Flap device for a motor vehicle and arrangement

Abstract

A flap device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a cover element (16) pivotably mounted between a closed position (18) and an open position, a drive device (32) by means of which the cover element (16) can be driven, a locking device (36) comprising a locking element (38) movable between a locking position (40), in which the cover element (16) is secured against pivoting from the closed position (18) by means of the locking element (38), and a release position (42), and an actuation element (48) movable between an actuation position (50), in which the cover element (16) is acted upon at a contact point (54) by the actuation element (48) to pivot from the closed position (18), and a rest position (52), wherein the locking element (38) is trained as a Bowden cable (58),first coupling device (60) is coupled to the drive device (32) and the actuation element (48) is coupled to the drive device (32) via a second coupling device (64) designed as a Bowden cable (62).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flap device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement of such a flap device on a component of a motor vehicle.

[0002] A flap device for a motor vehicle is disclosed in the generic German patent DE 10 2022 121 106 A1. In particular, an actuating mechanism for operating a loading, refueling, or service flap on a loading, refueling, or service recess that is mounted or can be mounted on or in a body component of a vehicle is disclosed, wherein the loading, refueling, or service flap is reversibly pivotable between a closed position and an open position relative to the loading, refueling, or service recess.

[0003] Furthermore, a loading flap system for a motor vehicle is known from WO 2023 / 217 420 A1, wherein the loading flap system comprises a support element designed to be attached to a motor vehicle body, which has a support frame surrounding a recess, and an actuator positioning device which is attached to the support element.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a flap device for a motor vehicle and an arrangement of such a flap device on a component of a motor vehicle, in such a way that a locking function and an ice-breaking function of the flap device can be particularly improved.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a flap device for a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by an arrangement of such a flap device on a component of a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a flap device for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is, for example, a passenger car. Preferably, the motor vehicle, particularly in its fully manufactured state, has the flap device.

[0007] Preferably, the motor vehicle is designed as an electrically powered vehicle. This means that the motor vehicle has at least one electric machine by which it can be propelled. The electric machine can therefore also be referred to as a drive machine or a traction machine. In other words, the motor vehicle is designed as a battery-electric vehicle or as a hybrid vehicle.

[0008] The flap device has at least one cover element, which can also be referred to as a cover flap or simply a flap. The cover element is pivotably mounted between a closed position and at least one open position, which is preferably different from the closed position, about at least one pivot axis. In other words, the cover element is hinged at least between the open position and the closed position. Pivoting can, for example, be understood as pivoting the cover element about the pivot axis relative to a component of the motor vehicle. Pivoting the cover element between the closed position and the open position can, in particular, be understood as pivoting the cover element from the closed position to the open position and / or from the open position to the closed position. The component is, for example, designed separately from the flap device.For example, the component is a body part of a motor vehicle. In the closed position, at least one opening is covered, in particular completely, by the cover element. In other words, in the closed position, the opening is closed by the cover element. In the open position, the opening is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, uncovered by the cover element. In other words, in the open position, the opening is not covered by the cover element, or the opening is not closed by the cover element. This means that in the open position, the opening is neither covered nor closed by the cover element.

[0009] The flap device has at least one, in particular an electric, drive unit by means of which the cover element can be driven or is driven to pivot between the closed and open positions. This means that by driving the cover element, the pivoting of the cover element between the closed and open positions can be effected or is effected. In other words, the cover element can be pivoted between the closed and open positions about the pivot axis by means of the drive unit. The drive unit can also be referred to as a rotary actuator. For example, the drive unit is designed as an electric machine or includes at least one electric machine. Preferably, the drive unit has at least one shaft rotatable about a rotational axis, which is, for example, an output shaft of the electric machine.Preferably, when the shaft is rotated around the axis of rotation, the cover element pivots between the closed position and the open position.

[0010] Furthermore, the flap device has at least one locking device, which is designed separately from the cover element and the drive unit. The locking device has at least one locking element which is movable, for example translationally, between a locking position and at least one release position, which is different from the locking position. This means that the locking element can be displaced, or is displaced, between the locking position and the release position. Moving the locking element between the locking position and the release position can be understood, in particular, as moving the locking element from the locking position to the release position and / or from the release position to the locking position.Moving the locking element is, for example, moving the locking element relative to the component and / or relative to the cover element. In the locked position, the cover element is secured by the locking element against pivoting, particularly unintentionally, about its pivot axis from the closed position, especially into the open position. In other words, in the locked position, the cover element is prevented from pivoting from the closed position, particularly into the open position, especially because the locking element secures the cover element against pivoting from the closed position, particularly unintentionally. In the release position, the locking element releases the cover element from pivoting from the closed position, particularly into the open position.This means that in the release position, the cover element is not secured against pivoting from the closed position. Therefore, particularly with regard to the locking and release positions, the cover element can be moved from the closed position, especially into the open position, in the release position.

[0011] Furthermore, the flap device has at least one actuation element which is movable, for example translationally, between at least one actuation position and at least one rest position, which is different from the actuation position. In other words, the actuation element is displaceable between the actuation position and the rest position. Moving the actuation element between the actuation position and the rest position can be understood as moving the actuation element from the actuation position to the rest position and / or from the rest position to the actuation position. Moving the actuation element is, in particular, moving it relative to the component and / or relative to the cover element. The rest position can also be referred to as the stowed position or inactive position. The actuation position can also be referred to as the active position.In the actuation position, the cover element can be actuated, preferably directly, by the actuation element at at least one contact point spaced from the pivot axis, in order to pivot the cover element from the closed position, particularly into the open position. This means that in the actuation position, the cover element can be actuated, or is actuated, at the coupling point by the actuation element in order to move the cover element from the closed position, particularly into the open position. In other words, particularly with regard to the actuation position and the rest position exclusively, in the actuation position at least one force and / or at least one torque is transmitted to the cover element via the actuation element, which is in contact with the cover element, particularly directly, in order to move the cover element from the closed position.The term "acting on" can therefore be understood to mean, in particular, the application of force and / or torque to the cover element. In the rest position, the acting element does not act on the cover element, especially at the contact point. In other words, in the rest position, the acting element and the cover element are decoupled from each other and, for example, spaced apart.

[0012] To particularly improve the icebreaking and locking functions of the flap device, the invention provides that the closing element can be coupled, in particular directly, to the drive unit, for example, to the shaft, via a first coupling device designed as a Bowden cable. This allows the closing element to be driven by the drive unit, in particular by the shaft, via the first coupling device to move between the locked and unlocked positions. In other words, the closing element can be actuated via the first coupling device.Furthermore, the actuation element can be coupled, in particular mechanically, to the drive unit, in particular the shaft, via a second coupling unit designed as a Bowden cable and separate from the first coupling unit, whereby the actuation element can be driven by the drive unit, in particular the shaft, via the second coupling unit to move between the rest position and the actuation position. This means that the actuation element can be driven by the drive unit via the second coupling unit to move between the rest position and the actuation position. In other words, the actuation element can be actuated by the drive unit via the second coupling unit.

[0013] The term Bowden cable can be understood to mean, in particular, a movable machine element, which can also be referred to as a cable pull. Specifically, the respective Bowden cable is designed for the transmission of mechanical movement and / or for the transmission of tensile forces, especially tensile and compressive forces.

[0014] This can be achieved through a combination of a wire rope and a flexible, compression-resistant sheath in the direction of travel. Each Bowden cable can have at least one cable element, which is, for example, made of steel wire or designed as a wire rope. The cable element can be contained within a flexible sheath, which is particularly compression-resistant in the direction of travel. This sheath can serve to guide the cable element as well as act as a counter-bearing to support the tensile forces to be transmitted. The Bowden cable can, for example, transmit tensile forces along any curved path, especially as long as a certain bending radius is not undercut. If the Bowden cable runs in a curve, compressive forces can arise in the sheath due to the support of the cable element. This can cause the sheath to compress and thus transmit compressive forces.

[0015] The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: Charging hatches are conventionally not locked or are locked by an additional locking actuator. Especially with electrically driven charging hatches, this can lead to the need for two actuators, namely a locking actuator and a motion actuator. Additionally, the charging hatch can ice up in certain weather conditions. Particularly if the icing is not visible to the user, this can prevent the vehicle or its electrical energy storage system from being charged. A corresponding ice-breaking function is therefore a significant convenience feature. Various methods for locking the charging hatch are known in the prior art. This can be achieved, for example, using a locking actuator with a pivot or a linear actuator with a linkage.However, in this case, only a single actuator may be necessary for the locking mechanism. For a conventional icebreaking function, prior art requires, for example, separate pressure actuators, especially in combination with the locking mechanism, or the icebreaking function can be implemented via an additional gearbox. A disadvantage of this approach is that the actuator must always be located close to the area where the icebreaking function needs to be implemented.

[0016] In the flap device according to the invention, a locking function, i.e., locking the cover element in the closed position, can be achieved by means of the closing device, in particular by means of the closing element. Furthermore, an ice-breaking function, which can also simply be referred to as ice breaking, can be implemented by means of the actuating element. By actuating the cover element, the actuating element can release the cover element, for example, if it is frozen in place, thereby dissolving or removing any ice on the cover element. This allows the cover element to be moved out of the closed position again, particularly for opening, since the ice has been removed.In the flap device according to the invention, the ice-breaking function and the locking function can be effected by means of the drive unit, i.e., by means of one and the same actuator, thus eliminating the need for a separate actuator. This allows the flap device to be designed to be particularly space-saving. Furthermore, the weight of the flap device and / or the manufacturing effort, in particular the manufacturing costs, can be kept particularly low. Moreover, actuating forces for moving the closing element and for moving the actuating element, i.e., in particular, actuating forces for effecting the locking function, especially unlocking the cover element, and the ice-breaking function, can be transmitted to different locations via the coupling device designed as a Bowden cable.These locations can be chosen so that the flap device can be designed to be particularly space-saving and / or so that the closing element and the actuation element can be arranged in a particularly load-bearing manner. For example, the actuation element can be arranged in such a way that a particularly large, and especially the largest possible, lever for opening the cover element can be achieved. The invention is thus based in particular on the realization that it can be advantageous to arrange the closing element and the actuation element at different locations in the flap device. This is because a location where a particularly large lever for effecting the ice-breaking function can be achieved can also be a location where a particularly high force can act on the closing element when attempting to move the locked cover element from the closed position.Thus, by means of the flap device according to the invention, both the locking and the icebreaking function can be introduced at the desired point of action without an additional actuator, since this can be solved via the respective Bowden cable.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the actuation element and the pivot axis are arranged on opposite sides of the cover element. This means that the contact point and the pivot axis are located on opposite sides of the cover element. In other words, the actuation element and / or the contact point is located on a side of the cover element facing away from the pivot axis. This allows the actuation element to generate a particularly large leverage effect when the cover element is actuated, in order to move the cover element from the closed position, particularly for de-icing. The actuation element can thus generate a particularly high torque for actuating the cover element, especially for de-icing.The different sides can be understood to be, in particular, sides of the cover element facing away from each other in one direction, whereby this direction is, for example, perpendicular to the pivot axis and / or perpendicular to an axial direction of the opening.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the actuation element and the locking element are arranged on opposite sides of the cover element. This means that the contact point and the locking element are located on opposite sides of the cover element. For example, the locking element and the pivot axis are located on the same side of the cover element. This allows the actuation element to achieve the aforementioned particularly effective lifting action for ice breaking, while simultaneously minimizing the mechanical stress acting on the locking element when attempting to open the locked cover element.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the flap device comprises at least one rotating element rotatable about an axis of rotation and driven or actuated by the drive unit. In other words, the rotating element is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation, and the rotation of the rotating element can be effected or is effected by the drive unit, i.e., by driving the rotating element by means of the drive unit. The rotating element is, for example, disc-shaped, particularly as a disk. The rotating element is coupled, in particular mechanically, for example directly, to the respective cable element of the respective coupling device, whereby the rotation of the rotating element about the axis of rotation makes the respective cable element movable, in particular translationally. This means that the respective cable element can be driven or is driven by the rotation of the coupling element.In other words, the respective coupling device or Bowden cable can be actuated by rotating the rotary element. Thus, rotating the rotary element, via the coupling devices, drives the closing element and the actuating element. This allows for a particularly simple and / or secure coupling of the drive unit with the Bowden cables.

[0020] In a further embodiment, it is provided that, particularly by rotating the rotating element around its axis of rotation, the movement of the respective cable element is accompanied by movement in opposite directions. In other words, by rotating the rotating element, the respective Bowden cable or its respective cable element can be actuated in the different directions of movement. Therefore, these directions of movement can also be referred to as directions of actuation. This allows the Bowden cables to be coupled to the drive unit particularly advantageously, enabling the icebreaking and locking functions to be achieved with minimal effort and / or with maximum effectiveness.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the flap device has at least one coupling element via which the coupling devices can be coupled to and decoupled from the drive device. In other words, in a first state of the coupling element, the coupling device and the drive device are coupled to each other, in particular mechanically, and in a second state of the coupling element, which differs from the first state, the coupling devices and the drive devices are decoupled from each other, in particular mechanically.This embodiment is based on the understanding that unlocking the cover element, i.e., moving the locking element from the closed position to the release position, and applying pressure to the cover element by the pressure element for ice breaking may only be necessary at the beginning of an opening process in which the cover element is to be moved, or is being moved, from the closed position to the open position. This allows, for example, when the cover element is already slightly open, the locking element and the pressure element to be decoupled from the drive unit, so that a torque provided by the drive unit can be used, in particular exclusively, to pivot the cover element into the open position.If the drive unit and the coupling units, in particular at least the second coupling unit, are decoupled from each other, the cover element can be pivoted about the pivot axis by means of the drive unit, in particular by bypassing the actuation element, i.e. without the involvement of the actuation element.

[0022] Preferably, the coupling element is designed as a slip clutch. In other words, the coupling element is in the first state when it is subjected to a first torque value from the drive unit, and it is in the second state when it is subjected to a second torque value from the drive unit that is higher than the first. This ensures that the Bowden cables are no longer actuated above a certain torque or rotational speed of the rotating element. This allows the Bowden cable to be kept particularly short, thus preventing the need for an excessively long Bowden cable.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the flap device has at least one spring element associated with the closing element, in particular acting directly on the closing element, by means of which the closing element can be moved, in particular moved back, from the release position to the locked position. Alternatively or additionally, the flap device has a spring element associated with the actuation element, in particular acting on the actuation element, by means of which the actuation element can be moved, in particular moved back, from the actuation position to the rest position. This allows the actuation element and / or the closing element to be reset in a particularly cost-effective and / or particularly reliable manner.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the cover element is designed to cover a vehicle's charging socket in the closed position and to at least partially expose the charging socket in the open position. This means that the flap mechanism is designed for, or is part of, the charging socket. In other words, the flap mechanism is provided for a charging recess of the vehicle. In this context, the charging socket is understood to be a charging interface through which an electrical energy storage device of the vehicle can be charged by a charging device, particularly an external one, for example, via a charging plug. This means that the electrical energy storage device can be supplied with electrical energy for charging via the charging socket or charging interface.Thus, the aforementioned opening can be designed to allow the charging device, in particular the charging plug, to pass through the opening, thereby enabling the charging device, in particular the charging plug, to be connected to the charging socket, in particular electrically. The cover element could therefore be a loading flap. The flap mechanism can thus also be referred to as a loading flap device.

[0025] A second aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement of a flap device according to the first aspect of the invention on a component of a motor vehicle, in particular one that is designed separately from the flap device. The component is, for example, a body part of the motor vehicle or a loading trough. The arrangement can be understood to mean, in particular, an arrangement of the flap device on an exterior surface of the motor vehicle. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be considered as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0026] A further aspect relates to a method for operating a flap device according to the first aspect of the invention. In this method, the cover element is pivoted about the pivot axis between the closed and open positions, particularly by means of the drive unit, specifically from the closed position to the open position and / or from the open position to the closed position. Thus, the cover element can be driven by the drive unit to pivot between the closed and open positions. Furthermore, in this method, the closing element is moved, particularly by means of the drive unit, between the locking position and the release position, that is, specifically from the locking position to the release position and / or from the release position to the locking position.Furthermore, the actuation element is moved, in particular by means of the drive unit, between the rest position and the actuation position, specifically from the rest position to the actuation position and / or from the actuation position to the rest position. The locking element is driven by the drive unit via the first coupling unit to move between the locking position and the release position, specifically from the locking position to the release position. Furthermore, the actuation element is driven by the drive unit via the second coupling unit to move between the rest position and the actuation position, specifically from the rest position to the actuation position. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first and second aspects of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the further aspect, and vice versa.

[0027] Overall, it is evident that the flap mechanism allows both the locking and the icebreaking function to be implemented at the desired point of action without an additional actuator, as this can be achieved via the respective Bowden cable, the coupling element (also simply referred to as a clutch), and the rotary element to which the rotary actuator necessary for electrical movement of the loading flap is connected.

[0028] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings.

[0029] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic front view of a flap device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic partial sectional view of a flap device according to the invention, wherein a closing element is in a locking position and an actuation element is in a rest position; Fig. 3 a schematic partial sectional view of a flap device according to the invention, wherein a closing element is in a release position and an actuation element is in an actuation position; Fig. 4 a schematic partial sectional view of a flap device according to the invention for illustrating Bowden cables; and Fig. 5 a schematic partial sectional view of a flap device according to the invention to illustrate actuated Bowden cables.

[0030] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a flap device 10 for a motor vehicle. In this embodiment, the flap device 10 is designed as a charging flap device for a charging socket 12 of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is therefore an electrically powered vehicle. The charging socket can supply the vehicle's electrical energy storage device with electrical energy, i.e., it can be charged.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the flap device 10 viewed from inside the vehicle in the transverse direction. Fig. Figure 2 shows the flap device 10 in a schematic partial sectional view. In this view, Fig. Figure 2 shows in particular an arrangement of the flap device 10 on a loading trough 14 of the motor vehicle. The flap device 10 has a cover element 16, which can also be referred to as a loading flap. The cover element 16 is pivotably mounted between a closed position 18 and at least one open position about a pivot axis 19, for example relative to a housing element 20 of the flap device 10. For this purpose, at least one holding device is provided, by means of which the cover element 16 is pivotably held or is held on the housing element 20 about the pivot axis 19 between the closed position 18 and the open position. The pivot axis 19 is in Fig. 2 is only illustrated schematically. The disclosure is in Fig. Figure 2 is shown schematically by a dashed line 22. In this embodiment, the cover element 16 can be moved upwards about the pivot axis 19 in the vehicle's vertical direction 24 to move it from the closed position 18. This means that the cover element 16 can be folded upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 24 to move it from the closed position 18, particularly into the open position. The pivot axis 19 runs, at least substantially, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0033] In the closed position 18, an opening 26 is covered, in particular completely, by the cover element 16. In the open position, the opening 26 is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, uncovered by the cover element 16. The opening 26 is designed as a through-opening. In this embodiment, the opening 26 is part of the flap device 10. For example, the opening 26 is formed, at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, by the housing element 20. Alternatively or additionally, the opening 26 can be formed, at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, by the loading recess 14. In this embodiment, the flap device 10 has at least one fastening element 28 by means of which the flap device 10 can be attached, in particular directly, to the loading recess 14.In this case, the fastening element 28 is arranged at one end on the flap device 10 in the axial direction of the opening 26, and the cover element 16 is arranged at the other end on the flap device 10 in the axial direction 30.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the flap device 10 has a drive unit 32, in particular an electric one, by means of which the cover element 16 can be driven to pivot between the closed position 18 and the open position. For this purpose, for example, a shaft 34 of the drive unit 32 is mechanically coupled to the cover element 16, whereby the cover element 16 can be driven. In particular, at least one torque can be provided by means of the drive unit 32, in particular via the shaft 34, to drive the cover element 16, in particular to move it between the closed position 18 and the open position.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the flap device 10 has a locking device 36 which includes a locking element 38. The locking element 38 is designed as a pin and is movable between a locking position 40 and a release position 42. In the locking position 40, the cover element is secured against pivoting about the pivot axis 19 from the closed position 18 by means of the locking element 38. This means that, particularly with regard to the locking position 40 and the release position 42 exclusively, pivoting the cover element 16 from the closed position 18, especially into the open position, is prevented or prevented in the locking position. Fig. 2 the locking element 38 is in the locking position 40. Fig. Figure 3 shows the flap device 10 in a schematic partial sectional view, wherein in Fig. 3. The locking element 38, also referred to as the locking element, is in the release position 42. In the release position 42, the cover element 16 is released from the locking element 38 to pivot out of the closed position 18.

[0036] In this embodiment, the locking element 38 engages in a receiving opening 44 in the locked position 40. In the release position 42, however, the locking element 38 is located outside the receiving opening 44. Thus, particularly with regard to the locked position 40 and the release position 42 exclusively, in the locked position 40 a positive fit is achieved between the locking element 38 and the cover element 16 via the locking element 38, which is received in the receiving opening 44, for example via a connecting piece 46. The connecting piece 46 projects from the cover element 16, particularly in the axial direction 30. The receiving opening 44 is formed by the connecting piece 46. Moving the locking element 38 into the release position is Fig. 3 illustrated by means of an arrow 47.

[0037] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the flap device 10 has an actuation element 48, which is designed, for example, as a pin. The closing element 38 and the actuation element 48 are designed separately from each other. The actuation element 48 is movable between an actuation position 50 and a rest position 52. Fig. 2 the actuation element is in the rest position 52 and in Fig. In section 3, the actuating element 48 is in the actuating position 50. In the actuating position 50, the cover element 16 can be actuated or is actuated by the actuating element 48 at a contact point 54, spaced from the pivot axis 19, for example at least in the vehicle's vertical direction 24, for pivoting the cover element 16 from the closed position 18, for example via an intermediate part 56. This allows a force and / or torque to be provided via the actuating element 48, particularly through the intermediate part 56, to move the cover element 16, which may be iced over, from the closed position 18. This can also be described as an ice-breaking function. In the rest position 52, the covering element 16 is not subjected to pressure by the pressure element 48, in particular because in the rest position 52 the pressure element 48 is spaced away from the intermediate part 56.Moving the actuation element 48 into the actuation position 50 is in . Fig. 3 illustrated by means of an arrow 57

[0038] To particularly improve the locking and icebreaking functions, the flap device 10 is provided with a first coupling device designed as a Bowden cable 58 and a second coupling device 64 designed separately from the first coupling device 60 and designed as a Bowden cable 62. The coupling devices 60 and 64 are, for example, particularly well suited for use in Fig. Figure 4 shows a further schematic partial sectional view of the flap device 10. The closing element 38 is coupled to the drive unit 32 via the first coupling device 60, in particular by means of the shaft 34, whereby the closing element 38 can be driven by the drive unit 32 via the first coupling device 60 to move between the locking position 40 and the release position 42. The actuating element 48 is coupled to the drive unit 32 via the second coupling device 64, in particular by means of the shaft 34, whereby the actuating element 48 can be driven by the drive unit 32 via the second coupling device 64 to move between the rest position 52 and the actuating position 50. As shown in the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, each coupling device 60, 64 and each Bowden cable 58, 62 each has a cable element 66, 68, which can also be referred to as a pull element. The first coupling device 60 has a first cable element 66, and the second coupling device 64 has the second cable element 68. The respective cable element 66, 68 is, for example, designed as a metal thread. Furthermore, each Bowden cable 58, 62 has abutments 70, 72 in which the respective cable element 66, 68 of the respective Bowden cable 58, 62 is guided, in particular so as to be translationally movable. In this embodiment, the cable element 66 is connected, in particular directly, to the closing element 38. Furthermore, the cable element 68 is connected, in particular directly, to the actuation element 48.The Bowden cable 58 can thus actuate the locking element 38, in particular to open the positive locking mechanism. This unlocks the cover element 16. The Bowden cable 62 can actuate the actuating element 48, which exerts the force or torque on the cover element 16 to open it, in particular to de-ic it. The actuating element 48 can thus apply an additional force provided by the drive unit 32 to the cover element 16, whereby this additional force can be introduced into the cover element 16 with a particularly favorable lifting effect to de-ic it. This additional force is transmitted via the Bowden cable 62.

[0039] In this embodiment, the actuation element 48 and the pivot axis 19 are arranged on different sides 74, 76 of the cover element 16. This means that the actuation element 48 and / or the contact point 54 is arranged on a first side 74 of the cover element 16, and the pivot axis 19 is arranged on a second side 76 of the cover element 16, which is different from the first side 74. In this embodiment, the first side 74 is a side of the cover element 16, in particular the flap device 10, that points upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 24, and the second side 76 is a side of the cover element 16, in particular the flap device 10, that points downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 24. The actuation element 48 and the closing element 38 are also arranged on these different sides 74, 76.This means that, in this case, the actuation element 48 and / or the contact point 54 are arranged on the second side 76, and the closing element 38 is arranged on the first side 74. In particular, sides 74 and 76 are oriented away from each other in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis 19 and / or perpendicular to the axial direction 30 of the opening 26. For example, the actuation element 48 is spaced at least half as far from the pivot axis 19 and / or from the closing element 38 as the length of the cover element 16 extending in its main direction of extension.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the flap device 10 has a rotating element 80, which is rotatable about a pivot axis 78 and can be driven by the drive unit 32, in particular by means of the shaft 34, and which is designed, for example, as a disc. The rotating element 80 is coupled to the respective cable element 66, 68 of the respective coupling device 60, 64, whereby the respective cable element 66, 68 can be moved by rotating the rotating element 80 about the pivot axis 78, whereby in the exemplary embodiment the movement of the respective cable element 66, 68 is accompanied by movement in opposite directions 82, 84. This is in Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the flap device 10 in a schematic partial sectional view. The cable element 66 moves in a first direction of movement 82, and the cable element 68 moves in a second direction of movement 84, different from the first direction of movement 82. Thus, by means of the rotating element 80, a rotational movement of the shaft 34 or the rotating element 80 can be converted into a translational movement of the respective cable element 66, 68. This allows the respective Bowden cable 58, 62 to be actuated by the drive unit 32 via the rotating element 80. In particular, the rotating element 80 is connected to the shaft 34, for example, directly.

[0041] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the axis of rotation 78, for example, runs at least essentially parallel to the pivot axis 19. As also shown in Figure 5, the axis of rotation 78 runs at least essentially parallel to the pivot axis 19. Fig. 4 and Fig.As can be seen in Figure 5, the rope elements 66 and 68 are coupled to the rotating element 80, in particular mechanically, in an opposing manner. In this case, the rope element 66 is connected at one end to the rotating element 80 and at the other end to the closing element 38. Furthermore, the rope element 68 is connected at one end to the rotating element 80 and at the other end to the actuating element 48.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, the flap device 10 has a spring element 86 associated with the locking element 38, which can be referred to as the first spring element 86. By means of the spring element 86, the locking element 38 can be moved from the release position 42 to the locking position 40. Thus, the first spring element 86 can be configured to return the locking element 38, which is in the release position 42, to the locking position 40. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the flap device 10 has a second spring element 88 associated with the actuation element 48, by means of which the actuation element 48 can be moved from the actuation position 50 to the rest position 52. Thus, in this case, the second spring element 88 is configured to return the actuation element 48 from the actuation position 50 to the rest position 52.

[0043] Overall, it is evident that to ensure the ice-breaking function and a locking mechanism for securing the cover element 16 in the closed position 18 without an additional actuator, a Bowden cable system comprising Bowden cables 58, 62 can be used to implement both the ice-breaking function and the locking mechanism. The respective Bowden cable 58, 62 can be pulled by a rotary drive provided by the electric drive unit 32, which is intended for the electrical operation of the cover element 16. Thus, the locking function and the ice-breaking function within the loading trough 14 or the loading flap can be effected via Bowden cables 58, 62.

Claims

A flap device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a cover element (16) which is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis (19) between a closed position (18), in which an opening (26) is covered by the cover element (16), and at least one open position, in which the opening (26) is at least partially released by the cover element (16), comprising a drive device (32) by means of which the cover element (16) can be driven to pivot between the closed position (18) and the open position, and a locking device (36) which has a locking element (38) which is coupled to the drive device (32) via a first coupling device (60) designed as a Bowden cable (58), whereby the locking element (38) is enabled to move between a locked position (40), in which the cover element (16) is prevented from pivoting about the pivot axis (19) from the closed position by means of the locking element (38). (18) is secured,and a release position (42) in which the cover element (16) is released from the closing element (38) for pivoting from the closed position (18), is movable from the drive unit (32) via the first coupling device (60), and with an actuation element (48) which is movable between an actuation position (50) in which the cover element (16) is actuated by the actuation element (48) at a contact point (54) opposed by the pivot axis (19) for pivoting from the closed position (18), and a rest position (52) in which the actuation element (48) does not actuate the cover element (16), characterized in that the actuation element (48) is connected via a second coupling device designed as a Bowden cable (62) and designed separately from the first coupling device (60). (64) is also coupled to the drive unit (32),whereby the actuation element (48) can be driven by the drive unit (32) via the second coupling device (64) to move between the rest position (52) and the actuation position (50). Flap device (10) according to claim 1 characterized in that the actuation element (48) and the pivot axis are arranged on different sides (74, 76) of the cover element (16). Flap device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuation element (48) and the closing element (38) are arranged on different sides (74, 76) of the cover element (16). Flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a rotating element (80) rotatable about a pivot axis (78) and driven by the drive device (32), which is coupled to a respective rope element (66, 68) of the respective coupling device (60, 64), whereby the respective rope element (66, 68) can be moved by rotating the rotating element (80) about the pivot axis (78). Flap device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the movement of the respective rope element (66, 68) is accompanied by opposite directions of movement (82, 84). Flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one coupling element, via which the coupling devices (60, 64) can be coupled to and decoupled from the drive device (32). Flap device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the coupling element is designed as a slip clutch. Flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by: • a spring element (86) associated with the closing element (38), by means of which the closing element (38) can be moved from the release position (42) to the locking position, and / or • a spring element (88) associated with the actuation element (48), by means of which the actuation element (48) can be moved from the actuation position (50) to the rest position (52). Flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, by means of the cover element (16) in the closed position (18) a loading recess (14) of the motor vehicle is covered and in the open position the loading recess (14) is at least partially released by the cover element (16). Arrangement of a flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims on a component of a motor vehicle.

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