Loading flap system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

1. Loading flap system for a motor vehicle. 2.1 Such a loading flap system with a vehicle-mounted loading trough in its ready-to-use state, which is provided with at least one charging port, and with a closing cover which is provided for closing and releasing an access opening of the loading trough to the charging port, wherein the closing cover is positioned flush with a vehicle outer skin in a closed position, and with a guide mechanism which moves the closing cover between the closed position and an open position, is known. 2.2 According to the invention, a locking flap is movably hinged in the loading recess, which covers the receiving space in the open position of the closing cover, and which opens when the closing cover is moved from the open position towards the closed position. 2.3 Use for passenger cars.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a loading flap system for a motor vehicle, comprising a vehicle-mounted loading trough in its ready-to-use state, which is provided with at least one charging port, and a closing cover which is provided for closing and releasing an access opening of the loading trough to the charging port, wherein the closing cover is positioned flush with a vehicle outer skin in a closed position and closes the access opening of the loading trough, and a guide mechanism which moves the closing cover between the closed position and an open position in which the closing cover is moved into a receiving space of the loading trough next to the access opening, which is positioned inside the vehicle behind the vehicle outer skin.

[0002] Such a charging flap system for a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 2016 110 869 A1. The charging flap system has a charging recess permanently mounted to the vehicle, which surrounds a vehicle-mounted charging port. The charging port is designed as an electrical charging port to charge a battery for the vehicle's electric drive system. The charging recess has an access opening provided in an outer body panel to allow a charging plug of a charging cable to be connected to the vehicle's charging port when needed. When not in use, this access opening is closed by a cover, which is movable on the vehicle side by means of a guide mechanism between this closed position and an open position that releases the access opening.In the open position, the locking cover is shifted inwards towards the center of the vehicle and laterally out of alignment with the access opening into a receiving compartment located inside the vehicle behind the outer body panel. This receiving compartment forms part of the loading recess.

[0003] The object of the invention is to create a loading flap system of the type mentioned above which enables a defect-free displacement of the locking cover between the closed position and the open position during driving operation of the motor vehicle.

[0004] This problem is solved by a hinged closure flap in the loading trough. This flap covers the receiving space when the closing cover is in the open position, i.e., when the closing cover is displaced into the receiving space. Depending on the movement of the closing cover from its open position within the receiving space towards its closed position, the closure flap, according to the invention, seals the receiving space when the closing cover is in the open position, preventing particles or objects from entering this space. This prevents any impairment of the guide mechanism and thus any disruption of the closing cover's movement by particles or objects, particularly dirt.Furthermore, the locking flap acts as a visual barrier, so that when the cover is open, a view into the loading compartment and access to the charging port are possible from the outside of the vehicle, while the mechanism guiding the locking flap remains hidden. The loading flap system is therefore designed as a visually appealing unit within the loading compartment when the cover is open. A view of the technical components inside the loading compartment is thus prevented. When the cover is closed, the access opening of the loading compartment is flush with the vehicle's outer skin, preferably with a body panel or another exterior vehicle part. The term "outer skin" refers to the vehicle's exterior contour.The locking flap can be designed with respect to its external shape, material, and dimensions to match the shape and contour of the loading trough so that, when the locking flap is closed, the loading trough presents a uniform appearance with the access opening open. The locking flap is movably mounted on the loading trough between a closed position and a release position that allows the locking cover to be moved. This movable mounting can be achieved using a linear guide, a cam guide, a pivot bearing, or a multi-link kinematic system. A pivotally mounted locking flap between the release and closed positions is particularly advantageous.The pivotable mounting of the locking flap around a vehicle-side pivot axis in the area of ​​the loading trough is a particularly simple and reliable design.

[0005] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking cover and the closing flap have complementary control contours that come into contact with each other in at least one direction of movement of the locking cover, in order to cause an opening movement of the closing flap when the locking cover is moved from the open position towards its closed position. This is a particularly cost-effective and simple design that is very reliable.

[0006] In one embodiment of the invention, the closure flap is movable in at least one direction of rotation by means of a drive device. The drive device can be mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the invention, a mechanical spring assembly is provided as the drive mechanism, which permanently applies torque to the locking flap in the direction of the closed position. The spring assembly can be a torsion spring arranged coaxially to a pivot axis of the locking flap and acting on the locking flap, or a tension or compression spring acting at a distance from the pivot axis of the locking flap. The corresponding torque applied by the mechanical spring assembly is less than the leverage force acting on the locking flap by a displacement of the locking cover between the open and closed positions. The mechanical spring assembly comprises at least one spring element.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the drive unit comprises an electric motor that activates the locking flap in both directions of rotation. A control unit is associated with the electric motor, which controls the electric motor depending on the position of the locking flap. The control unit is preferably equipped with a sensor in the form of a position sensor, a motion sensor, or a similar sensor that detects a change in the position of the locking flap and opens or closes the locking flap accordingly. Preferably, at least one limit switch is provided as the position sensor in the area of ​​the guide mechanism for the locking flap. Alternatively, the control unit can be equipped with a timer that activates the electric motor to open or close the locking flap at a specific time.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking flap is permanently coupled to the guide mechanism of the locking cover by means of a mechanical positive control such that a movement of the locking cover from the closed position towards the open position causes the locking flap to pivot from the release position to the closed position, and conversely, a movement of the locking cover from the open position to the closed position causes the locking flap to pivot from the closed position to the release position. This achieves control of the locking flap without requiring a separate drive mechanism. Instead, the movement of the locking flap between the release and closed positions occurs automatically as a consequence of a corresponding movement of the locking cover.The closing cover itself can preferably be moved between its closed position and its open position by means of a separate drive system.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mechanical forced control has a lever joint mechanism that couples the locking flap to the guide mechanism of the locking cover. This is a simple and reliable mechanical design.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, a return spring is associated with the lever joint mechanism, which exerts a permanent return force on the lever joint mechanism and thus on the locking flap in the direction of the release position. The return spring ensures a simple return function for the lever joint mechanism, so that the locking flap is always returned to its respective starting position after repeated opening and closing of the locking cover.

[0012] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below and illustrated with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows in a sectional view an embodiment of a loading flap system according to the invention in a ready-to-use, assembled state in the area of ​​a vehicle outer skin of a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 the charging flap system after Fig. 1 in a different functional position, Fig. 3 the charging flap system according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in another functional position, Fig. 4 another embodiment of a loading flap system according to the invention similar to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 in a closed position of a cover, Fig. 5 the charging flap system after Fig. 4 in a partially open intermediate position of the locking cover, Fig. 6 the charging flap system according to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 in an open position of the locking cover, Fig. 7 schematically in a sectional view similar to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 a further embodiment of a loading flap system according to the invention in a first functional position, Fig. 8 the charging flap system after Fig. 2 in a second functional position and Fig. 9 the charging flap system according to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 in another functional position.

[0013] Each of the charging flap systems described in more detail below, according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 is intended for a motor vehicle with an electric drive system powered by a battery. This battery is rechargeable via a charging port L, accessible from the outside of the vehicle, to allow the connection of a charging plug from a stationary charging station or a mobile charging cable. The charging port L serves as a power connection for charging the vehicle's battery. In all three embodiments according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. The charging port L is accessible from a side of the vehicle's outer contour. The schematic sectional views according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 are provided in a section plane spanned by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of a vehicle-side coordinate system. In the illustrated embodiments, the loading flap system is arranged according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. The loading flap system is positioned laterally in the area of ​​a front or rear fender of the vehicle's outer contour. In embodiments of the invention not shown, the loading flap system can also be arranged at other locations in the area of ​​the vehicle's outer contour.

[0014] As with all three embodiments according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, a lateral vehicle outer contour F is formed by a body outer skin, which is interrupted in the area of ​​a loading recess 1 and in the area of ​​the charging port L by an access opening 3. The access opening 3 forms a passage in the vehicle outer contour F to the interior of the vehicle, that is, to an area within the vehicle outer contour F. Adjoining the access opening 3 on the vehicle interior side is a loading recess 1, which is designed as a vehicle-mounted housing that surrounds the charging port L. In all three embodiments, the loading recess 1 has, according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. Firstly, an unspecified access space extends between the access opening 3 in the vehicle's outer contour F and the charging port L. This access space of the loading trough 1 continues into a receiving space 4, which – in this case, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle – adjoins the access space laterally next to the access opening 3 and extends behind the vehicle's outer contour F, and thus behind the outer body skin, along the inside of the vehicle's outer contour F. A corresponding trough housing of the loading trough 1 continues from the charging port L along this receiving space 4.

[0015] The access opening 3 is designed in all three embodiments according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. When the charging port L is not in use, it is closed by a locking cover 2, which is in a closed position (see Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 7) The access opening 3 is closed flush with the vehicle's outer contour F. This closes the access space of the loading recess 1 between the access opening 3 and the charging port L.

[0016] In all three embodiments according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 The locking cover 2 can be moved inwards into the loading recess 1 and then laterally out of the access area of ​​the loading recess 1 towards the receiving area 4, so that the locking cover 2 is moved parallel to the vehicle outer contour F behind it into the receiving area 4 until the locking cover 2 has reached its open position (see Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9). In this open position, the access opening 3 to the loading recess 1 and thus to the charging port L is fully released.

[0017] In all three embodiments according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 A guide mechanism is provided for moving the locking cover 2 between the closed and open positions. For this purpose, the locking cover 2 is held on a support part 5 in all embodiments, which can be moved by means of the guide mechanism in the manner of a slide. The guide mechanism is described by the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 is shown schematically in all three embodiments and is arranged on the vehicle side in the area of ​​the loading recess 1 such that the support part 5 of the closing cover 2 is first moved inwards from the closed position towards the charging port L and then laterally inside and thus behind the vehicle's outer contour F parallel into the receiving space 4. The guide mechanism has a cam guide 6, which in all embodiments according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 is identically designed and positioned fixed to the vehicle. The support part 5 engages in this guide track 6 by means of corresponding guide slides.

[0018] To move the closing cover 2 between the closed position and the open position, a drive system (not shown in detail) can be provided which engages the carrier part 5 in order to move the carrier part 5 in a sled-like manner along the guide mechanism and thus along the cam guide 6.

[0019] In order to prevent a view of corresponding functional components of the guide mechanism or the drive system in the open position of the closing cover 2, in which the closing cover 2 together with the support part 5 has moved into the receiving space 4, the loading recess 1 has, in all three embodiments according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 each opens a closing flap 7, 7a, 7b, which is pivotally mounted in the loading recess 1 at a transition between the access chamber and the receiving chamber 4 by means of a pivot bearing 8, 8a, 8b. The closing flap 7 closes in a closed position (see Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9) the receiving chamber 4 towards the access chamber of the loading trough 1. The pivot bearing 8, 8a, 8b is provided on a base of the trough housing of the loading trough 1. In the release position, the closing flap 7 is pivoted towards the base in the direction of the access chamber. In the closed position, the closing flap 7 closes the receiving chamber 4, whereby in the schematically illustrated embodiments it is as shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 is each aligned orthogonally to the bottom of the trough housing, which in turn runs parallel to the access opening 3 or to the vehicle outer contour F.

[0020] In all three embodiments, the locking flap 7, 7a, 7b pivots between the closed position and the release position depending on a displacement of the closing cover 2 between its open position and its closed position. The different control mechanisms for the locking flap 7, 7a, 7b are described below for the three different embodiments of the invention.

[0021] In the charging flap system according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. The locking flap 7 is permanently biased towards the closed position by a spring assembly 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring assembly 11 is a compression spring in the form of a helical compression spring. Alternatively, it can also be designed as a torsion spring coaxial to the pivot bearing 8 or as a tension spring. The locking flap 11 has a control contour 9 on its inner surface facing the receiving chamber 4. Complementarily, the support part 5 of the locking cover 2 is provided with a further control contour 10, which is in contact with the control contour 9 when the locking cover 2 is in the open position. Fig. 3) When the locking cover 2 is moved from this closed position towards the open position by means of the drive system (not shown), the control contour 10 of the carrier part 5 of the locking cover 2 pushes the control contour 9 outwards from the receiving chamber 4 into the access chamber. The spring assembly 11 holds the locking flap 7 permanently in contact with the carrier part 5 while the locking cover 2 is moved towards its closed position. The carrier part 5 therefore slides along the locking flap 7. In the closed position of the locking cover 2 ( Fig. 1) The locking flap 7 remains in a spring-loaded, inclined position, resting against the rear of the support part 5. When the support part 5, and thus the locking cover 2, is opened again towards the open position, the locking flap 7 is necessarily pushed to the side until the locking cover 2 reaches its open position in the receiving space 4. The spring mechanism 11 then forces the locking flap 7 into its closed position.

[0022] In the charging flap system according to the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. In section 6, the spring assembly 11 and the control contours 9 and 10 for the closing flap 7a are replaced by an electromechanical drive unit 13, which is permanently coupled to the closing flap 7a by means of a gearbox in order to achieve a forced rotation of the closing flap 7a about a pivot axis of the pivot bearing 8a when the drive unit 13 is activated. The drive unit 13, and thus the closing flap 7a, is controlled by an electronic control unit S, depending on the activation of the drive unit 13. The control unit S is coupled to a sensor 14 in the form of a position sensor, which detects a displacement of a support extension 12 of the support part 5 of the closing cover 2, equipped with the corresponding guide sliders, within the cam guide 6 as soon as the closing cover 2 has reached its open position.The sensor 14 can be simply configured as a limit switch that detects when the support extension 12 of the carrier part 5 of the locking cover 2 reaches the rear end of the cam guide 6. As soon as the locking cover 2 reaches the open position, the drive unit 13 pivots the locking flap 7a into the closed position via the control unit S. As soon as the locking cover 2 moves from the open position back towards its closed position, the sensor 14 detects a corresponding movement of the support extension 12. The corresponding sensor signal is processed by the control unit S and activates the drive unit 13, which then pivots the locking flap 7a towards the release position.

[0023] The charging flap system according to the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 employs a mechanical positive control to coordinate the displacement movement of the closing cover 2 and the locking flap 7b, which Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 can be taken from it.

[0024] The support extension 12 of the support part 5 of the closing cover 2 is, in addition to being guided in the cam guide 6, also slidably mounted in a control cam 16 of a control part 15 that is linearly displaceable in the receiving space 4. The closing flap 7b is coupled by means of a lever joint 18 to a transmission lever 17 that is linearly displaceable along the trough housing of the loading trough 1. Opposite the coupling with the lever joint 18, the transmission lever 17 has a stop 20 that projects into the path of movement of the control part 15. The transmission lever 17 is permanently spring-loaded by a return spring 19 in the direction of the access space of the loading trough 1 and thus in the direction of the loading port L, so that without external load on the transmission lever 17, the closing flap 7b is permanently held in its release position.As soon as the control element 15, which is linearly movable parallel to the transmission lever 17 in the receiving space 4, is moved from the access space into the receiving space 4, the support extension 12 and thus the locking cover are inevitably carried along, causing the locking cover 2 to move towards its open position. Shortly before the locking cover 2 reaches its open position, the control element 15 encounters the stop 20 of the transmission lever 17 and carries the transmission lever 17 towards the open position (see arrow in ). Fig.9) This inevitably pre-tensions the return spring 19. The drive system (not shown), which is designed to move the control element 15 and thus also the support element 5 and the locking cover 2, holds the control element 15 in this end position against the restoring force of the return spring 19, so that the locking flap 7b remains in the closed position until the drive system is actuated in the opposite direction to move the control element 15 back towards the closed position of the locking cover 2. As soon as the control element 15 moves away from the stop 20, the return spring 19 inevitably pushes the transmission lever 17 forward again towards the charging port L, thereby moving the locking flap 7b into its release position.

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