Adjustment device with an externally operated adjustable locking flap

Abstract

Adjustment device, with at least - a closure flap (K, K1, K2) for at least partially closing a closure opening (BO) on a vehicle, through which, when the closure flap (K) is open, a connection element (A) for connecting a line and / or a filling opening for refilling a liquid, in particular a fuel, is accessible, and - a drive (3) for externally actuated adjustment of the closure flap (K, K1, K2) characterized in that the adjusting device (V) has an adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) relative to which the closure flap (K) is adjustably mounted and which is adjustable together with the closure flap (K) by means of the drive (3), and wherein the closure flap (K) is first adjustable relative to the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) and subsequently together with the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) by means of the drive (3) when adjusted to an open position in which the closure opening (BO) is released by the closure flap (K), and wherein (a) a cam guide is provided for adjusting the closure flap (K) relative to the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) and / or (b) at least one flexible traction element (4) coupled to the drive (3) is provided, via which an adjusting force can be transmitted for externally actuated adjustment of the closing flap (K, K1, K2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjusting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Comparable adjustment devices are known from DE 44 40 814 A1, the generic DE 199 19 251 A1, DE 199 35 454 A1, DE 10 2006 042 447 A1, FR 2 915 144 A1 and US 2011 / 0140477 A1.

[0003] Such an adjusting device has at least one closing flap for at least partially closing a closing opening on a vehicle, via which, when the closing flap is open, a connection element for connecting a line and / or a filling opening for refilling a liquid, in particular fuel, is accessible. The closing flap is therefore, for example, a tank flap or flap on the vehicle, via which a filling opening for refilling windshield washer fluid or oil is accessible. The closing flap can also be a cover flap which protectively covers a connection socket for a charging cable in an electric vehicle. Typically, the closing flap covers a recess or a cavity on the vehicle body, within which, for example, a tank opening or a connection socket is located.

[0004] In the course of increasing automation and to increase comfort, such closing flaps on a vehicle can now be adjusted using an external power drive, usually via an electric motor.

[0005] Adjustment devices with such closure flaps known from practice to date generally have a comparatively complex and / or bulky adjustment mechanism, which requires a lot of installation space, particularly within the trough or cavity.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjusting device with an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the closure flap, which is improved in this respect and requires less installation space or at least enables improved use of installation space.

[0007] This object is achieved with an adjusting device of claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, the adjusting device has an adjusting element which is adjustable together with the closure flap by means of a drive of the adjusting device, and relative to which the closure flap is adjustably mounted on the adjusting element, so that the closure flap can be adjusted on the one hand together with the adjusting element and on the other hand relative thereto.

[0009] In this case, the closure flap can be adjusted by means of the drive when adjusted to an open position in which the closure opening is released by the closure flap, first relative to the adjustment element and then together with the adjustment element.

[0010] In principle, it is preferred in this context that, when closing the closure flap via an adjustment mechanism of the adjustment device having the adjustment element, an adjustment force generated by a motor of the drive can first be converted into an adjustment of the closure flap relative to the adjustment element and a subsequent adjustment of the closure flap together with the adjustment element, or vice versa. For example, in the reverse case, in a first phase when opening the closure flap, the closure flap is lifted off a support frame bordering the closure opening via the adjustment element and then the closure flap is moved sideways, downwards, or upwards relative to the extended adjustment element in order to release the connection element and / or the filling opening.During this second phase of the opening movement, the adjusting element remains in an assumed intermediate position and only allows a displacement of the closure flap relative to the adjusting element, for example via a slotted guide, in which the closure flap is held displaceably on a section of the adjusting element via a guide slotted guide.

[0011] By providing an adjustment element that can be adjusted into an intermediate position together with the closure flap and relative to which the closure flap can then be adjusted into a closed position or an open position, a two-act adjustment movement of the closure flap can be implemented relatively easily. In such a two-act or two-stage adjustment movement, the closure flap is first adjusted together with the adjustment element, primarily along a first spatial direction, and then along a second spatial direction relative to the adjustment element. For example, in a first phase when opening the closure flap, an adjustment of the adjustment element with the closure flap mounted thereon can be provided.After reaching an intermediate position, the closure flap is then adjusted in a second phase relative to the adjustment element, which may already have been extended, without further adjusting the adjustment element itself.

[0012] It has been shown that such a two-stage adjustment movement can be implemented relatively easily in combination with a flexible traction mechanism for transmitting the adjustment force to the closure flap, but this is not limited to this. Thus, an adjustment mechanism with an adjustment element that is adjustable together with the closure flap and relative to which the closure flap is adjustably mounted can also be advantageous in conjunction with alternative means for transmitting the adjustment force.

[0013] In an adjustment device according to the invention, the use of a traction mechanism as a force transmission means is not mandatory. Rather, what is important is that the adjustment device has an adjustment element that can be adjusted together with the closure flap by means of the drive for the externally powered adjustment of the closure flap, and relative to which the closure flap is adjustably mounted.

[0014] In one embodiment, however, the adjusting device can have at least one flexible traction mechanism coupled to the drive, via which an adjusting force can be transmitted for the externally powered adjustment of the closure flap. In possible embodiments of an adjusting device according to the invention, the adjusting element can thus be adjusted by means of the traction mechanism in order to move the closure flap from a closed position and / or into a closed position.

[0015] The flexible traction device can, for example, be designed as a cable pull or pull rope and engage directly with the closure flap in order to open and close it. By using a flexible traction device, the adjustment force required to adjust the closure flap can be transferred to the closure flap relatively easily. In addition, by using the flexible traction device, the adjustment mechanism of the adjustment device can be adapted relatively variably to the respective installation space and is also extremely space-saving. By appropriately deflecting and routing the flexible traction device, both a pulling force for closing and a pulling force for opening can be applied to the closure flap via the traction device. For this purpose, the traction device is then simply pulled in different directions along its longitudinal extent by means of the drive.

[0016] For example, it can be provided that the flexible traction means is deflected several times in order to be able to install it in a space-saving manner. In this case, the traction means can be guided at least partially along the closure flap or in the closure flap. In a possible further development, for example, at least one deflection element, such as a rigid deflection piece, and / or at least one area for a deflection can be provided on the adjusting element, at which a traction means is deflected. In this way, the traction means on the adjusting element can then be guided in a defined manner between a fastening of the traction means on the closure flap and a stationary part of the drive.

[0017] Part of the adjustment device can be a housing-like support structure, on or in which the drive is arranged and relative to which the closure flap is adjustable. Such a support structure, on which in particular the adjustment mechanism of the adjustment device and the drive are arranged, preferably forms a pre-testable unit to be mounted on the vehicle. Such an adjustment module is then inserted, for example, at a closure opening in a body component of the vehicle, on which the connection element to be closed by the closure flap and / or the filling opening to be closed are arranged.

[0018] An existing traction mechanism can be guided at least partially along the support structure or within the support structure, particularly in a part of the adjustment device designed as an adjustment module. For example, the closure flap and / or the support structure can have at least one deflection element, for example in the form of a rigid deflection piece or a rotatably mounted deflection element, at which the traction mechanism is deflected. A rigid deflection element can also be formed on the closure flap itself and / or on the support structure and be integrally formed therewith.

[0019] In possible design variants, an adjustment path along which the closure flap can be adjusted by means of the drive, externally powered, is at least partially defined by a guide slot. At least one guide slot is provided, so that the closure flap is displaced by a tensile force applied by the traction mechanism along this guide slot or along a guide element engaging in or at least resting against the guide slot.

[0020] The guide block can have at least one guide block that is at least partially curved. The guide block can also have multiple curves to allow the closure flap to move not only in a straight line when opening and closing, but also to impose a pivoting or rotating movement on it. In this case, the guide block can also have a spline-like profile, i.e., a profile that resembles a spline, a polynomial of the nth degree.

[0021] In one embodiment, two spatially spaced guide elements, such as sliding blocks, drivers, or sliding pins, can be moved together along a guide rail to adjust the closure flap using the traction mechanism. The two guide elements are thus spatially spaced from each other on or in the same guide slot. Alternatively or additionally, two spatially spaced guide slots can be provided for two spatially spaced guide elements.

[0022] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the adjusting device has at least two closing flaps which together close the closure opening when the closing flaps are in a closed position. In this case, the at least two closing flaps can be mounted and arranged in such a way that they are adjusted away from one another when adjusted from the closed position to a respective open position. In other words, the two closing flaps are only brought closer together again when closing and then preferably also lie against one another in a closed position in order to (completely) cover the closure opening. In such a variant, it can also be provided that an individual closing flap can be adjusted independently of the other closing flap in order to separately expose only part of the closure opening.

[0023] The different adjustment directions along which a closure flap can be adjusted together with the adjustment element on the one hand and relative to the adjustment element on the other hand, preferably run perpendicular to each other.

[0024] In one embodiment, the adjusting element has a sleeve-like section through which a sealing element provided on the closing flap can be at least partially passed when the closing flap is adjusted relative to the adjusting element. The sealing element is preferably provided for sealing the connection element and / or the filling opening and is designed, for example, in the form of a sealing lip or a sealing pad. For the adjustment of the closing flap relative to the adjusting element, measures are taken via the sleeve-like section on the adjusting element to prevent a sealing element provided on the closing flap from colliding with the adjusting element when the closing flap is adjusted or to prevent the closing flap from being prevented from being adjusted as a result.The closure flap can be adjusted at least partially past the adjustment element using the sealing element provided on its underside, which usually protrudes in a raised manner. In the closed position of the closure flap, the connecting element and / or the filling opening can then be sealed by the sealing element, by pushing or pulling the closure flap toward the connecting element and / or the filling opening via the adjustment mechanism of the adjustment device.

[0025] In possible design variants, at least one spring element can be provided by which the closure flap is pre-tensioned into a specific position. Thus, the adjustment of the closure flap into an open position can be counteracted by a spring force of at least one spring element by which the closure flap is pre-tensioned into a closed position, and / or the adjustment of the closure flap into a closed position can be counteracted by a spring force of at least one spring element by which the closure flap is pre-tensioned into an open position. Depending on the arrangement of a spring element and its design, for example as a compression or tension spring, the closure flap can thus be automatically adjusted into the open position and / or the closed position under the influence of the spring element.

[0026] In one embodiment, for example, it can be provided that the closure flap is pulled into the closed position by a flexible tensioning mechanism against the spring force of one or more spring elements and is held in this closed position by the tensioned tensioning mechanism. When the closure flap is opened, the speed of adjustment to the open position is then controlled by a motor driven by the spring element or elements.

[0027] The at least one spring element can be supported on an adjusting element of the adjusting device in order to pre-tension the adjusting element (together with the closure flap mounted thereon) into a specific position in the opening direction or closing direction and / or to pre-tension the closure flap relative to the adjusting element into its opening position or its closing position.

[0028] In one embodiment, a spring element, which rests on the adjusting element on one side and on the closure flap on the other, in order to preload the closure flap relative to the adjusting element, is protected in a spring channel on the closure flap. The spring element is preferably completely mounted in the spring channel and rests on the adjusting element in the region of a first channel end and on the closure flap at the other, second channel end. The spring channel is preferably designed as a closed channel within the closure flap.

[0029] In order to trigger or at least assist both an adjustment of the closure flap relative to an adjustment element and an adjustment of the adjustment element together with the closure flap by means of spring force, one embodiment variant provides at least two spring elements, of which a first spring element counteracts an adjustment of the adjustment element, for example relative to a support structure of the adjustment device, and a second spring element counteracts an adjustment of the closure flap relative to the adjustment element. This includes, in particular, embodiments in which, for example, the second spring element prestresses the closure flap toward a closed position, but also embodiments in which at least one second spring element prestresses the closure flap relative to the adjustment element into an open position.

[0030] When the closure flap is pre-tensioned into a closed position via the at least one second spring element, the spring force of the spring element is used, for example, to press the closure flap against a seal bordering the closure opening and / or to press a sealing element provided on the closure flap against the connecting element and / or the filling opening or at least against an edge of the connecting element and / or the filling opening.

[0031] The use of two spring elements at different locations within the adjustment device can be used, in particular, to control a two-act or two-phase adjustment movement of the closure flap using a flexible traction mechanism. In a variant based on this, it is provided, for example, that the traction mechanism engages the closure flap and the at least two spring elements are designed and arranged such that the closure flap can be adjusted by means of the traction mechanism, on the one hand together with the adjustment element and, on the other hand, relative to the adjustment element.A tensile force is applied to the closure flap via the traction means only for opening or closing the closure flap, while the opposite adjustment movement for closing or opening the closure flap is driven by the at least two spring elements and only the adjustment speed can be controlled by the traction means.

[0032] For example, first and second spring elements with different spring constants are used. In this case, for example, a first spring element preloads the adjusting element into an extended intermediate position or a retracted closed position, while the closure flap is preloaded into its open position relative to the adjusting element via the at least one second spring element. If, for example, the spring force applied by the at least one second spring element acting between the adjusting element and the closure flap is greater than the spring force of the first spring element acting between the adjusting element and a stationary component, the spring force of the at least one second spring element adjusts the closure flap into its open position against the spring force of the at least one first spring element.The first spring element then supports the adjustment of the closure flap into the closed position by means of the drive and its motor. Alternatively, both different spring elements can support an opening movement, so that the adjustment element is adjusted together with the closure flap via the at least one first spring element, and then the closure flap is displaced relative to the adjustment element under the influence of the at least one second spring element.

[0033] In one embodiment, an adjusting element of the adjusting device can be displaced along a guide slot by means of the drive in order to adjust the closure flap, wherein the closure flap is adjustably mounted on the adjusting element via at least one pivot arm, which in turn is pivotally mounted on the adjusting element. The adjusting element can be displaced along a predetermined adjustment path, and the at least one pivot arm can interact with at least one further element of the adjusting device in such a way that a pivoting movement is imposed on the pivot arm and thus the closure flap in at least one section of the adjustment path of the adjusting element.

[0034] For this purpose, in one embodiment, the at least one pivot arm is connected to a stop element that engages a stop along the adjustment path of the adjustment element. This engagement causes the pivot arm to pivot upon further adjustment of the adjustment element.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the at least one pivot arm is connected to a first gear element, which meshes with a second gear element along the adjustment path of the adjustment element, the teeth of which are arranged one behind the other along a circular arc. Consequently, the pivoting movement upon adjustment of the adjustment element is not imposed on the pivot arm via the stationary stop, but rather via the meshing of two gear elements. Alternatively, a friction pairing between a section of the pivot arm and a stationary component of the adjustment device, relative to which the adjustment element is displaced, would also be possible.

[0036] In one embodiment, the adjusting element interacts with a rotatable drive part, via which the adjusting element can be adjusted translationally.

[0037] The adjustment element can have a radially projecting guide pin that rests against a guide track extending helically around a rotational axis of the drive part in such a way that, upon rotation of the drive part, the guide pin slides along the guide track, thereby displacing the adjustment element parallel to the rotational axis of the drive part. The guide pin and the helical guide track thus translate the rotational movement of the drive part into a translational movement of the adjustment element.

[0038] The drive part can cooperate with a transmission element, via which a torque of the drive part can be converted into an adjusting movement of the closure flap relative to the adjusting element. In a variant embodiment based on this, the transmission element forms a first toothing for this purpose, which is designed and configured to mesh with a counter toothing of the drive part. The transmission element, the adjusting element and the drive part are then designed and coupled to one another in such a way that the transmission element - when the closure flap is adjusted from a closed position towards the open position - is displaced via the adjusting element when the drive part rotates and only comes into engagement with the counter toothing of the drive part via its first toothing after it has covered a defined displacement path.As long as the transmission member with its first toothing does not yet engage with the counter toothing of the drive part, the transmission member does not rotate, which in turn means that no relative movement of the closure flap occurs with respect to the transmission member and the adjusting element, but the transmission member and the closure flap are merely displaced.

[0039] The transmission member can, for example, have a sleeve portion within which at least part of the drive part is arranged. Internal teeth are then provided on the sleeve portion of the transmission member, which can mesh with external teeth of the rotatable drive part when the aforementioned displacement path of the transmission member relative to the drive part has been traversed upon opening the closure flap.

[0040] To transmit an adjusting force to the closure flap, via which the closure flap is then displaced relative to the adjusting element, the transmission member can have a second toothing which is designed and configured to mesh with a counter toothing on the closure flap. This counter toothing on the closure flap is formed, for example, by a row of teeth arranged one behind the other along a straight line on the underside of the closure flap in the manner of a rack. In this way, the co-rotation of the transmission member - after covering the predetermined displacement path, transmission of a torque to the transmission member - achieves engagement with a toothing of the closure flap, so that the co-rotating transmission member drives the closure flap for an adjustment transverse to the rotational axis of the drive part.The transmission member can also be designed in the region of its second toothing such that when the closure flap K is opened, the transmission member must first bridge an idle rotational path, preferably of a few degrees (e.g. 1° to 4°), until the rotating transmission member engages with the toothing on the closure flap and adjusts the closure flap relative to the adjusting element.

[0041] The attached figures illustrate possible embodiments of the proposed solution.

[0042] Here we show: Fig. 1A to 1D show an embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which two guide elements of a closure flap are slidably guided in four guide slots arranged opposite one another in pairs, each of which has a curved profile; Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, with a traction means in the form of a traction cable, which is deflected several times on a supporting structure of the adjusting device, for adjusting a closure flap; Fig. 3A to 3B show a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which a pair of rigidly connected guide elements are displaceably guided on a common guide slot with a curved profile; Fig. 4A to 4B show a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which two closure flaps are provided, each of which is adjustable via a pair of guide elements slidably held in a curved guide slot; Fig. 5A to 5E show schematically and in section a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention with two guide slots extending at an angle to one another for two guide elements rigidly connected to the closure flap; Fig. 6 a further design variant with two closure flaps, each of which is attached to guide rails according to the variant of the Fig. 5A to 5E are stored; Fig. 7A to 7B show two further embodiments of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which the closure flap is again adjustable via a flexible pulling means in the form of a pulling cable and the closure flap is rigidly connected to an adjusting element for this purpose, which is displaceably mounted on two guide slots and is held transversely displaceably relative to a guide element for a guide slot; Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention with an adjusting element which can be moved along a guide slot and on which two pivot arms which are hinged to the closure flap are rotatably mounted; Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which two pivot arms are also rotatably mounted on a displaceable adjusting element, in contrast to the variant of Fig. 8 however, a pivoting movement is imposed on the pivot arms via a pair of gears; Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which the closure flap is held displaceably via a driver section on an adjusting element which is itself adjustably mounted along a guide slot, wherein two different spring elements are provided for separately pre-tensioning the closure flap and the adjusting element; Fig. 11A to 11E show a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention with a pull cable for adjusting the closure flap, in which connecting webs provided on the closure flap are held longitudinally and transversely displaceably in a guide channel of a support frame of the adjusting device; Fig. 12A to 12C show in different views the adjustment device of the Fig. 11A to 11E in sections in a state installed on a vehicle; Fig. 13A to 13D show a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which the closure flap is held longitudinally displaceably on an adjustable adjusting element pre-tensioned into an intermediate position by a spring element; Fig. 14A to 14E show a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which the closure flap is displaceably held on two spring-loaded adjusting elements and the closure flap is pre-tensioned into an open position by a spring element against each of the adjusting elements; Fig. 15A to 15C the adjustment device of the Fig. 14A to 14E in sections when installed in a vehicle; Fig. 16A to 16H show a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which a torque generated by a drive of the adjusting device can be converted into a translational adjusting movement of an adjusting element via a drive part with a guide track running helically around a rotational axis; Fig. 17A to 17E show a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention with an adjusting element which is held displaceably in two guide sleeves and on which the closure flap is held displaceably via two guide slots.

[0043] The attached figures illustrate different variants of an adjusting device V according to the invention. In each of these adjusting devices V, a closure flap K is adjustable between a closed position and an open position by means of an external power drive 3 with a motor 31. In the closed position, a closure opening BO is completely closed by the closure flap K, which is defined by a housing-like support structure T of the adjusting device V. This support structure T borders a cavity within which, in addition to the drive 3, a connection area AB is accommodated. This connection area AB has a connection socket A as a connection element for plugging in a charging plug, for example to charge the battery of an electric vehicle.The adjustment device V is designed as a prefabricated module with the support structure T and can be mounted on a corresponding component opening on a body part B of a vehicle.

[0044] In the closed position, the closure flap K covers in particular the connection area AB with the connection socket A, so that the latter is protected from external influences. What all design variants have in common is that the closure flap K is as close as possible to the support structure T in its open position and therefore does not protrude too much from the vehicle body when open. The respective adjustment mechanism for adjusting the closure flap K is comparatively compact in each case and therefore takes up little installation space within the support structure T. The support structure T can in particular have a partition wall ST, by means of which two spaces within the support structure T are separated from one another.In one of these spaces, the connection area AB with the connection socket A is then preferably provided, while the drive 3 and a large part of the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the closure flap K are arranged in the other space. In this case, the space accommodating the drive 3 and the adjustment mechanism preferably remains covered by the closure flap K even when it is in the open position, so that this space is protected from external access even when the closure flap K is open.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, some of the illustrated adjusting devices V have at least one flexible traction means 4 coupled to the drive 3, via which an adjusting force can be transmitted for the externally operated adjustment of the closure flap K. This particularly applies to the variants of the Fig. 1A - 1E, 2, 3A - 3B, 4A - 4B, 5A - 5E, 6, 7A - 7B, 8, 9, 10, 11A - 11E, 12A - 12C, 13A - 13D, 14A - 14E, 15A - 15C, 17A - 17E and thus all variants of the attached figures except for the embodiment of the Fig. 16A to 16H.

[0046] The traction means 4 can be deflected multiple times via rigid or rotatable deflection elements 5a - 5i, for example in the form of cable pulleys 5a - 5d or deflection pieces 5e - 5i, and guided in such a way that an externally operated opening and closing of the closure flap K can be controlled via the traction means 4. For example, the flexible traction means is a chain or a traction cable 4 or a cable pull, wherein the traction means can be wound up via a winding or drive element, e.g. in the form of a cable drum or winding shaft 30, in order to apply a tensile force to the closure flap K. By flexibly laying or guiding the traction means 4 or, if necessary, several traction means, the necessary installation space for the adjustment mechanism can be considerably reduced, so that the associated adjustment device V requires only a slightly larger amount of space than a manual solution.

[0047] In possible embodiments, a slotted guide is provided, which, via at least one guide slot 2a to 2d or 15a, 15b, specifies an adjustment path for the closure flap K, along which the closure flap can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position. In conjunction with the at least one traction means 4, a path-controlled kinematics is thus provided for the adjustment movement of the closure flap K. To specify a more complex adjustment movement, in which the closure flap K is not only moved in a straight line, but, for example, executes a superimposed pivoting movement, at least one guide slot 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d or 15a, 15b of the slotted guide can have several curvatures (cf. in particular Fig. 2). For example, the guide link has a spline-like shape, i.e., it resembles the course of a spline, a polynomial of the nth degree.

[0048] For the adjustment of the closure flap K by means of the traction means 4, two guide elements 1.1 and 1.2 that are spatially spaced apart from one another can be moved together along a guide slot 2a. Such a variant is shown as an example in the attached Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B shown.

[0049] In another embodiment, for the adjustment of the closure flap K by means of the traction means 4, two guide elements 1a, 1b or 1.1 / 1.2, 1.3 / 1.4, e.g. each in the form of a driver, sliding pin or block, are displaceable along two guide slots 2a, 2b or 2c, 2d, which are spaced apart from one another. The two guide slots 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d preferably run in a common plane, as shown, for example, in the attached Fig. 1A - 1D, 4A - 4B, 5A - 5E, 7A - 7B is shown.

[0050] By means of two guide elements 1a, 1b or 1.1 / 1.2, 1.3 / 1.4 which are spatially spaced from one another and which are displaceable along two guide slots 2a, 2b or 2c, 2d which are spatially spaced from one another and not parallel to one another, a tilting movement can be imposed on a component which rigidly connects the two guide elements 1a, 1b or 1.1 / 1.2, 1.3 / 1.4, e.g. in the form of a driver or slider to which the closure flap K is connected. This can make it easier to specify an opening position for the open closure flap K in which it is tilted relative to a closed position to such an extent that the closure flap K ensures protection of the accessible connection socket A and / or a filling opening for the vehicle tank from moisture and / or dirt.For example, the closure flap is tilted at the opening point to such an extent that a recess or cavity in the body of the vehicle in which the connection socket A and / or the filling opening are located is protected from rain.

[0051] In one variant, an adjusting element 10 can be connected to two guide elements that are displaceably guided on different guide slots 2a, 2b, wherein a connection to one of the guide elements has a sliding seat, via which a displacement of the adjusting element 10 relative to the guide element is permitted. For this purpose, the adjusting element 20 can, for example, have a slotted guide with a slotted hole 101. The sliding seat enables an additional adjustment movement of the adjusting element 10 transversely to a guide path defined by the respective guide slot 2a, 2b. Such a variant is shown by way of example in the Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B.

[0052] A guide element 1a, 1b can be movably guided on a guide slot 2a, 2b, which is firmly connected to the closure flap K via a preferably rigid connecting section 10.1, 10.2. Such a rigid connecting section 10.1 or 10.2 is in the embodiment of the Fig. 1A - 1E, 11A - 11E and 12A - 12C on the closure flap K, but also in the variants of the Fig. 3A - 3B, 4A - 4B, 5A - 5E and 6. In the variant of Fig. 11A - 11E and 12A - 12C, the connecting section 10.1 or 10.2 is each movably held in a guide channel FK1 or FK2 of a support structure T of the adjustment device V. The guide channel FK1 or FK2 is each formed in a side wall of a support frame TR, which defines a part of the housing-like support structure T, on or in which a drive 3 of the adjustment device V is housed and mounted on a vehicle.

[0053] In one embodiment of an adjusting device V according to the invention, the latter has at least two closure flaps K1, K2, which together close the closure opening BO when the closure flaps K1, K2 are in a closed position. Such a variant is shown by way of example in the attached Fig. 4A - 4B, 5A - 5E and 6.

[0054] According to the invention, an adjusting element 10 of the adjusting device V is adjustable in order to adjust the closure flap K from a closed position and / or into a closed position, wherein the closure flap K is adjustably mounted on the adjusting element 10 itself. Such an embodiment with one or more adjusting elements 10, 10a or 10b is shown in different variants in the attached Fig. 8, 9, 10, 13A - 13D, 14A - 14E, 15A - 15C, 16A - 16H and 17A - 17E. Here, the adjusting element 10 and the closure flap K can be adjusted relative to the adjusting element 10 by means of a pulling means 4. As the variant of the Fig. 16A - 16H illustrates this, but is not mandatory.

[0055] The adjusting element 10 of the adjusting device V can be displaceable along at least one guide slot 2a, a guide shaft 32 or guide sleeve FH1, FH2 in order to adjust the closure flap K, e.g. in order to move the closure flap from a closed position and / or into a closed position for at least partially closing the closure opening BO.

[0056] The closure flap K can be adjustably mounted on the adjusting element 10 via at least one pivot arm 11, 12, which is pivotally mounted on the adjusting element 10, as shown by way of example in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. By means of such a variant, which is also independent of the use of a traction means 4 and in which consequently an alternative means for transmitting an adjustment force can also be used, the closure flap K can execute an additional pivoting movement via the pivot arm 11, 12. The adjustment element 10, via which the closure flap K is also (co-)adjusted, is itself only designed to be displaceable. In this context, the adjustment element 10 can be displaceable along a predetermined adjustment path and the at least one pivot arm 11, 12 can interact with at least one further element of the adjustment device V in such a way that a pivoting movement is imposed on the pivot arm 11, 12 and thus the closure flap K in at least one section of the adjustment path of the adjustment element 10. Such a further element can, for example - essentially according to the embodiment of the Fig. 8 - a stop element 13, which strikes a stop along the adjustment path of the adjustment element 10 and pivots the pivot arm 11, 12 via this. In another embodiment - essentially corresponding to the embodiment of the Fig. 9 - the adjusting element 10 is connected to at least one first gear element 113, 123, which meshes along the adjustment path of the adjusting element 10 with a second fixed gear element 13a or 13b, the teeth of which are arranged one behind the other along a circular arc.

[0057] The adjustment of the closure flap K into an open position or into a closed position can in principle be counteracted by a spring force of at least one spring element 6, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2 of the adjustment device V. Depending on the direction of action of the spring element 6, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2, the closure flap K is thereby pretensioned into a closed position or into an open position.

[0058] Via the traction mechanism 4, the closure flap K can then be pulled against the spring action, for example, into an open position; for example, in the design variant of the Fig. 7A-7B, 8 or 9 or the version based on the functional principle of a forklift truck. Fig. 10. This means that the closure flap K is automatically moved into the closed position due to the action of at least one spring element 6, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2.

[0059] Alternatively, the closure flap K can be pre-tensioned into an open position via the at least one spring element 8.1, 8.2 and consequently pulled into a closed position via the traction means 4 against the spring action, as is the case, for example, in the embodiments of the Fig. 13A - 13D, 14A - 14E, 15A - 15C and 17A - 17E.

[0060] In further training, e.g. according to the Fig. 10, 14A - 14E and 15A - 15C, at least two spring elements 6.1 / 6.2 or 8.1, 8.2 / 6.1, 6.2 can be provided, of which a first spring element 6.1 or 8.1, 8.2 counteracts an adjustment of an adjustment element 10 with a closure flap K adjustably mounted thereon and a second spring element 6.2 or 6.1, 6.2 counteracts an adjustment of the closure flap K relative to the adjustment element 10. Thus, by means of the second spring element 6.1 or 6.1, 6.2, the closure flap K can be pressed in a closed position against a seal bordering the closure opening, as for example in the variant of the Fig. 10.

[0061] In principle, the tensioning means 4 can act directly on the closure flap K and the at least two spring elements 6.1 / 6.2 or 8.1, 8.2 / 6.1, 6.2 can be designed and arranged such that the closure flap K can be adjusted by means of the tensioning means 4, on the one hand together with the adjustment element 10 and, on the other hand, relative to the adjustment element 10. For this purpose, the spring elements 6.1 / 6.2 or 8.1, 8.2 / 6.1, 6.2 can also have different spring constants, so that when the tensioning means 4 is pulled, one spring element 6.2 or 6.1, 6.2 is compressed or extended first before the other spring element 6.1 or 8.1, 8.2 is compressed or extended.

[0062] As with the variants of the attached Fig. 10, 14A - 14E and 15A - 15C with first spring elements 6.1 or 8.1 and 8.2 and second spring elements 6.2 or 6.1 and 6.2, the at least two spring elements can be designed and arranged such that - by means of the traction means 4, the closure flap K can be adjusted from a closed position, first together with the adjusting element 10 and then relative to the adjusting element 10 ( Fig. 10), or - by means of the traction means 4, the closure flap K is adjustable when adjusted into a closed position, first relative to the adjusting element 10 and then together with the adjusting element 10 ( Fig. 13A - 13D, 14A - 14E and 15A - 15C).

[0063] In principle, the adjusting element 10 can form a guide element 104a, 104b, along which the closure flap K can be displaced via at least one guide slot 15a, 15b adjacent thereto when the pulling means 4 is pulled to close or open the closure flap K. Alternatively or additionally, the adjusting element 10 can form a (cable) guide channel 16 for the pulling means 4.

[0064] For a rope fastening 40, 40a, 40b of the traction rope 4 to the closure flap K, a rope nipple can, for example, be positively received in a nipple chamber of the closure flap K. In addition, a rope compensation can be realized, for example, via a compensating spring integrated within the nipple chamber.

[0065] After the exemplary embodiments of the attached figures have been explained in an overview, further details of the individual variants will be discussed below.

[0066] In the variants of the Fig. 1A - 1D, 2 and 3A - 3B, a path control is provided via a guide slot 2a - 2d integrated into the support structure T or its support frame TR. Guide elements 1a - 1d in the form of guide pins or sliders run - preferably without play - in these guide slots 2a - 2d. These guide elements 1a - 1d are each formed, for example, on one of two adjustment elements in the form of connecting webs 10.1, 10.2 of a closure flap K, as in the variants of Fig. 1A - 1D and 3A - 3B. Alternatively, depending on the variant of the Fig. 2 deflection elements 5b, 5d are mounted on the closure flap K in order to use a tensile force applied via the pull cable 4 to adjust the closure flap K. A guide element 1a in the form of a slider is then not rigidly connected to the closure flap K, but is only coupled to it via the pull cable 4.

[0067] The motor-driven closure flap K closes the connection socket A in the connection area AB for a charging plug of an electric vehicle. A through-opening O is formed on the underside of the housing-like support structure T. The support structure T can thus be mounted to a body part by sliding the underside with the through-opening O over the connection area AB already present on the body part or the vehicle, so that the connection area with the connection socket A protrudes through the through-opening into the interior of the support structure T.

[0068] With an adjustment device V of the Fig. 4A - 4B and 6 with two closing flaps K1, K2, for example, a coupling enables only partial or complete opening of the cover defined by the closing flaps K1, K2, for example depending on whether a charging plug is to be connected or, for example, only a fill level is to be checked via a display element below the cover.

[0069] In the version of the Fig. 5A - 5E, the closure flap K opens inwards in a path-controlled manner via two curved guide slots 2a and 2b, which run at an angle to one another and are each curved, and thus enables, on the one hand, the partial or complete swinging of the closure flap K within the cavity accommodating the connecting element A and, on the other hand, rain protection in the open state. While one guide slot 2a is simply curved and extends along a circular path, the other guide slot 2b is multiply curved and has a spline-like and essentially S-shaped course. In this case, a main direction of extension of one guide slot 2a essentially points from bottom to top with reference to an installed state of the adjustment device V, whereas a main direction of extension of the other guide slot 2b, arranged in an upper region of the support structure T, points from outside to inside.

[0070] In the variant of the Fig. 6, the guide slots 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d of the two closure flaps K1, K2 are mirror-symmetrical to each other, wherein the arrangement of a pair of guide slots 2a, 2b or 2c, 2d of a closure flap K1 or K2 corresponds to the arrangement of the guide slots 2a and 2b of the variant of the Fig. 5A - 5E corresponds.

[0071] Especially with the variants of the Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B, the closure flap K is opened by means of the drive 3 and the traction means 4 against the spring force of a spring element 6 - here, for example, in the form of a tension spring. In both exemplary embodiments, an adjustment element 10, which is connected to the traction means in the form of a traction cable 4, can be displaced in the manner of a telescopic arm via an elongated hole 101 transversely to the guide slot 2a. A sliding seat with an elongated hole guide for the adjustment element 10 is thus provided via the elongated hole 101. In this way, when the adjustment element 10 is displaced along the guide slots 2a, 2b, the closure flap K, which is rigidly connected to the adjustment element 10, is not only adjusted along one spatial direction - here, for example, upwards - but also simultaneously transversely thereto in order to be lifted off the outer edge of the support structure T upon opening.For this purpose, one of the guide links 2a, 2b has a section curved away from the other guide link 2a, through which the adjusting element 10 passes for opening the closure flap K. Since the adjusting element 10 is displaceably mounted on the guide element for this other guide link 2a via the elongated hole 101, the adjusting movement of the adjusting element 10 (and thus of the closure flap K) along the guide links 2a and 2b is superimposed with a transverse movement when passing this section.

[0072] In the variant of the Fig. 7B is compared to the variant of the Fig. 7A a stroke is extended by an inclination of the adjusting element 10 with respect to the guide slot 2a by an angle α, for example of approximately 45°.

[0073] In the variants of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, in which parallel pivot arms 11 and 12 are provided, each pivotably mounted on an adjusting element 10, an extension of the stroke is also possible compared to the variant of the Fig. 7A. By pivoting the pivot arms 11 and 12 connected to the closure flap K, the closure flap K is forced to perform a pivoting movement during closing and opening in addition to the translational adjustment via the movable adjustment element 10. This makes it relatively easy to ensure, for example, a desired contact pressure for the closure flap K during closing.

[0074] In the variants of the Fig. 8, the two pivot arms 11 and 12 are each pivotally mounted centrally via a pivot bearing 110 or 120 on the adjusting element 10, which can be moved along a guide slot 2a - here running straight, e.g., parallel to the vehicle's vertical or transverse axis when installed. Each pivot arm 11, 12 is articulated with one end at a connection point 112, 122 on a stop element 13 and with the other end at a connection point 111, 121 on the closure flap K. The stop element 13 forms a pin-shaped, projecting stop section 130 transversely to the direction of extension of the guide slots 2a, by means of which the pivot arms 11 and 12 are pivoted along its guide slots 2a when the adjusting element 10 is moved. For this purpose, the stop section 130 cooperates with two end stops 7a and 7b spaced apart from one another along the adjustment path of the adjustment element 10.

[0075] When the adjusting element 10 is adjusted along the guide slot 2a to open the closure flap K, the adjusting element 10 is guided, for example, at least partially past an (upper) end stop 7b. The projecting, pin-shaped stop section 130 then strikes the end stop 7b and locks the stop element 13, to which one end of a pivot arm 11 and 12 is hinged, against further adjustment relative to the end stop 7b. By pulling the adjusting element 10 further along the guide slot 2a and the pivot arms 11 and 12 are mounted thereon, the pivot arms 11 and 12 are then pivoted synchronously about the pivot bearings 110 and 120, thus forcing the closure flap K to undergo an additional pivoting movement relative to the adjusting element 10.

[0076] If the closure flap K is closed again using the spring element 6 acting on the adjustment element 10—here a tension spring—and this allows the traction cable 4 to be unwound from the cable drum 30 of the drive 3, the stop section 130 strikes a (lower) end stop 7a. Via this end stop 7a, the pivot arms 11 and 12 are then pivoted in the opposite pivoting direction, and the closure flap K is adjusted toward the connection socket A into a closed position.

[0077] In the variant of the Fig. 9, the opposing pivoting movements of the pivot arms 11 and 12 about the pivot bearings 110, 120 provided on the movable adjusting element 10 during opening and closing of the closure flap K are supported by toothed segments 113, 123 at the ends of the pivot arms. These toothed segments 113 and 123 each mesh with toothed guideways provided on the support structure T. The guideways each run in a circular arc and are defined by ring gear segments 13a, 13b, with whose teeth the toothed segments 113, 123 mesh. Via the spring element 6, the adjusting element 10 with its two pivot arms 11 and 12 is again preloaded into a closed position that corresponds to the closed position of the closure flap K.

[0078] In the variant of the Fig. 10, the drive 3 winds the pull cable 4 to open the closure flap K and pulls an adjustment element 10 with two cable pulleys 5a, 5b upwards on a guide track defined by a multiply curved guide slot 2a against a spring element 6.1 in the form of a tension spring (spring force F1). A second, stronger spring element 6.2 in the form of a compression spring (spring force F2) holds the closure flap K, which is slidably held on the adjustment element 10 via a driver section 14, in a defined position on the adjustment element 10 until the adjustment element 10 has moved the closure flap K, in particular slightly out of a seal. A fail-safe mechanism can be implemented very easily here, since if a user wants or needs to open the closure flap K without the aid of the drive 3, they only have to move the closure flap K upwards against the spring elements 6.1, 6.2 and gravity.

[0079] In the variant according to the Fig. 11A - 11E and 12A - 12C, a guide for a traction device - here in the form of the traction cable 4 - is integrated exclusively into the supporting structure T. The supporting frame TR forms several deflection areas U1 to U4 as well as rigid deflection pieces 5e to 5i for the guidance of the traction cable 4 on or within its side walls and the partition wall ST.

[0080] The traction cable 4 is guided several times within the edge of the support structure T and in particular on or within the partition wall ST in order to displace drivers 14.1 and 14.2 along an adjustment axis when the traction cable 4 is wound onto the cable drum 30 of the drive 3. These drivers 14.1 and 14.2 are displaceably mounted on opposite walls of the support frame TR of the support structure T and are each connected to the traction cable 4. A connecting section 10.1 or 10.2 of the closure flap K is displaceably held on the respective driver 14.1 or 14.2, transversely to the adjustment axis of the drivers 14.1 and 14.2. A connecting section 10.1 or 10.2 protruding like a web from the closure flap K is inserted into the corresponding driver 14.1 or 14.2, so that it is carried by the driver 14.1 or 14.2, but at the same time is held displaceably on it.The connecting sections 10.1 and 10.2, which protrude like webs from the underside of the closure flap K and run parallel to each other, are each guided in a side wall of the support frame TR. Each side wall forms a longitudinal guide channel FK1 or FK2, into which the respective connecting section 10.1 or 10.2 engages and through which the connecting section 10.1 or 10.2 is then inserted into the respective driver 14.1 or 14.2.

[0081] Furthermore, each connecting section 10.1 and 10.2 is guided on a longitudinally extending guide slot 2a or 2b via a guide element 1a or 1b formed thereon in the form of a guide pin. The guide slots 2a and 2b for the two connecting sections 10.1 and 10.2 run parallel to each other on opposite side walls of the support frame TR, on which the drivers 14.1 and 14.2 are also movably mounted.

[0082] Each of the guide links 2a and 2b has a section with a curved profile, via which the connecting section 10.1 or 10.2, and thus the rigidly connected closure flap K, is provided with an adjustment movement transverse to the longitudinal adjustment axis of the drivers 14.1 and 14.2. When moving along the guide links 2a and 2b, a connecting section 10.1, 10.2 is thus also displaced along its extension direction relative to the respective associated driver 14.1 or 14.2.

[0083] The closure flap K is lifted off the edge of the supporting structure T when opened via the curved path of the guide links 2a and 2b. The closure flap K is then adjusted exclusively parallel to the adjustment axis of the drivers 14.1 and 14.2 via sections of a guide link 2a or 2b adjoining the curved path, which run straight and parallel to the adjustment axis of the drivers 14.1 and 14.2. Conversely, when the closure flap is closed, it is pulled into the closed position via the pull cable 4, the connected drivers 14.1 and 14.2, and the guide links 2a and 2b, and at the end of its adjustment path is pulled against the edge of the supporting structure T to close the closure opening BO.

[0084] In the Fig. 12A to 12C is the adjustment device V of the Fig. 11A to 11E are shown in detail in a state installed on a vehicle. Here, the adjusting device V is inserted into the closure opening BO defined by the body part B, in which the connection area AB with the connection socket A is located. The adjusting device V is mounted on the body part B in such a way that the closure flap K is displaced rearwardly, primarily relative to a vehicle longitudinal axis, when opened in order to make the connection socket A accessible.

[0085] In the variant according to the Fig. 13A - 13D, 14A - 14E and 15A - 15C as well as 17A - 17E, a guide for a traction device - here again in the form of the traction cable 4 - is (also) integrated into the closure flap K.

[0086] In the embodiment of the Fig. 13A to 13D, the closure flap K is displaceably mounted on an extendable adjusting element 10, wherein the adjusting element 10 here forms wing-like, laterally projecting guide arms 104a and 104b, which engage in parallel guide slots 15a and 15b of the closure flap K. Centrally between these two guide slots 15a and 15b, a cable guide channel 16 is formed on the closure flap K. A section of the traction cable 4 extends in this cable guide channel 16. The traction cable 4 is guided from the drive 3 within a cable guide channel 103 on the adjusting element side to the closure flap K and its cable guide channel 16. Starting from the cable guide channel 103 on the adjustment element side, the pull cable 4 then extends first to a first loop at one end of the closure flap K and then back again in the direction of the opposite end.Via a second loop on the opposite front end of the closure flap K, the pull cable is then guided again in the direction of the cable guide channel 103 on the adjustment element side. Between the two loops, the pull cable 4 is fixed to the closure flap K via a cable fastening 40, so that pulling on the pull cable 4 in one direction or the other displaces the closure flap K relative to the adjustment element 10 and opens or closes it.

[0087] In order to initially lift the closure flap K from the edge of the supporting structure T when opening it, the adjustment element 10 is pre-tensioned into an extended position by a spring element 6 in the form of a compression spring. The adjustment element 10 can therefore only be retracted against the spring force of the compression spring in order to close the closure flap K as intended. However, if the drive 3 allows the pull cable 4 to be unwound and thus no longer applies a sufficient counterforce, the adjustment element 10 is moved by the spring element 6 into the position defined in the Fig. 13A to 13D shown extended position.

[0088] An adjustment axis, along which the adjustment element 10 is adjustable via the spring element 6, is defined by a guide shaft 32, in which a shaft 102 of the adjustment element 10 is displaceably mounted. The guide shaft 32, which is provided for supporting the adjustment element 10 in order to keep the adjustment element 10 longitudinally displaceable by a defined adjustment path, extends perpendicular to the guide slots 15a and 15b. As a result, the closure flap K, when opened, is initially lifted off the support structure T together with the adjustment element 10 along a first spatial direction and then adjusted along a spatial direction perpendicular thereto, which is defined by the slotted guide of the guide slots 15a, 15b and the guide elements 104a and 104b. The guide shaft 32 for supporting the adjustment element 10 is, in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 13A to 13D save space by forming part of the housing of the drive 3 and molded thereon.

[0089] Especially with the variants of the Fig. 14A to 15C, it is provided that the pull cable 4 acts against a weaker spring element or several weaker spring elements 6.1 and 6.2 to close the closure flap K. If the closure flap K reaches an intermediate position in which the closure flap K does not yet close the closure opening BO as intended and, for example, is sealingly abutting the support structure T or a seal provided on the body part B, the pull cable 4 acts against a stronger spring element or several stronger spring elements 8.1, 8.2 to pull the closure flap K toward the support structure T and into the closed position.

[0090] In the version of the Fig. 14A to 14E and 15A to 15C, two traction cables 4 or two sections of a traction cable 4 are each deflected by approximately 180° on the closure flap K. A traction cable section extends from a cable attachment 40a or 40b on the closure flap K over almost the entire length of the closure flap K to a rigid deflection piece 5e or 5f formed on the closure flap K, and is deflected by 180° in the direction of a guide channel 105a or 105b on the adjustment element side. A guide channel 105a, 105b is provided here on each of two adjustment elements 10a and 10b, a section of which projects into a spring channel 17a or 17b of the closure flap K. A spring channel 17a or 17b runs between the respective adjusting element 10a or 10b having a guide channel 105a or 105b in the direction of the respective deflection piece 5e or 5f.Within this spring channel 17a or 17b, the respective pull cable section runs along the closure flap K.

[0091] Furthermore, a spring element 6.1 or 6.2 in the form of a compression spring is housed in this spring channel 17a, 17b, which presses the closure flap K into the open position. For this purpose, the spring element 6.1 or 6.2 is supported on the one hand on the adjustment element 10a or 10b and on the other hand on an end face of the spring channel 17a or 17b and thus on the closure flap K. If the pull cable 4 or the pull cables 4 are wound up via the drive 3 in order to close the closure flap K, an adjustment must therefore take place against the spring force of the two spring elements 6.1 and 6.2. If the two spring elements 6.1 and 6.2 have been compressed to such an extent to close the closure flap K that the closure flap K is in a proper intermediate position above the supporting structure T, further pulling on the pull cable 4 or on the pull cables 4 leads to a retraction of the adjustment elements 10a and 10b, which in this variant are also mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable.

[0092] The adjustment elements 10a and 10b are each displaceably mounted perpendicular to the direction of extension of the spring channels 17a and 17b in an associated guide shaft 32a or 32b. The adjustment elements 10a and 10b are L- or V-shaped, so that they each define two legs extending at an angle to one another. A first leg is held longitudinally displaceably within the associated guide shaft 32a or 32b, while the second leg of the adjustment element 10a or 10b, which extends essentially perpendicular to the first leg, forms a bearing section for the respective spring element 6.1 or 6.2. In this case, coils of the associated spring element 6.1 or 6.2 extend around the bearing section protruding into the spring channel 17a or 17b, so that the respective spring element 6.1 or 6.2 is properly aligned with the respective adjustment element 10a or 10b. To support the respective associated spring element 6.1 or 6.2.2, each of the adjusting elements 10a, 10b forms a collar as a spring support 106a, 106b on the bearing section of the second leg.

[0093] Each of the adjustment elements 10a, 10b is further preloaded into an extended position by an additional spring element 8.1 or 8.2 in the form of a compression spring. For this purpose, the additional spring element 8.1 or 8.2 is supported on the one hand within the associated guide shaft 32a or 32b on the one hand on the adjustment element 10a or 10b and on the other hand on a housing part of the drive 3. The additional spring elements 8.1 and 8.2 thus preload the adjustment elements 10a and 10b into an extended position. When the closure flap K is opened, this extended position corresponds to an intermediate position of the closure flap K mounted on the adjustment elements 10a and 10b, which the closure flap K assumes after an initial adjustment phase and in which the closure flap K is then already lifted off the support structure T and thus off the connection socket A. The additional spring elements 6.1 and 6.2, the closure flap K is further pre-tensioned into its open position relative to the adjustment elements 10a and 10b. In order to hold the closure flap K in a closed position, the pull cable 4 or the pull cables 4 must be kept wound on a cable drum 30 of the drive 3. However, if the closure flap K is to be opened, only the adjustment speed of the closure flap K needs to be controlled by unwinding the pull cable 4 or the pull cables 4 from the cable drum 30. The adjustment force required to open the closure flap K is generated exclusively via the stored energy of the spring elements 6.1, 6.2 and 8.1, 8.2, which are (more strongly) tensioned in the closed position. In this case, the closure flap K is adjusted together with the adjustment element 10 by means of the spring elements 8.1, 8.2 on the one hand, and the closure flap K is adjusted relative to the adjustment element 10 by means of the spring elements 6.1, 6.2 on the other.

[0094] From the views of the Fig. 15A to 15C shows the installation situation of the adjustment device V of the Fig. 14A to 14E. This particularly clarifies once again that the closure flap K will be opened, primarily laterally and rearwardly relative to a vehicle longitudinal axis, via the illustrated adjustment device V, and that in an open position, the drive 3 continues to be almost completely covered by the closure flap K.

[0095] In the version of the Fig. 16A to 16H, a rod-shaped adjusting element 10 cooperates with a rotatable drive part 18, via which the adjusting element 10 is translationally adjustable. For this purpose, an adjusting element 10 has a radially projecting guide pin 107, which bears against a guide track 1810 extending helically around a rotational axis of the drive part 18 in such a way that, upon rotation of the drive part 18, the guide pin 107 slides along the guide track 1810, thereby displacing the rod-shaped adjusting element 10 parallel to the rotational axis of the drive part 18. The adjusting element 10 is guided in a sleeve-like shaft 181 of the drive part 18.

[0096] The drive part 18 cooperates with a transmission member 19, via which a torque of the drive part 18 can be converted into a translational adjustment movement of the closure flap K relative to the adjustment element 10. The transmission member 19 has a first toothing for this purpose, which is designed and configured to mesh with a counter toothing of the drive part 18. The transmission member 19, the adjustment element 10 and the drive part 18 are further designed and coupled to one another in such a way that - when the closure flap K is to be adjusted from a closed position towards an open position - the transmission member 19 is initially only displaced via the adjustment element 10 upon rotation of the drive part 18 and only after covering a defined displacement path does it engage via its first toothing with the counter toothing of the drive part 18. The variant of the Fig. 16A to 16H thus provide a telescopic drive with a rotating drive part 18 driven by the motor 31 of the drive 3 in combination with several components that engage with one another via gearing.

[0097] In the embodiment of the Fig. 16A - 16H, it is further provided in this context that a sleeve portion 190 of the transmission member 19, in which an externally toothed gear 182 of the drive part 18 is arranged, has internal teeth only in the region of a lower end. The internally toothed region of the sleeve portion 190 of the transmission member 19 therefore only engages with the gear 182 of the drive part 18 when the transmission member 19 has been displaced sufficiently far along the rotational axis of the drive part 18 via the extending adjustment element 10.

[0098] For adjusting the closure flap K relative to the adjusting element 10, the transmission member 19 has a second toothing which can mesh with a counter toothing of the closure flap K. The counter toothing of the closure flap K is formed on a rack section ZS on the underside of the closure flap K.

[0099] In order to prevent the adjusting element 10 from being further adjusted, i.e. displaced, via the drive part 18 when an adjusting force is transmitted to the closure flap K via the transmission member 19 driven to rotate by the drive part 18, the course of the guide track 1810 is designed such that from or shortly after engagement of the gear 182 in the internal toothing of the transmission member 19, the adjusting element 10 can no longer be displaced longitudinally despite the continuous rotation of the drive part 18. For this purpose, the guide track 1810 has a guide track section 1810a at one end, which extends along a circular path section that runs in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive part 18.

[0100] In the embodiment of the Fig. 17A to 17E, an adjusting device V is again provided with an adjusting element 10 that can be adjusted together with the closure flap K, wherein the closure flap K is slidably mounted on the adjusting element 10 so that it can also be adjusted relative to the adjusting element 10. Here, too, the adjusting movement of the closure flap K is driven by a pull cable 4, which can be wound up and unwound by means of a drive 3. A winding shaft 30 of the drive 3 is provided for the tensile force to be applied via the pull cable 4 and can be driven to rotate by means of a motor 31.

[0101] The pull cable 4 is secured to the closure flap K by two cable ends at cable attachments 40a and 40b. The two cable attachments 40a and 40b are provided in the region of two edges of the closure flap K, which are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction. Along this longitudinal direction, the closure flap K is longitudinally displaceable relative to the adjustment element 10. Consequently, by pulling the pull cable 4 in one direction or the other, the closure flap K can be displaced relative to the adjustment element 10.

[0102] The displaceable mounting of the closure flap K is again achieved via two mutually parallel guide slots 15a and 15b, into which a section of the adjusting element 10 engages, so that the closure flap K can be displaced along this respective section. The adjusting element 10 engages in a form-fitting manner via a web 1080 or 1081 in the respective guide slot 15a or 15b of the closure flap K. The two webs 1080 and 1081 are connected to one another via an elongated guide plate 108 of the adjusting element 10, which extends transversely to the guide slots 15a and 15b. The guide plate 108 is arranged on an upper side of the closure flap K facing away from the support structure T.

[0103] Two L-shaped, curved deflection pieces 5e and 5f are formed on the guide plate 108 for deflecting sections of the traction cable 4. The deflection pieces 5e and 5f protrude from the guide plate 108 and deflect the respective section of the traction cable 4 from the respective cable attachment 40a or 40b to a cable opening 103a or 103b on the guide plate 108. Via these cable openings 103a and 103b, the respective section of the traction cable 4 is guided through the guide plate 108 and, if necessary—depending on the design variant—into the interior of the supporting structure T.

[0104] On the underside of the closure flap K opposite the upper side, the adjusting element 10 also forms an intermediate plate 100. This intermediate plate 100 is connected via the webs 1080 and 1081 to the guide plate 108 arranged on the opposite upper side of the closure flap K in such a way that they together define a sleeve-like section on the adjusting element 10, in which a section of the closure flap K is movably held. Between the two plates 108 and 100 of the adjusting element 10, an intermediate space ZW is defined, the height of which is dimensioned such that a sealing pad D attached to the underside of the closure flap K and protruding therefrom can be pushed through this intermediate space ZW.

[0105] The adjusting element 10 is movably held on the support structure T via connecting webs 10.1 and 10.2 extending as an extension of the webs 1080 and 1081, which are preferably formed integrally with the intermediate plate 100. The connecting webs 10.1 and 10.2 rest for this purpose in fixed guide sleeves FH1 and FH2. The adjusting element 10 is thus movable along the guide sleeves FH1 and FH2 along a first spatial direction to open the closure flap K, to displace the closure flap K together with the adjusting element 10 and to lift the closure flap K from an edge of the support structure T and in particular from the connection socket A.If the adjustment element 10 reaches an extended position and is prevented from further adjustment, the closure flap K is displaced relative to the adjustment element 10 via the continuing tensile force of the pull cable 4, namely then essentially perpendicular to the adjustment direction of the adjustment element 10, until the closure flap K assumes its open position.

[0106] To guide the traction cable 4, the adjusting element 10 can have a central guide opening on the intermediate plate 100. Two sections of the traction cable 4 then extend through this guide opening from and to the winding shaft 30 of the drive 3. Starting from the central guide opening on the intermediate plate 100, one section of the traction cable 4 then runs to one cable opening 103a of the guide plate 108 and one section of the traction cable 4 runs to the other cable opening 103b of the guide plate 108. On an upper side of the intermediate plate 100 facing the closure flap K and the guide plate 108, additional guide means, e.g. in the form of groove-shaped channels or protruding webs, can also be provided in order to guide the sections of the traction cable 4 in a defined manner along the intermediate plate 100.

[0107] In the version of the Fig. 17A to 17E, spring elements 8.1 and 8.2 in the form of compression springs are also provided, which are supported on the adjustment element 10 in order to pretension it in the direction of its extended position and consequently to support an adjustment movement of the adjustment element 10 for opening the closure flap K. The spring elements 8.1 and 8.2 are supported within the support structure T on pedestals P1 and P2 and exert a compressive force in the direction of the extended position of the adjustment element 10.

[0108] To transfer the closure flap K into a closed position starting from the position shown in the Fig. 17A to 17E, a tensile force is applied to the closure flap K via the pull cable 4 in order to displace it relative to the adjusting element 10 along its webs 1080 and 1081 in the direction of the connection area AB. In this phase, the sealing pad D of the closure flap K, which is arranged between the two guide slots 15a and 15b, is guided through the intermediate space ZW of the adjusting element 10. If a displacement of the closure flap K relative to the adjusting element 10 is no longer possible because the ends of the guide slots 15a and 15b respectively rest against the webs 1080 and 1081 of the adjusting element 10, further pulling on the pull cable 4 leads to a retraction of the adjusting element 10 against the compressive force applied by the spring elements 8.1 and 8.2.The closure flap K mounted on the adjustment element 10 is then adjusted in the direction of the support structure T and the sealing pad D is pressed against the edge of the connection socket A, so that the connection socket A is sealed by the sealing pad D.

[0109] As can be seen in particular from the example of Fig. As illustrated in Figures 17A to 17E, the drive 3 is preferably equipped with a motor 31 in the form of an electric motor, which is connected via a plug S to a power supply and / or to a higher-level control circuit for actuating the drive 3. An operating event for opening and / or closing the closure flap K can be detected via an operating element on the adjusting device V itself—possibly also contactlessly. Furthermore, opening and / or closing of the closure flap K can also be controlled by means of a remote control.

[0110] In all exemplary embodiments, although not shown, it can be provided that an additional screen is fixed to the closure flap K. Such a screen, which is flush with the body on the outside, can then also cover guide slots and deflection elements provided inside or on the closure flap K. List of reference symbols 1a, 1b, 1.1 - 1.4 Guide element, in particular in the form of a pin or sliding block 10, 10a, 10b Adjustment element 10.1, 10.2 Connecting bridge (connecting section) 100 intermediate plate 101 slot 102 shaft 103 Cable guide channel 103a, 103b rope opening 104a, 104b Guide arm (guide element) 105a, 105b Head with cable guide channel and guide for sliding closure flap 106a, 106b spring support 107 guide pins 108 Guide plate 1080, 1081 bridge 11 Swivel arm 110 swivel bearings 111, 112 connection point 113 Tooth segment (1st gear element) 12 swivel arm 120 swivel bearings 121, 122 connection point 123 Tooth segment (1st gear element) 13 Stop element 130 stop section 13a, 13b Ring gear segment (2nd gear element) 14 Carrier section 14.1, 14.2 Driver 15a, 15b Guide rail 16 cable guide channel 17a, 17b spring channel 18 Drive part 181 shaft 1810 Helical guideway 1810a Guideway section 182 Gear with external teeth 19 Transmission element 190 Sleeve section with internal teeth at the lower end 191 sprocket 2a - 2d guide backdrop 3 Drive 30 Cable drum / winding shaft (winding / drive element) 31 Engine 32, 32a, 32b guide shaft 4 traction rope (traction means) 40, 40a, 40b Rope fastening / nipple chamber 5a - 5d Rope pulley (rotating deflection element) 5e - 5i deflection piece (rigid deflection element) 6, 6.1, 6.2 Spring element 7a, 7b End stop 8.1, 8.2 Spring element A connection socket (connection element) AB connection area B body part BO closure opening D Sealing pad FH1, FH2 guide sleeve FK1, FK2 guide channel K, K1, K2 closing flap O Passage opening P1, P2 podium S plug ST partition wall T supporting structure TR support frame with cable guide U1 - U4 Integrated deflection areas V adjustment device ZS rack section ZW space α angle

Claims

[1] Adjustment device, with at least - a closure flap (K, K1, K2) for at least partially closing a closure opening (BO) on a vehicle, via which, when the closure flap (K) is open, a connection element (A) for connecting a line and / or a filling opening for refilling a liquid, in particular a fuel, is accessible, and - a drive (3) for externally operated adjustment of the closure flap (K, K1, K2) characterized bythat the adjusting device (V) has an adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) relative to which the closure flap (K) is adjustably mounted and which is adjustable together with the closure flap (K) by means of the drive (3), and wherein the closure flap (K) is adjustable by means of the drive (3) when adjusted into an open position in which the closure opening (BO) is released by the closure flap (K), first relative to the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) and then together with the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b), and wherein (a) a guide rail is provided for adjusting the closure flap (K) relative to the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) and / or (b) at least one flexible traction means (4) coupled to the drive (3) is provided, via which an adjusting force for the externally operated adjustment of the closure flap (K, K1, K2) can be transmitted. [2] Adjusting device according to claim 1, characterized by that an adjusting force generated by a motor (31) of the drive (3) can be converted, via an adjusting mechanism of the adjusting device (V) having the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b), initially into an adjustment of the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) together with the closure flap (K) and a subsequent adjustment of the closure flap (K) relative to the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) or vice versa. [3] Adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) is adjustable together with the closure flap (K) in a first adjusting direction and the closure flap (K) is adjustable relative to the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) in a second adjusting direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first adjusting direction. [4] Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the closure flap (K) has at least one guide slot (15a, 15b) via which the closure flap (K) is held displaceably relative to the adjusting element (10). [5] Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the adjusting element (10) has a sleeve-like section through which a sealing element (D) provided on the closing flap (K) can be at least partially passed when the closing flap (K) is adjusted relative to the adjusting element (10). [6] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the adjustment of the closure flap (K) into an open position is counteracted by a spring force of at least one spring element (6, 6.1) of the adjustment device (V), by means of which the closure flap (K) is pretensioned into a closed position, and / or - the adjustment of the closure flap (K) into a closed position is counteracted by a spring force of at least one spring element (6; 6.1, 6.2; 8.1, 8.2) of the adjustment device (V), by means of which the closure flap (K) is pretensioned into an open position. [7] Adjusting device according to claim 6, characterized by that the at least one spring element (6, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2) is supported on the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) of the adjusting device (V). [8] Adjusting device according to claim 7, characterized by that at least two spring elements (6.1, 6.2; 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2) are provided, of which a first spring element (6.1; 8.1, 8.2) counteracts an adjustment of the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) and a second spring element (6.2; 6.1, 6.2) counteracts an adjustment of the closure flap (K) relative to the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b). [9] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a housing-like support structure (T) is provided, on or in which the drive (3) is arranged and relative to which the closure flap (K) is adjustable. [10] Adjusting device according to claim 9, characterized by that the traction means (4) is guided at least partially along the supporting structure (T) or in the supporting structure (T). [11] Adjusting device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that the closure flap (K) and / or the supporting structure (T) has at least one deflection element (5a - 5b) on which the traction means (4) is deflected. [12] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the traction means (4) is deflected several times and an externally operated opening and / or closing of the closure flap (K) can be controlled by means of the traction means (4). [13] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the traction means (4) is guided at least partially along the closure flap (K) or in the closure flap (K). [14] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting element (10) has at least one deflection element (5e - 5f) on which the traction means (4) is deflected. [15] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting element (10) cooperates with a rotatable drive part (18) via which the adjusting element (10) can be adjusted translationally. [16] Adjusting device according to claim 15, characterized bythat the adjusting element (10) has a radially projecting guide pin (107) which bears against a guide track (1810) running helically around a rotational axis of the drive part (18) in such a way that when the drive part (18) rotates, the guide pin (107) slides along the guide track (1810) and as a result the adjusting element (10) is displaced parallel to the rotational axis of the drive part (18). [17] Adjusting device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by that the drive part (18) cooperates with a transmission member (19) via which a torque of the drive part (18) can be converted into a translatory adjustment movement of the closure flap (K) relative to the adjustment element (10).

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