Loading flap assembly and method for operating the loading flap assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a loading flap assembly (10) of a vehicle and to a method for operating the loading flap assembly (10) according to the invention. The loading flap assembly (10) according to the invention has a loading flap (12) which can be transferred between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, it is designed to close a recess (11) in a body of the vehicle, in which recess a charging interface (13) is arranged, and to release the charging interface (13) in the open position.The loading flap arrangement (10) further comprises an actuator (16) designed to move the loading flap (12) from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, a warning device (17) designed to output a warning signal, and a control device (15) designed to control the actuator (16) to move the loading flap (12) from the closed position to the open position or vice versa, and to cause the warning device (17) to output a warning signal during the move. According to the invention, the control device (15) is further designed to control the actuator (16) such that it moves the loading flap (12) from the open position to the closed position when at least one predetermined criterion is detected by the control device (15), and to cause the warning device (17) to output a warning signal exclusively upon actuation due to the detection of the at least one predetermined criterion.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a loading flap arrangement of a vehicle and a method for operating the loading flap arrangement according to the invention.

[0002] For the purposes of this application, a charging flap assembly is understood to mean the arrangement of a flap (charging flap) of a vehicle that covers an electrical connection, in particular for charging a traction battery of the vehicle. Such charging flaps are provided in the vehicle body and can be understood as the equivalent of a fuel cap of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (without an electric motor). Hybrid vehicles can also have such a charging flap assembly in parallel with a fuel cap. In addition to the charging flap itself, the charging flap assembly also includes other components such as actuators or sensors, for example, for controlling and moving the charging flap.

[0003] Such tailgates can be moved from an open position to a closed position and vice versa using appropriate actuators. In the open position, the tailgate exposes a charging interface located below it, located in a recess in the body. In the closed position, this interface is covered by the tailgate.

[0004] The disadvantage is that there is a risk that a person's fingers or clothing could be trapped if they do not notice that the tailgate has been operated.

[0005] Various technical solutions relevant in this context are known from the prior art. Document DE 19 828 698 A1 discloses a vehicle door or vehicle lid, in particular a trunk lid, that can be automatically adjusted between an open and a closed position, wherein an acoustic signal is triggered during the closing and / or opening process of the vehicle door or vehicle lid.

[0006] From the document WO 2024 012 247 A1, a loading flap that can be adjusted by an actuator between an open position and a closed position is known, wherein if the loading flap is not properly adjusted to the closed position, an acoustic warning signal is emitted.

[0007] The document DE 10 2020 110 227 A1 describes a flap arrangement of a vehicle, comprising a flap which can be transferred between an open position and a closed position, wherein it is designed to close a recess in a body of the vehicle in the closed position, an actuator designed to transfer the flap from the closed position to the open position and / or vice versa, a warning device designed to emit a warning signal, a control device designed to control the actuator to transfer the flap from the closed position to the open position and / or vice versa, and to cause the warning device to emit a warning signal during the transfer.

[0008] Document DE 10 2014 111 408 A1 describes a charging flap assembly for a vehicle battery, comprising a housing, a charging interface, and a flap that is movable between a closed position and an open position. A magnetic sensor indicates whether the flap is in the open or closed position.

[0009] Document DE 10 2017 115 106 A1 describes an electric charging flap device for a vehicle, wherein the charging flap can be opened and closed by an electric motor. When a charging plug contacts a charging interface that is concealed when the charging flap is closed, this is sensed and the charging flap moves to an intermediate position between the open and closed positions.

[0010] Document US 2016 / 0 083 981 A1 discloses a two-part tailgate, in which two flap elements can be adjusted between an open and a closed position by a coupling gear and an actuator. If an abnormal condition is detected during the adjustment of the tailgate, an acoustic or visual signal is emitted.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a loading flap arrangement and a method for operating the loading flap arrangement, by means of which the safety of the operation of the loading flap arrangement can be improved.

[0012] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims.

[0013] The charging flap assembly of a vehicle according to the invention has a charging flap that can be transferred between an open position and a closed position, wherein it is designed to close a recess in a body of the vehicle, in which a charging interface is arranged, in the closed position and to release the charging interface in the open position. Furthermore, the charging flap assembly has an actuator designed to transfer the charging flap from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, a warning device designed to output a warning signal, and a control device designed to control the actuator to transfer the charging flap from the closed position to the open position or vice versa, and to cause the warning device to output a warning signal during the transfer.

[0014] By emitting the warning signal from the warning device, a person who is in the area of ​​the tailgate can be warned that the tailgate is closing or moving, thus preventing body parts or clothing from becoming trapped.

[0015] The movement of the loading flap from the closed position to the open position or vice versa can be designed differently depending on the design of the actuator and the kinematics. Embodiments are conceivable in which the loading flap is moved horizontally or vertically in a translational manner in order to release the charging interface. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the loading flap is moved rotationally or a combination of translational and rotational movement occurs. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the loading flap is first moved perpendicular to the surface of the body in the area of ​​the loading flap and then a translational or rotational movement is exerted on the loading flap. The invention is therefore applicable to any movement of the loading flap for its opening.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the warning device is designed to emit an acoustic warning signal. Acoustic warning signals, such as the beeping sounds of trucks that have engaged reverse gear, are particularly easily audible to users and can thus easily warn of corresponding hazards. They can also be emitted by appropriate output devices that are hidden and otherwise unnoticeable, thus neither visually disrupting the vehicle nor causing any other disadvantages. The acoustic warning signal can take various forms, from simple beeping sounds to repetitive tones to corresponding verbal warnings.

[0017] Preferably, the warning device is further configured to emit the warning signal in the immediate vicinity of the tailgate. In the case of an acoustic warning, this can be done via a corresponding loudspeaker in the immediate vicinity of the tailgate. This makes the warning's connection to the tailgate clear to people in the vicinity.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the warning device is designed to emit the warning signal in a cockpit of the vehicle, so that the driver of the vehicle is warned that the tailgate is being opened or closed. In this case, the driver can ensure that no one is in the vicinity of the tailgate who could be affected by its movement. This is particularly advantageous in the case of automated movement of the tailgate, where the driver is likely to be in the cockpit.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an operating element is arranged, in particular in the immediate vicinity of the tailgate, which is designed to transmit a signal to the control device upon actuation, and the control device is designed to control the actuator of the tailgate based on this signal. The operating element can be designed, in particular, as a tactile sensor that detects a touch by the user and generates a corresponding signal. An operating element is referred to as being in the immediate vicinity of the tailgate if the user can reach the operating element from a position directly in front of the tailgate.

[0020] According to the invention, the control device is designed to control the actuator such that it moves the charging flap from the open position to the closed position when at least one predetermined criterion is detected by the control device. A predetermined criterion is to be understood as a trigger for actuating the charging flap that is not triggered directly by the driver by actuating an actuating element provided for this purpose. While it is conceivable to link the trigger to an action by the driver, this action must not primarily be intended to close the charging flap. For example, such a criterion can be the engagement of a specific gear of the vehicle, such as the gear for forward or reverse movement.The criterion can also be defined by the length of time the charging flap remains open without a plug connected to the charging interface. Defining several different criteria is also conceivable. Control of the charging flap by the control device based on a correspondingly defined criterion is referred to in the application as automated control of the warning device and thus of the charging flap assembly.

[0021] According to the invention, the control device is further configured to cause the warning device to emit a warning signal only upon detection of the at least one predetermined criterion. This can prevent the unnecessary transmission of a warning signal by allowing the user to consciously control the closing or opening of the tailgate and thus ensure that no one is in the danger zone. This cannot be done with automated control of the tailgate, since in case of doubt, the user would not notice that the tailgate is being operated. An unnecessary warning that could potentially cause uncertainty can thus be prevented.

[0022] According to the method according to the invention for operating a loading flap arrangement according to the invention, the control device causes the warning device to emit a warning signal during the transfer of the loading flap from the open position to the closed position and / or vice versa.

[0023] According to the invention, the control device causes the actuator to automatically move the tailgate from the open position to the closed position when at least one predetermined criterion is detected by the control device. Regarding the interpretation of a predetermined criterion and automated actuation, reference is made to the explanations above. Examples of a predetermined criterion include, as already explained above, engaging a specific gear or exceeding a defined period of time with the tailgate open and the charging interface not being used.

[0024] According to the invention, the control device further causes the warning device to emit a warning signal only when the at least one predetermined criterion is detected and thus when the loading flap is actuated automatically.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment of the invention and further advantageous aspects of the invention are described below with reference to the enclosed Fig. 1 is explained in more detail. It shows a schematic illustration of the loading flap arrangement 10 in an embodiment according to the invention.

[0026] The charging flap arrangement 10 has a recess 11 in the body of a vehicle. In a closed position, the recess is covered by a charging flap 12, and in an open position, a charging interface 13 arranged in the recess 11 becomes accessible. The charging flap 12 can be moved from the open position to the closed position and vice versa by an actuator 16. The movement of the charging flap 12 is essentially a horizontally running translational movement. Furthermore, a control device 15 is provided, which controls the actuator 16 and is also connected to an actuating element in the form of a sensor 14. Furthermore, the charging flap arrangement 10 has a warning device 17, which is designed to emit a warning signal, in particular an acoustic warning signal.The control device 15 is electrically connected to the charging interface 13 at least in such a way that the control device 15 receives the signal indicating whether a plug is connected to the charging interface 13 or not. The signal connection can also be established via another control unit, for example, the charging interface 13, or the control device 15 is also provided for controlling the charging interface 13. Electrical connections configured to transmit information are described in . Fig. 1 represented by dashed lines.

[0027] If the control device 15 detects that the driver has actuated the sensor 14, it instructs the actuator 16 to close or open the tailgate 12. The control device 15 also instructs the warning device 17 to emit a warning signal, thus warning persons in the vicinity of the tailgate 12 that the tailgate is being moved from a closed to an open position, or vice versa.

[0028] Furthermore, further criteria can be defined for the control device 15 according to which the charging flap 12 should be closed. For example, an automated closing of the charging flap 12 can occur if a certain period of time has been exceeded during which the charging flap 12 remains in the open position without a connection being detected between the charging interface 13 and a connector. Another criterion could be the engagement of a specific gear. As already explained in more detail, linking to such a criterion, which does not involve the actuation of an explicitly provided actuating element, is referred to as automated actuation of the charging flap 12.In a preferred embodiment, the control device 15 is programmed to only issue a warning signal through the warning device 17 when there is an automated actuation of the loading flap 12, in order to avoid unnecessary warning signals in the event of the loading flap 12 being deliberately actuated by the user. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 Loading flap arrangement 11 Recess 12 flap 13 Charging interface 14 Sensor 15 Control device 16 Actuator 17 Warning device

Claims

[1] Loading flap arrangement (10) of a vehicle, comprising a loading flap (12) which can be transferred between an open position and a closed position, wherein it is designed to close a recess (11) in a body of the vehicle in which a charging interface (13) is arranged in the closed position and to release the charging interface (13) in the open position, an actuator (16) designed to move the loading flap (12) from the closed position to the open position and / or vice versa, a warning device (17) designed to emit a warning signal, a control device (15) designed to control the actuator (16) for transferring the loading flap (12) from the closed position to the open position and / or vice versa, and during the transfer to cause the warning device (17) to emit a warning signal, wherein the control device (15) is designed to control the actuator (16) in such a way that it moves the loading flap (12) from the open position to the closed position when at least one predetermined criterion is detected by the control device (15), and the control device (15) is further designed to cause the warning device (17) to emit a warning signal exclusively upon actuation by detecting the at least one predetermined criterion. [2] Loading flap arrangement (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the warning device (17) is designed to emit an acoustic warning signal. [3] Loading flap arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning device (17) is further designed to output the warning signal in the immediate vicinity of the loading flap (12). [4] Loading flap arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning device (17) is further designed to output the warning signal in a cockpit of the vehicle. [5] Loading flap arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an operating element is further arranged, in particular in the immediate vicinity of the loading flap (12), which is designed to transmit a signal to the control device (15) upon actuation and the control device (15) is designed to control the actuator (16) based thereon. [6] Charging flap arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a predetermined criterion is a defined period of time during which the charging flap (12) is in the open position without a plug being connected to the charging interface (13). [7] Loading flap arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a predetermined criterion is the engagement of a defined gear by the driver. [8] Method for operating a loading flap arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (15) causes the warning device (17) to emit a warning signal during the transfer of the loading flap (12) from the open position to the closed position or vice versa, wherein the control device (15) causes the actuator (16) to transfer the loading flap (12) from the open position to the closed position in an automated manner when at least one predetermined criterion is detected by the control device (15), and the control device (15) causes the warning device (17) to emit the warning signal exclusively when the at least one predetermined criterion is detected.

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