Charging and / or fuel filler flap module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Charging and / or refueling flap module (1) for a motor vehicle (K) for receiving or providing at least one interface (200) for charging and / or refueling a motor vehicle energy storage device (3), and for attaching at least one light source (110, 111, 112) comprising a device (100, 100') which serves both to illuminate the charging and / or refueling flap module (1) and to indicate the current charging and / or refueling level of the energy storage device (3), wherein the charging and / or refueling flap module (1) has at least one first opening (16) and a second opening (17) adjacent to it, wherein the openings (16, 17) serve to at least partially receive the device (100, 100') and are oriented such that emitted or emittable light (L) of the mounted device (100,100') can exit from the first opening (16) towards an operator and from the second opening (17) towards the interface (200) for charging and / or refueling the energy storage device (3), wherein the charging and / or refueling flap module (1) is formed by a two-component component (10), wherein the openings (16, 17) for the device (100, 100') are formed in a hard component (11) and at least one further opening (14) for receiving or positioning the at least one interface (200) is formed in a soft component (13) of the two-component component (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging and / or fuel tank flap module for a motor vehicle having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] A charging and / or fuel filler flap module is known from DE 10 2011 114 075 A1. Specifically, this document describes, among other things, an instrument cluster located in a fuel tank recess, which is arranged in a ring around a fuel tank opening. The instrument cluster combines an annular light source for illuminating the fuel tank recess with a display for indicating the fuel tank level. The display consists of several light-emitting diodes (LEDs), also arranged in a ring around the fuel tank opening.

[0003] The disadvantage of this solution is that the light source arranged in a ring around the tank opening to illuminate the tank recess could potentially dazzle the operator. Furthermore, the instrument cluster is very bulky.

[0004] DE 10 2012 211 048 A1 describes a charging device for charging a charge storage device of an electrically powered motor vehicle. The charging device has a coupling device for inserting a charging plug. To illuminate the coupling device, it is surrounded by a C-shaped optical fiber, into whose C-leg light from light sources is coupled at the front. The optical fiber is concealed towards the operator, so that the coupling device is indirectly illuminated by light coupled from the optical fiber. The optical fiber functions both as a search light and as an indicator light for displaying the charging status of the charge storage device. This solution for illuminating the coupling device is also very space-intensive.

[0005] US 2013 / 0 326 955 A1, which has the features of the preamble of the applicable main claim, describes a charging flap module embedded in a recess 16 of the body of an electric vehicle. The charging flap module has a charging interface, a lighting device for illuminating the charging flap module, and a display device for indicating a charging status. A cover serves to open or close the charging flap module. The cover 1 is operatively connected to a push / push mechanism. When the cover is opened, pressing the push / push mechanism actuates a switch, whereby the display device and the lighting device are activated via a control unit.

[0006] DE 10 2014 100 640 A1 discloses a device for charging an electrically operated vehicle with a charging socket. The device comprises a plug element with a plug face, which is designed for electrical and / or mechanical contact with a mating plug element provided on a charging cable. The device further comprises a housing designed to receive the plug element and having an opening through which the plug face of the plug element is accessible. A lighting module is provided that can be attached to the charging socket, wherein the lighting module has a light source, at least one light exit surface for light emitted by the light source, and a contact surface. The lighting module can be placed with the contact surface against a fastening surface provided on the housing of the charging socket and can be secured to the charging socket via connecting means.

[0007] US 2010 / 0 246 198 A1 discloses a charging flap module with a flap, which is arranged in a side region of a motor vehicle. The charging flap module has a charging interface and is attached to a mounting structure by means of an assembly. The assembly comprises a component comprising a base part and a frame part. The assembly also includes a lighting module attached to the base part, which serves to illuminate the charging interface and to illuminate characters or an emblem (e.g., a brand emblem).

[0008] DE 10 2011 006 481 A1 discloses a display device for an electric vehicle that can display the charge level of the electric vehicle's battery using a lighting device with different light colors or flashing speeds. The display device is arranged near a charging device and can be covered by a transparent flap. The display device is designed to project the information about the charge level onto a window of the electric vehicle or onto the ground outside the electric vehicle.

[0009] Finally, DE 10 2011 108 817 A1 describes a charging device for an electric vehicle in which segment-like lamps are arranged around the charging socket in such a way that they form a closed ring around the charging socket. The lamps serve, on the one hand, to illuminate the charging socket and, on the other hand, to provide a type of scale that can be used to illustrate the charge level of an electric vehicle's battery.

[0010] However, due to the large-area and direct radiation of the light used to illuminate the charging socket, there is also a risk of dazzling the operator. The lighting also requires a lot of installation space and numerous light sources.

[0011] Against the background of the cited prior art, the present invention is based on the object of providing a charging and / or fuel filler flap module according to the features of the preamble of patent claim 1, which can be illuminated efficiently and cost-effectively and which can also provide information about the charging and / or fuel level of an energy storage device in the motor vehicle. In particular, a stable alignment of the lighting and display should be ensured by the device used for this purpose, while, on the other hand, compensating movements of the interface for charging and / or refueling should be possible during a refueling and / or charging process.

[0012] The present object is achieved by a charging and / or tank flap module having the features of patent claim 1.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments or further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0014] The present invention initially assumes a charging and / or fuel filler flap module for a motor vehicle, which is designed to accommodate or install at least one interface for charging and / or refueling a motor vehicle-mounted energy storage device. The charging and / or fuel filler flap module is also designed to attach at least one device comprising a light source, which serves both to illuminate the charging and / or fuel filler flap module and to display the current charging and / or fuel fill level of the motor vehicle-mounted energy storage device.

[0015] If the vehicle is conventionally powered by fuel, the interface is designed as a filler neck (sealable tank opening). If the vehicle is electrically powered, the interface is designed as a charging socket.

[0016] However, it is also entirely conceivable that the charging and / or fuel filler flap module may have multiple interfaces. This may be the case, for example, if the motor vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. In such a case, it is conceivable that the charging and / or fuel filler flap module serves to accommodate or create a conventional fuel filler opening and, at the same time, a charging socket. The presence of two differently designed charging sockets or fuel filler openings is also possible.

[0017] Typically, a charging and / or fuel filler flap module is located on one side of the vehicle, preferably near the rear wheels. However, the charging and / or fuel filler flap module can also be located at other locations on the vehicle, for example, at the front or rear of the vehicle.

[0018] It is further proposed that the charging and / or fuel filler flap module have at least one first opening and a second opening adjacent thereto. The openings serve to at least partially accommodate the device, which serves both to illuminate the charging and / or fuel filler flap module and to display the current charging and / or fuel tank level. The openings are aligned such that emitted or emittable light from the mounted device can emerge from the first opening toward an operator and from the second opening toward the interface for charging and / or refueling the energy storage device.

[0019] This creates the conditions for highly effective illumination of the interface for charging and / or refueling the energy storage device. Furthermore, this solution also results in a very compact arrangement, while ensuring a dual function: on the one hand, providing search lighting for the interface and, on the other hand, visually displaying information about the charging and / or fueling level of the energy storage device.

[0020] In a first development of the invention, it is proposed that the first opening and the second opening have surface extensions that are at right angles to each other. This contributes to the implementation of the aforementioned dual function in a simple and compact manner.

[0021] It is very expedient, in an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, if the first opening is located in a first plane and a further opening for receiving or positioning the at least one interface is located in a second plane. The planes face each other at an angle. This contributes to effective illumination of the interface by the device. The angle that the two planes form with each other is preferably an obtuse angle. It is preferably between approximately 120° and 170°, particularly preferably between approximately 130° and 160°.

[0022] The device for illuminating the charging and / or fuel filler flap module and for displaying the current charging and / or fuel fill level is expediently formed by a housing that is detachably connected to the charging and / or fuel filler flap module. This facilitates maintenance of the charging and / or fuel filler flap module and can reduce repair costs. The housing can preferably be screwed or latched to the charging and / or fuel filler flap module. This allows for very easy replacement of the housing in the event of a fault.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the charging and / or fuel filler flap module is formed by a two-component component. In this case, the openings for the device are formed in a hard component of the two-component component, and at least one further opening for receiving or supporting the at least one interface is formed in a soft component of the two-component component.

[0024] In this way, on the one hand, a stable alignment of the lighting and display is ensured by the device, and on the other hand, compensatory movements of the interface are possible during a refueling and / or charging process.

[0025] A device is also described. The device is a device for illuminating a charging and / or fuel filler flap module. The device also serves to display the current charging and / or fuel fill level of a motor vehicle energy storage device that can be charged and / or refueled using the charging and / or fuel filler flap module.

[0026] With regard to the device, it is proposed that it be formed by a housing in which at least two light sources are accommodated. Light generated or capable of being generated by at least one light source exits the housing at a first translucent light exit region. Light generated or capable of being generated by at least one other light source exits the housing at a second translucent light exit region. The first light exit region allows the light to exit in a different direction than the second light exit region.

[0027] In this way, the device creates the basic prerequisite for it to be able to realize the aforementioned dual function when installed in the charging and / or fuel filler flap module.

[0028] The device can be designed such that the first light exit area has a surface extension perpendicular to a surface extension of the second light exit area. This further facilitates the implementation of the aforementioned dual function and promotes a compact housing design.

[0029] In order to reduce the design effort for the device, it is proposed that the light emerging from the housing via the second light exit area be guided from the illuminant to the light exit area via a light guide. In particular, this makes it possible to require only one circuit board to accommodate the at least two illuminants, while maintaining a sufficient distance between the illuminant and the light exit area for the purpose of homogeneous light emission for displaying the charging and / or tank fill level. Particularly preferably, the light guide deflects light coupled into it by 90 degrees. The device is thus optimally adapted to the orientation of the light exit openings of the charging and / or tank flap module.

[0030] Customers have a strong desire for brand-specific customization of their vehicles. This need can be met by coating the first light-emitting area with an opaque layer, which is then partially removed to form a symbol. The symbol could, for example, be a brand-specific logo. When light is emitted by the device's lamps, the logo is clearly visible to the operator during a refueling or charging process.

[0031] To ensure easy replacement of the housing, it is proposed that fastening means be provided for detachable attachment to the charging and / or fuel filler flap module. These fastening means can be designed, for example, as screw holes or locking means. In turn, the charging and / or fuel filler flap module can be equipped with corresponding screw bosses or counter-locking means.

[0032] For easy and uncomplicated electrical connection of the device to the electrical system of a motor vehicle, the housing preferably has at least one plug connection for connection to a connector. The plug connection can then provide the electrical energy to operate the lighting devices and the signal flow to a sensor or energy management device, which detects or monitors the charge or tank level of a vehicle-mounted energy storage device.

[0033] Finally, the invention also aims to protect a motor vehicle which has at least one charging and / or fuel tank flap module according to the invention.

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures. This also makes further advantages of the invention clear. The same reference numerals, even in different figures, refer to the same, comparable or functionally identical components. Corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved even if a repeated description or reference to them is not made. The figures are not, or at least not always, to scale. In some figures, proportions or distances may be exaggerated in order to emphasize features of an embodiment more clearly.

[0035] They show, schematically Fig. 1 a perspective view of a charging flap module for an electrically driven motor vehicle, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a device for illuminating the charging flap module and for displaying the current charging status, Fig. 3 an enlarged partial view of the loading flap module, Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view according to section IV from Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the arrangement of illuminants in the housing of the lighting device, in a first embodiment, Fig. 6 a schematic representation of the arrangement of illuminants in the housing of the lighting device, in a preferred embodiment, Fig. 7 is a detailed view of part of the housing of the lighting device in the particularly preferred embodiment, Fig. 8 shows a light exit area of ​​the housing, Fig. 9 the representation of the light emission area according to view IX of Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 shows an electrically driven vehicle with a charging flap module according to the invention from above.

[0036] In the Fig. 1 shows a charging flap module 1 for an electrically powered motor vehicle. The charging flap module 1 consists largely of a trough- or tub-like two-component component 10, which has a hard component 11 and a soft component 13 connected to it. The hard component 11 can be made of a hard plastic, for example, preferably polypropylene (PP). A rubber-like plastic, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), can preferably be used for the soft component 13.

[0037] A central opening 14 is provided in the soft component 13. This opening 14 serves to expose a vehicle-side interface 200, which is attached to the rear of the soft component 13, for charging an energy storage device of a motor vehicle (not shown in detail here). In the exemplary embodiment, the interface 200 is designed as a charging socket.

[0038] Deviating from the exemplary embodiment, depending on the design of the motor vehicle, it is also conceivable for the interface 200 to be designed as a tank filler neck. Combinations of differently designed interfaces are also conceivable.

[0039] The charging flap module 1 has an electrically controllable locking element 15 for locking a cover flap, not shown in detail here, which conceals the charging flap module 1.

[0040] Above the locking element 15, in the edge region of the two-component component 10, an elongated opening 16 is provided in the hard component 11. Immediately adjacent to the opening 16, a second opening 17 is provided in the hard component 11.

[0041] The openings 16 and 17 serve to partially accommodate a device 100, which will be described in more detail later.

[0042] The device 100 serves, on the one hand, to illuminate the interface 200 and, on the other hand, to display the charge status for an operator.

[0043] The figure shows that the hard component 11 is frame-like and stabilizes the soft component 13 in the edge region. Through a large opening 12, the hard component 11 exposes a large portion of the soft component 13 and its opening 14, including the interface 200 adjacent to the opening 14.

[0044] The Fig. Figure 2 shows the device 100 in isolation. It comprises a housing 101 with an upper part 101a and a lower part 101b. The upper part 101a can be clipped or glued to the lower part 101b, for example.

[0045] The upper part 101a has an elongated, oval-shaped light exit area 102. In the assembly position of the device 100, the light exit area 102 fills the opening 16 in the hard component 11 (see also Fig. 1). Thus, the generated light can be emitted toward an operator. The light exit area 102 serves as a charge level indicator.

[0046] The light exit area 102 transitions via a step 104 into a light exit area 103, which is aligned approximately perpendicular to the light exit area 102. This will be described in more detail later.

[0047] The lower part 101b of the housing 101 is equipped with fastening means 105 for releasably fastening the device 100 to the hard component 11 of the loading flap module 1.

[0048] As can be seen, the device 100 has an elongated outline, the opposite ends of which are formed by the fastening means 105. The fastening means 105 have openings 106 through which fastening screws can pass, with the aid of which the device 100 can be fastened to fastening domes (not visible) of the hard component 11.

[0049] The lower part 101b finally merges into a plug connection 107. The plug connection 107 is used to plug in a motor vehicle connector (not shown) and thus to ensure a power supply and suitable signal transmission.

[0050] From the Fig. 3, the two-component component 10 is shown somewhat enlarged in the area of ​​the openings 16 and 17. This particularly clearly shows how the device 100, in the assembled state, partially protrudes into the openings 16 and 17. Thus, the charge level can be displayed very effectively and in a compact manner through the opening 16, and direct illumination in the direction of the opening 14 or in the direction of the interface 200 (not shown here) can be ensured by means of the opening 17.

[0051] The openings 16 and 17 are inclined towards the opening 14. In this way, the illumination in the area of ​​the opening 14 can be optimized.

[0052] This is especially good at the Fig. 4, which represents the advantageous geometric design in principle: It can be seen that the opening 16 in the hard component 11 has a surface extension F1 that falls within a first plane E1. The second opening 17 has a surface extension F2 that forms an angle α of approximately 90 degrees to the plane E1, i.e., is oriented approximately perpendicular to it.

[0053] The opening 14 formed in the soft component 13 has a surface area F3 lying in a plane E2. The planes E1 and E2 are directed toward each other at an angle β, with the angle β preferably being an obtuse angle. Preferably, the angle β is between approximately 120° and 170°, particularly preferably between approximately 130° and 160°.

[0054] In other words, the planes E1 and E2 are aligned such that a surface normal 18 perpendicular to the surface extension F2 of the opening 17 also falls at an angle β onto the plane E2 or the surface extension F3 of the opening 14.

[0055] Based on the Fig. 5, an embodiment of a device 100' is to be outlined, which represents a possible arrangement of lighting means in the housing 101 of the device 100'.

[0056] It can be seen that a first circuit board 108 with two light sources 110 and 111 is housed in the housing 101. A second circuit board 109 is aligned perpendicular to the circuit board 108 and carries another light source 112. The light sources 110 to 112 are preferably designed as light-emitting diodes, particularly preferably as RGB light-emitting diodes. These can emit light in any color depending on the control.

[0057] The housing 101 of the device 100' also has a first transparent light exit region 102 with a surface area F4 and a second transparent light exit region 103 with a surface area F5. The surface areas F4 and F5 are preferably aligned at a right angle α to each other.

[0058] The light from the lamps 110 and 111 exits to the outside at the light exit area 102, the light from the lamp 112 exits at the light exit area 103.

[0059] The illustrated split into the two circuit boards 108 and 109 allows for maintaining a specific distance a between the circuit board 108 and the light exit area 102, despite realizing light emission in two different directions. This is necessary to avoid so-called hotspots (point-like light phenomena) for an operator and to enable a homogeneous light appearance for the charge level indicator. This is not necessary for the light L of the illuminant 112, since this light merely serves as a search light for the interface 200, and in the mounting position of the device 100', the light exit area 103 is not directly visible to an operator.

[0060] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a comparable schematic diagram for the preferred device 100. This solution utilizes a light guide 114. This allows all three light sources 110, 111, and 112 to be arranged on a single circuit board 113. This contributes to a compact and simple design of the device 100.

[0061] In this preferred solution, the surface extensions F4 and F5 of the light exit areas 102 and 103 are also aligned at a right angle α to each other.

[0062] The light L from the illuminants 110 and 111 exits the light exit region 102, possibly after being collected via an optical element (not shown). The light L from the illuminant 112, on the other hand, enters the light guide 114 at a light coupling surface 114a on the front side, is deflected in a direction of approximately 90 degrees therein, and exits the light guide 114 again at a light coupling point 114b on the front side and finally exits the light exit region 103.

[0063] In Fig. 7, the device 100 will now be described in more detail.

[0064] It can be seen that the light guide 114 has approximately the shape of a woman's shoe, with a heel-like part 114c and a front part 114d.

[0065] Part 114c implements the actual light conduction for the light emitted by the illuminant 112 from the light input surface 114a to the light output surface 114b. This illustration clearly shows that the light exit area 103 has a semicircular outline (viewed from above), with the vertical surface extension F5 in the figure and a horizontal, semicircular surface extension F6.

[0066] The previously mentioned front portion 114d of the light guide 114, however, serves merely to "capture" the light emitted by the illuminants 110 and 111. The light is essentially guided straight through portion 114d toward the light exit area 102.

[0067] From the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shows that the light exit region 102 of the device 100 can be provided with an opaque layer 115. Light-transmissive regions 116 are incorporated into the layer 115 in such a way that a symbol S is created in a plan view of the light exit region 102 (not previously shown in the figures).

[0068] The symbol S is preferably a brand symbol and serves to individualize the loading flap module 1 for a brand-specific operator.

[0069] Finally, the Fig. 10 an electrically driven motor vehicle K, which is equipped with a charging flap module 1 according to the invention.

[0070] The charging flap module 1 is covered or can be covered by a cover flap 2.

[0071] By means of the charging flap module 1, a motor vehicle-mounted energy storage device 3 in the form of a traction battery can be charged by inserting a charging plug (not shown). The electrical energy of the energy storage device 3 is used to supply an electric drive motor 4 with electrical energy.

[0072] The charging flap module 1 or the device 100 (like the interface 200) is electrically or signal-wise connected to an energy management device 5. The energy management device 5 ensures correct energy management when charging the energy storage device 3, for example, the level of the charging current. Furthermore, the energy management device 5 serves to control the device 100 depending on the current charge state of the energy storage device 3. The device 100 is electrically connected to an on-board battery 6.

[0073] A charging process can now proceed as follows: After unlocking the motor vehicle K and opening the cover flap 2, the lamps 110 to 112 of the device 100 are initially controlled such that they emit white light, in particular continuous white light. In this way, optimal search lighting for the interface 200 is enabled through the opening 17. An operator can thus quickly locate the interface 200 and insert a charging plug into the interface 200.

[0074] After plugging in the charging plug and starting the charging process, the color of the light L emitted by the lamps 110 to 112 changes (compare for example Fig. 7) turns green. In addition, the L light flashes to indicate to the operator whether the battery is charging or not.

[0075] If the energy management device 5 determines that the energy storage device 3 is fully charged, the device 100 is controlled in such a way that the lamps 110 to 112 display a continuous green light.

[0076] If an error occurs during the charging process, the device 100 is controlled in such a way that the lamps 110 to 112 emit a continuous red light or flashing light. List of reference symbols 1 charging and / or fuel filler flap module 2 cover flap 3 vehicle-side energy storage; traction battery 4 electric drive motor 5 Energy management device 6 On-board battery 10 trough- or tub-like two-component component 11 Hard component 12 Opening 13 Soft component 14 Opening 15 Locking element 16 Opening 17 Opening 18 surface normals 100, 100' device 101 housings 101a Top 101b Lower part 102 Light exit area 103 Light exit area 104 paragraph 105 fasteners 106 Opening 107 plug connection 108 circuit board 109 circuit board 110 bulbs 111 light bulbs 112 lamps 113 circuit board 114 light guides 114a Light coupling point 114b Light decoupling point 114c paragraph-like part 114d front part 115 opaque layer 116 translucent areas 200 Interface for charging and / or refueling a distance E1, E2 levels F1 - F6 area extensions K Motor vehicle L Light S symbol α angle β angle

Claims

[1] Charging and / or tank flap module (1) for a motor vehicle (K) for receiving or installing at least one interface (200) for charging and / or refueling a motor vehicle-mounted energy storage device (3), and for attaching at least one device (100, 100') having lighting means (110, 111, 112), which device serves both to illuminate the charging and / or tank flap module (1) and to display the current charging and / or tank filling level of the energy storage device (3), wherein the charging and / or tank flap module (1) has at least one first opening (16) and a second opening (17) adjacent thereto, wherein the openings (16, 17) serve to at least partially receive the device (100, 100') and are aligned such that emitted or emittable light (L) of the mounted device (100,100') can emerge from the first opening (16) in the direction of an operator and from the second opening (17) in the direction of the interface (200) for charging and / or refueling the energy storage device (3), wherein the charging and / or tank flap module (1) is formed by a two-component component (10), wherein the openings (16, 17) for the device (100, 100') are formed in a hard component (11) and at least one further opening (14) for receiving or abutting the at least one interface (200) is formed in a soft component (13) of the two-component component (10). [2] Charging and / or tank flap module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the first opening (16) and the second opening (17) have surface extensions (F1, F2) which are at a right angle (α) to one another. [3] Charging and / or tank flap module (1) according to claim 2, characterized bythat the first opening (16) lies in a first plane (E1) and a further opening (14) for receiving or abutting the at least one interface (200) is in a second plane (E2), the planes (E1, E2) facing each other at an angle (β). [4] Charging and / or tank flap module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (100, 100') is formed by a housing (101) which is detachably connected to the charging and / or tank flap module (1). [5] Motor vehicle (K), characterized by at least one charging and / or tank flap module (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4.

Images