Outer skin arrangement for an electrically drivable motor vehicle, and motor vehicle having an outer skin arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to an outer skin arrangement (1) for an electrically drivable motor vehicle, having a charging socket housing and a cover element (2) that can be moved between a closed position closing the charging socket (4) and an open position releasing the charging socket (4) and which, in the closed position, forms the outer skin of the motor vehicle with an outer side of the motor vehicle in the region of the cover element (2), and having a component of the motor vehicle forming the outer skin of the motor vehicle. The outer skin arrangement (1) is characterised in that the cover element (2) is designed as part of the component of the motor vehicle forming the outer skin of the motor vehicle. The invention also relates to an electrically drivable motor vehicle having such an outer skin arrangement (1).

Description

[0001] 23-3522 PIF

[0002] 1

[0003] Exterior skin arrangement for an electrically powered motor vehicle and motor vehicles with exterior skin arrangement

[0004] The invention relates to an outer skin assembly for an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a charging socket housing and a cover element which is movable between a closed position that closes the charging socket and an open position that releases the charging socket, and which, in the closed position, forms the outer skin of the motor vehicle with an outer surface in the area of ​​the cover element, and with a component of the motor vehicle forming the outer skin of the motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with such an outer skin assembly.

[0005] DE 102017 101 247 A1 discloses a charging flap unit for closing a charging opening in the body of a vehicle with an electric drive and an electric energy storage device, with a charging flap that is movable between a closed position in which it closes the charging opening and forms an essentially seamless transition with an outer surface of the body, and a release position in which it releases the charging opening for charging the energy storage device via a charging socket of the vehicle, wherein the charging flap unit is designed to move the charging flap towards the release position into an inner area below the outer surface or outer skin of the body.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing an outer skin arrangement for a motor vehicle by means of which the motor vehicle can be loaded particularly easily or particularly conveniently, as well as a motor vehicle with such an outer skin arrangement.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments or embodiments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0008] The invention is based on the problem that when charging today's electrically powered motor vehicles, a cover element of a charging socket device in the open 23-3522 PIF

[0009] 2

[0010] The cover may protrude outwards, thus obstructing the insertion of a charging plug or cable into the vehicle. In the worst-case scenario, the cover of the charging socket could be accidentally torn off by the charging cable or plug while the vehicle is charging.

[0011] A first aspect of the invention relates to an outer skin assembly for an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a charging socket housing and a cover element which is movable between a closed position that closes the charging socket and an open position that releases the charging socket, and which, in the closed position, forms the outer skin of the motor vehicle with an outer surface of the motor vehicle in the area of ​​the cover element, and with a component of the motor vehicle forming the outer skin of the motor vehicle. The outer skin assembly is characterized in that the cover element is designed as part of the component of the motor vehicle forming the outer skin of the motor vehicle. In other words, the outer skin assembly is to include a charging socket which can be opened for charging the motor vehicle and, for example, closed again after charging, wherein a cover element provided for this purpose is designed as part of a component forming the outer skin of the motor vehicle.This offers the advantage that no separate or specially designed recess needs to be cut into the outer skin of a vehicle body for the charging socket, since the cover element closing the charging socket is designed as part of a component that is separate from the outer surface of the vehicle body and is arranged as part of the vehicle's outer skin. The term "cover element" or "charging socket" as part of the component means that the cover element and / or the charging socket can be enclosed by the component or be designed separately from the component and are configured to be arranged, in particular, directly adjacent to the component, for example, in a recess in the vehicle body, together with the component, or next to the component.In both versions, the charging socket and / or the cover element can support the component in its function.

[0012] The charging socket is a socket, in particular a female plug, for establishing a connection with a plug for electrically charging the motor vehicle, or is designed to accommodate such a socket, in particular by means of the charging socket housing. In the open position, the socket or the female plug is accessible, and in the closed position, the charging socket is sealed from the environment. 23-3522 PIF

[0013] 3

[0014] The term "outer skin" refers to a surface forming the outer surface of a motor vehicle, which can include an outer side or the side facing the environment of the body, as well as components arranged in recesses of the body, particularly their outward-facing surfaces. Such a component could be, for example, a pillar trim, i.e., a cover that conceals an A, B, C, or D pillar on the exterior. Another example would be a front grille, such as the kidney grille on BMW vehicles.

[0015] A further development of the outer casing design provides that the cover element is linearly displaceable. Specifically, it is designed so that the cover element can only be displaced linearly or translationally, i.e., by a straight-line movement, in order to move or reposition the cover element from the open position to the closed position and back again. This offers the advantage of significantly reducing the manufacturing effort required for the outer casing design, as it allows for a particularly simple locking mechanism for opening and closing the charging port, i.e., for moving the cover element from the closed position to the open position and back, especially since the cover element does not need to perform any rotational and / or transverse movement to open and close.Because the locking mechanism of the outer skin assembly requires a particularly simple mechanism—that is, a mechanism that only allows linear or translational movement of the cover element—the advantage arises that the locking mechanism of the outer skin assembly can be designed to be particularly robust. Robust in this context means that the locking mechanism or its mechanism can be particularly wear-resistant or resistant to contamination.

[0016] A further development of the outer skin arrangement provides that the cover element, when open, can be at least partially concealed beneath a body component forming the outer skin. In other words, the cover element, when open, should not be visible from the outside, i.e., from its surroundings, and, in particular, should not protrude from the outer skin of the vehicle when the outer skin arrangement is installed. This offers the advantage that the cover element is protected during charging and thus cannot be accidentally torn off or broken, for example, by a charging plug inserted into the charging socket or the associated charging cable. 23-3522 PIF

[0017] 4. The charging socket, and in particular the cover element in the closed position, can partially abut the component and partially abut a body component, i.e., a part of the vehicle's body, especially one forming the outer skin. In the closed position, the cover element can be offset to the rear, i.e., towards the interior of the vehicle, so that when the cover element is moved from the closed position to the open position, it can be moved behind the vehicle's outer skin, in particular behind a body component, so that the cover element in the open position is at least partially concealed behind the body component and / or the vehicle body and / or the outer skin.Partially means that the cover element in the open position may be partially located behind the body component and another part of the cover element may protrude or extend into an opening of the charging socket that is now accessible in the open position, but without obstructing access to the socket or the female connector.

[0018] A further development of the outer skin arrangement provides that the component is designed as a lighting unit for the vehicle. The lighting unit can be, for example, a rear light or a headlight. Particularly in the closed position, the cover element can form part of an outer surface or an externally visible surface of the lighting unit. When installed on the vehicle, this outer surface of the lighting unit forms part of the vehicle's outer skin. For example, the cover element on the lighting unit can be arranged such that, when installed, it abuts the body component behind which it is to be moved from the closed to the open position.This offers the advantage that an opening already provided in the bodywork for the lighting unit can be used for the charging socket. The lighting unit can be made smaller if the charging socket is designed separately from the lighting unit, or it can be mounted together with the lighting unit in the recess if the charging socket is enclosed within the lighting unit. Overall, the installation effort for the charging socket on the vehicle can be significantly reduced.

[0019] A further development of the outer skin arrangement provides that the cover element, particularly when designed as part of the lighting unit, is at least partially designed as a light-reflecting reflector. In other words, the cover element should be designed as a reflector on its side that is visible from the outside or facing the environment when closed. Rear lights, in particular, can be 23-3522 PIF.

[0020] 5. Partially incorporate reflectors. If an outer surface of the cover element is reflective, i.e., reflects light, particularly light in the visible range, the cover element can advantageously support a function of the lighting unit, especially the rear light, or advantageously support or ensure it in the closed position, particularly while the vehicle is in motion.

[0021] In the context of the invention, the design of the lid element as part of a component means that the lid element supports or ensures a function of the component, particularly in its closed position.

[0022] A further development of the outer casing design provides that the cover element is at least partially translucent and that a lighting device is arranged within the charging socket housing. In other words, the lighting device, for example comprising several lights with light sources, can be arranged within the charging housing, for instance around the female connector. Light emitted or radiated by the lighting device should be able to pass through the cover element, and thus be visible from the outside, particularly when the cover element is closed. The lighting device should preferably emit or radiate light perceptible to the human eye, and the cover element should be designed to allow perceptible light to pass through, i.e., be transparent to such light.

[0023] Particularly when the component is designed as a lighting unit, the advantage arises that the charging socket and / or the cover element can support a function of the component, especially the lighting unit. Specifically, it is provided that the lighting device in the charging socket housing can be electrically connected to the vehicle's lighting unit, so that, for example, when the lighting unit is switched on and / or energized, the lighting device is also switched on and / or energized, and the light emitted in this process can pass through the cover element or radiate outwards.

[0024] A further development of the outer skin design provides that the cover element is at least partially designed as a display. For this purpose, the cover element can, for example, have a display layer which is particularly visible from the outside when closed. The display can serve as a display and 23-3522 PIF

[0025] 6

[0026] The control element can be designed as a control element, for example, a touch-sensitive display surface or layer, through which image data can be displayed and user input can be received or recorded, for example, via a user's touch. The display offers the advantage of supporting a function of the component; for example, if the component is designed as a lighting unit, the display, if electrically connected to the lighting unit, can illuminate along with the unit when it is activated or switched on, thus emitting light. Additionally, it offers the advantage of displaying information to the user in the form of image data that is visible from outside the vehicle, eliminating the need for the user to enter the vehicle to access this information.For example, if the user approaches a parked motor vehicle and / or touches the display, the display can show him the charging status of the motor vehicle, in particular of an energy storage device for a traction motor of the motor vehicle, so that he can decide, advantageously without opening the vehicle or getting into it, whether he needs to charge the motor vehicle, in particular the energy storage device of the motor vehicle.

[0027] A further development of the outer casing design provides for a seal on the component, particularly the lighting unit, by means of which the cover element seals against the component in the closed position. In other words, when the cover element is in the closed position, the charging socket should be sealed against dirt, dust, water, and / or air from the vehicle's environment. This offers the advantage that the charging socket is not damaged by environmental influences such as rain or subjected to a short circuit. When the cover element is open, the resulting opening to the charging socket can be partially bounded by the component, such as the lighting unit, and partially by the body panel.The seal can be designed as a seal known from the prior art for operable sliding windows, such as side windows or sliding windows oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle, i.e., side windows oriented perpendicular to the vehicle's transverse direction. Additionally or alternatively, the seal can be designed as a rubber seal or rubber lip circumferentially around an edge delimiting the opening. The edge can represent a part or partial area of ​​the body part and / or component. 23-3522 PIF.

[0028] 7

[0029] A further development of the outer skin assembly provides that the outer skin assembly includes a locking device for, in particular linearly, moving the cover element, which comprises a scissor mechanism and / or a Bowden cable mechanism. In other words, a locking device such as those known from the prior art for window regulators of sliding windows of motor vehicles, in particular motor vehicle side windows, can be provided for opening and closing, i.e., moving the cover element from the open position to the closed position and back. Analogous to the known window regulators, the locking device for moving, or in particular linearly, the cover element can be electrically operated, i.e., for example, by an electric motor.This offers the advantage that the manufacturing effort for the outer skin assembly can be kept particularly low if familiar solutions such as the window regulator mechanism can be used. For linear movement or guidance of the cover element, the locking device can have a guide or guide rails on the component and / or on a body component adjacent to the charging socket. Additionally, the locking device can be configured to provide an emergency opening function to manually move the cover element from the closed to the open position.

[0030] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with an outer skin arrangement, particularly according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous developments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous developments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0031] The electrically powered motor vehicle is designed in particular as an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, comprising an electrical energy storage device for providing electrical energy to an electrically operated traction motor of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the electrically powered motor vehicle can be designed as an electrically operated two-wheeler or motorcycle.

[0032] Further features of the invention will become apparent 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 in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0033] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show:

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0035] Outer skin arrangement with charging socket as part of a lighting unit with a lid element in a closed position;

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0037] Outer skin arrangement with charging socket with an outer surface of a cover element designed as a reflector in a closed position;

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0039] Outer skin arrangement with charging socket with a lid element indicated behind an outer skin in an open position;

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0041] Outer skin assembly with charging socket with lid element in its closed position and a locking device having a scissor mechanism for moving the lid element;

[0042] Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0043] Outer skin assembly with charging socket with lid element and a locking device having a Bowden cable mechanism for moving the lid element;

[0044] Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0045] Outer skin arrangement with a cutting direction A for the sectional view in Fig. 7;

[0046] Fig. 7 schematic sectional view of the imagined [structure] shown in Fig. 6

[0047] Section through the outer skin arrangement according to the invention; 23-3522 PIF

[0048] 9

[0049] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0050] Outer skin arrangement with charging socket with a translucent lid element in its closed position;

[0051] Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0052] Outer skin arrangement with charging socket and a lid element designed as a display;

[0053] Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0054] Outer skin arrangement with charging socket with a lid element designed as a display for showing charging information;

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an outer skin assembly 1 with a charging socket 4, which is closed by its cover element 2. In other words, the cover element 2 is in a closed position in which the charging socket 4 can be closed. The charging socket 4 and the cover element 2 in its closed position can be designed or arranged, as shown in Fig. 1, in the area of ​​or as part of a lighting unit 3, in particular a rear light. In other words, the charging socket 4 and, in particular, the cover element 2 can be at least partially encompassed by the rear light as a lighting unit 3 or component, or designed separately from the rear light and arranged or formed adjacent to the rear light in a recess in the outer skin of the vehicle. The cover element 2 can have a matte black, opaque surface facing the environment or visible from outside the vehicle.Alternatively, the externally visible surface or outer side of the cover element 2 can be made of chrome or have a chrome-colored coating. As shown in Fig. 1, the cover element 2 can be arranged in its closed position at a rear bend of the taillight. Alternatively, if the charging socket is designed separately from the taillight, the cover element 2 can be arranged in its closed position in a recess in the outer skin provided for the taillight. "Rear bend" refers to an area of ​​the taillight or an area of ​​the recess in the outer skin provided for the taillight in which the taillight is bent from one rear side to one side of the vehicle. 23-3522 PIF.

[0056] 10

[0057] As shown in Fig. 1, the charging socket 4 or the cover element 2 of the charging socket 4 can be completely enclosed by the component, here by the lighting unit 3 designed as a rear light, or alternatively only partially enclosed by the component. For example, in the closed position, the cover element 2 can be partially enclosed by the rear light and partially by a body component or the body of the motor vehicle.

[0058] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an outer skin arrangement 1 according to the invention with a charging socket 4 and an outer surface of the cover element 2 designed as a reflector 6, wherein the cover element 2 is in a closed position. In the closed position of the cover element 2, a socket 9, in particular a plug socket or a female plug, may be enclosed or provided by a charging socket housing of the charging socket 4 and be inaccessible. In other words, in the closed position, no charging plug can be inserted into the socket 9 to charge an energy storage device of the motor vehicle. Reflector 6 here means that the outer surface of the cover element 2, i.e., a side of the cover element 2 visible from the outside in the closed position, is designed to be at least partially light-reflecting. As shown in Fig.As shown in Fig. 2, the cover element 2, even if designed separately from the rear light or component, supports the component in its function. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the outer surface of the cover element 2 can be designed as a reflector 6, which would otherwise be encompassed by the rear light or in the absence of a charging socket 4.

[0059] Alternatively, a recess in the outer skin or body of the motor vehicle, in which the rear light is to be arranged, can be enlarged so that the charging socket 4 and / or the cover element 2, which is designed separately from the rear light or the component, can be arranged adjacent to the component in the recess.

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an outer skin arrangement 1 according to the invention with a charging socket 4 and a cover element 2 in an open position. In the open position, a charging port or the socket 9 can be exposed, or the charging socket can be connected to a charging plug to establish a connection between the charging plug and the socket 9. As shown in Fig. 3, the cover element 2, starting from the closed position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, can be displaced linearly or translationally along a linear displacement path 5 for the open position, indicated downwards in Fig. 3 by the 23-3522 PIF.

[0061] 11 dashed lines. This allows access to the charging socket 4, in particular the socket 9, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0062] Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the outer skin assembly 1 with charging socket 4, cover element 2, and a locking device 7 for sliding the cover element 2. The locking device 7 can, as shown in Fig. 4, be a scissor mechanism known from the prior art for window lifting devices. By means of the locking device 7, or by means of the scissor mechanism, the cover element 2 can be linearly displaced along the displacement path 5 shown in Fig. 4.

[0063] As an alternative to the scissor mechanism, the locking device 7 can have a Bowden cable system known for window lifting devices, by means of which the cover element of the outer skin assembly 1 can be linearly displaced along the displacement path 5. The dashed line in Fig. 5 is intended to indicate that the cover element 2 is partially displaced along the displacement path 5.

[0064] Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the outer skin arrangement 1 with the section direction A indicated for the sectional view in Fig. 7.

[0065] Fig. 7 shows a schematic sectional view of the imaginary section through the outer skin assembly 1 shown in Fig. 6. For the sectional view in Fig. 7, the outer skin assembly 1 can be imaginarily cut in the transverse direction of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 7, the cover element 2 can be offset inwards in the closed position, particularly towards the interior of the vehicle. This allows the cover element 2 to be displaced along its linear displacement path 5 when moved into the open position or in the open position behind a body component 8 forming the outer skin of the vehicle. By moving the cover element 2 along its linear displacement path 5 towards the open position, the cover element 2 can be at least partially concealed behind the body component 8 in the open position, and thus not visible from the outside.The displaced or relocated cover element 2 in the open position, starting from the closed position, is indicated in Fig. 7 by the dashed contour of the cover element 2 in the open position.

[0066] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the outer skin arrangement 1 with charging socket 4, arranged in the area of ​​a lighting unit 3 as a component, in particular 23-3522 PIF.

[0067] 12 of a rear light of the motor vehicle. As shown in Fig. 8, the cover element can be translucent. Thus, for example, the charging socket 4 arranged behind the cover element 2, with the socket 9, in particular the female connector, can be visible from the outside. A lighting device can be arranged in the housing of the charging socket 4, in particular in the charging socket 4 and around the socket 9. The lighting device can be electrically connected to the lighting unit 3 or the rear light, so that when the lighting unit 3 is switched on or operated, the lighting device arranged in the charging socket 4 can be operated, activated and / or operated. This has the advantage that the charging socket 4, in particular in conjunction with its cover element 2, can support a function of the component, here the lighting unit 3 or the rear light.For this purpose, the charging socket 4 can be designed and / or arranged separately or as part of the component or the lighting unit 3.

[0068] Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an outer skin assembly 1 with a charging socket 4 and a cover element 2 designed as a display 10. In other words, the cover element 2 can be designed entirely as a display 10 or have a display layer on its outer surface. This offers the advantage that, when the cover element 2 is closed, image data visible from the outside can be displayed or output to a user. For example, the display 10 can support a function of the component, such as when the display 10 is connected to the light unit 3 shown in Fig. 9, which is designed as a rear light. The display 10 can, in particular, be designed as a display and control device and receive user input. For example, the user can switch between different display modes via user input.For example, the permissible remaining parking time can be displayed on the display 10 located on the outside of the cover element 2 when the vehicle is parked. To check the remaining parking time, a user does not need to get into the vehicle, but can view it from outside on the display 10.

[0069] Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of the outer shell assembly 1 with charging socket 4 and a cover element 2 designed as a display 10 for showing charging information. If at least one outer surface of the cover element 2 has a display, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, at least one or more charging information messages can be displayed to a user on the display 10. 23-3522 PIF

[0070] 13

[0071] If the display 10 is designed as a display and control unit, this charging information can be shown, for example, when the user touches the display layer or surface of the display 10. The charging information can, for example, show the state of charge and / or the remaining charging time until a fully charged energy storage device is installed in the vehicle, as well as a currently estimated range based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device. Additionally or alternatively, the cover element 2 can be switchable and thus made, for example, of glass, polymethyl methacrylate (available under the name Plexiglas®), and / or another translucent plastic, to name just a few examples.Enclosed by, or arranged within, the cover element 2, a switchable film can be provided which, for example, when energized (i.e., when the cover element 2 has an electrical connection to a power supply), can be switched between transparent and opaque. This mechanism is known for sunroofs or for vehicle windows that can be switched between transparent and opaque. Such switchable glass is also referred to as "dimming glass" in English.

[0072] A particularly preferred embodiment is described below.

[0073] The idea behind this is to benchmark and / or achieve design targets for motor vehicles. Known charging port systems or charging sockets 4 feature rotary and / or sliding kinematics. Sliding kinematics are known for side window mechanisms or window lifting devices, for example, for opening and closing side windows. The following problems can exist with known charging port systems or charging sockets for motor vehicles. Some or all known (rotary) / sliding kinematics for charging sockets 4 with a cover element 2 on motor vehicles require an additional lifting movement to move the charging port, which can also be referred to as the cover element 2, behind the vehicle's outer skin, which can also be referred to as the outer skin, when open, since the goal is to bring the charging port flush with the vehicle's outer skin when closed.Some or all known (rotary) / sliding kinematics exhibit very or particularly complex kinematics or mechanisms that were completely newly developed for these or the respective application and sometimes entail or bring with them not insignificant functional risks.

[0074] The idea shown here describes the application of known, robust side panel kinematics, for example for the linear displacement of the cover element 2 23-3522 PIF

[0075] 14 from the open position to the closed position and back. The new charging access point or charging socket 4 is integrated into the overall vehicle design in the area of ​​the rear light as a lighting unit 3 or component. To implement this, the rear light is extended on one side of the vehicle, i.e., a side extending perpendicular to a transverse direction of the vehicle, in the direction of travel or forward travel of the vehicle, which can also be referred to as a motor vehicle. In other words, a recess in the outer skin can be enlarged for this purpose. The charging port, which can also be referred to as charging socket 4, is located in this extended area and is made accessible by a movable element, which can also be referred to as a cover element 2. An opening movement or a shifting of the charging flap takes place behind the vehicle's outer skin, in this example the bumper, thereby assuming the open position.The closed position, or locking position, seals charging port 4 or socket 9 of charging port 4, protecting it from unauthorized access and the elements. The movement of the charging flap is characterized by its purely linear motion, for example, electrically driven, similar to a movable side window of a car. This purely linear movement distinguishes the concept from the prior art, as conventional systems with linear motion incorporate an additional stroke towards the vehicle interior, for example, towards the interior of the vehicle during the opening movement or towards the vehicle's surroundings during the closing movement.

[0076] The loading flap's design is characterized by its integration into the overall appearance of the taillight or the vehicle's exterior. This can be achieved through a purely visual surface, or additionally or alternatively through a functional surface, such as a reflector 6. The loading flap or locking mechanism 7 can be operated, for example, by a standard electrically driven window regulator mechanism, preferably with a cable or Bowden cable system and / or a scissor mechanism. As with a window regulator, anti-theft protection (protection against unauthorized access) is not required, since the loading flap incorporates an emergency operating function (manual opening or closing in case of drive failure).

[0077] For the rear light as a lighting device 3 or component, a new rear light design may be required. A design adjustment in the stroke may be necessary to achieve a visual appearance of the loading flap similar to that of 23-3522 PIF.

[0078] 15

[0079] To achieve a side window (for example, the loading flap is recessed in the Y-direction or transverse direction of the vehicle, i.e., towards the vehicle interior). The taillight, in particular the rear wrap-around element running in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is visually extended in the direction of travel by the loading flap. A lateral guide, for example in the bumper as a body component 8, can be provided for or encompassed by the locking mechanism. A guide and an actuator, such as an electric motor, can be integrated into the bumper to accommodate the locking mechanism 7 or the loading flap kinematics. The loading flap can be designed as a single-piece loading flap, comparable to a side window. The loading flap can be made of plastic and / or glass. In this case, a seal to the interior of the vehicle may not be necessary.A new sealing concept in the closed state of the charging flap to protect the plug face or a socket 9 of the charging socket 4 may be required (possibly concept adoption or synergy concept from side window possible).

[0080] Additionally or alternatively, the charging port can be integrated into the front of a vehicle, for example, the kidney grille on BMW vehicles, or into the side of a vehicle, for example, into a C and / or D-pillar trim panel. The charging port can be designed as a backlit, translucent, or light-transmitting charging port, for example, with a light source in the charging port 4; as a display-enabled charging port, i.e., with a display on the outside of the charging port, for example, with a so-called "phygital icon" or a head-up display; and / or as a switchable or dimmable charging port, as is known, for example, from glass roofs in motor vehicles.

[0081] The new charging flap shown here offers several advantages, either individually or as a whole. There is a particularly low risk of damage, as the open charging flap or the cover element 2 is not accessible. Furthermore, a complex but well-established kinematic mechanism, for example for the locking device 7, can be used. There is only a moderate risk of failure due to snow, ice, or contamination, for example of the charging port 4, due to the seal. When open, the charging flap is concealed and therefore not visible from the outside. The charging flap, especially its outer surface, must be free of waviness and / or color variations (visible surface). No legible or visible gap or lack of flushness can be detected, for example between the charging port 4 or the cover element 2 in the 23-3522 PIF.

[0082] 16

[0083] locking position and a body component 8 or the rear light or the lighting unit 3 or the component.

[0084] -3522 PIF

[0085] 17

[0086] Reference symbol list

[0087] Outer skin arrangement

[0088] Cover element

[0089] Lighting unit

[0090] Charging socket linear displacement

[0091] reflector

[0092] Locking device

[0093] Body component

[0094] Power outlet /

[0095] Display

Claims

23-3522 PIF 18 Patent claims 1. Outer skin arrangement (1) for an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a charging socket housing and a cover element (2) which is displaceable between a closed position closing the charging socket (4) and an open position releasing the charging socket (4) and which, in the closed position, forms the outer skin of the motor vehicle with an outer surface of the motor vehicle in the area of ​​the cover element (2), and with a component of the motor vehicle forming the outer skin of the motor vehicle, characterized in that the cover element (2) is designed as part of the component of the motor vehicle forming the outer skin of the motor vehicle.

2. Outer skin arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover element (2) is linearly displaceable.

3. Outer skin arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (2) can be arranged in the open position at least partially concealed under a body component (8) forming the outer skin.

4. Outer skin arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component is designed as a lighting unit (3) of the motor vehicle.

5. Outer skin arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (2), in particular designed as part of the lighting unit (3), is at least partially designed as a light-reflecting reflector (6).

6. Outer skin arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 23-3522 PIF 19 the cover element (2), in particular designed as part of the lighting unit (3), is at least partially transparent and a lighting device is arranged in the charging socket housing.

7. Outer skin arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (2) is at least partially designed as a display (10).

8. Outer skin arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a seal is arranged on the component, in particular the lighting unit (3), by means of which the cover element (2) is sealed against the component in the closed position.

9. Outer skin arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer skin arrangement (1) has a locking device (7) for, in particular linear, displacing the cover element (2), which has a scissor mechanism and / or a Bowden cable mechanism.

10. Electrically powered motor vehicle with an outer skin arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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