DE102019127246A1 - CHARGING OR FUEL TUB - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a loading or tank recess (1) for insertion into a body opening of a motor vehicle, the loading or tank recess (1) having a recess body (2) with an inner recess area (3) which surrounds a through opening (18). A first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4), assigned in particular to an opening and / or locking mechanism, is provided in the trough body (2) for detecting an opening state or a position of a closing flap (17) which, if necessary, covers the loading or fuel trough (1) especially integrated. Furthermore, at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) for controlling at least one function relating to a charging or refueling process or a light source (14) is provided and in particular integrated in the trough body (2). Finally, a cover (6) is provided which is set up to dust the first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4) and / or the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) or the light source (14) to the outside - and to be covered waterproof.

Description

The present invention relates to a loading or tank recess for insertion into a body opening of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is in particular a vehicle with a hybrid or an electric drive.

Vehicles with a hybrid or electric drive have at least one battery or a traction battery which, for example, in PHEV vehicles (PHEV = Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) or in BEV vehicles (BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle) instructs from the outside the vehicle body accessible electrical charging connection, which is usually a charging socket, can be charged by connecting, for example, to an electrical charging station or a conventional electrical house connection.

The charging connection is usually arranged in a charging recess of the vehicle body, which is usually covered or closed by a closure element, such as a closure flap. A mechanism that interacts with the closure element allows the loading recess to be opened and closed or the closure element of the closure flap to be opened and closed relative to the loading recess and thus access to the charging connection.

The mechanism can, for example, contain so-called push-push kinematics, as is already used in conventional tank lids. Since when using such a mechanism in practice there is usually no seal between the closure element and the tank recess, which would, however, be necessary to prevent dirt, dust and liquids, in particular water, from penetrating the electrical, metallic contacts protect and thus ensure its long-term functionality, an additional charging connection flap is currently required, which is plugged or screwed onto the charging connection to protect the charging connection.

As an alternative to this, an annular sealing lip is arranged around the loading bay. If the closure element is folded shut to close the charging cradle, the closing element presses in the axial direction on the sealing lip or exerts a force on the sealing lip in the axial direction in order to protect the charging cradle and thus the charging connection from the ingress of dirt, dust and liquids. In addition, a second seal, a so-called “umbrella”, arranged on the inside of the closure element, which surrounds the charging connection when the closure element is closed, is often used.

In automotive technology, there is an increasing need and trend to design the motor vehicle as autonomously as possible, with the aim of ultimately enabling autonomous or automatic driving. This also includes the ability for the vehicle to drive to charging or refueling stations independently, i.e. without human intervention, and to carry out the charging or refueling process. This requires the use of a microprocessor system, sensors and actuators that interact accordingly. With regard to the possibility of being able to carry out a charging or refueling process autonomously, this means in particular that the charging or refueling recess must carry out a large number of functionalities or must be designed to provide corresponding functionalities.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to specify a charging device for a hybrid or an electric vehicle that can be handled reliably. In addition, a corresponding, reliably manageable tank device for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine is to be specified.

In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a loading or tank recess for insertion in a body opening of a motor vehicle, which is not only simple in design and therefore inexpensive to manufacture, but which at the same time also enables the operation of a loading or tank device with such a loading or Simplified tank recess and in particular also at least partially implemented an autonomous charging or refueling process.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1, with advantageous developments of the loading or tank recess according to the invention being specified in the respective dependent claims.

Accordingly, the present invention relates in particular to a loading or tank recess for insertion into a body opening of a motor vehicle, the loading or tank recess having a recess body with an inner recess area which surrounds a through opening into which a charging connector or a filler neck or a fuel filler pipe can be inserted .

According to the invention, it is particularly provided that in the recess body, preferably in the inner recess area or particularly preferably in a recess flange area, a first switch and / or sensor arrangement assigned in particular to an opening and / or locking mechanism for detecting an opening state or a position of the loading recess or tank recess if necessary, covering closure flap is provided and in particular integrated.

Furthermore, at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement for controlling at least one function relating to a charging or refueling process or a light source, preferably LED, is provided and in particular integrated in the trough body, preferably in the inner trough area.

In addition, a cover is provided which is set up to cover the first switch and / or sensor arrangement and / or the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement or the light source in a dust-tight and waterproof manner to the outside.

The term “dust-tight and waterproof” used here is generally to be understood as a cover which at least meets the requirements of protection class IP 44 and preferably at least the requirements of protection class IP 54 according to the ISO 20653 or. DIN EN 60529 fulfilled (version of ISO 20653 or. DIN EN 60529 = Version on the filing date).

Furthermore, the term “integrated” used here generally means the combination of individual units or components, such as in particular the first and second switch and / or sensor arrangement, in the inner recess area of the recess body, so as to encompass the entire loading recess or tank recess to train. In other words, discrete components (for example the first and second switch and / or sensor arrangements) are combined to form a more complex object on the material of the inner well area.

Since in particular the first and second switch and / or sensor arrangement are provided or integrated in the trough body and preferably in the inner trough area of the trough body or in the trough flange area of the trough body, miniaturization of the entire system is possible with the result that the loading or tank recess, a large number of functions relating to a charging or refueling process can be carried out.

The provision or integration of the first and second switch and / or sensor arrangement in the recess body and preferably in the inner recess area of the recess body or in the recess flange area of the recess body enables not only a concentration of functional components in the loading recess or tank recess, but also the Receiving the components in the trough body and preferably in the inner trough area of the trough body or in the trough flange area of the trough body in a manner protected from dirt, dust and liquid.

For example, it is conceivable that the first switch and / or sensor arrangement and the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement and / or the light source are encapsulated in a watertight manner towards the outside with the aid of an in particular common cover. In particular, the (preferably common) cover is designed to cover the inner trough area in a dust-tight and watertight manner and in particular the first switch and / or sensor arrangement provided or integrated in the inner trough area and / or the at least one provided or integrated in the inner trough area to cover the second switch and / or sensor arrangement or the light source in a dust-tight and waterproof manner.

In an advantageous implementation of the loading or tank recess according to the invention, it is provided that the cover is molded onto the recess body as a soft component. For example, it is conceivable in this context that the recess body is formed at least in some areas from a hard plastic component, with the cover consisting of a soft plastic component being injected or otherwise cohesively connected to the recess body, in particular on an edge region of the recess body.

As an alternative to this, it is of course also conceivable that the cover is connected to the trough body with the aid of a force-fit and / or form-fitting connection, for example by clipping the cover onto an edge area of the trough body or by sliding the cover onto a double lip on the edge of the cover becomes.

In particular in the case of embodiments in which the cover is injection-molded onto the trough body or is connected in some other way, in particular in a materially bonded manner, it is advisable that the first switch and / or sensor arrangement and the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement on a common carrier part, such as about a circuit board or the like, which is then mounted on the rear, ie from the side opposite the cover or from the side of the recess facing the vehicle interior when the recess is installed, on the recess body, preferably on the inner recess area, particularly preferably on the Trough flange area, set or mounted.

According to advantageous implementations of the loading or tank recess according to the invention, a cover formed from an elastomer material is provided which at least partially covers the inner recess area and at least in the area of the first switch and / or sensor arrangement and / or in the area of the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement is dome-shaped and has such an inherent spring tension that after the dome-shaped area has been pressed in, which is, for example, for the purpose of making contact with the first switch and / or sensor arrangement or with the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement is used, is formed back into a starting position and in particular snaps back.

In order to further simplify the operation of a loading or tank device with the loading or tank recess according to the invention, it is provided according to embodiments of the invention that at least one light source is arranged or integrated in the inner recess area of the recess body of the loading or tank recess.

This at least one light source is preferably also covered by the aforementioned cover in a dust-tight and waterproof manner. It is therefore advisable for the cover to consist of a transparent or translucent material at least in some areas and in particular in the area of the light source integrated in the inner trough area.

Because the cover is made of a transparent or translucent material at least in some areas, it is possible to backlight this area of the loading or tank recess as required. In particular, illumination of the through opening provided in the inner trough area or a charging connection possibly received in the through opening, a tank filler pipe possibly received in the through opening or a tank nozzle possibly received in the through opening is possible, so that the necessary area of the charging and the tank recess is clearly visible even at night or in the dark and a correct insertion of a charging connector into the through opening of the recess body or into a charging connection received in the through opening or into a tank nozzle possibly received in the through opening is possible.

In particular, the execution of the cover made of a transparent or translucent material allows the loading or tank recess or the necessary areas of the loading or tank recess to be illuminated without the need for installation space for a lighting device in the loading or tank recess itself.

In order to design the loading or fuel tank recess as “intelligently” as possible, according to embodiments of the invention, a plurality of switches, sensors and / or buttons are to be arranged in the recess body, preferably in the inner recess area or particularly preferably in the recess flange area, in particular in a miniaturized manner integrate. Microswitches, in particular in the form of foil or membrane switches, are suitable in this context. Such switches can be arranged particularly efficiently and with the smallest installation space in or on the material of the recess body, preferably in or on the material of the inner recess area or particularly preferably in or on the material of the recess flange area, and can be combined with the recess body, the inner recess area or the recess flange area to form one component . Of course, other embodiments for switches / buttons and / or sensors belonging to the first and / or second switch and / or sensor arrangement are also possible in principle.

The first switch and / or sensor arrangement and / or the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement advantageously have / has at least one microswitch, in particular in the form of a film or membrane switch, and / or at least one capacitive switch and / or at least one inductive switch and / or at least one touch panel.

In preferred implementations of the loading or tank recess according to the invention, it is provided that the first switch and / or sensor arrangement have at least one long-stroke button and the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement have at least one short-stroke button. The at least one long-stroke button of the first switch and / or sensor arrangement preferably has a stroke of at least 5 mm. The at least one short-stroke button, on the other hand, should have a stroke which is less than the stroke of the at least one long-stroke button of the first switch and / or sensor arrangement. For example, the at least one short-stroke button of the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement can have a stroke of a maximum of 3 mm.

By providing corresponding long-stroke and short-stroke buttons, it is possible to suitably set the response behavior of the combined switch or sensor arrangement formed by the first switch and / or sensor arrangement and the second switch and / or sensor arrangement. By, for example, the first switch and / or sensor arrangement having a long-stroke button and by the second switch and / or sensor arrangement having a short-stroke button, it is ensured that when the loading or tank recess is closed through the closure flap of the long-stroke button of the first switch and / or Sensor arrangement is activated, but the correspondingly reset short-stroke button of the second switch and / or sensor arrangement is not triggered.

In this context, it is, for example, basically conceivable that the first switch and / or sensor arrangement has a switch plunger which is designed and resiliently preloaded in the direction of the closure flap of the loading or tank recess that an end face of the switch plunger pointing in the direction of the closure flap has a predefined or definable support point for the closure flap or for a hinge assigned to the closure flap is defined. In particular, it can be provided that the end face of the switch plunger pointing in the direction of the closing flap lies in a plane (running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the loading recess) which is further spaced from the inner trough area than an end face of a microswitch of the second switch pointing in the direction of the closing flap - and / or sensor arrangement.

According to embodiments of the charging or tank recess according to the invention, the first switch and / or sensor arrangement and / or the at least one second switch arrangement arranged or integrated in the recess body or in the inner recess area or in the recess flange area of the recess body have a circuit board or conductor foil connected to the recess body with applied conductor tracks with contact end faces. The contact end faces are arranged at least in pairs to form a switching contact, for example, in such a way that they can be bridged by at least one contact element on the underside of a switching foil.

According to a further development of this aspect, the switching foil itself can at least partially form the cover for the first and second switch and / or sensor arrangement or for the inner well area of the well body.

With regard to a charging or refueling process that is as autonomous as possible, it is also advisable that an opening and / or closing mechanism of the loading or tank recess is assigned at least one sensor system integrated in the recess body or in the inner recess area or in the recess flange area of the recess body for detecting a Open and / or closed state of the closure element. For example, the sensor system can be formed at least in some areas on a printed circuit board or printed circuit film connected to the trough body.

With regard to the opening and / or closing mechanism provided or integrated in the trough body or in the inner trough area or in the trough flange area of the trough body, it can be provided that it has a push-push mechanism acting in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the loading trough. This push-push mechanism can in particular have an electric motor drive or actuator, although the present invention is not limited to opening and / or closing mechanisms operated by an electric motor.

• - einen Lade- oder Tankvorgang zu unterbrechen und/oder abzubrechen; und/oder
• - ein Verschlussklappen-Öffnungssignal vorzugsweise an einen insbesondere elektromotorischen Aktuator eines Öffnungs- und/oder Verschlussmechanismus abzugeben; und/oder
• - ein Verschlussklappen-Schließsignal vorzugsweise an einen insbesondere elektromotorischen Aktuator eines Öffnungs- und/oder Verschlussmechanismus abzugeben; und/oder
• - mindestens eine im inneren Muldenbereich vorgesehene oder integrierte Lichtquelle ein- oder auszuschalten.

The at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement provided or integrated in the trough body or in the inner trough area or in the trough flange area of the trough body is preferably designed, upon actuation of at least one switch belonging to the second switch and / or sensor arrangement, at least one of the following functions to initiate or to fill in:

• - to interrupt and / or cancel a charging or refueling process; and or
• to emit a closing flap opening signal, preferably to an in particular electromotive actuator of an opening and / or closing mechanism; and or
• to emit a closing flap closing signal, preferably to an in particular electromotive actuator of an opening and / or closing mechanism; and or
• - to switch on or off at least one light source provided or integrated in the inner cavity area.

• - eine Unterbrechung oder einen Abbruch oder einen Start eines Lade- oder Tankvorgangs veranlasst; oder
• - eine Abgabe eines Verschlussklappen-Öffnungs- oder -schließsignals vorzugsweise an einen insbesondere elektromotorischen Aktuator der Verschlussklappe veranlasst; oder
• - ein Ein- oder Ausschalten der Lichtquelle veranlasst.

In particular, the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement is designed to detect a manual user input which:

• - initiates an interruption or abortion or a start of a charging or refueling process; or
• an output of a closure flap opening or closing signal, preferably to an in particular electromotive actuator of the closure flap; or
• - causes the light source to be switched on or off.

In order to be able to implement these switching functions, according to embodiments of the charging or tank recess according to the invention, the first and at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement are assigned or integrated electronics, which are preferably arranged in the recess body or in the inner recess area or in the recess flange area of the recess body is to control the switching function resulting when a switch belonging to the first or second switch and / or sensor arrangement is actuated.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it is conceivable that directly or indirectly on the inner Trough area, at least one electrical connection is provided or integrated for connecting, for example, the second switch and / or sensor arrangement to an external control with regard to the charging or tank recess, such as the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle, and / or for connecting the second switch and / or sensor assembly / or a sensor arrangement with an in particular electromotive actuator of an opening and / or closing mechanism.

For example, at least one electrical connection, preferably a socket, can be arranged or integrated directly or indirectly on the inner trough area, preferably on the rear, and particularly preferably arranged on a preferably common carrier part of the first and / or the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement or be integrated in order to connect the first and / or at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement with the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle and / or with an in particular electromotive actuator of the closure flap for signaling or galvanic purposes.

To achieve the most compact possible design of the loading or tank recess, the recess body preferably has a recess in the inner recess area in which a resiliently mounted switch plunger of the first switch and / or sensor arrangement can be received at least in some areas.

Alternatively or additionally it can be provided that the trough body has at least one base area or similar plateau-like area in the inner trough area for receiving a circuit board of the first and / or second switch and / or sensor arrangement or for receiving a circuit board of a light source provided in the inner trough area.

With regard to the production costs, it is advisable that the trough body is preferably formed in one piece, in particular from a hard plastic material, for example in an injection molding process.

According to embodiments of the charging or tank recess according to the invention, it is provided that the recess body preferably has at least one detent in the inner recess area, for example in the form of a locking lip, in order to lock a charging connector, tank nozzle or a tank filler pipe in the through opening if necessary.

The invention also relates to a loading or tank recess of the type described above, this loading or tank recess also having a closure flap that interacts with the first switch and / or sensor arrangement. Closure flap is hinged to the trough body and designed to open or cover at least the through opening for the charging connector or for the tank nozzle or for the tank filler pipe, if necessary.

An exemplary embodiment of the loading or tank recess according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 schematisch und in einer Draufsicht eine exemplarische Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Lade- oder Tankmulde in einem Zustand, in welchem eine Verschlussklappe der Lade- oder Tankmulde in ihrem geöffneten Zustand vorliegt; und
• 2 schematisch und in einer Schnittansicht die exemplarische Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Lade- oder Tankmulde gemäß 1 entlang der in 1 angedeuteten Linie A-A.

Show it:

• 1 schematically and in a top view an exemplary embodiment of the loading or tank recess according to the invention in a state in which a closure flap of the loading or tank recess is in its open state; and
• 2 schematically and in a sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the loading or tank recess according to the invention 1 along the in 1 indicated line AA.

1 shows schematically and in a plan view an exemplary embodiment of the loading or tank recess according to the invention 1 in a state in which a shutter 17th the loading or tank recess 1 is in its open state.

The loading or tank recess 1 is designed overall to be inserted into a body opening of a motor vehicle. The loading or tank recess 1 essentially has a trough body 2 with an inner trough area 3 on, which has a through opening 18th surrounds, in which a charging connector or a tank nozzle or a tank filler pipe can be used.

As in 1 indicated is in the hollow body 2 and especially in the inner trough area 3 a first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th arranged or integrated. As an alternative to this, it would in principle also be conceivable to use the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th in a trough flange area 16 of the hollow body 2 to arrange or integrate.

At the in 1 Schematic embodiment of the loading or tank recess 1 is the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th one in 1 Opening and / or locking mechanism, not shown in detail, of the loading or tank recess 1 assigned and is used to set an opening state or a position of the loading or tank recess 1 cover flap if necessary 17th capture.

As in 1 also indicated is in the trough body 2 and preferably in the inner trough area 3 of the hollow body 2 at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 arranged or integrated. The at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 is preferably used to control at least one function relating to a charging or refueling process.

As an alternative or in addition to this, the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement is used 5 for controlling at least one light source 14th , especially a light source 14th in the form of an LED, which is preferably also in the trough body 2 and preferably in the inner trough area 3 of the hollow body 2 is provided and in particular integrated.

In the exemplary embodiment of the loading or tank recess according to the invention 1 according to 1 is also a cover 6th provided, which is set up, the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th , the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 and the light source 14th to the outside in accordance with the requirements of protection class IP 44 and preferably in accordance with the requirements of protection class IP 54 to be covered in a dust-tight and watertight manner.

The cover is preferably in this case 6th as a soft component on the hollow body 2 injected.

In the exemplary embodiment of the loading or tank recess according to the invention 1 according to 1 it is provided in particular that the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th , the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 and the light source 14th on the back in the hollow body 2 and - as in 1 shown - preferably in the inner trough area 3 are mounted directly or indirectly.

It is conceivable that the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th , the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 and the light source 14th on a common carrier part (see circuit board 7th in 2 ) are mounted, the carrier part (printed circuit board 7th ) on the bowl body 2 , preferably on the inner trough area 3 , is mounted.

At the in 1 schematically shown exemplary embodiment of the loading or tank recess according to the invention 1 is also directly or indirectly on the inner well area 3 preferably at least one electrical connection on the rear 11 , preferably a socket, arranged or integrated. The at least one electrical connection 11 is in the embodiment shown in the drawings of the loading or tank recess according to the invention 1 on a preferably common carrier part (printed circuit board 7th in 2 ) the first and the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th , 5 arranged or integrated and serves the first and / or at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th , 5 with the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle and / or with an in particular electromotive actuator of the closure flap 17th to be connected in terms of signaling.

2 shows schematically the in 1 Shown embodiment of the loading or tank recess according to the invention 1 in a longitudinal section along the line AA in 1 .

The loading or tank recess 1 is preferably made of plastic and has a trough body, in particular formed in one piece overall 2 made of a relatively strong plastic material. The hollow body 2 is - as in 2 indicated - overall cup-shaped and has a through the outer region of the trough body 2 predetermined outer edge with which the loading or tank recess 1 inserted into a body opening of a motor vehicle, for example clipped.

On the outer area of the hollow body 2 Therefore, corresponding catches (clips) can be integrally formed for fastening the loading or tank recess 1 on the body opening, in particular a deep drawing of the body.

On the outer edge of the hollow body 2 a sealing area is preferably also provided which comprises, for example, a circumferential sealing lip formed on the outer edge. Instead of such a sealing lip, however, it is also conceivable to configure a plurality of sealing lamellae on the outer edge, each of which is separated from one another by a slot at regular circumferential intervals.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the sealing area on the outer edge of the trough body 2 (ie the sealing lip) integral with the material of the bowl body 2 be trained. In particular, the sealing area can be made from a material of the recess body compared to the plastic material 2 be formed softer plastic material, which on the outer edge of the trough body 2 appropriately injected or formed in the course of a multi-component injection molding process, in particular two-component injection molding process.

As in connection with the representation in 1 executed, the trough body 2 the loading or tank recess 1 an inner well area 3 on, which is preferably cohesive with the outer region of the trough body 2 is formed. The inner trough area 3 surrounds the in 2 through opening not shown 18th , in which a charging connector for charging a battery of the motor vehicle or a filler neck or a tank filler pipe for refueling a fuel tank can be inserted.

In the 2 through opening not explicitly shown 18th is preferably bounded by a further sealing area, which is preferably an integral part of the inner trough area 3 is. In this context it is conceivable that this further sealing area is formed by at least one sealing lip running around the through opening made of a relatively soft plastic material.

On the outer area of the hollow body 2 can the in 2 closure flap not shown 17th be articulated, which is designed as a closure element and serves the loading or tank recess 1 optionally to be closed or released. At the flap 17th it is, for example, a loading flap or tank flap that is attached to the outer region of the trough body with a hinge arm 2 is arranged that the loading or tank flap relative to the loading or tank recess 1 can be opened and closed.

On the side of the loading flap or tank flap opposite the hinge arm, an opening and / or locking mechanism can be arranged, one in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the loading or tank recess 1 may have acting kinematics, ie the actuation direction of the kinematics takes place in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the loading or tank recess 1 .

For example, by one in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the loading or tank recess 1 force exerted on the opening and / or locking mechanism unlocks the mechanism and the loading flap or fuel filler flap is opened or unfolded or the closed loading flap or fuel filler flap can be locked.

In the 2 Embodiment of the loading or tank recess according to the invention, shown schematically in a sectional view 1 is characterized in particular by the fact that in the inner trough area 3 of the hollow body 2 a combined switch / sensor arrangement is arranged and in particular integrated. This combined switch / sensor arrangement comprises one in the inner well area 3 arranged or integrated first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th and at least one also in the inner trough area 3 arranged or integrated second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 . The first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th is an opening and / or closing mechanism for the loading or tank recess 1 assigned to cover closure flap if necessary. On the other hand, the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement is used 5 for controlling at least one function relating to a charging or refueling process.

As in 2 The at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement is indicated 5 at least one microswitch, which is designed, for example, in the form of a film or membrane switch. Of course, it would also be conceivable to use a capacitive and / or inductive switch for the second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 to be provided. The term “switch” used here is not to be interpreted narrowly, but is intended to include any electrical or electronic or mechanical component with which a circuit can be opened or closed.

The term “switch” also includes, in particular, touch panels or similar displays that are provided with an input interface function that can in particular be operated manually.

As in 2 Shown schematically, the second switch and / or sensor arrangement in particular exclusively comprises short-stroke buttons, each of which preferably has a stroke of a maximum of 3 mm. In contrast to this, the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th comprise at least one long-stroke button that has a stroke of at least 5 mm. At the in 2 The embodiment shown has the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th however, no long-stroke button, but also one (in 2 schematically shown) short-stroke button 4th on, which has a switch tappet 10 can be activated.

The switch tappet 10 is designed in such a way and in the direction of (in 2 not shown) flap 17th the loading or tank recess 1 resiliently biased that one in the direction of the shutter 17th pointing face of the switch plunger 10 a predetermined or definable support point for the closure flap or for one of the closure flaps 17th associated hinge defined.

The schematic representation in 2 it can also be seen that the in the direction of the flap 17th pointing end face of the switch plunger of the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th in a vertical to the loading or tank recess 1 perpendicular plane, which is farther from the inner Trough area 3 is spaced apart as an end face of a microswitch (short-stroke button) of the second switch and / or sensor arrangement pointing in the direction of the closure flap 5 .

The at least one microswitch of the second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 includes a circuit board 7th or conductor foil attached to the trough body 2 is connected, being on this circuit board 7th or conductor foil corresponding conductor tracks are applied with contact end faces. The contact end faces are preferably arranged at least in pairs in such a way that - to form a switching contact - they can be bridged by at least one contact element on the underside of a switching foil.

The in 2 The schematically illustrated embodiment is in the inner trough area 3 the loading or tank recess 1 furthermore a sensor system assigned to an opening and / or closing mechanism 8th integrated, which can be part of the second switch and / or sensor arrangement, for example. This sensor system 8th can be designed, for example, an open and / or closed state of a closure element (for example the closure flap 17th ) capture.

Furthermore, the in 2 schematically shown embodiment the light source 14th in the form of an LED in the inner cavity area 3 of the hollow body 2 integrated. In this context is with the inner trough area 3 a corresponding circuit board 15th connected, on which the as a light source 14th serving LED is formed.

Furthermore, the is already in connection with the description of 1 called electrical connection 11 in the inner bowl area 3 integrated, which serves the at least one in the inner trough area 3 integrated or provided second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 for example to connect with the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle or with an in particular electromotive actuator of an opening and / or closing mechanism for the closing flap.

The hollow body 2 is preferably formed in one piece, in particular from a plastic material.

As in 2 shown, the trough body 2 in the inner bowl area 3 a suitable recess 12th have, in which at least one switch plunger 10 the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th is recorded.

Furthermore, is in the inner trough area 3 a base area 13th intended to hold a printed circuit board 7th , 15th the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 or the light source 14th .

The loading or tank recess according to the invention 1 as shown schematically in the drawings, is also characterized in particular by the cover formed from an elastomer material 6th from which, at least in some areas, the inner hollow area 3 covers and at least in the area of the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th or in the area of the switch plunger 10 the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th and in the area of the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 Is dome-shaped and has such an inherent spring tension that the cover 6th after being pressed in or making contact, it snaps back into its starting position.

The cover 6th serves in particular to the first switch and / or sensor arrangement 4th and the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 dust and waterproof in the inner bowl area 3 to integrate.

The one in the inner trough area 3 integrated second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 is preferably designed, upon actuation, at least one of the second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 associated switch to interrupt and / or cancel a charging or refueling process.

As an alternative or in addition, there is at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 formed, upon actuation of at least one of the second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 associated switch to output a flap opening signal or a closing flap signal, preferably to an in particular electromotive actuator of an opening and / or closing mechanism.

In principle, it is also conceivable that the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 is formed upon actuation of the at least one to the second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 belonging switch at least one in the inner trough area 3 integrated or arranged light source 14th on or off.

For this purpose, the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement 5 one preferably in the inner well area 3 integrated electronics be assigned to control the at least one of the second switch and / or sensor arrangement when the at least one is actuated 5 associated switch resulting switching function.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing, but results from an overview of all the features disclosed herein.

List of reference symbols

1

Loading or tank recess

2

Trough body

3

inner trough area

4th

first switch and / or sensor arrangement

5

second switch and / or sensor arrangement

6th

cover

7th

Circuit board of the switch and / or sensor arrangement

8th

Sensors

9

Sensor circuit board

10

Switch tappet

11

electrical connection

12th

Depression in the inner trough area

13th

Base area of the inner bowl area

14th

Light source

15th

Light source circuit board

16

Trough flange area

17th

Closing flap

18th

Through opening

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Non-patent literature cited

• ISO 20653 [0014]
• DIN EN 60529 [0014]

Claims (14)

Loading or tank recess (1) for insertion into a body opening of a motor vehicle, the loading or tank recess (1) having a recess body (2) with an inner recess area (3) which surrounds a through opening (18) into which a charging connector or a filler neck or a tank filler pipe can be used, with a first switch and / or sensor arrangement assigned in particular to an opening and / or closing mechanism in the recess body (2), preferably in the inner recess area (3) or particularly preferably in a recess flange area (16) (4) for detecting an opening state or a position of a closing flap (17) covering the loading or tank recess (1), if necessary, is provided and in particular integrated, and furthermore at least one in the recess body (2), preferably in the inner recess area (3) second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) for controlling at least one function relating to a charging or refueling process or a light q uelle (14), preferably LED, is provided and in particular integrated, and a cover (6) is provided which is designed to hold the first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4) and / or the at least one second switch and / or to cover the sensor arrangement (5) or the light source (14) to the outside in a dust-tight and water-tight manner. Loading or tank recess (1) Claim 1 , wherein the cover (6) is set up to cover the first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4) and the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) or the light source (14) together to the outside in a dust- and water-tight manner . Loading or fuel tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (6) is molded onto the recess body (2) as a soft component. Loading or fuel tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4) and the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) at the rear in the recess body (2), preferably in the interior Trough area (3), particularly preferably in the trough flange area (16), are mounted directly or indirectly. Loading or fuel tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4) and the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) are mounted on a common carrier part, the carrier part on the trough body (2), preferably on the inner trough area (3), particularly preferably on the trough flange area (16). Loading or tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (6) is at least partially formed from an elastomer material and at least in the area of the first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4) and / or in the area of the at least one second The switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) is designed in the shape of a dome and has such an inherent spring tension that the cover (6) reshapes into an initial position after the region which is designed in the shape of a dome has been pressed in. Loading or fuel tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (6) at least partially consists of a transparent or translucent material. Loading or tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4) and / or the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) have at least one microswitch, in particular in the form of a film - Or membrane switch, and / or at least one capacitive switch and / or at least one inductive switch and / or at least one touch panel. Loading or fuel tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4) has at least one long-stroke button and the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) has at least one short-stroke button, the at least a long-stroke button preferably has a stroke of at least 5 mm and the at least one short-stroke button preferably has a stroke of a maximum of 3 mm. Loading or tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4) has a switch plunger (10) which is designed and resiliently biased in the direction of the closure flap (17) that an in The end face of the switch plunger (10) pointing in the direction of the closure flap (17) defines a predetermined or definable support point for the closure flap (17) or for a hinge assigned to the closure flap (17), the end face of the switch plunger pointing in the direction of the closure flap (17) (10) lies in a plane which is further spaced from the inner trough area (3) than an end face of a microswitch of the second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) pointing in the direction of the closure flap (17). Loading or refueling recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a push-push mechanism acting in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the loading or fueling recess (1) is received in the recess body (2) at least in some areas, which is preferably also covered by the cover in a dust-tight and waterproof manner. Loading or fuel tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) is designed to detect a manual user input which: - initiates an interruption or abortion or a start of a charging or refueling process; or - an output of a closing flap opening signal or closing flap signal, preferably to an in particular electromotive actuator of the closing flap (17); or - causes the light source (14) to be switched on or off. Charging or tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one electrical connection (11), preferably a socket, is arranged or integrated directly or indirectly on the inner recess area (3), preferably on the rear, preferably on a preferably common carrier part of the first and / or the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (4, 5) is arranged or integrated, for connecting the first and / or at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (4, 5) to the on-board electronics of the Motor vehicle and / or with an in particular electromotive actuator of the closure flap (17). Loading or fuel tank recess (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess body (2) is preferably formed in one piece, in particular from a plastic material; and or wherein the trough body (2) in the inner trough area (3) has a depression or opening (12) for at least regionally receiving the first switch and / or sensor arrangement (4) and / or the at least one second switch and / or sensor arrangement (5) ); and / or wherein the trough body (2) in the inner trough area (3) has a base area (13) for receiving a carrier part (16), preferably in the form of or with a circuit board (7) with the at least one second switch and / or Sensor arrangement (5) of the light source (14), the carrier part (16) preferably being held on the trough body (2) by latching (17); and or wherein the trough body (2) in the inner trough area (3) has at least one latching device for locking a charging connector received at least in some areas in the through opening or a tank nozzle received in at least some regions in the through opening or a tank filler pipe received in at least some regions in the through opening.

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