DE102022004404B3 - Swing-out vehicle flap with opening and closing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a swing-out vehicle flap with an opening and closing device. The invention is based on the object of improving a swing-out vehicle flap of the type mentioned in such a way that the opening and secure closing of the vehicle flap is adapted to different movement profiles and with little effort for parts on a vehicle This is solved by the vehicle flap 1 being operatively connected to an epicyclic gearing 3 to 6 by means of a firmly connected support arm 7 and the epicyclic gearing 3 to 6 being connected to a stationary actuator 2 so that the epicyclic gearing 3 to 6 is a fixed sun gear 3, a planet carrier 6 positively connected to the actuator 2 and an inner planet gear 4 arranged on the planet carrier 6 and an outer planet gear 5 arranged on the planet carrier 6, the planet carrier 6 carrying a planet gear 4, 5 on two different radii , the actuator 2 can be reversed with respect to the direction of rotation 8, 9 and that by means of the opening and closing device, the vehicle flap 1 can be moved back in relation to the vehicle outer contour 10 into an open position outside of this and vice versa into a closed position aligned with the vehicle outer contour 10.

Description

The invention relates to a swing-out vehicle flap according to the preamble of the independent claims.

Various types of swing-out vehicle doors with opening and closing devices are known. For example, in the field of electromobility, frequent charging of traction batteries at charging stations where vehicles are charged using different, standardized connection plugs and sockets is necessary. In order to avoid contamination and moisture or water contact of the high-voltage connections, the charging sockets of the vehicles are covered and preferably sealed, at least when driving. To charge, the covers are opened and the mating connector can be connected to the charging station. The preferred automatic opening of the vehicle flap, also known as the loading flap or tank flap, on the vehicle is an important comfort feature. The vehicle flaps preferably close flush with the outer contour of vehicles or are aligned with this outer contour when closed. The function of “swinging out” refers to the folding out of the vehicle lid to reach the opening position (open state), whereas when closed, the vehicle lid is arranged flush or aligned with the outer contour of a vehicle.

A swing-out vehicle hatch of this type is out of the question DE 10 2020 115 360 A1 known, which is used to open and close a tank and/or loading flap. The device comprises a flap which is mounted on a trough body so that it can be swung out (displaced) via a lever arrangement. The lever arrangement has at least one first lever and at least one second lever, the at least first lever and the two second levers can be pivoted on the trough body and on the flap about two parallel pivot axes. The first lever and the second levers form a four-bar linkage for pivoting the flap. The two second levers each have a first and a second arm, which are pivotally connected to one another, with the first and second arms of at least one second lever being held aligned with one another via at least one spring and the first lever being held in an open position via a stop the flap is durable. Further pivoting of the second lever against the spring force results in a change in the alignment of the first and second arms, whereby the alignment of the flap can be changed and the flap can be temporarily positioned in a roof position. The swing-out movement can be carried out manually or by motor. In one embodiment, a motor is coupled to at least one of the second levers. In a further development, the motor can be in operative connection with one of the second levers via a clutch, the clutch preferably being coupled to a first drive pinion mounted on the trough body. The bearing section of the drive pinion is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to one end of the first arm of a second lever, so that a rotation of the drive pinion causes a rotation of the first arm and thus of the second lever.

The generic publication DE 10 2018 128 972 A1 discloses a flap with an opening mechanism having a first and a second guide. In or on the guides there is mounted a guide pin attached to an inside of the flap, which can be moved in reverse along a trajectory predetermined by the corresponding guide between a first end point and a second end point. This means that the flap can be moved between a closed position and an open position and vice versa. When open, the flap protrudes from the outer contour of the vehicle.

Another vehicle hatch is out DE 10 2010 053 137 A1 known. A charging interface for a motor vehicle for charging the traction battery with a charging socket arranged in a body opening and a closure device covering the body opening comprises a charging socket which is displaceable in the axial direction of the body opening and that opening the closure device causes the charging socket to move. When open, the closure device, also known as the lid, protrudes from the outer contour of the vehicle.

The invention is based on the object of improving a swing-out vehicle flap of the type mentioned in such a way that the opening and secure closing of the vehicle flap can be adapted to different movement profiles and can be implemented on a vehicle with little outlay on parts.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the training features of claims 1 and 2.
Further training results from the dependent requirements.

A first advantage of the swing-out vehicle flap is that this vehicle flap includes an opening and closing device, which can automatically expose or close an opening in an outer vehicle contour, for example a body, and that an interface is provided within this opening, which set back in relation to the vehicle's outer contour in the direction of the interior of the vehicle, fixed in place on the vehicle. Such an interface can be a charging module (charging socket) for an electric or hybrid vehicle. Alternatively, the interface can be an opening as a filling module for receiving gaseous or liquid fuels or for oil or for comparable media.

A second advantage results from the fact that the opening and closing device in the first embodiment comprises an epicyclic gear transmission, also called a planetary gear, which is connected to the swing-out vehicle flap and is mounted in a stationary manner within the vehicle's outer contour (body). The epicyclic gear transmission is preferably formed by means of gears. In a second embodiment, the epicyclic gear transmission is formed by means of toothed belt wheels and a toothed belt connection.
The epicyclic gear is positively connected to an actuator that can be reversible in terms of rotation via a planet carrier. By means of the opening and closing device, the vehicle flap can be moved back in relation to the outer vehicle contour into an open position outside of this outer vehicle contour and vice versa into a closed position, essentially aligned with the outer vehicle contour. The controllable actuator can preferably be connected to control electronics of the vehicle in terms of circuitry and signaling. Advantageously, the control electronics can be activated using a proximity sensor, radio key, smartphone, etc., so that the opening and closing process of the vehicle lid can be realized automatically.
In a further embodiment, the actuator can be activated manually.

A third advantage is that the opening and closing device can be implemented cost-effectively with a small amount of parts (actuator, planetary gear, support arm) and offers a space-saving, compact solution. Since the opening and closing device only comprises a single support arm that is firmly connected to the vehicle flap, there is a reduced space requirement for the opening in the vehicle's outer contour.
The vehicle flap and the associated opening in the vehicle outer contour can thus be compared to known solutions with at least two retaining levers, e.g DE 10 2020 115 360 A1 , be noticeably smaller. Depending on the required movement profile of the vehicle flap, the support arm can be designed to be straight or curved and is preferably made in one piece, so that no joints or other components are required. This also noticeably reduces the risk of damage, vandalism and contamination.

In the first embodiment, the epicyclic gear mechanism only includes a stationary sun gear (fixed), an inner planet gear, an outer planet gear and a planet carrier, also called a web. In the second version, the epicyclic gear mechanism includes the stationary sun gear (fixed), a toothed belt connection, the outer planet gear and the planet carrier, also called the web. In the second embodiment, the inner planetary gear is substituted by the toothed belt connection.
In both designs, the outer planet wheel is operatively connected to a support arm connected to the vehicle flap. Additional components such as springs, stops, couplings or locks can be omitted.

The fourth advantage that can be mentioned is that the opening and closing device can be adapted to different movement profiles of the swing-out vehicle flap. In a first embodiment, the movement profile of the vehicle flap can be changed by changing the center distance between the sun gear and the outer planet gear. In a second embodiment, the movement profile of the vehicle flap can be changed by changing the initial or final position of the planet carrier. Furthermore, in a third embodiment, the movement profile of the vehicle flap can be changed by changing the gear ratio between the sun gear and the outer planet gear.

Depending on the requirements, the opening and closing device can be very flexibly adapted to the desired movement profiles of the swing-out vehicle flap. Advantageously, using the same operating principle, for example, the angular position of the swung-out vehicle flap in the end position of the opening position (opening angle) can be changed depending on requirements. Alternatively, for example, the movement when releasing a seal perpendicular to the opening of the vehicle's outer contour can be changed if necessary.
A flat end position of the vehicle flap in the open position that covers the opening in the vehicle's outer contour in a roof-like manner as weather protection can also be implemented, as can a steep end position of the vehicle flap in the open position that is essentially parallel to the vehicle's outer contour.
The circumferential seal is preferably arranged on the vehicle lid. Alternatively, the seal can also be arranged at the opening of the vehicle's outer contour. In the closed position, the vehicle flap is aligned with the vehicle's outer contour and closes the opening from the outside.

• 1 eine ausschwenkbare Fahrzeugklappe mit Öffnungs- und Schließvorrichtung in Schließstellung,
• 2 die ausschwenkbare Fahrzeugklappe mit Öffnungs- und Schließvorrichtung in Schließstellung,
• 3 das Umlaufrädergetriebe in Schließposition der eingeschwenkten Fahrzeugklappe,
• 4 die ausschwenkbare Fahrzeugklappe mit Öffnungs- und Schließvorrichtung in Öffnungsstellung,
• 5 die ausschwenkbare Fahrzeugklappe mit Öffnungs- und Schließvorrichtung in Öffnungsstellung,
• 6 das Umlaufrädergetriebe in Öffnungsposition der ausgeschwenkten Fahrzeugklappe,
• 7 das Umlaufrädergetriebe in einer zweiten Ausbildung mit Zahnriemenverbindung in Öffnungsstellung.

The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. Show schematically:

• 1 a swing-out vehicle flap with an opening and closing device in the closed position,
• 2 the swing-out vehicle flap with opening and closing device in the closed position,
• 3 the epicyclic gear in the closed position of the swung-in vehicle flap,
• 4 the swing-out vehicle flap with opening and closing device in the open position,
• 5 the swing-out vehicle flap with opening and closing device in the open position,
• 6 the epicyclic gear in the opening position of the swung-out vehicle flap,
• 7 the epicyclic gear transmission in a second training with a toothed belt connection in the open position.

A vehicle comprises a swing-out vehicle flap 1 with an opening and closing device, wherein an opening 11 in a vehicle outer contour 10, for example a body, can be exposed or closed by means of the opening and closing device, and a stationary interface (not shown) is provided within this opening 11 , which is set back into the vehicle interior with respect to the vehicle outer contour 10 and is arranged fixed on the vehicle.
Such an interface can be a charging module (charging socket) for an electric or hybrid vehicle. Alternatively, the interface can be an opening for receiving gaseous or liquid fuels, including products for exhaust gas aftertreatment, for example based on urea, or for oil or for comparable media.

The vehicle flap 1 is connected by means of a firmly connected support arm 7 to a planetary gear 3 to 6 (planetary gear) in the first embodiment and the epicyclic gear 3 to 6 is operatively connected to a stationary actuator 2.

In the first embodiment, the epicyclic gear transmission 3 to 6 comprises a fixed sun gear 3 and a planet carrier 6 (web) positively connected to the actuator 2 and an inner planet gear 4 (first planet gear 4) rotatably arranged on the planet carrier 6 and an outer one on the planet carrier 6 rotatably arranged planet gear 5 (second planet gear 5).
The planet carrier 6 carries one of the planet gears 4, 5 on two different radii. The epicyclic gear transmission 3 to 6 is designed as a gear transmission. The sun gear 3, the inner planet gear 4 and the outer planet gear 5 are preferably designed as meshing gears, here with straight teeth. Alternatively, the epicyclic gear 3 to 6 can be designed as a friction gear.

In the second embodiment, the epicyclic gear 3 includes the fixed sun gear 3, the planet carrier 6 (web) which is positively connected to the actuator 2, the outer planet gear 5 (second planet gear 5) rotatably arranged on the planet carrier 6, and a toothed belt 12. The toothed belt 12 wraps around the sun gear 3 and the outer planet gear 5 are positively locked. The inner planet gear 4 known from the first design is omitted and is substituted by the toothed belt 12.

In both embodiments, the actuator 2 can be reversed with respect to the direction of rotation 8, 9 of the planet carrier 6 and by means of the opening and closing device, the vehicle flap 1 can be moved back into an open position outside of the vehicle contour 10 in relation to the vehicle outer contour 10 and vice versa into a closed position aligned with the vehicle outer contour 10.

The support arm 7 is designed in one piece in both designs and is firmly connected to the vehicle flap 1 at one end. At the opposite other end, the support arm 7 carries the fixed, outer planet gear 5, which is rotatably arranged on the planet carrier 6. The one-piece support arm 7 can be straight or curved. This allows the movement profile of the vehicle flap 1 to be changed.

In the first training, sun gear 3 and inner planet gear 4 have teeth on the partial circumference or on the full circumference and are paired. The outer planet gear 5 preferably has a toothed segment and is paired with the inner planet gear 4.

In the second embodiment, the vehicle flap 1 is operatively connected to an epicyclic gear mechanism 3, 5, 6 and 12 by means of a firmly connected support arm 7 and the epicyclic gear mechanism 3, 5, 6 and 12 is connected to the stationary actuator 2. In this embodiment, the epicyclic gear transmission 3, 5, 6 and 12 includes the sun gear 3 fixedly arranged on the planet carrier 6, the planet carrier 6 positively connected to the actuator 2, the outer planet gear 5 rotatably arranged on the planet carrier 6 and the sun gear 3 and the outer -The toothed belt 12 wraps around the planet wheel 5. The actuator 2 can be reversed with regard to the respective direction of rotation 8, 9. By means of the opening and closing device, the vehicle flap 1 is opened in relation to the vehicle outer contour 10 voltage position outside of this and vice versa can be moved back into a closed position aligned with the vehicle outer contour 10.

In the second embodiment, the sun gear 3 has teeth on its full circumference, the toothed belt 12 has internal teeth and endlessly wraps around the sun gear 3 and the outer planet gear 5. The axes of the sun gear 3 and the outer planet gear 5 are preferably arranged in parallel. The outer planet gear 5 can be designed as a toothed segment or with full teeth on the circumference.

Alternatively, the center distance between the sun gear 3 and the outer planet gear 5 can be changed in order to change the movement profile of the vehicle flap 1.
Alternatively, the initial or final position of the planet carrier 6 can be changed in order to change the movement profile of the vehicle flap 1. Alternatively, the gear ratio between sun gear 3 and outer planet gear 5 can be changed in order to change the movement profile of the vehicle flap 1.

A circumferential seal (not shown) is arranged on the vehicle flap 1 and by means of the epicyclic gear transmission 3 to 6 in operative connection with the actuator 2, the seal can be temporarily pressed against the vehicle outer contour 10 in the closed position.
Alternatively, the seal can also be arranged at the corresponding opening 11 in or on the vehicle outer contour 10. By means of the epicyclic gear transmission 3 to 6 in operative connection with the actuator 2, the vehicle flap 1 can be temporarily pressed against the seal.

The actuator 2 is preferably operatively connected to control electronics of the vehicle in terms of signals and circuits. The torque and/or speed of the actuator 2 can be controlled.

If necessary, the respective position of the vehicle flap 1 can be read out as an actual value. Furthermore, blocking of mechanical parts of the device can be detected by monitoring the motor current of the actuator 2 or by reading the actual position.
By controlling the speed of the actuator 2, the speed profile of the movement of the vehicle flap 1 can be influenced.
If necessary, the movement profile of the vehicle flap 1 can be changed by controlling the speed of the actuator 2.

• In der ersten Ausbildung, ausgehend von einer Schließstellung (1), bei der die Fahrzeugklappe 1 fluchtend zur Fahrzeugaußenkontur 10 angeordnet ist und das Umlaufrädergetriebe 3 bis 6 mit Haltearm 7 sich in Endlage der Schließstellung befindet, wird der Aktuator 2 mittels Steuerelektronik oder mechanisch, manuell aktiviert. Dabei wird mittels Aktuator 2 der Planetenträger 6 in Rotation in eine erste Drehrichtung 8 versetzt. Hierbei wälzt sich das erste, innere Planetenrad 4 auf dem Sonnenrad 3 ab und das zweite, äußere Planetenrad 5 wälzt sich auf dem inneren Planetenrad 4 ab.

The mode of operation is as follows:

• In the first training, starting from a closed position ( 1 ), in which the vehicle flap 1 is arranged flush with the vehicle outer contour 10 and the epicyclic gear 3 to 6 with holding arm 7 is in the end position of the closed position, the actuator 2 is activated manually by means of control electronics or mechanically. The planet carrier 6 is rotated in a first direction of rotation 8 by means of the actuator 2. Here, the first, inner planetary gear 4 rolls on the sun gear 3 and the second, outer planetary gear 5 rolls on the inner planetary gear 4.

The actuator 2 rotates and pivots the vehicle flap 1 out of the vehicle outer contour 10 in the first direction of rotation 8 by means of epicyclic gears 3 to 6 with holding arm 7 until the open position is reached ( 4 ). The actuator 2 is stopped using the control electronics.
The interface is now free to carry out a loading or filling process.

Once the loading or filling process has been completed, the actuator 2 is activated again. The actuator 2 is controlled in such a way that the vehicle flap 1 is moved in the reverse, second direction of rotation 9 by means of the epicyclic gear transmission 3 to 6 with holding arm 7. This causes the vehicle flap 1 to pivot in, starting from the open position ( 4 ) initiated in the opposite direction.

If the vehicle flap 1 reaches the vehicle outer contour 10 and lies against the existing seal (on the vehicle flap 1 or the opening 11 in the vehicle outer contour 10), the actuator 2 is stopped. The opening process of the vehicle flap 1 can then be started again.

In the second embodiment, starting from a closed position in which the vehicle flap 1 is arranged in alignment with the vehicle's outer contour 10 and the epicyclic gear train 3, 5, 6 and 12 with holding arm 7 is in the end position of the closed position, the actuator 2 is operated by means of control electronics or mechanically. activated manually. The planet carrier 6 is rotated in a first direction of rotation 8 by means of the actuator 2.
The actuator 2 rotates and pivots the vehicle flap 1 out of the vehicle outer contour 10 in the first direction of rotation 8 by means of epicyclic gears 3, 5, 6 and 12 with holding arm 7 until the open position is reached ( 7 ). The actuator 2 is stopped using the control electronics.
The interface is now free to carry out a loading or filling process.

Once the loading or filling process has been completed, the actuator 2 is activated again. The actuator 2 is controlled in such a way that the vehicle flap 1 is moved in the reverse, second direction of rotation 9 by means of the epicyclic gear transmission 3, 5, 6 and 12 with holding arm 7. This is the pivoting movement the vehicle flap 1, starting from the open position ( 7 ) initiated in the opposite direction.

In both directions of rotation 8, 9, the toothed belt 12 transmits the circumferential force to the outer planet gear 5.

If the vehicle flap 1 reaches the vehicle outer contour 10 and lies against the existing seal (on the vehicle flap 1 or the opening 11 in the vehicle outer contour 10), the actuator 2 is stopped. The opening process of the vehicle flap 1 can then be started again.

Reference symbol list

1

Vehicle hatch

2

actuator

3

sun gear

4

inner planetary gear

5

outer planet gear

6

Planet carrier

7

Beam

8th

first direction of rotation

9

second direction of rotation

10

Vehicle exterior contour

11

opening

12

timing belt

Claims (10)

Swing-out vehicle flap (1) with opening and closing device, wherein an opening (11) in an outer vehicle contour (10) can be exposed or closed by means of the opening and closing device and an interface within the opening (11), designed as a loading and/or Filling module is provided, which is arranged set back into the vehicle interior with respect to the vehicle's outer contour (10), characterized in that the vehicle flap (1) is in operative connection with an epicyclic gear (3 to 6) by means of a firmly connected support arm (7) and that Epicyclic gear transmission (3 to 6) is connected to a stationary actuator (2), that the epicyclic gear transmission (3 to 6) has a fixed sun gear (3), a planet carrier (6) positively connected to the actuator (2) and an inner, on Planet carrier (6) arranged planet wheel (4) and an outer planet carrier (6) arranged on the planet carrier (6), wherein the planet carrier (6) carries a planet wheel (4, 5) on two different radii that the actuator (2 ) can be reversible with regard to the direction of rotation (8, 9) and that by means of the opening and closing device the vehicle flap (1) can be moved back into an open position outside of the vehicle's outer contour (10) and vice versa into a closed position aligned with the vehicle's outer contour (10). . Swing-out vehicle flap (1) with opening and closing device, wherein an opening (11) in an outer vehicle contour (10) can be exposed or closed by means of the opening and closing device and an interface within the opening (11), designed as a loading and/or Filling module, is provided, which is arranged set back into the vehicle interior with respect to the vehicle's outer contour (10), characterized in that the vehicle flap (1) is inserted by means of a firmly connected support arm (7) with an epicyclic gear (3, 5, 6 and 12). There is an operative connection and the epicyclic gearing (3, 5, 6 and 12) is connected to a stationary actuator (2), so that the epicyclic gearing (3, 5, 6 and 12) has a fixed sun gear (3), one with the actuator (2 ) positively connected planet carrier (6), an outer planet gear (5) rotatably arranged on the planet carrier (6) and a toothed belt (12) wrapping around the sun gear (3) and the outer planet gear (5) that the actuator (2) can be reversed with regard to the direction of rotation (8, 9) and that by means of the opening and closing device the vehicle flap (1) can be moved back in relation to the vehicle outer contour (10) into an open position outside of this and vice versa into a closed position aligned with the vehicle outer contour (10). Swing-out vehicle flap Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the support arm (7) is designed in one piece and is firmly connected to the vehicle flap (1) at one end and carries the fixed, outer planet gear (5) at the other end. Swing-out vehicle flap Claim 3 , characterized in that the support arm (7) is designed to be straight or curved. Swing-out vehicle flap Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the center distance between the sun gear (3) and the outer planet gear (5) can be changed in order to change the movement profile of the vehicle flap (1). Swing-out vehicle flap Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the initial and final position of the planetary gear gers (6) can be changed in order to change the movement profile of the vehicle flap (1). Swing-out vehicle flap Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the gear ratio between the sun gear (3) and the outer planet gear (5) can be changed in order to change the movement profile of the vehicle flap (1). Swing-out vehicle flap Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that a circumferential seal is arranged at the opening (11) in the vehicle outer contour (10) and that the vehicle flap is operatively connected to the actuator (2) by means of the epicyclic gear transmission (3 to 6 or 3, 5, 6, 12). (1) can be temporarily pressed against the seal or that a circumferential seal is arranged on the vehicle lid (1) and that the seal is activated by means of the epicyclic gear mechanism (3 to 6 or 3, 5, 6, 12) in operative connection with the actuator (2). can be temporarily pressed against the vehicle outer contour (10). Swing-out vehicle flap Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the actuator (2) is in active connection in terms of signals and circuitry with control electronics of the vehicle. Swing-out vehicle flap Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the speed or torque of the actuator (2) can be controlled.

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