Flap arrangement for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with flap arrangement

Abstract

comprising a flap arrangement (2) for a motor vehicle (100), in particular a fuel filler flap arrangement or a charging port flap arrangement: a flap (4) that can be pivoted about a pivot axis (A) and is pivotable between a closed flap position and an open flap position; a spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) designed to hold the pivotable flap (4) in both the closed flap position and the open flap position; wherein the spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) has a first spring wire leg section (12), a second spring wire leg section (14) and at least one spring coil (10) arranged in between, wherein the first spring wire leg section (12) is attached to the pivoting flap (4), in particular near the pivot axis (A), and the second spring wire leg section (14) is intended for attachment to a stationary motor vehicle component near the pivoting flap (4); wherein the two spring wire leg sections (12, 14) of the spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) have outer connecting end legs (32, 40) which are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flap arrangement for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with such a flap arrangement.

[0002] In typical motor vehicles, a fuel filler neck is covered by a flap that is held in a certain position, e.g., a closed position, by a spring. Over the course of a vehicle's life, the spring can break. This compromises the function of reliably holding the flap in its current position. Furthermore, such a break can also pose a problem for vehicle safety.

[0003] DE 10 2008 047 464 A1 discloses a fuel filler flap module for a motor vehicle comprising a fuel filler shell that can be closed by a fuel filler flap. The fuel filler flap itself is secured to the fuel filler shell by a hinge element. To prevent noise or impact noises in the open position, at least one damping element consisting of an elastic stop buffer in a hinge arm is arranged between the fuel filler flap and the fuel filler shell. The fuel filler flap is connected to the fuel filler shell by a spring.

[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flap arrangement that ensures full functionality and has a long service life.

[0005] This object is achieved by the flap arrangement according to the invention as claimed in claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0006] A flap arrangement according to the invention comprises a flap pivotable about a pivot axis, which can pivot between a closed flap position and an open flap position, and a spring configured to hold the pivotable flap both in the closed flap position and in the open flap position. The spring comprises a first spring wire leg region, a second spring wire leg region, and at least one spring coil arranged therebetween. The first spring wire leg region is connected to the pivotable flap, in particular near the pivot axis, and the second spring wire leg region is intended for connection to a stationary motor vehicle component near the pivotable flap. The outer connection end legs of the two spring wire leg regions of the spring are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

[0007] "Substantially parallel" also includes an angle of up to 10° between the outer connecting end legs. Such a spring is well adapted to the installation situation, the load situation, and the installation space.

[0008] According to a finding underlying the invention, conventional motor vehicles with internal combustion engines are often refueled only once a week or less frequently, so the flap covering the fuel filler neck is also opened and closed only once a week or less frequently. The spring that holds the flap in the corresponding position therefore has to withstand relatively few load cycles relative to the vehicle's lifetime.

[0009] According to a further finding underlying the invention, the charging socket flap assemblies used in newer motor vehicles with hybrid drive (i.e., motor vehicles with an electric motor and a combustion engine), or in motor vehicles with electric motors, to cover or open the charging socket for charging the power storage unit, are opened and closed significantly more frequently because these vehicles are often charged daily using a power cable. The demands on the spring that holds such a flap in the corresponding position are therefore significantly higher. The spring of such a charging socket flap assemblies must withstand many times more load cycles.

[0010] The spring according to the invention is significantly more durable than conventional springs used in previous flap assemblies, making it well-suited for conventional fuel tank flap assemblies and, in particular, for new charging inlet flap assemblies and the associated increased load requirements. Functionality and vehicle safety are thus ensured over a greater number of load cycles and thus over a longer vehicle life cycle.

[0011] According to a basic concept of the present invention, the maximum stroke tension of the spring according to the invention with at least one spring coil is reduced compared to a spring without a spring coil. This significantly increases the service life of the spring according to the invention and thus of the flap assembly according to the invention while fully maintaining its functionality.

[0012] The spring coil area with at least one spring coil results in greater safety, more reserve and greater robustness than is possible with conceivable springs without a spring coil.

[0013] The spring can hold the pivoting flap in both the closed flap position and the open flap position, and can also assist the manual opening or closing movement of the flap.

[0014] The pivotable flap is designed to be connectable to a motor vehicle along the pivot axis and pivotable about this pivot axis. The pivotable flap can have a connecting element, in particular a bore or a sleeve, with which the pivotable flap can be pivotally attached to a body relative to a bearing element, for example, a mandrel, a pin, a stud, a screw, or another fastening means.

[0015] In the closed position, the hinged flap covers, for example, a fuel filler neck or charging socket, preventing access to the fuel filler neck or charging socket, and it flush-fits a corresponding recess in the vehicle body. In the open position, the hinged flap is pivoted outward and protrudes away from the body, allowing access to the fuel filler neck or charging socket.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the first spring wire leg region and the second spring wire leg region can each be formed in a bow-like manner, with an outer connecting end leg having a spring wire end, and with a resilient inner leg attached to the spring coil.

[0017] In a first variant, a bending area can be arranged between the outer connecting end leg and the springy inner leg in both spring wire leg areas.

[0018] In a second variant, in one of the two spring wire leg regions, a spring coil region with at least one spring coil can be arranged between its outer connecting end leg and its resilient inner leg; and in the other of the two spring wire leg regions, a bending region can be arranged between its outer connecting end leg and its resilient inner leg.

[0019] In a third variant, a spring winding region with at least one spring winding can be arranged between the outer connecting end leg and the resilient inner leg of both spring wire leg regions.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the two spring wire leg regions are each straight. At least one of the two straight spring wire leg regions transitions into an end-side spring coil region with at least one spring coil; and the two spring coil regions of the two spring wire leg regions, or the spring coil region of one spring wire leg region and a bend region of the other spring wire leg region, are connected to one another by a bow-like central section.

[0021] These designs provide a compact, yet reliable, and cost-effective spring. This ensures particularly reliable spring function, holds the flap in the closed and open position, and supports the opening and closing movement. Such a spring has an M-shape or a W-shape.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the two spring wire leg regions are each straight. In the first spring wire leg region, the spring wire end is at the top, and in the second spring wire leg region, the spring wire end is at the bottom. At least one of the two straight spring wire leg regions transitions into an end-side spring coil region with at least one spring coil. The two spring coil regions of the two spring wire leg regions, or the spring coil region of one spring wire leg region and a bend region of the other spring wire leg region, are connected to one another by a straight central section.

[0023] This design is particularly compact and requires very little space. It is reliable and cost-effective to manufacture. Such a spring has an N-shape.

[0024] According to a further, reliable, and cost-effectively producible embodiment, the first spring wire leg region and the second spring wire leg region are each designed in a bow-like manner, with an outer connecting end leg having a spring wire end, with a resilient inner leg attached to the spring coil, and with a bending region between the outer connecting end leg and the resilient inner leg. In the first spring wire leg region, the spring wire end is arranged at the top, and in the second spring wire leg region, the spring wire end is arranged at the bottom. A first and a second spring coil region with at least one spring coil are provided, which are connected to one another by a straight central section.The resilient inner leg of the first spring wire leg region merges into the first spring coil region, and the resilient inner leg of the second spring wire leg region merges into the second spring coil region.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the at least one spring coil is configured as a spring coil region comprising approximately 1.5 spring coils. In other words, the spring coil region can extend over a circumferential area of ​​approximately 540°.

[0026] A spring coil area designed in this way, together with the springy inner legs and the bending areas, can provide the required spring force.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the spring is designed to be loaded by essentially parallel compression of the two outer connecting end legs toward each other. The at least one spring coil, as well as the resilient inner legs and the bending regions of the first spring wire leg region and the second spring wire leg region, can exert a resilient outward pushing-apart effect on the outer connecting end legs, in the direction of increasing their parallel spacing. Such an embodiment is particularly well adapted to the installation situation, the loading situation, and the installation space.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the at least one spring coil can be arranged between the connecting end legs, in particular between the upper end regions of the connecting end legs located near the spring wire ends. This enables a particularly compact and space-saving design of the spring.

[0029] In a further embodiment, when the spring is loaded by parallel compression of the two outer connecting end legs towards each other, the distance between the connecting end legs and the spring coil is reduced.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the resilient inner leg and the outer connecting end leg of the first spring wire leg region and the second spring wire leg region are each arranged at an angle of 0° to 60°, in particular of 10° to 30°, to each other in the unloaded state of the spring.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the bending region between the outer connecting end leg and the resilient inner leg extends, in the unloaded state of the spring, over a circular arc with an angular range of 180° to 120°, in particular from 170° to 150°.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the at least one spring coil is designed in the form of a spring coil region which extends over a circumferential region of approximately 540° to 420°, in particular over a circumferential region of approximately 520° to 480°.

[0033] By using values ​​within such angle ranges, a particularly effective spring effect is achieved in the direction of pulling apart and compressing the outer connecting end legs against each other.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the bending region between the outer connecting end leg and the resilient inner leg extends over a circular arc with an angular range of more than 180° in the unloaded state of the spring. Accordingly, the spring coil region extends over a circumferential range of slightly more than 540°, and the resilient inner legs of the two spring wire leg regions are each arranged at an angle to each other, again in the unloaded state of the spring, and extend toward each other from the spring coil region.

[0035] Such angles / angle ranges also achieve an effective spring action in the direction of pulling the outer connecting end legs apart and compressing them against each other. At the same time, the space required for using such a spring is reduced.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the spring wire has an approximately uniform cross-section in the first spring wire leg region, in the second spring wire leg region, and in the at least one spring coil. This allows the spring to be manufactured quickly and easily. The spring wire can have a round, oval, elliptical, multi-arc-shaped, or rectangular cross-section.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the first spring wire leg region is connected with its outer connecting end leg to a sleeve or cylindrical axle mount of the pivotable flap by means of a receptacle. In this way, the spring force can act specifically on the sleeve, which is particularly highly stable.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the first spring wire leg region is connected to the pivotable flap, particularly near the pivot axis, with its outer connecting end leg in such a way that the outer connecting end legs of the first spring wire leg region and the second spring wire leg region are parallel to the pivot axis of the flap. This allows for efficient movement between the spring and the flap.

[0039] In a further compact embodiment, the spring wire ends of the outer connecting end legs can be arranged at the top, the bending regions can be arranged at the bottom, and the at least one spring coil can be located above the bending regions.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the flap assembly further comprises a pivot arm connecting the flap to a sleeve surrounding a stationary pivot pin.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the first spring wire leg region and the second spring wire leg region are arranged in two mutually parallel planes, and the spring coil forms the transition between these two parallel planes. This allows the spring to be compactly designed and allows for a small installation dimension in the flap assembly. Such a spring is simple and cost-effective to manufacture. The spring enables efficient force transmission from the at least one spring coil to the spring wire leg regions.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the flap assembly can further comprise a stationary support frame with a charging socket or fuel filler neck area configured to accommodate a charging socket or fuel filler neck, and with a pocket in which the spring is arranged. This allows for a modular design of the flap assembly, which can be installed quickly and efficiently in a vehicle body. The pocket with spring is thus advantageously concealed from the user.

[0043] The flap arrangement can also be designed modularly without a holding frame and can be attached to a motor vehicle quickly and efficiently.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the pivotable flap is movably connected to the holding frame.

[0045] In a further embodiment, a spring wire leg receptacle for the second spring wire leg region, in particular for its outer connecting end leg, is provided in the pocket, particularly at a position laterally adjacent to and within the pivot axis, relative to the installation position in the motor vehicle. This allows for a compact design of the flap assembly.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the outer connecting end leg of the second spring wire leg region is particularly rotatably received by this spring wire leg receptacle. Thus, the outer connecting end leg can rotate during an opening and closing movement of the flap without significant torsional forces occurring, while simultaneously remaining stationary.

[0047] In a further embodiment, the spring is arranged between the spring wire leg receptacles on the pivotable flap, in particular on the sleeve of the pivotable flap, and in the pocket such that the outer connecting end leg of the first spring wire leg region moves in a circular path during an opening and closing movement of the flap, as viewed from above. This is an efficient and simple way to adjust the opening or closing force of the spring to the pivotable flap.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the distance between the outer connecting end legs of the first spring wire leg region and the second spring wire leg region is greater in the closed flap position and in the open flap position than in an intermediate position. In such an intermediate position, the plane of the spring runs, in particular, through the pivot axis. Alternatively, this intermediate position can also be defined by the direction of force of the spring or by the position in which the direction of force of the spring changes.

[0049] Thus, the spring force acting on the pivoting flap is lower in the closed and open flap positions than in the intermediate position. This allows for efficient support when opening or closing the flap.

[0050] This intermediate position can also be referred to as the dead center, where the applied pressure force is at its maximum. Upon reaching the dead center, the spring-loaded torque acting on the flap reverses. From this point onward, the manual opening or closing movement is supported by the spring. This allows the flap to be opened and closed quickly and easily.

[0051] The spring according to the invention can also be referred to as an over-center spring. When the flap is opened, the spring is initially compressed, and as soon as the flap has exceeded an opening angle of, for example, 45° relative to the closed flap position, which corresponds to the dead center, the spring pushes the flap into the open flap position. In other words, a spring force that holds the flap in the closed position until the dead center is reached must first be overcome. As soon as the dead center is exceeded, the spring assists in opening the flap. This enables easy and safe operation of the flap.

[0052] The invention also includes a motor vehicle with the flap arrangement according to the invention, wherein the flap arrangement is arranged such that it covers the charging socket or the tank nozzle in the closed flap position.

[0053] For such a motor vehicle, all the advantages and embodiments mentioned above with regard to the flap arrangement apply, which are not mentioned again to avoid repetition.

[0054] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the accompanying figures. In the following: Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle with a flap arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a flap arrangement of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the flap is in the open flap position; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a spring of the flap assembly of Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the flap arrangement of Fig. 2 in an open flap position; and Fig. 5 a perspective view of the flap arrangement of Fig. 2 in a closed flap position.

[0055] The Fig. 6 to 11 show schematic perspective views of springs for the flap assembly of Fig. 2, according to further embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] In the Fig. The motor vehicle 100 shown in Figure 1 is a hatchback. The illustration is highly simplified. The motor vehicle has a front door 102 and a rear door 104. A flap assembly 2 with a pivotable flap 4 is arranged behind the rear door 104 and above the rear wheel arch. The pivotable flap 4 is in an open flap position.

[0057] The flap assembly 2 can be a fuel tank flap assembly or a charging socket flap assembly. The location of this flap assembly 2 on the right rear side of the body is, of course, only an example. Alternatively, any other positions are possible, for example, on a front area of ​​the body, e.g., between the left front wheel arch and the left driver's door or between the right front wheel arch and the right driver's door.

[0058] The Fig. 2, the flap arrangement 2 shown as an example comprises a holding frame 22 with a charging socket or tank nozzle opening 46, with a pocket 23 arranged adjacent thereto in which a spring 6 is arranged, and with a pivotable flap 4.

[0059] The pivoting flap 4 is designed to pivot about a pivot axis A and in Fig. 2 in the open flap position, in which it extends approximately at right angles outwards from the support frame 22 and allows access by a user to the tank nozzle or the charging socket.

[0060] The pivoting flap 4 is shown only in a simplified form. In reality, it often consists of the actual flap and a clipped-on cover painted in the vehicle's color; therefore, it is usually not a single piece.

[0061] The closed flap position is easy to imagine. In this position, the flap 4 rests with an outer region of its inner surface against the outer circumferential end region of the holding frame 22, and the flap 4 or its cover is aligned with the Fig. 2 surrounding areas of the body not shown.

[0062] The pivotable flap 4 and the support frame 22 each have a substantially rectangular basic shape, with two long sides and two wide sides connecting the long sides, and with rounded corners. The flap 4 and the support frame 22 can also have a different basic shape.

[0063] The pivotable flap 4 is connected by means of a pivot arm 5 to a sleeve 43 or a cylindrical axle mount, and in particular is formed integrally therewith. A stationary pivot pin 42, which is connected to the support frame 22 and in particular is formed integrally therewith, extends in a substantially vertical direction through the sleeve 43 or cylindrical axle mount. The pivot pin 42 can also be designed as a pin or a similar element. The vertical pivot axis A runs through the pivot pin 42. Thus, the pivotable flap 4, with its pivot arm 5 and its sleeve 43 or cylindrical axle mount, can pivot about the pivot pin 42.

[0064] The spring 6 arranged in the pocket 23 of the flap arrangement 2 is designed to hold the pivotable flap 4 both in the closed flap position and in the open flap position and, if necessary, to support the opening and closing movement of the flap 4.

[0065] In the pocket 23, a spring wire leg receptacle 24 is provided on the holding frame or pocket side at a position laterally next to the area of ​​the holding frame 22 in which the fuel filler neck or the charging socket is arranged, and within the body plane or the plane in which the flap 4 is in the closed position, in each case relative to the installation position in the motor vehicle.

[0066] The pocket 23 is arranged next to a broad side of the support frame 22. This protects the spring 6 from environmental influences such as rain or snow, as well as from user access.

[0067] The support frame 22 can be designed such that it can be connected to the body of the motor vehicle 100, in particular by clipping or screwing. The flap assembly 2 can be inserted into the body of the motor vehicle 100 as a module.

[0068] The Fig. 3, spring 6 shown in detail comprises a first spring wire leg region 12, which in Fig. 2 is arranged on the right, a second spring wire leg area 14, which in Fig. 2 is arranged on the left, and a centrally arranged spring coil region 8 with approximately one and a half spring coils 10. The spring 6 is made of spring wire, in particular by a combination of winding and coiling. However, it can also be bent.

[0069] The first spring wire leg region 12 and the second spring wire leg region 14 are each formed in a bow-like manner. The first spring wire leg region 12 comprises an outer connection end leg 32 with a first spring wire end 28, a lower bending region 26, and a resilient inner leg 30 connecting the lower bending region 26 and the spring coil region 8. The second spring wire leg region 14 comprises an outer connection end leg 40 with a second spring wire end 36, a lower bending region 34, and a resilient inner leg 38 connecting the lower bending region 34 and the spring coil region 8.

[0070] In Fig. 2, the first spring wire leg region 12 with the outer connection end leg 32 is pivotally connected to a flap-side spring wire leg receptacle 20 on the sleeve 43 or cylindrical axle receptacle, and the second spring wire leg region 14 with the outer connection end leg 40 is rotatably arranged on a stationary spring wire leg receptacle 24 in the pocket 23 of the holding frame 22.

[0071] Thus, the spring force of the spring 6 is transferred to the pivoting flap 4.

[0072] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the spring coil region 8 comprises one and a half spring coils. It is also possible for the spring 6 to have more than one and a half spring coils 10, e.g., two and a half, three and a half, or more spring coils. Fewer than 1.5 coils are also possible.

[0073] The inner leg 30 and / or the inner leg 38 are linear, but can also have a different shape, e.g., wave-shaped or curved. The outer connecting end leg 32 and / or the outer connecting end leg 40 are linear and lie approximately parallel to each other, which facilitates the attachment of the spring 6 and improves the force transmission between the stationary spring wire leg receptacle 24 and the pivotable spring wire leg receptacle 20.

[0074] When the spring 6 is loaded, i.e. when the distance between the outer connection end leg 32 and the outer connection end leg 40 is reduced, the outer connection end leg 32 and the outer connection end leg 40 essentially maintain their alignment with one another, which also includes a relative angle to one another of up to 10°.

[0075] The spring coil region 8 comprises a first spring coil end 16, which is attached to the top of the inner leg 30 of the first spring wire leg region 12, and a second spring coil end 18, which is attached to the top of the inner leg 38 of the second spring wire leg region 14.

[0076] The first spring coil end 16 is arranged approximately opposite the second spring coil end 18 with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry F, relative to the installation situation.

[0077] The spring coil ends 16 and 18 are in the Fig. 3 in the unloaded state of the spring 6 are arranged in particular at an angle of approximately 14° to each other, thus spreading slightly downwards and outwards, relative to the vertical axis of symmetry F.

[0078] The inner legs 30 and 38 are attached to the spring coil ends 16 and 18, which are thus also arranged at an angle of approximately 14° to each other and thus spread slightly downwards and outwards.

[0079] Accordingly, the spring coil region 8 extends over a circumferential range of approximately 520° to 530°, i.e. over approximately one and a half spring coils, and the bending regions 26 and 34 form a circular arc in the present embodiment with an angular range of approximately 170° each.

[0080] The first spring coil end 16 and the second spring coil end 18 or the inner legs 30 and 38 can also be arranged at an angle between 0° and 60°, in particular 10° and 30° to each other.

[0081] This results in angular ranges for the circumferential area of ​​the spring coil area 10 from 540° to 420°, and for the bending areas 26 and 34 from 180 to 120°.

[0082] The first spring wire leg area 12 and the second spring wire leg area 14 are located in Fig. 3 approximately in one plane, but can also be arranged, for example, in planes parallel to each other.

[0083] The bending region 26 and the bending region 34, which form the lowest section of the spring 6 and are located at approximately the same height level, have a bend / curvature that is opposite to the bending of the spring coil region 8.

[0084] The inner leg 30 of the first spring wire leg region 12 can be the same length, slightly shorter, or even longer than the outer connection end leg 32 of the spring wire leg region 12. Likewise, the inner leg 38 of the second spring wire leg region 12 can be the same length, slightly shorter, or even longer than the outer connection end leg 40 of the spring wire leg region 14.

[0085] The shape of spring 6 corresponds - roughly speaking - to an inverted M or a W. Spring 6 can therefore also be called an M or W spring.

[0086] The inner leg 30 of the first spring wire leg region 12 and the inner leg 38 of the second spring wire leg region 14 can also be aligned approximately parallel to one another.

[0087] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the flap assembly 2 in which the flap 4 is in the open flap position, and Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the flap assembly 2 in which the flap 4 is in the closed flap position.

[0088] The stationary spring wire leg receptacle 24 on the holding frame side and the spring wire leg receptacle 20 on the flap side can be clearly seen.

[0089] The flap-side spring wire leg receptacle 20 can be formed integrally with the sleeve 43 or cylindrical axle receptacle or separately therefrom and extend outwards from it in the radial direction.

[0090] In the present case, the flap-side spring wire leg receptacle 20 has two radial projections with eyelets arranged one above the other and aligned with one another, into which the outer connecting end leg 32 can be inserted or is inserted from above.

[0091] The stationary, holding frame-side spring wire leg receptacle 24 is arranged at an inner corner region of the pocket 23 and is designed, e.g. with a prismatic receptacle, such that the outer connecting end leg 40 can be inserted or pushed into it from above.

[0092] Alternatively, the spring wire leg receptacles 20 and 24 can also be designed such that the respective outer connecting end leg 32 and 40 can be inserted, clipped, screwed or rotatably connected and mounted in another way.

[0093] In both spring wire leg receptacles 20 and 24, the respective outer connecting end leg 32 and 40 is connected and mounted to the flap 4 or the holding frame 22 or its pocket 23 so as to be rotatable about its axis.

[0094] The sleeve 43 or cylindrical axle mount accommodates the pivot axis pin 42. The pivot arm 5 extends from the sleeve 43 toward the flap 4. The pivot arm 5 has a U-shaped profile in plan view, with the sleeve 43 located at one end and the flap 4 located at the other end.

[0095] Since the flap-side spring wire leg receptacle 20 is spaced from the pivot axis A, this distance acts as a lever arm 44, via which an opening or closing force acts on the flap 4. The spring force or the moment acting on the flap 4 through the spring force and the lever arm 44 allows the flap 4 to be opened or closed independently from a dead center, which lies in an intermediate area between the open flap position and the closed flap position, i.e. to move it from the closed flap position to the open flap position or from the open flap position to the closed flap position.

[0096] When opening or closing the flap 4, the flap-side spring wire leg holder 20 is guided along a circular path. When the flap 4 is moved from the open flap position, as shown in Fig. 4, into the closed flap position, as shown in Fig. 5, is moved clockwise, the outer connection end leg 32 with the flap-side spring wire leg receptacle 20 also pivots clockwise about the pivot axis A. At the same time, the spring 6 rotates counterclockwise about the outer connection end leg 40, which is arranged in the spring wire leg receptacle 24.

[0097] In principle, the dead center can be located at any point, e.g., at 30°. The dead center refers to the point at which the moment is zero and at which the spring-side torque on the flap reverses its direction. The plane in which the spring lies can intersect the pivot axis A at the dead center, but it does not have to. At the dead center, the outer connecting end legs 40 are always at their closest distance from each other or are maximally compressed, so the spring force is always at its greatest.

[0098] When the dead center is exceeded, the direction of the acting spring force reverses, so that the opening or closing of the flap 4 is assisted by the spring 6. In the open flap position and in the closed flap position, the plane of the spring 6 and the pivot axis A are approximately parallel to each other. The spring 6 can also be referred to as an over-dead center spring.

[0099] Not shown, but also disclosed, is a design of the flap 4 that directly comprises a sleeve without the pivot arm, with which the flap can be rotatably connected to the pivot arm pin. Here, too, the sleeve can comprise the spring wire leg receptacle 20.

[0100] For all advantages of the flap arrangement according to the invention, reference is made to the general description. These are not listed again to avoid repetition.

[0101] In the Fig. 6 to 11, the same elements are identified by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0102] In the depictions of the Fig. 6 to 9, the springs 6, 50, 54 and 58 are shown in reverse order to the spring 6 of Fig. 3, so that the spring wire ends 28 and 36 are at the bottom or point downwards in the drawing plane.

[0103] The shape of springs 6, 50, 54 and 58 from the Fig. 6 to 9 each correspond - roughly speaking - to an M or an inverted W. The springs 6, 50, 54 and 58 can therefore also be referred to as W or M springs.

[0104] The spring 6 from Fig. 6 corresponds to the basic structure of spring 6 Fig. 3. For spring 6 from Fig. 6, the arcuate, in particular circular, bending regions 26 and 34 extend over an angular range of more than 180°. Accordingly, the spring coil region 8 extends over a circumferential range of more than 540°, i.e., over slightly more than one and a half spring coils. The inner legs 30 and 38 are attached to the spring coil ends and, starting from the spring coil ends, spread upwards and inwards, thus being arranged at an angle to each other.

[0105] The spring 50 from Fig. 7 corresponds in its basic structure to the spring 6 from Fig. 3, wherein in the first spring wire leg region 12, a spring winding region 52 with at least one spring winding is arranged between its outer connecting end leg 32 and its resilient inner leg 30. In the second spring wire leg region 14, as in the spring 6 of Fig. 3, a bending region 34 is arranged between its outer connecting end leg 40 and its resilient inner leg 38. The spring 50 thus has two spring coil regions 8 and 52, with the spring coil region 8 being arranged between the two bow-shaped spring wire leg regions 12 and 14, and the spring coil region 52 being arranged in the bow-shaped first spring wire leg region 12 between its outer connecting end leg 32 and its resilient inner leg 30.

[0106] The spring 54 from Fig. 8 also corresponds in its basic structure to the spring 6 from Fig. 3. Instead of the bending regions 26 and 34, spring 54 now has spring coil regions 52 and 56 with at least one spring coil, so that the two spring wire leg regions 12 and 14 each have such a spring coil region 52, 56 with at least one spring coil between their outer connecting end legs 32, 40 and their resilient inner legs 30, 38. The spring 54 thus has three spring coil regions, namely a spring coil region 8 centrally between the two bow-shaped spring wire leg regions 12 and 14, and one each, thus a total of two, further spring coil regions 52 and 56 between the outer connecting end legs 32, 40 and the resilient inner legs 30, 38 of the two spring wire leg regions 12 and 14.

[0107] At the Fig. In the spring 58 shown in Figure 9, the two spring wire leg regions 12, 14 are each designed in the form of straight connecting end legs 32, 40. These go into Fig. 9 at their upper end into an end-side spring coil region 52, 56. At the inner end of the spring coil regions 52 and 56, a bow-like central section 60 is provided, which centrally connects the two spring coil regions 52 and 56. The bow-like central section 60 has two essentially straight legs extending downward from the spring coil regions 52 and 56, and a lower bent region that connects these two legs. The straight legs of the bow-like central section 60 spread downward and inward from the spring coil ends, thus being arranged at an angle to one another. The lower bent region of the bow-like central section 60 is approximately at the level of the spring wire ends 28 and 36.

[0108] In another embodiment, not shown here, one of the two spring winding areas 52 and 56 can be formed by a bending area, analogous to Fig. 3, so that the spring winding region of one spring wire leg region 12 or 14 and the bending region of the other spring wire leg region 14 or 12 are connected to one another by the bow-like central section 60.

[0109] The spring coil areas 52 and 56 in the Fig. 7 to 9 comprise slightly more than one and a half spring coils and thus extend over a circumferential range of slightly more than 540°.

[0110] The spring 62 from Fig. 10 comprises two spring wire leg regions 12 and 14, which are designed in the form of straight connecting end legs 32, 40. In the first connecting end leg 32, the spring wire end 28 points downward in the plane of the drawing, and in the second connecting end leg 40, the spring wire end 36 points upward in the plane of the drawing.

[0111] The first connecting end leg 32 goes at its in Fig. 10 upper end into an end-side spring coil region 52. Likewise, the second connecting end leg 40 at its lower end merges into the spring coil region 56. The two spring coil regions 52 and 56 are connected to one another by a straight central section 64, in particular by a straight central leg. This is, as shown in Fig. 10, are arranged slightly obliquely. Accordingly, the two spring coil regions 52 and 56 each comprise slightly more than one and a half spring coils and thus each extend over a circumferential area of ​​slightly more than 540°.

[0112] The shape of the spring 62 in Fig. 10 essentially corresponds to the shape of an N or an inverted N.

[0113] With spring 66 from Fig. 11, the two spring wire leg regions 12 and 14 are again each designed like a bow, with an outer connection end leg 32, 40 which has a spring wire end 28, 36, with a resilient inner leg 30, 38 and with a bending region 26, 34 between the outer connection end leg 32, 40 and the resilient inner leg 30, 38. In the first spring wire leg region 12 or its outer connection end leg 32, the spring wire end 28 is at the bottom, and in the right, second spring wire leg region 14 or its outer connection end leg 40, the spring wire end 36 is at the top, in each case relative to the plane of the drawing.

[0114] The first spring coil region 52 is provided at the bottom of the resilient inner leg 30 of the first spring wire leg region 12. The second spring coil region 56 is also provided at the top of the resilient inner leg 38. The spring coil regions 52 and 56, in turn, have slightly more than one and a half spring coils and thus extend over an angular range of slightly more than 540°. The upper inner end of the first spring coil region 52 and the lower inner end of the spring coil region 56 are connected to one another by means of a straight but obliquely extending central section 64, in particular a central leg.

[0115] For all springs 6, 50, 54, 58, 62 and 66 from the Fig. 3 and 6 to 11, the connecting end legs 32, 40 of the two spring wire leg regions 12 and 14 are each arranged substantially parallel to one another, whereby an angle of up to 10° is also included.

[0116] All of the springs 6, 50, 54, 58, 62, and 66 described above have in common that they are significantly more durable than conventional springs and are therefore well suited for both conventional fuel tank flap assemblies and new charging inlet flap assemblies, with the associated increased load requirements. Functionality and vehicle safety are thus ensured over a greater number of load cycles and thus over a longer vehicle life cycle. All of these springs comprise at least one spring coil section 8, 52, 56 with at least one spring coil. This results in greater safety, more reserve, and greater robustness than is possible with conceivable springs without a spring coil.

[0117] For further advantages and embodiments, please refer to the general description section. Reference symbol: 2 flap arrangement 4 flap 5 swivel arm 6 spring 8 Spring coil area 10 spring coils 12 first spring wire leg area 14 second spring wire leg area 16 first spring coil end 18 second spring coil end 20 flap-side spring wire leg holder 22 holding frames 23 Bag 24 spring wire leg holders on the holding frame 26 Bending area 28 spring wire end 30 inner thigh 32 outer connection end leg 34 Bending area 36 spring wire end 38 inner thigh 40 outer connection end leg 42 Swivel arm pin 43 sleeve 44 lever arm 46 Charging socket or tank nozzle opening 50 springs 52 spring coil area 54 spring 56 spring coil area 58 spring 60 bow-like middle section 62 spring 64 straight middle section 100 motor vehicles 102 front door 104 rear door A swivel axis F vertical axis of symmetry

Claims

[1] Flap arrangement (2) for a motor vehicle (100), in particular a tank flap arrangement or charging socket flap arrangement, comprising: a flap (4) pivotable about a pivot axis (A) which can be pivoted between a closed flap position and an open flap position; a spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) designed to hold the pivotable flap (4) in both the closed flap position and the open flap position; wherein the spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) has a first spring wire leg region (12), a second spring wire leg region (14) and at least one spring coil (10) arranged therebetween, wherein the first spring wire leg region (12) is connected to the pivotable flap (4), in particular near the pivot axis (A), and the second spring wire leg region (14) is intended for connection to a fixed motor vehicle component near the pivotable flap (4); wherein the two spring wire leg regions (12, 14) of the spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) have outer connecting end legs (32, 40) which are arranged substantially parallel to one another. [2] Flap arrangement (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first spring wire leg region (12) and the second spring wire leg region (14) of the spring (6, 50, 54) are each formed in a bow-like manner, with an outer connecting end leg (32, 40) having a spring wire end (28, 36), and with a resilient inner leg (30, 38) attached to the spring coil (10); and wherein in both spring wire leg regions (12) a bending region (26, 34) is arranged between the outer connecting end leg (32, 40) and the resilient inner leg (30, 38); or wherein, in one of the two spring wire leg regions (12), a spring coil region (52) with at least one spring coil is arranged between its outer connecting end leg (32) and its resilient inner leg (30); and in the other of the two spring wire leg regions (14), a bending region (34) is arranged between its outer connecting end leg (40) and its resilient inner leg (38); or wherein in both spring wire leg regions (12, 14) a spring winding region (52, 56) with at least one spring winding is arranged between its outer connecting end leg (32, 40) and its resilient inner leg (30, 38). [3] Flap arrangement (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two spring wire leg regions (12, 14) of the spring (58) are each straight, and wherein at least one of the two straight spring wire leg regions (12, 14) merges into an end-side spring coil region (52, 56) with at least one spring coil; and wherein the two spring coil regions (52, 56) of the two spring wire leg regions (12, 14) or the spring coil region of one spring wire leg region and a bend region of the other spring wire leg region are connected to one another by a bow-like central section (60). [4] Flap arrangement (2) according to claim 2, wherein the two spring wire leg regions (12, 14) of the spring (62) are each straight; wherein in the first spring wire leg region (12) the spring wire end (28) is arranged at the bottom and in the second spring wire leg region (12) the spring wire end (36) is arranged at the top; wherein at least one of the two straight spring wire leg regions (12, 14) merges into an end-side spring coil region (52, 56) with at least one spring coil; and wherein the two spring coil regions (52, 56) of the two spring wire leg regions (12, 14) or the spring coil region of one spring wire leg region and a bend region of the other spring wire leg region are connected to one another by a straight central section (64). [5] Flap arrangement (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first spring wire leg region (12) and the second spring wire leg region (14) of the spring (62) are each formed in a bow-like manner, with an outer connection end leg (32, 40) having a spring wire end (28, 36), with a resilient inner leg (30, 38); and with a bending region (26, 34) between the outer connection end leg (32, 40) and the resilient inner leg (30, 38); wherein in the first spring wire leg region (12) the spring wire end (28) is arranged at the bottom and in the second spring wire leg region (14) the spring wire end (36) is arranged; wherein a first and a second spring coil region (52, 56) are provided with at least one spring coil, which are connected to one another by a straight central section (64); wherein the resilient inner leg (30) of the first spring wire leg region (12) merges into the first spring coil region (52) and the resilient inner leg (38) of the second spring wire leg region (14) merges into the second spring coil region (56). [6] Flap arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spring coil (10) of the at least one spring coil region (8, 52, 56) is designed in the form of a spring coil region which comprises approximately 1.5 spring coils and / or extends over a circumferential region of approximately 540°. [7] Flap arrangement (2) according to claim 2 or 5, wherein the spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) is designed to load by parallel compression of the two outer connecting end legs (32, 40) towards each other; and wherein the at least one spring coil (10) as well as resilient inner legs (30, 38) and / or bending regions (26, 34) of the first spring wire leg region (12) and the second spring wire leg region (14) exert a resilient outward pushing-apart effect on the outer connecting end legs (32, 40) in the direction of parallel spacing increase. [8] Flap arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spring coil is arranged between the connecting end legs (32, 40); and / or wherein, upon loading of the spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) by parallel compression of the two outer connecting end legs (32, 40) in the direction towards one another, the distance between the connecting end legs (32, 40) and the spring coil is reduced in each case. [9] Flap arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spring wire leg region (12) is connected with its outer connecting end leg (32, 40) by means of a receptacle to a sleeve of the pivotable flap (4); and / or wherein the first spring wire leg region (12) is connected with its outer connecting end leg (32, 40) to the pivotable flap (4), in particular near the pivot axis (A), in such a way that the outer connecting end legs (32, 40) of the first spring wire leg region (12) and the second spring wire leg region (14) are located parallel to the pivot axis (A) of the flap. [10] Flap arrangement (2) according to claim 2 or 5, wherein the spring wire ends (28, 36) of the outer connecting end legs (32, 40) are arranged at the top, the bending regions (26, 34) are arranged at the bottom, and the at least one spring coil (10) is located above the bending regions (26, 34). [11] Flap arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spring wire leg region (12) and the second spring wire leg region (14) are arranged in two mutually parallel planes, and the at least one spring coil region (8) forms the transition between these two parallel planes. [12] Flap arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap arrangement (2) further comprises a stationary holding frame (22) with a charging socket or tank nozzle area which is designed to receive a charging socket or a tank nozzle, and with a pocket (23) in which the spring (6) is arranged. [13] Flap arrangement (2) according to claim 12, wherein in the pocket (23), in particular at a position laterally next to and within the pivot axis (A), relative to the installation position in the motor vehicle, a spring wire leg receptacle (24) is provided for the second spring wire leg region (14), in particular for its outer connecting end leg (32, 40); wherein the outer connecting end leg (32, 40) of the second spring wire leg region (14) is received by this spring wire leg receptacle (24), in particular rotatably. [14] Flap arrangement (2) according to claim 13, wherein the spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) is arranged between the spring wire leg receptacles (20, 24) on the sleeve of the pivotable flap (4) and in the pocket (23) such that the outer connecting end leg (32, 40) of the first spring wire leg region (12) moves on a circular path during an opening and closing movement of the flap, viewed from above; and / or wherein the distance between the outer connecting end legs (32, 40) of the first spring wire leg region (12) and the second spring wire leg region (12) in the closed flap position and in the open flap position is greater than in an intermediate position in which the plane of the spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) runs, in particular through the pivot axis (A), or in which the direction of force of the spring (6, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) changes, and thus in the closed flap position and in the open flap position a lower spring force acts on the pivotable flap (4) than in the intermediate position. [15] Motor vehicle (100) with a flap arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged such that it covers a charging socket or a tank nozzle in the closed flap position.

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