GB2524381A

GB2524381A - Motor vehicle flap arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2524381A
Application number: GB1502082.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Markus Frommann; Heiko Betzen
Original assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Current assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Priority date: 2014-03-10
Filing date: 2015-02-06
Publication date: 2015-09-23
Also published as: CN104908823B; GB201502082D0; CN104908823A; DE102014003056A1

Abstract

A fuel flap arrangement for a motor vehicle is provided. The flap arrangement comprises: a preloaded moveably mounted fuel tank flap 8; a holding means 1 for fixing the flap 8; an actuator 4 for actuating the holding means 1; and an actuating means 5 for actuating the actuator 4. The actuator 4 is equipped in order to actuate the holding means 1 for fixing and for releasing the flap 8. The holding means 1 is movably mounted in the movement direction of the flap 8 and/or against a preload. The actuator 4 and the holding means 1 are coupled via a gearing with a gear 2 which is fastened to the holding member 1 in a rotationally fixed and axially shiftable manner and mounted relative to the actuator 4 in a rotatable and axially fixed manner 10.

Description

I

MOTOR VEHICLE FLAP ARRANGEMENT

Description

The present invention relates to a flap arrangement for a motor vehicle with a moveably mounted flap, in particular a tank flap, a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with such a flap arrangement, and to a method and a computer program product for controlling an actuator of such a flap arrangement.

From the not pre-published German Patent Application 10 2012 018489.1, to which reference is complementarily made and the content of which is expressly made part of the present disclosure, a flap arrangement according to the Figures ito 7 is known.

The object of the present invention is to improve a flap arrangement.

This object is solved by a flap arrangement with the features of Claim 1.

Claim 12 protects a motor vehicle with such a flap arrangement, the Claims 131 14 a method for controlling an actuator of such a flap arrangement and respectively a computer program product for carrying out such a method. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject of the subclaims.

A flap arrangement for a motor vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a flap, which is moveably, in particular pivotably mounted on a vehicle structure, a body of the motor vehicle. In an embodiment, the flap can be rotatably mounted about an axis an the vehicle structure, preferentially -at least substantially -be orientated vertically. In an embodiment, the flap is preloaded in a movement direction, in particular opening or closing direction, in a further development by a spring means, in particular by a torsion and/or tension spring. The flap can in particular be a tank flap, the invention is accordingly explained in the following in particular on the example of a tank flap, but is not restricted to this. It can equally be another vehicle-external covering flap or a flap that is arranged in the vehicle interior, in particular a passenger or load compartment of the vehicle. A tank flap in terms of the present invention is to mean in particular a flap which is provided or arranged for covering a single or multiple channel tank aperture of the vehicle for filling in liquid and/or gaseous substances, in particular fuel, and/or for connecting an electrical charging plug for charging an electric energy storage unit of the vehicle.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the flap arrangement comprises a holding means for in particular positively and/or frictionally joined fixing of the flap, an actuator for actuating, in particular moving and/or fixing said holding means, and an actuating means for actuating the actuator, wherein the actuator is equipped in order to actuate the holding means for fixing and for releasing the flap.

Because of the fact that the holding means is actuatable by the actuator also for fixing the flap, the fixing can be improved. In particular its reliability can be increased.

Additionally or alternatively, the flap can be fixed in a preset position preferentially adjustable by the actuator. Accordingly, the holding means in a further development is equipped or designed in order to fix the flap in at least two different positions, in particular variably or continuously between two different positions.

In an embodiment, the flap is adjustable by the holding means in a guided manner. This is to mean in particular that the flap in particular guided by the holding means in a positively joined manner is adjustable from a position into a further position.

Preferentially, the flap, because of this, can be fixed in a position that is flush with a flap surroundings, in particular vehicle body, in a position that relative to this is projected and/or recessed in contrast with this or can be brought into such a position.

In an embodiment, the holding means comprises a thread which can be brought into engagement with a mating thread of the flap in order to fix the same, wherein the holding means releases the flap when thread and mating thread are brought out of engagement. Here, the thread of the holding means can in particular be an extemal or internal thread, the mating thread in particular an internal or external thread. In a further development, the thread can be integrally formed with the holding means and/or the mating thread integrally formed with the flap. The flap can be fixed in various positions and adjusted guided in a positively joined manner in particular by a thread and a mating thread that is in engagement with said thread.

In an embodiment, the holding means can be shiftably mounted. It can be designed in particular as a shiftably mounted spindle which in a further development can comprise the previously explained thread at a face end. In a further development, the holding means is shiftably mounted in movement direction of the flap. Here, a movement direction of the flap is to mean in particular a direction in which the flap can be transferred between an opened or released position and a closed or fixed position. When the flap is pivotably mounted about an axis of rotation a movement direction in terms of the present invention can in particular be a tangential direction to this pivot movement. In an embodiment, the holding means is at least substantially shiftably mounted in a linear or translatoric manner. In particular for compensating for a deviation between the tangential direction explained above that varies with a pivot angle and a movement direction of a linear mounting the thread and mating thread explained above can comprise an angular play.

Here this is to mean in particular that an axis of the mating thread can deviate by an angle relative to an axis of the thread with which it is in engagement. Additionally or alternatively, a linear mounting or guide of the holding means can comprise a twisting play of the holding means so that its axis can align itself to the movement direction of the flap.

In a further development, the holding means is shiftably mounted against a preload. To this end, the flap arrangement can comprise a spring means, in particular a tension or compression spring which can be designed or arranged so that with closed flap it can be preloaded, in particular stretched or compressed in longitudinal direction. In this way, the holding means, in particular with opened flap, can be preloaded in a well-defined position, in particular in order to lift or open an electrical contact.

In an embodiment, the actuating means is actuatable by a manual movement of the flap. The actuating means can in particular comprise an electrical switch, in particular an unactuated opened switch or button, preferentially a pressure switch. The switch can, in particular by a spring means, be preloaded into an opened position.

In a further development, the actuating means can be actuated directly by the flap or indirectly, in particular via the holding means. In a further development, the holding means can, in particular on a face end facing away from the flap or located opposite the flap, comprise a preferentially rounded-off contact surface, through which the switch is actuatable. In a further development, the holding means itself can comprise an electrically conductive region for closing an electrical contact of the actuating means or form a part of the actuating means.

In an embodiment, the actuator and the holding means are coupled via a gearing. In particular when the holding means comprises a thread that can be brought into engagement with a mating thread of the flap in order to adjust or fix or release the same, the holding means in an embodiment can be rotatably mounted. The actuator can be designed or arranged for rotationally actuating, i.e. for applying a torque to the holding means. To this end, an output shaft of the actuator, in particular of an electric motor of the actuator, can be coupled to the holding means via the gearing. In an embodiment, the gearing comprises one or multiple gear stages, in particular at least one spur gear, cross-helical gear, worm gear and/or planet stages.

In particular in order to make possible shifting of the shiftably mounted holding means exactly or at least one gear of the gearing is fastened on the holding means in a rotationally fixed but axially shiftable manner and relative to the actuator, mounted in a rotatable and axially fixed manner in particular on a structure on which the actuator is fixed.

By a gear that is mounted axially fixed relative to the actuator, which is is fastened on the holding means in a rotationally fixed and axially shiftable manner, a shifting of this gear together with the holding means is advantageously avoided in an embodiment.

Because of this, coupling the gear with the actuator can be improved in an embodiment and/or a weight of the holding means, which does not move along the gear which is mounted axially fixed relative to the actuator, can be reduced.

In an embodiment, a toothing of the gear is curved and/or inclined against an axis of rotation of the gear, in particular the toothing can be a helical toothing. Because of this, the coupling of the gear to the actuator can be improved in an embodiment, in particular a load capacity of the toothing increased and/or a noise emission of the toothing reduced.

In an embodiment, an axis of rotation of an output shaft of the actuator intersects an axis of rotation of the gear, in particular at an angle that is greater than 60°, in particular at least substantially equal to 90°. The gearing can thus comprise in particular a bevel gear stage, in particular be a bevel gearing. In an embodiment, an axis of rotation of an output shaft of the actuator crosses an axis of rotation of the gear or is inclined against the axis of rotation of the gear by an angle which in an embodiment is greater than 600, in particular is at least substantially equal to 90°, without intersecting the axis of rotation of the gear. The gearing can thus comprise in particular a cross-helical gear stage, in particular a cross-helical spur gear stage and/or a worm gear stage, in particular be a cross-helical or worm gear stage. Because of this, actuator and gear in an embodiment can be advantageously arranged in particular more compactly relative to one another.

In an embodiment, the gear is fastened to the holding member in a rotationally fixed and axially shiftable manner by means of at least one Woodruff, fitted or sliding key. Because of this1 gear and holding member in an embodiment can be connected in a simple manner in terms of construction and/or assembly. In an embodiment, an orientation tolerance and/or a movement play can be advantageously offset by a Woodruff key.

In another embodiment, the gear is fastened to the holding member in a rotationally fixed and axially shiftable manner by means of a multiple groove or multiple teeth, in particular splined profile. Because of this, axial guidance in an embodiment between gear and holding member, load capacity of a connection between gear and holding member and/or axial moveability between gear and holding member can be improved.

Equally in another embodiment, the gear can be fastened to the holding member in a rotationally fixed and axially fixable manner by means of a serrated or polygon profile.

Because of this, an axial guidance and/or load capacity of a connection between gear and holding member can be (further) improved in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, a tooth width of the gear is smaller than a shifting travel of the holding means for fixing and for releasing the flap. Because of this, the flap arrangement, in particular the gearing, can be a more compact construction in an embodiment.

In order to fix and release the flap, the holding means is actuated in opposite direction in an embodiment. To this end, the flap arrangement in a further development comprises a reversing means for the actuating in the opposite direction of the holding means. The reversing means can in particular be a shifting means of the gearing which couples actuator and holding means, and transmits a rotary movement of the actuator depending on the shifting position to the holding means in opposite direction. Equally, the reversing means can be integrated in particular through programming into a control means of the actuator and be equipped in order to activate the actuator in opposite direction. In a further development, the reversing means is equipped in order to reverse the direction of rotation of an electric motor of the actuator, in particular in order to energize the electric motor in opposite direction.

In an embodiment, the flap arrangement comprises a control means which is equipped in order to control the actuator based on an actuation, actuation duration and/or actuation sequence of the actuating means and/or of a state, in particular a position of the flap and/or of the vehicle, in particular of a central locking system and/or a force.

S Accordingly, according to an aspect of the present invention it is provided to control the actuator based on an actuation, actuation duration and/or actuation sequence of the actuation means and/or of a state, in particular a position of the flap and/or a force.

In an embodiment, the actuator can be controlled based on an actuation of the actuating means. In particular it can actuate the holding means for as long as the actuating means is actuated, for example a pressure switch is closed. In addition or alternatively it can be provided that the actuator actuates the holding means based on an actuation duration or the actuating means. In particular it can actuate the holding means in a preset manner, for example by a preset travel or up to the reaching of a preset force when the actuating means is actuated or has been actuated for a preset period of time, for example a pressure switch is closed for a preset period of time. This period of time in an embodiment can be very brief, in particular impulse-like. Accordingly, the actuator in an embodiment can actuate the holding means in a preset manner, for example by a preset travel or up to the reaching of a preset force when the actuating means is actuated or has been actuated in a pulse-like manner. Additionally or alternatively it can be provided that the actuator actuates the holding means based on an actuation sequence of the actuating means. It can, in particular, actuate the holding means in a preset manner, for example in a preset movement direction when it has been actuated beforehand. In a further development, the actuator upon successive actuation of the actuating means can actuate the holding means altemately in opposite direction, in particular energize an electric motor alternately in opposite directions and/or alternately reverse its direction of rotation. Equally, a direction of rotation of the actuator can for example be preset by a one-off actuating of the actuating means for a preset period of time, multiple actuating within a preset period of time, for example twice briefly in succession, or an opposite direction of rotation by actuating for another preset period of time.

Additionally or alternatively, the actuator can be controlled based on a state, in particular a position of the flap. In particular, it can actuate the holding means for fixing the flap, when the same is in an opened state, when the actuating means is actuated, and/or actuate the holding means for releasing the flap when the same is in a closed state, when the actuating means is actuated. Additionally or alternatively it can be provided that the actuator actuates the holding means based on a force. Force in terms of the present invention is to also mean for the move compact representation in a generalizing manner an anti-parallel force couple, i.e. a torque. In particular, the actuator can actuate the holding means in the preset manner when a preset forne acts on the actuating means, the flap, the holding means and/or the actuator, in particular when a force acting thereon exceeds or undershoots a preset value. Accordingly it can be provided that the actuator actuates the holding means until said actuation, in particular brought about by a stop, is counteracted by an opposite force which exceeds a preset limit value.

Generally, the control means in an embodiment of the present invention can control the actuator based on a travel or be designed to do so, in particular command a preset actuating travel which in a further development can at least substantially correspond to a screw-in depth of a thread and mating thread of holding means and flap. Controlling based on a travel is to also mean in particular a rotational speed control. Additionally or alternatively, the control means can control the actuator based on a force or be designed to do so, in particular command a preset actuating force and/or on reaching a preset actuating force discontinue actuation. Controlling in terms of the present invention is to also mean for the more compact representation, regulating, i.e. controlling based on a detected actual quantity, detected preferentially by a sensor means, for example an actual position of the tank flap or actual force of the actuator.

Additionally or alternatively, the actuator can be controlled based on a state of the vehicle, in particular of a central locking system and/or power supply, in particular ignition. In particular, actuation can be stopped in opening direction or for releasing when a central locking system is closed and/or a power supply, in particular ignition, is interrupted, or actuation in opening direction or for releasing be permitted only when a central locking system is opened and/or a power supply, in particular ignition, is switched on. Additionally or alternatively, actuation in closing direction or for closing can also be permitted when a central locking system is closed and/or a power supply, in particular ignition, is interrupted.

Accordingly, the driver can close the flap by means of the actuator even following the closing of the central locking system or interuption of a power supply.

A means in terms of the present invention can be designed in terms of hardware and/or software, in particular comprise in particular digital processing, in particular microprocessor unit (CPU) that is preferentially data or signal-connected to a storage and/or bus system and/or one or multiple programs or program modules. The CPU can be designed in order to execute commands which are implemented as a program stored in a storage system, to detect input signals from a data bus and/or output signals to a data bus.

B

A storage system can comprise one or multiple in particular different storage media, in particular optical, magnetic, solid state and/or non-volatile media. The program can be of such a nature that it is capable of embodying or carrying out the methods described here so that the CPU can carry out the steps of such methods and thereby control in particular the actuator.

Additionally or alternatively to a force control, in particular a stopping of the actuator on reaching an in particular stop-based resistance against further retraction or closing of the flap, a friction clutch between actuator and flap, in particular between actuator and holding means can be arranged which opens when a preset force is exceeded.

Further advantageous further developments of the present invention are obtained from the subclaims and the following description of preferred embodiments. To this it shows partly schematically: Fig. I a flap arrangement according to the not pre-published German Patent Application 10 2012 018 489.1 in section with closed or fixed flap; Fig. 2 the flap arrangement of Fig. 1 with manually pressed down flap compared with Fig. 1; Fig. 3 the flap arrangement of Fig. 2 with manually pushed down flap that is adjustable in opening direction compared with Fig. 2; Fig. 4 the flap arrangement of Fig. 3 with released flap compared with Fig. 3; Fig. 5 the flap arrangement of Fig. 4 with manually pushed down flap compared with Fig. 4; Fig. 6 the flap arrangement of Fig. 5 with manually pushed-down flap that is adjusted in closing direction compared with Fig. 5;

S

Fig. 7 a method for controlling the actuator of the flap arrangement of Fig. 1 -6 and for controlling the actuator of the flap arrangement of Fig. 8, 9; Fig. 8 a flap arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in representation corresponding to Fig. 2; Fig. 9 the flap arrangement of Fig. 8 in representation corresponding to Fig. 4; and Fig. 10 a flap arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention in representation corresponding to Fig. 8.

Initially, making reference to Fig. ito 7, a flap arrangement according to the non-not pit-published German Patent Application 102012018489.1 is explained.

This flap arrangement comprises a tank flap 8, which in a manner that is not shown in Fig. 1 is moveably mounted on a body 3 of a passenger car. The body 3 comprises a pot, in which a tank aperture (not shown) is arranged, which can be covered by the tank flap 8. The tank flap 8 is pivotable about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the drawing plane of Fig. 1 by means of a hinge arrangement (not shown), wherein a torsion spring (not shown) preloads the tank flap 8 in an embodiment in Fig. 1 in clockwise direction into a closed position, in a modification in anti-clockwise direction into an opened position. In the position shown in Fig. 1, the tank flap 8 closes off flush with the surrounding edge of the body 3 alongside its circumference.

The flap arrangement comprises a spindle-shaped holding means 1 for fixing the tank flap 8, an actuator with an electric motor 4 for actuating the holding means 1, an actuating means in the form of a pressure switch 5 for actuating the electric motor 4 and a control means in the form of a CPU 6, which is signal respectively energy connected to the electric motor 4 and the pressure switch 5. The CPU 6 can be signal connected to a control unit of the vehicle (ECU) or, at least partially, be integrated in the same or implemented through the same.

The CPU 6 comprises a preferentially program-technically designed reversing means for the actuating in opposite direction of the holding means in that it is equipped in order to optionally supply the electric motor 4 in opposite direction, i.e. optionally in the mathematically positive or negative direction or optionally in clockwise or anticlockwise direction as is described in more detail in the following.

The holding means 1 comprises a thread 1.1 on its face end (top in Fig. 1) facing the tank flapS which can be brought into engagement with a mating thread 8.1 of the tank flap 8 in order to fix the same. On its opposite face end the holding means 1 has a rounded-off contact surface through which the pressure switch 5 is actuatable.

To this end, the holding means 1 is shiftably mounted in movement directions of the tank flap 8 (vertically in Fig. 1) in two aligned recesses of body 3 and electric motor mounting 10 respectively and preloaded against a movement in closing direction of the tank flapS by a compression spring 7. As is described in the following, the pressure switch 5 is thus actuatable by a manual movement of the tank flap 8 in closing direction (downwards in Fig. 1) via the holding means 1.

The electric motor 4 and the holding means 1 are coupled via a gearing with a gear 4.1 and a further gear 2 meshing therewith, which is designed in a rotationally and axially fixed manner with the spindle-like holding means 1 and is thus shiftable with the same.

Through the electric motor 4, the holding means 1 can be optionally actuated in clockwise or anticlockwise direction. Because of the thread 1.1 and the mating thread 6.1, the holding means 1, with thread 1.1 and mating thread 8.1 in engagement, adjusts the tank flap 8 in opening or closing direction guided in a positively joined manner. When thread 1.1 and mating thread 8.1 are in engagement or enter into engagement, the same fix the tank

II

flap 8 in a positively joined respectively frictionally joined manner. If these are or are brought out of engagement, the tank flap 8 is or will be released because of this.

A method for controlling the electric motor 4 and thus for opening or releasing (Figure sequence Fig. I -* Fig. 2 -* Fig. 3.-* Fig. 4) and for closing or fixing (Figure sequence Fig. 4 -÷ Fig. 5 -.÷ Fig. 6 -. Fig. 1 of the tank flap 8 is explained in the following with reference to the Figure sequence Fig. 1 -.+ Fig. 2 -Fig. 3 -Fig. 4 -* Fig. 5 -* Fig. 6 -* Fig. 1 respectively Fig. 7, as it can be carried out in particular by the CPU 6. Fig. 7 constitutes the method in the form of a state diagram or automatic machine.

In Fig. 7, "A" describes a state which in particular corresponds to the depiction of Fig. 1, i.e. with completely closed tank flap 8.

By manually pressing down the tank flap 8 (Figure sequence Fig. I -+ Fig. 2) the pressure switch 5 is actuated which transmits a signal "S" to the CPU 6 for as long as it is closed.

A central locking system transmits to the CPU 6 a signal "ZV", which indicates if the same is closed ("ZV = 1 fl) or not ("ZV = 0").

If the signals "S' and "ZV = 0" are cumulatively present, i.e. the operator actuates the pressure switch 5 via the tank V ap 8 and the holding means 1, and the central locking system is not closed, the CPU 6 goes into a state B corresponds to the depiction of Fig. 3 (Figure sequence Fig. 2 -÷ Fig. 3). In the same, the CPU 6 actuates the electric motor 4so that the same actuates the holding means 1 for releasing the tank flap 8. For this purpose, the reversing means which is program-technically implemented in the CPU 6 presets the direction of rotation indicated by an arrow in Fig. 3, which brings about projecting of the tank flapS in opening direction (upwards in Fig. 3).

In this state the CPU 6 remains for as long as the signal "S' is present, i.e. the operator presses onto the tank flapS. If the signal "S' is no longer present (Fig. 7: "-S"), the CPU 6 goes into a state C which corresponds in particular to the depiction of Fig. 4 (Figure sequence Fig. 3 -* Fig. 4). In the same, the CPU terminates the energizing of the electric motor 4.

If the operator has pressed olo the tank flap 8 until the electric motor 4 has turned the thread 1.1. out of the mating thread 8.1 or brought the same out of engagement, the now projected tank flap 8 is released and can be completely opened by the operator and/or a torsion spring preloaded in opening direction in order to provide access to the tank aperture.

If the operator stops pressing onto the tank flap 8 before the released position is reached, the tank flap 8 which continues to be fixed remains in a projected position (see Fig. 3) in this exemplary embodiment.

In a modification, the CPU 6 can remain in the state B until a sensor detects that thread 1.1 and mating thread 8.1 are out of engagement and/or until the holding means 1 has projected the tank flap 8 by a corresponding travel or the electric motor 4 has reached a corresponding number of revolutions. This can take place independently of the continuing actuation of the pressure switch 5. It can thus be sufficient in particular to actuate the same for a preset, even brief, in particular even impulse-like period of time by pressing down the tank flap 8 and subsequently re-open by releasing the preloaded tank flap 8. In Fig. 7 this can be illustratively imagined that "-S' signifies the presence of at least one of the following conditions: (1) the pressure switch 5 is (no longer) actuated or closed; (2) thread 1.1 and mating thread 8.1 are out of engagement; (3) the tank flap 8 is projected by a preset travel or the electric motor 4 has reached a preset number of revolutions, which corresponds to a complete releasing of the tank flap 8, for example a maximum thread length of the thread 1.1 and mating thread 8.1.

If in the state C the pressure switch 5 is again actuated (Figure sequence Fig. 4 -> Fig. 5), the CPU 6 goes into a state D which in particular corresponds to the depiction of Fig. 6 (Figure sequence Fig. 5 -* Fig. 6).

In the same, the CPU 6 actuates the electric motor 4 so that the same actuates the holding means I in opposite direction to state B or for fixing the tank flap 8. For this purpose, the reversing means which is program-technically implemented in the CPU 6 presets the opposite direction of rotation indicated by an arrow in Fig. 6 which brings about retracting of the tank flap 8.

In this state, the CPU 6 remains for as long as a force of the electric motor 4 does not exceed a preset limit value (Fig. 7: "K='cKO"). This can be detected for example by a power consumption of the travel-controlled, in particular rotational speed controlled electric motor.

When the electric motor 4 has completely retracted the tank flap 8 the for example thread 1.1 and mating thread 8.1 are at a stop, the force generated by the electric motor 4 rises and exceeds the preset limit value (Fig. 7: "K>KO").

Following this, the CPU 6 goes into the state A (Figure sequence Fig. 6 -, Fig. 1). In the same, the CPU 6 terminates energizing the electric motor 4, the retracted tank flap 8 is fixed through thread 1.1 and mating thread 8.1 because of the self-locking of the electric motor 4.

The CPU 6 can equally go from state C into D by closing of the central locking system, in particular when the tank flap 8 is preloaded in the closing position by a torsion spring. In this way, an opened tank flap 8 contacting the holding means 1 under preload and a tank flap 8 which is not completely released (see above omission of the manual loading of the tank flap B prior to the complete releasing) can be completely closed and fixed upon closing of a central locking system. Additionally or alternatively to a closing of a central locking system, a switching off of an ignition of the vehicle can be analogously taken into account.

In order to avoid endless no-load rotation with thread 1.1 and mating thread 8.1 not in engagement in state D, the CPU 6 can go into the state A when the electric motor has reached a preset number of revolutions. In Fig. 7, this can be illustratively imagined in that "K>KO" signifies the presence of at least one of the following conditions: (1) the force generated by the electric motor 4 exceeds the preset limit value; (2) the electric motor 4 has reached a preset number of revolutions.

Fig. 8, 9 show a flap arrangement in a representation corresponding to Fig. 2, 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Elements which correspond to one another are identified by identical characters.

To explain the flap arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention according to Fig. 8, 9, in particular its construction, its function, the opening or releasing, the closing or fixing of the tank flap 8 and a method for controlling the electric motor 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as it can be carried out in particular by the CPU 6, reference is made to the above description of the embodiment according to Fig. ito 7 and only differences to this embodiment discussed in the following.

In the embodiment of Fig. 8, 9, the gearing, via which the holding means 1 and the actuator 4 are coupled, comprises a gear 2', which meshes with a further gear in the form of a pinion 4.1 of the actuator 4.

This gear 2' is fastened to the holding member I in a rotationally fixed but axially shiftable manner by means of a multiple groove or splined profile 9 mounted on the body 3 and the electric motor mounting 10 and thus relative to the actuator 4 in a rotatable and axially fixed manner.

Because of the gear 2' which is mounted axially fixed relative to the actuator 4, which is fastened to the holding means 1 in a rotationally fixed and axially shiftable manner, a shifting of this gear 2' together with the holding means us advantageously avoided in the embodiment of Fig. 6, 9. Because of this, the coupling of the gear 2' to the pinion 4.1 of the actuator 4 can be improved in the embodiment and a weight of the holding means 1, which does not move along the gear 2' which is mounted axially fixed relative to the actuator 4, can be reduced. Through the splined profile 9, axially guidance between gear 2' and holding member 1, a load capacity of a connection between gear 2' and holding member 1 and an axial moveability between gear 2' and holding member 1 can be improved in the embodiment.

In the embodiment of Fig. 8, 9, the toothing of the gear 2' is a helical toothing.

Because of this, the coupling of the gear 2' to the actuator 4 can be improved, in particular a load capacity of the toothing increased and a noise emission of the toothing reduced in the embodiment.

In a modification which is not shown, a tooth width of the gear 2' can be smaller than a shifting travel of the holding means 1 for fixing and for releasing the flap 8 (vertically in Fig. 8, 9).

Fig. 10 shows a flap arrangement in a representation corresponding to Fig. 2 and 8 respectively according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Elements which correspond to one another are again identified by identical characters.

To explain the flap arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention according to Fig. 10, in particular its construction, its function, the opening and releasing, the closing and fixing of the tank flap 8 and a method for controlling the electric motor 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as it can be carried out in particular by the CPU 6, reference is made to the above description of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 to 9 and only differences discussed in the following.

In the embodiment of Fig. 10, the gearing, via which the holding means 1 and the actuator 4 are coupled, comprises a gear 2', which meshes with a further gear in the form of a cross-helical or worm gear 4.1' of the actuator 4.

This gear 2', as in the embodiment of Fig. 8, 9, is fastened to the holding member 1 in a rotationally fixed but axially shiftable manner by means of a multiple groove or splined profile 9 and mounted on the body 3 and the electric motor mounting 10 and thus relative to the actuator 4 in a rotatable and axially fixed manner.

In the embodiment of Fig. 10, an axis of rotation A of an output shaft of the actuator 4 intersects an axis of rotation B of:he gear 2' or is inclined against the axis of rotation of the gear by 900 without cutting the same. The gearing is a cross-helical or worm gearing. Because of this, actuator 4 and gear 2' can be advantageously arranged relative to one another, in particular more compactly in the embodiment. Although in the preceding description exemplary embodiments were explained it is pointed out that a large number of modifications is possible. It is also pointed out that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples which are not intended to restrict the scope of protection, the applications and the construction in any way. The person skilled in the art is rather given a guideline for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment through the preceding description, wherein various changes, in particular with respect to the function and arrangement of the described components can be carried out without leaving the scope of protection as materializes from the claims and the feature combinations that are equivalent to these.

List of reference characters I Holding means 1.1 Thread 2; 2' Gear 3 Body 4 Electric motor (actuator) 4.1 Gear (pinion) 4.1' Cross-helical/worm gear Pressure switch (actuating means) 6 CPU (control means, reversing means) 7 Compression spring 8 (Tank) flap 8.1 Mating thread 9 Splined profile Electric motor mounting A Axis of rotation output shaft actuator 4, cross-helical/worm gear 4.1' B Axis of rotation gear 2'

Claims

Patent Claims 1. A flap arrangement for a motor vehicle, with an in particular preloaded, moveably mounted flap in particular a tank flap (8), a holding means (1) for fixing the flap (8), an actuator (4) for actuating the holding means (1), and an actuating means (5) for actuating the actuator (4), wherein the actuator (4) is equipped to actuate the holding means (1) for fixing and for releasing the flap (8), the holding means (1), in particular in movement direction of the flap (8) and/or against a preload is shiftably mounted and the actuator (4) and the holding means (1) are coupled via a gearing with a gear (2'), which is fastened to the holding member (1) in a rotationally fixed and axially shiftable manner and mounted (10) relative to the actuator (4) in a rotatable and axially fixed manner.
2. The flap arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein the flap (8) is adjustable by the holding means (1) in a guided manner.
3. The flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding means (1) comprises a thread (1.1). which can be brought into engagement with a mating thread (8.1) of the flap (8) in order to fix the same, wherein the holding means (1) releases the flap (8) when the thread (1.1) and mating thread (8.1) are brought out of engagement.
4. The flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a toothing of the gear (2') is curved and/or inclined against the axis of rotation (B) of the same, in particular is a helical toothing.
5. The flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an axis of rotation (A) of an output shaft of the actuator (4) crosses or intersects an axis of rotation (B) of the gear (2').
6. The flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gear (2') is fastened to the holding member (1) in a rotationally fixed and axially shiftable manner by means of at least one Woodruff, fitted or sliding key or by means of a multiple groove (9), in particular splines or a serrated or polygon profile.
7. The flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a tooth width of the gear (2') is smaller than a shifting travel of the holding means (1) for fixing and for releasing the flap (8).
8. The flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating means (5) is actuatable through a manual movement of the flap (8), in particular via the holding means (1).
9. The flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator comprises an electric motor (4).
10. The flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, with a reversing means (6) for actuating the holding means (1) in opposite direction in order to optionally fix and release the flap (8).
11. The flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, with a control means (6) which is equipped in order to control the actuator (4) based on an actuation, actuation duration, and/or actuation sequence of the actuating means (5) and/or of a state, in particular a position, of the flap (8) and/or the vehicle, in particular of a central locking system and/or power supply and/or force.
12. A motor vehicle, in particular passenger car, with a flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (8) is mounted on a vehicle structure, in particular a body (3) of the motor vehicle.
13. A method for controlling the actuator (4) of a flap arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims based on an actuation, actuating duration, andlor actuating sequence of the actuating means(S) and/or of a state in particular a position, of the flap (8) and/or of the vehicle, in particular of a central locking system and/or power supply, and/or a force.
14. A computer program product with a program code that is stored on a medium that can be read by a computer for carrying out the method according to the preceding claim.