Mechanism for swiveling a loading or refueling flap, arrangement consisting of a loading or refueling compartment, at least one loading or refueling flap and at least one such mechanism, as well as a vehicle with at least one such arrangement.

Abstract

Mechanism (1) for pivoting a loading or refueling flap (2) on a loading or refueling recess (3) received or receptacleable in a body component of a motor vehicle, wherein the mechanism (1) is configured to pivot the loading or refueling flap (2) reversibly between a first orientation, in particular a closed position of the loading or refueling flap (2), and a second orientation, in particular an open position of the loading or refueling flap (2), by superposition of at least two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation, wherein the mechanism (1) has a first lever (4) and a second lever (5), wherein the first lever (4) and the second lever (5) are each rotatably mounted, in particular with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, on the loading or refueling flap (2) and on the loading or refueling recess (3), respectively.wherein the bearing points (6, 7, 8, 9) of the first lever (4) and the second lever (5) on the loading or tanking hatch (2) on the one hand and the loading or tanking recess (3) on the other hand are spaced apart from each other, wherein the mechanism (1) is configured to superposition exactly two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation, wherein the first lever (4) and the second lever (5) are each configured to perform one of these circular rotational movements around their respective bearing point (6, 7) on the loading or tanking recess (3) in a first or a second direction of rotation, and wherein the first lever (4) performs a circular rotational movement with a radius of rotation that is larger than the radius of rotation of a circular rotational movement performed by the second lever (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanism for pivoting a loading or refueling flap on a loading or refueling recess received or receptacleable in a body component of a motor vehicle, and to an arrangement comprising a loading or refueling recess, at least one loading or refueling flap, and at least one such mechanism. The present invention further relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such arrangement.

[0002] The motor vehicle is in particular a vehicle with a hybrid or an electric drive, although vehicles with purely internal combustion engine drive are not excluded within the scope of the present invention.

[0003] Vehicles with a hybrid or electric drive have at least one battery or a traction battery, which, for example in PHEV vehicles (PHEV = Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) or BEV vehicles (BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle), can be charged via an electrical charging port accessible from the outside on the vehicle body, which is usually a charging socket, by connecting, for example, to an electric charging station or a conventional external electrical connection.

[0004] The charging port is usually located in a loading recess in the vehicle body, which is covered or closed by a loading flap or a loading lock element. A mechanism interacting with the loading flap or loading lock element allows either the loading recess to be opened and closed, or the loading flap or loading lock element to be folded open and closed relative to the loading recess, thus providing access to the charging port.

[0005] In vehicles with internal combustion engines, the fuel tank is filled via an externally accessible filler neck, connected, for example, to a fuel pump or nozzle. Corresponding to the charging port, the filler neck is usually located in a recess integrated into the vehicle body, which is covered or closed by a fuel filler flap or cap. A mechanism interacting with the fuel filler flap or cap allows the recess to be opened and closed, or the fuel filler flap or cap to be opened and closed relative to the recess, thus providing access to the filler neck.

[0006] In conventional arrangements consisting of a charging or refueling flap and a charging or refueling recess connected by a mechanism, the mechanism often only allows the charging or refueling flap to open relative to the recess at an angle of 90° towards a body component that accommodates the recess. Although the charging or refueling recess is generally accessible for charging or refueling when the flap is open at a 90° angle, difficulties may arise when inserting the charging plug or nozzle due to the geometric design of the charging connector or nozzle, or the vehicle's position relative to the charging station or fuel pump.

[0007] Furthermore, it is conceivable that if the plug or pistol is inserted or inserted improperly, the loading flap may be accidentally moved beyond its maximum pivoting position, damaging or completely destroying the mechanism for opening and closing the flap.

[0008] To achieve a larger swivel or opening angle of the loading or fuel filler flap than the previously described 90°, conventional designs like these require an extremely complex mechanism consisting of many different components. Besides its complexity, such a mechanism is often relatively unstable, very expensive, and requires a large amount of installation space, which is often unavailable.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional arrangements consisting of a loading or refueling flap and a loading or refueling recess connected by a mechanism present the problem that the loading or refueling recess, particularly the charging port or filler neck and the charging plug or fuel nozzle, is exposed to the elements without protection during the loading or refueling process. With a fixed opening angle of 90° for the loading or refueling flap, rain, snow, hail, or strong winds can penetrate unhindered into the area directly between the loading or refueling flap and the loading or refueling recess, thus (over time) causing damage to components involved in the loading or refueling process or leading to premature aging of the materials from which the loading or refueling recess or other components are made.

[0010] German patent application DE 10 2017 223 396 A1 relates to a device for pivoting a loading or refueling flap on a loading or refueling recess that is or can be received in a body component of a motor vehicle. The device, known from this prior art, is designed to pivot the loading or refueling flap reversibly between a first orientation, in particular a closed position of the loading or refueling flap, and a second orientation, in particular an open position, by superimposing at least two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation that occur at least temporarily simultaneously, or at least one circular rotational movement and at least one linear movement that occurs at least temporarily simultaneously.For this purpose, the device has a first lever and a second lever, wherein the first lever and the second lever are each rotatably mounted, in particular with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, on the loading or tanking hatch on one side and on the loading or tanking recess on the other, wherein the bearing points of the first lever and the second lever on the loading or tanking hatch on the one side and the loading or tanking recess on the other are spaced apart from each other.

[0011] German patent application DE 10 2019 100 787 A1 relates to a device for opening and closing a tank and / or loading hatch, which has at least one hatch and a lever assembly, wherein the lever assembly has at least two levers which are pivotably arranged one above the other on the side of the hatch and on a tank and / or loading recess in the opening direction. In addition to being pivotably mounted, one of the levers is radially displaceable from the pivot axis in order to provide additional protection against rain, snow, or the like when the hatch is in the open position.

[0012] German patent application DE 44 38 610 A1 relates to an adjustable flap, in particular a fuel filler flap of a vehicle, which can be adjusted from a closed position, closing a wall opening, to an open position, at least partially releasing the wall opening, via an actuating element and a pivot lever. The actuating element is a second pivot lever, which can be pivoted about a fixed pivot axis and about an axis on the flap. This second pivot lever forms a four-bar linkage with the other pivot lever and the flap.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for pivoting a loading or refueling flap on a loading or refueling recess received or refuelable in a body component of a motor vehicle, which on the one hand allows easy access to the loading or refueling recess for a loading or refueling operation and on the other hand makes it possible to move the loading or refueling flap into a so-called weather protection position in which the loading or refueling recess and any components involved in the loading or refueling operation are reliably protected from the elements.

[0014] The present invention relates to a mechanism for pivoting a loading or fuel filler flap according to independent claim 1, wherein advantageous embodiments of the mechanism according to the invention are specified in dependent claims 2 to 12.

[0015] The invention further relates to an arrangement according to dependent claim 13 and to a motor vehicle with such an arrangement according to claim 14.

[0016] Accordingly, the present invention relates in particular to a mechanism for pivoting a loading or refueling flap on a loading or refueling recess received or receptacleable in a body component of a motor vehicle, wherein the mechanism is designed to pivot the loading or refueling flap reversibly between a first orientation, in particular a closed position of the loading or refueling flap, and a second orientation, in particular an open position in the loading or refueling flap, by superposition of at least two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation that occur at least temporarily simultaneously.

[0017] The mechanism according to the invention allows the loading or refueling flap to be pivoted with extremely little installation space by superimposing or combining at least two movements. Compared to conventional mechanisms, a significantly larger pivoting angle of the loading or refueling flap relative to the loading or refueling recess is achieved for the same movement path. Furthermore, after a loading or refueling process has been initiated, the mechanism allows the loading or refueling flap to be pivoted into a so-called weather protection position, thus reliably protecting the area between the loading or refueling recess and the loading or refueling flap, as well as any other components involved in the loading or refueling process, from the elements.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention, the mechanism is designed to simultaneously lift the loading or refueling flap from the loading or refueling recess and rotate it towards the body component during pivoting from the first orientation to the second orientation.

[0019] The mechanism's unique operating principle forces the loading or refueling flap into its complex movement or pivoting pattern, thereby achieving a larger pivoting angle compared to conventional mechanisms. This movement or pivoting pattern of the loading or refueling flap is preferably achieved by the mechanism superimposing or overlaying at least two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation through a special coupling with the loading or refueling recess on the one hand and the loading or refueling flap on the other. The characteristic movement or pivoting pattern of the loading or refueling flap is characterized by the fact that the loading or refueling flap lifts off or rises from the loading or refueling recess (i.e., moves orthogonally away from a surface of a body component surrounding the loading or refueling recess) and simultaneously moves towards the body component (i.e.,rotates around an axis of rotation that runs parallel to the surface of the body component.

[0020] As an alternative to the preferred embodiment of superpositioned circular rotational movements, it is also conceivable that the mechanism transforms the loading or fuel filler flap into its characteristic movement pattern by superpositioning at least one circular rotational movement and at least one linear movement.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention, the mechanism is rotatably mounted on the loading or tank flap on one side and on the loading or tank recess on the other.

[0022] The special kinematic coupling of the components of the arrangement is achieved through the rotatable mounting of the mechanism on the loading or refueling flap and the loading or refueling recess, which allows movements generated by the mechanism to be superimposed or overlapped in such a way that the path of movement, in particular the pivoting angle, of the loading or refueling flap is greater than the path of movement, in particular a rotation angle, of the mechanism.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention, the mechanism is designed to pivot the loading or refueling flap into a third orientation, wherein the third orientation corresponds to an orientation of the loading or refueling flap between the first and the second orientation.

[0024] Such a third orientation corresponds to the weather protection position, in which the loading or refueling flap, for example during a loading or refueling process, is only pivoted to the extent that the loading or refueling recess and all components involved in a loading or refueling process are protected from any weather influences, in particular rain, snow, hail or strong wind.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention, it is provided that a rotation angle of the mechanism corresponds to a first rotation angle range and a rotation angle of the loading or fuel filler flap corresponds to a second rotation angle range, wherein the rotation angle of the mechanism is always smaller than the rotation angle of the loading or fuel filler flap.

[0026] Thus, with a small movement of the mechanism, it is possible to ensure a significantly increased rotation angle or swivel angle of the loading or refueling flap, thereby significantly improving accessibility to the loading or refueling recess and comfort during the loading or refueling process.

[0027] In the mechanism according to the invention, it is provided that the mechanism has a first lever and a second lever, wherein the first lever and the second lever are each rotatably mounted, in particular with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, on the loading or tanking hatch on one side and on the loading or tanking recess on the other, and wherein the bearing points of the first lever and the second lever on the loading or tanking hatch on the one side and the loading or tanking recess on the other are spaced apart from each other.

[0028] The mechanism's design, consisting of two levers (or lever arms) with their respective rotatable connections or bearings on the loading or refueling flap on one side and the loading or refueling recess on the other, along with the spaced positioning of the bearing points, allows for the creation of a so-called four-point kinematic system. This enables the characteristic movement or pivoting pattern of the loading or refueling flap to be generated through the superposition or overlapping of at least two lever movements. By selecting the spacing between the bearing points, it is possible to vary or adjust the ratio of the mechanism's or levers' rotation angle to the flap's rotation or pivoting angle.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the invention, the mechanism is designed to superposition exactly two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation, wherein the first lever and the second lever are each designed to perform one of these circular rotational movements around their respective bearing point on the loading or tank recess in a first or a second direction of rotation, and wherein the first lever performs a circular rotational movement with a radius of rotation that is larger than a radius of rotation of a circular rotational movement performed by the second lever.

[0030] The two levers of the mechanism thus describe different circular paths during their rotational movements around their pivot points on the loading or tank recess. The characteristic pivoting movement of the loading or tank recess, consisting of two partial movements (lifting + rotation), is generated by the rotatable mounting of the two levers on the loading or tank recess. Compared to a conventional mechanism with only one rotating lever, the four-point kinematic connection and the resulting superposition of the rotational movements of two levers, at the same rotation angle of the mechanisms, allows for a significantly larger pivoting angle of the loading or tank recess.This allows the loading or fuel filler flap to be opened at more than 90° compared to a closed position, which would not be possible with a conventional mechanism using only one lever, or would require such a large installation space in the area of ​​the vehicle body that such a mechanism would not be economical to use.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention, it is provided that a pivoting of the loading or refueling flap from the first orientation to the second orientation corresponds to a pivoting movement of the loading or refueling flap by a pivoting angle of approximately 155° in the direction of the body component, and wherein a pivoting of the loading or refueling flap from the first orientation to the third orientation corresponds to a pivoting movement of the loading or refueling flap by a pivoting angle of approximately 80° in the direction of the body component.

[0032] The second orientation of the loading or fuel flap corresponds to a rotation angle of the levers of approximately 100° in the first direction of rotation, and the third orientation of the loading or fuel flap corresponds to a rotation angle of the levers of approximately 55° in the first direction of rotation.

[0033] In this context, the term "approximately" means a deviation of + / -10° from the specified angle.

[0034] Opening or pivoting the charging or refueling flap through a swivel angle of approximately 155° (+ / - 10°), particularly exactly 155°, allows for trouble-free initiation of the charging or refueling process without potential complications when inserting a charging plug or fuel nozzle due to an insufficient opening angle of the flap. As previously mentioned, pivoting the charging or refueling flap through a rotation angle of approximately 80° (+ / - 10°), particularly exactly 80°, allows the flap to be positioned to provide weather protection, preventing the ingress of rain, snow, hail, or strong winds into the area between the charging or refueling compartment and the flap.

[0035] By rotating or turning the levers around their respective pivot point on the loading or tank recess by a rotation or turning angle of approximately 100° (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 100°, the loading or tank flap can be pivoted open from its closed position of approximately 155° (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 155°, and furthermore by rotating or turning the levers around their respective pivot point on the loading or tank recess by approximately 55° (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 55°, a weather protection position of the loading or tank flap (pivot angle of the loading or tank flap approximately (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 80°) can be achieved.

[0036] Since the mechanism according to the invention allows for reversible pivoting of the loading or fuel filler flap, the aforementioned angle specifications are also to be understood as meaning that the loading or fuel filler flap can be pivoted from the second orientation by approximately 75° (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 75°, opposite to the direction towards the body component, in order to be moved from the second orientation to the third orientation. Furthermore, the loading or fuel filler flap can also be pivoted from the second orientation by approximately 155° (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 155°, opposite to the direction towards the body component, in order to be moved from the second orientation back to the first orientation. Similarly, the aforementioned angle specifications with regard to the levers are to be understood as meaning that the levers rotate by corresponding angular amounts (approximately (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 45° and approximately (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 100°) in the second direction of rotation.can be rotated to move the charging or fuel filler flap, for example, from the second orientation to the third orientation or from the second orientation back to the first orientation.

[0037] The aforementioned angle specifications should not be interpreted as restrictive; rather, the second position can generally correspond to a rotation or pivot angle of the loading or fuel filler flap within a range of 110° to 180°, and the third position to a rotation or pivot angle of the loading or fuel filler flap within a range of 60° to 100° relative to the first position (closed position) of the loading or fuel filler flap. The rotation angle of the levers is reduced or increased accordingly, but the condition is always maintained that the rotation angle of the mechanism or the levers is smaller than the rotation or pivot angle of the loading or fuel filler flap.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention, it is provided that the first lever and the second lever are designed to be complementary to each other in such a way that the second lever is at least partially incorporated or receptible into the first lever.

[0039] Preferably, the second lever is designed such that, in a state of the second lever being received into the first lever, an opening formed in the first lever for receiving the second lever is at least partially covered by the second lever.

[0040] This allows for an extremely compact arrangement of the mechanism, whereby the two levers, particularly in an installation position or in an installed state of the mechanism in an arrangement, can be positioned close together and are still able to perform their respective rotational movements without colliding with each other.

[0041] The special, overlapping design of the second lever also serves the purpose of protecting the mechanism itself from weather conditions such as rain, snow, hail, or strong winds during the rotation process used to pivot the loading or fuel filler flap. In particular, the second lever has a specially designed surface that extends beyond its actual outer contour. When the second lever is inserted into the first, this surface also partially covers the outer contour of the first lever, thus sealing the opening for the second lever within the first. This prevents any fluids or snow from passing by the mechanism and damaging it.

[0042] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention, the first lever and the second lever are each designed in an arc shape, in particular in a swan-neck shape.

[0043] This special design facilitates the arrangement of the levers relative to each other, allowing them to perform their respective rotational movements unimpeded, while creating a compact mechanism that requires minimal installation space. Furthermore, this design also contributes to generating the characteristic movement or pivoting pattern of the loading or fuel filler flap via the mechanism.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention, the first lever and the second lever are each rotatably mounted on the loading or tank flap on one side and the loading or tank recess on the other by means of a bearing bolt or a bearing pin.

[0045] Such a design allows for a very simple, rotatable mounting of the levers on the loading or tank flap and the loading or tank recess, which is very low-maintenance, very cost-effective, yet extremely robust, so that the bearings important for the four-point kinematic connection or the components necessary for the mounting show only minimal signs of wear even with a high number of pivoting movements of the loading or tank flap.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention, the movements superpositioned by means of the mechanism are non-uniform.

[0047] This allows for the implementation of additional functions, such as soft opening and / or closing of the loading or fuel filler flap, rapid swinging of the loading or fuel filler flap between its end positions or orientations, and / or swinging of the loading or fuel filler flap against resistance (ice barrier or strong wind). If necessary, an additional gear component or transmission, for example a type of Maltese cross gear, may be provided to generate such a non-uniform movement. This transmission is coupled to the mechanism or to a lever of the mechanism that is driven.

[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention, it is provided that a pivoting of the loading or fuel filler flap is initiated by means of an actuation of the mechanism, in particular the first lever, wherein the mechanism, in particular the first lever, can be actuated manually, by means of spring force, by means of a Bowden cable and / or by an electric motor.

[0049] Actuating the mechanism generates at least one movement of the mechanism, whereby the mounting of the mechanism on the loading or refueling flap on the one hand and the loading or refueling recess on the other directly generates at least a second movement. These at least two movements are superimposed, so that the loading or refueling flap is forced into its characteristic pivoting pattern. Preferably, the mechanism is actuated by actuating the first lever, causing it to rotate about its pivot point on the loading or refueling recess. Due to the rotatable connection or mounting of the first and second levers on the loading or refueling flap, this rotational movement of the first lever is directly transmitted to the second lever, so that it also rotates in a first direction around its pivot point on the loading or refueling recess, corresponding to the first lever.The rotatable connection of the levers to the loading or fuel filler flap allows the two rotary movements of the levers to be superimposed or overlapped in such a way that the flap is lifted or moved orthogonally away from a surface of the body component and is simultaneously rotated towards the body component.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, an arrangement is provided comprising a loading or refueling recess received or refueling compartment in a body component, at least one loading or refueling flap and at least one mechanism of the type described above.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle with at least one arrangement of the type described above is also provided.

[0052] An exemplary embodiment of the mechanism and arrangement according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] They show: Fig. 1. A schematic and isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the mechanism according to the invention; Fig. 2 schematically and in an isometric view an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention consisting of a loading or tank recess, a loading or tank flap and the mechanism according to the invention in a first orientation of the loading or tank flap, in particular in a closed position of a loading or tank flap; Fig. 3 schematically and in an isometric view the exemplary embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention consisting of a loading or tank recess, a loading or tank flap and the mechanism according to the invention in a second orientation of the loading or tank flap, in particular an open position of the loading or tank flap; Fig. 4 schematically and in an isometric view the exemplary embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention consisting of a loading or tank recess, a loading or tank flap and the mechanism according to the invention in a third orientation of the loading or tank flap, in particular in a weather protection position of the loading or tank flap; and Fig. 5A to 5C show a schematic representation of a movement sequence of the mechanism according to the invention for pivoting the loading or fuel filler flap.

[0054] Unless otherwise stated, identical reference symbols in the figures denote identical or corresponding objects.

[0055] The following refers to the representations in Fig. 1 to 5C the mechanism and arrangement according to the invention are described.

[0056] It should first be noted that although the mechanism according to the invention is described in the present invention in connection with loading or tank flaps and loading or tank recesses, it is also fundamentally possible to use the mechanism according to the invention for pivoting any flap that is intended to close or release an opening or recess.

[0057] For the following detailed description, the terms "flap" and "recess" are used for clarity, which are synonymous with "loading or fuel flap" and "loading or fuel recess".

[0058] Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the mechanism 1 according to the invention, where it is depicted detached from a flap 2 and a recess 3. To illustrate the operating principle of the mechanism 1, the following is shown: Fig. 1 Mechanism shown 1 taking into account the representations in the Fig. 2 to 5C are described in more detail below.

[0059] The basic operating principle of mechanism 1 can be summarized as follows: by superposition or overlapping at least two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation, or at least one circular rotational movement and at least one linear movement, a flap 2, which is connected or connectable to a recess 3 by means of mechanism 1, can be reversibly pivoted between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the recess 3. A first orientation of the flap 2 describes, in particular, a closed position of the flap 2, wherein the flap 2 is aligned or arranged relative to the recess 3 such that the flap 2 closes an opening defined by the recess 3. A second orientation of the flap 2 further describes an open position or access position, wherein the flap 2 is pivoted or opened relative to the recess 3 such that the recess 3 is opened.the opening defined by the recess 3 is released, so that a charging plug of a charging station or a fuel nozzle of a fuel pump can be inserted or inserted into the recess 3, in particular a charging plug or fuel nozzle arranged in the recess 3.

[0060] In this context, the term "superposition" means that the movements being superimposed occur simultaneously, at least temporarily, preferably continuously (i.e., during the entire pivoting process of the loading or fuel filler flap).

[0061] By superimposing or overlapping at least two movements, it is possible to pivot the flap 2 significantly further or at a significantly larger angle than is possible with conventional arrangements consisting of a flap and a recess connected by a mechanism. According to the present invention, the rotation angle of the mechanism 1, corresponding to a first rotation angle range, is always smaller than the rotation angle or pivot angle of the flap 2, corresponding to a second rotation angle range. In contrast to conventional arrangements, according to the present invention, the flap 2 in its second orientation, i.e., its open position, is not only pivoted or opened by 90° relative to the recess 3, but rather by a pivot angle of approximately 155° (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 155°. It is thus possible to open the recess 3 or the recess 3 at a significantly larger angle than with conventional arrangements.to release the opening defined by recess 3 in such a way that a charging plug or a fuel nozzle can be inserted or inserted without problems and regardless of any possible orientation of a motor vehicle relative to the charging station or fuel pump.

[0062] Such an increased pivot angle of the flap 2 is achieved by mounting the mechanism 1 rotatably on the flap 2 on one side and on the recess 3 on the other. This allows at least two movements generated by the mechanism 1 to be superimposed or overlapped in such a way that the flap 2 is lifted or raised from the recess 3, i.e., moved orthogonally away from a surface of a body component (not shown in the figures) that receives and surrounds the recess 3. Simultaneously, the flap 2 is rotated towards a body component receiving the recess 3, i.e., about an axis of rotation parallel to the surface of the body component. The resulting superposition or overlap of the two movements allows the flap 2 to be raised or lifted from the recess 3, i.e., moved orthogonally away from a surface of a body component (not shown in the figures).The superposition of the movements of mechanism 1, generated by the superposition of these two otherwise separate movements of flap 2, can achieve a significantly larger pivot angle of flap 2 relative to the recess 3 with an approximately identical movement path of mechanism 1 than conventional mechanisms for pivoting a flap allow.

[0063] Furthermore, flap 2 can be pivoted into a third orientation by mechanism 1, with this third orientation corresponding to a so-called weather protection position. This third orientation of flap 2 corresponds to a pivot angle of approximately 80° (+ / -10°), specifically exactly 80°, towards the body component. Such a smaller pivot angle than 90° cannot be easily achieved with conventional mechanisms.

[0064] The mechanism 1 according to the invention thus allows, after inserting a charging plug or a fuel nozzle into a charging port or a fuel filler neck, the flap 2 to be pivoted in such a way that an area between the recess 3 and the flap 2, as well as the other components involved in the charging or refueling process, such as the charging plug, the fuel nozzle, the charging port and / or the fuel filler neck, are reliably protected from weather conditions such as rain, snow, hail or strong winds. After completion of the charging or refueling process, the flap 2 can then be pivoted again so that it assumes its second orientation, the so-called open position, so that a charging plug or a fuel nozzle can be easily removed. After removing these components, the flap 2 can be pivoted back to its first orientation, so that the flap 2 covers the recess 3 or the opening defined by the recess 3.seals the charging plug or the fuel filler neck.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, as described in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the mechanism 1 has a first lever 4 (lever arm) and a second lever 5 (lever arm). The first lever 4 and the second lever 5 are each rotatably connected to, or mounted on, the flap 2 and the recess 3, respectively. The connection of the first lever 4 and the second lever 5 to the flap 2 and the recess 3 is achieved, in particular, by means of a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the levers 4 and 5. It is important that the bearing points 6, 7, 8, 9 of the first lever 4 and the second lever 5 are spaced apart from each other on the flap 2 and the recess 3, respectively.This creates a so-called 4-point kinematics, which allows (at least) two movements, in particular (at least) two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation, which can be performed by the first lever 4 and the second lever 5, to be superimposed or overlapped in such a way that the previously described characteristic pivoting pattern or the pivoting movement of flap 2 is generated.

[0066] The spacing of the bearing points 6, 7, 8, 9 allows the ratio of the rotation angle of the levers 4, 5 to the rotation angle or pivot angle of the flap 2 to be varied or adjusted in order to achieve the desired orientations of the flap 2 relative to the recess 3 and to require only a small movement path of the levers 4, 5.

[0067] Each of the levers 4, 5 is designed or configured such that it can perform one of these circular rotational movements about its bearing point 6, 7 on the recess 3 in a first or a second direction of rotation. In particular, the first lever 4 is designed or configured such that it can perform a circular rotational movement with a radius of rotation that is larger than the radius of rotation of the circular rotational movement performed by the second lever 5.

[0068] The two levers 4, 5 are arc-shaped, preferably swan-neck-shaped, and furthermore designed or configured in such a complementary manner to each other that the second lever 5 can be received or received at least partially in the first lever 4, so that an interlocking lever arrangement can be formed. According to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, at least the first lever 4 is designed as a hollow chamber structure which has an opening on one surface that is intended to receive the second lever 5. In a state of assembly 100 according to the invention, the mechanism 1, the flap 2 and the recess 3 (see Figure 1) Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4) This allows for a very compact arrangement of both levers 4, 5, whereby both levers 4, 5 can perform their rotational movements unhindered.

[0069] As is particularly evident in the Fig. As can also be seen from Figure 1, the second lever 5 can have a special configuration such that, when inserted into the first lever 4, it at least partially covers the opening provided in the first lever 4 for receiving the second lever 5. For this purpose, a surface of the second lever 5 is designed such that it projects at least slightly beyond the outer contour of the second lever 4. Such a configuration of the second lever 4 allows the mechanism 1, which comes into contact with the environment when the flap 2 pivots, to also be protected from the elements, in particular from penetrating rain or snow. Other or further geometric configurations of the levers 4 and 5, especially of their surfaces, are also conceivable, so that the mechanism 1 is protected from the elements during the pivoting of the flap 2.

[0070] Referring to the representations in the Fig. Sections 5A to 5C below describe in detail the movement sequence of mechanism 1 with two levers 4, 5, in particular arc-shaped, preferably swan-neck-shaped, and the corresponding pivoting movement or pivoting pattern of the flap 2. It should be noted that the illustrations in the Fig. Figures 5A to 5C are merely schematic and serve to illustrate the basic movement sequences. Specific embodiments of mechanism 1 may deviate from this design (see, for example, embodiment in Fig. 1)

[0071] When the mechanism 1 is actuated, particularly when the first lever 4 is actuated, the first lever 4 rotates about its pivot point 6 on the recess 3. Due to the rotatable mounting of the first lever 4 on the flap 2, and furthermore of the second lever 5 on the recess 3 on the one hand and the flap 2 on the other, the movement initiated in the first lever 4 is directly transmitted to the second lever 5, so that it too rotates about its pivot point 7 on the recess 3. The rotatable mounting of the first lever 4 and the second lever 5 on the flap 2 allows the flap 2 to rotate relative to the levers 4 and 5 during their circular rotational movements. This 4-point kinematics allows the circular rotational movements of levers 4 and 5 to be superimposed, so that flap 2 has a translational or nearly translational movement in the direction away from recess 3.away from a surface of the body component receiving the recess 3 and simultaneously performs a rotational movement towards the body component. This makes it possible, compared to a conventional arrangement of recess, flap and mechanism where the mechanism only has a lever, to achieve a significantly larger pivot angle of the flap 2 with the same movement path of the mechanism 1, thus improving the release of the recess 3 or an opening defined by the recess 3.

[0072] In order for the flap 2 to pivot from its first orientation (closed position) to its second orientation (open position, pivot angle of approximately 155° (+ / - 10°)), the levers 4, 5 of the mechanism 1 according to the invention only need to execute a rotation angle of approximately 100° (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 100°, in their first direction of rotation. In order for the flap 2 to pivot from its first orientation (closed position) to its third orientation (weather protection position, pivot angle of approximately 80° (+ / - 10°)), the levers 4, 5 of the mechanism 1 according to the invention only need to traverse a rotation angle of approximately 55° (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 55°, in the first direction.

[0073] As is particularly evident in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, levers 4 and 5 rest against a surface or housing part of the recess 3 in a second orientation (open position or access position) of the flap 2, thus creating an end stop for levers 4 and 5 and ensuring a stable end position. This protects the mechanism 1 from damage in the event of unintentional movement of the flap 2 beyond its maximum open or pivot position. In this orientation, the first lever 4 also rests against the second lever 5, or the second lever 5 provides an additional stop for the first lever 4.

[0074] Since the mechanism 1 according to the invention allows a reversible pivoting of the flap 2, the mechanism 1 is also designed so that the levers 4, 5 can rotate in the second direction of rotation by corresponding angular amounts of approximately 45° (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 45°, and approximately 100° (+ / - 10°), in particular exactly 100°, in order to move the flap 2 from the second orientation (open position, pivot angle approximately 155° (+ / - 10°)) to the third orientation (weather protection position, pivot angle approximately 80° (+ / - 10°)) or from the second orientation (open position, pivot angle approximately 155° (+ / - 10°)) back to the first orientation (closed position).

[0075] As detailed in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the rotatable mounting or connection of the first lever 4 and the second lever 5 to the flap 2 and the recess 3 is realized by means of a bearing bolt or a bearing pin 10. This mounting or connection allows for a very simple, cost-effective, yet extremely robust and durable type of bearing, which contributes an important component to the mode of operation according to the invention.

[0076] As already mentioned in the detailed description of the movement sequence with reference to the Fig. As mentioned in sections 5A to 5C, the mechanism 1 is actuated to initiate the pivoting process of the flap 2. It is preferably provided that the first lever 4 of the mechanism 1 is actuated, either manually, by spring force, by means of a Bowden cable, and / or by an electric motor. The pivoting movement of the flap 2 is thus initiated by actuating the first lever 4, whereby the first lever 4 performs a circular rotational movement about its pivot point 6 on the recess 3. Due to the further pivot points 8, 9, the second lever 5 also immediately performs a circular rotational movement with a smaller radius of rotation about its pivot point 7 on the recess 3. The pivot points 8, 9 allow the flap 2 to rotate about these pivot points 8, 9 during the rotation of the levers 4, 5, thus performing its characteristic pivoting movement.

[0077] The movements superimposed by Mechanism 1 can be uniform or non-uniform. In the case of non-uniform movements, additional functions can be implemented, such as soft opening and / or closing of the flap 2, rapid pivoting of the flap 2 between its end positions or orientations, and / or pivoting of the flap 2 against a resistance, such as an ice barrier or strong wind. For this purpose, an additional gear component or gearbox, for example, a type of Maltese cross gear, can be provided to generate the non-uniform movement and introduce it into the mechanism, in particular into one of the levers 4 or 5 of Mechanism 1. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to generate the non-uniform movement directly by an electric motor. The use of an additional gear component or gearboxHowever, the use of an additional gearbox is not limited to the purpose of generating non-uniform motion, but can also be used for uniform motions, for example to achieve higher torque during pivoting or faster pivoting speeds.

[0078] When the mechanism 1 is operated manually, additional detent devices or springs may be provided to fix or lock the flap 2 in the first, second and / or third orientation, at least temporarily.

[0079] Although the second and third orientations of flap 2 have been described by a rotation angle or pivot angle of approximately 155° (+ / - 10°) and approximately 80° (+ / - 10°) respectively in the direction of a body component receiving recess 3, it is of course conceivable that the second and third orientations of flap 2 could also describe any other pivot angle. In particular, the second orientation of flap 2 could correspond to a rotation angle or pivot angle in the range of 110° to 180° and the third orientation of flap 2 to a rotation angle or pivot angle in the range of 60° to 100° in the direction of a body component receiving recess 3. Accordingly, the levers 4, 5 of mechanism 1 must execute a smaller or larger rotational movement about their respective pivot points 6, 7 on recess 3, whereby, however, the rotation angle of the levers 4, 5 is always smaller than the rotation angle or pivot angle of flap 2.

[0080] In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 shows an arrangement 100 consisting of a recess 3, a flap 2 and the mechanism 1 according to the invention, wherein the different orientations of the flap 2 relative to the recess 3, namely the first orientation (see Figure 4) are shown. Fig. 2), the second orientation (see Fig. 3) and the third orientation (see Fig.4), are shown. In principle, it is also conceivable that an arrangement 100 is formed from a recess 3, at least one flap 2, and at least one mechanism 1 according to the invention. According to a further aspect of the invention, an arrangement 100 can be specified as consisting of a recess 3, a flap 2, and two mechanisms 1 according to the invention. In such a case, the mechanisms 1 are spaced apart from one another in the arrangement 100, but are identically designed so that they also perform the same sequence of movements. In such a configuration of the arrangement 100, the levers 4, 5 of the mechanisms 1 can have special surface designs, so that additional protection against ingress of liquids or snow, especially in combination with strong winds, is provided. In particular, it is provided that in an open state of the flap 2 (second or third orientation), the flap 2 opens outwards, i.e.,The surfaces of levers 4, 5 pointing towards the body component receiving the recess 3 have this special design for weather protection.

[0081] It should be noted that, as an alternative to the detailed embodiment of the mechanism 1 with two levers 4, 5, each performing a circular rotational movement, a mechanism 1 within the scope of this invention is also provided which is based on the principle of a superposition or overlap of a circular rotational movement and a linear movement in order to achieve the characteristic pivoting movement or pivoting pattern of the flap 2. In this case, the levers 4, 5 must be designed accordingly. With such a design or mode of operation of the mechanism 1, unlike in the case of two circular rotational movements, the flap 2, i.e., a surface of the flap 2 that points away from a surface of the body component in the first orientation (closed position) of the flap 2, is in its second orientation (open position) with its outer surface facing away from a surface of the body component.(access position) is not directed towards the body component; rather, flap 2 with its inner surface, i.e., a surface of flap 2 which in the first orientation (closed position) of flap 2 points towards a surface of the body component, in the second orientation (open position or access position) still points towards the body component.

[0082] The invention is also not limited to the superposition or overlapping of only two movements; it is also conceivable that more than two movements are superpositioned by the mechanism 1, leading to the characteristic pivoting movement or pivoting pattern of the flap 2. For this purpose, the mechanism 1 can accordingly have more than two levers 4, 5 and / or further or other components.

[0083] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with at least one arrangement 100 consisting of a recess 3, at least one flap 2 and at least one mechanism 1 of the type described above. Reference symbol list 1 Mechanism 2 flaps 3 troughs 4 first lever 5 second lever 6, 7 Lever pivot points on the trough 8, 9 pivot points of the levers on the flap 10 bearing bolts or bearing pins

Claims

[1] Mechanism (1) for pivoting a loading or refueling flap (2) on a loading or refueling recess (3) received or receptacleable in a body component of a motor vehicle, wherein the mechanism (1) is configured to pivot the loading or refueling flap (2) reversibly between a first orientation, in particular a closed position of the loading or refueling flap (2), and a second orientation, in particular an open position of the loading or refueling flap (2), by superposition of at least two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation, wherein the mechanism (1) has a first lever (4) and a second lever (5), wherein the first lever (4) and the second lever (5) each have, in particular, a first end and a second end opposite the first end,The first lever (4) and the second lever (5) are rotatably mounted on the loading or refueling flap (2) on one side and on the loading or refueling recess (3) on the other side, the bearing points (6, 7, 8, 9) of the first lever (4) and the second lever (5) being spaced apart from each other on the loading or refueling flap (2) on the one side and the loading or refueling recess (3) on the other side, the mechanism (1) being configured to superposition exactly two circular rotational movements with different radii of rotation, the first lever (4) and the second lever (5) being configured to each perform one of these circular rotational movements around their respective bearing points (6, 7) on the loading or refueling recess (3) in a first or a second direction of rotation, and the first lever (4) performing a circular rotational movement with a radius of rotation that is larger than the radius of rotation of a circular rotational movement performed by the second lever (5). [2] Mechanism (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism (1) is configured to lift the loading or refueling flap (2) from the loading or refueling recess (3) and rotate it towards the body component during pivoting from the first orientation to the second orientation. [3] Mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanism (1) is rotatably mounted on the loading or refueling flap (2) on one side and on the other side on the loading or refueling recess (3). [4] Mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mechanism (1) is designed to pivot the loading or refueling flap (2) into a third orientation, wherein the third orientation corresponds to an orientation of the loading or fuel filler flap (2) between the first and the second orientation. [5] Mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a rotation angle of the mechanism (1) corresponds to a first rotation angle range, wherein one rotation angle of the loading or fuel filler flap (2) corresponds to a second rotation angle range, wherein the rotation angle of the mechanism (1) is always smaller than the rotation angle of the loading or fuel filler flap (2). [6] Mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein pivoting the loading or refueling flap (2) from the first orientation to the second orientation corresponds to a pivoting movement of the loading or refueling flap (2) by a pivoting angle of approximately 155° towards the body component, wherein pivoting the loading or fuel filler flap (2) from the first orientation to the third orientation corresponds to a pivoting movement of the loading or fuel filler flap (2) by a pivoting angle of approximately 80° in the direction of the body component, wherein the second orientation of the loading or refueling flap (2) corresponds to a rotation angle of the levers (4, 5) of approximately 100° in the first direction of rotation, wherein the third orientation of the charging or fuel filler flap (2) corresponds to a rotation angle of the levers (4, 5) of approximately 55° in the first direction of rotation. [7] Mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first lever (4) and the second lever (5) are designed to be complementary to each other such that the second lever (5) is at least partially incorporated or receptible into the first lever (4). [8] Mechanism (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second lever (5) is configured such that, in a state of the second lever (5) received into the first lever (4), an opening formed in the first lever (4) for receiving the second lever (5) is at least partially covered by the second lever (4). [9] Mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first lever (4) and the second lever (5) are each curved, in particular swan-neck shaped. [10] Mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first lever (4) and the second lever (5) are each rotatably mounted on the loading or tank flap (2) on one side and the loading or tank recess (3) on the other side by means of a bearing bolt or bearing pin (10). [11] Mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the movements superpositioned by means of the mechanism (1) are non-uniform. [12] Mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a pivoting of the loading or fuel filler flap (2) is initiated by means of an actuation of the mechanism (1), in particular the first lever (4), wherein the mechanism (1), in particular the first lever (4), can be operated manually, by means of spring force, by means of a Bowden cable and / or by an electric motor. [13] Arrangement (100) comprising a loading or refueling recess (3) received or refueling recess in a body component of a motor vehicle, at least one loading or refueling flap (2), and at least one mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. [14] Motor vehicle with at least one arrangement (100) according to claim 13.

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