WO2016142520A1

WO2016142520A1 - Adjustment device with a closure flap adjustable in the manner actuated by an external force

Info

Publication number: WO2016142520A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/055301
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Kahl; Markus Treichl; Markus Bauernfeind; Maik Rienecker
Original assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Coburg
Priority date: 2015-03-12
Filing date: 2016-03-11
Publication date: 2016-09-15
Also published as: WO2016142521A3; DE102015214781A1; WO2016142521A2; DE102015214784A1; DE102016202214A1; DE202015010037U1; DE202015010038U1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustment device (V), with at least – one closure flap (K, K1, K2) for at least partially closing a closure opening (BO) on a vehicle, via which, when the closure flap (K) is open, a connection element (A) for the connection of a line and/or a filling opening for the topping up of a liquid, in particular a fuel, is accessible, and – a drive (3) for the adjustment of the closure flap (K, K1, K2) in a manner actuated by an external force. According to the invention, the adjustment device (V) has an adjustment element (10, 10a, 10b) which is adjustable together with the closure flap (K) by means of the drive (3) and relative to which the closure flap (K) is mounted displaceably such that, during an adjustment into a closed position, in which the closure opening (BO) is at least partially closed by the closure flap (K), and/or, during an adjustment into an open position, in which the closure opening (BO) is opened up by the closure flap (K), the closure flap (K) is first of all displaceable by means of the drive (3) relative to the adjustment element (10, 10a, 10b) and is subsequently adjustable together with the adjustment element (10, 10a, 10b).

Description

Adjustment device with a

power-operated adjustable flap

description

The present invention relates to an adjusting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such an adjustment device has at least one closure flap for at least partially closing a closure opening on a vehicle, via which a connection element for connecting a line and / or a filling opening for refilling a liquid, in particular a fuel, is accessible when the closure flap is open. The closure flap is thus, for example, a tank flap or flap on the vehicle, via which a filling opening for replenishing mop water or oil is accessible. Likewise, the closure flap may be a cover flap over which a connection socket for a charging cable is protectively covered in an electric vehicle. Normally, a trough or a cavity is covered by the closure flap on the vehicle body, within which e.g. a tank opening or a connection socket is present.

In the course of increasing automation and to increase the comfort of such closure flaps are on a vehicle today via a regular electric motor drive power-operated adjustable. Versteilvorrichtungen previously known from practice with such flaps regularly have a comparatively complex and / or bulky adjustment mechanism, which claim a lot of space, especially within the trough or the cavity.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjusting device with an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the closure flap, which is improved in this respect and requires less space or at least allows an improved use of space.

This object is achieved with an adjusting device of claim 1.

According to the invention, the adjusting device has an adjusting element which is adjustable together with the closing flap by means of a drive of the adjusting device, and relative to which the closing flap is displaceably mounted, so that the closing flap can be displaced together with the adjusting element on the one hand and relative thereto on the other hand.

Here, the closure flap by means of the drive during an adjustment into a closed position in which the closure opening is at least partially closed by the closure flap, and / or at an adjustment in an open position in which the closure opening is released by the closure flap, first relative to the Adjustment displaceable and then adjustable together with the adjustment. In principle, it is preferred in this context that when closing the closure flap via an adjusting element having adjusting mechanism of the adjusting device generated by a drive motor of the drive adjusting first into an adjustment of the shutter relative to the adjusting element and a subsequent adjustment of the closure flap together with the adjusting element or vice versa is feasible. In the reverse case, for example, in a first phase when the closure flap is opened, the closure flap is lifted by the adjusting element from a supporting frame surrounding the closure opening and then the closure flap is displaced laterally or downwards or upwards relative to the extended adjusting element in order to move the connecting element and / or the closure element Release filling opening. During this second phase of the opening movement, the adjusting element remains in an occupied intermediate position and only allows a displacement of the closure flap relative to the adjusting element, for example via a slotted guide, wherein the closure flap is held via a guide slot displaceable on a portion of the adjusting element.

On the provision of an adjusting element which is adjustable together with the closure flap in an intermediate position and relative to which the closure flap is then adjustable into a closed position or an open position, a zweiaktige adjustment movement of the closure flap can be relatively easily realized. In such a two-action or two-stage adjustment movement, the closure flap is initially adjusted together with the adjustment element, in particular along a first spatial direction and then along a second spatial direction relative to the adjustment element. For example, in an initial phase when opening the closure flap, an adjustment of the adjustment element with the closure flap mounted thereon may be provided. After reaching an intermediate position, the closure flap is then adjusted in a second phase relative to the - optionally already extended adjusting element, without this adjusting the adjusting itself even further.

It has been found that such a two-axis adjustment movement can be implemented comparatively easily in combination with a flexible traction means for transmitting the adjustment force to the closure flap, but this is not limited thereto. Thus, an adjusting mechanism with an adjusting element, which is adjustable together with the closure flap and relative to which the closure flap is adjustably mounted, also be advantageous in connection with alternative means for transmitting the adjusting force. In an adjusting device according to the invention, the use of a traction device as a force transmission means is not mandatory. The decisive factor here is rather that the adjusting device has an adjusting element, which is adjustable by means of the drive for displaceable force-actuated adjusting the closure flap together with the closure flap, and relative to which the flap is adjustably mounted.

In one embodiment, however, the adjusting device may have at least one flexible, coupled to the drive traction means via which an adjusting force for the externally operated actuation of the closure flap is transferable. In possible embodiment variants of an adjusting device according to the invention, the adjusting element can thus be adjusted by means of the traction means in order to adjust the closing flap from a closed position and / or into a closed position. The flexible traction means may for example be designed as a cable or pull rope and attack directly on the flap in order to open and close. About the use of a flexible traction device necessary for adjusting the flap adjustment can be relatively easily transferred to the flap. In addition, the adjusting mechanism of the adjusting device can be adjusted comparatively variable by the use of the flexible traction device to the respective space and is also extremely space-saving. About a corresponding deflection and installation of the flexible traction means can be applied via the traction means both a tensile force to close and a tensile force to open on the flap. For this purpose, the traction means is then pulled by means of the drive in different directions along its longitudinal extent.

For example, it can be provided that the flexible traction means is deflected several times in order to lay this space-saving can. In this case, the traction means can be guided at least partially along the closure flap or in the closure flap. In one possible refinement, for example, at least one deflecting element, such as a rigid deflecting piece, and / or at least one region for a deflection, on which a traction means is deflected, may be provided on the adjusting element. By way of example, the traction means on the adjusting element can then be guided between an attachment of the traction means to the closing flap and a stationary part of the drive.

Part of the adjusting device may be a housing-like support structure on or in which the drive is arranged and relative to which the closure flap is adjustable. Such a support structure, on which in particular the adjusting mechanism of the adjusting device and the drive are arranged, preferably forms a pretestable structural unit which is to be mounted on the vehicle. Such an adjustment module is then used, for example, at a closure opening in a body component of the vehicle, on which the connection element to be closed by the closure flap and / or the filling opening to be closed is arranged.

An existing traction means may be guided at least partially along the support structure or in the support structure, in particular in a part of the adjustment device designed as an adjustment module. For example, the closure flap and / or the support structure may have at least one deflecting element, for example in the form of a rigid deflecting piece or a rotatably mounted deflecting element, on which the traction means is deflected. A rigid deflecting element can also be used on the Closure itself and / or formed on the support structure and hereby integrally formed.

In possible embodiments, an adjustment path, along which the closure flap can be adjusted by means of the power-operated input by means of the drive, is predetermined at least partially by a slotted guide. In this case, at least one guide slot is provided, so that the closure flap is displaced by a tensile force applied by the traction means along this guide slot or along an engaging or at least adjacent guide member in the guide slot.

The slotted guide can in this case have at least one guide slot, which is at least partially bent. Also, the guide slot may have several curvatures, not only to adjust the shutter when opening and closing in a straight line, but also impose a pivotal or rotational movement. In this case, the guide slot can also have a spline-like course, i. a gradient, which is modeled after a spline, a polynomial train of the nth degree.

In one embodiment, for the adjustment of the closure flap by means of the traction means two mutually spatially spaced guide elements, such as sliding blocks, drivers or guide pegs, together along a guide rail displaceable. The two guide elements are thus spatially spaced from each other on or in the same guide slot. Alternatively or additionally, two mutually spatially spaced guide slots for two spatially spaced guide elements may be provided.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that the adjusting device has at least two closing flaps, which together close the closing opening when the closing flaps are in a closed position. In this case, the at least two closing flaps can be mounted and arranged such that they are displaced away from one another during an adjustment from the closed position into a respective open position. In other words, conversely, the two closing flaps are only approximated to one another again when being closed and then, in a closed position, preferably abut against one another in order to (completely) cover the closure opening. In such a variant can also be provided that a single flap independently of the other Closure flap is adjustable in order to release only a part of the closure opening separately.

The different adjustment directions, along which a closing flap is adjustable together with the adjustment element on the one hand and relative to the adjustment element on the other hand, preferably run perpendicular to one another.

In one exemplary embodiment, the adjusting element has a sleeve-like section, by means of which, when the closing flap is adjusted relative to the adjusting element, a sealing element provided on the closing flap can be guided at least partially. The sealing element is in this case preferably provided for sealing the connection element and / or the filling opening and formed, for example, in the form of a sealing lip or a sealing pad. For the adjustment of the closure flap relative to the adjustment measures are taken on the sleeve-like portion on the adjustment to avoid that a provided on the closure flap sealing element collides when adjusting the flap with the adjustment or the flap is thereby prevented from being adjusted. The closure flap can be at least partially adjusted past the adjustment element with the sealing element provided on its underside and thus usually projecting above it. In the closed position of the closure flap, the connection element and / or the filling opening can then be sealingly closed by the sealing element by pressing or pulling the closure flap over the adjustment mechanism of the adjustment device in the direction of the connection element and / or the filling opening.

In possible embodiments, at least one spring element may be provided, by means of which the closure flap is biased into a specific position. Thus, the adjustment of the closure flap in an open position counteract a spring force of at least one spring element, by means of which the closure flap is biased into a closed position, and / or it can counteract the adjustment of the closure flap in a closed position, a spring force of at least one spring element, by means of which the closure flap in an opening position is biased. Depending on the arrangement of a spring element and its design, for example as a compression or tension spring, thus the shutter can be adjusted under the action of the spring element automatically in the open position and / or in the closed position. In one embodiment, for example, be provided that the closure flap is pulled by a flexible pulling means against the spring force of a spring element or a plurality of spring elements in the closed position and is held in this closed position on the tensioned traction means. By means of a drive motor, the adjustment speed of the adjustment in the open position, which is driven by the spring element or the spring elements, is then controlled when the closure flap is opened.

The at least one spring element can be supported on an adjusting element of the adjusting device in order to bias the adjusting element (together with the closure flap mounted thereon) into a specific position in the opening direction or closing direction and / or bias the closing flap into its open position or its closed position relative to the adjusting element. A spring element which is supported on the one hand on the adjusting element and on the other hand on the closure flap in order to bias the closure flap relative to the adjusting element is housed protected in a spring channel on the closure flap in one embodiment. In this case, the spring element is preferably mounted completely in the spring channel and is supported in the region of a first channel end on the adjusting element and on the other second channel end on the closure flap. The spring channel is hereby preferably designed as a closed channel within the closure flap.

In order to initiate or at least support an adjustment of the closure flap relative to an adjustment element as well as an adjustment of the adjustment element together with the closure flap by means of spring force, at least two spring elements are provided in one embodiment, of which a first spring element is an adjustment of the adjustment element, for example relatively counteracts a support structure of the adjusting device, and counteracts a second spring element of an adjustment of the closure flap relative to the adjusting element. This includes in particular embodiments in which, for example, the second spring element biases the closure flap in the direction of a closed position, but also embodiments in which at least a second spring element biases the closure flap relative to the adjusting element in an open position.

With a bias of the closure flap in a closed position over the at least one second spring element, the spring force of the spring element, for example made use of to press the closure flap against a seal which surrounds the closure opening and / or to press a sealing element provided on the closure flap against the connection element and / or the filling opening or at least against an edge of the connection element and / or the filling opening.

The use of two spring elements at different locations within the adjustment device can be used in particular for controlling a two-action or two-phase adjustment movement of the closure flap by means of a flexible traction device. In an embodiment based thereon, for example, it is provided that the traction means acts on the closure flap and the at least two spring elements are designed and arranged such that by means of the traction means the closure flap is adjustable on the one hand together with the adjusting element and on the other hand relative to the adjusting element. Such must be e.g. via the traction means only for opening or closing the closure flap, a pulling force are applied to the closure flap, while the opposite adjustment for closing or opening the closure flap is driven by the at least two spring elements and only the adjustment speed is controllable by the traction means.

For example, first and second spring elements are used with different spring constants. In this case, for example, a first spring element pretensions the adjusting element in an extended intermediate position or a retracted locking position, while the closing flap is preloaded into its open position relative to the adjusting element via the at least one second spring element. If, for example, the spring force applied by the at least one second spring element acting between the adjusting element and the closing flap is greater than the spring force of the first spring element acting between the adjusting element and a stationary component, the spring force of the at least one second spring element achieved an adjustment of the shutter in its open position against the spring force of the at least one first spring element. But the first spring element then supports the adjustment of the closure flap in the closed position by means of the drive and its drive motor. Alternatively, both different spring elements can support an opening movement, so that the adjusting element is adjusted together with the closure flap via the at least one first spring element and then under the action the at least one second spring element, the closure flap is displaced relative to the adjusting element.

In one embodiment, the adjusting element cooperates with a rotatable drive part, via which the adjusting element is translationally adjustable.

In this case, the adjusting element may have a radially projecting guide pin, which abuts on a helically extending about an axis of rotation of the drive member guide track such that upon rotation of the drive member of the guide pin slides along the guide rail and thereby the adjusting element is displaced parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive member. On the guide pin and the helical guide track thus a translation of the rotational movement of the drive member is achieved in a translational movement of the adjusting element.

The drive member may in this case cooperate with a transmission member via which a torque of the drive member in an adjustment movement of the closure flap relative to the adjusting element can be implemented. In a variant embodiment based thereon, the transmission member for this purpose forms a first toothing, which is designed and arranged to mesh with a counter-toothing of the drive part. The transmission member, the adjusting element and the drive member are in this case designed and coupled to one another such that the transfer member - when the shutter is moved from a closed position in the direction of the open position - is moved over the adjusting element with a rotation of the drive part and only after covering a Defined displacement over its first toothing with the counter-toothing of the drive member is engaged. Thus, as long as the transmission member with its first toothing does not yet engage with the counter toothing of the drive member, the transmission member does not rotate, which in turn no relative movement of the shutter with respect to the transmission member and the adjusting occurs, but the transmission member and the shutter are moved with only.

The transmission member may, for example, have a sleeve portion within which at least a part of the drive part is arranged. On the sleeve portion of the transmission member then an internal toothing is provided which can mesh with an external toothing of the rotatable drive part, when opening the Closure of the addressed displacement of the transfer member has been covered relative to the drive member.

For transmitting an adjusting force to the closure flap, via which the closure flap is then displaced relative to the adjusting element, the transmission element can have a second toothing, which is designed and arranged to mesh with counter teeth on the closure flap. This counter-toothing on the closure flap is formed for example by a series of teeth, which are arranged in the manner of a rack along a straight line on an underside of the closure flap one behind the other. In this way, via the co-rotation of the transmission element-after the predetermined displacement path has been transferred to the transmission element-an engagement with a toothing of the closure flap is achieved so that the co-rotating transmission element drives the closure flap to an adjustment transversely to the axis of rotation of the drive part. The transmission member may also be formed in the region of its second toothing in such a way that when the closure flap K is opened, the transmission element first has to bridge an idle rotation path, preferably of a few degrees (eg 1 ° to 4 °) until the rotating transmission element engages with the toothing on the closure flap engages and adjusts the flap relative to the adjustment.

The attached figures illustrate possible embodiments of the solution according to the invention. Hereby show:

Figure 1 shows a variant of an inventive

Adjustment device, in which the closure flap is held displaceably on a displacement element via a driver portion, which itself is displaceably mounted along a guide slot, wherein two different spring elements are provided for separate biasing of the closure flap and the adjustment element;

FIGS. 2A to 2D show a further embodiment variant of a device according to the invention

Adjustment device, wherein the flap longitudinally displaceable on an adjustable and over a Spring element is held in an intermediate position biased adjusting element;

FIGS. 3A to 3E show a further embodiment of a device according to the invention

Adjustment device in which the closure flap is held displaceably on two spring-loaded adjusting elements and in this case the closure flap is biased in each case via a spring element against each of the adjusting elements in an open position;

Figures 4A to 4C, the adjusting device of Figures 3A to 3E fragmentary in a vehicle-mounted state;

FIGS. 5A to 5H show a further embodiment of a device according to the invention

Adjusting device, in which a torque generated by a drive of the adjusting device can be converted into a translational adjusting movement of an adjusting element via a drive part with a guide track extending in a helical manner about an axis of rotation;

Figures 6A to 6E show a further embodiment of an inventive

Adjustment device with a displaceably held in two guide sleeves adjustment, to which the flap is slidably held by two guide slots.

In the attached figures, different variants for an adjusting device V according to the invention are illustrated. In each of these adjusting devices V, a closure flap K is actuated by external force via a drive 3 with a motor 31 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, a closure opening Bö is completely closed via the closing flap K, which is defined by a housing-like supporting structure T of the adjusting device V. This support structure T bounds a cavity within which a connection area AB is accommodated in addition to the drive 3. This connection region AB has a connection socket A as a connection element for plugging in a charging plug, for example, to charge the battery of an electric vehicle. The adjusting device V is here in each case designed as a prefabricated module with the support structure T and can be mounted on a corresponding component opening on a body part B of a vehicle.

In the closed position, the closure flap K covers in particular the connection area AB with the connection socket A, so that it is protected against external influences. All variants here is common that the closure flap K is in its open position in the smallest possible distance from the support structure T and thus in the open state does not protrude strongly on the vehicle body. The respective adjusting mechanism for adjusting the closure flap K builds in each case comparatively compact and thus takes up little space within the support structure T to complete. The support structure T may in this case in particular have a partition ST, over which two spaces within the support structure T are separated from each other. In one of these rooms then preferably the connection area AB is provided with the connection socket A, while in the other room, the drive 3 and a large part of the adjustment mechanism for the adjustment of the shutter K are arranged. In this case, the space accommodating the drive 3 and the adjusting mechanism preferably also remains covered in the open position of the closing flap K, so that this space is also protected against access from the outside, even when the closing flap K is open.

According to a variant of the invention, some of the adjusting device V shown have at least one flexible, coupled to the drive 3 traction means 4, via which an adjusting force for externally power-operated adjustment of the closure flap K is transferable. This applies in particular to the variants of FIGS. 1, 2A-2D, 3A-3E, 4A-4C, 6A-6E and thus all variants of the attached figures except for the embodiment of FIGS. 5A to 5H.

The traction means 4 can here multiple, rigid or rotatable deflecting elements 5a - 5b, 5e - 5f, for example in the form of pulleys 5a - 5b or deflectors 5e - 5f, deflected and guided so that a foreign power-operated opening and closing the shutter K is controllable via the traction means 4. For example, the flexible traction means are a chain or a traction cable 4 or a cable pull, wherein the traction means can be wound up via a winding or drive element, eg in the form of a cable drum or winding shaft 30, in order to apply a tensile force to the closing flap K. Due to the flexible laying or guiding of the traction means 4 or optionally also a plurality of traction means, the necessary installation space for the adjusting mechanism can be considerably reduced, so that the associated adjusting device V at most requires only a small amount of space than a manual solution.

According to one aspect of the invention, an adjusting element 10 of the adjusting device V is adjustable in order to adjust the closing flap K from a closed position and / or into a closed position, wherein the closing flap K is adjustably mounted on the adjusting element 10 itself. Such an embodiment with one or more adjustment elements 10, 10a or 10b is shown in different variants in the accompanying figures. In this case, the adjusting element 10 and the closing flap K can be adjustable relative to the adjusting element 4 by means of a pulling means 4. As the variant of FIGS. 5A-5H illustrates, this is not mandatory.

The adjusting element 10 of the adjusting device V can be displaceable along at least one guide slot 2a, a guide shaft 32 or guide sleeve FH1, FH2 in order to adjust the closing flap K, e.g. to move the closure flap from a closed position and / or to move it into a closed position for at least partially closing the closure opening BO.

The adjustment of the closure flap K in an open position or in a closed position can fundamentally counteract a spring force of at least one spring element 6, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2 of the adjusting device V. Depending on the effective direction of the spring element 6, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2, the closure flap K is biased thereto in a closed position or in an open position. About the traction means 4, the flap K can then be pulled against the spring action, for example in an open position; e.g. in the embodiment of FIG. 1 modeled on the functional principle of a forklift This means that here the closure flap K is automatically adjusted into the closed position due to the action of the at least one spring element 6, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2.

Alternatively, the closure flap K can be pretensioned via the at least one spring element 8.1, 8.2 into an open position and consequently pulled over the traction means 4 against the spring action into a closed position, as for example in the embodiment variants of FIGS. 2A-2D, 3A-3E, 4A - 4C and 6A - 6E is provided. In a development, for example according to FIGS. 1, 3A-3E and 4A-4C, at least two spring elements 6.1 / 6.2 or 8.1, 8.2 / 6.1, 6.2 can be provided, of which a first spring element 6.1 or 8.1, 8.2 an adjustment of an adjustment 10 counteracts with this adjustably mounted shutter K and counteracts a second spring element 6.2 or 6.1, 6.2 an adjustment of the shutter K relative to the adjusting element 10. Thus, by means of the second spring element 6.1 or 6.1, 6.2, the closure flap K may be pressed in a closed position against a seal which surrounds the closure opening, as in the variant of FIG. 1, for example.

In principle, the traction means 4 can act directly on the closure flap K, and the at least two spring elements 6.1 / 6.2 or 8.1, 8.2 / 6.1, 6.2 can be designed and arranged in such a way that the closure flap K on the one hand together with the adjusting element 10 and on the other hand by means of the traction means 4 is adjustable relative to the adjusting element 10. For this purpose, the spring elements 6.1 / 6.2 or 8.1, 8.2 / 6.1, 6.2 may also have different spring constants, so that when pulling on the traction means 4 first one spring element 6.2 or 6.1, 6.2 is compressed or lengthened before the other spring element 6.1 or 8.1, 8.2 is compressed or lengthened.

As with the variants of the attached Figures 1, 3A-3E and 4A-4C with first spring elements 6.1 or 8.1 and 8.2 and second spring elements 6.2 and 6.1. and 6.2 exemplified, the at least two spring elements may be formed and arranged such that

- By means of the traction means 4, the shutter K in an adjustment of a

Closed position is initially adjustable together with the adjusting element 10 and then relative to the adjusting element 10 (Figure 1), or

- By means of the traction means 4, the shutter K in an adjustment in one

Closed position initially relative to the adjusting element 10 and then together with the adjusting element 10 is adjustable (Figures 2A - 2D, 3A - 3E and

4A-4C).

In principle, the adjusting element 10 can form a guide element 104a, 104b, along which the closing flap K is displaceable via at least one adjoining guide slot 15a, 15b, when the closing flap K is pulled on the pulling means 4. Alternatively or additionally, the adjusting element 10 form a (cable) guide channel 16 for the traction means 4. For a cable attachment 40, 40a, 40b of the traction cable 4 on the closure flap K, for example, a cable nipple can be received in a form-fitting manner in a nipple chamber of the closure flap K. In addition, a rope compensation can be realized, for example, via a balancing spring integrated within the nipple chamber.

After previously the embodiments of the accompanying figures have been explained in overview, further details of the individual variants will be illuminated below. About the motorized shutter K in each case the connector A in the connection area AB is closed for a charging plug of an electric vehicle. On the underside of the housing-like support structure T, a through opening O is formed. The support structure T can hereby be mounted on a body part by sliding the underside with the passage opening O over the connection area AB already present on the body part or the vehicle so that the connection area with the connection socket A passes through the passage opening into the interior of the support structure T protrudes.

In the variant of Figure 1, the drive 3 winds the pull cable 4 to open the flap K and pulls an adjustment 10 with two pulleys 5a, 5b on a defined by a multi-curved guide slot 2a guideway against a spring element 6.1 in the form of a tension spring upwards (Spring force F1). A second stronger spring element 6.2 in the form of a compression spring (spring force F2) holds the closure flap K, which is held displaceably on the adjusting element 10 via a driver section 14, in a defined position on the adjusting element 10, until the adjusting element 10 closes the closing flap K in particular drove out of a seal. A fail-safe mechanism can be implemented very easily here, since a user, if he wants to open the closure flap K without the aid of the drive 3, only has to move the closure flap K up against the spring elements 6.1, 6.2 and gravity.

In the variant according to FIGS. 2A-2D, 3A-3E and 4A-4C and 6A-6E, a guide for a traction means-here again in the form of the traction cable 4-is (also) integrated in the closure flap K.

In the embodiment of Figures 2A to 2D, the flap K is slidably mounted on an extendable adjusting element 10, wherein the adjusting element 10th here wing-like laterally projecting guide arms 104a and 104b formed, which engage in mutually parallel guide slots 15a and 15b of the flap K. Central between these two guide slots 15a and 15b, a cable guide channel 16 is formed on the closure flap K. In this cable guide channel 16, a portion of the traction cable 4 extends. The traction cable 4 is in this case performed starting from the drive 3 within an adjustment element side cable guide channel 103 to the closure flap K and its cable guide channel 16. Starting from the adjusting element-side cable guide channel 103, the pull cable 4 then initially extends up to a first loop at an end face of the closure flap K and then back again in the direction of the opposite end. The traction cable is then guided again in the direction of the adjusting element-side cable guide channel 103 via a second loop at the opposite end face of the closing flap K. Between the two loops, the traction cable 4 is fastened to the closing flap K via a cable attachment 40, so that pulling on the traction cable 4 in FIG one or the other direction displaces the shutter K relative to the adjusting element 10 and opens or closes.

In order to initially lift it off the edge of the support structure T when the closure flap K is opened, the adjusting element 10 is biased into a deployed position via a spring element 6 in the form of a compression spring. The adjusting element 10 can thus be retracted only against the spring force of the compression spring to close the closure flap K as intended. But allows the drive 3 unwinding of the pull cable 4 and thus no longer brings a sufficient counterforce, the adjusting element 10 is adjusted by the spring element 6 in the extended position shown in Figures 2A to 2D.

An adjustment axis, along which the adjusting element 10 is adjustable via the spring element 6, is predetermined by a guide shaft 32, in which a shaft 102 of the adjusting element 10 is displaceably mounted. The guide shaft 32, the guide shaft 32 is provided for the storage of the adjusting element 10 to hold the adjusting element 10 by a defined displacement longitudinally, in this case extends perpendicular to the guide slots 15a and 15b. As a result, the closure flap K is initially lifted together with the adjusting element 10 along a first spatial direction of the support structure T and then along a perpendicular thereto spatial direction, which is predetermined via the slotted guide of the guide slots 15a, 15b and the guide elements 104a and 104b adjusted , The guide shaft 32 for the storage of the adjusting element 10 is in Embodiment of Figures 2A to 2D save space formed by a part of the housing of the drive 3 and formed thereon.

Particularly in the variants of FIGS. 3A to 4C, it is provided that the pull cable 4 acts to close the closing flap K against a weaker spring element or several weaker spring elements 6.1 and 6.2. If the closure flap K reaches an intermediate position in which the closure flap K does not close the closure opening BO as intended and bears, for example, sealingly on the support structure T or a seal provided on the body part B, the pull cable 4 acts against a stronger spring element or several stronger spring elements 8.1, 8.2 to pull the flap K in the direction of the support structure T and in the closed position.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A to 3E and 4A to 4C, two traction cables 4 or two sections of a traction cable 4 are each deflected by approximately 180 ° on the closure flap K. In this case, a traction cable section extends from a cable attachment 40a or 40b on the closure flap K over almost the entire length of the closure flap K to a rigid deflection piece 5e or 5f which is formed on the closure flap K, and is in each case rotated by 180 ° in the direction of an adjustment element side Guided channel 105a or 105b deflected. A guide channel 105a, 105b is provided here in each case at one of two adjusting elements 10a and 10b, which project with a section into a spring channel 17a or 17b of the closing flap K. A spring channel 17a or 17b extends between the respective associated, guide channel 105a or 105b having adjustment 10a or 10b in the direction of the respective deflection piece 5e or 5f. Within this spring channel 17a or 17b, respective traction cable section runs along the closure flap K.

In this spring channel 17a, 17b is also still a spring element 6.1 or 6.2 housed in the form of a compression spring which presses the shutter K in the open position. For this purpose, the spring element 6.1 or 6.2 is supported on the one hand on the adjusting element 10a or 10b and on the other hand on an end face of the spring channel 17a or 17b and thus on the closure flap K. If the traction cable 4 or the traction cables 4 are wound on the drive 3 to close the shutter K, therefore, an adjustment against the spring force of the two spring elements 6.1 and 6.2 must be done. If the two spring elements 6.1 and 6.2 have been compressed to close the closing flap K so far that the closing flap K is present above the carrying structure T in an intended intermediate position, the result is a further pulling on the traction cable 4 or on the traction cables 4 to retract the adjustment elements 10a and 10b, which are again mounted longitudinally displaceable in this variant.

The adjusting elements 10a and 10b are in this case displaceably mounted perpendicular to the extension direction of the spring channels 17a and 17b in each case an associated guide shaft 32a or 32b. Here, the adjusting elements 10a and 10b L- or V-shaped, so that they each define two angles to each other extending legs. A first leg is held longitudinally displaceable within the associated guide shaft 32a or 32b, while the second leg of the adjusting element 10a or 10b, which extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg, forms a bearing section for the respective spring element 6.1 or 6.2. Windings of the associated spring element 6.1 or 6.2 extend in the present case around the bearing section protruding into the spring channel 17a or 17b, so that the respective spring element 6.1 or 6.2 is aligned as intended with the respective adjusting element 10a or 10b. To support the respectively associated spring element 6.1 or 6.2, each of the adjusting elements 10a, 10b forms on the bearing section of the second leg a collar as a spring support 106a, 106b.

Each of the adjusting elements 10a, 10b is further biased by an additional spring element 8.1 or 8.2 in the form of a compression spring in an extended position. For this purpose, the additional spring element 8.1 or 8.2 is supported, on the one hand, within the associated guide shaft 32a or 32b, on the one hand on the adjusting element 10a or 10b and on the other hand on a housing part of the drive 3. The adjusting elements 10a and 10b are thus biased into an extended position via the additional spring elements 8.1 and 8.2. When the closure flap K is opened, this extended position corresponds to an intermediate position of the closure flap K resting on the adjustment elements 10a and 10b, which occupies the latter after a first adjustment phase and in which the closure flap K is already lifted from the support structure T and thus from the connection socket A. About the additional spring elements 6.1 and 6.2, the closure flap K is further biased in its open position relative to the adjusting elements 10a and 10b. In order to keep the closure flap K consequently in a closed position, the pull cable 4 or the pull cables 4 must be kept wound on a winding drum 31 of the drive 3. However, if the closure flap K is to be opened, only the adjustment speed of the closure flap K must be controlled by unwinding the pull cable 4 or the pull cables 4 from the cable drum 30. The applied for the opening of the shutter K adjusting force is exclusively on the stored energy in the Closed position (stronger) tensioned spring elements 6.1, 6.2 and 8.1, 8.2 generated. In this case, by means of the spring elements 8.1, 8.2 on the one hand the closure flap K together with the adjusting element 10 and by means of the spring elements 6.1, 6.2 on the other hand, the closure flap K adjusted relative to the adjusting element 10.

From the views of Figures 4A to 4C, the installation situation of the adjusting device V of Figures 3A to 3E is illustrated. This is in particular again clarified that on the adjusting device V shown, the closure flap K will be opened especially laterally to the rear relative to a vehicle longitudinal axis and in an open position, almost the complete drive 3 is covered by the protective cover K protective. The adjustment device V is inserted into the closure opening BO defined by the body part B, in which the connection region AB with the connection socket A is present. The adjusting device V is further mounted to the body part B, that the shutter K is moved when opening primarily with respect to a vehicle longitudinal axis to the rear to make the connection socket A accessible.

In the embodiment variant of FIGS. 5A to 5H, a rod-shaped adjusting element 10 cooperates with a rotatable drive part 18, via which the adjusting element 10 is translationally adjustable. For this purpose, an adjusting element 10 a radially projecting guide pin 107 which abuts a helically about a rotational axis of the drive member 18 extending guide track 1810 such that upon rotation of the drive member 10 of the guide pin 107 slides along the guide track 1810 and thereby the rod-shaped adjusting element 10th is moved parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive member 18. The adjusting element 10 is in this case guided in a sleeve-like shaft 181 of the drive part 18.

The drive member 18 cooperates with a transmission member 19, via which a torque of the drive member 18 in a translational adjustment movement of the flap K relative to the adjusting element 10 can be implemented. For this purpose, the transmission member 19 has a first toothing, which is designed and arranged to mesh with a counter-toothing of the drive part 18. The transmission member 19, the adjusting element 10 and the drive member 18 are presently further designed and coupled to each other, that - if the shutter K is to be adjusted from a closed position in the direction of an open position - the transmission member 19 via the adjusting element 10 during rotation of the drive member 18th initially only with is moved and only after covering a defined Displacement over its first toothing with the counter teeth of the drive member 18 engages. The variant of FIGS. 5A to 5H thus provides a telescopic drive with a rotating drive part 18 driven by the drive motor 31 of the drive 3 in combination with a plurality of components engaging in one another via toothings.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5H, it is further provided in this connection that a sleeve section 190 of the transmission element 19, in which an externally toothed gear 182 of the drive section 18 is arranged, has internal teeth only in the area of a lower end. The internally toothed portion of the sleeve portion 190 of the transmission member 19 thus occurs with the gear 182 of the drive member 18 only in engagement when the transmission member 19 has been moved over the extending adjusting element 10 sufficiently far along the axis of rotation of the drive member 18.

To adjust the flap K relative to the adjusting element 10, the transmission member 19 has a second toothing, which can mesh with a counter-toothing of the closure flap K. The counter-toothing of the closure flap K is in this case formed on a toothed rack section ZS on the underside of the closure flap K.

In order to prevent transmission of an adjusting force to the closure flap K via the transmission member 19 driven to rotate by the drive member 18, that the adjusting member 10 is further adjusted via the drive member 18, i. is shifted, the course of the guideway 1810 is designed such that from or shortly after engagement of the gear 182 in the internal toothing of the transmission member 19, the adjusting element 10 can not be moved longitudinally despite continuous rotation of the drive member 18. For this purpose, the guideway 1810 at one end to a guideway portion 1810 a, which extends along a circular path portion which extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive member 18 level.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 6A to 6E, an adjusting device V is again provided with an adjusting element 10 which is adjustable together with the closing flap K, wherein the closing flap K is displaceably mounted on the adjusting element 10 so that it can also be displaced relative to the adjusting element 10. The adjustment movement of the closure flap K is also driven here by a pull rope 4, which can be wound up and unwound by means of a drive 3. For the over the traction cable 4 to be applied tensile force is a winding shaft 30 of the drive 3 is provided and driven by a motor 31 to a rotation.

The traction cable 4 is fixed with two cable ends to cable fittings 40a and 40b on the closure flap K. The two cable fasteners 40a and 40b are provided in the region of two edges of the closure flap K, which lie away from each other along a longitudinal direction. Along this longitudinal direction, the closure flap K is longitudinally displaceable relative to the adjustment element 10. By consequently pulling on the pull cable 4 in one or the other direction, the closure flap K can be displaced relative to the adjustment element 10.

The displaceable mounting of the closure flap 10 is in this case again achieved via two mutually parallel guide slots 15a and 15b, in which engages a portion of the adjusting element 10, so that the closure flap 10 along this respective section can be moved along. The adjusting element 10 engages in this case via a respective web 1080 or 1081 in the respective guide slot 15a or 15b of the closure flap K in a form-fitting manner. The two webs 1080 and 1081 are connected to one another via a transverse to the guide slots 15a and 15b extending elongated guide plate 108 of the adjusting element 10. In this case, the guide plate 108 is arranged on an upper side of the closure flap K facing away from the supporting structure T.

On the guide plate 108, two L-shaped curved deflecting pieces 5e and 5f for the deflection of portions of the traction cable 4 are formed. The deflecting pieces 5e and 5f stand here raised on the guide plate 108 and direct the respective section of the traction cable 4 coming from the respective cable attachment 40a or 40b to a cable opening 103a or 103b on the guide plate 108. About these cable openings 103a and 103b of the respective section of the pull cable 4 through the guide plate 108 therethrough and optionally - depending on the embodiment - to the inside of the support structure T out.

On the underside of the upper side opposite the closure flap K, the adjusting element 10 still forms an intermediate plate 100. This intermediate plate 100 is connected via the webs 1080 and 1081 with the arranged on the opposite top of the flap K guide plate 108 such that they define together on the adjusting element 10 a sleeve-like portion in which a portion of the flap K is slidably held. Between the two Plates 108 and 100 of the adjusting element 10 in this case a gap ZW is defined, whose height is dimensioned so that a fixed to the underside of the flap K and this projecting sealing pad D can be pushed through this gap ZW.

About in extension of the webs 1080 and 1081 extending connecting webs 10.1 and 10.2, which are preferably formed integrally with the intermediate plate 100, the adjusting element 10 is held displaceably on the support structure T. The connecting webs 10.1 and 10.2 rest for this purpose in fixed guide sleeves FH1 and FH2. The adjusting element 10 is thus displaceable for opening the closure flap K on the guide sleeves FH1 and FH2 along a first spatial direction in order to displace the closure flap K together with the adjustment element 10 and to lift the closure flap K from an edge of the support structure T and in particular from the connection socket A. , If the adjusting element 10 reaches an extended position and is prevented from further adjustment, the closing flap K is displaced relative to the adjusting element 10 via the tensile force of the pulling cable 4, and then substantially perpendicular to the adjusting direction of the adjusting element 10 until the closing flap K assumes its open position.

To guide the pull cable 4, the adjusting element 10 may have a central guide opening on the intermediate plate 100. Starting from the central guide opening on the intermediate plate 100, a section of the traction cable 4 then extends to the cable opening 103a of the guide plate 108 and extends through a section of the pull cable 4 to the other cable opening 103b of the guide plate 108. On one of the closure flap K and the guide plate 108 facing top of the intermediate plate 100 may also be additional guide means, eg in the form of groove-shaped channels or projecting webs, be provided to guide the sections of the traction cable 4 defined on the intermediate plate 100 along.

In the embodiment of Figures 6A to 6E spring elements 8.1 and 8.2 are also provided in the form of compression springs, which are supported on the adjusting element 10 to bias it in the direction of its extended position and thus to support an adjustment of the adjustment 10 for opening the closure flap K. , The spring elements 8.1 and 8.2 are in this case within the support structure T on Pedestals P1 and P2 supported and exert a compressive force in the direction of the extended position of the adjusting element 10.

To transfer the closing flap K into a closed position, starting from the open position shown in FIGS. 6A to 6E, a pulling force is applied to the closing flap K via the pulling cable 4 in order to move it relative to the adjusting element 10 at its webs 1080 and 1081 in the direction of the connecting region AB to move. In this phase, the sealing pad D of the closure flap K, which is arranged between the two guide slots 15a and 15b, passed through the intermediate space ZW of the adjusting element 10. If a displacement of the closing flap K relative to the adjustment element 10 is no longer possible, since the ends of the guide slots 15a and 15b rest against the webs 1080 and 1081 of the adjusting element 10, further pulling on the pulling cable 4 leads to retraction of the adjusting element 10 the pressure applied by the spring elements 8.1 and 8.2. Hereby, the closure flap K mounted on the adjustment element 10 is then adjusted in the direction of the support structure T and the sealing pad D pressed against the edge of the connection socket A, so that the connection socket A is sealingly closed by the sealing pad D. As is illustrated in particular with reference to the embodiment of Figures 6A to 6E, the drive 3 is preferably equipped with a (electric) motor 31 which is connected via a plug S to a power supply and / or to a higher-level control circuit for actuating the drive 3 , An operating event for opening and / or closing the closure flap K can hereby be detected via an operating element on the adjusting device V itself-if appropriate also without contact. Furthermore, an opening and / or closing of the closure flap K can also be controlled by means of a remote control.

Although not shown, provision can be made in all exemplary embodiments for an additional screen to be fixed on the closure flap K. By means of such a visor terminating outwardly with the bodywork, guide slots and deflecting elements provided inside or on the closing flap K can then be covered. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10, 10a, 10b adjustment

100 between plate

102 shaft

103 cable guide channel

103a, 103b rope opening

104a, 104b guide arm (guide element)

105a, 105b Head with cable guide channel and guide for sliding

flap

106a, 106b spring support

107 guide pins

108 guide plate

1080, 1081 footbridge

14 driver section

15a, 15b guiding scenery

16 cable guide channel

17a, 17b spring channel

18 drive part

181 shaft

1810 helical guideway

1810a guideway section

182 gear with external teeth

19 transmission element

190 sleeve section with internal toothing at the lower end

191 sprocket

3 drive

30 cable drum / winding shaft (winding / drive element)

31 engine

32, 32a, 32b leadership

4 pulling rope (traction means)

40, 40a, 40b cable attachment / nipple chamber

5a - 5b pulley (rotatable deflection element)

5e - 5f deflection piece (rigid deflection element)

6, 6.1, 6.2 spring element

8.1, 8.2 spring element

A connection socket (connecting element) AB connection area

B body part

BO closure opening

D sealing pad

FH1, FH2 guide sleeve

K flap

0 passage opening

P1, P2 podium

S plug

ST partition

T supporting structure

TR support frame with cable guide

V adjustment device

ZS rack section

ZW gap

α angle

* * * * *

Claims

O 2016/142520 Page 26 PCT / EP2016 / 055301

claims

1 . Adjustment device, with at least one closure flap (K) for at least partially closing a closure opening (BO) on a vehicle, via the open flap (K) a connection element (A) for connecting a line and / or a filling opening for refilling a liquid , in particular a fuel, and

- A drive (3) for the power-operated adjustment of the closure flap (K), characterized in that the adjusting device (V) has an adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) which is adjustable by means of the drive (3) together with the closure flap (K) , and relative to which the closure flap (K) is displaceably mounted, so that the closure flap (K) by means of the drive (3) in an adjustment to a closed position in which the closure opening (BO) at least partially closed by the closure flap (K) is, and / or in an adjustment in an open position in which the closure opening (BO) is released by the closure flap (K), first relative to the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) displaceable and then together with the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) is adjustable.

2. adjusting device according to claim 1, characterized in that via a adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) having adjusting mechanism of the adjusting device (V) one of a drive motor (31) of the drive (3) generated adjusting initially in an adjustment of the adjusting element ( 10, 10a, 10b) together with the closure flap (K) and a subsequent adjustment of the closure flap (K) relative to the adjustment element (10, 10a, 10b) or vice versa is feasible.

3. adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the

Adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) together with the closure flap (K) in a first adjustment direction is adjustable and the closure flap (K) relative to the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) is adjustable in a second adjustment direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first adjustment direction runs. 2016/142520 Page 27 PCT / EP2016 / 055301

Adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closure flap (K) at least one guide slot (15a, 15b), via which the closure flap (K) relative to the adjusting element (10) is displaceably held.

Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (10) has a sleeve-like section through which a sealing element (D) provided on the closing flap (K) is displaced during an adjustment of the closing flap (K) relative to the adjusting element (10). at least partially feasible.

Adjustment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

- The adjustment of the closure flap (K) in an open position counteracts a spring force of at least one spring element (6, 6.1) of the adjusting device (V), by means of which the closure flap (K) is biased into a closed position, and / or

- The adjustment of the closure flap (K) in a closed position counteracts a spring force of at least one spring element (6; 6.1, 6.2; 8.1, 8.2) of the adjusting device (V), by means of which the closure flap (K) is biased into an open position.

Adjusting device according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one spring element (6, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2) on the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b) of the adjusting device (V) is supported.

Adjustment device according to claim 7, characterized in that at least two spring elements (6.1, 6.2, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2) are provided, of which a first spring element (6.1, 8.1, 8.2) an adjustment of the adjusting element (10, 10a, 10b ) and a second spring element (6.2; 6.1, 6.2) counteracts an adjustment of the closure flap (K) relative to the adjustment element (10, 10a, 10b).

Adjustment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing-like support structure (T) is provided on or in which the drive (3) is arranged and relative to which the closure flap (K) is adjustable. O 2016/142520 Page 28 PCT / EP2016 / 055301

10. Adjustment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one flexible, with the drive (3) coupled traction means (4) is provided, via which an adjusting force for the externally operated adjustment of the closure flap (K) is transferable.

1 1. adjusting device according to claim 10, characterized in that the traction means (4) is deflected several times and a power-operated opening and / or closing of the closure flap (K) by means of the traction means (4) is controllable. 12. adjusting device according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that the traction means (4) at least partially on the closure flap (K) along or in the closure flap (K) is guided.

13. adjusting device according to claim 9 and one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the traction means (4) is guided at least partially on the support structure (T) along or in the support structure (T).

14. adjusting device according to claim 9 and one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the closure flap (K) and / or the support structure (T) at least one deflection element (5a - 5b), on which the traction means (4) is deflected ,

15. Adjustment device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that by means of the traction means (4), the adjusting element (10, 10 a, 10 b) of the adjusting device (V) is adjustable to the closure flap (K) from a closed position and / or to adjust in a closed position.

16. adjusting device according to claim 15, characterized in that the

Adjusting element (10) at least one deflecting element (5e - 5f), on which the traction means (4) is deflected.

17 adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the adjusting element (10) with a rotatable drive member (18) cooperates, via which the adjusting element (10) is translationally adjustable.

18. adjusting device according to claim 17, characterized in that the

Adjusting element (10) has a radially projecting guide pin (107) which O 2016/142520 Page 29 PCT / EP2016 / 055301 in a helical manner about a rotation axis of the drive part (18) extending guide track (1810) is applied such that upon rotation of the drive member (10) of the guide pin (107) on the guide track (1810) slides along and thereby the adjusting element (10) is displaced parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive part (18).

19. Adjusting device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the drive part (18) cooperates with a transmission member (19) via which a torque of the drive part (19) in a translational adjusting movement of the closure flap (K) relative to the adjusting element (10 ) can be implemented.