DRIVE DEVICE OF A VEHICLE FLAP UNIT

Abstract

Drive device (6) of a vehicle flap unit (4), in particular a charging flap unit of an electrically powered vehicle (1), by means of which an opening (5) of a vehicle body (2) can be closed and released, wherein the vehicle flap unit (4) is designed to move from a closed position closing the opening (5) to a release position opening the opening (5) within the vehicle body (2), and wherein the vehicle flap unit (4) is actuated and adjustable by a drive unit (8) via a lever arrangement (7), characterized in that the lever arrangement (7) comprises a double action (11, 12) with a first lever element (11) and with a second lever element (12), wherein the first lever element (11) can be driven rotationally by the drive unit (8) and is rotatably connected to the second lever element (12) via a double pivot joint (10), wherein the second lever element (12) is rotatably connected to the vehicle flap unit (4) via a flap pivot joint (26), wherein a multi-lever mechanism (16, 29, 30) is rotatably connected to the vehicle flap unit (4) via a guide swivel joint (17), and wherein the double strike (11, 12) and the multi-lever mechanism (16, 29, 30) are designed in such a way that the vehicle flap unit (4) is first moved from the closed position towards the release position by the double strike (11, 12) into a position that partially releases the opening (5) and subsequently into the release position by the double strike (11, 12) and the multi-lever mechanism (16, 29, 30).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drive device for a vehicle flap unit, in particular a charging flap unit of an electrically powered vehicle, according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] From DE 10 2017 212 397 A1, a displacement mechanism for a movable body part for covering a fuel tank and / or cargo area of ​​a motor vehicle is known. The movable body part is a flap that can be lowered to a position that completely exposes the cargo area relative to a stationary body section and can be displaced below the stationary body section. To achieve the lowering movement of the flap and the subsequent displacement movement below the stationary body section, a double cam guide is provided, in which a first cam guide for lowering the flap is arranged on a control slide, which itself is linearly movable along a vehicle-fixed guide track.

[0003] This well-known displacement mechanism is structurally complex, has a high number of components, and requires a high assembly effort as well as a high sealing effort for helical cable ducts, sliding block guides and cams.

[0004] From DE 10 2011 015 093 A1, which shows the most structural similarities to the subject matter of the invention, a convertible top compartment cover is known which can be driven by an actuator via a drive linkage comprising a first drive rod and a second drive rod. The first drive rod can be driven rotaryally by the actuator and is pivotally connected to the second drive rod via a knee joint, which in turn is pivotally connected to the convertible top compartment cover. Furthermore, the movement of the convertible top compartment cover is guided by a four-joint arrangement connected to it.

[0005] DE 44 40 814 A1 discloses a fuel filler flap that can be moved from a closed position to an open position located below the vehicle body. For this purpose, guide elements with guide pins are provided on the fuel filler flap, each of which is received in a guide track with a straight and a curved guide section. The curved guide section provides a lifting movement, while the straight guide section causes a sliding movement. The adjustment movement is transmitted to the fuel filler flap, for example, via a rod coupled to a transmission element and a coupling lever arranged between the transmission element and the guide element.

[0006] This solution is characterized by an undesirably large installation space requirement due to the linear adjustment movement of the rod.

[0007] Practically known and space-saving displacement mechanisms for tank flaps and the like often use so-called rising cables or push-pull cables to move the tank flaps between their operating state that closes the tank opening and their operating state that releases the tank recess.

[0008] A locking device for closing an access opening in a motor vehicle body with a pull-push cable is described, for example, in DE 10 2016 110 869 A1.

[0009] Solutions using riser cables or push-pull ropes are problematic, however, when such relocation mechanisms are located in the wet areas of a vehicle. In these cases, an undesirably high level of sealing is required to prevent contamination and / or icing of the riser cables or push-pull ropes. Additionally, riser cables are flocked to reduce operating noise, which can detract from the perceived quality.

[0010] However, flocked riser cables require increased forces and torques to move the riser cables relative to housing-fixed guides.

[0011] The object of the technology according to the invention is to reduce or eliminate at least one disadvantage of a previously known solution or to propose an alternative solution. In particular, the object of the technology disclosed herein is to provide a drive device for a vehicle flap unit, especially a charging flap unit of an electrically powered vehicle, by means of which an opening in a vehicle body can be closed and opened, and which is improved with respect to at least one of the following factors: manufacturing time, manufacturing costs, manufacturing complexity, assembly effort, installation space utilization, operational reliability, sustainability, component reliability, and resistance to environmental influences.

[0012] The problem is solved by a drive device having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle equipped therewith according to claim 15. The dependent claims represent preferred embodiments.

[0013] A drive device for a vehicle flap unit, in particular a charging flap unit of an electrically powered vehicle, is therefore proposed, by means of which an opening in a vehicle body can be closed and opened. The vehicle flap unit can be arranged in the area of ​​the opening on the vehicle body to protect an electrical charging interface or charging socket.

[0014] The vehicle flap unit is designed to be moved from a position closing the opening to a position releasing the opening within the vehicle body, wherein the inwardly opening vehicle flap unit can be adjusted by means of a lever arrangement driven by a drive unit.

[0015] According to the invention, the lever arrangement comprises a two-lever assembly with a first lever element and a second lever element. The two-lever assembly can be designed as a toggle lever arrangement. The first lever element can be driven rotationally by the drive unit about a preferably housing-fixed axis of rotation and is rotatably connected to the second lever element via a two-lever pivot joint. The second lever element is rotatably connected to the vehicle flap unit via a flap pivot joint.

[0016] Furthermore, a multi-lever mechanism is provided, which is rotatably connected to the vehicle flap unit via a guide swivel joint. The two-stroke mechanism and the multi-lever mechanism are designed in such a way that, starting from the closed position, the vehicle flap unit is first moved by the two-stroke mechanism into a position that partially releases the opening, and then subsequently by the two-stroke mechanism and the multi-lever mechanism together into the release position.

[0017] The drive device according to the invention is characterized by a desired high robustness and a small installation space requirement, since the vehicle flap unit can be moved between the closed position and the partially opening position by a simple lever mechanism in the form of a double strike, and subsequently into the fully released position by another lever mechanism that is easy to implement and readily adaptable to the available installation space. Overall, the vehicle flap unit can be moved into and out of the release position within the vehicle body with a high degree of freedom.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the multi-lever mechanism can comprise a guide link which is rotatably connected to the vehicle flap unit at an end region via a guide pivot joint. In connection regions spaced apart from the connection region of the guide link with the vehicle flap unit, the guide link is rotatably connected via lever pivot joints to at least two further lever elements of a multi-joint of the multi-lever mechanism, which are rotatable about pivot axes defined on the housing. The multi-joint can be designed in a simple manner, e.g., as a four-joint or a seven-joint. However, other multi-joint configurations are also conceivable.In this design, the arrangement of the connecting areas, the pivot axes, the double-joint pivot, the flap pivot, the guide pivot and the lever pivots is designed in such a way that, starting from the closed position, the vehicle flap unit is first moved relative to the guide link, in particular around the guide pivot, into the position that partially releases the opening, and then subsequently together with the guide link into the release position.

[0019] In this simple embodiment, the vehicle flap unit, between the closed position in which the vehicle flap unit is circumferentially enclosed by the edge of the opening in a form-fitting manner, and the position partially releasing the opening of the body, i.e. during lifting towards the vehicle interior or vice versa, essentially only performs a rotational movement around the guide pivot joint relative to the vehicle body.

[0020] This gives the mechanism two degrees of freedom: one degree of freedom on the part of the main mechanism consisting of a double-joint and multi-link design, and one degree of freedom on the part of the movement between the vehicle flap unit and the guide link.

[0021] The guide link can form a kind of base support to which the vehicle flap unit is attached in a sliding and / or pivoting manner.

[0022] The travel of the guide link can be limited by a stop on the housing side beyond the position of the guide link that it assumes during an adjustment of the vehicle flap unit towards the closing position when the vehicle flap unit reaches the partially releasing position.

[0023] This ensures that, at the end of the closing process, the vehicle flap unit is inserted into the opening with minimal effort and as little wear as possible by rotating it around the guide swivel joint, and that the opening is closed to the desired extent by the vehicle flap unit.

[0024] Furthermore, the drive device can include a cam guide that is open at one end. It can be provided that the vehicle flap unit engages in the cam guide between the closed position and a position that partially releases the opening, and is disengaged from the cam guide between this partially releasing position and the release position.

[0025] This means that the drive device is designed with a simple and robust mechanism for an inwardly opening vehicle flap unit, which, due to the additional degree of freedom compared to known solutions, can be adapted or modified to different installation space situations with little effort.

[0026] The cam track can extend towards the vehicle interior in its installed position and, for example, be oriented perpendicular to the opening. This allows the vehicle flap unit to be subjected to a lifting movement directed primarily towards the vehicle interior, enabling it to be guided out of engagement with the vehicle body with minimal wear.

[0027] In one embodiment of the drive device, the cam guide has a contact area for the vehicle flap unit at its open end. By means of this contact area, the vehicle flap unit can be inserted into the cam guide with minimal control effort during an actuation of the drive unit, which moves the vehicle flap unit towards the closed position.

[0028] In a further simple design of the drive mechanism, a closed end of the cam guide limits the travel of the vehicle flap unit in the closed position. This allows for the limitation of excessively high forces acting in the contact area between the vehicle body and the vehicle flap unit with minimal design effort.

[0029] The first lever element can be shorter than the second lever element. This ensures that the vehicle flap unit can be moved at a low speed with high actuating forces just before reaching the closed position, and that it can be moved at higher speeds between the partially opening position and the fully opening position.

[0030] If the lever elements of the double strike or the toggle lever arrangement are arranged in an extended position relative to each other in the closed position of the vehicle flap unit, the vehicle flap unit is securely held in the closed position by the drive device.

[0031] The lever elements of the double-action or toggle lever arrangement can be positioned in an over-center position relative to each other in the closed position of the vehicle flap unit, particularly near the extended position. This prevents unwanted opening of the vehicle flap unit or the opening mechanism through the vehicle flap unit during vehicle operation or due to forces acting in the opening direction of the vehicle flap unit.

[0032] In a simple embodiment of the drive device that can be operated with minimal effort, the lever elements can be rotated relative to each other against the spring force of a spring unit connecting the lever elements between positions in which the lever elements are in the over-center position and positions in which the lever elements are in the position of the vehicle flap unit that partially releases the opening.

[0033] The vehicle flap unit can include a vehicle flap that is rotatably connected to the guide arm. The vehicle flap can also be a type of panel mounted on a support. In this case, the support can, for example, be rotatably connected to the guide arm.

[0034] Regardless of the above, it is advantageous if the vehicle hatch, when the hatch unit is in the closed position, is flush with the opening all around. Additionally, it can be provided that, when the hatch unit is in the closed position, an outer surface of the vehicle hatch is flush with the outer surface of the vehicle body that borders the opening.

[0035] This allows for a vehicle equipped with the flap unit to achieve the desired high overall visual appeal. Furthermore, driving noise caused by flow separation is avoided.

[0036] The vehicle hatch can have a sealing unit on its side facing the inside of the vehicle body, which ensures that the hatch seals tightly against the inside of the vehicle body when the hatch unit is in the closing position. In this position, the interior of the vehicle body accessible through the opening is reliably protected from environmental influences.

[0037] The invention is not limited to the specified combination of features of the independent claim or the dependent claims. Furthermore, the claims provide for the possibility of combining individual features, insofar as they are apparent from the claims, the subsequent description of embodiments, or directly from the drawing. The reference in the claims to the drawings by means of reference numerals is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims.

[0038] Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing.

[0039] This shows: Fig. 1 a simplified three-dimensional view of a vehicle with a charging interface in which a drive device actuates a vehicle flap unit to close and release an opening in a vehicle body; Fig. 2 a schematic side view of part of the drive device and the vehicle flap unit in operating states in which the vehicle flap unit closes the opening of the vehicle body; Fig. 3 one Fig. 2. A corresponding representation of the drive device and the vehicle flap unit, wherein the vehicle flap unit is adjusted by the drive device into a position that partially releases the opening; and Fig. 4 one Fig. 2. Corresponding representation of the drive device and the vehicle flap unit, wherein the vehicle flap unit is adjusted by the drive device into a position releasing the opening.

[0040] Referring to Fig. Figure 1 shows a purely electrically powered vehicle or a so-called hybrid vehicle, comprising a vehicle body 2, which has a charging interface at the rear for charging at least one electrical storage device 3 designed as a vehicle battery, from which a vehicle drive (not shown in detail) can be supplied with electrical energy. The charging interface includes a so-called charging recess in the area of ​​an opening 5 in the vehicle body 2, through which an electrical plug system with a corresponding coupling element or a charging socket, which is arranged inside the vehicle body 2 below the outer skin of the vehicle 1, can be brought into operative connection in order to charge the vehicle battery 3 or to supply current from it to an external charging device.

[0041] A vehicle flap unit 4, or loading flap unit, is provided to cover the opening 5 when not in use. The vehicle flap unit 4 includes, among other things, a [missing information - likely a specific component or element] Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 shows a flat or plate-like element, which here forms part of the vehicle's outer contour and is subsequently referred to as the vehicle flap 15. The vehicle flap 15, which is also referred to as the cover, is rotatably connected to a so-called cover carrier or guide link 16.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2 shows a highly schematic representation of essential elements of a drive device 6, by means of which the vehicle flap unit 4 can be adjusted from a closed position (closing the opening 5) to a released position (opening the opening 5) and vice versa. This shows Fig. 2 the vehicle flap unit 4 in the closing position of the opening 5, Fig. 3 the vehicle flap unit 4 in a position partially releasing the opening 5 and Fig. 4 the vehicle flap unit 4 in its position releasing the opening 5.

[0043] During the adjustment from the closed position towards the open position, the vehicle flap unit 4 is moved under the adjacent area of ​​the vehicle body 2. The vehicle flap unit 4, which thus opens inwards, can be driven via a lever arrangement 7 by a drive unit 8 (only symbolically indicated), e.g., an electric motor.

[0044] The lever arrangement 7 comprises a double-action or toggle lever arrangement with a first lever element 11 and a second lever element 12, wherein the first lever element 11 can be rotaryally driven by the drive unit 8 and is rotatably connected to the second lever element 12 via a double-action pivot joint 10. The longer, second lever element 12 is rotatably connected to the vehicle flap unit 4 via a flap pivot joint 26.

[0045] The lever elements 11 and 12 of the double-action mechanism are arranged relative to each other in a so-called over-center position near an extended position when the vehicle flap unit 4 is in the closed position. The lever elements 11 and 12 are rotatable relative to each other against the spring force of a spring unit 13 connecting the lever elements 11 and 12, between positions in which they are in the over-center position and positions in which they are in the position of the vehicle flap unit 4 that partially releases the opening 5.

[0046] Furthermore, the lever arrangement 7 includes a multi-lever mechanism 16, 29, 30, which connects the double-action mechanism 11, 12 with the vehicle flap unit 4. The double-action mechanism 11, 12 and the multi-lever mechanism 16, 29, 30 are designed such that, starting from the closed position, the vehicle flap unit 4 is first moved by the double-action mechanism 11, 12 into a position that partially releases the opening 5, and then subsequently moved jointly by the double-action mechanism 11, 12 and the multi-lever mechanism 16, 29, 30 into the release position.

[0047] In this case, the vehicle flap unit 4 is adjustable for a short lifting movement along a cam guide 9 immediately after the closed position. The cam guide 9 has parallel cam tracks 9A, 9B spaced apart from each other in the vehicle's vertical direction z, into which the vehicle flap unit 4 engages or with which the vehicle flap unit 4 interacts.

[0048] The cam guide 9 is open at one end and closed at the other, extending inwards towards the vehicle and with its open end pointing inwards towards the vehicle. The vehicle flap unit 4 engages in the cam guide 9 between the closed position and the position that partially releases the opening 5. During an opening movement between the intermediate position that partially releases the opening 5 and the position that fully releases the opening 5, the vehicle flap unit 4 is disengaged from the first cam guide 9.

[0049] As long as the vehicle flap unit 4, preferably with a pin 37 fixedly connected to the vehicle flap 15 or with another arbitrarily designed follower, is engaged with the cam guide 9, the vehicle flap unit 4 is moved between the closed position and the position that partially releases the opening 5, i.e., lifted inwards. During this movement, the vehicle flap 15 of the vehicle flap unit 4 is moved by the double strike 11, 12 and undergoes a relative movement with respect to the other lifting elements of the multi-lever mechanism.

[0050] In this case, the relative movement comprises a rotational movement of the vehicle flap 15 relative to a so-called guide link 16 of the multi-lever mechanism, with which the vehicle flap unit 4 is rotatably connected in an area 14 via a guide swivel joint 17.

[0051] In the closed position of the vehicle flap unit 4, the vehicle flap 15 is flush with the body-side edge of the opening 5 on its circumference. An outer surface 18 of the vehicle flap 15 is flush with the outer surface 19 of the vehicle body 2 that defines the circumference of the opening 5 in the closed position of the vehicle flap unit 4.

[0052] The vehicle flap 15 is provided on its side facing an inner side 20 of the vehicle body 2 with a sealing unit (not shown in detail) with which the vehicle flap 15 seals against the inner side 20 of the vehicle body 2 in the closed position of the vehicle flap unit 4.

[0053] In the closed position of the vehicle flap unit 4, the lever elements 11 and 12 are located in the Fig. 2. In the manner shown in more detail, the lever elements 11 and 12 are attached to a body-fixed stop 21, which limits their travel beyond the over-center position of the toggle lever assembly. Additionally, a closed end 22 of the cam guide 9 also limits the travel of the vehicle flap 15 perpendicular to the vehicle body 2 in the closed position of the vehicle flap unit 4.

[0054] When a request is made to release or open the opening 5, the drive unit 8 drives the lever element 11 around a housing-fixed pivot axis 23 in a direction of rotation DR2 opposite to the direction of rotation DR1. The drive unit 8 rotating in the direction of rotation DR2 causes the lever element 11 to rotate away from the stop 21. This results in the lever elements 11 and 12 first being moved into their extended position, and the lever element 12 being adjusted about the double-joint pivot 10 that rotatably connects the two lever elements 11 and 12.

[0055] The spring unit 13 is stretched because the distance between the two attachment points 24, 25 of the spring unit 13 on the lever element 11 and on the lever element 12 increases. This movement of the lever elements 11 and 12 relative to each other initially causes a flap pivot joint 26, via which the lever element 12 is rotatably connected to the vehicle flap 15, and the vehicle flap 15 to be pressed more strongly against the inside 20 of the vehicle body 2 than is the case in the over-center position of the lever elements 11 and 12.

[0056] Once the two lever elements 11 and 12 have passed the extended position, the distance between the housing-fixed pivot axis 23 of the lever element 11 and the flap pivot joint 26 decreases due to the increasing tilting of the two lever elements 11 and 12 relative to each other.

[0057] The tilting of the two lever elements 11 and 12 about the housing-fixed pivot axis 23 is effected by the rotary drive of the drive unit 8 in the direction of rotation DR2 and by the spring unit 13 acting on the two lever elements 11 and 12. After passing through the extended position between the two lever elements 11 and 12, the vehicle flap 15 is guided along the cam track 9 and rotated about the guide pivot 17, whereby one end is guided inwards essentially perpendicular to the inner side 20 of the vehicle body 2. In addition, a tension spring 27 acting on the guide link 16 and on the vehicle flap 15 is provided, which pivots the vehicle flap 15 about the guide pivot 17 in the direction of the guide link 16 and holds it in the pivoted position during the further opening movement of the vehicle flap unit 4.

[0058] When the vehicle flap 15 disengages from the guide rail 9, the two lever elements 11 and 12 reach their tilting positions, from which the guide arm 16 and the vehicle flap 15 are moved towards the releasing position of the opening 5. To ensure a precisely guided positioning movement of the guide arm 16 and the vehicle flap 15, the guide arm 16 is articulated to the housing via a multi-link 28 of the multi-lever mechanism. In this case, the multi-link 28 is designed as a four-link and comprises two lever elements 29, 30, which are rotatably connected to the guide arm 16 via lever-pivot joints 31, 32. Additionally, the lever elements 29, 30 are each rotatable about housing-fixed pivot axes 33, 34.

[0059] This housing-side connection of the lever elements 29 and 30 of the multi-joint 28 causes a further rotary drive of the drive unit 8 in the direction of rotation DR2 after the flap rotary joint 26 exits the cam guide 9 to perform a combined rotary and lateral movement of the vehicle flap unit 4 from the position partially releasing the opening 5 into the Fig. This results in the position shown in 4, in which the vehicle flap unit 4 completely releases the opening 5.

[0060] Depending on the specific application, the multi-joint 28 can also include more than two lever elements and more than four rotary joints in order to move the guide link 16 and the associated vehicle flap 15 between the closing position and the releasing position in a simple and space-saving manner.

[0061] When the opening 5 is to be completely closed again by the vehicle flap unit 4, the drive unit 8 is controlled accordingly and drives the lever element 11 in the direction of rotation DR1. Such a rotary drive by the drive unit 8 causes the two lever elements 11 and 12 to be rotated by the drive unit 8. This has the effect that the vehicle flap unit 4 is initially moved by the guide of the multi-joint 28 in the direction in which the vehicle flap unit 4 partially releases the opening 5 and in which the vehicle flap 15 comes into contact with a contact area 35, which is provided in the area of ​​the open end of the cam guide 9.

[0062] As soon as the vehicle flap 15 is in contact with the guide 9 in the contact area 35 of the guide 9, the rotary drive of the drive unit 8 in the direction of rotation DR1 prevents the guide link 16 from being adjusted further, while the vehicle flap 15 pivots around the guide pivot 17 against the spring force of the tension spring 27 towards the inside 20 of the vehicle body 2, engaging with the opening 5. This occurs because the vehicle flap 15 is inserted linearly into the guide 9 until the vehicle flap 15 of the vehicle flap unit 4 completely closes the opening 5.

[0063] When the lever elements 11 and 12 are in contact with the stop 21 and are in their over-center position, the rotary drive of the drive unit 8 is terminated. In the over-center position, the lever elements 11 and 12 are secured by the spring unit 13, thus preventing unwanted opening of the vehicle flap unit 4 with minimal design effort. In other words, the spring unit 13 exerts a small torque to stabilize the over-center position of the lever assembly 7.

[0064] Alternatively to the cam guide 9 and its mounting area 35 or additionally, it is also possible that the guide link 16 in the position which the guide link 16 has in the partially releasing position of the vehicle flap unit 4 rests against a further stop 36, which blocks further adjustment of the guide link 16 by the rotary drive of the drive unit 8 in the direction of rotation DR1 and only pivots the vehicle flap 15 around the guide pivot joint 17 in the direction of the opening 5 into the closing position of the opening 5. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 vehicle 2 Vehicle body 3 Drive unit 4 Vehicle flap unit 5 Opening 6 Drive device 7 Lever arrangement 8 Drive unit 9 Backstage tour 9A Scenery Track of the Scenery Tour 9B Scenery track of the scenery tour 10 Two-point swivel joint 11 Lever element 12 Lever element 13 Spring unit 14 Area of ​​the guide rail 16 15 Vehicle flap 16 Multi-lever mechanism, guide link 17 Guide link swivel joint 18 Outside of the vehicle hatch 19 Exterior of the vehicle body 20 Inside of the vehicle body 21 attacks 22 Closed end of the first backstage tour 23 housing-fixed pivot axis of the lever element 11 24 Connection point of the spring unit to the lever element 11 25 Connection point of the spring unit to the lever element 12 26 flap pivot joint 27 Tension spring 28 Multi-joint 29 Lever element 30 Lever element 31 Lever swivel joint 32 Lever swivel joint 33 housing-fixed rotary axis 34 housing-fixed rotary axis 35 Plant area of ​​the stage management 36 more attacks 37 pin DR1 Direction of rotation DR2 Direction of rotation

Claims

Drive device (6) of a vehicle flap unit (4), in particular a loading flap unit of an electrically powered vehicle (1), by means of which an opening (5) of a vehicle body (2) can be closed and opened, wherein the vehicle flap unit (4) is designed to move from a closed position closing the opening (5) to a release position opening the opening (5) within the vehicle body (2), and wherein the vehicle flap unit (4) can be driven and adjusted by a drive unit (8) via a lever arrangement (7), characterized in that the lever arrangement (7) comprises a double linkage (11, 12) with a first lever element (11) and with a second lever element (12), wherein the first lever element (11) can be driven rotaryally by the drive unit (8) and is rotatably connected to the second lever element (12) via a double linkage swivel joint (10).wherein the second lever element (12) is rotatably connected to the vehicle flap unit (4) via a flap pivot joint (26), wherein a multi-lever mechanism (16, 29, 30) is rotatably connected to the vehicle flap unit (4) via a guide pivot joint (17), and wherein the double-action mechanism (11, 12) and the multi-lever mechanism (16, 29, 30) are designed in relation to each other such that, starting from the closed position, the vehicle flap unit (4) is first moved by the double-action mechanism (11, 12) into a position partially releasing the opening (5) and subsequently by the double-action mechanism (11, 12) and the multi-lever mechanism (16, 29, 30) into the release position. Drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that the multi-lever mechanism (16, 29, 30) comprises a guide link (16) which is rotatably connected to the vehicle flap unit (4) in an end region of the vehicle flap unit (4) via the guide pivot joint (17), wherein the guide link (16) is rotatably connected in connection regions spaced apart from the connection region of the guide link (16) with the vehicle flap unit (4) via lever pivot joints (31, 32) to at least two further lever elements (29, 30) of a multi-joint (28) of the multi-lever mechanism (16, 29, 30), which are rotatable about pivot axes (33, 34) fixed on the housing side, and wherein the arrangement of the connection regions, the pivot axes (23, 33, 34), the double pivot joint (10), the flap pivot joint (26), the guide pivot joint (17) and the lever pivot joints (31, 32) are designed relative to each other,that the vehicle flap unit (4) is moved from the closed position towards the release position, first relative to the guide link (16), in particular around the guide pivot joint (17), into the position that partially releases the opening (5) and then, together with the guide link (16), into the release position. Drive device according to claim 2, characterized in that the multi-joint (28) is designed as a four-joint. Drive device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vehicle flap unit (4) engages in a cam guide (9) open at one end and fixed on the housing side between the closed position and the position partially releasing the opening (5) and is out of engagement with the cam guide (9) between this partially releasing position and the release position. Drive device according to claim 4, characterized in that the cam guide (9) in the installed position in the vehicle (1) has a course extending perpendicular to the plane of the opening (5) and in the direction of the vehicle interior. Drive device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the cam guide (9) has a contact area (35) for the vehicle flap unit (4) in the area of ​​its open end, wherein the vehicle flap unit (4) is inserted into the cam guide (9) along the contact area (35) during an actuation of the drive unit (8) which moves the vehicle flap unit (4) in the direction of the closing position. Drive device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that a closed end (22) of the cam guide (9) in the closed position of the vehicle flap unit (4) limits a movement of the vehicle flap unit (4) perpendicular to the opening (5). Drive device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first lever element (11) is shorter than the second lever element (12). Drive device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lever elements (11, 12) of the double strike are arranged in an extended position relative to each other in the closing position of the vehicle flap unit (4). Drive device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lever elements (11, 12) of the double strike are arranged in an over-center position relative to each other in the closing position of the vehicle flap unit (4). Drive device according to claim 10, characterized in that the lever elements (11, 12) are rotatable relative to each other between positions in which the lever elements (11, 12) are in the over-center position and positions in which the lever elements (11, 12) are in the release position of the vehicle flap unit (4), against the spring force of a spring unit (13) connecting the lever elements (11, 12). Drive device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the actuation travel of the lever elements (11, 12) beyond the over-center position is limited by a stop (21). Drive device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the vehicle flap unit (4) has a vehicle flap (15) which, in the closed position of the vehicle flap unit (4), is flush with the opening (5) on its circumference, wherein in particular an outer surface (18) of the vehicle flap (15) is flush with the outer surface (18) of the vehicle body (2) which limits the opening (5) on its circumference. Drive device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the vehicle flap unit (4) has a vehicle flap (15) which is rigidly connected to the guide link (16). Electrically powered vehicle which is equipped with a drive device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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