DE202014101216U1 - Closure device for a filling or connection opening on a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Closing device for closing a passage opening (O) on a vehicle, wherein via the passage opening (O) an interior space (I) with a filling or connection opening is accessible and the passage opening (O) by a cover element (1, 1 '' ', 1 *) can be closed, which is adjustable on the vehicle between at least one closure position for closing the passage opening (O) and a release position for releasing the passage opening (O), characterized in that on the cover element (1, 1 '' ', 1 * ) a closure portion (13, 13 *) is formed, which closes the filling or connection opening in the closed position of the lid member (1, 1 '' ', 1 *).

Description

The invention relates to a closure device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a closure device is for closing a passage opening on a vehicle, for. B. in the field of vehicle body provided. About the passage opening an interior space with a filling or connection opening is accessible, wherein the passage opening can be closed by a cover element. This cover element is adjustable on the vehicle between at least one closure position for closing the passage opening and a release position for releasing the passage opening. A cover element of the closure device may thus be, for example, a tank cover or a tank flap which covers or obscures an interior space provided on the vehicle body, within which there is a filler neck with a filling opening for a fuel tank. Similarly, a cover element may be formed by an adjustable cover or a cover to be formed around a passage opening for access to a filling opening for filling a wiper water reservoir or to a connection opening for connecting a charging cable of an electrical charging station for a battery drive of the vehicle.

In previously conventional closure devices, a separate closure element for closing the filling opening or connection opening is provided in addition to a cover element. For example, in a filler neck of a fuel tank, a separate filler cap is regularly provided for sealingly closing the filling opening, which must be turned out of the filler neck after opening the fuel filler flap or tank cap in order to be able to top up fuel through the filling opening. Thus, in conventional closure devices, multiple manipulations are required for a user to access a fill or port opening on the vehicle. In order to increase the ease of use is often provided in the meantime on vehicles, at least to adjust the cover element power-operated, for example by means of a spring drive or a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric drive motor. In this way, at least the adjustment of the cover element in its release position must no longer be carried out manually at regular intervals.

In the DE 199 19 251 A1 It is also proposed to mechanically couple a cover element in the form of a displaceable tank flap with a closure element for closing a filling opening on a filler neck of the fuel tank, so that when opening the tank flap and the closing element mitverstellt automatically and thereby the filling opening is released. The closure element here is part of a valve device with a ball valve, so that the closure element is rotated when the fuel filler flap is moved as a cover element. The closure element and the cover element in the form of the fuel filler flap are in the DE 199 19 251 A1 formed by two separate components. However, these are coupled with each other so that their adjusting movements influence each other. For coupling, a mechanical transmission is provided with at least one lever. Although with the in the DE 199 19 251 A1 proposed closure device is achieved a comfort increase over conventional closure devices, this still has some disadvantages. Thus, in particular due to the proposed mechanical coupling via a gearbox, the construction and assembly of the closure device is comparatively complicated and, due to the large number of necessary components, cost-intensive and error-prone.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a closure device with which the aforementioned disadvantages are avoided or at least reduced and with which in particular the ease of use for a user can be increased.

This object is achieved both with a closure device of claim 1 and with a closure device of claim 5.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a closure section is formed on the cover element, via which the passage opening can be closed, and which is adapted to the dimensions of the filling or connection opening, which closes the filling or connection opening in the closed position of the cover element. According to the invention, a closure section for the filling or connection opening is thus integrated with the cover element and, for example, shaped or formed thereon. The cover element thus forms here at least one cover section for closing the passage opening and a closure section for the separate closing of the filling or connection opening, which is provided inside the accessible via the passage opening interior.

A filling or connection opening is in principle preferably designed and provided for the consumption of fuel to a vehicle, wherein it is a consumable example, an energy source for the vehicle drive such. As fuel, especially gasoline, diesel or hydrogen, or to a Consumable liquid, such as. As engine oil, coolant or mop water for a windshield wiper system is.

Basically, with a closure device according to the invention with a cover element on which a closure portion is formed, both an inside, d. h., Within the interior, lying filling or connection opening, are closed as well as an external passage opening. The through-opening as well as the filling or connection opening located behind it are thus closed in its closed position via the cover element. For example, one on an outside, z. B. on the vehicle body, visible passage opening in one embodiment closed by a cover member which closes within the accessible through the passage opening interior simultaneously another, spaced therefrom opening in the form of a filling opening or connection opening. According to the invention thus assumes a lid member two functions that, for example, in a filler neck of a fuel tank of two different components, eg. As a fuel filler flap or - cover on the one hand and a tank cap on the other hand, be taken over.

In this case, a cover section and a closure section can be formed on the cover element in such a way that a passage opening and a filling or connection opening can be closed over it which are not located in mutually parallel planes. Thus, for example, in a filler neck for a fuel tank, a tank flap in the closed state extends substantially along a vertical on the outside of the vehicle body, while the filling opening of the filler neck extends obliquely thereto to facilitate the insertion of a fuel nozzle or a fuel nozzle.

Preferably, the closure portion is located within the interior of an edge of the filling or connection opening when the passage opening is closed by the lid member. In this way, a secure and preferably complete closure of the filling or connection opening is ensured via the closure section. For this purpose, in the closed position of the cover element, the entire filling or connection opening can be covered over the closure section.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the closure section sealingly closes the filling or connecting opening in the closed position of the lid element. For this purpose, a preferably circumferential seal may be provided on an edge of the filling or connection opening, against which the closure section lies in the closed position, e.g. in the form of a sealing lip. Alternatively or additionally, the closure portion may have a seal for sealingly closing the filling or connection opening.

In order to make accessible in the release position of the cover element not only the interior via the passage opening, but also the filling or connection opening, it is provided in one embodiment that in the release position of the cover element, the filling or connection opening is released by the closure portion. The closure portion of the lid member is thus displaced in an adjustment of the lid member so that the closure portion also no longer (completely) closes the filling or connection opening.

The filling or connection opening within the interior can also be accessible in the release position of the cover element via at least one aid provided by the closure device and in particular by the cover element. By way of the at least one auxiliary means, the filling or connecting opening can be more easily accessible through the passage opening from the outside, for example for refilling a reservoir or tank or for connecting a connecting line or a connecting cable. For this purpose, it is provided in one embodiment that the adjustable cover element forms a connecting portion with a connecting channel, which ends in the release position of the lid member at or in the filling or connection opening. By way of example, a consumable in the form of a fluid, for example a fuel such as gasoline, diesel or hydrogen, can be directed to the filling opening via such a connecting channel at a filling opening. In the case of a connection opening, a guide for a cable or a line and / or a connection plug to be connected to the connection opening is provided via the connection channel, for example via which a connection to a charging station takes place. A connecting channel may, for example, have a circular cross-section and / or at least one funnel-shaped section in order to facilitate filling via a filling opening or the connection of a cable or a line to a connection opening.

In the case of a filling opening for a wiper water reservoir or a fuel tank, an extension for a filler neck having the filling opening may be provided via the connecting channel, for example, when the cover element is in its release position. So then z. As a fuel nozzle or a tank trunk or a refilling funnel easy on the comparison plugged into the filler neck further projecting connection channel to replenish wiper water or fuel in a tank of the vehicle.

The formation of a connecting portion with a connecting channel, which is connected in a release position of the lid member with the filling or connection opening, can also be advantageous in an adjustable cover element, that no closure portion for closing the filling or connection opening in the closed position of the lid member formed. Thus, in such an embodiment, a separate closure element could in principle continue to be provided in addition to the cover element in order to close the filling or connection opening (sealingly) via the separate closure element. This separate closure element would accordingly be removed from the filling or connection opening when the cover element is adjusted in its release adjustment or has already been adjusted. Preferably, in such an embodiment variant, the cover element and the separate closure element are mechanically coupled to one another or driven by a power-operated adjusting mechanism such that the release of the filling or connection opening via a separate closure element takes place together with the adjustment of the cover element in its release position.

According to a second aspect of the invention, therefore, a closure device according to claim 5 is provided, in which on an adjustable cover element, a connecting portion is formed with a connecting channel. In this case, one end of this connection channel is accessible at the passage opening and at the other end of this connection channel a connection to the filling or connection opening is established when the cover element is in a release position for releasing the passage opening.

In one embodiment, although not necessarily stated above, the two aforementioned aspects of the invention are combined so that an adjustable cover element of a closure device forms both a cover section for closing the passage opening, a closure section for closing the filling or connection opening and a connecting section with a connection channel ,

In one cover element with a connecting channel, it is provided in one exemplary embodiment that the connecting section protrudes with the one end of the connecting channel through the passage opening through the interior, when the cover element is in its release position. About a in the release position over an edge of the passage opening at least partially protruding connecting portion can be made more easily accessible to a user a filling or connection opening. Thus, the filling of a fluid or the insertion of a cable or a conduit can be made on or via the projecting connection channel, so that a user no longer has to attack directly at the filling or connection opening for this purpose.

In considered advantageous embodiments, the cover element is adjustable within the interior. The adjustment of the cover element is preferably carried out in such a way that the cover element is adjustable within the interior between a closed position and a release position and the cover element is arranged here, in particular in its release position almost completely within the interior and not disturbing outside of the interior. In particular, a closure portion of the lid member for closing the passage opening can be accommodated completely in such an embodiment variant within the interior, when the lid member is in its release position. For example, a cover portion with a visible in the closed position outside on a cover element in the form of a gas cap can be completely moved into the interior and / or inside of the interior through which the filler neck of the vehicle fuel tank is accessible.

The adjustability of the lid member may be rotatably mounted. A rotatable mounting for the cover element can in this case z. B. be realized via at least one sliding bearing and / or a ball joint.

In the case of a rotatable mounting of the cover element, a sealing surface for the sealing closing of the filling or connecting opening can be designed concentrically or in a circular arc to the axis of rotation of the cover element. Alternatively, a sealing surface is not concentric or circular arc-shaped to the axis of rotation, but extends at a predetermined angle to the axis of rotation and / or to a plane in which the through hole is located. Here, the cover element is preferably mounted such that a rotational movement of the cover element leads to a nearly linear adjustment movement of the closure section to the provided on an edge of the filling or connection opening sealing surface.

In one embodiment, the lid member is made in one piece, so that a formed on the lid member closure portion and / or connecting portion thereto is not releasably attached, but on the lid member on or is formed. For example, the cover element is designed as a plastic part with at least one covering section (for the passage opening), closure section (for the filling or connecting opening) and connecting section (with connecting channel).

In a further embodiment, the cover element is designed in several parts. It thus comprises at least two parts attached to each other. In this case, a cover part with cover section formed thereon (for the passage opening) and a closure section and / or connecting section is preferably provided, as well as a screen attached thereto. The screen forms an outer surface of the lid member, which is visible in the closed position in or above the closed passage opening. The screen may in this case be plugged into the cover portion of the lid part, in particular be clipped. Thus, the screen can not only be easily mounted, but also quickly and easily replaced if necessary.

By using a separate screen, the cover member can be made with the cover portion and a closure portion and / or connecting portion with focus on the mechanical strength, while the screen is made in view of a particularly advantageous aesthetic effect or appearance. For example, the screen is in the closed position of the lid member on an outer skin of the vehicle and is made of a high-quality metallic material.

In a development of a closure device according to the invention according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the closure device has a power-operated adjusting mechanism in order to adjust the cover element. For the power-operated adjustment, for example, a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric motor drive can be provided, so that an adjustment of the cover element - at least from a closed position to a release position - can be controlled by a motor without a user manually has to apply a force on the cover element. By a power-operated adjustment of the lid member, such. B. a gas cap, the ease of use can be significantly increased. Preferably, an adjustment of the cover element in both adjustment directions, d. H. both from the closed position to the release position and vice versa. In this way, it can be avoided that a user may come in contact with contaminated components of the closure device when refilling a consumable via the filling opening or for connecting a cable or a line to a connection opening, for example. B. an outside of a gas cap.

In a closure device with a power-operated adjustment mechanism, at least one proximity sensor can furthermore be provided, by means of which a user can activate a power-operated adjustment of the cover element without contact. Such a proximity sensor can operate, for example, capacitively or inductively. By way of example, a signal for adjusting the cover element can be triggered by a proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors in that a user executes a specific gesture in the region of the cover element.

Alternatively or additionally, a specific object can be detected in the region of the cover element via a corresponding sensor and then the adjustment of the cover element can be triggered. For example, the adjustment of a gas cap can be done automatically when a nozzle or a charging plug is detected by sensors in the region of the lid member.

A proximity sensor for the power-operated adjustment of the lid member may be at least partially, preferably completely located in a gap in a multi-part design of the lid member, which is formed between the cover portion for closing the passage opening and a screen. In this way, a proximity sensor can be accommodated in a particularly space-saving manner on the ceiling element. Alternatively or additionally, a proximity sensor may at least partially be accommodated in a cavity of the cover section or the screen. For example, a recess for receiving at least one proximity sensor is formed on the cover portion of a cover part and this recess is covered by the screen.

Alternatively or additionally, a power-operated adjustment of the cover element by a user can be triggered mechanically, for example by actuation of an actuating element in the vehicle interior or on the cover element.

In particular, in a power-operated adjustment of the lid member via an electric motor drive may additionally be provided a mechanical emergency release. In this way, the accessibility of the filling or drive opening is ensured even if the drive has failed or no electrical energy is available for operating the drive, for example, when a vehicle battery is discharged.

A mechanical emergency release can be provided, for example, by an unlocking mechanism in which locking elements coupled to a drive element of the drive can be manually transferred from an automatically assumed locking position into an unlocked position. In particular, for manual operation of the unlocking a flexible traction means, in particular a Bowden cable can be provided here.

In one embodiment variant, a drive element rotatable about a drive axis is coupled to at least one locking element which is adjustable substantially perpendicularly, in particular radially with respect to the drive axis. This at least one locking element is biased into a locking position, in which the locking element blocks rotation of the drive element and thus prevents inadvertent or abusive adjustment of the associated cover element. In a controlled via the drive adjustment of the cover element, the locking element is force-actuated transferred into its unlocked position and thus allows rotation of the drive element. The locking element or elements are provided with a manually operable actuator, e.g. in the form of a Bowden cable, connected, so that a transfer to an unlocking position can also be done manually and the drive element against it is not locked in case of failure of the drive.

In one embodiment, the drive element is adjustable along the drive axis and at least one locking element coupled to the drive element and slidably mounted on a guide portion which is the locking element by an axial adjustment of the drive element from its locking position adjustable in its unlocked position. By means of an actuating element, a manual adjusting force can then also be transmitted to the drive element in order, if necessary, to release a lock manually and to be able to carry out manual adjustment of the cover element.

By providing a power-operated adjusting mechanism for adjusting a cover element, in principle increased security against unauthorized or abusive opening of the cover element can be provided. For example, the adjusting mechanism for this purpose is self-locking designed with the associated drive, so that an adjustment of the lid member without driving the drive is not possible.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.

Hereby show:

1A - 1B a first embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a hinged cover element in the form of a gas cap, over which both a passage opening in a vehicle body and a filling opening of a filler neck is closed and also, with the tank lid open, connected to the filling opening of the filler neck and the tank lid crossing connecting channel is provided for filling fuel, wherein the 1A and Figure 1B shows the fuel cap in different positions as seen from outside on the vehicle body;

2A - 2 B on an enlarged scale, the closure device of 1A and 1B in particular showing an interior space inside the vehicle body, in which the filler neck of the vehicle tank ends and which can be closed by the tank cap;

3A - 3B the closure device viewed from the inside and in different positions of the tank cap;

4A - 4B the closure device in with the 3A and 3B matching views without depicting the interior, in which the gas cap is adjustably mounted;

5A - 5B another view of the closure device with a view from the inside;

6A - 6B additional views of the closure device in the different positions of the tank cap;

7A - 7B a second embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with an alternatively configured connecting portion with a connecting channel in different positions of the tank cap;

8A - 8B a development of the embodiment of 7A and 7B in different positions of the tank lid;

9A - 9B a further embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a gas cap without a connecting channel for filling fuel;

10 a further embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a tank lid with connecting channel to the filling opening of a filler neck, but without closure portion for closing the filling opening in a closed position of the tank cap;

11A an embodiment of a drive of a closure device with a release mechanism for manual emergency release in a locked state

11B - 11C different views of the drive 11A in an unlocked state.

With the 1A to 6B . 7A - 7B . 8A - 8B . 9A - 9B and 10 different embodiments of inventive closure devices are shown, in which a cover element in the form of a gas cap 1 . 1''' or 1* is rotatably mounted, so that the tank lid 1 . 1''' or 1* between a closure position for closing a passage opening O on the outer skin of a vehicle body K and a release position for releasing this passage opening O is pivotable. Each of the tank lids shown 1 . 1''' and 1* forms in addition to a cover section 10 or 10 '' , via which the passage opening O is closed as intended, at least one closure section 13 or 13 * for (tightly) closing a filling opening of a filler neck 20 and / or a connecting section 110 . 110 ' or 110 ''' with a connection channel 111 or 111 '' for filling with fuel.

The 1A - 6B show a first embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a pivotable tank lid 1 that has both a closure section 13 as well as a connection section 110 formed. The figures marked "A" show the tank lid 1 each in its closed position, while the characters marked "B" in matching view the tank lid 1 in his release position.

The fuel cap 1 has a plate-shaped closure portion 10 over which the opening O in the body K is completely closed when the gas cap 1 in a closed position. It is self-evident that the closure section 10 In this case also have a geometry other than the illustrated and, for example, may have a circular base. The fuel cap 1 is rotatably supported within an inner space I about a rotation axis D, so that the closure portion 10 From a closed position in which it (almost) completely fills the passage opening O, in the interior I can be pivoted into an open position.

For rotatable storage are on the tank lid 1 cylindrical bearing sections 12A and 12B educated. About these storage sections 12A and 12B a sliding bearing can be realized by running this example, hollow cylindrical and slipped over a journal or by these cylindrical bearing sections 12A and 12B each slidably mounted in a bearing bush.

In its closed position, the fuel cap closes 1 via a closure section 13 in the interior of the interior I sealing a filling opening of a filler neck 20 , The tank neck 20 forms the end of a filler pipe 2 , via which fuel can be filled into a fuel tank of the vehicle. The closure section 13 of the gas cap 1 is due to the geometry of the filling opening on the filler neck 20 adjusted so that the closure section 13 in the closed position of the tank lid 1 sealingly abuts a sealing surface defined by the edge of the filling opening. In the present case is the filler neck 20 at his the gas cap 1 facing concave curved face. The one on the tank lid 1 trained closure section 13 is here correspondingly convex. The face of the filler neck 20 at which the closure section 13 in the closed position of the tank lid 1 is present, is also present at an angle to the passage opening O arranged. The concave curvature of the end face of the filler neck 20 and the convex curvature of the closure portion 13 of the gas cap 1 each extend along a circular path about the axis of rotation D, so that the closure portion 13 relative to the filler neck 20 can be easily moved to release the filling opening.

To release the filling opening and the passage opening O of the tank lid 1 adjusted in a rotational direction about the axis of rotation D, whereby the plate-shaped cover portion 10 is pivoted into the interior of the interior I. The adjustment of the gas cap 1 This can be done via a power-operated adjusting mechanism, by, for example, on a bearing section 12A or 12B , a torque generated by a drive motor for adjusting the tank cap 1 is applied. The adjustment can, in particular via a capacitive proximity sensor, for example, contactless by the detection of gestures of a user or the detection of a specific item, such. As a fuel nozzle or a charging plug are triggered. Proximity sensors for non-contact Triggering an adjustment of an adjustment of a motor vehicle are well known, for example, in connection with the automated adjustment of a vehicle side door, a tailgate or a trunk lid. Alternatively or additionally, a mechanical release may be provided to the tank lid 1 operated by means of power.

Will the gas cap 1 pivoted in a release position in which the cover portion 10 the passage opening O is no longer hidden, the passage opening O is a functional section 11 of the gas cap 1 facing with a visible surface. At this area functional section 11 stands in the manner of a collar, the edge of a channel end 110A a connection channel 111 out. The connecting channel is circular cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment. The circular cylindrical connecting channel 111 is here by a connecting section 110 of the gas cap 1 educated. While that one channel end 110A is accessible at the passage opening O, so that here, for example, a fuel nozzle can be introduced, is on the other, lying in the interior I channel end 110B a connection to the filler neck 20 of the filler pipe 2 produced. This is how the tank lid defines 1 through its connecting section 110 with the connection channel 111 an extension or connection piece for the filler pipe 2 , so in the release position of the tank cap 1 Fuel can be refilled via this extension or connecting piece and the filling opening of the filler neck 20 is accessible. As the channel end 110A is in the region of the passage opening O and thus easily accessible to a user on the body K, thereby refilling of fuel is facilitated.

The in the release position of the tank cap 1 the passage opening O facing functional portion 11 is in this case additionally concave. This can be achieved, for example, that liquids from the functional section 11 drain more easily. This is the frontal visible surface of the functional section 11 in the release position of the tank cap 1 tilted to the vertical, so that any dirt or rainwater or fuel residue can flow through the concave curvature in the direction of the passage opening O.

At a lower part of the functional section 11 , below the arched visible surface, is also a transverse strip portion 14 on the tank lid 1 intended. This groin section 14 can be designed to protect against contamination and / or to prevent unwanted or unhindered access to the interior I. If the gas cap 1 is present in its release position, through the groin section 14 avoid being a user below the functional section 11 on the tank lid 1 past in the interior I intervenes. In addition, the groin section makes it difficult 14 the penetration of dirt into the interior I below the functional section 11 ,

The interior I can be formed within the body K by a corresponding expression. Alternatively, the interior may be formed by a separate housing of the closure device, which is fastened on the inside to the body K. Decisive in the embodiment shown is merely that of his cover 10 , its connecting section 110 and its closure section 13 different functions integrating fuel cap 1 here within this interior I is rotatably mounted. This is how the tank cap takes over 1 not only the function of a conventional fuel cap or a conventional fuel filler flap, but also the function of a closure for the filler neck 20 and provides a connecting channel with its own filling opening, which in the filling opening of the filler neck 20 empties. Rather, in a closure device with such a tank lid 1 also avoided that parts of the closure device protrude to the body F, regardless of whether the fuel cap is open or closed.

With the 7A and 7B is a further embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a gas cap 1 shown in cross-sectional views, which integrates the aforementioned functions. In contrast to the embodiment of 1A to 6B indicates the gas cap 1 of the 7A and 7B only an alternative designed connecting section 110 ' on. This is executed here, for example, spherical or circular cylindrical. Such is in the release position of the tank cap 1 the passage opening O no plate-shaped cover section 11 facing, but a convex curved portion of the lateral surface of the spherical or circular cylindrical connecting portion 110 ' ,

In a development according to the cross-sectional views of 8A and 8B forms an approximately spherical or circular cylindrical connecting portion 110 '' additionally a cover section closing the passage opening in the closed position 10 '' with a flat view or end face. The cover section 10 '' is thereby by a flattened flat portion of the connecting portion 110 '' formed in the closed position of the gas cap 1 is present in the body opening O and this closes.

When rotating about the axis of rotation D (in the 8A clockwise) pivots the fuel cap 1 in its release position, in which the internal connection channel 111 of the connection section 110 '' a connection to the previously closed tank neck 20 provides. The fuel cap 1 is designed and rotatably mounted within the interior I, that in the release position of the tank lid 1 the channel end 110A protrudes through the opening O through out of the interior I. Part of the connection section 110 '' thus protrudes beyond an edge of the through hole O when the tank lid 1 is in its release position.

In the 9A and 9B is a further embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a tank lid 1* shown. The fuel cap 1* integrated in addition to a cover section 10 only a closure section 13 * for closing the filler neck 20 in the closed position of the tank lid 1* , A connecting portion with a connecting channel is not provided here.

In deviation from the previously described embodiments, the tank lid 1* also not rotatably mounted here via a simple pivot bearing, but via a ball joint on a bearing section 12 * in the region of the upper edge of the passage opening O. This allows the tank lid 1* be pivoted to open inward, with the ball joint rotation of the tank lid 1* around its longitudinal axis is possible to get into the release position.

With the 10 an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in which a gas cap 1''' again a connection section 110 ''' with a connection channel 111 ''' having. The fuel cap 1''' of the 10 However, does not necessarily form a closure portion, over the closed state of the tank lid 1''' also a filling opening of the filler neck 20 is sealed. At the gas cap 1''' of the 10 is rather in the foreground, over the tank lid 1''' in its release position via the connecting channel 111 ''' an extension or connecting piece to the filler neck 20 provide. Of course, however, would be in such a variant, the integration of a closure portion for closing the filler neck 20 in the closed position of the tank lid 1''' readily possible.

Like in the 10 Moreover, it is also generally not mandatory that a connecting channel 111 or 111 ''' within the respective tank lid 1 . 1''' . 1* runs straight. The connection channel 111 or 111 ''' For example, it can also be simple or multiple curved.

Although this is not shown in detail to the figures, it is of course possible in all embodiments shown, a power-operated adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tank lid 1 . 1''' or 1* to provide this, for example, via an electric motor drive and preferably automatically, for example by means of at least one proximity sensor to adjust.

It can be provided that the tank lid 1 . 1''' . 1* is executed in several parts and on the cover 10 . 10 '' a separate screen is attached as one of at least two parts. The screen can hereby be disc-shaped and / or made of a higher quality material to form an aesthetically pleasing and adapted to the outer skin of the vehicle outer surface, without the entire tank lid 1 . 1''' . 1* made of a higher quality material.

Between a screen and a cover section 10 . 10 '' to which the screen is attached, also a gap may be provided in which a proximity sensor or at least parts thereof are housed protected. In this way, a proximity sensor, for example, during assembly of a multi-part lid member to the cover 10 . 10 '' or the screen are placed before then the attachment of the screen takes place and the proximity sensor is covered by the screen. In this case, it may be advantageous, in particular, for the support and attachment of the screen, if the cover section, as shown in the attached figures, is plate-shaped or has a flat end face facing the passage opening. However, this is not mandatory.

In the 11A . 11B and 11C is also a drive A of a closure device with an unlocking mechanism 3 shown for a manual emergency release. The electric motor drive A has a housing G, on which a connecting pin 30 for non-rotatable connection with a cover element, such as the tank lid 1 . 1''' or 1* , projects. Inside the connecting pin 30 is a drive pin 4 mounted, via which a driving force to the connecting pin 30 is transferable.

To the connecting pin 30 and thus to lock an associated lid member against improper adjustment, the unlocking mechanism has two with the drive pin 4 coupled locking elements 31 and 32 on. These locking elements 31 and 32 lie within the connecting pin 30 opposite and are each within a guide opening 301 or 302 of the connecting pin 30 mounted radially displaceable. Each locking element 31 and 32 is form-fitting with the connection pin 30 connected, so that a torque of the drive pin 4 over the locking elements 31 and 32 at the connection pin 30 is transferable.

The two locking elements 31 and 32 are biased against each other in a locking position -zB via a compression spring, so that they with respect to the drive axis to the drive pin 4 and the connecting pin 30 are rotatable, are pressed radially outward. In the locking position, in the 11A is shown, each of the locking elements rests 31 and 32 positively in a recess of a housing-fixed locking ring 300 , Such are the connection pin 30 and the drive pin 4 against rotation relative to the locking ring 300 blocked. A positive connection with the locking ring 300 is preferably only possible if the cover element is in its closed position. Optionally, the drive A with the locking ring 300 so be educated that the locking elements 31 and 32 also in the release position in the locking ring 300 can intervene. Are the locking elements 31 and 32 according to the 11B and 11C in its unlocked position, is the connecting pin 30 unlocked and a rotation relative to the locking ring 300 allows. For this purpose, the locking elements 31 and 32 retracted here and thus moved radially inward.

To the locking elements 31 and 32 be able to adjust between their unlocked position and locking position and in particular the drive pin 4 To release or lock, are the two locking elements 31 and 32 within a warehouse opening 30a of the connecting pin 30 mounted slidably radially to the drive shaft and extending perpendicular to the drive axis coupling portions 310 and 320 with the drive pin 4 connected. At the coupling sections 310 and 320 There is in each case via a slot-pin pairing a positive connection to the drive pin 4 , wherein the locking elements 31 and 32 in this case in a direction perpendicular to the drive pin 4 remain displaceable. In each case, one transverse to the longitudinal extent of the drive pin 4 on this protruding pin in a slot of a coupling section 310 or 320 added. Furthermore, the locking elements lie 31 and 32 on a housing-fixed ramp-shaped guide section 303 or 304 on, along which the respective locking element 31 or 32 can slide. Each locking element 31 or 32 lies on one of an associated ramp-shaped guide section 303 or 304 provided, inclined guide surface, so that a locking element 31 or 32 inclined thereto is shifted to the drive axis and consequently has a resulting adjustment movement, a radial and an axial component with respect to the drive axle.

The drive pin 4 is axially displaceable along its drive axis to the adjustment of the locking elements 31 and 32 between their locking and unlocking position to control. So the drive pin 4 initially displaced axially in an adjustment direction V before a rotation triggered by the drive motor. This takes the drive pin 4 the locking elements 31 and 32 axially with. As a result, slide the locking elements 31 and 32 at the ramp-shaped guide sections 303 or 304 along and are moved against a biasing force radially inward until it with the locking ring 300 no longer engaged. Will the drive pin 4 then to close the lid member, such as the tank lid 1 . 1''' or 1* Turned back, the locking elements become 31 and 32 as a result of the biasing force automatically in engagement with the locking ring 300 brought as soon as their guide holes 301 and 302 again the recesses of the locking ring 300 are opposite. This is the slope of the guide sections 303 and 304 and the material pairing between the respective guide section 303 or 304 and a locking element 31 or 32 chosen so that there is no static friction, which is a locking element 31 or 32 in its unlocked position on the associated guide section 303 or 304 holds. Such are the locking elements 31 and 32 displaced radially outwards into its locking position, if this by an inner wall of the locking ring 300 is no longer prevented. When returning to the locking position, the locking elements 31 and 32 also the drive pin 4 take along and move axially.

The axial adjustment of the drive pin 4 Can be manually controlled via a Bowden cable to a mechanical emergency release of the connecting pin 30 and the drive pin 4 to allow and even a cover element to be able to adjust when a drive motor of the drive A is not operable. The soul of the Bowden cable engages, for example, on the connecting pin 30 turned away side of the housing G to the drive pin 4 in order to pull this to release the lock in the adjustment direction V. Such is via the Bowden cable a manual adjustment of the drive pin 4 transferable to release a lock manually if necessary and to make a manual adjustment of the cover element can.

The Bowden cable can of course also be used to externally powered an axial adjustment of the drive pin 4 and thus make an unlocking. Alternatively, a further actuating element may be provided in order to operate under normal operating conditions of the drive A via this additional actuating element, a release of the lock and in an emergency to release the lock manually via the Bowden cable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 '' ', 1 *

Tank cover (cover element)

10, 10 ''

cover

11

function section

110, 110 ', 110' ', 110' ''

connecting portion

110A, 110B

channel end

111, 111 '' '

connecting channel

12 *, 12A, 12B

bearing section

13, 13 *

closure portion

14

ledge portion

2

filler pipe

20

Tankstutzen

3

unlocking

30

Connecting pin (Anschlusseleme

300

lock ring

301, 302

guide opening

303, 304

guide section

30a

bearing opening

31, 32

locking element

310, 320

coupling section

4

Drive pin (drive element)

A

drive

D

axis of rotation

G

casing

I

inner space

K

body

O

Through opening

V

adjustment

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• DE 19919251 A1 [0004, 0004, 0004]

Claims (16)

A closure device for closing a passage opening (O) on a vehicle, wherein an interior space (I) with a filling or connection opening is accessible via the passage opening (O) and the passage opening (O) through a cover element (O). 1 . 1''' . 1* ), which is adjustable on the vehicle between at least one closure position for closing the passage opening (O) and a release position for releasing the passage opening (O), characterized in that on the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) a closure section ( 13 . 13 * ) is formed, which in the closed position of the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) closes the filling or connection opening. Closure device according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure section ( 13 . 13 * ) abuts within the interior space (I) at an edge of the filling or connection opening, when over the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) the passage opening (O) is closed. Closure device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure portion ( 13 . 13 * ) the filling or connection opening in the closed position of the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) sealingly closes. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the release position of the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) and the filling or connection opening is released. Closing device for closing a passage opening (O) on a vehicle, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein via the passage opening (O) an interior space (I) with a filling or connection opening is accessible and the passage opening (O) through a cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ), which is adjustable on the vehicle between at least one closure position for closing the passage opening (O) and a release position for releasing the passage opening (O), characterized in that on the adjustable cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) a connecting section ( 110 . 110 ' . 110 '' ) with a connection channel ( 111 . 111 '' ), one end ( 110A ) of this connection channel ( 111 . 111 '' ) is accessible at the passage opening (O) and at the other end ( 110B ) of this connection channel ( 111 . 111 '' ) made a connection to the filling or connection opening when the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) is in its release position. Closure device according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting portion ( 110 . 110 ' . 110 '' ) with the accessible end ( 110A ) of the connection channel ( 111 . 111 '' ) protrudes through the passage opening (O) from the interior (I) when the lid member ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) is in its release position. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) is adjustable within the interior (I). Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) is rotatably mounted. Closure device according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) is rotatably mounted via at least one sliding bearing and / or ball joint. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) is designed in several parts and has an outer screen, which closes at a in the closed position, the passage opening (O) closing cover ( 10 . 10 '' ) of the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) is attached. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) is made in one piece. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a liquid reservoir, in particular a mop water reservoir, a coolant reservoir, or oil reservoir or a fuel tank can be filled via a filling opening. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connection opening for connection to a charging station, in particular a charging station for battery or fuel cell drives is provided. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device has a power-operated adjusting mechanism in order to move the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) to adjust. Closing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the power-operated adjusting mechanism comprises at least one proximity sensor, by means of which a user a power-operated adjustment of the cover element ( 1 . 1''' . 1* ) can be triggered without contact. Closure device according to claim 10 and claim 15, characterized in that the at least one proximity sensor is at least partially located in a space which is located between the cover portion ( 10 . 10 '' ) and the screen is formed, and / or a cavity of the cover ( 10 . 10 '' ) or the screen.

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