FLAP DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flap device for a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such a flap device.

[0002] Such flap devices are already used, for example, in motor vehicles as fuel tank flaps. A base element in the form of a tank recess is provided, through which an opening is defined, which is closed by a flap. This flap is held movable relative to the base element in the form of the tank recess between a closed position covering at least a partial area of ​​the opening and thereby closing it, and at least one open position exposing the partial area, for example by means of a corresponding pivot bearing.Furthermore, the flap device according to the prior art comprises a push-push mechanism, which can be converted from the closed state to an open state and from the open state to a closed state by alternately exerting a pressure force on the push-push mechanism. In this state, the push-push mechanism can be converted from the open state to the closed state by moving the flap from the open position. When the push-push mechanism is converted from the closed state to the open state, the flap is moved from the closed position to the open position or toward the open position.

[0003] In order to open the flap, particularly when the flap or push-push mechanism is in the closed state, it must first be pushed inward beyond its closed state to trigger the push-push mechanism, or to release it from the closed state and move it into the open state. This movement of the push-push mechanism moves the flap from the closed position to the open position. Consequently, this initial inward movement of the flap or push-push mechanism from the closed position or the closed state means that there cannot be a seal between the flap and the base element by means of which the base element, for example a corresponding recess, is sealed against the flap.This makes the base element, in this case for example the corresponding tank trough, almost unusable for other uses which require a sealed arrangement of the flap in its closed position on the base element, for example on the trough.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 197 47 707 A1 discloses a fuel filler flap for closing a fuel tank recess. Furthermore, US 2017 / 0197515 A1 discloses a two-part closure for a combined charging port of an electric vehicle.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a flap device of the type mentioned at the outset, by means of which the flap can be released from its closed position in an improved manner or in which a seal can be provided in particular between the flap and the respective base element.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a flap device and a vehicle with such a flap device having the features of patent claims 1 and 12, respectively. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The flap device according to the invention comprises a base element, for example in the form of a frame, by which at least one opening is delimited. This opening is connected to a flap of the flap device, which is held on the base element so as to be movable between at least one closed position covering and thereby closing at least a partial area of ​​the opening and at least one open position releasing the partial area. In addition, the flap device comprises a push-push mechanism which can be transferred from a closed state to an open state and from the open state to the closed state by alternately exerting a compressive force on the push-push mechanism, in which state the push-push mechanism can be transferred from the open state by moving the flap from the open position to the closed position.When the push-push mechanism is moved from the closed state to the open state, it causes the flap to open from the closed position to the open position or in the direction of the open position.

[0008] In order to create a flap device by means of which the flap can be moved directly from the closed position to the open position without first requiring an initial opposite movement of the entire flap, so that the flap can also be arranged on the base element, for example, with the aid of a seal, the invention provides an actuating element which is formed separately from the flap and held on the flap for limited movement and can therefore be pivoted with the flap, via which the compressive force can be alternately exerted on the push-push mechanism and the opening movement of the flap can be effected by means of the push-push mechanism. Accordingly, according to the invention, the actuating element is arranged in that region of the flap in which the push-push mechanism can be triggered by actuation using a corresponding compressive force.Since, according to the invention, the flap itself is not used for triggering, but rather only the actuating element attached to it, the flap does not need to be subjected to an initial movement to trigger the push-push mechanism in the closed position before it can move in the opposite direction to the open position, but can instead move directly from the closed position to the open position. This has the significant advantage that, for example, a seal can be provided between the flap and the base element, which can be designed as a frame or recess, so that the flap is arranged tightly against the base element in the closed position.With such a seal, which must provide sufficient sealing force, it would be impossible to initially achieve an initial movement of the flap in the closed position in the opposite direction to the direction of movement into the open position, as this would be impeded by the seal. By separating the application of the pressure force from the flap itself, but rather from the flap, it is possible, in particular, to move the flap directly from its closed position into the open position without first having to perform the described initial movement to activate the push-push mechanism.This not only enables the described simpler construction and the possibility of arranging a seal between the flap and the base element, but also an intuitive operation of the flap via the actuating element itself, which can be set off from the rest of the flap, for example, by color or by appropriate material design.

[0009] This flap device is particularly intended for installation on a wall of a vehicle in the form of a motorhome, campervan, or caravan. Of course, other mobile accommodations or other types of vehicles can also be equipped with the flap device. Alternatively, the flap device is also conceivable for use on the walls of other structures, such as buildings or the like.

[0010] According to the invention, in the closed position of the flap and in the closed state of the push-push mechanism, the push-push mechanism interacts directly with the actuating element, in particular in a form-fitting manner, whereby the flap is secured in the closed position relative to the base element via the actuating element. In other words, a form-fitting element, for example a locking lug, is provided in particular on the corresponding movement element / pin of the push-push mechanism, which interacts with a form-fitting element of the actuating element in such a way that in the closed state of the push-push mechanism and consequently in the closed position of the flap, the corresponding pin of the push-push mechanism engages with the actuating element in such a way that the actuating element and thus also the flap are fixed in the closed position.In particular, it is provided that the push-push mechanism is locked in its closed state by means of a locking device, which holds the flap in the closed position. This results in a particularly favorable locking of the flap in the closed position via the push-push mechanism, which engages with the actuating element arranged on the flap side.

[0011] Furthermore, it is provided that the actuating element has a receptacle on its rear side facing the moving element in the closed position of the flap and in the closed state of the push-push mechanism, wherein by moving the flap and the actuating element from the open position to the closed position, the moving element, which is at least in the extended position, can first be moved into the recess and then from the extended position to the retracted position, whereby the moving element is rotatable relative to the actuating element, while the moving element engages in the receptacle, whereby in the closed position of the flap and the actuating element and in the retracted position of the moving element, at least one locking lug of the moving element engages behind a wall of the actuating element that delimits the receptacle,whereby the movement element interacts directly with the actuating element in a form-fitting manner, and the actuating element secures the flap relative to the base element in the closed position. This results in a particularly simple locking and securing of the flap in the closed position using the push-push mechanism.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the pressure force is exerted on the actuating element and, via the actuating element, on the push-push mechanism, the push-push mechanism interacts directly with the actuating element. For this purpose, the flap is preferably recessed in such a way that the actuating element comes into direct contact with a corresponding pin of the push-push mechanism, which pin comes into contact with the actuating element on the back of the flap or the actuating element. This enables particularly simple actuation of the push-push mechanism by means of the actuating element. Nevertheless, it would also be conceivable to provide a coupling mechanism between the actuating element and the push-push mechanism in order to exert the pressure force on the push-push mechanism by means of the actuating element.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flap device is designed as a trough device, the base element of which is configured as a housing, through which a trough having the opening is delimited, in which at least one connection element is arranged or can be arranged, via which a medium or electrical energy can be supplied to at least one component of the vehicle and / or discharged from the component. Such a trough can be sealed particularly advantageously by the flap and, if appropriate, a seal, so that water ingress into the trough can be reliably prevented.

[0014] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to provide a first sealing element, by means of which the flap is sealed against the base element in the closed position. This allows a particularly favorable sealing of the flap against the base element while still providing an easily closable flap.

[0015] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides at least one second sealing element, by means of which the actuating element is sealed against the flap. This also allows a tight arrangement of the flap or the entire flap device to be created in the area of ​​the actuating element.

[0016] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the actuating element has an elastic pressing area, with the rear side of which the push-push mechanism is in contact and by means of which the push-push mechanism can be actuated. This results in extremely simple actuation of the push-push mechanism.

[0017] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the actuating element is arranged in a recess of the flap, the wall region of which borders the recess at least partially surrounding the actuating element in the circumferential direction. In particular, the wall region can completely surround the actuating element on the outer circumference, or the actuating element can be arranged in a circumferential opening of the wall region. This provides a particularly advantageous sealing option for the actuating element relative to the flap.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the flap has a base body and a cover formed separately from the base body, by means of which a front side of the base body facing away from the opening, at least in the closed position, is at least largely covered and thus concealed. By using a corresponding cover, different designs of the flap and the actuating element can be created extremely easily.

[0019] In this context, it has proven further advantageous if, in the closed position of the flap and in the closed state of the push-push mechanism, the movement element at least partially penetrates a corresponding through-opening in the base body. This creates a simple, immediate, and direct connection between the movement element and the actuating element.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for an electrically operable locking device which can be switched between a locking state which prevents the push-push mechanism from being transferred from the closed state to the open state resulting from the exertion of the compressive force on the push-push mechanism, and thereby locks the push-push mechanism, and a release state which permits the push-push mechanism from being transferred from the closed state to the open state resulting from the exertion of the compressive force on the push-push mechanism, and thereby releases the push-push mechanism. Thus, by means of the locking device, movement of the moving element of the push-push mechanism can be easily prevented, and the flap engaged with the moving element can be secured in its closed position.

[0021] The invention also includes a vehicle with at least one such flap device, the advantages of which result from the advantages mentioned above.

[0022] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0023] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a base element of the flap device according to the invention, designed as a frame, as well as components of a push-push mechanism which is fastened to the base element; Fig. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a flap for closing an opening of the base element, on which flap an actuating element is arranged, by means of which the push-push mechanism can be actuated, as well as an insert part having a connection element, which can be inserted into the base element designed as a frame, wherein a medium or electrical energy can be supplied to at least one component of the vehicle via the connection element and / or discharged from the component; Fig.3a, 3b show a front view and a perspective view of the flap device according to the invention with the base element defining an opening, which is completely closed by means of the flap, which is here in its closed position, wherein the actuating element formed separately from the flap and held on the flap with limited movement can be seen, via which the push-push mechanism can be actuated by means of a corresponding pressure force; Fig. 4 shows a perspective rear view of a possible embodiment of the base element of the flap device according to the invention with the flap shown in its open position; Fig.5 a perspective front view of the base element forming a recess and receiving the corresponding connection element with the flap open, wherein a movement element in the form of a pin of the push-push mechanism can also be seen, which in this case is moved from a retracted closed state to an extended open state; Fig. 6 a front view of a base body of the flap, onto which a panel with the actuating element can be placed, wherein in the area of ​​the actuating element there is a receiving recess for the actuating element and a through opening for the movement element of the push-push mechanism, onto which the corresponding pressure force can be exerted by means of the actuating element; Fig.7 a partial interior view of the actuating element with a receptacle which cooperates positively with a locking lug of the movement element and is surrounded by a sealing element by means of which the flap or the actuating element is sealed against the main body of the flap; Fig. 8 a further perspective front view of the base element forming a recess with the flap open; Fig. 9a, b, c respective partial, vertically sectioned perspective views of the flap device with the base element and the flap, wherein with reference to the . Fig. 9a, b and ca sequence of displacement movements of the moving element between the closed state and the open state, out of the recess of the base element and rotated by a quarter turn, can be seen, as a result of which a locking lug on the outer end of the moving element moves along and thereby disengages from a receptacle on the rear of the actuating element, wherein the flap is also opened slightly as a result of the displacement movement of the moving element; and Fig. 10 is a partial, transversely sectioned perspective view of the flap device with the base element and the flap, wherein the connection of the moving element of the push-push mechanism to the flap-side actuating element can be seen.

[0024] In Fig. 1In a perspective exploded view of a flap device, a base element 10 is shown, which comprises a frame 12. This frame 12 can be inserted, for example, into a correspondingly adapted, approximately rectangular receiving opening in a wall of the vehicle (not further recognizable) until a circumferential collar 14 rests against this wall. In addition to the frame 12, Fig. 1 A push-push mechanism 16 can be seen, which has as essential components a housing 18, within which essential components of the mechanism 16 are housed, as well as a movement element 20 in the form of a pin, which is accommodated within a holder 22, by means of which both the movement element 20 and the housing 18 are arranged on the frame. Furthermore, two screws 24 can be seen, by means of which the housing 18 is also fixed to the frame.

[0025] In Fig. 2In a perspective exploded view, an insert part 26 is initially visible, on the rear of which the components 28 and 30 are arranged. The insert part 26 can be inserted into a receiving opening 32 of the frame 12 of the base element 10, so that - in a manner explained in more detail below - a trough device is formed, in the trough 34 formed by the receiving opening 32, among other things, a connection element 64 for a medium, a signal, or electrical energy is formed, which is explained in more detail below.

[0026] Furthermore, Fig. 2of the flap device, a flap 36 can be seen, which is formed by a base body 38 and a cover 40 which can be fixed to the outside thereof. The flap 36 or the base body 38 are pivotally mounted on the base element 10 via a bearing device 42. For this purpose, the approximately cuboid-shaped bearing device 42 is fastened within a receptacle 44 of the frame 12 of the base element 10 by means of respective screws 45. The bearing device 42 comprises a spring 46, so that the flap 36 in the present case is held resiliently in its open position about a pivot axis S running horizontally along its gap side.

[0027] A rectangular, circumferential sealing element 46 is arranged between the main body 38 of the flap 36 and the frame 12 of the base element 10, so that the interior of the trough device or the trough 34 in the interior of the base element 10 is sealed when the flap 36 is in the closed position.

[0028] Finally, Fig. 2 an actuating element 48, which has an approximately rectangular basic contour and is accommodated in a recess 50 adapted thereto within the panel 40 of the flap 36, flush with the latter.

[0029] Correlating to the recess 50, a receiving recess 52 for the actuating element 48 is provided within the base body 38 of the flap 36, so that a further free mobility of the actuating element 48 relative to the flap 36 is possible, which will be explained in more detail.

[0030] In the area of ​​the receiving recess 56, the base body 38 is penetrated by a through opening 54, within which the movement element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16, designed as a pin, is arranged.

[0031] A second sealing element 56 is arranged on the outer circumference of the through opening 54, by means of which the base body 38 of the flap 36 is sealed against the actuating element 48.

[0032] In the Figures 3a and 3b In a front view or in a perspective view, the flap device is shown in accordance with the Figures 1 and 2with the flap 36 in the closed position. It can be seen that the opening in the base element 10 formed by the recess 34 is completely closed by the flap 36 and tightly closed by the sealing element 46. Nevertheless, it would also be conceivable for the corresponding opening in the base element 10 to be closed at least in part by the flap 36 in its closed position. The roof sealing element 46 can theoretically be arranged on the side of the flap 36 on the base body 38 or on the frame 12 of the base element 10.

[0033] From this, in the Figures 3a and 3b In the closed position shown, the flap 36 is movable relative to the base element 10 into an open position releasing the opening or recess 34 at least in a partial area and is pivotable while held thereon, as shown in the Figures 4 and 5In the present case, the mounting is carried out by means of the already described bearing device 42, by means of which the flap 36 is mounted on its upper narrow side about an approximately horizontal pivot axis S. The spring element 43 hereby holds the flap of the Figures 4 and 5 shown open position.

[0034] Especially in Fig. 5In a perspective front view with the flap 36 open, it is possible to see how the push-push mechanism 16 works. In the present case, by exerting a corresponding pressure force on the moving element or the pin 20, the latter has been transferred from a closed state, in which it protrudes, for example, only just from the holder 22, into an open state, in which the moving element 20 protrudes considerably further beyond the holder 22 in the outward direction and consequently the flap 36 is moved from its closed position according to the Figures 3a and 3b slightly outwards so that the flap 36 can be manually opened, for example, in the Fig. 5 recognizable open position, in which it is held, for example, by the spring element 43.

[0035] If, accordingly, the movement element 20, which is initially in the closed state, is subjected to a pressure force from the outside by means of the actuating element 48, this initially leads to a small and limited initialization movement in the direction into the recess 34 up to a stop, after which the movement element 20 disengages and moves into the Fig. 5 shown opening state. If the moving element 20 is again subjected to a compressive force in the direction of the recess 34 in this opening state, it is moved into the holder 22 and, as a result of the mechanism located within the housing 18, latches into the closed state again. Since such push-push mechanisms are known in principle to those skilled in the art, for example from their use in fuel tank recesses of motor vehicles, the mechanism located within the housing 18 will not be discussed in detail below.

[0036] The mechanism of the push-push mechanism 16 also causes the moving element 20 to rotate by a quarter turn, i.e., by approximately 90°, around its longitudinal center axis during the displacement movement between the closed state and the open state. This also causes a locking lug 58 at the outer end of the moving element or pin 20 to rotate, which - as will be explained below in conjunction with Fig. 7 will be explained in more detail - engages or disengages with a receptacle 60 on the back of the actuating element 48. The locking lug 58 extends in the open state of the moving element 20, as shown in Fig. 5can be seen, in the vertical direction of the base element 10 and is therefore not in engagement with the receptacle 60 of the actuating element 48. In the closed position of the push-push mechanism 16 or the movement element 20, not shown here, however, the locking lug 58 is oriented approximately in the transverse direction to the base element 10, i.e. offset by the said 90° to the Fig. 5 shown position. In other words, the movement element 20 and thus the locking lug 58, when moving between the closed state and the open state - and back - not only perform a linear movement in the outward or inward direction of the base element 10, but, superimposed by the quarter turn, a kind of screw-like movement.

[0037] In summary, the Figures 4 and 5It can also be seen again that the flap device is designed as a trough device with the trough 34, within which the connection element 62 is arranged, which in turn is fastened to the insert part 26 and serves, for example, to supply and / or discharge a medium, a signal, or electrical energy to a component of the vehicle. For example, the connection element 62 can be used as a water or power connection (see Fig. 4 ), as a connection for a satellite signal, as a USB port, or the like, or serve, for example, as a wastewater connection or the like. Of course, other functions of the connection element 62 are also conceivable.

[0038] The flap device can also be designed to form merely a window-like passage opening, window opening, or the like, closed by the inner flap 36, through which the interior of the vehicle is connected to the exterior. However, it is essential for the flap device that a base element 10 is provided, which can be closed at least in part by the flap 36.

[0039] In Fig. 6 A partial perspective view of the base body 38 of the flap 36 is shown again in the region of the receiving recess 52 for the actuating element 48. In particular, the through-opening 54 in the region of the receiving recess 52 is again visible, which is penetrated by the movement element 20, which is in its open state here.

[0040] In conjunction with Fig. 7It becomes clear in what way the actuating element 48 interacts with the movement element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16. Fig. 7 shows a partial rear view of the cover 40 of the flap 36 with the actuating element 48 inserted in the recess 50.

[0041] The actuating element 48 is formed separately from the flap 36 and from an unpressed position in which the actuating element 48 here - as can be seen from the Figures 3a and 3bcan be seen - approximately flush with the front of the panel 40, into a pressed state, in which it can be transferred into a pressed position relative to the panel 40 or the flap 36. For example, the actuating element 48 can be pivotally mounted on the panel 40 for this purpose. Other bearings or guides are also conceivable in this case. In particular, it is also conceivable to design a pressing area 64, which is located in overlap with the moving element 20 and is approximately circular in this case, to be correspondingly elastic, so that by pressing this pressing area 64 a compressive force can be exerted on the moving element 20. An elastic design of the pressing area 64 and, at the same time, a corresponding bearing of the actuating element 48 are also conceivable.In any case, the result is that the actuating element 48 or its pressing area 64 should be designed to be movable to a limited extent relative to the flap 36, so that when the flap 36 is stationary in the closed position, a corresponding pressure force can still be exerted on the movement element 20 of the push-push mechanism, which is designed as a pin.

[0042] In particular from Fig. 7 It can be seen that the receptacle 60 for the locking lug 58 is an approximately cuboid-shaped cassette with a wall 66 which is recessed inwards towards the base body 38 relative to the pressing area 64 and within which a rectangular recess 68 is provided which is adapted to the shape of the locking lug 58. Thus, the locking lug 58 - when the movement element 20 is in accordance with Fig. 6in its open state - be moved out of the recess 68 of the wall 66. In the open state of the moving element 20, the locking lug 58 and the receptacle 60 are therefore disengaged. However, if the moving element 20 is transferred to its closed state and consequently the locking lug 58 is opposite the Fig. 6 shown position is rotated by a quarter turn, the locking lug 58 engages behind the wall 66 of the receptacle 60 in the region of the recess 60 and thus the locking lug 58 is in positive engagement with the receptacle 60. Accordingly, in the closed state of the moving element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16, the flap 36 in the closed position is positively connected to the moving element 20 - via the actuating element 48 - and is thus securely held in the closed position.

[0043] If the flap 36 is now to be opened, the actuating element 48, which is movable to a limited extent relative to the flap 36, can apply a pressure force directed inwards towards the inside of the recess 34 to the moving element 20. This pressure force causes an initial movement of the moving element 20 by a short distance inwards before the moving element 20, as a result of the triggering of the push-push mechanism 16, moves into the open state and thus the flap 16 is extended outwards by a certain angular amount on the underside. Due to the associated screw-like rotation of the moving element by 90°, its locking lug 58 also comes out of engagement with the receptacle 60 on the inside of the actuating element 48, so that the flap 36 can now be released from the moving element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16 and opened freely until it reaches the open position according to the Fig. 4 and 5The moving element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16 remains in the position Fig. 5 and 6 shown position until the flap 36 is manually closed again and during the closing movement the rear side of the actuating element 48 in the area of ​​the receptacle 60 comes into contact with the locking lug 58 of the moving element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16. The flap 36 is then still open by the angle already described. By exerting a pressure force on the flap 36 or the actuating element 48, the corresponding pressure force can then be used to displace the moving element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16 from the Fig. 5 and 6shown opening state into the closed state in the inward direction of the recess 34. In this case, the moving element 20 again performs the said quarter turn, whereby the locking lug 58 arranged outside the moving element 20 again engages in a locking manner with the receptacle 60 and consequently the flap 36 is held in its closed position on the base element 10, namely by means of the push-push mechanism 16, the locking lug 58 arranged outside the moving element 20 engaging with the receptacle 60 of the actuating element 48 on the side of the flap 36.

[0044] Overall, it can thus be seen that in the present case there is a push-push mechanism 16 which can be transferred from a closed state to the open state and from the open state to the closed state by alternately exerting a pressure force on the push-push mechanism 16, in which state the push-push mechanism 16 can be moved from the open state by moving the flap 36 from the open position to the closed position, wherein when the push-push mechanism 16 is moved from the closed state to the open state by means of the push-push mechanism 16, an opening movement of the flap 36 from the closed position to the open position or in the direction of the open position can be effected.For this purpose, the actuating element 48 is provided, which is formed separately from the flap 36 and is held on the flap 36 in a limited manner and can therefore pivot with the flap 36, via which the pressure force can be exerted alternately on the push-push mechanism 16 and the opening movement of the flap 36 can be effected by means of the push-push mechanism 16.

[0045] It is also particularly advantageous that the moving element 20 can be secured in the closed position of the flap 36 or in the closed state of the moving element 20 by means of a locking device. This locking device can, for example, have a blocking part, such as a pawl, a locking bar, or the like, which, in the closed state of the moving element 20, positively engages in a recess provided thereon, so that when a compressive force is exerted, the moving element 20 cannot be moved and is therefore locked. If the locking device is released and, as a result, a pawl, a locking bar, or the like disengages from a corresponding recess on the moving element 20, the moving element is freely movable again and can be moved between its closed state and its open state by exerting respective compressive forces.It can be seen that a much simpler design can be achieved by a locking device that does not lock the flap 36, but rather locks the flap 36 only indirectly via the movement element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16. The locking device can, for example, be connected to the central locking system of the vehicle, for example, via an electrical or, if appropriate, a mechanical connection, for example, via a Bowden cable. If appropriate, the locking device can also be designed as an electrical actuator or the like, which can be controlled, for example, by a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or the like.

[0046] A significant advantage of the flap device is that, in the present case, a compressive force can be exerted on the moving element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16 in the closed position of the flap 36, even though the flap 36 cannot be closed due to the at least approximately rigid arrangement caused by the sealing element 46. The exertion of the compressive force, which is not possible due to the sealing arrangement of the flap 36 itself, is carried out according to the invention by the actuating element 48, which is arranged so as to be movable relative to the flap 36 and consequently enables a compressive force to be exerted on the moving element 20 by means of the actuating element 48, even though the flap 36 remains stationary. This enables, on the one hand, a sealing arrangement of the flap 36 on the base element 10 and, on the other hand, the use of a push-push mechanism 16, which requires the exertion of a corresponding compressive force.This is done by the actuating element 48, which can be moved to a limited extent relative to the flap.

[0047] In order for the actuating element 48 itself to be designed to be sealed against the flap 36, the sealing element 56 is preferably arranged on the outer circumference side of the receptacle 60 or the through opening 54 in the region of the receptacle recess 52.

[0048] A further advantage is that the actuating element 48 can be distinguished by its color from the rest of the panel 40 or characterized by a different material design, thereby enabling intuitive operation. Furthermore, the push-button area 64 can be designed to be concave and / or have a different surface finish than the adjacent area to indicate the area in which the actuating element 48 must be actuated. The push-button area 64, which in turn is either rigid or elastically flexible, enables precise activation of the push-push mechanism 16, as it is preferably located in overlap with the movement element 20. In the present case, the actuating element 54 acts directly on the movement element 20. A coupling mechanism would also be conceivable here.

[0049] Fig. 8 shows analogous to Fig. 5a further perspective front view of the base element 10 forming the recess 34 with the flap 36 open. In particular, the movement element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16 with its locking lug 58 can be seen, as well as on the rear side of the flap 36 facing the recess 34, the arrangement of the actuating element 48 with its receptacle 60, which in the present case is out of engagement with the locking lug 58 on the side of the movement element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16.

[0050] The Fig. Fig. 9a, b , c show respective partial, vertically cut perspective views of the flap device with the base element 10 and the flap 36, wherein Fig. 9a, b and ca sequence of the displacement movement of the movement element 20 between the closed state and the open state out of the recess 34 of the base element 10 and rotated by a quarter turn can be seen, as a result of which the locking nose 58 at the outer end of the movement element 20 moves along and thereby comes out of engagement with a receptacle 60 on the back of the actuating element 48, wherein as a result of the displacement movement of the movement element 20 in an outward direction the flap 36 is also opened slightly.

[0051] Fig. 9a shows the locked position of the locking lug 58 in the receptacle 60 of the actuating element 48 in the closed state, in which the flap 36 is held in its closed position. Fig. 9bshows an intermediate position in the displacement movement of the movement element 20 between the closed state and the open state, whereby the flap is still in the closed position. Fig. 9c finally shows the movement element 20 and thus also the locking lug 58 in the open state, whereby the flap 36 is slightly extended and the locking lug 58 is out of engagement with the receptacle 60 of the actuating element 48, whereby the flap 36 can be opened.

[0052] Fig. 10 finally shows a partial, transversely cut perspective view of the flap device with the base element 10 and the flap 36, wherein again the connection of the movement element 20 of the push-push mechanism 16 with the flap-side actuating element 48 can be seen.

Claims

1. A flap device for a vehicle, comprising a base element (10), by means of which at least one opening (34) is delimited, also comprising a flap (36), which is supported on the base element (10) and is movable relative to the latter between at least one closed position, which covers and thereby seals at least a subregion of the opening (34), and at least one open position which exposes the subregion, further comprising a push-push mechanism (16) which, when an alternating pressure force is exerted against the push-push mechanism (16), is transitionable from a closed condition into an open condition and from the open condition into the closed condition, in which the push-push mechanism (16) is movable from the open condition when the flap (36) is moved from the open position into the closed position, wherein, given movement of the push-push mechanism (16) from the closed condition into the open condition by means of the push-push mechanism (16), an opening movement of the flap (36) is effectable from the closed position into the open position, or in the direction of the open position, and wherein the flap device comprises an actuating element (48), which is designed to be separate from the flap (36) and supported on the flap (36) in a limitedly movable manner, thereby being pivotable along with the flap (36), via which actuating element the pressure force on the push-push mechanism (16) is exertable in an alternating manner, and the opening movement of the flap (36) is effectable by means of the push-push mechanism (16), characterized in that the push-push mechanism (16) comprises a movement element (20), which is movable in a back-and-forth manner via the alternating exertion of the pressure force on the movement element (20) in a translational manner along a movement axis relative to the base element (10) and in a rotational manner about the movement axis, between a retracted position in which the movement element (20) is located in the closed condition of the push-push mechanism (16) and an extended position in which the movement element (20) is located in the open condition of the push-push mechanism (16), wherein the rear side of the actuating element (48) comprises a cutout (60) which faces the the movement element (20) when the flap (36) is in the closed position and the push-push mechanism (16) is in the closed condition, wherein, via movement of the flap (36) and the actuating element (48) from the open position into the closed position, the movement element (20), which is initially located in the extended position, is initially movable into the cutout (60) and subsequently movable from the extended position into the retracted position, as a result of which the movement element (20) is rotatable in relation to the actuating element (48) while the movement element (20) is engaging into the cutout (60), as a result of which, when the flap (36) and the actuating element (48) are in the closed position and the movement element (20) is in the retracted position, at least one locking tab (58) of the movement element (20) engages behind a wall (66) of the actuating element (48), which wall delimits the cutout (60), as a result of which the movement element (20) directly interacts with the actuating element (48) in an interlocking manner, and the flap (36) is secured in the closed position relative to the base element (10) by means of the actuating element (48).

2. The flap device according to claim 1, characterized in that, given exertion of the pressure force on the actuating element (48), and on the push-push mechanism via the actuating element (48), the push-push mechanism (48) interacts directly with the actuating element (48).

3. The flap device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flap device is designed as a fuel inlet compartment device, the base element (10) of which is designed as a housing, by means of which the fuel inlet compartment (34) comprising the opening is delimited, in which fuel inlet compartment at least one connector element (62) is or can be arranged, via which connector element a medium, a signal, or electrical energy can be supplied to at least one component of the vehicle and / or drawn from the components.

4. The flap device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a first sealing element (46), by means of which the flap (36) is sealed against the base element (10) in the closed position.

5. The flap device according to claim 4, characterized by at least one second sealing element (56), by means of which the actuating element (48) is sealed against the flap (36).

6. The flap device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (48) comprises an elastic pressure region (64), the rear side of which contacts the push-push mechanism (16) and by means of which the push-push mechanism (16) is actuable.

7. The flap device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (48) is arranged in an orifice plate (50) of the flap (36).

8. The flap device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the flap (36) is in the closed position and the push-push mechanism (16) is in the closed condition, the push-push mechanism (16) directly interacts with the actuating element (48), as a result of which the flap (36) is secured in the closed position relative to the base element (10) via the actuating element (48).

9. The flap device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap (36) comprises a main body (38) and a orifice plate (40), which is designed to be separate from the main body (38) and by means of which, at least when the opening (34) is in the closed position, a front side of the base body (38) facing away is at least mostly covered and thereby encased.

10. The flap device according to claim 9, characterized in that, when the flap (36) is in the closed position and the push-push mechanism (16) is in the closed condition, the movement element (20) at least partially penetrates a corresponding passage opening (54) of the base body (38).

11. The flap device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an electrically operable locking device that is electrically switchable between a locked condition, which prevents the open condition and is a result of the transition by the push-push mechanism (16) from the closed position into the open position due to the exertion of the pressure force on the push-push mechanism (16), thereby locking the push-push mechanism (16), and an exposed condition, which allows the open condition and is a result of the transition by the push-push mechanism (16) from the closed position into the open position due to the exertion of the pressure force on the push-push mechanism (16), thereby exposing the push-push mechanism (16).

12. A vehicle comprising at least one flap device according to one of the previous claims.