Charging or fuel tank flap assembly for a vehicle as well as lighting module for such a charging or fuel tank flap assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging or fuel tank flap assembly (1) for a vehicle. The charging or fuel tank flap assembly (1) has at least one charging or fuel tank flap (2) for inserting into an opening of a vehicle body or into an opening of a vehicle outer skin, a cover (3) which is operatively connected to a mechanism such that the cover (3) can be converted relative to the charging or fuel tank flap (2) between a closed position, which covers at least some parts or regions of the charging or fuel tank flap (2), and an open position, which releases at least parts or regions of the charging or fuel tank flap (2), and a sensor unit (4), in particular for detecting the position and / or the state of the cover (3). In particular, the charging or fuel tank flap assembly (1) also has a controller (9) comprising a microcontroller, which is connected to the sensor unit (4) via a data line, in particular via a data bus, said controller (9) having an interface for connecting to an LIN network.

Description

[0001] April 22, 2024 Illinois Tool Works Inc. A / IAP-202-PC TR CHARGING OR FUEL HOLDER ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE AND LIGHTING MODULE FOR SUCH A CHARGING OR FUEL HOLDER ASSEMBLY Description The present invention generally relates to a new concept with which the functions of a vehicle component, such as the functions of a loading or fuel hopper assembly of a vehicle, can be centrally controlled by a control device in order to minimize the necessary cabling of the functional components of the vehicle component to the vehicle control system. In particular, the present invention relates to a loading or fuel hopper assembly for a vehicle, which has its own control device.via which a multitude of functions, and preferably all functions, of the loading or refueling recess arrangement can be controlled. According to one aspect of the present invention, this is implemented in particular in a lighting module for selectively or as needed illuminating and in particular illuminating an area of ​​a vehicle component, in particular an area of ​​a loading or refueling recess or an area of ​​a handle arrangement. In other words, the term "vehicle component" used herein refers in particular to a loading or refueling recess arrangement for a vehicle. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the vehicle component is, for example, a handle arrangement (interior door handle or exterior door handle arrangement) of a vehicle. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC Vehicles with a hybrid or electric drive have at least one battery or a traction battery,For example, in PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electrical Vehicle) or BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) vehicles, the battery can be charged via an electrical charging port accessible from the outside of the vehicle body or the vehicle's outer shell, which is usually a charging socket, by connecting it to an electrical charging station or a conventional household electrical connection. The charging port is usually located in a charging recess in the vehicle body or the vehicle's outer shell.which is usually covered or closed by a closure element (hereinafter also referred to as "cover"). A mechanism interacting with the closure element or cover allows the charging recess to be opened and closed as desired, or the closure element (if designed as a loading flap) to be opened and closed relative to the charging recess, thus providing access to the charging connection. The mechanism can, for example, contain a so-called push-push kinematics, as is already used in conventional tank caps. Since, in practice, the use of such a push-push mechanism generally lacks a seal between the closure element and the charging recess, which would be necessary to protect the charging connection, which has electrical, metallic contacts, from the ingress of dirt, dust, and liquids, especially water, and thus ensure its long-term function,Currently, an additional charging port flap is required, which is plugged or screwed onto the charging port to protect it. Unlike vehicles with combustion engines, which are usually refueled at petrol stations, where the refueling process takes place either during the day or in a lit environment, the charging process for vehicles with a hybrid or electric drive often takes place in the dark. For example, it is common for a vehicle with a hybrid or electric drive to be charged in a dark, unlit underground car park. In this case, it is extremely advantageous if suitable lighting makes it easier for the operator MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC or driver to locate the charging connector in the charging bay. For this purpose, it is known to provide lighting in the charging bay. It may also be providedthat lights are arranged around the charging connector in the charging cradle, which are intended to identify the charging connector. For example, the document DE 10 2011 108 817 A1 describes a charging device for an electric vehicle in which segment-like lights are arranged around the charging connector in the charging cradle in such a way that they form a closed ring around the charging connector. The lights serve, on the one hand, to illuminate the charging connector and, on the other hand, they provide a type of scale that can be used to illustrate / visualize the charge state of a battery of the electric vehicle. Accordingly, it is clear that, in particular, charging or tank cradle arrangements of a vehicle must have different functionalities: on the one hand, it is preferredthat appropriate lighting is provided, in particular to illuminate an area of ​​a charging or refueling recess of the charging or refueling recess arrangement. This lighting should preferably also visualize the charge status of a vehicle battery to be charged. On the other hand, it is common or desirable for the position of a cover of the charging or refueling recess arrangement to be detected or monitored. This applies in particular to vehicles that have multiple charging or refueling recess arrangements, for example, on the port and starboard sides of the vehicle. For such vehicle types, it must be ensured that the cover of the charging or refueling recess arrangement that is not used to charge the vehicle battery is securely closed with the corresponding cover to prevent access to a charging socket of this charging or refueling recess arrangement. But also for vehicle types,For vehicles with only a single loading or refueling recess arrangement, detecting the position of the MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC cover of the loading or refueling recess arrangement is desirable to ensure that the loading or refueling recess of the vehicle is securely closed while the vehicle is in operation. The cover, however, can typically assume different states, particularly in the closed position of the cover. This includes, for example, an unlocked state, in which the cover can be moved manually or by electric motor from the closed position to the open position, and a locked state,in which the transfer of the cover from the closed position to the open position is blocked. The state of the cover (unlocked state / locked state) is often controlled by an electric motor. Detection of the state of the cover is also desirable. Other functionalities of a loading or refueling recess arrangement exist. As an example, the cover of the loading or refueling recess arrangement can often be transferred from its closed position to the open position and / or vice versa by an electric motor. Another example is the monitoring of the charge state of the vehicle battery. It can therefore be stated that vehicle components, such as loading or refueling recess assemblies,have a multitude of functionalities. The functions of the loading or refueling recess arrangement are usually controlled by at least one electromotive actuator (often by several electromotive actuators). In addition, control of the lighting / illumination of the loading or refueling recess is desired, as well as optionally control of the charge level display. This example shows that the individual vehicle components must increasingly assume various functions that must be appropriately controlled. The control of the individual functions of the vehicle component, such as a loading or refueling recess arrangement, is usually dependent on the detection results of a sensor system. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC For example, in the case of a loading or refueling recess arrangement, a sensor system can be used in particular toto detect the position of the cover of the loading or tank recess arrangement and / or to detect the state of the cover (unlocked state / locked state). In order to control the individual functionalities or functional components of the vehicle component, it is known that the individual functional components, in particular electromotive actuators, are operatively connected to a corresponding sensor system, whereby the sensor system and the functional components are connected to the vehicle control system, which is usually implemented as a CAN bus, via a data line or control line. However, this approach, which has been implemented so far, has various disadvantages. In particular, it is often necessary for the individual functional components of the vehicle component to be designed specifically for the user.to ensure appropriate control via the vehicle bus system. Furthermore, the integration of the vehicle component requires considerable effort for cabling and / or providing the necessary data and control lines. Based on this problem, the present invention is based on the object of specifying a loading or refueling recess arrangement for a vehicle that can fulfill a variety of different functions, while simultaneously allowing the loading or refueling recess arrangement to be integrated into the vehicle concept in an easy-to-implement and cost-effective manner. This object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1,Advantageous further developments of the loading or refueling recess arrangement according to the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims 1 to 15. According to a preferred implementation of the inventive solution, this relates to a lighting module for a vehicle component, in particular for a loading or refueling recess arrangement or for a handle arrangement, as specified in the independent patent claims 16 and 19. Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a loading or refueling recess arrangement for a vehicle, wherein the loading or refueling recess arrangement has at least one loading or refueling recess for insertion into an opening in a vehicle body or into an opening in a vehicle outer skin. The loading or refueling recess arrangement further comprises a cover associated with the at least one loading or refueling recess, which is operatively connected to a mechanism such thatthat the cover can be transferred relative to the loading or tank recess between a closed position covering the loading or tank recess at least partially or in some areas and an open position exposing the loading or tank recess at least partially or in some areas. Finally, the loading or tank recess arrangement comprises a sensor system, in particular for detecting a position and / or a state of the cover assigned to the at least one loading or tank recess. According to the invention, it is particularly provided that the loading or tank recess arrangement further comprises a control device with a microcontroller, which is connected to the sensor system via a data line, in particular via a data bus, and wherein the control device has an interface for connection to a LIN network. The interface supports the LIN protocol according to the ISO 17987 standard (as of the date of application) and is preferably designedto be used in slave mode. A LIN bus (LIN = Local Interconnect Network) is a serial communication system based on a single-wire bus. A LIN bus is simple to set up and inexpensive to implement. In the inventive design of the loading or refueling trough arrangement, the control device preferably serves as a slave in the LIN bus and is used to suitably control the controllable components of the loading or refueling trough arrangement, such as electromotive actuators, light sources, etc. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC The control device has knowledge of the chronological sequence of the data to be transmitted to the respective controllable components of the loading or refueling trough arrangement. The control device preferably has a memory unit,in which different mechanical setting positions for electromotive actuators of the loading or tank recess arrangement are stored. Each setting position is assigned a corresponding control command, which the control device transmits to the electromotive actuators of the loading or tank recess arrangement whenever one of these positions of the electromotive actuators is to be set. The sensor system of the loading or tank recess arrangement comprises at least one sensor or at least one sensor unit and / or at least one switch, in particular a microswitch. The sensor system is particularly designed to acquire data on the current conditions relating to the loading or tank recess arrangement or the surroundings of the loading or tank recess arrangement and to provide it for processing by the control device. For example, it is conceivable for the sensor system to comprise a sensor unit and / or switches, in particular a microswitch,which detects the position of the cover relative to the loading or refueling recess. In particular, the sensor system is designed to detect a closed position of the cover assigned to the at least one loading or refueling recess and / or an open position of the cover assigned to the at least one loading or refueling recess. Alternatively, or in particular additionally, the sensor system can be designed to detect a state of the cover assigned to the at least one loading or refueling recess. The term "state of the cover" used herein is understood to mean, in particular, a locked state or an unlocked state of the cover. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC It is known to assign a risk classification index to technical systems in vehicles, which characterizes the hazard potential of the technical system. The risk classification index, which is referred to as ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level),can vary depending on the hazard potential for different technical systems in the vehicle. A distinction is made between four ASIL indicators: A, B, C, and D, with ASIL A representing only a relatively low hazard potential and ASIL D representing a high hazard potential. The ASIL indicator is composed of indicators for the probability of occurrence, based on the frequency distribution of a state variable in a driving situation, the controllability of a hazardous situation in the event of a malfunction in this driving situation, and the severity of the hazardous situation. Each of these indicators is assigned a numerical value, with the ASIL indicator being the sum of the numerical values. In order to ensure that the loading or tank recess arrangement according to the invention can be classified at least in ASIL A and preferably in ASIL B, implementations of the loading or tank recess arrangement according to the invention provide:that the sensor system has at least one switch capable of diagnosis and in particular at least one micro-signal switch capable of diagnosis. In this context, it is particularly provided that the at least one switch capable of diagnosis is designed to detect at least one of the following states: - a closed position of the cover assigned to the at least one charging or refueling recess; - an open position of the cover assigned to the at least one charging or refueling recess; - a state as to whether a charging plug is connected to a plug connection of the at least one charging or refueling recess; - a state as to whether a charging plug connected to a plug connection of the at least one charging or refueling recess is locked; and / or - a charging state. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC In embodiment variants of the charging or refueling recess arrangement according to the invention, the charging or refueling recess arrangement has a first charging or refueling recess and at least one further,second charging or refueling recess. In this case, it is advisable for the at least one diagnosable switch to be designed to detect at least one of the following states: - a closed position of the cover assigned to the first charging or refueling recess; - an open position of the cover assigned to the first charging or refueling recess; - a state as to whether a charging plug is connected to a plug connection of the first charging or refueling recess; - a state as to whether a charging plug connected to a plug connection of the first charging or refueling recess is locked; - a closed position of the cover assigned to the at least one second charging or refueling recess; - an open position of the cover assigned to the at least one second charging or refueling recess; - a state as to whether a charging plug is connected to a plug connection of the at least one second charging or refueling recess; and / or - a statewhether a charging plug connected to a plug connection of at least one second charging or refueling recess is locked. For example, it is possible for the sensor system to detect which plug connection or charging or refueling recess is currently supplying electrical power to the vehicle or a vehicle battery, so that the control unit then automatically disconnects the other charging or refueling recess from the vehicle's internal power supply. This eliminates the need for relatively complex high-voltage relay circuits. The need for ASIL A or B-capable detection, for example, of the position of the cover of a charging or refueling recess depends on the MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC installation situation, the kinematics associated with the cover, and, in particular, the vehicle's high-voltage architecture. For an ASIL A-capable charging recess system, it is sufficient if a lighting module of the charging or refueling recess arrangement, or the microcontroller contained therein,A simple signal, e.g., from a diagnostic-capable microswitch that detects a closed cover, together with a motor driver for an actuator that can open and close the cover, can be processed in such a way that, in particular, the closed position of the cover can be guaranteed. This is used when an open cover poses a relatively minor hazard with a comparatively low risk of injury. For example, a pedestrian or cyclist might get caught on an open cover, or someone might pinch their fingers when closing the cover. If an open cover poses a significant risk of injury, e.g., the contacts are still live, an ASIL B-capable system is necessary. A simple signal is not sufficient here.Instead, a signal must be generated by a redundant system. For example, there are Hall-effect sensors that can detect the two poles of a magnet as separate signals. According to the invention, this situation should also be able to be represented in the light module. It would also be conceivable to integrate ASIL C capability, but then further redundancies would be necessary. In the loading or tank recess arrangement according to the present invention, the control device is designed in particular as a central control device of the loading or tank recess arrangement and is configured to control a plurality of functions of the loading or tank recess arrangement and preferably all functions of the loading or tank recess arrangement, and in particular to coordinate or coordinate the control.in particular depending on a position detected by the sensor system and / or in particular depending on a state of the cover detected by the sensor system. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC Accordingly, the present invention is particularly suitable for loading or tank recess assemblies that comprise a plurality of functions or functional components. In this case, it is advisable for the control device, which is designed in particular as a central control device of the loading or tank recess assembly, to be designedto control or coordinate the functions or functional components of the loading or tank trough assembly via the LIN bus system of the loading or tank trough assembly and / or to query the functions or functional components of the loading or tank trough assembly and preferably to communicate the results of the query via the loading or tank trough assembly's own bus system. The control device is preferably equipped with an interface that can be connected to a bus system present in a vehicle, so that control commands can be transmitted to the control device via this bus system. A second control device is arranged in the vehicle and connected to the bus system arranged in the vehicle,which is superior in terms of data technology and data organization to the control device of the loading or refueling trough arrangement. At least one instruction for executing a setting for the loading or refueling trough arrangement can be transmitted from the second control device of the vehicle via the bus system to the interface of the control device of the loading or refueling trough arrangement. The control device of the loading or refueling trough arrangement receives the at least one instruction for executing a setting and converts this at least one instruction for executing a setting into at least one control command for the at least one functional component or controllable component assigned to the loading or refueling trough arrangement,that the at least one control command is executable for the at least one functional component of the loading or refueling trough arrangement. The at least one instruction for executing a setting is initiated by the control device of the loading or refueling trough arrangement or by the second control device of the vehicle, wherein this occurs in particular depending on and taking into account the data of the current conditions in the area of ​​the loading or refueling trough arrangement or in the surroundings of the loading or refueling trough arrangement, as detected by the sensor system or by other sensors. In particular, according to embodiments of the loading or refueling trough arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that the control device of the loading or refueling trough arrangement and in particular the microcontroller of the control device is designed and constructed as a bridge,to connect the charging or refueling recess assembly's own bus system to a vehicle bus system. The vehicle bus system is, for example, a CAN bus or a MOST bus. In a conceivable implementation of the charging or refueling recess assembly, it is provided in this context that, in order to transfer the cover from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, the charging or refueling recess assembly further comprises a push-push kinematics interacting with the cover and an actuating device with an electromotive actuator. This push-push kinematics is, in particular, a push-push kinematics as disclosed in the document DE 10 2018 123 949 A1 or in the document DE 20 2021 106 071 U1. In this context, it is particularly suitablethat the electromotive actuator of the actuating device is connected and connectable to the control device of the loading or tank recess arrangement via a data or control line, via which the electromotive actuator can be controlled by the control device, in particular depending on a position detected by the sensor system and / or in particular depending on a state of the cover detected by the sensor system. Alternatively or in addition to the push-push kinematics interacting with the cover, it is conceivable that the loading or tank recess arrangement further comprises an electromotive actuator interacting with the mechanism to transfer the cover from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC In this case, it is advisable tothat the electromotive actuator of the mechanism is connected and connectable to the control device of the loading or refueling recess arrangement via a data or control line, via which the electromotive actuator can be controlled by the control device, in particular depending on a position detected by the sensor system and / or in particular depending on a state of the cover detected by the sensor system. Likewise alternatively or additionally, according to embodiments of the loading or refueling recess arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that the loading or refueling recess arrangement further comprises a lighting module for, in particular, selectively or as needed, illuminating and in particular illuminating an area of ​​the loading or refueling recess and / or for, in particular, selectively or as needed, visualizing a state of the loading or refueling recess arrangement. The lighting module can, for example, be a lighting module,as disclosed in the document DE 10 2021 132 947 A1 or in the document DE 10 2019 127 246 A1. In this context, it is advisable for the light source to be connected and connectable to the control device of the loading or refueling recess arrangement via a data or control line, via which the light source can be controlled by the control device, in particular depending on a position detected by the sensor system and / or in particular depending on a state of the cover detected by the sensor system. A particularly compact embodiment of the latter embodiment of the loading or refueling recess arrangement provides that the control device with the microcontroller is a component of the lighting module. In particular, the lighting module has a lamp carrier, in particular in the form of a circuit board,on which the at least one light source, in particular embodied as an LED, is arranged. The lighting module further comprises a housing in which the light source carrier with the at least one light source is at least partially or partially accommodated. The housing has at least one light exit region, via which light emitted by the at least one light source can be coupled out of the housing. Preferably, the microcontroller of the control device is also arranged on the light source carrier. According to implementations of the loading or tank recess arrangement according to the invention, the sensor system is designed to detect a position, in particular a closed position, an open position, and / or at least one intermediate position, of the cover. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor system is designed to detect a state of the cover, in particular a locked state and / or an unlocked state of the cover.to detect. Likewise alternatively or additionally to this, the sensor system is designed to detect a state in which a charging plug is plugged into a charging socket of the charging or refueling recess arrangement and, if applicable, locked there. Alternatively or additionally to this, it is conceivable that the sensor system is designed to detect a charging state. In particular, for this purpose, the sensor system has at least one switch, in particular a microswitch. The sensor system is preferably also a component of the lighting module. The invention further relates to a lighting module for, in particular, selectively or as needed, illuminating and in particular illuminating an area of ​​a vehicle component, in particular an area of ​​a charging or refueling recess, preferably a charging or refueling recess of the type according to the invention described above, or an area of ​​a handle arrangement of a vehicle. The lighting module has a lamp carrier, in particular in the form of a circuit board,with at least one illuminant, preferably in the form of an LED. The lighting module further comprises a housing in which the illuminant carrier with the at least one illuminant is at least partially or partially accommodated. The housing has a light exit area, via which light emitted by the at least one illuminant can be coupled out of the housing. Optionally, the lighting module has a light distributor that is optically coupled or can be coupled to the light exit area of ​​the housing. The lighting module according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that it further comprises a control device with a microcontroller. The control device is designed and constructed in particular as a central control device of the vehicle component,to control a plurality of functions of the vehicle component. According to preferred embodiments of the lighting module according to the invention, the control device comprises a microcontroller, which is designed as a bridge and is configured to connect a bus system of the vehicle component to a vehicle bus system, in particular to a CAN bus of the vehicle bus system. In particular, it is advisable for the control device of the lighting module to be connected via a data line, in particular via a data bus, to a sensor system, in particular for detecting a position and / or a state of a cover of the vehicle component designed as a loading or tank recess arrangement, wherein the control device is configuredto control the plurality of functions of the vehicle component, in particular depending on a position detected by the sensor system and / or in particular depending on a state of the cover detected by the sensor system. According to a further aspect of the invention, it is provided that the lighting module has at least one interface (e.g. in the form of a wire clamping device mounted on the circuit board or a plug-in device, e.g. a socket), via which a data line or signal line and / or control line (e.g. as a signal line and / or power supply line) is or can be connected to the lighting module, in particular to the microcontroller of the control device and / or a control device of the vehicle, in order to control a controllable component of the charging or fuel tank recess arrangement, which is preferably connected or can be connected to the charging or fuel tank recess arrangement separately from the lighting module.in particular, to control an electromotive actuator and / or a light source of the loading or tank recess arrangement, with the aid of the microcontroller of the control device and / or a control device of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the lighting module has at least one interface via which a data line or signal line of a sensor system is or can be connected to the microcontroller of the control device and / or a control device of the vehicle. Exemplary embodiments of the solution according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: FIG. 1 schematically and in an isometric view, an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle component designed as a loading recess arrangement in a plan view,wherein an exemplary embodiment of the lighting module according to the invention is integrated into the loading trough of the loading trough arrangement; and FIG. 2 schematically shows the topology of an embodiment of the loading trough arrangement according to the invention with an integrated lighting module and a push-push kinematics interacting with the cover of the loading trough arrangement and an associated actuating device with an electromotive actuator. The loading trough arrangement 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a loading trough 2 for insertion into an opening in a vehicle body or into an opening in a vehicle outer skin. The loading trough 2 is preferably made of plastic and is pot-shaped overall. The loading trough 2 has an outer edge 6 defined by a trough body, with which the loading trough 2 can be inserted, for example clipped, into a body opening of a vehicle.can be. Therefore, corresponding locking devices (clips) can be formed, preferably integrally, on the trough body in order to secure the loading trough 2 to the body opening, in particular a body recess. A sealing area is preferably provided on the outer edge 6 of the trough body, which can comprise a circumferential sealing lip formed on the outer edge 6. Instead of such a sealing lip, it is also conceivable to form several sealing lamellas on the outer edge 6, each of which is separated from one another by a slot at regular circumferential intervals. A through-opening is formed in the inner trough area of ​​the loading trough 2, into which a charging connector 7 for charging a vehicle battery or a tank nozzle or tank filler pipe for refueling a fuel tank is inserted. A cover 3 designed as a closure flap is hinged to the outer trough body.via which the loading trough 2 can be selectively closed or opened. The cover 3 is, in particular, a loading or fuel tank flap, which is arranged on the outer trough body with a hinge arm 8 such that the loading or fuel tank flap 3 is movable relative to the loading trough 2, in particular can be folded open or closed. On the side of the loading trough 2 opposite the hinge arm 8, an opening and closing mechanism can be arranged, which can have push-push kinematics acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the loading trough 2, i.e., the actuation direction of the push-push kinematics is in the direction of the longitudinal axis. By a force exerted on the opening and closing mechanism in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the mechanism can be unlocked and the cover 3 / loading flap can be opened or folded open, or the closed loading flap 3 can be locked. The loading trough 2 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a lighting device.which is formed by a lighting module 13. In the plan view of the (open) loading bay 2 selected in FIG. 1, only a portion of a light distributor of the lighting module 13 is visible. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC The lighting module 13 serves in particular for selectively or as needed lighting and in particular illuminating an area of ​​the loading bay 2 and, at the same time, for selectively or as needed emitting optical signals for the operator or user of the vehicle. The lighting module 13 essentially comprises a lamp carrier, for example in the form of a circuit board. At least one lamp, preferably in the form of an LED, is arranged on the lamp carrier. Furthermore, a switching device, in particular in the form of a microswitch, can be arranged on the lamp carrier. The lighting module 13 additionally comprises a control device 9 with a microcontroller,which is connected via a data line, in particular via a data bus, to a sensor system 4 of the loading or refueling trough arrangement 1. FIG. 2 schematically shows the topology of an embodiment of the loading trough arrangement according to the invention with an integrated lighting module. As indicated, the lighting module 13 has a control device 9 with a microcontroller. The control device 9 is designed as a central control device and is configured to control a plurality of functions of the loading or refueling trough arrangement 1. The microcontroller of the control device 9 is designed as a bridge and is configured to connect the LIN bus system of the loading or refueling trough arrangement 1 to a vehicle bus system 12, in particular to a CAN bus. The lighting module 13 also includes a sensor system 4,such as a microswitch. The microcontroller of the control device 9 communicates with other functional components of the loading or refueling trough assembly 1 via the LIN bus system of the loading or refueling trough assembly 1. These include electromotive actuators 10, additional sensors 4, and corresponding light sources 14 of the lighting module 13. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but results from a synopsis of all features disclosed herein.

[0002] MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC List of reference symbols 1 Loading or refueling recess arrangement 2 Loading or refueling recess 3 Cover 4 Sensor system 5 Receptacle body 6 Outer edge of the recess body 7 Charging connector 8 Hinge arm 9 Control device 10 Electromotive actuator 11 LIN bus 12 Vehicle bus system 13 Lighting module 14 Light source

Claims

April 22, 2024 Illinois Tool Works Inc. A / IAP-202-PC TR LOADING OR FUEL TUB ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE AND LIGHTING MODULE FOR SUCH A LOADING OR FUEL TUB ARRANGEMENT Patent claims 1. Loading or fuel trough arrangement (1) for a vehicle, the loading or fuel trough arrangement (1) comprising the following: - at least one loading or fuel trough (2) for insertion into an opening in a vehicle body or into an opening in a vehicle outer skin; - a cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or tank recess (2), which is operatively connected to a mechanism such that the cover (3) can be transferred relative to the correspondingly assigned loading or tank recess (2) between a closed position covering the loading or tank recess (2) at least partially or in some areas and an open position releasing the loading or tank recess (2) at least partially or in some areas;and - a sensor system (4), in particular for detecting a position and / or a state of the cover (3), characterized in that the loading or refueling trough arrangement (1) further comprises a control device (9) with a microcontroller, which is connected to the sensor system (4) via a data line, in particular via a data bus, and wherein the control device (9) has an interface for connection to a LIN network.

2. Loading or refueling trough arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the interface supports the LIN protocol and is designed to be used preferably in slave operating mode.; MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC 3. Loading or refueling trough arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (9) is designed and configured, in particular, as a central control device (9) of the loading or refueling trough arrangement (1), to control a plurality of functions or functional components of the loading or refueling trough arrangement (1), and preferably all functions or functional components of the loading or refueling trough arrangement (1), in particular as a function of a position detected by the sensor system (4) and / or in particular as a function of a state of the cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or refueling trough (2), as detected by the sensor system (4). 4.Loading or tank trough arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the loading or tank trough arrangement (1) comprises a plurality of functions or functional components, and wherein the control device (9), in particular designed as a central control device (9) of the loading or tank trough arrangement (1), is designed to control the functions or functional components of the loading or tank trough arrangement (1) via the loading or tank trough arrangement's own bus system and / or to query the functions or functional components of the loading or tank trough arrangement (1) and preferably to communicate the results of the query via the loading or tank trough arrangement's own bus system.

5. Loading or tank trough arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor system (4) has at least one diagnostic-capable switch and in particular at least one diagnostic-capable micro-signal switch. 6.Loading or tank trough arrangement (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one diagnosable switch is designed to detect at least one of the following states: - a closed position of the cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or tank trough (2); - an open position of the cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or tank trough (2);. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC - a state as to whether a charging plug is connected to a plug connection of the at least one charging or refueling recess (2); - a state as to whether a charging plug connected to a plug connection of the at least one charging or refueling recess (2) is locked; and / or - a charging state.

7. The charging or refueling recess arrangement (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the charging or refueling recess arrangement (1) has a first charging or refueling recess (2) and at least one further, second charging or refueling recess (2), and wherein the at least one diagnosable switch is designed to detect at least one of the following states: - a closed position of the cover (3) assigned to the first charging or refueling recess (2); - an open position of the cover (3) assigned to the first charging or refueling recess (2); - a state as to whether a charging plug is connected to a plug connection of the first charging or refueling recess (2);- a state as to whether a charging plug connected to a plug connection of the first charging or refueling recess (2) is locked; - a closed position of the cover (3) assigned to the at least one second charging or refueling recess (2); - an open position of the cover (3) assigned to the at least one second charging or refueling recess (2); - a state as to whether a charging plug is connected to a plug connection of the at least one second charging or refueling recess (2); and / or - a state as to whether a charging plug connected to a plug connection of the at least one second charging or refueling recess (2) is locked.

8. Charging or refueling recess arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the interface of the control device (9) is designed and constructed as a bridge, the charging or refueling recess arrangement (1) and in particular the control device (9) of the charging or; MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC tank recess arrangement (1) to be connected to a vehicle bus system (12), in particular to a CAN bus of the vehicle bus system (12).

9. Loading or refueling recess arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, for transferring the cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or refueling recess (2) from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, the loading or refueling recess arrangement (1) further comprises push-push kinematics cooperating with the cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or refueling recess (2) and an actuating device with an electromotive actuator (10), wherein the electromotive actuator (10) of the actuating device is and can be connected to the control device (9) of the loading or refueling recess arrangement (1) via a data or control line, via which the electromotive actuator (10) can be controlled by the control device (9).and in particular depending on a position detected by the sensor system (4) and / or in particular depending on a state of the cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or refueling recess (2) detected by the sensor system (4).

10. Loading or refueling recess arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein for transferring the cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or refueling recess (2) from the closed position to the open position and / or vice versa, the loading or refueling recess arrangement (1) further comprises an electromotive actuator (10) cooperating with the mechanism, wherein the electromotive actuator (10) of the mechanism is connected and connectable to the control device (9) of the loading or refueling recess arrangement (1) via a data or control line, via which the electromotive actuator (10) can be controlled by the control device (9).and in particular depending on a position detected by the sensor system (4) and / or in particular depending on a state of the cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or tank recess (2) detected by the sensor system (4).

11. Loading or tank recess arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the loading or tank recess arrangement (1) further comprises a lighting module (13) for, in particular, selectively or as required, MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC Illuminating and in particular illuminating an area of ​​the loading or refueling recess (2) and / or for visualizing, in particular selectively or as needed, a state of the loading or refueling recess arrangement (1), wherein the lighting module (13) has at least one light source, in particular in the form of an LED, wherein the light source is and can be connected to the control device (9) of the loading or refueling recess arrangement (1) via a data or control line, via which the light source can be controlled by the control device (9), in particular as a function of a position detected by the sensor system (4) and / or in particular as a function of a state of the cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or refueling recess (2), detected by the sensor system (4). 12.The loading or refueling trough arrangement (1) according to claim 11, wherein the control device (9) with the microcontroller is a component of the lighting module (13).

13. The loading or refueling trough arrangement (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the lighting module (13) comprises: - a lamp carrier, in particular in the form of a circuit board, on which the at least one lamp, in particular embodied as an LED, is arranged; and - a housing in which the lamp carrier with the at least one lamp is at least partially or regionally accommodated, wherein the housing has at least one light exit region via which light emitted by the at least one lamp can be coupled out of the housing, wherein the microcontroller of the control device (9) is preferably also arranged on the lamp carrier. 14.Loading or tank trough arrangement (1) according to claim 13, wherein the lighting module has at least one interface via which a data or control line is or can be connected to the microcontroller of the control device (9) in order to control a controllable component of the loading or tank trough arrangement (1), in particular an electromotive actuator (10) and / or a light source of the loading. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC or tank trough arrangement (1) using the microcontroller of the control device (9).

15. The loading or tank trough arrangement (1) according to claim 11 or 14, wherein the lighting module has at least one interface via which a data line of a sensor system (4) is or can be connected to the microcontroller of the control device (9).

16. The loading or tank trough arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 and at least according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the sensor system (4) of the loading or tank trough arrangement (1) is a component of the lighting module (13).

17. Lighting module (13) for illuminating, in particular selectively or as required, and in particular illuminating, an area of ​​a vehicle component, in particular an area of ​​a loading or tank recess (2), preferably a loading or tank recess arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, or an area of ​​a handle arrangement of a vehicle,wherein the lighting module (13) comprises: - a lamp carrier, in particular in the form of a circuit board, with at least one lamp, preferably in the form of an LED; - a housing in which the lamp carrier with the at least one lamp is at least partially or regionally accommodated, wherein the housing has a light exit region via which light emitted by the at least one lamp can be coupled out of the housing; and - optionally a light distributor that is optically coupled or can be coupled to the light exit region of the housing, characterized in that the lighting module (13) further comprises a control device (9) with a microcontroller, wherein the control device (9) is designed in particular as a central control device (9) of the vehicle component and is designed to control a plurality of functions of the vehicle component. MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC 18. The lighting module (13) according to claim 17, wherein the control device (9) comprises a microcontroller which is designed as a bridge and is configured to connect the vehicle component to a vehicle bus system (12), in particular to a CAN bus of the vehicle bus system (12).

19. The lighting module (13) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the control device (9) of the lighting module (13) is connected via a data line, in particular via a data bus, to a sensor system (4), in particular for detecting a position and / or a state of a cover (3) of the vehicle component designed as a loading or tank recess arrangement (1), and wherein the control device (9) is configured,to control the plurality of functions of the vehicle component, in particular depending on a position detected by the sensor system (4) and / or in particular depending on a state of the cover (3) assigned to the at least one loading or refueling recess (2), detected by the sensor system (4).

20. Lighting module (13) according to one of claims 17 to 19 or according to the preamble of claim 17, characterized in that the lighting module (13) has at least one interface via which a data or control line is or can be connected to the lighting module (13), in particular to the microcontroller of the control device (9) and / or a control device of the vehicle, in order to control a controllable component of the loading or refueling recess arrangement (1), which is preferably connected or can be connected to the loading or refueling recess arrangement (1) separately from the lighting module (13).in particular to control an electromotive actuator (10) and / or a light source of the loading or tank recess arrangement (1) with the aid of the microcontroller of the control device (9) and / or a control device of the vehicle; and / or the lighting module has at least one interface via which a data line of a sensor system (4) is connected to the microcontroller of the, MEISSNER BOLTE A / IAP-202-PC control device (9) and / or a control device of the vehicle is connected or connectable.

Images