Tank or loading flap assembly and method for assembling and disassembling a tank or loading flap assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank or loading flap arrangement (1) with a hinge arm (30), a bearing axle (20) and a trough body (10), wherein the hinge arm (30) is connected to the bearing axle (20) in a rotationally fixed manner, and the bearing axle (20) with hinge arm (30) is mounted on the trough body (10) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis. For simple assembly and disassembly, the hinge arm (30) is connected to the bearing axle (20) via a detachable snap-in connection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling and disassembling a tank or loading flap arrangement (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank or loading flap arrangement and a method for assembling and disassembling a tank or loading flap arrangement.

[0002] Tailgate assemblies for motor vehicles can be used for vehicles with combustion engines as well as for hybrid or electric vehicles.

[0003] Such tailgate assemblies are used to close and open refueling or charging openings of the aforementioned motor vehicles. The tailgate assembly typically comprises a recessed body that is inserted into an opening in a vehicle body. The recessed body features a pivot bearing for a hinge arm, to which a tailgate is attached. The recessed body has a tank opening or charging port through which a nozzle or charging cable can be connected to a tank or battery of the vehicle.

[0004] The pivot bearing allows the loading flap or fuel filler flap to pivot between a closed and an open position. In the closed position, the loading flap or fuel filler flap completely covers the body and the charging or fuel connection located in the body, with the fuel filler flap or loading flap sitting flush with the body surface. In the open position, the loading flap or fuel filler flap pivots, exposing the body and the charging or fuel connection for connecting the charging cable and starting the electrical charging process, or for inserting the nozzle for refueling.

[0005] To ensure reliable and long-lasting operation of the fuel tank or tailgate flap, the pivot bearing must be designed accordingly. The goal is always to keep the number of components and weight to a minimum, and to ensure easy assembly and disassembly in the event of a defect. Furthermore, a long service life is also important.

[0006] The present invention aims to further develop a loading flap assembly such that it can be manufactured cost-effectively, is easy to install, and the pivoting bearing of the loading flap or fuel tank flap ensures long-term functionality. Furthermore, the loading flap assembly should be lightweight.

[0007] The present invention solves this problem in a first aspect by a loading flap arrangement of a vehicle according to claim 1.

[0008] The tank or loading flap assembly comprises a hinge arm, a bearing axle, and a trough body. The hinge arm is connected to the bearing axle in a rotationally fixed and axially secured manner. The bearing axle with the hinge arm is pivotally mounted on the trough body about a pivot axis. According to the invention, the hinge arm is connected to the bearing axle via a detachable snap-in connection.

[0009] This makes it possible to achieve a loading flap arrangement that is easy to assemble and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0010] Advantageously, all components, i.e. the trough body, hinge arm and bearing axis, are made of a plastic material, resulting in a lightweight assembly.

[0011] The bearing axis has no material weakenings; the locking element is advantageously formed using the injection molding process, so that long-term functionality is guaranteed.

[0012] In a further aspect, a method for assembling a loading flap arrangement according to claim 10 is provided, wherein the assembly is intended to be quick and easy to produce.

[0013] This is achieved by making the connection between the bearing spindle and the hinge arm tool-free via a snap-in connection (clip connection). When the bearing spindle is inserted, the locking element on the bearing spindle and the locking element on the hinge arm lock together without the need for any additional tools.

[0014] In yet another aspect, a method for disassembling a loading flap assembly or tank flap assembly according to claim 11 is provided, which is intended to ensure simple disassembly.

[0015] Disassembly can be carried out quickly and easily either by hand or using a simple screwdriver or the like, by releasing the locking connection by bending back the locking element spring-loaded on the hinge arm against the spring preload.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0017] The invention is described below with reference to an embodiment shown schematically in the drawing.

[0018] It shows: Fig. 1 an exploded view of the loading flap arrangement according to the invention with a hinge arm with loading flap, a bearing axis and a section of a trough body in the area of the bearing sections, Fig. 2 a detailed view of the hinge arm in the area of the locking element in the embodiment of a spring clip from a front view, Fig. 3 a plan view of a section of the hinge arm mounted in the module body by means of a bearing axis, Fig. 4 a cross section through section BB in Fig. 3 in the area of the locking connection between the bearing axis and the hinge arm, Fig. 5 a view of the assembled situation of the swivel bearing, Fig. 6 a detailed view of the Fig. 5 marked circular section; and Fig. 7 a section through the loading flap arrangement in the area of the releasably locking connection between the bearing axis and the hinge arm when releasing the locking connection using a hand tool.

[0019] The Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a tank or loading flap arrangement 1 according to the invention, which essentially consists of a trough body 10, a bearing axis 20, a hinge arm 30 and a tank flap or loading flap 40.

[0020] The hinge arm 30 is pivotally mounted on the trough body 10 via the bearing axis 20.

[0021] The trough body 10 is only shown in a section in the drawings, which shows the pivot bearing. The trough body 10 comprises a base body 11 with a tank or loading opening and a receiving space 12 formed laterally on the base body 11. The receiving space 12 is designed as a housing half-shell 13, which includes a passage opening 14 for the hinge arm 30. A housing cover 15 is connected to the housing half-shell 13, preferably via a film hinge. In the assembled situation, in which the hinge arm 30 is pivotally mounted on the housing half-shell 13 and thus on the trough body 10 via the bearing axis 20, the housing half-shell 13 and thus the receiving space 12 are closed via the housing cover 15. For this purpose, the housing cover 15 comprises tabs 16, which engage in a locking manner with corresponding locking lugs 17 on the housing half-shell 13.This locking connection is designed to move the housing cover 15 into an open position (illustration of the . Fig. 5) solvable.

[0022] To form the pivot bearing, the trough body has a first and second bearing area 18, 19 in the area of the housing half-shell 13. The first and second bearing areas 18, 19 are each designed as a bearing bush.

[0023] The trough body 10 with molded housing half-shell 13 and housing cover 15 is made of a plastic material in an injection molding process.

[0024] The bearing axis 20 is cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis 21. The bearing axis has an upper end section 22 and a lower end section 23. In a central section between the upper and lower end sections, the bearing axis 20 has a locking element 24, which is designed as a locking lug and projects outward in a wedge shape in the radial direction from the bearing axis 20. The locking lug 24 is wedge-shaped and widens from top to bottom.

[0025] The bearing axis 20 is formed from a plastic material in an injection molding process.

[0026] The hinge arm 30 is arcuate and has a first end region 31 and a second end region 32. The hinge arm 30 is pivotally mounted on the trough body 10 within the receiving space 12 via the first end region 31 by means of the bearing axis 20. For this purpose, the first end region 31 has a through-bore 33 that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the hinge arm 30. Furthermore, the first end region 31 has a recess 34 that extends from the outer side of the first end region 31 as a through-opening to the through-bore 33. A resilient locking element 35 is formed on a horizontally extending edge region that delimits the recess 34. This resilient locking element 35 is a tongue extending in the vertical direction (arrow V) with a locking lug 37, wherein the locking lug 37 tapers in a wedge shape from top to bottom.An actuating tab 38 extending in the transverse direction is formed on the upper end region of the locking element 35. In the assembled state of the loading flap assembly 1, the locking element 35 forms a releasable, locking clip connection with the locking element 24 of the bearing axis 20 as a counter-locking element. This clip connection connects the hinge arm 30 to the bearing axis.

[0027] As can be seen from the presentation, especially the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, an actuating opening 36 is formed between the locking element 24 or actuating tab 38 and the walls defining the recess 34. This actuating opening 36 provides a user with access using a hand tool or by hand and the possibility of actuating the actuating tab 38 to disassemble the bearing axis 20.

[0028] The fuel tank or loading flap 40 is connected directly or indirectly via the second end region 32. "Indirectly" means that the fuel tank or loading flap 40 is connected to the hinge arm via a support plate.

[0029] The hinge arm 30 is made of a plastic material using an injection molding process.

[0030] In the assembled state, the bearing axis 20 is rotatably mounted via the upper end section 22 in the first bearing area 18 and via the lower end section 23 in the second bearing area 19. Axial securing of the bearing axis 20 is provided in a known manner. The bearing axis 20 and hinge arm 30 are connected via a detachable, locking connection. This connection prevents any relative movement or rotation of the two components.

[0031] The hinge arm 30 is received in the receiving space 12 at least in the region of the first end region 31 and pivotably mounted there via the bearing axis 20. It protrudes from the receiving space 12 at least by means of the second end region 32 through the through-opening 14. In the assembled state, the housing half-shell 13 is closed by means of the housing cover 15 via the clip connection.

[0032] Below is a description of the assembly of the tank or loading flap arrangement 1 according to the invention: In a first step, the individual components: trough body 10, bearing axis 20 and hinge arm 30 are provided.

[0033] The hinge arm 30 is positioned in the receiving space 12 such that the through-bore 33 of the first end region 31 is aligned with the bores of the first and second bearing regions 18, 19 of the trough body 10.

[0034] Then the bearing axis 20 is inserted from below through the second bearing area 19 of the trough body 10, the through hole 33 of the hinge arm 30 and the first bearing area 18. The mounting direction is in the Fig. 5 is indicated by the arrow M. When the bearing axis 20 is inserted, the locking element 24 engages with the locking element 35 of the hinge arm 30.

[0035] The detachable locking connection between bearing axis 20 and hinge arm 30 is formed.

[0036] In a final step, the housing cover 15 is pivoted via the film hinge in such a way that the tabs 16 engage with the locking lugs 17 on the housing half-shell 13.

[0037] The tank or loading flap arrangement 1 mounted in this way can now be inserted into a corresponding trough-shaped recess of a vehicle body and connected there.

[0038] Below is a description of the disassembly of the tank or loading flap assembly 1: In a first step, the locking engagement between the housing cover 15 and the housing half-shell 13 is released.

[0039] Subsequently, a tool 50, preferably a screwdriver, is inserted from the front into the actuating opening 36 on the actuating tab 38, starting from the opened receiving space 12. Finally, the tool 50 is actuated in the direction of arrow B, causing the actuating tab 38 to bend backward against the spring preload and releasing the locking connection between the bearing axis 20 and the hinge arm 30.

[0040] After releasing the locking connection, the bearing axis 20 can be pulled out downwards (opposite direction of arrow M in the Fig. 5). List of reference symbols 1 Tank or loading flap arrangement 10 trough bodies 11 Basic body 12 Recording room 13 Housing half shell 14 Passage opening 15 Housing cover 16 tabs 17 locking lugs 18 first storage area 19 second storage area 20 bearing axis 21 Longitudinal axis 22 upper end section 23 lower end section 24 locking element 30 hinge arm 31 first end area 32 second end area 33 through hole 34 recess 35 locking element 36 Operating opening 37 locking lug 38 Actuating tab 40 tailgate 50 hand tools, screwdrivers B Actuation direction / disassembly clip connection M Mounting direction bearing axis

Claims

[1] Tank or loading flap arrangement (1) with a hinge arm (30), a bearing axis (20) and a trough body (10), wherein the hinge arm (30) is connected to the bearing axis (20) in a rotationally fixed manner, and the bearing axis (20) with the hinge arm (30) is pivotally mounted on the trough body (10) about a pivot axis, characterized by that the hinge arm (30) is connected to the bearing axis (20) via a detachable snap-in connection. [2] Tank or loading flap arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the releasable locking connection is formed by a locking element (24) on the bearing axis (20) and a resilient locking element (35) on the hinge arm (30). [3] Tank or loading flap arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byin that the trough body (10) consists of a plastic material, comprises a base body (11) and a molded-on housing half-shell (13), wherein the housing half-shell (13) forms a receiving space (12) and comprises a first and second bearing region (18, 19) for supporting the bearing axis (20). [4] Tank or loading flap arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bearing axis (20) has a longitudinal axis (21) and an upper and lower end section (22, 23) and a middle section, and wherein the locking element (24) is designed as a locking lug. [5] Tank or loading flap arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bearing axis (20) is made of a plastic material. [6] Tank or loading flap arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the hinge arm (30) comprises a first end region (31) and a second end region (32), and that the hinge arm (30) is pivotally mounted on the trough body (10) via the first end region (31) by means of the bearing axis (20). [7] Tank or loading flap arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hinge arm (30) for connection to the bearing axis (20) comprises a through-bore (33) and, in a central region, a recess (34) which extends from the outside of the first end region (31) to the through-bore and whereby the resilient locking element (35) and an actuating opening (36) are formed. [8] Tank or loading flap arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized bythat the resilient locking element (35) is a tongue extending in the vertical direction with a locking lug (37), wherein the locking lug (37) forms a counter-locking element to the locking lug of the locking element (24) of the bearing axis (20) and wherein the locking element (35) comprises an actuating tab (38) extending in the transverse direction. [9] Tank or loading flap arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing half-shell (13) comprises a housing cover (15) which is pivotably connected to the housing half-shell (13), and wherein the housing half-shell can be closed by means of the housing cover (15) via a releasable snap-in connection. [10] Method for assembling a tank or loading flap arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1-9, comprising the steps: - Providing the trough body (10), the bearing axis (20) and the hinge arm (30) - Positioning the hinge arm (30) on the trough body, preferably in the region of the receiving space (12) such that the through-bore (33) of the first end region (31) of the trough body (30) is aligned with the bores of the first and second bearing regions (18, 19) of the bearing axis (20) - Inserting the bearing axis (20) through one of the two bearing areas (18, 19) of the trough body (10), the through-bore (33) of the hinge arm (30) and the other of the two bearing areas (19, 18) in such a way that the locking element (24) locks with the locking element (35) of the hinge arm (30). [11] Method for disassembling a tank or loading flap arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1-9, comprising the steps: - Inserting a tool (50), preferably a screwdriver, into the actuating opening (36) of the hinge arm (30) up to the actuating tab (38) - applying an actuating force by means of the tool (50) and bending the actuating tab (38) against the spring preload and releasing the locking connection between the locking element (24) of the bearing axis and the locking element (35) of the hinge arm (30) - Pull the bearing axle (20) out of the through hole (33) downwards or upwards

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