Electrically operated fueling or charging flap system with an emergency opening capability for a vehicle, emergency opening method, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrically operated fueling and / or charging flap system (10) for a vehicle (50), comprising a movable closure flap (12) which can be moved between a closed position and an open position in order to connect an external connecting part to the opened flap system (10) in order to electrically charge and / or fuel the vehicle (50) and reclose the flap system after the charging or fueling process. An emergency opening tool (13) with an elongated design for manually opening the closure flap (12) in the event of a malfunction is designed to be inserted into a joint gap (14) between the body element (11) of the vehicle (50) and the closure flap (12) and subsequently pull open and / or lever open the closure flap (12). In a method for an emergency opening process of the fueling or charging flap system (10), an end section of the emergency opening tool (13) is inserted into the joint gap (14) between the body element (11) and the closure flap (12), and the closure flap (12) is thus pulled open or levered open.

Description

[0001] Electrically operated tank or loading flap system with emergency opening option for a vehicle, method for emergency opening, and vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to an electrically operated tank and / or loading flap system for a vehicle, a method for emergency opening of an electrically operated tank and / or loading flap system, and a vehicle. The tank and / or loading flap system is also referred to here as a flap system.

[0003] The invention is particularly suitable for use in electrically powered vehicles in which an external electrical energy source, such as a charging station, is connected to the vehicle in order to charge it with electricity as an energy carrier, which is stored in an electrical storage device of the vehicle.

[0004] However, the invention can also be applied to vehicles with internal combustion engines, where, for example, fuel is supplied to the vehicle as an energy source at a gas station. The invention can also be used for hybrid vehicles, where an external energy source is connected to the vehicle to charge it with electrical energy and / or refuel it with fuel.

[0005] Such flap systems typically feature a pivoting charging or closing flap driven by an electric motor. To fill the vehicle with an energy source, such as electricity or another type of fuel to power the vehicle's engine, the charging or closing flap is opened and closed again after filling to seal off a connection or filling unit located behind it from the outside or to protect it from external influences.

[0006] To meet the requirements for the tightness of the loading flap, charging sockets, joint, and strut pattern, as well as the necessary holding force during ferry operation and to protect against misuse, an active locking mechanism for the loading flap is necessary. One problem is that in the event of a technical defect, for example, in the electric motor of the flap system or in the flap control area, the loading or closing flap can no longer be opened, and thus the vehicle can no longer be charged or refueled. This often makes it impossible to continue driving.

[0007] Known approaches to solving this problem involve opening the tailgate in the event of a defect using an air cushion that is inserted into the gap next to the tailgate and inflated. However, this is difficult or impossible for a vehicle user to accomplish in the event of a sudden defect, as appropriate devices for opening the tailgate in the event of a defect require expert intervention.

[0008] Therefore, in most cases, in the event of a defect, it is necessary to request a technical service or a service vehicle to open the cover and charge the vehicle so that the vehicle can be driven on. This requires a significant amount of time and expense.

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide an electrically operated charging or fuel tank flap system and to specify a method in which the fuel tank or charging flap can be opened by the user in a simple and quick manner in the event of a defect.

[0010] To achieve the object, the invention provides, according to a first aspect, an electrically operated tank and / or loading flap system for fastening in a body element of a vehicle, comprising: a movable closure flap which can be moved back and forth between a closed position and an open position in order to connect an external connection part for electrically charging and / or refueling the vehicle to the opened tank and / or loading flap system and then to close the tank and / or loading flap system again; and an elongated emergency opening tool for manually opening the closure flap in the event of a malfunction, which tool is designed to be inserted into a joint gap between the body element of the vehicle and the closure flap in its closed position and for subsequently pulling and / or levering open the closure flap.

[0011] This allows the tailgate or fuel tank flap to be opened and the vehicle to be charged. This avoids the need for a complicated emergency operation with all its known disadvantages.

[0012] This creates a customer solution so that no service is necessary to open the hatch, such as a service vehicle that has to come to the vehicle.

[0013] The emergency opening tool is preferably elongated.

[0014] Preferably, the emergency opening tool comprises a front end portion whose thickness is less than the width of the joint gap.

[0015] Preferably, the emergency opening tool comprises an angled front end in order to engage behind the closure flap when inserted into the joint gap, so that the closure flap can be opened by subsequently pulling on the emergency opening tool.

[0016] Advantageously, the tank-Z loading flap system comprises a coupling element to decouple the closure flap from an electrically operated drive element for driving the closure flap when it is pulled or levered open.

[0017] Preferably, the tank / charging flap system comprises a locking device for locking the closure flap in its closed position, comprising a movable locking element which is held in its locking position by means of a form-fitting engagement by an elastic element.

[0018] In particular, the locking element is shaped in such a way that the positive locking is released by pulling or levering open the closure flap.

[0019] For example, the pulling and / or levering takes place against a force exerted by the elastic element on the locking element

[0020] Preferably, the elastic element is designed as a spring, in particular as a compression spring.

[0021] Advantageously, the movable locking element is designed as a bolt.

[0022] Advantageously, the movable locking element can be locked and / or unlocked by interacting with a surface of a ramp that runs obliquely to its direction of movement.

[0023] The emergency opening tool can, for example, be stowed away in the luggage compartment after use.

[0024] For example, the tank-Z charging flap system comprises a retaining element designed for attachment to a body element, in particular to a side frame of the vehicle. For example, the retaining element is formed by a charging socket or charging recess and / or by a tank recess.

[0025] In particular, the holding element is designed to receive or hold a connection element which is designed to connect an external connecting part in order to supply electrical energy or fuel to the vehicle.

[0026] For example, the connecting element is designed as a charging socket. However, it can also be designed as a nozzle or connection for connecting a fuel supply for supplying combustion fuel.

[0027] In particular, the tank / charging flap system comprises an electric motor for driving the closing flap to move into the open or closed position.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for the emergency opening of an electrically operated tank and / or charging flap system, wherein the flap system is fastened in a body element of the vehicle and comprises a closure flap which can be moved back and forth between a closed position and an open position by means of a tool, comprising the steps of: a) providing an elongated emergency opening tool; b) inserting an end section of the emergency opening tool into a joint gap between the body element of the vehicle and the closure flap while the closure flap is in the closed position; and c) pulling and / or levering open the closure flap by means of the emergency opening tool inserted in the joint gap.

[0029] Preferably, an end section of the emergency opening tool engages the back of the closure flap during or after insertion into the joint gap.

[0030] Advantageously, the end section exerts a force in the opening direction on the back of the closure flap.

[0031] For example, the closure flap is decoupled from an electrically operated drive element that drives the closure flap by pulling or levering it open.

[0032] In particular, the closure flap is released from a positive locking mechanism by pulling and / or levering against an elastic force.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided which comprises a tank or loading flap system according to the invention and / or can be opened by a method according to the invention.

[0034] Advantages and details disclosed above and below in connection with the valve system according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention, and vice versa. Features described or shown in different embodiments and examples are to be understood as being combinable with one another, unless otherwise stated or such a combination is obviously impossible.

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 shows an electrically operated tank or loading flap system according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, which is mounted in a vehicle while being opened in an emergency, as a perspective view obliquely from the outside;

[0037] Figure 2 shows the flap system shown in Fig. 1 in the open state, in a perspective view of its front side;

[0038] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of part of the electrically operated tank or loading flap system according to Figure 1, as a perspective sectional view during a first phase of an emergency opening process;

[0039] Figure 4 is a view of the flap system similar to that of Figure 1, but during a second phase of the emergency opening process;

[0040] Figure 5 is a view of the flap system similar to that of Figures 1 and 4, but during a third phase of the emergency opening process;

[0041] Figure 6 shows an electrically operated tank flap system according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention mounted in a vehicle during emergency opening; and

[0042] Figure 7 shows an electrically operated tank or loading flap system according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises a locking device, in a partial perspective sectional view.

[0043] In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are identified by the same reference numerals and will therefore not be described again unless appropriate. The disclosures contained in the entire description apply analogously to parts with the same reference numerals or component designations.

[0044] The terms "front," "rear," etc., refer to the mounted position of the flap system in the vehicle, viewed from the outside of the vehicle toward the inside. They can also refer to the flap system itself, viewed from its front or outside toward its rear or inside, and beyond.

[0045] Figures 1 and 2 show an electrically operated tank and / or charging flap system 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, which is designed as a charging flap system for attachment to a body element 11 of a vehicle 50 in order to supply electrical energy to the vehicle for its propulsion. The body element 11 is, for example, the side frame of the vehicle 50 or a part thereof.

[0046] The charging flap system 10 is also referred to as a flap system. It comprises a movable closure flap or flap 12 that can be moved back and forth between a closed position (see Fig. 1) and an open position (see Fig. 2). This allows an external connector (not shown here) for electrically charging the vehicle to be connected to the tank and / or charging flap system 10, and the charging flap system 10 can then be closed again, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0047] Furthermore, the loading flap system comprises an elongated emergency opening tool 13 extending in its longitudinal direction L, which is designed to manually open the closure flap 12 in the event of a malfunction. The emergency opening or opening tool 13 is designed such that it can be inserted into a joint gap 14 between the body element or side frame 11 and the closure flap 12, or a portion of it can be inserted into it when the flap 12 is in its closed position, as shown in Figure 1.

[0048] The emergency opening tool 13 is further designed such that the closure flap 12 can be manually pulled open and / or levered open with the opening tool 13 after it has been inserted into the joint gap 14.

[0049] According to the preferred embodiment shown here, the flap system 10 comprises a holding element in the form of a charging pot 15, which can also be referred to, for example, as a charging recess, and is designed for attachment to the side frame element 11. Furthermore, the holding element 15 is shaped or configured such that it receives or holds a connection element 16, which in this example is designed as a charging socket.

[0050] The connection element or charging socket 16 is designed to connect an external connecting part, which is not shown in the figures, to the vehicle 50 in order to supply electrical energy for its propulsion. The external connecting part, not shown here, is, for example, a charging plug of an external electrical charging station.

[0051] In the embodiment described here, the flap system 10 is designed as a charging flap system to supply electrical energy to the vehicle.

[0052] In other embodiments, the flap system 10 is designed as a tank flap system for supplying the vehicle with a fuel such as gasoline, diesel, or a gas to power the vehicle. In these cases, the connection element 16 is designed, for example, as a filler neck for connecting, for example, a fuel nozzle or a fuel pump of an external fuel pump or fuel pump. The flap or cover flap 12 is also referred to as a tank flap. In the case of a tank flap system 10, the holding element 15 is designed, for example, as a tank recess or recess body.

[0053] To drive the closing or covering flap 12, the flap system 10 comprises an electric motor which is not visible in the figures.

[0054] The elongated emergency opening tool 13 is used to open the flap 12 in the event of a technical defect, which may have various causes, such as a malfunction of the electric motor driving the flap 12, or an error or software error in the corresponding control unit.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the flap 12 is attached to an outer end 17 of a hinge arm 18. The hinge arm 18 is pivotally mounted on the support element or charging pot 15, so that it is pivoted out of the charging pot 15 by a motor when the electric motor is triggered by a control unit.

[0056] The connection element, designed here as a charging socket 16, comprises plug elements or plug faces 19 with a plurality of electrical contact elements 21, which are designed for electrical contact with corresponding contact elements of an external charging plug or other electrical connecting part.

[0057] The flap 12 is attached to a flap fastening element 22, which is formed on the outer end 17 of the hinge arm 18 and is plate-shaped.

[0058] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of a front end portion 23 of the opening tool 13 after it has been inserted into the joint gap 14 between the flap 12 and the body element 11. The front end portion 23 has a thickness that is less than the width of the joint gap 14 when the flap 12 is closed.

[0059] The opening tool 13 is pointed or tapered towards its front end 24 in order to facilitate its insertion or introduction into the joint gap 14 when the flap 12 is in its closed position.

[0060] The opening tool 13 is designed such that, after inserting or inserting its front end portion 23, it can be used as a lever to pry open the flap 12 with the end portion 23 now located below or behind the flap 12. In doing so, the portion 25 of the opening tool 13 projecting above the flap 12 is pressed away from the flap 12 in the direction of a body region 26 opposite the flap 12, causing the opening tool 13 to perform a pivoting movement S1. The pivot axis is formed by an edge portion 27 of the body region 26, which, in the region of the joint gap 14, lies opposite an edge portion 28 of the flap 12.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, the flap 12 is opened slightly after being pried open by the opening tool 13. As a result, its edge portion 28, in the area of ​​the opening tool 13 inserted in the joint gap 14, is now located above the body area 26 opposite the edge 28.

[0062] In this state, an opening 29 is formed between the edge 28 of the flap 12 and the body area 26, into which a user of the vehicle can engage with one or more fingers of his hand 30 and thereby pull the flap 12 outwards, as shown in Figure 5. This results in a pivoting movement S2 of the flap 12 about its pivot axis, which is formed by a movable fastening of the hinge arm 18 in the interior of the vehicle.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the tank or loading flap system 10, wherein the opening tool 13 has an angled front end 24 in the region of its end section 23. The front end 24 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the remaining area of ​​the opening tool 23. Here, too, the opening tool 13 is tapered, at least in its front end section 23, or narrows toward the front end 24. This facilitates the insertion of the front end section 23 of the opening tool 13 into the joint gap 14.

[0064] After inserting or inserting the opening tool 13 into the joint gap 14, its front end 24 engages behind the flap 12 at its rear side 43, so that the flap is moved and opened by pulling the opening tool 13 in the opening direction 0. In doing so, it is pivoted out together with the hinge arm 18, to which it is attached by the flap fastening element 22, to finally reach its open position (see Figure 2).

[0065] Depending on the embodiment, the drive of the flap 12 can be designed such that during the above-described opening process with the aid of the opening tool 13, the self-locking of the electric motor provided for driving the flap is overcome, so that the flap 12 can be opened manually by pulling or levering using the opening tool 13.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the flap system 10 comprises a coupling element which is designed to decouple the flap 12 or the hinge arm 18 from the electric motor.

[0067] A particularly preferred embodiment of the flap system 10 is shown in Figure 7. The flap system 10 additionally comprises a locking device 31 for locking the flap 12 when it is in its closed position.

[0068] The locking device 31 comprises an elongated locking element 32, which is designed as a bolt. The bolt 32 is mounted for movement in its longitudinal direction V, so that it can be moved toward a locking section 33 arranged on the hinge arm 18 and also in the opposite direction.

[0069] By means of an elastic element embodied as a spring or compression spring 34, the bolt 32 is pretensioned toward the locking portion 33. For this purpose, the compression spring 34 rests at one end on a cap element 35, which is embodied as a cover cap and is attached to the holding element or loading pot 15. With its end opposite the cover cap 35, the compression spring 34 elastically tensions the bolt 32 against the locking portion 33 of the hinge arm 18.

[0070] A housing 36 of the locking device 31 surrounds the compression spring 34 and a part of the cylindrically shaped bolt 32 so that it is held and guided during its movement.

[0071] At its front end 37, the bolt 32 forms a positive connection with the locking section 33 in the locked state, in that its front end 37 engages in a corresponding recess 39 of the locking section 33.

[0072] The locking section 33 forms a ramp for locking and unlocking the bolt 32.

[0073] The locking section or ramp 33 comprises a surface 38 that extends obliquely to the direction of movement or longitudinal direction V of the bolt 32. When the flap 12 is closed, the hinge arm 18 moves together with the ramp 33 formed thereon in the closing direction S, i.e., toward the vehicle interior or, in Figure 7, to the right. The bolt 32 is pressed by means of the oblique surface 38 of the ramp 33 in the direction of the compression spring 34 against its spring force, i.e., upwards in Figure 7.

[0074] As soon as the flap 12 is completely closed, the front end 37 of the bolt 32 reaches the recess 39 in the locking portion 33 and engages therein due to the force exerted by the spring 34, whereby the positive connection between the bolt 32 and the locking portion 33 is formed.

[0075] A further surface 41 running obliquely to the direction of movement V of the bolt 32 is arranged on the opposite side of the ramp 33, so that the bolt 32 is pushed away from the locking section 33 when the flap 12 is pulled or levered open and the associated movement of the hinge arm 18 in the opening direction 0, i.e. to the left in Figure 7. The bolt 32 slides with its front end 37 on the surface 41 of the ramp 33 and is thereby moved against the spring force exerted on the bolt 32 by the compression spring 34. By moving the bolt 32 against the spring force, it is released from the recess 39, i.e. the positive connection is released.

[0076] When the flap 12 is opened further, the front end 37 of the bolt 32 slides along the ramp 38 again in the direction of the hinge arm 18 due to the spring force exerted by the compression spring 34. It remains there until the flap 12 is brought back into its closed position.

[0077] A preferred embodiment of the method for emergency opening of an electrically operated tank and / or loading flap system 10 is described below with reference to the figures. For example, the tank or loading flap system 10 is used as described above.

[0078] First, in a first step (a), the elongated emergency opening tool 13 is provided. This is arranged, for example, in the trunk of a vehicle so that it is easily removable and can be used to open the flap system 10 in an emergency situation, ie, when the electrical opening of the flap 12 is not possible due to a defect.

[0079] Subsequently, in a further step (b), the front end portion 23 of the opening tool 13 is manually inserted or inserted by a user of the vehicle into the joint gap 14 formed between the body element 11 of the vehicle 50 and the closure flap or flap 12 of the flap system 10 while the latter is in its closed position (see Figures 1 and 3).

[0080] Subsequently, in step (c), the flap 12 is levered and / or pulled open using the emergency opening tool 13 manually inserted into the joint gap 14. For this purpose, the emergency opening tool 13 is rotated downward after being inserted into the joint gap.

[0081] By pushing the rear flap 12 with your fingers, the flap 12 can now be fully opened manually (see Figures 4-6).

[0082] Preferably, in step (c), an optionally provided angled front end 24 of the emergency opening tool 13 engages the rear side 43 of the flap 12 after insertion into the joint gap 14, and a tensile force in the opening direction 0 is exerted on the rear side 43 of the flap 12 by the angled end or the end section 24.

[0083] To do this, first insert the angled end section 24 into the gap 14 between the tailgate 12 and the side frame 11. Then, using the section protruding from the gap 14, the opening tool 13 is pivoted approximately 90 degrees like a lever. The emergency opening tool 13 is then pulled in the opening direction 0 of the tailgate 12.

[0084] In one variant of the method, the flap 12 is decoupled from an electrically operated drive element for driving the flap 12, for example, an electric motor, by pulling or levering it open. This is particularly advantageous if the self-locking of the motor is too strong or the motor prevents the flap 12 from being levered and / or pulled open.

[0085] For further details on inserting the emergency opening tool 13 into the joint gap 14 and subsequently pulling and / or levering open the flap 12, reference is made to Figures 1-6 and the associated description.

[0086] In another variant of the method, in step (c), a locking mechanism of the kinematics is released, and flap 12 opens. The flap 12 is released from a positive locking position by pulling or levering it open, counter to the elastic force exerted on the bolt 32 by the compression spring 34. For further details, please refer to Figure 7 and the associated description.

[0087] List of reference symbols:

[0088] 10 Tank and / or loading flap system or flap system

[0089] 11 Body element / side frame

[0090] 12 Flap or closing flap, tank or loading flap

[0091] 13 Opening or emergency opening tool

[0092] 14 Joint gap

[0093] 15 Holding element or loading pot, loading trough

[0094] 16 Connection element or charging socket, filler neck

[0095] 17 outer end

[0096] 18 Hinge arm

[0097] 19 connector elements or connector faces

[0098] 21 contact elements

[0099] 22 Flap fastening element

[0100] 23 front end section

[0101] 24 angled front end / angled end section

[0102] 25 outstanding section

[0103] 26 Body area

[0104] 27 Edge section of the body area

[0105] 28 Edge or edge section of the flap

[0106] 29 Opening

[0107] 30 hands

[0108] 31 Locking device

[0109] 32 locking element or bolt

[0110] 33 Locking section or ramp

[0111] 34 elastic element or spring or compression spring

[0112] 35 Cap element or cover cap

[0113] 36 housings

[0114] 37 front end of the locking element

[0115] 38 sloping surface of the ramp 39 recess

[0116] 41 sloping surface of the ramp

[0117] 43 Back

[0118] 50 vehicles

[0119] S1 , S2 swivel movement

[0120] 0 Opening direction

[0121] S Closing direction

[0122] V Longitudinal direction of the locking element

Claims

Patent claims:

1. An electrically operated tank and / or loading flap system (10) for fastening in a body element (11) of a vehicle (50), comprising a movable closure flap (12) which can be moved back and forth between a closed position and an open position in order to connect an external connection part for electrically charging and / or refueling the vehicle (50) to the open tank and / or loading flap system (10) and to close the tank and / or loading flap system (10) again after charging or refueling; and an elongated emergency opening tool (13) for manually opening the closure flap (12) in the event of a malfunction, which tool is designed to be inserted into a joint gap (14) between the body element (11) of the vehicle (50) and the closure flap (12) in its closed position and for subsequently pulling and / or levering open the closure flap (12).

2. Tank or loading flap system according to claim 1, characterized in that the emergency opening tool (13) is elongated and comprises a front end portion (23) whose thickness is less than the width of the joint gap (14).

3. Tank or loading flap system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the emergency opening tool (13) comprises an angled front end (24) in order to engage behind the closure flap (12) when inserted into the joint gap (14), so that the closure flap (12) can be opened by subsequently pulling on the emergency opening tool (13).

4. Tank or loading flap system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a coupling element to secure the closure flap (12) when pulled or levered open by an electrically operated drive element for driving the closure flap (12). Tank or loading flap system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a locking device (31) for locking the closure flap (12) in its closed position, comprising a movable locking element (32) which is held in its locking position by means of a positive fit by an elastic element (34), wherein the locking element (32) is shaped such that the positive fit is released by pulling or levering open the closure flap (12). Tank or loading flap system according to claim 5, characterized in that the movable locking element (32) is designed as a bolt which can be locked and unlocked by interacting with a surface (38) of a ramp (33) which runs obliquely to its direction of movement.Method for the emergency opening of an electrically operated tank or loading flap system, wherein the tank or loading flap system is fastened in a body element (11) of the vehicle (50) and comprises a closure flap (12) which can be moved back and forth between a closed position and an open position by means of a tool, comprising the steps of: a) providing an elongated emergency opening tool (13); b) inserting an end section of the emergency opening tool (13) into a joint gap (14) between the body element (11) of the vehicle (50) and the closure flap (12) while the closure flap is in the closed position; and. c) pulling and / or levering open the closure flap (12) by means of the emergency opening tool (13) inserted in the joint gap (14). Method according to claim 7, characterized in that an end section (24) of the emergency opening tool (13) engages the rear side (43) of the closure flap (12) during or after insertion into the joint gap (14) and subsequently a force is exerted by the end section (43) in the opening direction (0) on the rear side (43) of the closure flap (12). Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the closure flap (12) is pulled open or levered open 9.1 . is decoupled from an electrically operated drive element for driving the closure flap (12), and / or 9.

2. is released from a positive locking mechanism against an elastic force. A vehicle characterized in that it comprises an electrically operated tank or loading flap system configured according to one of claims 1 to 6 and / or capable of being opened using a method according to one of claims 7 to 9.

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