DE102022120889A1 - Tailgate system with emergency opening function for a vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle, and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A tailgate system (10) with an emergency opening function for a vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle, comprises a tailgate (11) which is attached to a rotatable axis (12) around a connection element for connecting an energy source to a vehicle (40) through a pivoting movement to close, and a drive unit (13) with a drive axle (14) to move the loading flap (11) between a closed position and an open position. A coupling unit (16) is provided, which comprises a first coupling element (17) and a second coupling element (18) and is arranged between the drive axle (14) of the drive unit (13) and the rotatable axle (12) of the loading flap (11), in order to transmit a torque from the drive unit (13) to the rotatable axis (12) of the loading flap (11) and, if necessary, to separate the drive axle (14) of the drive unit (13) from the rotatable axis (12) of the loading flap (11). .

Description

The invention relates to a tailgate system with an emergency opening function for a vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle, and to a vehicle that is equipped with the tailgate system.

The invention is particularly suitable for use in electrically powered vehicles in which an external electrical energy source, such as a charging station, is connected to the vehicle in order to charge it with electricity as an energy source which is stored in an electrical storage unit of the vehicle.

However, the invention can also be used, for example, in vehicles with internal combustion engines, in which, for example, fuel is supplied to the vehicle as an energy source at a gas station. The invention can also be used for hybrid vehicles in which an external energy source is connected to the vehicle in order to load or refuel it with electrical energy and/or a fuel.

Loading or fuel filler flap systems usually have a pivoting loading or closing flap, which is opened to fill the vehicle with an energy source such as electric current or another type of fuel to drive the vehicle engine and is closed after filling. In the closed position, the loading flap must be actively closed or locked in order to seal a connection or filling unit behind it or to protect it against external influences.

For example, a charging socket that is used to connect a charging plug to the vehicle must be sealed from the outside and protected against water and dust. When driving, a suction effect from the wind or the air flowing past can arise, which requires a holding force to prevent the loading flap from opening unintentionally. In addition, it is necessary to keep the tailgate closed using a holding force to protect against misuse or vandalism, or to ensure that it is ready to drive in certain countries. On the other hand, however, it is necessary that the user can open the loading flap in the event of an error.

So that the loading flap can be opened by the user in the event of an error, for example in the event of a software error or the like, emergency operations are known in which the loading flap can be opened, for example, by means of a Bowden cable installed in the vehicle. However, this requires a lot of effort during assembly and also an increased need for installation space.

The object of the invention is to create a loading or fuel tank flap system in which no installation of a Bowden cable is necessary and in which an electrically operated and/or mechanical loading flap can continue to be used after an emergency opening.

To solve the problem, the invention creates a tailgate system with an emergency opening function for a vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle, comprising: a tailgate that is attached to a rotatable axle in order to close a connection element for connecting an energy source to a vehicle by a pivoting movement; a drive unit having a drive axle to move the tailgate between a closed position and an open position; and a clutch unit comprising a first clutch element and a second clutch element and arranged between the drive axle of the drive unit and the rotatable axle of the tailgate to transmit a torque from the drive unit to the rotatable axle of the tailgate and, if necessary, the drive axle of the drive unit the rotating axis of the loading flap.

Preferably, the first coupling element and the second coupling element engage one another in a form-fitting manner to transmit the torque.

Preferably, the first and second coupling elements detach from each other to separate the drive axle.

The first coupling element is preferably designed as a first toothed segment and the second coupling element as a second toothed segment.

The first coupling element is preferably arranged on the drive axle of the drive unit, and the second coupling element is preferably arranged on the rotatable axle of the loading flap.

Each coupling element preferably has an end face with a plurality of teeth.

The end faces of the two coupling elements are advantageously arranged opposite one another.

The loading flap system preferably comprises an elastic element that presses the two coupling elements against each other to transmit the torque.

Preferably, the elastic element is arranged such that it rotates the drive axle of the drive unit elastically in the axial direction bare axis of the loading flap or in its direction.

The loading flap system is preferably designed in such a way that the drive axle is separated from the rotatable axis of the loading flap by manually opening the loading flap against the force of the elastic element and by the associated rotation of the two axes relative to one another.

The toothed segments preferably have uneven toothing, so that their teeth only mesh with one another in a defined position of the toothed segments relative to one another.

According to one aspect of the invention, a vehicle is created, in particular an electric vehicle, which comprises a tailgate system according to the invention.

• 1 ein Ladeklappensystem gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung als perspektivische Ansicht schräg von hinten bzw. auf seine Rückseite;
• 2 das in 1 gezeigte Ladeklappensystem als perspektivische Ansicht von vorne bzw. auf seine Vorderseite, wobei jedoch zur Verdeutlichung zusätzlich noch ein auf der Rückseite positionierter Motor dargestellt ist;
• 3 eine Kupplungseinheit, die in dem Ladeklappensystem gemäß den 1 und 2 verwendet wird, im gekoppelten Zustand; und
• 4 die in 3 dargestellte Kupplungseinheit, jedoch im entkoppelten Zustand.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. Show in it:

• 1 a tailgate system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention as a perspective view obliquely from behind or on its back;
• 2 this in 1 tailgate system shown as a perspective view from the front or on its front, although for clarity a motor positioned on the back is also shown;
• 3 a coupling unit which is in the tailgate system according to 1 and 2 is used in the paired state; and
• 4 in the 3 Coupling unit shown, but in the decoupled state.

In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are each marked with the same reference numerals and will therefore not be described again unless this appears appropriate. The disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to parts with the same reference numbers or the same component names.

The terms “front”, “rear” etc. refer to the state of the tailgate system installed in the vehicle, viewed from the outside of the vehicle towards the interior of the vehicle. You can also refer to the tailgate system itself, looking from the front towards the rear and beyond.

The 1 and 2 show a tailgate system 10 for a vehicle 40 as a perspective view of its back ( 1 ) or its front side ( 2 ). The tailgate system 10 includes a tailgate 11 (see Fig. 2 ), which is attached to a rotatable axis 12 so that it can perform a pivoting movement. Due to the pivoting movement of the loading flap 11, a connection element (not shown here) for connecting an energy source to the vehicle 40, in particular a charging socket, is closed from the outside or released to the outside.

In the present example, the vehicle 40 is designed as an electric vehicle. However, if the tailgate system 10 is designed according to another embodiment, not shown here, for use in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, it forms a fuel filler flap system, with the tailgate 11 forming a fuel filler flap. In this case, the connecting element is designed, for example, as a filler neck for fuel supply.

Furthermore, the tailgate system 10 includes a drive unit 13 with a drive axle 14 through which the in 2 visible loading flap 11 is moved back and forth or pivoted between a closed position and an open position. For this purpose, the drive unit 13 includes a motor 15 designed as an electric motor, which drives the drive axle 14 so that it rotates about its longitudinal axis.

A coupling unit 16 comprises a first coupling element 17 and a second coupling element 18. The coupling unit 16 is arranged between the drive axle 14 and the rotatable axle 12 to which the loading flap 11 is attached. The clutch unit 16 is designed to transmit a torque from the drive unit 13 or its drive axle 14 to the rotatable axle 12 of the loading flap 11, and if necessary, the drive axle 14 of the drive unit 13 from the rotatable axle 12 of the in 2 visible loading flap 11.

The rotatable axis 12 is able to perform a rotation R about its longitudinal axis, whereby the loading flap 11 has a pivoting movement between the closed position in which the connection element is closed and the open position in which the connection element is released , executes. The rotatable axis 12 is mounted in bearing points 31, which are in 1 are marked by circles.

The rotatable axle 12 forms part of a hinge arm 32 to which the loading flap 11 is attached.

To transmit the torque from the drive axle 14 to the rotatable axle 12, the two coupling elements 17, 18, which are designed as toothed segments, are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner.

The first coupling element or toothed segment 17 is arranged on the drive axle 14 of the drive unit 13, so that it is coupled or connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner. In the same way, the second coupling element or toothed segment 18 is arranged on the rotatable axis 12 or on the hinge arm 32 of the loading flap 11, so that it is coupled or connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner.

The rotatable axis 12 or the hinge arm 32, to which the loading flap 11 is attached, is rotatably mounted in a loading pot 25 of the loading flap system 10. The charging pot 25 has an opening 26 which serves to accommodate the connection element, in particular a charging socket.

The hinge arm 32 is attached to the hinge axis or rotatable axis 12, for example via a tongue and groove system, i.e. H. connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner.

In order to press the two toothed segments 17, 18 against each other with their end faces 21 and 22, an elastic element 23 is provided, which is designed as a compression spring. The compression spring 23 presses the drive axle 14 of the drive unit 13 together with the first coupling element 17 in the axial direction elastically against the second coupling element 18 and thus against the rotatable axle 12 of the loading flap 11. That is, the first arranged on the drive axle 14 or attached to it Toothed segment 17 is biased towards the second toothed segment 18. It is pressed elastically against the second toothed segment 18, which is arranged on the rotatable axis 12 or the hinge arm 32 of the loading flap 11 or is connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner.

The compression spring 23 is supported on a housing 24, which is attached, for example, to the loading pot 25 or cannot carry out any relative movement relative to it. Only the drive axle 14 can be displaced relative to the loading pot 25 in its axial direction together with the first toothed segment 17 connected to it. The housing 24 also forms a cover for the compression spring 23.

The 3 and 4 show the clutch unit 16 in an enlarged view, where 3 shows the coupling unit 16 in a state in which the coupling elements 17, 18 are positively connected to one another, whereas 4 shows the coupling unit 16 in a state in which the coupling elements 17, 18 are separated or decoupled from one another.

For this purpose, each coupling element or toothed segment 17, 18 has a plurality of teeth 19 and 20, which interlock positively to transmit the torque.

The teeth 19 of the first toothed segment 17 are formed on its end face 21. Likewise, the teeth 20 of the second toothed segment 18 are formed on its end face 22. The end faces 21, 22 of the two toothed segments 17, 18 are arranged opposite one another. If the two toothed segments 17, 18 are positively connected to one another by means of the plurality of teeth 19, 20, a rotational movement or a torque of the drive axle 14 of the motor 15 is transmitted from the first toothed segment 17 to the second toothed segment 18.

The teeth 19, 20 of the two opposing toothed segments 17 and 18 have oblique contact surfaces 27 which establish contact between the two toothed segments 17, 18.

By manually opening the loading flap 11, the in 1 shown rotatable axis 12 of the hinge arm 32 is rotated relative to the drive axis 14 of the drive unit 13, since the loading flap 11 is firmly connected to the hinge arm 32. Since the opposing teeth 19, 20 have oblique contact surfaces 27, as in the 3 and 4 shown, this rotation causes the two toothed segments 17, 18 to move apart against the force F exerted by the compression spring 23.

That is, when the loading flap 11 is manually opened by the user of the vehicle, the second toothed segment 18 rotates relative to the first toothed segment 17, which causes the drive axle 14 of the drive unit 13 to move against the spring force F from the rotatable axle 12 the loading flap 11 is removed in the axial direction, so that the two toothed segments 17, 18 no longer mesh with one another and the torque can no longer be transmitted between the toothed segments 17, 18.

Thus, when the loading flap 11 is manually opened from the outside by the user, the positive connection between the two toothed segments 17, 18 is released due to the oblique geometry of the toothing or teeth 19, 20, whereby they are decoupled from one another.

In this way, in the event of a malfunction, for example mechanical or due to a software error can occur, the loading flap 11 can be opened from a defined force, since the second toothed segment 18 pushes the spring-loaded first toothed segment 17 away from itself by means of the mutual positive locking, which enables the opening of the loading flap 11. The toothed segments 17, 18 no longer mesh with each other.

The loading flap 11 can be opened in particular by engaging in a joint gap on the edge of the loading flap 11. The manual opening of the loading flap 11 by pulling up the loading flap 11 can be done in particular with the help of a pointed object that is inserted into the joint gap by the user. In this case, after a small initial opening movement, the loading flap 11 is gripped by the user and then fully opened manually without the aid of a tool.

The two toothed segments 17, 18 have uneven teeth. This means that the teeth 19 of the first toothed segment 17 and the teeth 20 of the second toothed segment 18 only mesh with one another at a single angular position W of the two toothed segments 17, 18 relative to one another and produce the positive connection for transmitting the torque. There is only one position in which the positive connection between the two tooth segments 17,18 can take place.

In another embodiment, the toothed segments 17, 18 can also have uneven toothing, which allows the toothed segments 17, 18 to mesh relative to one another at several predefined angular positions. However, it is advantageous to have as few permitted angular positions or positions W as possible, in particular only a single permitted angular position.

In this way, when the loading flap 11 is opened manually, against the spring force exerted by the compression spring 23, a rattling noise is prevented, which would otherwise occur as a result of the opposing teeth 19, 20 snapping into place in rapid succession. In this way, the user-friendliness, the feel of the tailgate and the value of the tailgate system 10 are increased.

With the tailgate system 10 according to the invention, for example after troubleshooting, for example after a software error, a reference run of the tailgate motor 15 can be carried out and the initial function can thus be ensured again. Replacing the tailgate system 10 is not necessary.

Even if there is a fault, for example in the engine 15 or if the engine 15 fails, the loading flap 11 can be both opened and closed again using the solution according to the invention. The loading flap 11 can then maintain its closed position and thereby in particular meet the tightness requirements of a charging socket or a different type of connection element accommodated in the opening 26.

By integrating the coupling unit 16 into the kinematics of the tailgate system 10, there is no destruction of the tailgate system 11 during a manual opening, such as is required in an emergency. Furthermore, it is not necessary to install a Bowden cable in the vehicle. After an emergency opening, which is necessary, for example, in the event of a software error control unit or a software update or another type of error, the electrically operated, mechanical loading flap system can continue to be used. Replacing the tailgate system is not necessary.

List of reference symbols:

10

Tailgate system

11

loading flap

12

rotating axis

13

Drive unit

14

Drive axle

15

engine

16

Clutch unit

17

first coupling element / toothed segment

18

second coupling element / toothed segment

19, 20

Teeth

21, 22

End faces

23

elastic element/compression spring

24

Housing

25

loading pot

26

opening

27

oblique contact surfaces

31

Storage locations

32

Hinge arm

40

vehicle

F

Spring force

W

Angular position

Claims (10)

Tailgate system with emergency opening function for a vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle, comprising a loading flap (11) which is attached to a rotatable axle (12) in order to close a connection element for connecting an energy source to a vehicle (40) by a pivoting movement, a drive unit (13) with a drive axle (14) to move the loading flap (11) between a closed position and an open position, and a coupling unit (16), which comprises a first coupling element (17) and a second coupling element (18) and is arranged between the drive axle (14) of the drive unit (13) and the rotatable axle (12) of the loading flap (11). To transfer torque from the drive unit (13) to the rotatable axis (12) of the tailgate (11) and, if necessary, to separate the drive axle (14) of the drive unit (13) from the rotatable axis (12) of the tailgate (11). Loading flap system Claim 1 , characterized in that the first coupling element (17) and the second coupling element (18) interlock positively to transmit the torque and separate from one another to separate the drive axle (14) from the rotatable axle (12). Loading flap system Claim 1 , characterized in that the first coupling element (17) is designed as a first toothed segment and the second coupling element (18) is designed as a second toothed segment. Loading flap system Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the first coupling element (17) is arranged on the drive axle (14) of the drive unit (13), and the second coupling element (18) is arranged on the rotatable axle (12) of the loading flap (11). Tailgate system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each coupling element (17, 18) has an end face (21, 22) with a plurality of teeth (19, 20), the end faces (21, 22) of the two coupling elements (17 , 18) are arranged opposite each other. Tailgate system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an elastic element (23) that presses the two coupling elements (17, 18) against each other to transmit the torque. Loading flap system Claim 4 , characterized in that the elastic element (23) is arranged such that it elastically presses the drive axle (14) of the drive unit (13) in the axial direction against the rotatable axle (12) of the loading flap (11). Loading flap system Claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that the drive axle (14) is separated from the rotatable axle (12) of the loading flap (11) by manually opening the loading flap (11) against a force (F) of the elastic element and through the associated rotation of the two axes (12, 14) is effected relative to each other. Tailgate system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling elements (17, 18) have uneven toothing, the teeth (19, 20) of which only mesh relative to one another in a defined position (W) of the coupling elements (17, 18). Vehicle, in particular electric vehicle, characterized by a loading flap system (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 9 .

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