CLOSURE DEVICE FOR A FILLING OR CONNECTION OPENING ON A VEHICLE

Abstract

A closure device for closing a through opening on a vehicle is provided. An interior space with a filling or connection opening being accessible via the through opening, wherein the filling or connection opening is configured and provided for consumable filling on the vehicle, and it being possible for the through opening to be closed by way of a cover element which can be adjusted on the vehicle in a manner which is actuated by external force between at least one closure position for closing the through opening and an open position for opening the through opening. A control electronics system for triggering an adjustment of the cover element being provided with at least one first and second sensor device.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. A closure device for closing a through opening on a vehicle, an interior space with a filling or connection opening being accessible via the through opening, wherein the filling or connection opening is configured and provided for consumable filling on the vehicle, and it being possible for the through opening to be closed by way of a cover element which can be adjusted on the vehicle in a manner which is actuated by external force between at least one closure position for closing the through opening and an open position for opening the through opening, a control electronics system for triggering an adjustment of the cover element being provided with at least one sensor device, wherein at least one first and second sensor device are provided, it being possible for an operating event for opening the cover element to be detected via the first sensor device, and it being possible for an operating event for closing the cover element to be detected via a second sensor device which is spaced apart spatially from the first sensor device, and the first sensor device being provided at least in parts on a covering section of the cover element, which covering section closes the through opening at least partially in the closure position, and the second sensor device being provided at least in parts on a section of the cover element, which section is different than said covering section and faces the through opening in the open position.

21. The closure device as claimed in claim 20, wherein both sensor devices are provided completely on the cover element.

22. The closure device as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one sensor device of the closure device comprises at least one proximity sensor, by means of which an adjustment of the cover element which is actuated by external force can be triggered by a user in a contactless manner.

23. The closure device as claimed in claim 22, wherein at least one sensor device of the closure device comprises at least one contact sensor, by means of which an adjustment of the cover element which is actuated by external force can be triggered by a user via a touching of a sensor surface.

24. The closure device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the cover element is configured in multiple pieces and has a screen which lies on the outside and is fastened to a covering section of the cover element, which covering section closes the through opening at least partially in the closure position.

25. A closure device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the cover element has a screen which lies on the outside and is fastened to a covering section of the cover element, which covering section closes the through opening at least partially in the closure position, and the sensor device is accommodated at least in parts in an intermediate space which is formed between the covering section and the screen, and/or in a cavity of the covering section and/or in a cavity of the screen.

26. The closure device as claimed in claim 24, a cavity of the covering section, in which cavity the sensor device is accommodated at least in parts, is closed by the screen.

27. The closure device as claimed in claim 20, wherein a connecting channel is configured on the adjustable cover element, one end of said connecting channel being accessible at the through opening, and a connection to the filling or connection opening being established at the other end of said connecting channel when the cover element is situated in its open position.

28. The closure device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the closure device has a sensor device, via which it can be detected whether an object is situated in the connecting channel.

29. The closure device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the sensor device for detecting an object in the connecting channel (111) has at least one sensor electrode on a circumferential face of the connecting channel.

30. The closure device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the control electronics system has an evaluation logic means which triggers closing of the cover element only when it has been detected that no object is situated in the connecting channel.

31. The closure device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the control electronics system has an evaluation logic means which triggers closing of the cover element only when it has been detected that an object has no longer been situated in the connecting channel for a predetermined time period.

32. The closure device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the control electronics system has an evaluation logic means which triggers closing of the cover element only when it has been detected that no object is situated in the connecting channel and an additional operating event has been detected.

33. The closure device as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one electric line for a sensor device is embedded at least partially into the material of the cover element.

34. The closure device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the cover element is mounted rotatably via a bearing pin, and at least one electric line for a sensor device is routed at least partially in a hollow bearing pin section within the bearing pin.

35. The closure device as claimed in claim 34, wherein a line opening is provided on the bearing pin, via which line opening an electric line can be routed out of the interior of the hollow bearing pin section, and the line opening is dimensioned in such a way that a line plug which is provided on the electric line can be guided through the line opening.

36. The closure device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the control electronics system is provided on the cover element, in particular is integrated onto said cover element.

37. The closure device as claimed in claim 20, wherein a liquid reservoir, in particular a wiper water reservoir, a cooling liquid reservoir or an oil reservoir or a fuel tank, can be filled via a filling opening.

38. The closure device as claimed in claim 20, wherein a connection opening is provided for connection to a charging station, in particular a charging station for battery or fuel cell drives.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Further advantages and features of the invention will become clear in the following description of exemplary embodiments using the figures.

[0059] FIGS. 1A-1B show a first exemplary embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a pivotable cover element in the form of a filler cap, via which both a through opening in a vehicle body and a filling opening of a filler neck can be closed, and additionally, when the filler cap is open, a connecting channel which is connected to the filling opening of the filler neck and passes through the filler cap is provided for filling fuel, FIGS. 1A and 1B showing the filler cap in different positions with a view of the vehicle body from the outside.

[0060] FIGS. 2A-2B show the closure device from FIGS. 1A and 1B on an enlarged scale, in particular with an illustration of an interior space within the vehicle body, in which interior space the filler neck of the vehicle tank ends and which interior space can be closed by way of the filler cap.

[0061] FIGS. 3A-3B show the closure device with a view from the inside and in different positions of the filler cap.

[0062] FIGS. 4A-4B show the closure device in views which coincide with FIGS. 3A and 3B, without an illustration of the interior space, in which the filler cap is mounted adjustably.

[0063] FIGS. 5A-5B show a further view of the closure device with a view from the inside.

[0064] FIGS. 6A-6B show additional views of the closure device in the different positions of the filler cap.

[0065] FIGS. 7A-7D show four variants of the closure device from FIGS. 1A-1B in a perspective view and with the filler cap in each case in an open position, and with in each case differently arranged first and second sensor devices for automated opening and closing of the filler cap.

[0066] FIGS. 8A-8C show different views of a second exemplary embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a pivotable cover element in the form of a filler cap with a screen and a module housing, on which the pivotable filler cap is mounted with its drive.

[0067] FIGS. 9A-9C show the closure device from FIGS. 8A-8C in different views, from which the arrangement of a plurality of sensor elements of a first sensor device in a cavity which is closed by the screen is illustrated.

[0068] FIGS. 10A-10D show the closure device from FIGS. 8A-8C in different views, from which, in particular, the arrangement of a second sensor device on the filler cap is illustrated.

[0069] FIGS. 11A-11B show different views of one development of the exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 8A-10D with a printed circuit board which is integrated into the filler cap for the first sensor device.

[0070] FIGS. 12A-12B show a further, alternative development of the closure device from FIGS. 8A-10D with a printed circuit board which is likewise integrated into the filler cap for the first sensor device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] FIGS. 1A-6B, 7A-7D, 8A-8C, 9A-9C, 10A-10D, 11A-11B and 12A-12B show different design variants of closure devices according to the invention, in the case of which a cover element in the form of a filler cap 1 is mounted rotatably, with the result that the filler cap 1 can be pivoted between a closure position for closing a through opening O on the outer skin of a vehicle body K and an open position for opening said through opening O. Here, each filler cap 1 forms a covering section 10, via which the through opening O is at least partially closed as intended. Moreover, each filler cap 1 forms at least one closure section 13 for (sealingly) closing a filling opening of a filler neck 20 and/or a connecting section 110 with a connecting channel 111 for filling fuel.

[0072] FIGS. 1A-6B show a first exemplary embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a pivotable filler cap 1 which forms both a closure section 13 and a connecting section 110. Here, the figures which are denoted by A show the filler cap 1 in each case in its closure position, whereas the figures which are denoted by B show the filler cap 1 in its open position in a consistent view.

[0073] The filler cap 1 has a plate-shaped closure section 10, via which the opening O in the body K is completely closed when the filler cap 1 is situated in a closure position. It goes without saying here that the closure section 10 can also have a different geometry than the one shown here and can have, for example, a circular base area. The filler cap 1 is mounted such that it can be rotated within an interior space I about a rotational axis D, with the result that the closure section 10 can be pivoted out of a closed position, in which it (virtually) completely fills the through opening O, into the interior space I into an open position.

[0074] Cylindrical bearing sections 12A and 12B are configured on the filler cap 1 for the rotatable mounting. Sliding mounting can be realized via said bearing sections 12A and 12B, by the latter being, for example, of hollow-cylindrical configuration and in each case being pushed over a bearing journal, or by said cylindrical bearing sections 12A and 12B in each case being mounted slidingly in a bearing bush.

[0075] In its closure position, the filler cap 1 sealingly closes a filling opening of a filler neck 20 via a closure section 13 in the interior of the interior space I. Here, the filler neck 20 forms the end of a filler tube 2, via which fuel can be filled into a fuel tank of the vehicle. The closure section 13 of the filler cap 1 is adapted to the geometry of the filling opening on the filler neck 20, with the result that, in the closure position of the filler cap 1, the closure section 13 bears sealingly against a sealing face which is defined by the edge of the filling opening. In the present case, the filler neck 20 is of concavely curved configuration on its end face which faces the filler cap 1. Here, the closure section 13 which is configured on the filler cap 1 is convexly curved correspondingly. In the present case, furthermore, the end face of the filler neck 20, against which the closure section 13 bears in the closure position of the filler cap 1, is arranged at an angle with respect to the through opening O. The concave curvature of the end face of the filler neck 20 and the convex curvature of the closure section 13 of the filler cap 1 in each case run along a circular path about the rotational axis D, with the result that the closure section 13 can be displaced relative to the filler neck 20 without problems, in order to open the filling opening.

[0076] In order to open the filling opening and the through opening O, the filler cap 1 is adjusted in a rotational direction about the rotational axis D, as a result of which the plate-shaped covering section 10 is pivoted into the interior of the interior space I. Here, the adjustment of the filler cap 1 takes place via an adjusting mechanism which is actuated by external force and by way of which, for example at a bearing section 12A or 12B, a torque which is generated by a drive motor is applied in order to adjust the filler cap 1. Here, the adjustment is triggered in a contactless manner, in particular via a, for example, capacitive proximity sensor, by way of the detection of gestures of a user or the detection of a certain object, such as a pump nozzle or a charging plug. Proximity sensors for contactless triggering of an adjusting movement of an adjusting part on a motor vehicle are widely known, for example in conjunction with the automated adjustment of a vehicle side door, a tailgate or a trunk lid. In addition, a mechanical triggering means can be provided, in order to pivot the filler cap 1 in a manner which is actuated by external force.

[0077] If the filler cap 1 is pivoted into an open position, in which the covering section 10 no longer covers the through opening O, a functional section 11 of the filler cap 1 with a viewing area faces the through opening O. The edge of a channel end 110A of a connecting channel 111 projects in the manner of a collar on said flat functional section 11. The connecting channel is circular-cylindrical in the exemplary embodiment which is shown. Here, the circular-cylindrical connecting channel 111 is configured by way of a connecting section 110 of the filler cap 1. Whereas the one channel end 110A is accessible at the through opening O, with the result that a pump nozzle can be introduced here, for example, a connection to the filler neck 20 of the filler tube 2 is established via the other channel end 110B which lies in the interior space I. In this way, the filler cap 1 defines an extension or connecting stub for the filler tube 2 by way of its connecting section 110 to the connecting channel 111, with the result that fuel can be refilled via said extension or connecting stub in the open position of the filler cap 1, and the filling opening of the filler neck 20 is accessible. Since the channel end 110A lies in the region of the through opening O and is therefore readily accessible on the body K for a user, the refilling of fuel is facilitated as a result.

[0078] In the present case, the functional section 11 which faces the through opening O in the open position of the filler cap 1 is additionally curved concavely. This can achieve a situation, for example, where liquids flow away more easily from the functional section 11. Thus, the end-side viewing face of the functional section 11 is inclined with respect to the vertical in the open position of the filler cap 1, with the result that any dirty water or rain water or fuel residues can flow away in the direction of the through opening O as a result of its concave curvature.

[0079] Furthermore, a transversely running strip section 14 is provided on the filler cap 1 on a lower region of the functional section 11, below the curved viewing face. Said strip section 14 can be configured for protection against contaminants and/or for avoiding undesired or unimpeded access into the interior space I. If the filler cap 1 is present in its open position, the strip section 14 can avoid a situation where a user reaches past the filler cap 1 below the functional section 11 into the interior space I. In addition, the strip section 14 makes it more difficult for dirt to penetrate into the interior space I below the functional section 11.

[0080] The interior space I can be formed within the body K by way of a corresponding shape. As an alternative, the interior space can be formed by way of a separate housing of the closure device, which housing is fastened on the inside to the body K. In the embodiment which is shown, it is decisive merely that the filler cap 1 which integrates different functions via its covering section 10, its connecting section 110 and its closure section 13 is mounted rotatably within said interior space I here. In this way, the filler cap 1 assumes not only the function of a conventional filler cap or a conventional filler flap, but rather also the function of a closure for the filler neck 20, and provides a connecting channel with a dedicated filler opening which opens into the filling opening of the filler neck 20. Rather, it is also avoided in the case of a closure device with a filler cap 1 of this type that parts of the closure device project on the body F, to be precise independently of whether the filler cap is open or closed.

[0081] Although this is not shown in detail in FIGS. 1A-6A, an adjusting mechanism which is actuated by external force for adjusting the filler cap 1 is provided, in order for it to be possible to adjust said filler cap 1, for example, via an electric motor drive and in an automated manner, for example with the aid of at least one proximity sensor.

[0082] It can be provided in one development that the filler cap 1 is configured in multiple pieces, and a separate screen 100 is fastened to the covering section 10 as one of at least two parts (cf. also the exemplary embodiments explained in the following text of FIGS. 8A-8C, 9A-9C, 10A-10D, 11A-11B and 12A-12B). Here, the screen 100 can be manufactured in a disk-shaped manner and/or from a relatively high quality material, in order to form an outer surface which is esthetically pleasant and is adapted to the outer skin of the vehicle, without manufacturing the entire filler cap 1 from a relatively high quality material.

[0083] A cavity H, in which a proximity sensor or at least parts thereof are accommodated in a protected manner, can also be provided between a screen 100 and a covering section 10, to which the screen is fastened. In this way, a proximity sensor can be arranged on the covering section 10 or the screen 100, for example, during the assembly of a multiple-piece cover element, before the fastening of the screen 100 then takes place and the proximity sensor is covered by way of the screen 100. Although it can be advantageous here, in particular for the support and fastening of the screen 100, if the covering section 10 is of plate-shaped configuration, as shown in the appended figures, or has a planar end face which faces the through opening, this is not mandatory.

[0084] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate by way of example possible variants for the arrangement of two different sensor devices S1, S2 and S1*, S2* on a filler cap 1 of the adjusting device of FIGS. 1A-6B. Here, a first sensor device S1 or S1* is provided for detecting an operating event for opening the filler cap 1, and a second sensor device S2 or S2* which is spaced apart spatially herefrom is provided for detecting an operating event for closing the filler cap 1. For this purpose, sensor elements of the first sensor device S1 or S1* are arranged on the covering section 10, whereas sensor elements of the second sensor device S2 or S2* are arranged on the functional section 11 and/or the strip section 14 of the filler cap 1. Here, at least the parts of a first or second sensor device S1, S1* or S2, S2* are arranged on a section 10 or 11, 14 which lies in the through opening O in the closure position or in the open position of the filler cap 1 and defines a monitoring region for contactless detection of an operating event and/or a sensor area for an operating event which can be detected by way of contact of the sensor area.

[0085] In the case of the design variant of FIG. 7A, two elongate sensor fields or sensor electrodes S1A and S1B are provided on the covering section 10 as part of the first sensor device S1, in order to detect an operating event for opening the filler cap 1 when the filler cap 1 is closed. Here, the two sensor fields or electrodes S1A, S1B run in each case substantially parallel to the rotational axis D via a part of the covering section 10, and allow, for example, the approach of a hand or a defined gesture of a user, for example a wiping movement, to be detected in a contactless manner, in order to activate the drive of the filler cap 1 in order to open it. For example, the change in an electromagnetic field which is generated by way of the sensor electrodes S1A, S1B and/or in an electric capacitance which can be evaluated via the latter is detected for contactless detection of an operating event. As an alternative, a contact sensor can be defined via the sensor fields S1A and S1B, via which contact sensor it can be detected whether a user touches the covering section 10 with his/her hand, with the result that the filler cap is opened as a consequence of said contact.

[0086] In an analogous manner, sensor fields or sensor electrodes S2A and S2B are provided so as to run parallel to one another on the strip section 14 below the functional section 11, in order, as part of the second sensor device S2 when the filler cap 1 is open, to detect an operating event for closing the filler cap 1 and to correspondingly actuate the drive.

[0087] In the design variant of FIG. 7B, the two sensor devices S1 and S2 which are spaced apart spatially from one another in each case have a transmitting electrode S1A or S2A and a receiving electrode E1B or E2B, in order to capacitively detect an operating event, such as a defined gesture, for opening or closing the filler cap 1 in a contactless manner. Here, an electrode pair S1A, E1B or S2A, E2B is provided in each case on an edge region of the covering section 10 or the functional section 11. Here, the respective electrodes of an electrode pair S1A, E1B or S2A, E2B in each case run parallel to one another and substantially perpendicularly with respect to the rotational axis D. In addition, the two electrode pairs S1A, E1B and S2A, E2B are arranged offset with respect to one another on the filler cap 1 in relation to the rotational axis D, with the result that the electrodes S1A, E1B of the first sensor device S1 are arranged on the covering section 10 on the left in relation to the channel end 110A, and the electrodes S2A, E2B of the second sensor device S2 are arranged on the functional section 11 to the right thereof. As a result, mutual influencing of the electrode pairs S1A, E1B or S2A, E2B can be ruled out more easily.

[0088] In the design variant of FIG. 7C, capacitively operating sensor devices S1 and S2 are likewise provided. Here, a single transmitting electrode S is provided for the definition of the respective proximity sensors. Said sensor electrode S interacts both with a receiving electrode E1A of the first sensor device S1 on the covering section 10 and with a further receiving electrode E2A of the second sensor device S2 on the functional section 11, in order to detect an operating event in the respective area around the receiving electrode E1A or E2A in the case of a closed or open filler cap 1. The single sensor electrode S therefore runs partially both on the covering section 10 and on the functional section 11 of the filler cap 1.

[0089] In the design variant of FIG. 7D, in each case one (here, circular) sensor surface on the covering section and the functional section 11 is defined and monitored for contact by a user via two sensor devices S1* and S2*. Here, the contact of the corresponding sensor surface on the surface of the filler cap 1 by a user is detectable by way of the sensor devices S1* and S2*, as a result of which opening or closing of the filler cap 1 is then triggered. In order to make the sensor surfaces visible on the filler cap 1 for a user, markings, for example in the form of (color) symbols and/or relief-like contours, are provided in each case at the corresponding locations on the covering section and the functional section 11. It goes without saying that a haptically operating sensor system in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7D can also be combined with a sensor system for contactless detection of an operating event. For example, opening of the filler cap 1 can be controlled in a contactless manner via a gesture of the user, whereas contact or even pressing of the corresponding sensor surface on the filler cap 1 is necessary for closing the filler cap 1.

[0090] FIGS. 8A-8C, 9A-9C and 10A-10D illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a closure device according to the invention.

[0091] In contrast to the above-described design variants, a module housing in the form of a housing frame 15 is provided in said exemplary embodiment, on which module housing the filler cap 1 is not only mounted pivotably, but rather its drive A is also fastened. The filler cap 1 can therefore be pre-mounted on the housing frame 15 together with its drive A and can be inserted as a module into a body opening, in the interior space I of which the filler neck 20 is arranged. For this purpose, a plurality of fastening points BS are provided on the housing frame 15, both on an upper and on a lower housing frame section 15o and 15u.

[0092] In addition, the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8C, 9A-9C and 10A-10D has a screen 100 on the covering section 10. The screen 100 is fastened to the covering section 10 and in the present case closes the through opening O completely when the filler cap 1 is present in its closure position. The screen 100 can be manufactured from a relatively high quality and, for example, metallic material or a plastic material and/or can be fastened replaceably on the covering section 10, in order for it to be possible to exchange it easily and adapt it to customer wishes. In order to make the filler neck 20 accessible via the connecting channel 111 of the filler cap 1, the covering section 10 with the screen 100 fastened thereto can be moved along the upper housing frame section 15o during opening of the filler cap 1, with the result that the screen 100 is also present for the greatest part or completely in the interior of the interior space I when the filler cap 1 is open.

[0093] As can be seen, in particular, from FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, the screen 100 closes a cavity H which is configured on the covering section 10. A honeycomb structure W is configured in said cavity H in order to stiffen the covering section 10 which is open on one side. Moreover, parts of a first sensor device 5 which serves to detect an operating event for opening the filler cap 1 are arranged in the cavity H. Thus, in the present case, a plurality of sensor electrodes 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 of the first sensor device 5 are arranged among one another within the cavity H and are covered by the screen 100 when the latter is fixed on the covering section 10 as intended. The individual sensor electrodes 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are therefore situated within the covering section 10 and on the rear side of the screen 100 when the cavity H is closed by the latter as intended. Via the sensor electrodes 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3, a gesture of a user which is carried out in front of the screen 100 of the closed filler cap 1 can be capacitively detected without contact and can be evaluated by means of an evaluation logic means as an operating event for opening the filler cap 1.

[0094] As illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C, the closure device with the filler cap 1 has a second sensor device 6 in the region of the functional section 11 in addition to the first sensor device 5 in the region of the covering section 10. Said second sensor device 6 serves to detect an operating event for closing the filler cap 1. For this purpose, the second sensor device 6 likewise has at least two sensor electrodes, via which an operating event by way of a user can be detected capacitively in the region of the functional section 11, in order to close the open filler cap 1. Here, a plurality of spirally wound sensor electrode sections 6.1 of said sensor electrodes are provided on the rear side of the functional section 11. Via said sensor electrode sections 6.1, when the filler cap 1 is open, influencing of an electromagnetic field which is generated in the region of the functional section 11 by way of the hand of a user or an electric capacitance which is changed as a result can be detected. A conclusion is made herefrom as to the occurrence of an operating event for closing the filler cap 1, and the drive A of the filler cap 1 is actuated correspondingly. It goes without saying that contactless detection or sensing of one or more operating events for adjusting the filler cap 1 can in principle take place not only capacitively, but rather also inductively and/or optically.

[0095] Moreover, it can be detected by way of the second sensor device 6 (or, as an alternative, also via a third sensor device) whether a pump nozzle is plugged into the connecting channel 111 when the filler cap 1 is open. For this purpose, two sensor electrode sections 6.2 and 6.3 of the sensor electrodes of the second sensor device 6 are provided in the present case on the circumferential face of the connecting channel 111 and therefore on an outer face of the connecting section 110. Here, the sensor electrode sections 6.2 and 6.3 run substantially along the longitudinal axis of the connecting channel 111. It can be detected in a contactless manner via said sensor electrode sections 6.2 and 6.3 whether a pump nozzle is introduced into the connecting channel 111 or has been removed from the latter. Accordingly, closing of the filler cap 1 in a manner which is actuated by external force can be made dependent on whether a pump nozzle signal which indicates that the connecting channel 111 is free and therefore a pump nozzle is not/no longer plugged into the connecting channel 111 prevails at an evaluation logic means of the associated control electronics system or not. This can avoid a situation where the filler cap 1 is automatically closed although the pump nozzle (or another object which is introduced into the connecting channel 111 from the outside) is still introduced into the connecting channel 111.

[0096] Here, in one design variant, the closing of the filler cap 1 can already be triggered by the fact that, after plugging of a pump nozzle into the connecting channel 111 has previously been detected, the removal of the pump nozzle is detected. Since it is to be assumed that the fueling operation is concluded when the pump nozzle is removed, the filler cap 1 is then closed automatically. Here, closing can optionally also take place, however, only when a predefined time period has elapsed after the removal of the pump nozzle has been detected. Accordingly, the filler cap 1 is not closed immediately, but rather only a few seconds after the removal of the pump nozzle.

[0097] Although, in one design variant, closing of the filler cap 1 can also take place, moreover, in a manner which is dependent on a pump nozzle signal, with or without a time delay, the detection of a (further) operating event is additionally also necessary for the actuation of the drive A for closing the filler cap 1. As a consequence, the removal of the pump nozzle not only has to have been detected by sensor, but rather also, for example, a corresponding wiping gesture of a user in the region of the second sensor device 6 and/or the contact of a corresponding sensor surface, such as the sensor surface according to FIG. 7D which is defined by way of the second sensor device S2* on the functional section 11.

[0098] In order to lay electric lines for coupling the sensor devices 5 and 6 to a control electronics system and/or to a power supply in a space-saving, reliable and rattle-free manner along the closure device and, in particular, along the filler cap 1, a bearing pin 120 which is preferably formed on the filler cap 1 and extends along the rotational axis D is of at least partially hollow configuration in the design variant which is shown. The bearing pin 120 which is mounted rotatably on one side on the upper housing frame section 15o and is coupled on the other side to the electric motor drive A via a connecting region 1202 can therefore receive at least one line in its interior. Here, one or more lines can be routed out of the interior of the bearing pin 120 via a lateral line opening 1201 in the shell of the bearing pin 120, and are connected to the first sensor device 5 on the covering section 10 and/or the second sensor device 6 on the functional section 11. Here, the line opening 1201 on the bearing pin 120 can also be dimensioned so as to be so great that a line plug which is provided on the line can be guided through it.

[0099] In the present case, a plurality of reinforcing ribs which in each case open on the central connecting section 110 are likewise provided on the rear side of the covering section 10 for stiffening, as on the rear side of the functional section 11. As an alternative or in addition, at least one electric line for one of the sensor devices 5 or 6 can likewise be laid along said reinforcing ribs.

[0100] FIGS. 11A-11B and 12A-12B illustrate possible developments of the design variant of FIGS. 8A-8C, 9A-9C and 10A-10D, in which in each case one printed circuit board 50, on which the sensor electrodes 5.1, 5.1 and 5.3 are arranged, is likewise accommodated in the cavity H of the covering section 10. Here, each of the sensor electrodes 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 is connected via a line 51, 52 or 53 to an electronic component 54 or 55 which is arranged on the rear side of the covering section 10. Here, each of the electronic components 54, is connected to the printed circuit board 50 and electrically via the respective lines 51, 52 and 53 to the sensor electrodes 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3. For example, the respective electronic component 54, 55 is plugged onto the printed circuit board 50, for example via press fit pins.

[0101] In the design variant of FIGS. 11A and 11B, the electronic component 54 is formed, for example, by way of a plug part. A line plug can be plugged onto said plug part, in order to connect the sensor electrodes 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 to an external control electronics system and/or to a power supply.

[0102] In the design variant of FIGS. 12A and 12B, an electronic component 55 which carries, in particular, the evaluation logic means for the detection of an operating event is provided on the rear side of the covering section 10. In addition, the electronic component 55 which is arranged on the rear side of the covering section 10 and is connected to the printed circuit board 50 can also accommodate the control electronics system for actuating the drive A and the evaluation logic means for both sensor devices 5 and 6. Here, the connection to the second sensor device 6 can take place via at least one additional line.

[0103] A line which is routed through the line opening 1201 of the bearing pin 120 can be provided, for example, for the connection to the drive A and/or an electric power supply. As an alternative or in addition, electric lines for power supply or signal transmission can be injection molded into the filler cap 1 and/or can be vapor deposited onto its (plastic) material.

[0104] In one development, an illumination element and/or a display element can be provided on a filler cap 1.

[0105] Here, an illumination element comprises at least one lamp, for example an LED, in order to illuminate the filler cap 1 in its closure position and/or in its open position. In this way, for example in the case of an open filler cap, the channel end 110A can be illuminated for the introduction of the pump nozzle. A corresponding lamp or a plurality of lamps can be provided for this purpose, for example, on the functional section 11 or on the rear side of the covering section 10.

[0106] Furthermore, additional information can be provided visually to a user via a display element. Thus, for example, information about the filling level of the tank can be provided via said display element. In one exemplary embodiment, a display element can indicate whether a pump nozzle has been introduced into the connecting channel 111 and/or has been removed again therefrom correctly. A display element can also comprise a display, via which information is displayed on the filler cap 1, for example vehicle data, such as tire pressure or the type of fuel to be filled.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

[0107] 1 Filler cap (cover element) [0108] 10 Covering section [0109] 100 Screen [0110] 11 Functional section [0111] 110 Connecting section [0112] 110A, 110B Channel end [0113] 111 Connecting channel [0114] 120 Bearing pin [0115] 1201 Line opening [0116] 1202 Connecting region [0117] 12A, 12B Bearing section [0118] 13 Closure section [0119] 14 Strip section [0120] 15 Housing [0121] 15o, 15u Housing section [0122] 2 Filler tube [0123] 20 Filler neck [0124] 5 First sensor device [0125] 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 Sensor electrode [0126] 50 Printed circuit board [0127] 51-53 Line [0128] 54, 55 Plug part/control electronics system with evaluation logic means [0129] 6 Second sensor device [0130] 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 Sensor electrode (section) [0131] A Drive [0132] BS Fastening point [0133] D Rotational axis [0134] E, E1A, E2A, Receiving electrode (sensor element) [0135] E1B, E2B [0136] H Cavity [0137] I Interior space [0138] K Vehicle body [0139] O Through opening [0140] S Transmitting electrode (sensor element) [0141] S1, S1* First sensor device [0142] S1A, S1B, S2A, Sensor field/sensor electrode [0143] S2B (sensor element) [0144] S2, S2* Second sensor device [0145] V Adjusting direction [0146] W Honeycomb structure