Fuel tank or charging port arrangement for a vehicle

Abstract

A fuel or charging flap assembly for a vehicle, comprising a housing (10) that can be inserted into a mounting opening of the vehicle and having at least one connection part (14) for refueling or electrically charging the vehicle, further comprising a flap (16) arranged on a hinge arm (20, 20') of the fuel or charging flap assembly, wherein the hinge arm (20, 20') is pivotably mounted on the housing (10) about a first pivot axis (22), wherein the flap (16) is pivotably mounted on the hinge arm (20, 20') about a second pivot axis (40), such that the flap (16) can move between a closed position, in which the flap (16) closes the housing (10), and a first open position, in which the flap (16) provides access to the at least one connection part (14) for refueling or electrically charging the vehicle, characterized in that the flap (16) is further pivotable about the second pivot axis (40) is pivotably mounted on the hinge arm (20, 20'),that the flap (16) can also be pivoted between the first opening position and a second opening position which is wider than the first opening position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fuel tank or charging flap arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a housing that can be inserted into a mounting opening of the vehicle with at least one connection part for refueling or electrically charging the vehicle, further comprising a flap arranged on a hinge arm of the fuel tank or charging flap arrangement, wherein the hinge arm is pivotably mounted on the housing about a first pivot axis.

[0002] Fuel filler flaps or charging flaps are used to refuel a vehicle with an operating fluid, such as fuel or a urea solution (AdBlue), or to electrically charge the batteries of electric vehicles. An actuating device for a fuel filler flap is known, for example, from EP 2 364 258 B1.

[0003] Conventional flap designs typically open to a 90° angle. However, in the case of charging flap designs for electric vehicle charging, these flaps often remain open for many hours during the charging process and can present an undesirable obstruction. The housings of such flap designs often need to accommodate two connection points, for example, to provide a second filler neck for a urea solution (AdBlue) in diesel vehicles, in addition to the filler neck for diesel fuel. This results in a significant lateral extension of the housing, and therefore the flap itself (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, also known as the x-direction). Consequently, the ergonomics of conventional fuel filler or charging flap designs are compromised.This extension is further increased if an actuating device is arranged in the area of ​​the free end of the pivotally mounted flap, as known from EP 2 364 258 B1.

[0004] The publication DE 10 2015 214 781 A1 relates to a tank or loading flap arrangement with the features of the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0005] Based on the prior art described above, the invention aims to provide a tank or loading flap arrangement of the type mentioned above, the ergonomics of which are improved and which also presents less of an obstacle when open for extended periods.

[0006] The invention solves the problem through the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0007] For a tank or charging flap arrangement of the type mentioned above, the invention solves the problem by mounting the flap pivotably on the hinge arm about a second pivot axis, so that the flap can be pivoted between a closed position, in which the flap closes the housing, and a first open position, in which the flap provides access to the at least one connection part for refueling or electrically charging the vehicle, and a second opening position that is further open compared to the first opening position.

[0008] In particular, it is possible that the flap can be pivoted around the first pivot axis between the closed position and the first opening position with the hinge arm, and that the flap can be pivoted around the second pivot axis between the first opening position and the second opening position.

[0009] The vehicle to be equipped with the fuel filler flap assembly can be, in particular, an automobile. The housing of the fuel filler flap assembly, which can be made of a plastic, for example, a two-component plastic, is inserted into a mounting opening of the vehicle, in particular a body cutout. The at least one connecting part is connected to associated components of the vehicle, for example, refueling pipes or electrical connections.

[0010] A hinge arm, which carries a flap, is pivotally mounted on the housing of the fuel filler flap or loading flap assembly. The hinge arm can be pivoted out of the housing from a closed position, in which the flap is, for example, flush with the outer skin of the surrounding vehicle body. The hinge arm can have a curved shape in a manner known per se, so that it pivots out of the housing when the flap is opened.

[0011] The connection parts can be connected, for example, to filler necks for a vehicle operating fluid, such as fuel or a urea solution (AdBlue). The connection parts can also be connected to electrical connections for linking to an electric charging station for charging the batteries of an electric vehicle. The tank or charging flap arrangement according to the invention can, in particular, have two connection parts, for example, for connecting to a filler neck for filling a vehicle tank with diesel fuel on the one hand, and to a filler neck for filling a vehicle tank with a urea solution (AdBlue) on the other. It is also possible that the two connection parts are provided for connection to two electrical connections.One of the connections can then be used for connection to a high-power fast charging station and one of the connections for connection to a lower-power conventional electrical supply source.

[0012] According to the invention, in addition to the first pivot axis of the hinge arm, a second pivot axis is provided about which the flap can be pivoted relative to the hinge arm. The flap of the inventive fuel or charging flap assembly is pivotable between a closed position and a first open position. While the housing is closed by the flap in the closed position, for example, sealed by suitable gaskets, access to the interior of the housing, in particular to the at least one connection part, is free in the first open position of the flap. In this first open position, refueling or electrical charging of the vehicle can therefore take place.Furthermore, the flap of the tank or loading flap assembly according to the invention can be pivoted further into a second opening position compared to the first opening position, preferably with the hinge arm already pivoted from the closed position into the first opening position. It is possible for the flap to be held without force in both the first and second opening positions. The first and second pivot axes can, in particular, run essentially parallel to each other. However, it is also possible for the first and second pivot axes to run at an angle to each other. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis can be formed at opposite ends of the hinge arm. The first pivot axis and / or the second pivot axis can be formed by cylindrical axle components mounted on the housing or the hinge arm.

[0013] By pivoting the flap of the inventive fuel or charging flap assembly further open than in its first opening position around a second pivot axis, ergonomics can be improved. In particular, more space is available for the user during refueling or electric charging. Charging flaps for electric vehicles often remain open for extended periods. Since the flap protrudes less from the vehicle's outer surface in the second opening position than in the first, it presents less of an obstruction, even when open for a prolonged time. This makes installation at the front or rear of the vehicle, such as integration into the radiator grille, easily possible. The second opening position according to the invention also reduces the risk of damage or injury from the protruding flap.

[0014] The opening angle of the flap from the closed position to the first open position can be approximately 90°. The opening angle of the flap from the closed position to the second open position can be more than 90°, preferably more than 120°, and more preferably approximately 180°. The opening angle is the angle by which the flap pivots between the aforementioned positions. In the second open position, the plane spanned by the flap can be substantially parallel to and slightly spaced from the plane spanned by the adjacent outer skin of the vehicle. In the second open position, the flap can be substantially flush with the adjacent outer skin. This further minimizes the obstruction created by the flap in the second open position.

[0015] In a further design, the flap can be pivotally mounted on the hinge arm via an adapter plate. The flap is then attached to the adapter plate, which in turn pivots on the hinge arm via a second pivot axis. The advantage of such an adapter plate supporting the flap is that the fuel filler or loading flap assembly can be delivered fully pre-assembled, but without the flap itself. The flap can then be painted by the customer, for example, a car manufacturer, and subsequently mounted to the adapter plate.

[0016] In a further embodiment, a first spring can be provided that pre-tensions the hinge arm into the first open position. The first spring can be a torsion spring, which is held at one end, for example, to the housing, and at the other end, for example, to the hinge arm, so that the torsion spring twists relative to its resting state and is thus pre-tensioned when the hinge arm pivots from the first open position of the flap to the closed position. In this embodiment, the torsion spring is pre-tensioned as the flap closes from the first open position to the closed position, so that the torsion spring subsequently tends to move the flap from the closed position back to the first open position.This is generally prevented in the closed position by a suitable, releasable locking mechanism of the flap to the housing, as will be explained in more detail below. The first spring can be made of metal. For example, the torsion spring can be a metal coil spring that is twisted relative to its rest position when the flap is closed. If, for example, a locking device that holds the flap in the closed position is released, the torsion spring can push the flap into the first open position due to its preload.

[0017] However, a reverse design is also conceivable, in which the first spring pre-tensions the flap into its closed position. Again, this could be, for example, a torsion spring, held on one side by the housing and on the other by the hinge, so that the torsion spring twists relative to its resting state and is thus pre-tensioned when the hinge arm pivots from the closed position of the flap to the first open position.

[0018] In a further embodiment, a first spring can be provided that biases the hinge arm into the closed position below a limit opening angle of the flap, and biases the hinge arm into the first open position above the limit opening angle. The limit opening angle can, for example, be essentially half the opening angle between the closed position and the first open position. In this embodiment, the first spring can be a wire spring, the first end of which is held to the housing and the second end of which is held to the hinge arm. The wire spring is compressed relative to its rest position and thus biased when the hinge arm is pivoted from the closed position of the flap to the limit opening position, and the wire spring is stretched relative to its rest position and thus biased when the hinge arm is pivoted from the limit opening position of the flap to the first open position.At the limiting opening angle, the wire spring can assume its resting shape.

[0019] Such springs are known per se. They have a dead center at the limit of their opening angle. Below this limit, they attempt to push the hinge arm, and thus the flap, into the closed position due to their preload. Above the limit, they attempt to push the hinge arm, and thus the flap, into the first open position due to their preload. The wire spring can, for example, have a Z-shape, with the leg forming the first end of the Z-shape being held to the housing, for example in a suitable receptacle, and the leg forming the second end of the Z-shape being held to the hinge arm, for example also in a suitable receptacle.

[0020] In a further embodiment, a second spring can be provided to pre-tension the flap into the second open position. This second spring can also be made of metal. It can be a torsion spring, held at one end (for example) to the hinge arm, and at the other end (for example) to the flap or an adapter plate holding the flap, so that the torsion spring twists relative to its resting state and is thus pre-tensioned when the flap is pivoted from the second open position to the first open position.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the second spring can be a leaf spring, wherein a first end of the leaf spring is held against the flap or an adapter plate holding the flap, wherein a second end of the leaf spring engages in a first recess of the hinge arm in a latching manner until the flap is opened further from the first open position towards the second open position, wherein the second end of the leaf spring engages in a second recess of the hinge arm in a latching manner in the second open position of the flap, and wherein, when the flap pivots from the second open position to the first open position, the second end of the leaf spring is guided along a curved guide surface between the second recess and the first recess of the hinge arm. The leaf spring can, for example, be a sheet metal spring.One end of the, for example, rectangular leaf spring is held against the flap or an adapter flap, for instance by clamping. A second, opposite end of the leaf spring is free and, as the flap pivots relative to the hinge arm between the first and second opening positions, moves between two recesses in the hinge arm. The second end of the leaf spring engages in these recesses in the first and second opening positions, respectively, with a detent. The detent in the first opening position remains even when the flap is moved further into the closed position. This detent of the second end of the leaf spring in its respective recess holds the flap in both the first and second opening positions when no force is applied.Due to the engagement in the first opening position, the flap does not pivot relative to the hinge arm even when the hinge arm moves between the first opening and closed positions. Instead, the leaf spring must be released from its engagement in both the first and second opening positions, for example, by manually applying force to the flap. Between the recesses, i.e., during the flap's pivoting movement between the first and second opening positions, the second end of the leaf spring slides along a curved guide surface on the hinge arm. The resulting friction ensures that the flap is not guided without force between the first and second opening positions. Rather, the contact between the second end of the leaf spring and the guide surface provides a high-quality tactile feedback.The leaf spring makes it particularly easy to hold the flap in the first and second open positions. Furthermore, by engaging the second end of the leaf spring in the first and second recesses, respectively, it is possible to adjust the force required to release the leaf spring from the recesses as appropriately as will be explained in more detail below.

[0022] The second end of the leaf spring can have a beveled end section that engages in the first or second recess of the hinge arm. The beveled end section can, for example, be V-shaped. It can, for example, engage behind the recesses of the hinge arm.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the engagement of the second end of the leaf spring in the first recess of the hinge arm can be deeper than the engagement in the second recess of the hinge arm. As already mentioned, by appropriately designing the engagements, the force required to release the second end of the leaf spring from its engagement, and thus the force required to pivot the flap from the first open position to the second open position, and vice versa, can be precisely adjusted. Since the engagement in the first open position is deeper than in the second open position, the force required to release the second end from the engagement is greater from the first open position than from the second open position.

[0024] By applying varying force settings in this manner or otherwise, in conjunction with the design and arrangement of the first spring, particularly its spring force, it can be achieved that when the flap is opened from the closed position, the hinge arm is first pivoted around the first pivot axis relative to the housing, thus moving the flap into the first open position. Then, with further, greater force being applied, the flap is pivoted around the second pivot axis relative to the hinge arm into the second open position. Similarly, when closing the flap from the second open position, it can be achieved that the flap is first pivoted around the second pivot axis relative to the hinge arm into the first open position before the hinge arm is pivoted around the first pivot axis relative to the housing, thus moving the flap into the closed position.In the aforementioned example of a leaf spring as a second spring, the force required to release the first spring can be set to a value between the forces required to release the second end of the leaf spring from the first recess and from the second recess.

[0025] The tank or loading flap assembly according to the invention can further comprise a locking device, in particular a push-push locking device, with which the flap or an adapter plate supporting the flap can be detachably locked to the housing in the closed position of the flap. Such a locking device is known from EP 2 364 258 B1, already mentioned at the outset. To unlock, the flap is slightly pushed inwards from the closed position. A plunger of the push-push locking device then extends from a plunger receptacle into a fully extended position and pushes the flap into a slightly open position, in which the flap can be manually grasped and further pivoted into the first opening position. By means of a suitable design of the first and second springs, it is also possible for the push-push locking device to unlock the flap and then automatically spring the flap into the first and, if necessary, the second opening position.also pivots into the second open position. The push-push locking device, for example a plunger of the push-push locking device, can be arranged, for example, on the inside of the free end of the flap or the adapter plate and engage in a plunger receptacle arranged opposite on the housing of the assembly.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the first pivot axis and / or the second pivot axis of the fuel or charging flap assembly can run essentially horizontally when mounted on a vehicle. In this way, the pivot axes can be arranged such that the flap pivots upwards when mounted on the vehicle. This means that the refueling or charging connections and a locking mechanism are not all located next to each other. Instead, the locking mechanism can be positioned at the free end of the flap, and thus below the connections when the assembly is mounted. This reduces the size of the fuel or charging flap assembly in the lateral direction (x-direction). A reduction of up to 20% compared to known flaps is possible in this way.Furthermore, in its initial open position, the flap can act as a protective roof for the housing interior, shielding it from the elements such as snow or rain. This is particularly advantageous for electric charging flaps that remain open for extended periods. Moreover, this design allows the fuel or charging flap assembly to be installed on both sides of a vehicle without any structural modifications. It is therefore possible to install the same fuel or charging flap assembly on each side of the vehicle, for example, in plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) that have both a fuel filler flap and a charging flap. This also allows for greater design freedom for the flap. It enables closer positioning to the B-pillar, a vehicle door, or the (rear) lights. Any graphics on the inside of the flap are also easier to read.

[0027] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular an automobile, with at least one tank or charging flap arrangement according to the invention mounted thereon.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. They schematically show: Fig. 1 a tank or loading flap arrangement according to the invention with the flap in the closed position in a first perspective view according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 the representation from Fig. 1 in a second perspective view, Fig. 3 the tank or loading flap arrangement Fig. 1. With the flap in the first open position, in a first perspective view, Fig. 4 the representation from Fig. 3 in a second perspective view, Fig. 5 the tank or loading flap arrangement Fig. 1. With the flap in the second open position in a first perspective view, Fig. 6 the representation from Fig. 5 in a second perspective view, Fig. 7 a part of the tank or loading flap assembly from the Fig. 1 to 6 in a perspective view, Fig. 8 another part of the tank or loading flap assembly from the Fig. 1 to 6 in a perspective view, Fig. 9 a partial cross-sectional view through the tank or loading flap arrangement from the Fig. 1 to 8 in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 operating state shown, Fig. 10 a partial cross-sectional view through the tank or loading flap arrangement from the Fig. 1 to 8 in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 operating state shown, Fig. 11 a tank or loading flap arrangement according to the invention according to a second embodiment in a partially cutaway view corresponding to the illustration from Fig. 4, and Fig. 12 the tank or loading flap arrangement Fig. 11 in a representation corresponding to the representation from Fig. 7.

[0029] Unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols in the figures denote the same objects.

[0030] The fuel or charging flap assembly shown in the figures can be used for refueling or electrically charging a vehicle, such as an automobile. For this purpose, the fuel or charging flap assembly can be inserted into a mounting opening of the vehicle. The fuel or charging flap assembly according to the invention is described below using the example of a fuel filler flap assembly. However, it is understood that the assembly shown in the figures can also be a charging flap assembly.

[0031] The in the Fig. The fuel filler flap assembly shown in Figures 1 to 10, according to a first embodiment, has a housing 10, which can be made of a plastic, for example, and can be inserted into a mounting opening of a vehicle in a manner known per se. For this purpose, several locking projections 12 are formed on the outside of the housing, which engage with the mounting opening when installed. In the illustrated example, two connection parts 14 are arranged in the base of the housing 10, in this case for connection to two filler necks for filling with a vehicle operating fluid. For example, one of the filler necks can be provided for filling a vehicle tank with diesel fuel and the other for filling a vehicle tank with a urea solution (AdBlue).

[0032] Reference numeral 16 shows a flap that is essentially circular in the example shown, which is located in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The closing position shown in section 2 closes access to the inside of the housing. As shown in particular in the Fig. As can be seen from 3 to 6, the flap 16 is held on an adapter plate 18. The adapter plate 18 is in turn held on a curved hinge arm 20, which is pivotable on the housing 10 between the in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown closed position of flap 16 and the one in the Fig. 3 and Fig. The first opening position of the flap 16 is shown in Figure 4. In the example shown, the first pivot axis 22 is formed by a cylindrical axle component. In the closed position of the flap 16, the hinge arm 20 is received in a projection 24 of the housing 10, and the flap 16 can be flush with the surrounding outer skin of the vehicle. During pivoting about the first pivot axis 22, the hinge arm 20 extends from the housing 10, as shown in particular in the Fig. 3 to 6 can be identified.

[0033] At the free end of the adapter plate 18, a plunger 26 of a push-push locking device is arranged thereon. The plunger 26 is held in a rubber or plastic bellows 28. A corresponding plunger receptacle 29 of the push-push locking device is formed in the housing 10, into which the plunger 26 enters when the flap closes, resulting in a releasable locking of the flap 16 in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The closing position shown in section 2 is reached. The push-push locking device can, for example, be designed as described in EP 2 364 258 B1. If the flap 16 is removed from the position shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the closed position shown, for example, if the plunger 26 is manually pushed inwards in the closed position shown, it is pushed out of the plunger receptacle 29, thereby pushing the flap 16 into a slightly open position (not shown), from which it can be manually grasped and into which it is inserted. Fig. 3 and Fig. The first opening position shown in section 4 can be swung open.

[0034] A first spring, for example a Z-shaped wire spring 30, pre-tensions the hinge arm 20 and thus the adapter plate 18 and the flap 16 below a limit opening angle of the flap 16 into the closed position and above the limit opening angle into the first open position (see Fig. 9 and Fig. 10). The leg of the wire spring 30 forming a first end 32 is held in a recess 34 of the housing 10. The leg of the wire spring 30 forming a second end 36 is held in a bore 38 of the hinge arm 20. The wire spring 30 is released from the recess 34 when the hinge arm 20 pivots. Fig. In the example shown, the closed position of flap 16 is deflected into the first open position and beyond, relative to its rest position, thus being pre-tensioned. In this example, the wire spring 30 is compressed relative to its rest position until the limit opening angle is reached, and then stretched relative to its rest position after exceeding this limit. The wire spring 30 has a dead center at the limit opening angle. The design and function of such wire springs are known per se.

[0035] During the Fig. In the tank or loading flap arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 10, the adapter plate 18, and with it the flap 16, is pivotably mounted on the hinge arm 20 about a second pivot axis 40. In the example shown, the second pivot axis 40 is also formed by a cylindrical axle component. The first pivot axis 22 and the second pivot axis 40 run parallel to each other and are formed at opposite ends of the hinge arm 20. In this way, it is possible to move the adapter plate 18, and thus the flap 16, out of the space provided in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The first opening position shown is further opened by relative pivoting relative to the hinge arm 20 about the second pivot axis 40 into the position shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shows the second opening position. In the example shown, the opening angle of flap 16 from the position shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown closing position into the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The first opening position shown is approximately 90°. The opening angle of flap 16 from the position shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown closing position into the Fig. 5 and Fig. The second opening position shown in Figure 6 is approximately 180° in the example shown. In the second opening position, the flap 16 can be essentially parallel to and very close to the outer skin of the vehicle. This means that the flap 16 presents a minimal obstruction. At the same time, the flap 16 can be positioned in the position shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. The flap 16 remains in the first opening position shown in Figure 4 and, for example, provides protection against the elements. In this context, it is further advantageous if the flap 16 pivots upwards when mounted on the vehicle, with the pivot axes 22 and 40 then running essentially horizontally.

[0036] The second spring acting between the hinge arm 20 and the adapter plate 18 during the movement of the adapter plate 18 and the flap 16 relative to the hinge arm 20 will be described below based on the Fig. 7 to 10 will be explained in more detail. Fig. Figure 7 shows the adapter plate 18 without the flap 16 and in the state held on the hinge arm 20 for illustrative purposes. Fig. For illustrative purposes, hinge arm 20 is also hidden in Figure 8. Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8, reference numeral 42, shows a substantially rectangular leaf spring as the second spring 42, which, like the first spring 30, can be made of a metallic material. A first end 44 of the leaf spring 42 is clamped to the adapter plate 18, as shown in particular in Fig. 8. Projections 46 of the wall sections 48 of the adapter plate 18, which laterally hold the leaf spring 42, engage in corresponding recesses of the leaf spring 42. This initially fixes the leaf spring 42 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the first end 44 of the leaf spring 42 engages with an elastic locking arm 50 of the adapter plate 18, so that the first end 44 is also fixed in position in the direction of the surface normal.

[0037] The second end 52 of the leaf spring 42 has a beveled end section 52, which in the illustrated example is beveled in a V-shape. In operation, this end section 52 interacts with a first and second recess of the hinge arm and a curved guide surface provided between the first and second recesses, as can be seen from the partial cross-sectional views of the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 will be explained. In the view showing the closed position of flap 16 of the Fig. 9 The bent end section 52 engages in a first recess 54 of the hinge arm. Specifically, the bent end section 52 engages behind a wall of the hinge arm 20. The leaf spring 42 remains in this position as long as the flap 16 is in the closed position, the first open position, or somewhere in between. To move the adapter plate 18, and thus the flap 16, from the first open position to the second open position, i.e., to pivot the adapter plate 18 about the second pivot axis 40, the bent end section 52 must first be released from engagement with the first recess 54 of the hinge arm 20 by applying appropriate force, for example, manually, causing elastic deformation of the leaf spring 42.Subsequently, the bent end section 52 slides along a curved guide surface 56 of the hinge arm 20, generating friction, until the bent end section 52 engages in a second recess 58 of the hinge arm 20 when the second opening position is reached, as shown in . Fig. 10. The beveled end section 52 must also be released from the second recess 58 by applying appropriate force, for example manually, under elastic deformation of the leaf spring 42, in order to move the flap 16 from the second opening position back to the first opening position.

[0038] The engagement of the end section 52 in the first and second recesses 54 and 58, respectively, ensures that the flap 16 remains in both the first and second open positions when no force is applied. Furthermore, the engagement of the end section 52 in the first recess 54 is deeper than in the second recess 58. Therefore, the force required to release the leaf spring 42 from the first recess 54 is greater than the force required to release the end section 52 from the second recess 58. The force required to pivot the hinge arm 20 against the wire spring 30 lies between the forces required to release the bent end section 52 from the first recess 54 and the second recess 58.

[0039] This ensures that when the flap 16 is opened from the closed position, the hinge arm 20 is first pivoted about the first pivot axis 22 relative to the housing 10 until the flap 16 assumes the first open position. Only then, by further (increased) force is the leaf spring 42 released from the first recess 54 and the flap 16 is pivoted from the first open position to the second open position by relative pivoting about the second pivot axis 40 relative to the hinge arm 20.When closing the flap from the second opening position, the described force relationships ensure that first the flap 16 with the adapter plate 18 is pivoted relative to the hinge arm 20 about the second pivot axis 40 from the second opening position to the first opening position, and only then is the flap 16 with the adapter plate 18 pivoted from the first opening position to the closed position by pivoting the hinge arm 20 about the first pivot axis 22 relative to the housing 10.

[0040] Based on the Fig. 11 and Fig. Section 12 describes a second embodiment of a tank or charging flap arrangement according to the invention, whereby, for the sake of simplicity, only a tank flap arrangement is referred to below. Again, it could just as easily be an electric charging flap arrangement.

[0041] The fuel filler flap arrangement according to the Fig. 11 and Fig. The second embodiment shown in 12 is largely identical to the one shown in the Fig. The fuel filler flap arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 10 differs only in the design and arrangement of the first and second springs and the resulting function when opening and closing flap 16.

[0042] In the Fig. In the first open position of the flap 16 shown in Figure 11, a first spring in the form of a torsion spring 30' is shown at reference numeral 30'. Here, the torsion spring 30' is wound spirally around the first pivot axis 22, with a first end 31' of the torsion spring 30' being held in a receptacle 60 of the housing 10. A second end 33' of the torsion spring 30' is held in a receptacle 62 of the hinge arm 20'. In the closed position of the flap 16, the torsion spring 30' is twisted relative to its rest position and thus pre-tensioned, so that the torsion spring 30' tends to move the flap 16 into the closed position by pivoting the hinge arm 20' about the first pivot axis 22. Fig. To swivel to the first opening position shown in section 11.

[0043] This is prevented in the closed position due to the releasable locking of the adapter plate 18' on the housing 10, ensured by the push-push locking device 26, 28, 30.

[0044] In the Fig. 11 and Fig. In addition, a torsion spring 42' forming a second spring can be seen at reference numeral 42'. In the illustrated example, the torsion spring 42' is a double torsion spring 42' or a double-wound torsion spring 42'. The double torsion spring 42' has a U-shaped, elongated section 43' which is held in a receptacle 64 of the adapter plate 18'. The two legs of the U-shaped section 43' each transition into a section wound spirally around a cylindrical projection 66 of the hinge arm 20'. Fig. In Figure 12, only one of the projections 66 is visible. The other projection 66 is arranged opposite the projection 66 shown. From each spirally wound section of the torsion spring 42', an end section 45' extends, each bearing against the second pivot axis 40, as shown in particular in Fig. 12 to recognize.

[0045] In the Fig. In the first opening position of the flap 16 shown in Figure 11, the double torsion spring 42' is twisted relative to its rest position, so that, when no force is applied, it pivots the flap 16 from the first opening position to the second opening position by pivoting the adapter plate 18' relative to the pivot arm 20' about the second pivot axis 40. This second opening position can have an opening angle of approximately 180°. If the flap 16 is pushed from the second opening position, for example manually, into the closed position, both the double torsion spring 42' and the torsion spring 30' are twisted, and the flap 16 is held in the closed position by the push-push locking device, as explained. When the flap 16 is unlocked by the push-push locking device, the flap 16 is automatically swung into the second opening position by the preloads of the torsion spring 30' and the double torsion spring 42'.

[0046] The in Fig. The first open position shown in Figure 11 is therefore only an intermediate state in the second embodiment, which the flap 16 assumes during its opening process from the closed position to the second open position, or during its closing process from the second open position to the closed position. Due to the design of the first and second springs in the second embodiment, the flap 16 cannot be held in the first open position without force, unlike in the first embodiment. Reference symbol list 10 cases 14 Connection part 16 flap 18 Adapter plate 20 hinge arm 22 First pivot axis 24th continuation 26 pestles 28 rubber or plastic bellows 29. Tappet holder 30 wire springs 30' Torsion spring 31' First end of the torsion spring 32 First end of the wire spring 33' Second end of the torsion spring 34 Exclusion 36 Second end of the wire spring 38 bore 40 Second pivot axis 42 leaf spring 42' Double torsion spring 43' U-shaped section of the torsion spring 44 First end of the leaf spring 45' End sections of the torsion spring 46 protrusions 48 wall sections 50 Elastic locking arm 52 Second end of the leaf spring / end section 54 First Exclusion 56 guide surface 58 Second Exclusion 60 Recording the housing 62 Mounting the hinge arm 64 Mounting the adapter plate 66 Cylindrical projections of the hinge arm

Claims

[1] Fuel tank or charging flap assembly for a vehicle, comprising a housing (10) that can be inserted into a mounting opening of the vehicle and having at least one connection part (14) for refueling or electrically charging the vehicle, further comprising a flap (16) arranged on a hinge arm (20, 20') of the fuel tank or charging flap assembly, wherein the hinge arm (20, 20') is pivotably mounted on the housing (10) about a first pivot axis (22), wherein the flap (16) is pivotably mounted on the hinge arm (20, 20') about a second pivot axis (40), so that the flap (16) can be moved between a closed position in which the flap (16) closes the housing (10) and a first open position in which the flap (16) provides access to the at least one connection part (14) for refueling or electrically charging the vehicle, characterized by, that the flap (16) is furthermore mounted on the hinge arm (20, 20') in such a way as to be pivotable about the second pivot axis (40) that the flap (16) can also be pivoted between the first opening position and a second opening position which is more open than the first opening position. [2] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the flap (16) with the hinge arm (20, 20') can be pivoted about the first pivot axis (22) between the closed position and the first open position, and that the flap (16) can be pivoted about the second pivot axis (40) between the first open position and the second open position. [3] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the opening angle of the flap (16) from the closed position to the second opening position is more than 90°, preferably more than 120°, further preferably about 180°. [4] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the flap (16) is pivotably mounted on the hinge arm (20, 20') via an adapter plate (18, 18'). [5] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that a first spring is provided which pre-tensions the hinge arm (20') into the first open position. [6] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to claim 5, characterized by , that the first spring is a torsion spring (30') which is held on one side by the housing (10) and on the other side by the hinge arm (20'), so that the torsion spring (30') is twisted relative to its rest form when the hinge arm (20') is pivoted from the first opening position of the flap (16) to the closed position. [7] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that a first spring is provided which biases the hinge arm (20) into the closed position below a limit opening angle of the flap (16), and which biases the hinge arm (20) into the first opening position above the limit opening angle. [8] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to claim 7, characterized by , that the first spring is a wire spring (30) whose first end (32) is held on the housing (10) and whose second end (36) is held on the hinge arm (20), wherein the wire spring (30) is compressed relative to its rest state when the hinge arm (20) is pivoted from the closed position of the flap (16) to the limit opening position, and wherein the wire spring (30) is stretched relative to its rest state when the hinge arm (20) is pivoted from the limit opening position of the flap (16) to the first opening position. [9] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a second spring is provided which pre-tensions the flap (16) into the second open position. [10] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to claim 9 and at least according to claim 4, characterized by , that the second spring is a torsion spring (42') which is held on one side by the hinge arm (20') and on the other side by the flap (16) or the adapter plate (18') holding the flap, so that the torsion spring (42') is twisted relative to its rest form when the flap (16) is pivoted from the second opening position to the first opening position. [11] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to claim 9 and at least according to claim 4, characterized by, that the second spring is a leaf spring (42), wherein a first end (44) of the leaf spring (42) is held on the flap (16) or the adapter plate (18) holding the flap (16), wherein a second end (52) of the leaf spring (42) engages in a first recess (54) of the hinge arm (20) until the flap (16) is opened further from the first opening position towards the second opening position, wherein the second end (52) of the leaf spring (42) engages in a second recess (58) of the hinge arm (20) in the second opening position of the flap (16), and wherein, when the flap (16) pivots from the second opening position to the first opening position, the second end (52) of the leaf spring (42) moves along a curved guide surface (56) between the second recess (58) and the first recess (54) of the hinge arm (20) is guided. [12] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to claim 11, characterized by, that the second end (52) of the leaf spring (42) has a beveled end section (52) which engages in a snap-fit ​​manner in the first and second recesses (54, 58) of the hinge arm (20). [13] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized by , that the engagement of the second end (52) of the leaf spring (42) in the first recess (54) of the hinge arm (20) is deeper than the engagement in the second recess (58). [14] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to claim 5 or 7 and at least according to claim 9, characterized by, that the first and second springs are designed and arranged such that when the flap (16) is opened from the closed position, the hinge arm (20, 20') is first pivoted about the first pivot axis (22) into the first opening position and only then is the flap (16) pivoted about the second pivot axis (40) into the second opening position, and that when the flap (16) is closed from the second opening position into the closed position, the flap (16) is first pivoted about the second pivot axis (40) into the first opening position and only then is the hinge arm (20, 20') pivoted about the first pivot axis into the closed position. [15] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking device, in particular a push-push locking device, with which the flap (16) or an adapter plate (18, 18') supporting the flap (16) can be detachably locked to the housing (10) in the closed position of the flap (16). [16] Tank or loading flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first pivot axis (22) and / or the second pivot axis (40) run horizontally in the state of the tank or loading flap assembly mounted on a vehicle. [17] Vehicle, in particular automobile, with at least one fuel tank or charging flap assembly mounted thereon according to one of the preceding claims.

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