A vehicle fuel system according to the invention includes a fuel filler flap that blocks an opening of a fuel filler space to be openable and closable, a locking mechanism that regulates opening and closing operation of the fuel filler flap, and a detector that detects the opening and closing operation of the fuel filler flap. A controller is able to determine an operational state of the fuel filler flap multiple times within one driving cycle of a vehicle, which improves a frequency of diagnosing the operational state of the fuel filler flap and a stuck-closed state of the detector.

The flap actuator comprises a flap, an actuating drive for opening and closing the flap, and a linkage mechanism comprising a toggle joint comprising a first and second legs rotatably supported at a first and second rotation point, respectively, and rotatably connected to each other at a third rotation point. The second leg includes a guiding slot. The first leg includes a guiding projection engaged and moveably supported in the guiding slot. The toggle joint further comprises an elastic element, which exerts a force on the toggle joint when the flap is closed so the toggle joint causes a restoring force on the flap in the closing direction. Alternatively, or additionally, the guiding slot has a length greater than its width, and the projection is at least partially engaged with the first recess when the flap is closed causing a retaining force and/or a restoring force on the closed flap.

A covering device for a vehicle, includes: a cover; a drive element formed to enable a movement of the cover, wherein the drive element brings about a force which acts on the cover. The covering device has a force-limitation apparatus which limits the force brought about by the drive element to a limit force so that the covering device is protected in the event of an overload acting on the covering device and/or a user is protected when using the covering device. An actuator has a drive apparatus with a drive element; an output drive element; and a force-decoupling apparatus. The force-decoupling apparatus is formed so that it at least temporarily does not output a force taken up by the drive element or at least temporarily outputs it in a delayed manner to the output drive element.