeth 20 of the second tooth segment 18 engage with each other and create a form closure for transmitting a torque only at one angular position W of the two tooth segments 17, 18. There is only one position at which a form closure between the two tooth segments 17, 18 can occur.

[0048] In another embodiment, the tooth segments 17, 18 can also have a non-uniform toothing, which allows the tooth segments 17, 18 to engage with each other at a plurality of predetermined angular positions. However, it is advantageous for as few allowed angular positions or states W as possible, in particular only one allowed angular position.

[0049] In this way, rattling that can occur due to the opposing teeth 19, 20 snapping quickly one after the other is prevented when the charging cover 11 is manually opened against the spring force exerted by the pressure spring 23. In this way, the user-friendliness, the feeling of the charging cover, and the value of the charging cover system 10 are improved.

[0050] With the charging flap system 10 according to the invention, for example after eliminating a fault, such as a software error, a reference run of the charging flap motor 15 can be performed and the original functionality can thus be ensured again. The charging flap system 10 does not need to be replaced.

[0051] Even if, for example, there is a fault in the motor 15 or if the motor 15 fails, the solution according to the invention allows both the charging flap 11 to be opened and closed again. The charging flap 11 can then remain in its closed position and thereby meet the sealing requirements of a charging socket or other type of connecting element accommodated in the opening 26.

[0052] Since coupling unit 16 is integrated into the kinematics of charging flap system 10, charging flap system 11 is not damaged in the event of manual opening, for example, in an emergency. Furthermore, there is no need to install a Bowden cable in the vehicle. Even after an emergency opening, such as in the event of a software error in the controller, during a software update, or in the event of another error, the electrically operated mechanical charging flap system can continue to be used. There is no need to replace the charging flap system.

[0053] Reference Signs List

[0054] 10 Charging cover system

[0055] 11 Charging cover

[0056] 12 Rotation Axis

[0057] 13 drive units

[0058] 14 drive shaft

[0059] 15 Motor

[0060] 16 coupling units

[0061] 17 First coupling element / tooth segment

[0062] 18 Second coupling element / tooth segment

[0063] 19, 20 teeth

[0064] 21, 22 end faces

[0065] 23 Elastic element / pressure spring

[0066] 24 Shell

[0067] 25 Charging Tank

[0068] 26 Opening

[0069] 27 Inclined contact surface

[0070] 31 Supporting parts

[0071] 32 hinge arm

[0072] 40 vehicles

[0073] F Spring force

[0074] W angular position

Claims

1. A charging cover system with an emergency opening function for a vehicle, characterized in that: The charging cover system includes: a charging cover (11) fastened to a rotatable shaft (12) for closing a connecting element for connecting an energy source to a vehicle (40) by a pivoting movement, a drive unit (13) having a drive shaft (14) for moving the charging cover (11) between a closed position and an open position, and A coupling unit (16), comprising a first coupling element (17) and a second coupling element (18), and arranged between the drive shaft (14) of the drive unit (13) and the rotatable shaft (12) of the charging cover (11), so as to transmit torque from the drive unit (13) to the rotatable shaft (12) of the charging cover (11) and, when necessary, to separate the drive shaft (14) of the drive unit (13) from the rotatable shaft (12) of the charging cover.

2. The charging cover system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first coupling element (17) and the second coupling element (18) engage with each other in a form-locking manner for transmitting the torque and are disengaged from each other for separating the drive shaft (14) from the rotatable shaft (12).

3. The charging cover system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first coupling element (17) is designed as a first tooth segment, and the second coupling element (18) is designed as a second tooth segment.

4. The charging cover system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first coupling element (17) is arranged on the drive shaft (14) of the drive unit (13), and the second coupling element (18) is arranged on the rotatable shaft (12) of the charging cover (11).

5. The charging cover system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each coupling element (17, 18) has an end face (21, 22) with a plurality of teeth (19, 20), wherein the end faces (21, 22) of the two coupling elements (17, 18) are arranged opposite each other.

6. The charging cover system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An elastic element (23) is provided so that the two coupling elements (17, 18) are pressed against each other in order to transmit the torque.

7. The charging cover system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic element (23) is arranged such that the elastic element elastically presses the drive shaft (14) of the drive unit (13) against the rotatable shaft (12) of the charging cover (11) in an axial direction.

8. The charging cover system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The drive shaft (14) is separated from the rotatable shaft (12) of the charging cover (11) by manually pulling open the charging cover (11) against the force (F) of the elastic element and by rotating the two shafts (12, 14) relative to each other in connection with the manual pulling open of the charging cover.

9. The charging cover system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The coupling element (17, 18) has a non-uniform toothing, wherein the teeth (19, 20) of the coupling element mesh with one another only in a defined position (W) of the coupling element (17, 18).

10. The charging cover system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle is designed as an electric vehicle.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that: A charging cover system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is provided.

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