Fuel filler flap locking device

Abstract

Fuel filler flap locking device (1), suitable for connection to a fuel filler flap (8) of a motor vehicle, comprising - a case (2), - an electromechanical actuator housed in the housing (2) and comprising motor and gearbox means, as well as - a locking unit (6) which is coupled to the motor means via the transmission means and has a shaft (61) and a locking element (60) which is attached to the shaft (61), wherein the locking element (60) is arranged outside the housing (2) and is shaped in such a way that it can be detachably connected to a locking element of the fuel filler flap (8), so that the fuel filler flap (8) can be selectively locked and unlocked by means of the locking element (60), and wherein the fuel filler flap locking device (1) has a cover element (5) which is attached to the outside of the housing (2) and forms a receiving space (50) within which the locking element (60) is received, characterized in that the cover element (5) comprises a connecting flange (54) through which the locking element of the fuel filler flap (8) can be inserted into the receiving space (50), wherein the connecting flange (54) forms a sealing surface (55) for a bellows (7) arranged on the fuel filler flap (8) which can be connected to the connecting flange (54).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel filler flap locking device suitable for connection to a fuel filler flap of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing, an electromechanical actuator housed in the housing and comprising motor and transmission means, and a locking unit coupled to the motor means via the transmission means and comprising a shaft and a locking element attached to the shaft, wherein the locking element is arranged outside the housing and is shaped in such a way that it can be detachably connected to a locking element of the fuel filler flap, so that the fuel filler flap can be selectively locked and unlocked by means of the locking element, and wherein the fuel filler flap locking device has a cover element attached to the outside of the housing and forming a receiving space within which the locking element is received.

[0002] Fuel filler flap locking devices of the type mentioned above are already known in the prior art in various embodiments. For example, DE 102 48 420 A1 discloses a fuel filler flap locking device for a fuel filler flap with a locking bolt, wherein a switch for opening the fuel filler flap is mounted externally on the vehicle. A pressure switch is arranged on a spring-loaded ejector for a locking tab of the fuel filler flap, which is connected to the actuator and can be actuated externally.

[0003] DE 103 30 503 A1 describes a fuel filler flap locking device comprising a housing and an electric motor actuator. The actuator includes a motor, a gearbox, and a locking unit connected to the motor via the gearbox. The locking unit comprises a locking element designed as a rotary latch, a shaft on which the locking element is mounted, and a return spring. The locking element can be moved into a locked position by the return spring and into an unlocked position by the motor. A pressure switch is also provided, which is located on the locking unit and connected to the motor. The pressure switch is actuated by applying pressure to a point in the area of ​​the fuel filler flap locking device (for example, from the outside onto a closed fuel filler flap). The external pressure is transmitted to the rotary latch and causes a certain rotation of the shaft.This is ultimately used to actuate the pressure switch, which may be located on the locking element or on an additional element arranged on the shaft or on the return spring.

[0004] GB 2 348 922 A1 discloses a tank flap locking device with a cover element which is formed by the tank recess itself.

[0005] A generic tank flap locking device is known from DE 101 15 153 A1.

[0006] The problem with the fuel filler flap locking devices known from the prior art is that they can be prone to malfunctions, as moisture can penetrate into the locking unit and the locking unit can freeze at low temperatures.

[0007] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a fuel tank flap locking device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which operational reliability is increased in a simple and cost-effective manner compared to solutions known from the prior art.

[0009] With regard to the fuel filler flap locking device, this problem is solved by a fuel filler flap locking device of the type mentioned at the outset, having the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0010] A fuel filler flap locking device according to claim 1 is characterized in that the cover element comprises a connecting flange through which the locking element of the fuel filler flap can be inserted into the receiving space, the connecting flange forming a sealing surface for a bellows arranged on the fuel filler flap, which can be connected to the connecting flange. The connecting flange defines a receiving opening, which may, for example, be oval-shaped, through which the locking element of the fuel filler flap can be inserted into the first receiving space of the cover element and brought into operative contact with the locking element there. The bellows, through which the locking element of the fuel filler flap extends, can protect the fuel filler flap locking device, in particular, from freezing at low temperatures and additionally prevents water ingress.Furthermore, the housing cover can effectively protect the locking element from direct water ingress and from freezing at low temperatures. These measures allow for a simple and cost-effective increase in operational reliability compared to prior art solutions. The housing, which can also be multi-part, and the cover element are preferably manufactured using injection molding.

[0011] To securely attach the cover element to the housing of the fuel filler flap locking device, a particularly advantageous embodiment proposes that the cover element have a connecting surface that is bonded to the housing. Preferably, the bond can be achieved by gluing or welding (especially by laser welding).

[0012] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cover element may have at least one water outlet opening. Specifically, a material recess may be formed on an outer edge section of the connecting surface, which, together with a corresponding section of the housing, forms the water outlet opening. An advantage of providing at least one water outlet opening is that, for example, condensation that may accumulate inside the cover element can escape through the water outlet opening.

[0013] In order to accommodate at least one further functional element within the cover element, a preferred embodiment proposes that the cover element have at least one further receiving space within which a functional element, in particular a push-button actuated element or a stop element, is housed. In an advantageous embodiment, the push-button element can be a push-push element. The stop element is preferably made of rubber.

[0014] To facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the functional element, a preferred embodiment provides that the cover element has at least one opening in the material in the area of ​​the second receiving space, within which the functional element (in particular the push-button element or stop element) is snapped into place. The opening in the material can, in particular, form a snap-in window.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the locking element comprises a hook that can engage with the locking mechanism of the fuel filler flap. This ensures secure locking of the fuel filler flap by means of the fuel filler flap locking device. Preferably, the hook can have a U-shaped cross-section, at least in some sections. In this embodiment, the hook has a first section and a second section, wherein, in the locked position, the first section of the hook engages with the locking mechanism of the fuel filler flap, which can be designed, in particular, as a fuel filler flap locking tab, and establishes a positive connection between the locking mechanism and the hook.A gap is formed between the two sections of the hook mechanism, within which a free end of the locking element can move when the fuel filler flap is actuated. The second section of the hook mechanism then acts as a stop for the locking element.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the locking element may have a substantially hollow cylindrical base part attached to the shaft, on which the hook means is arranged. In an advantageous embodiment, the base part may include at least a partially flattened section on its outer surface.

[0017] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a fuel filler flap locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a cover of the fuel filler flap locking device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 another perspective view of the cover according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a partially cutaway view of an arrangement of a fuel filler flap locking device according to Fig. 1 on a fuel filler flap of a motor vehicle; Fig. 5 another, also partially cropped view of the arrangement according to Fig. 4.

[0018] A fuel filler flap locking device 1, designed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, has a housing 2 comprising a first housing part 3 and a second housing part 4. The first housing part 3 forms a cavity that can be closed with the second housing part 4, which in this embodiment is essentially plate-shaped. Inside the housing 2 is an electromechanical actuator (not explicitly shown here) with motor and transmission components for operating the fuel filler flap locking device 1. The second housing part 4 has a sealing edge 40 on its side facing the first housing part 3, which extends circumferentially around the second housing part 4 and can seal the housing 2 after the fuel filler flap locking device 1 has been installed in the fuel tank recess of a motor vehicle.In this embodiment, an outer limiting edge of the second housing part 4 is designed as a hinge 41. The hinge 41 allows the fuel filler flap locking device 1 to be rotatably inserted into a corresponding hinge receptacle in the fuel tank recess. On a side of the second housing part 4 opposite the hinge 41 described above, two locking elements 42, 43 are arranged spaced apart from one another in this embodiment. These locking elements allow the fuel filler flap locking device 1 to be locked into place in the fuel tank recess of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the two locking elements 42, 43, which extend into the interior of the fuel tank recess when the fuel filler flap locking device 1 is installed, are designed as essentially U-shaped locking lugs and are integrally formed with the second housing part 4.It is also possible to use differently shaped (and possibly separate) locking elements 42, 43, such as locking hooks or the like, to create corresponding locking connections. The fuel filler flap locking device 1 further comprises a cover element 5, which is attached to the outside of the second housing part 4 and is preferably bonded to the second housing part 4. Preferably, the first housing part 3, the second housing part 4, and the cover element 5 are manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0019] As further referenced in Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the cover element 5 has a first receiving chamber 50, which is open on its side facing the second housing part 4 after assembly and is laterally bounded by a connecting surface 51. During assembly, this connecting surface is brought into contact with the second housing part 4 and is bonded to it. The cover element 5 can be bonded or welded (preferably by laser welding) to the second housing part 4. A material recess 52 is formed on an outer edge section of the connecting surface 51. After assembly, as for example in Fig. 5, together with a corresponding section of the second housing part 4, forms a water outlet opening 53 through which, for example, condensation can escape from the cover element 5.

[0020] The cover element 5 has a connecting flange 54 with an oval cross-section. The edge of the connecting flange 54 forms a sealing surface 55 for a bellows 7, which is attached to the side of the fuel filler flap 8 of the vehicle facing the fuel filler flap locking device 1 after installation. The connection of the bellows 7 to the sealing surface 55 of the flange 54 ensures an effective seal of the flange 54 of the cover element 5. The bellows 7 attached to the fuel filler flap 8 also serves to protect a locking unit 6 of the fuel filler flap locking device 1 from icing during operation at low temperatures.

[0021] The cover element 5 further comprises a second receiving chamber 56, which, unlike the first receiving chamber 50, is closed on its side facing the second housing part 4 during assembly. The second receiving chamber 56 is suitable for receiving a push-button actuator 10 or, in an alternative embodiment, a stop element, preferably made of rubber, or another functional element. In the area of ​​the second receiving chamber 56, the cover element 5 has a rectangular opening 57 on its outer surface, which forms a latching window for easy removal of the push-button actuator 10, stop element, or functional element. Preferably, the push-button actuator 10 is designed as a so-called "push-push element," the function of which is explained in more detail below.

[0022] The fuel filler flap locking device 1 further comprises a locking unit 6, by means of which the fuel filler flap 8 of the motor vehicle can be selectively locked in the installed state and, if necessary, unlocked again. The locking unit 6 is coupled to the motor means via the transmission means arranged within the housing 2 and has a locking element 60 and a rotatable shaft 61 to which the locking element 60 is attached. The locking element 60 is designed such that it can engage in a corresponding fuel filler flap locking tab 80, which – as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 - extends from one side of the fuel filler flap 8 facing the fuel filler flap locking device 1 after assembly, essentially orthogonally to it, through the bellows 7 and through the opening of the connecting flange 54 into the cover element 5. The interaction of the locking element 60 with the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 allows the fuel filler flap 8 of the vehicle to be securely locked. In this embodiment, the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 has a closed, essentially U-shaped end into which the locking element 60 of the locking unit 6 can engage to effectively lock the fuel filler flap 8.On one side facing the fuel filler flap locking device 1 after assembly, the fuel filler flap 8 has an activation element 81 which in this embodiment is essentially cylindrical in shape and which - as will be explained in more detail below - can interact with the push button element 10.

[0023] The locking element 60, which is arranged outside the second housing part 4, can be designed in different ways and, in the embodiment shown here, is designed as a rotary latch connected to a first end of the shaft 61, which in turn is coupled to the motor and transmission components, and is thus rotatably mounted. For example, as in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the first end of the shaft 61 and the locking element 60 attached to it extend into the first receiving space 50 of the cover element 5 after assembly. The cover element 5 is particularly suitable for protecting the locking unit 6 from direct water ingress and from freezing at low temperatures. In this embodiment, the shaft 61 extends through the first housing part 3 and through the second housing part 4 of the housing 2. Preferably, the shaft 61 has a number of detent elements at its first end, where the locking element 60 is attached, for receiving the locking element 60. As shown in Figure 5, the first end of the shaft 61 extends through the first housing part 3 and the second housing part 4 of the housing 2. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the shaft 61 extends with its second end through the base of the first housing part 3. At this second end of the shaft 61, an emergency release lever 9 is arranged outside the housing 2, by means of which the shaft 61 can be rotated if necessary even without motor assistance.

[0024] In one embodiment, the locking unit 6 may further comprise a return element for the locking element 60 and an output element, which is advantageously manufactured integrally with the shaft 61. The return element may, for example, be designed as a return spring coupled to the locking element 60. However, the provision of a return element is not mandatory.

[0025] The locking element 60 comprises a substantially hollow cylindrical base part 600 and a hook element 610, which extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 61 from an outer surface of the base part 600. The base part 600 and the hook element 610 are formed in one piece. The shaft 61 can be received in a central opening of the base part 600. The hook element 610 is shaped such that it is inserted into the Fig. 4 and Fig. The locking position shown in Figure 5 effectively prevents activation of the push-button element 10 by pressing on it. In this embodiment, the hook element 61 has a U-shaped cross-section in sections, comprising a first section 611 and a second section 612. In the locking position, the first section 611 of the hook element 610 engages the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 of the fuel filler flap 8, thereby establishing a force-fit connection between the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 and the hook element 610.

[0026] When external pressure is applied to the fuel filler flap 8, the bellows 7 is compressed and the fuel filler flap 8 moves a short distance towards the fuel filler flap locking device 1. A gap is formed between the two sections 611, 612 of the hook element 610, within which the U-shaped free end of the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 can move when pressure is applied to the fuel filler flap 8. The maximum displacement available for the free end of the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 in the locked position is determined by the size of the gap between sections 611, 612 on the one hand, and by the diameter of the free end of the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 on the other. Fig. Figure 4 shows that, in the locked position, the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 has only a relatively small displacement range available when pressure is applied to the fuel filler flap 8, until the free end of the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 abuts the second section 612 of the hook element 61. This limitation of the displacement range prevents the push-button element 10 from being activated in the locked position of the fuel filler flap locking device 1.

[0027] The unlocking process of the fuel filler flap 8 can be activated, for example, via a central locking system of the motor vehicle or by means of a switch preferably located in the interior of the motor vehicle. The motor of the fuel filler flap locking device 1 is controlled by an external processing unit to which the fuel filler flap locking device 1 is connected, and the locking element 60 is opened in the direction of the arrow as shown. Fig. 4 - preferably by about 90° - rotated so that the first section 611 of the hook means 610 and the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 are disengaged and the fuel filler flap 8 is unlocked and can be moved into its open position.

[0028] As in Fig.As can be seen in Figure 4, the hollow cylindrical base part 600 has a flattened section 601 on its outer surface. This allows the fuel filler flap 8 and the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 to be pressed sufficiently towards the fuel filler flap locking device 1 in the unlocked position of the locking element 60. This enables the cylindrical activation element 81 to actuate the push element 10, which then moves in the direction of the arrow and pushes the activation element 81 in that direction. This causes the fuel filler flap 8 to move towards the open position, allowing it to be opened by a user. The push element 10, which is preferably a so-called "push-push" element, is first pressed into the fuel filler flap 8 by the activation element 81 and then exerts a force directly on the activation element 81, pushing it towards the open position.The force exerted by the push-button element 10 on the activation element 81 can, for example, originate from a spring. The fuel filler flap 8 is subjected to a force by the push-button element 10 and thus moved into its open position.

[0029] After the fuel filler flap 8 is opened, the locking element 60 is moved back into its locking position. When the fuel filler flap 8 is closed again, the hook 610 of the locking element 60 engages again in the fuel filler flap locking tab 80 of the fuel filler flap 8 in the manner described above, so that the fuel filler flap 8 is securely locked again.

[0030] In the alternative embodiment, in which a stop element is accommodated within the second receiving space 56 of the cover element 5 instead of the push-button element 10 described above, the stop element serves as a stop for the fuel filler flap 8. In this embodiment, the additional activation element 81 on the fuel filler flap 8 can also be omitted. Reference symbol list 1 Fuel filler flap locking device 2 cases 3 first housing part 4 second housing part 5 Housing cover 6 Locking unit 7 bellows 8 Fuel filler flap 9 emergency release levers 10 Push-button element 40 Sealing edge 41 Hinge components 42 Resting agents 43 Resting agents 50 first recording room 51 Connecting surface 52 Material recess 53 Water outlet opening 54 Connection flange 55 sealing surface 56 second recording room 57 Material penetration 60 locking element 61 wave 80 Fuel filler flap locking tab 600 Base part 601 flattened section 610 hook means 611 first section 612 second section

Claims

[1] Fuel filler flap locking device (1), suitable for connection to a fuel filler flap (8) of a motor vehicle, comprising - a case (2), - an electromechanical actuator housed in the housing (2) and comprising motor and gearbox means, as well as - a locking unit (6) which is coupled to the motor means via the transmission means and has a shaft (61) and a locking element (60) which is attached to the shaft (61), wherein the locking element (60) is arranged outside the housing (2) and is shaped in such a way that it can be detachably connected to a locking element of the fuel filler flap (8), so that the fuel filler flap (8) can be selectively locked and unlocked by means of the locking element (60), and wherein the fuel filler flap locking device (1) has a cover element (5) which is attached to the outside of the housing (2) and forms a receiving space (50) within which the locking element (60) is received, characterized by , that the cover element (5) comprises a connecting flange (54) through which the locking element of the tank flap (8) can be inserted into the receiving space (50), wherein the connecting flange (54) forms a sealing surface (55) for a bellows (7) arranged on the tank flap (8), which can be connected to the connecting flange (54). [2] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the cover element (5) has a connecting surface (51) which is materially bonded to the housing (2). [3] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the cover element (5) has at least one water outlet opening (53). [4] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that a material recess (52) is formed on an outer edge section of the connecting surface (51), which together with a corresponding section of the housing (2) forms the water outlet opening (53). [5] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the cover element (5) has a second receiving space (56) within which a functional element, in particular a push-button actuating element (10) or a stop element, is housed. [6] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the push-button element (10) is a push-push element. [7] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the stop element is made of rubber. [8] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that the cover element (5) in the area of ​​the second receiving space (56) has at least one material opening (57) within which the functional element is fixed in a snap-fit ​​manner. [9] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the locking element (60) has a hook means (610) which can engage in the locking element of the fuel filler flap (8). [10] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the hook means (610) has a U-shaped cross-section at least in sections. [11] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by , that the locking element (60) has a substantially hollow cylindrical base part (600) which is attached to the shaft (61) and on which the hook means (610) is arranged. [12] Fuel filler flap locking device (1) according to claim 11, characterized by, that the base part (600) includes at least a section on its outer surface a flattened section (601).

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