System for emergency release of a tank module / charging module

Abstract

System for emergency unlocking of a tank module (1), wherein the tank module (1) can be closed by a tank cap (2), wherein the tank cap (2) can be closed in a closed position by means of a locking unit (3), wherein the locking unit (3) has an electrical unlocking device (3.1), wherein the locking unit (3) additionally has a mechanical emergency unlocking device (3.2), wherein the locking unit (3) has an actuating element (4) connected to the emergency unlocking device (3.2) via a connecting element (5), wherein the system has a holding unit (6) for receiving the actuating element (4), wherein the holding unit (6) has an opening (7) with a shape complementary to the shape of the actuating element (4), characterized in that the holding unit (6) has an access opening (10) open on one side for receiving the connecting element (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for emergency unlocking of a tank module, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] US 2011 / 0241360 A1 discloses such a lid locking device for a vehicle.

[0003] Typically, the locking and unlocking of doors in today's motor vehicles is controlled electrically via a central locking system. The tailgate and fuel tank module locks are often also included in the central locking system. In the event of a central locking malfunction, available emergency release devices allow the driver to open the fuel tank module manually. To enable manual emergency release, a mechanical device for opening the fuel tank cap is necessary.

[0004] Some previous emergency release concepts are based on opening the tank module by means of an actuating component (e.g. a latch or lever) which is attached directly to the locking unit of the tank cap.

[0005] For example, in the document DE 10 2009 053 996 A1, an access opening is located within the body of a motor vehicle in the area of the tank module, allowing the tank cap's locking mechanism to be accessed from the adjacent space. Using a tool, it is then possible to unlock the tank cap's locking mechanism.

[0006] EP 2576264 B1 also discloses an emergency release device that is mounted directly on the tank module and thus difficult for the driver to reach. The emergency release device comprises a lever and a cantilever arm connected to the latch.

[0007] Alternative previous mechanical emergency release concepts are based on a manual, mechanical actuation of an unlocking mechanism via an actuating component, usually in the form of a Bowden cable.

[0008] From the document DE 10 2014 222 269 A1 an emergency release concept is known in which the locking bolt can be manually moved from the locking position to the unlocking position by means of an actuating component which is actuated, for example, via a Bowden cable, so that the flap can be moved into the opening position.

[0009] The document DE 10 2014 200 788 A1 also discloses a lever operated by a Bowden cable for emergency unlocking from the inside of the vehicle in the event of a power failure, whereby the Bowden cable is hooked into a bearing on the cover of the housing.

[0010] DE 10 2008 057 860 A1 and DE 10 2012 004 078 A1 each disclose actuating elements which are connected to an emergency release device via a connecting element.

[0011] The problem with state-of-the-art emergency release devices is that they are difficult for users to access and / or the release cannot be performed without the aid of tools. Previous emergency release concepts, which are operated remotely via an actuating device, usually a Bowden cable, do not offer a solution for a safe, cost-effective, and, above all, accessible positioning of the actuating device.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for a mechanical emergency release device for a tank module which, compared to the prior art, enables comparatively simple triggering and easily accessible and safe positioning, which is also cost-effective.

[0013] This object is achieved by a system for emergency unlocking of a tank module according to claim 1.

[0014] This provides a system for emergency unlocking of a tank module that, compared to the prior art, is characterized by simple, convenient, and tool-free access to the actuating element of the emergency release device for manually opening the tank cap. This is achieved in particular by the spatial separation between the locking unit and the actuating element made possible by a connecting element. By spatially separating the actuating element from the locking unit, the emergency release device of the present invention allows the user to actuate the emergency release remotely from the tank module.

[0015] The mounting unit has an opening, the shape of which complements the shape of the actuating element. This advantageously enables a precise fit of the actuating element in the mounting unit.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuating element has a tapered shape at a first end facing the connecting element. This advantageously facilitates the insertion of the actuating element into the opening of the mounting unit.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuating element has a flattened shape at a second end facing away from the connecting element. This advantageously prevents the actuating element from accidentally slipping through the opening of the mounting unit and enables the user to grip behind the second end of the actuating means in order to

[0018] To exert tensile forces using the actuating element. Accordingly, the diameter of the opening should preferably be smaller than the second end of the actuating element.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening of the mounting unit has a shape complementary to the shape of the actuating element. This advantageously enables a precise fit of the actuating element in the mounting unit.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuating element of the emergency release device is connected to the connecting element at the first end. This advantageously enables gripping of the actuating element at the flattened end.

[0021] The mounting unit additionally has an access opening open on one side. This advantageously allows for the connection element to be accommodated in addition to the actuating element. For this reason, the access opening preferably has a width that corresponds at least to the diameter of the connection element.

[0022] In addition, the design in this way represents a particularly simple embodiment of an elastic adjustable mounting unit. The elasticity of the legs formed by the access opening increases continuously in the direction of the free ends of the legs, ie in the direction of the access opening.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuating element of the emergency release device is fixed in the mounting unit. Since the disclosed system is primarily intended for use in motor vehicles, this feature advantageously ensures that the actuating element remains in the mounting unit even during driving.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting element has a flexible design. This advantageously allows for a different guidance of the connecting element and thus, in turn, flexible positioning of the mounting unit. Despite this flexibility, it should be noted that the connecting element must still be able to transmit tensile forces to a certain degree, which is why a Bowden cable or similar is recommended.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the mounting unit is attached to a vehicle part, preferably a vehicle body part, particularly preferably a vehicle body panel. This advantageously ensures a secure hold of the mounting unit, especially during driving.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting unit is attached to a vehicle part, preferably a vehicle body part, particularly preferably a vehicle body panel, by injection molding. This advantageously ensures a cost-effective, secure attachment of the mounting unit, especially during driving.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting unit is detachably attached to a vehicle part, preferably a vehicle body part, particularly preferably a vehicle body panel. This advantageously enables flexible positioning of the mounting unit regardless of the application.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting unit is attached to a vehicle part, preferably a vehicle body part, particularly preferably a vehicle body panel, using a securing clip. This advantageously ensures a cost-effective, detachable attachment of the mounting unit.

[0029] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings illustrate merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a tank module of a motor vehicle with an emergency release device for mechanically opening the tank cap according to the present invention. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an actuating element of an emergency release device according to the present invention. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a mounting unit for receiving an actuating element of an emergency release device according to the present invention. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a mounting unit for receiving an actuating element of an emergency release device according to the present invention.

[0030] In Fig. 1 schematically shows a tank module 1 of a motor vehicle with an emergency release device 3.2 for mechanically opening the tank cap 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tank module 1 is closed with the aid of the tank cap 2 via the locking unit 3. The locking unit 3 has both an electrical release device 3.1 and a mechanical emergency release device 3.2. In the event of failure of the electrical release device 3.1, for example due to a power failure, the manual actuation of the mechanical emergency release device 3.2 enables the opening of the locking unit 3 and thus the opening of the tank cap 2. The emergency release device 3.2 is connected by the flexible connecting element 5 to the actuating element 4 for releasing the emergency release.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an actuating element 4 of an emergency release device 3.2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The actuating element 4 has a tapered shape at the first end 8, which facilitates the reception of the actuating element 4 in the opening 7 of the mounting unit 6.

[0032] The actuating element 4 also has a flattened shape at the second end 9. The opening 7 of the mounting unit 6 is smaller than the diameter of the flattened portion at the second end 9 of the actuating element 4 to prevent the actuating element 4 from sliding through the opening 7 of the mounting unit 6.

[0033] The actuating element 4 is connected to the connecting element 5 at the first end 8, which simplifies the gripping of the actuating element 4 at the second end 9.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 3 schematically illustrates a mounting unit 6 for receiving the actuating element 4 of the emergency release device 3.2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The mounting unit 6 is cost-effectively and securely attached to a vehicle part, preferably a vehicle body part, particularly preferably a vehicle body panel, by injection molding.

[0035] Fig. 3A shows the mounting unit 6 with an opening 7 for receiving the actuating element 4 and an access opening 10 open on one side for receiving the connecting element 5 see also Fig. 3B.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a mounting unit 6 for receiving the actuating element 4 of the emergency release device 3.2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The mounting unit 6 can be releasably attached to a vehicle part, preferably a vehicle body part, particularly preferably a vehicle body panel, by means of the securing clip 11.

[0037] Fig. 4A shows the mounting unit 6 with two openings 7 for receiving two actuating elements 4. Each opening 7 has an access opening 10 open on one side for receiving the connecting element 5, see also Fig. 4B. List of reference symbols 1 tank module 2 fuel caps 3 Locking unit 3.1 Electrical release device 3.2 Emergency release device 4 Actuating element 5 Connecting element 6 Mounting unit 7 Opening 8 First End 9 Second Ending 10 Access opening 11 Safety clip

Claims

[1] System for emergency release of a tank module (1), wherein the tank module (1) can be closed by a tank cap (2), wherein the tank cap (2) can be closed in a closed position by means of a locking unit (3), wherein the locking unit (3) has an electrical unlocking device (3.1), wherein the locking unit (3) additionally has a mechanical emergency unlocking device (3.2), wherein the locking unit (3) has an actuating element (4) connected to the emergency unlocking device (3.2) via a connecting element (5), wherein the system has a holding unit (6) for receiving the actuating element (4), wherein the holding unit (6) has an opening (7) with a shape complementary to the shape of the actuating element (4), characterized by that the holding unit (6) has an access opening (10) open on one side for receiving the connecting element (5). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element (4) has a tapered shape at a first end (8) facing the connecting element (5). [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element (4) has a flattened shape at a second end (9) facing away from the connecting element (5). [4] System according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuating element (4) has a connection to the connecting element (5) at the first end (8). [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the access opening (10) open on one side has a width corresponding to a diameter of the connecting element (5). [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (4) is fixed in the holding unit (6). [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (5) has a flexible design. [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting unit (6) is fastened to a vehicle part, preferably a vehicle body part, particularly preferably a vehicle body panel part. [9] System according to claim 7, wherein the mounting unit (6) is attached to a vehicle part, preferably a vehicle body part, particularly preferably a vehicle body panel part, by injection molding. [10] System according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mounting unit (6) is detachably attached to a vehicle part, preferably a vehicle body part, particularly preferably a vehicle body panel part. [11] System according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mounting unit (6) is attached to a vehicle part, preferably a vehicle body part, particularly preferably a vehicle body panel part, by means of a securing clip (11).

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