DE102017101247A1 - Loading door unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a loading flap unit (10) for closing a loading opening (42) in a body (20) of a vehicle having an electric drive and an electrical energy store, with a loading flap (26) connected between a closed position in which it opens the loading opening (26). 42) and a substantially seamless transition with an outer surface (34) of the body (20) forms, and a release position in which it releases the charging opening (42) for charging the energy storage via a charging socket (16) of the vehicle, is movable wherein the loading flap unit (10) is adapted to move the loading flap (26) in the release position in an inner region below the outer surface (34) of the body (20), and the loading flap unit (10) has a support member (36), and the loading flap (26) is held on the carrier element (36). The invention also relates to a vehicle having an electric drive, an electrical energy store, a body (20) in which a loading opening (42) is formed for loading the vehicle, and a loading flap unit (10) indicated above.

Description

The present invention relates to a loading flap unit for closing a loading opening in a body of a vehicle with an electric drive and an electric energy storage, with a loading flap, which closes between a closed position in which it closes the loading opening and a substantially seamless transition with an outer surface of the body and a release position in which it releases the charging port for charging the energy storage device via a charging socket of the vehicle, wherein the loading flap unit is designed to move the loading flap in the release position into an inner region below the outer surface of the body.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with an electric drive and a body, in which a loading opening is formed for loading the vehicle, with such a loading flap unit.

Such flapper units are typically used to cover a charging socket for charging an electrical energy store in vehicles with an electric drive when the vehicle is not being charged. It is important for aerodynamic reasons, in order to keep energy consumption of the vehicle while driving low, that the tailgate as seamless as possible fits into an outer surface of the body to close the loading opening. For safety reasons, the loading flap is required to protect the charging socket against environmental influences such as rain or even against unauthorized access. In general, it has proven useful to design and arrange the tailgate in the manner of a gas cap to intuitively make the operation of the tailgate in analogy with corresponding vehicles with internal combustion engines can. Also, the tailgates are important for aesthetic reasons to provide the exterior surface of the body with a uniform appearance.

However, it has been found in practice that such tail units have room for improvement in order to easily enable or prevent access to the charging socket of the vehicle through the loading opening and to reliably close the loading opening with the loading door.

In this context is from the DE 10 2011 076 927 A1 It is known to protect the electrical charging interface of an electric vehicle by eg motor-driven additional cover. The motorized cover is closed around the plug or charging cable even when the charging cable is plugged in to provide protection against weather and mechanical damage to the connector during charging. The cover can be locked together with the plug by a central locking.

Based on the above-mentioned prior art, the invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a tailstock unit and a vehicle of the type mentioned above, a simple use of the charging socket of the vehicle and a simple connection of the charging socket with a charging cable or a charging plug of the charging cable enable.

The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

According to the invention, a loading flap unit is thus provided for closing a loading opening in a body of a vehicle having an electric drive and an electrical energy store, with a loading flap which closes between a closed position in which it closes the loading opening and a substantially seamless transition with an outer face of the body and a release position in which it releases the charging port for charging the energy storage device via a charging socket of the vehicle, wherein the loading flap unit is designed to move the loading flap in the release position in an inner region below the outer surface of the body, and the Loading flap unit comprises a support member, and the loading flap is held on the carrier element.

According to the invention is also a vehicle with an electric drive, an electrical energy storage and a body, in which a charging opening is designed for charging the vehicle, said vehicle having a loading flap unit described above.

The basic idea of the present invention is thus to design the loading flap unit in such a way that the loading flap opens into an inner area within the outer surface of the body of the vehicle. The outer surface of the body may also be referred to as the outer skin of the vehicle. In the assembled State of the loading flap unit, thus the loading flap can be at least partially received in the body. The loading flap is moved with the carrier element in order to move the loading flap between the closed position and the release position. By the support element a simple mounting of the loading flap is made possible. In particular, the loading flap can be fitted well to the carrier element, so that the loading flap in the closed position can form a tight seal with the outer skin of the vehicle. This reduces the risk of penetration of foreign bodies or, for example, water, especially rainwater, between the tailgate and the surrounding body. In addition, the air friction when driving, especially at high speeds, is reduced by small gaps. Finally, the small gap dimensions are also advantageous from an aesthetic point of view, since the visual appearance of the vehicle is hardly recognizable by a loading flap, which is fitted with small gaps in the outer skin of the vehicle, and thus does not impair or only slightly affect the visual appearance of the vehicle. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the loading flap is clipped to the carrier element. This allows a simple connection of the tailgate, for example, with the drive.

By moving the loading door in the release position in an inner area below the outer surface of the body, the handling of a charging cable and in particular a charging plug of the charging cable for connection to the charging socket of the vehicle is facilitated since the charging cable can be equally inserted from all sides in the loading port , An obstruction of a charging process by a collision of charging cable and tailgate can be prevented. In addition, the loading flap is protected in the release position from damage. Finally, it is also advantageous from an aesthetic point of view, the optical appearance of the vehicle is not affected by an open tailgate, which protrudes from the outer skin of the body. The tail unit is located in the mounted state within the body of the vehicle, i. below the outer surface of the body. The outer surface of the body relates to parts of the body visible from outside the vehicle, which define the outer shape of the vehicle. The outer skin of the body is made of sheet metal or a composite material, for example.

The vehicle with an electric drive can in principle be any vehicle which has an electrical energy store which can be charged via the charging socket with electrical energy. Such vehicles include purely electrically powered vehicles, commonly referred to as electric vehicles, as well as vehicles that have an electric drive in addition to another drive, such as an internal combustion engine. The latter vehicles are commonly referred to as hybrid vehicles, in particular plug-in hybrid vehicles, whose energy storage can be loaded alternatively or additionally via the charging socket with electrical energy.

The design of the electrical energy storage device can in principle be arbitrary in terms of its nature and storage capacity. In particular, the electrical energy store can be selected and dimensioned depending on a purpose of use of the vehicle, for example, on a desired range to be achieved. The energy store is typically an electrical accumulator which comprises a plurality of interconnected individual cells.

The closing position is achieved by fitting the loading flap from an inner side of the body or vehicle into the loading opening in the outer surface of the body. Accordingly, when transferring from the closed position to the release position, the loading flap is moved inwardly into the body, i. in an inner region below the outer surface of the body, wherein the loading opening is released. The type of movement of the loading flap can be done in principle different ways.

The vehicle is preferably configured such that the loading opening is arranged in a side part thereof. Particularly preferably, the loading opening is arranged in a fender of the vehicle.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading flap unit has a drive unit which is connected to the carrier element, and the drive unit is designed to move the loading flap over the carrier element between the closed position and the release position. In principle, the drive unit can move the loading flap in any desired way between the closed position and the release position. For example, the drive unit can be designed electrically, ie with an electric motor. Also, a combination of different drives in the drive unit is possible, such as electro-hydraulic or electropneumatic. An actuation of the drive unit for moving the loading door between the closed position and the release position can also be done in different ways, for example by an operating button in a seating area of a driver of the vehicle, in an outer area of the body, for example in the vicinity of the loading opening, or via a remote control, for example via a vehicle key. An automatic actuation of the drive unit can also be provided. Thus, for example, after the end of the charging process, ie when the charging plug has been removed from the charging socket, the drive unit automatically spend the loading flap in the closed position. This can be triggered, for example, by opening the driver's door or starting the vehicle.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading flap unit on a slotted guide, with which the support member is feasible to move the tailgate between the closed position and the release position. With the slide guide a basically any movement of the loading flap on the support element can be achieved in a simple manner to move the loading flap between the closed position and the release position, resulting in a high degree of freedom in the design of the loading flap unit and in particular with respect to the movement the loading flap results. For example, the loading flap can be withdrawn when moving into the release position behind the outer skin of the body and moved parallel to it.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading flap unit has a device for adjusting the position of the loading flap relative to the loading opening. The device for adjusting the position of the loading flap can be arranged between the loading flap and the carrier element, that is to say on the loading flap, the carrier element, or therebetween as a separate element. Alternatively, the carrier element may be adjustable relative to the loading opening, and the loading flap is fixedly connected to the carrier element. By adjusting the tailgate can be fitted in the closed position exactly in the loading opening, so that only small gaps between the outer skin of the body and the tailgate are required.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading flap unit has a sealing element which seals the loading flap with the outer surface of the body in the closed position. The sealing element is preferably designed as a soft component. The soft component is preferably elastically or plastically deformable to seal the tailgate with the exterior surface of the body. The sealing element can be made in one piece or in several parts. The attachment of the sealing element is preferably carried out on the loading flap and / or on the outer skin of the body, in each case in the region between the loading flap and the loading opening. Alternatively, the sealing can also take place between the carrier element and the housing cover, so that the complete module is sealed in itself independently of the rest of the body.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading flap unit on a charging tray, which has a recess for the attachment of the charging socket of the vehicle. Thus, a simple connection of charging socket and tail unit can be done. For example, in this way the charging socket can be positioned relative to the loading flap unit. This results in the assembled state of the loading flap unit automatically a desired positioning of the charging socket relative to the loading opening in the outer surface of the body. The charging tray is preferably mounted from an inner side to the body. Furthermore, the charging tray can be designed for screw mounting to the body. The loading flap unit preferably has a holder with which the loading tray can be mounted on the body.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading flap unit on a charging cup lid, which forms a housing with the charging shell, wherein the charging cup cover has a recess for the loading flap, and the loading flap is at least partially received in the release position in the housing. Thus, a closed unit is formed by the charging cradle and the charging cup lid, resulting in a good protection in particular of the charging socket and the loading door in the release position. The charging cup lid can be designed for mounting on the body, or the charging cup lid is held on the charging cradle.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading flap unit on sealing means to seal a space formed in the housing relative to the body and the charging socket. The sealant seals the housing, which ensures the function of the charging socket, even with a lasting influence of bad weather conditions. Additional sealing means may be provided to effect sealing of other components of the tail unit, such as the charging cradle and the cradle cover.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading flap unit is designed as a whole assembly for common assembly in the vehicle. Thus, the assembly of the tailgate unit simplified and accelerated. An exchange in the event of damage can be accelerated compared to a use of individual components.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred embodiments.

• 1: eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Ladeklappeneinheit gemäß einer ersten, bevorzugten Ausführungsform,
• 2: eine Schnittansicht eines Teilbereichs der Ladeklappeneinheit in Übereinstimmung mit 1 im Bereich der Ladeklappe,
• 3: eine perspektivische Ansicht der Ladeklappeneinheit in Übereinstimmung mit 1 ohne Ladeschalendeckel,
• 4: eine Ansicht eines Teilbereichs der Ladeklappeneinheit in Übereinstimmung mit 1 im Bereich der Ladeklappe von einer Karosserieinnenseite, und
• 5: eine dreiteilige Ansicht der Ladeklappeneinheit in Übereinstimmung mit 1 in der Schließposition, einer Zwischenposition und der Freigabeposition.

Show it

• 1 FIG. 2: a perspective view of a tailstock unit according to the invention according to a first, preferred embodiment, FIG.
• 2 FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a portion of the tail unit in accordance with FIG 1 in the area of the loading flap,
• 3 a perspective view of the tail unit in accordance with 1 without charging cup lid,
• 4 a view of a portion of the tail unit in accordance with 1 in the area of the tailgate of a body inside, and
• 5 a three-part view of the tail unit in accordance with 1 in the closed position, an intermediate position and the release position.

The 1 to 4 show a loading flap unit according to the invention 10 according to a first, preferred embodiment of the invention. The loading flap unit 10 Overall, it is designed as an assembly for common assembly.

The loading flap unit 10 includes a charging cradle 12 that has a recess 14 for attaching a charging socket 16 of the vehicle. The charging cradle 12 is for screw mounting with a holder 18 on a body 20 a vehicle not shown in its entirety. The charging cradle 12 is with the holder 18 from an inner side of the body 20 mounted on this.

The loading flap unit 10 has a charging cup lid 22 on that with the charging cradle 12 forms a housing. The charging cup lid 22 has a recess 24 for carrying out a loading flap 26 , The charging cup lid 22 in this embodiment is on the charging cradle 12 held and supported on the bodywork 20 of the vehicle.

The loading flap unit 10 includes sealant 28 that form a free space formed in the housing 30 opposite the body 20 and the charging socket 16 caulk. The tailgate 26 is also with a designed as a circumferential sealing ring sealing element 32 executed, which is a seal of the tailgate 26 against the body 20 of the vehicle causes. The sealing element 32 is designed as a soft component that is elastically or plastically deformable to the tailgate 26 with an outer surface 34 the body 20 seal.

The loading flap unit 10 comprises a carrier element 36 on which the tailgate 26 is held. The tailgate 26 is with the carrier element 36 cloned in a manner not explicitly shown.

The loading flap unit 10 further comprises a drive unit 38 connected to the carrier element 36 with the tailgate 26 connected is. The drive unit 38 is executed, the support element 36 with the tailgate 26 to move between a closed position and a release position. For adjusting a position of the loading flap 26 in the outer surface 34 the body 20 is the carrier element 36 with the loading flap 26 relative to the outer surface 34 slidably mounted.

The drive unit 38 is performed electrically in this embodiment, ie with an electric motor not explicitly shown here. The tailgate 26 is from the drive unit 38 with a slide tour 40 feasible between the closed position and the release position.

5 shows the loading flap unit 10 in the body 20 of the vehicle in a built-in state. The vehicle has an electric drive and is designed with an electrical energy storage. Both are not explicitly shown in the figures. The electrical energy storage of the vehicle is charged via the charging socket 16 with electrical energy. A loading opening 42 for insertion and connection of a charging cable is in this embodiment in a side part of the body 20 of the vehicle, specifically a fender of the vehicle arranged.

In 5 is the movement of the tailgate 26 between the closed position, in the left drawing of the 5 is shown, and the release position, in the right drawing of the 5 is shown, can be seen. In addition, the tailgate 26 in an intermediate position between the closed position and the release position in the middle drawing of 5 shown.

As in detail in 5 is shown closes the tailgate 26 the loading flap unit 10 the loading opening 42 in the body 20 of the vehicle in the closed position. This forms the tailgate 26 a substantially seamless transition with the outer surface 34 the body 20 , The sealing element seals 32 the tailgate 26 with the outer surface 34 the body 20 from.

To improve the seal includes the tail unit 10 a device not shown separately for adjusting the position of the loading door 26 relative to the loading opening 42 , The device for adjusting the position of the loading flap 26 is in this embodiment between the loading door 26 and the carrier element 36 So at the tailgate 26 , the carrier element 36 , or arranged therebetween as a separate element. By adjusting is the tailgate 26 in the closed position exactly in the loading opening 42 fitted.

From the closed position is the tailgate 26 on the carrier element 36 from the drive unit 38 moved over the intermediate position in the release position. The drive is made by the drive unit 38 , where the movement of the tailgate 26 on the carrier element 36 through the slide tour 40 to be led. In the release position is the tailgate 26 the loading opening 42 for charging the energy storage via the charging socket 16 of the vehicle free.

At the transition of the loading flap 26 in the release position, this is on the support element 36 in an inner area below the outer surface 34 the body 20 emotional. In this embodiment, the tailgate 26 completely received in the release position in the housing. Accordingly, the tailgate 26 on the carrier element 36 from the closed position to the release position inwards into the body 20 moved in and parallel to the outer surface 34 postponed. This will cause the tailgate 26 in an inner area in the housing and below the outer surface 34 the body 20 spent.

From the release position is the tailgate 26 on the carrier element 36 moved in the closed position in the opposite direction. The closing position is achieved by the loading flap 26 from the inside of the body 20 in the outer surface 34 the body 20 is fitted.

The loading flap unit 10 is in the assembled state inside the body 20 of the vehicle, ie below the outer surface 34 the body 20 as in the view in 2 is recognizable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Loading door unit 10 charging cradle 12 Recess (charging cradle) 14 charging socket 16 holder 18 body 20 Charging cradle cap 22 Recess (charging cup lid) 24 tailboard 26 sealant 28 free space 30 sealing element 32 outer surface 34 support element 36 drive unit 38 link guide 40 loading port 42

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102011076927 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Loading flap unit (10) for closing a loading opening (42) in a body (20) of a vehicle with an electric drive and an electrical energy storage, with a loading flap (26) which closes between a closed position in which it closes the loading opening (42) and a substantially seamless transition with an outer surface (34) of the body (20) forms, and a release position in which it releases the charging opening (42) for charging the energy storage via a charging socket (16) of the vehicle is movable, wherein the loading flap unit (10) is designed to move the loading flap (26) in the release position into an inner region below the outer surface (34) of the body (20), characterized in that the loading flap unit (10) has a carrier element (36), and Loading flap (26) is held on the support element (36). Tailgate unit (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the loading flap unit (10) comprises a drive unit (38) which is connected to the carrier element (36), and the drive unit (38) is executed, the loading flap (26) via the carrier element (36) between the closed position and the release position to move. Loading flap unit (10) according to one of Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the loading flap unit (10) has a slotted guide (40), with which the carrier element (36) is feasible to move the loading flap (26) between the closed position and the release position. Loading flap unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading flap unit (10) has a device for adjusting the position of the loading flap (26) relative to the loading opening (42). Loading flap unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading flap unit (10) has a sealing element (32) which seals in the closed position, the loading flap (26) with the outer surface (34) of the body (20). Loading flap unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading flap unit (10) has a charging tray (12) having a recess (14) for attachment of the charging socket (16) of the vehicle. Tailgate unit (10) after Claim 6 , characterized in that the loading flap unit (10) has a loading shell cover (22) which forms a housing with the charging shell (12), wherein the charging shell cover (22) has a recess (24) for the loading flap (26), and the loading flap (26) is at least partially received in the release position in the housing. Tailgate unit (10) after Claim 7 , characterized in that the loading flap unit (10) sealing means (28) to seal a space formed in the housing (30) relative to the body (20) and the charging socket (16). Loading flap unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading flap unit (10) as a whole is designed as an assembly for common assembly in the vehicle. Vehicle having an electric drive, an electrical energy store and a body (20), in which a loading opening (42) is formed for loading the vehicle, characterized in that the vehicle has a loading flap unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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