Patent Publication Number: US-2023151651-A1

Title: Locking device for locking charging, fueling, or service flaps

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to locking devices for locking covers in or on a housing, in particular of a vehicle body. Specifically, the invention relates to locking mechanisms for actuating a cover, in particular configured as a charging fueling, or service flap, in a charging, fueling, or service compartment that is received or receivable on or in a body component of a vehicle. 
     Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding system having a cover, in particular in the form of a charging, fueling, or service flap, and a charging, fueling, or service compartment, which is received or receivable on or in a body component of a vehicle, wherein the cover (i.e., the charging, fueling, or service flap in particular) is reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment and wherein a locking device is provided for locking a charging, fueling, or service flap. 
     Finally, the invention further relates to a vehicle having such a system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The vehicle is in particular a vehicle having a hybrid or electric drive, wherein however vehicles having a purely combustion-based drive are not excluded in the context of the present invention. 
     Vehicles with a hybrid or electric drive usually have one battery or traction battery, which, for example in the case of PHEV vehicles (PHEV=plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) or BEV vehicles (BEV=battery electric vehicle), can be charged via an electrical charging connector that is accessible from the outside on the vehicle body, and is typically a charging port, by connecting to an electrical charging station, for example, or a conventional external electrical terminal. 
     The charging port is usually arranged in a charging compartment of the vehicle body, which is covered or closed by a charging flap or a charging closure element. A mechanism that cooperates with the charging flap or charging closure element selectively allows the charging compartment to be opened and closed or the charging flap or charging closure element to be flipped open and closed relative to the charging compartment, and thus allows access to the charging port. 
     In vehicles with a combustion-based drive, a fuel tank is supplied with fuel via a tank filler-neck, which is accessible from the outside by connection to a fuel pump or a fuel nozzle, for example. Like the charging port, the filler neck is typically arranged in a filler neck housing that is associated with the vehicle body and is covered or closed by a fueling flap or a tank closure element. Here, too, a mechanism that cooperates with the fueling flap or tank closure element selectively allows the fueling compartment to be opened and closed or the fueling flap or tank closure element to be flipped open and closed relative to the fueling compartment, and thus allows access to the tank filler-neck. 
     The terms “fueling flap” and “fueling compartment” as used herein are not understood to mean only the components associated with a fuel tank or the components necessary for filling a fuel tank. Rather, these terms are also intended to include components for a tank for receiving other resources, for example AdBlue or urea, or an additive such as water. Accordingly, the invention also relates to actuating mechanisms for actuating service flaps associated with a filling system for a resource or additive tank, in particular a fuel, AdBlue, or water tank. 
     Actuating mechanisms and actuating apparatuses for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle are generally known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 2008 057 933 B4, DE 10 2009 060 119 A1, DE 10 2011 101 838 A1, and DE 10 2012 004 078 A1. 
     In the prior art, however, there is a fundamental need for charging, fueling, or service compartment systems in which a plurality of functions must be switched and actuated in a coordinated manner. These functions include, in particular, the unlocking and locking or releasing and blocking of the cover or charging, fueling, or service flap with the aid of a flap lock, moving the unlocked charging, fueling, or service flap relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment such that the charging, fueling, or service flap is transferable from a closed position into an open position (and vice versa), and other functions such as enabling or disabling a light source for illuminating at least one region of the charging, fueling, or service compartment in its open state. 
     These different functions or functional components of the charging, fueling, or service compartment system must be controlled or manipulated in coordination with respect to time. For example, during a charging operation, it is first necessary to unlock the charging, fueling, or service flap in its closed position with the aid of the flap lock of the charging, fueling, or service compartment system, wherein the charging, fueling, or service flap can be moved relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment only after the unlocking of the charging, fueling, or service flap in order to transfer it into the open state. Only then can the charging port or charging connector be connected and thereafter locked. 
     In order to manipulate and coordinate these functions or functional components, it is common to associate multiple actuators with the charging, fueling, or service compartment system, wherein each actuator takes over the actuation of a correspondingly associated functional component, such as triggering the flap lock and moving the unlocked charging, fueling, or service flap relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment. In order to coordinate the actuation of the various functional components of the charging, fueling, or service compartment system, a control device is typically used, which triggers the respective actuators in a coordinated manner. 
     On the other hand, such charging, fueling, or service compartment systems, particularly during charging, are subjected to a variety of weather conditions, which can lead to sealing problems due to the functional components mentioned above. Individual components such as the charging, fueling, or service flap, can also become iced. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, the underlying problem of the invention is to further develop a locking device for charging, fueling, or service flap(s) in such a way that it has a relatively small construction space requirement, wherein at the same time several functions or functional components of the charging or fueling compartment system can be controlled in a reliable and coordinated manner. In addition, the aim is for the locking device to remain usable even when the charging, fueling, or service flap becomes iced. 
     This underlying problem of the invention is solved in particular by the subject matter of the independent claim  1 , wherein advantageous further developments of the actuating mechanism according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims. 
     Accordingly, the invention relates to a locking device for locking a charging, fueling, or service flap on one of a charging, fueling, or service compartment received or receivable on or in a housing, in particular a body component of a vehicle, wherein the charging, fueling, or service flap is reversibly movable, and in particular pivotable, between a closed position and an open position relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment, wherein the locking device comprises the following
         a flap lock for locking the charging, fueling, or service flap in its closed position, wherein the flap lock has a locking position, in which the flap lock locks the charging, fueling, or service flap, and a release position in which the charging, fueling, or service flap is moveable in relation to the flap lock;   a first transfer shaft connected to the flap lock such that the flap lock is moveable, in particular pivotable, by a movement, in particular a rotation, of the first transfer shaft between the locking position and the release position;   a pushing element connected to the first transfer shaft and configured so as to push the charging, fueling, or service flap out of its closed position away from the charging compartment after the flap lock is transferred into its release position.       

     By connecting the pushing element and the flap lock to a common first transfer shaft, a synchronized unlocking and pushing out of the charging, fueling, or service flap can be achieved. The pushing element serves primarily to also push out the charging, fueling, or service flap against a resistance. Thus, any icing of the charging, fueling, or service flap can preferably also be broken up by the pushing element. With the synchronization via the first transfer shaft, it is also achieved that the charging, fueling, or service flap can only be pushed out when the lock has been transferred into its release position and thus releases the flap. Thus, it generally cannot occur that the pushing element will push against the charging, fueling, or service flap while it is still locked by the flap lock. 
     According to a further embodiment, the flap lock can be transferred from its locking position into its release position by a movement, in particular a rotation, of the first transfer shaft in a first direction. For this purpose, as will be explained in further detail below, the flap lock can comprise a locking hook, which is arranged directly on the first transfer shaft. 
     According to a further embodiment, the pushing element is configured so as to push the charging, fueling, or service flap out of its closed position away from the charging, fueling, or service compartment when the first transfer shaft is further moved, in particular rotated, in the first direction upon reaching the release position of the flap lock. Thus, no other movement of the first transfer shaft is needed in order to push the charging, fueling, or service flap with the pushing element in the direction of its open position. Rather, this is automatically achieved by continuing to rotate the first transfer shaft after unlocking the flap. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pushing element can also be attached directly on the first transfer shaft. 
     According to a further embodiment, the pushing element and the flap lock are integrally formed. In other words, the locking device according to the invention can comprise a single component for locking and pushing out the fueling, charging, or service flap. This can be attached to the first transfer shaft with a single opening. According to a further embodiment, the space requirement of the locking device is particularly low. Of course, it is also conceivable to design the pushing element and the flap lock as separate parts. 
     According to a further embodiment, the flap lock is configured as a locking hook, wherein the locking hook is configured so as to be operatively engaged with the charging, fueling, or service flap, in particular with a locking element of the charging, fueling, or service flap, in the locking position, preferably in a friction-locking manner. By using a locking hook, the service flap can be easily secured against undesired pivoting, for example during travel. However, other types of flap locks, such as bolts or the like, are also conceivable. 
     According to a further embodiment, the locking device comprises a biasing element, in particular in the form of a spring, via which the flap lock is biased into the locking position. In other words, in the resting position of the locking device, the charging, fueling, or service flap is locked in its closed position by the flap lock. Accordingly, no energy expenditure is required in order to lock the flap, so that the flap is securely locked even if a drive connected to the first transfer shaft should fail. 
     According to a further embodiment, the flap lock is arranged such that the flap lock moves in the direction of its release position when the charging, fueling, or service flap is transferred into the closed position, counter to the biasing of the biasing element, and moves into its locking position when the biasing position is reached due to the biasing of the biasing element. In other words, the flap lock is configured such that the biasing by the biasing element does not inhibit the transfer of the charging, fueling, or service flap from the open position into the closed position. Rather, the flap lock is configured so as to move temporarily out of its locking position when the charging, fueling, or service flap is moved into the closed position. 
     According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to an actuating mechanism for actuating a charging, fueling, or service flap on a charging, fueling, or service compartment received or receivable on or in a body component of a vehicle, wherein the charging, fueling, or service flap is reversibly movable, and in particular pivotable, between a closed position and an open position relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment, wherein a locking device as described above is further provided. The actuating mechanism comprises the following:
         a drive, in particular in the form of an electric motor, for driving the first transfer shaft; and   a kinematics associated with the drive and configured so as to tap a rotational movement of the drive when the drive is actuated and convert it into a first movement for manipulating, and in particular pivoting, the charging, fueling, or service flap and into a second movement for manipulating the flap lock.       

     Such an actuating mechanism can be used not only to lock the charging, fueling, or service flap and to push it out in the event of icing, but also to actively move the charging, fueling, or service flap between the closed position and the open position. The kinematics is configured so as to synchronize the movement of the flap lock and the charging, fueling, or service flap with one another. 
     According to a further embodiment, the kinematics is configured so as to tap the rotational movement of the drive for the first movement to open the charging, fueling, or service flap only when the flap lock has been transferred into its release position by the second movement. 
     Thus, it is prevented that the drive will attempt to open the charging, fueling, or service flap while the flap lock is still in its locking position. Only when the flap lock is unlocked, that is to say it has been transferred into its release position, the kinematics converts the rotational movement of the drive into a movement for opening the charging, fueling, or service flap. 
     According to a further embodiment, the kinematics is configured so as to transfer the rotational movement of the drive to the first transfer shaft in order to move the flap lock between the locking position and the release position, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a second transfer shaft, which can be connected to the charging, fueling, or service flap in such a way that the charging, fueling, or service flap is movable, in particular pivotable, between the closed position and the open position by a rotation of the second transfer shaft, and wherein the kinematics is configured so as to transfer the rotational movement of the drive to the second transfer shaft. The actuating mechanism of this embodiment has a kinematics that can selectively transfer the kinetic energy of the drive to two different transfer shafts. The first transfer shaft is used in order to actuate the flap lock and the pushing element, as described in further detail above. The second transfer shaft serves to move the charging, fueling, or service flap between the open and closed positions. Thus, for example, it can also be achieved that the flap lock and the charging, fueling, or service flap can be moved, and in particular pivoted, at different speeds. 
     According to a further embodiment, the kinematics comprises an overload coupling which decouples the drive from the second transfer shaft as soon as a resistance against the first movement exceeds a threshold value, and wherein the kinematics is configured so as to continue transferring the rotational movement of the drive to the first transfer shaft in the event that the threshold value is exceeded. According to this design variant, an unintended opening of the charging, fueling, or service flap against too high a resistance is prevented, whether due to icing or a non-closing flap lock. 
     According to a further embodiment, the kinematics comprises a flexible tensile element, in particular a Bowden cable, for manipulating the flap lock. By using a flexible tensile element, for example a Bowden cable, to manipulate the flap lock, it is possible to attach the drive shaft at substantially any position in relation to the charging, fueling, or service flap. For example, the drive shaft can accordingly be positioned in an ideal position in relation to a pivot arm of the charging, fueling, or service flap, wherein the flap lock, which is often positioned opposite the pivot arm, can be easily reached by the flexible tensile element. The flap lock is thus also not bound to the position of the pivot axis of the charging, fueling, or service flap. Also, by using a flexible tensile element, the flap lock can be connected to the drive in a particularly simple and space-saving manner. 
     According to a further embodiment, the kinematics is configured such that the first movement is mechanically synchronized with the second movement. It can thus be prevented, for example, that an opening movement of the charging, fueling, or service flap occurs due to the first movement while the flap lock is still in its locking position. The mechanically configured synchronization is particularly reliable and does not rely on sensors, as is the case with an electronic synchronization, for example. 
     In one design variant, which will be explained in detail below, this can be achieved, for example, via a combination of gears and a cam washer. Alternatively, only a single coupling element can be connected to a drive shaft of the electromotive drive, which drives the two movements in a synchronized manner. For example, this can be a single cam washer having different cams for converting the kinetic energy into the first and second movements, respectively. Such a cam washer can also transfer different torques at different rotational points, wherein a first torque is only sufficient to move the Bowden cable, i.e., to generate the first movement, while a second torque, after a rotation of the cam washer about a predetermined rotational angle, is sufficient to also pivot the charging, fueling, or service flap. With such a changeability of the torque via the rotational angle of the cam washer, a synchronization of the first and second movement can also be achieved, because the flap cannot be pivoted by the first torque. 
     According to a further embodiment, the kinematics is configured so as to tap the rotational movement of the drive for the second movement to open the charging, fueling, or service flap only when the flap lock has been transferred into its release position by the second movement. 
     According to a further embodiment, the flexible tensile element is configured so as to transfer the rotational movement of the drive to a first transfer shaft of the flap lock, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a second transfer shaft, which is connectable to the charging, fueling, or service flap in such a way that the charging, fueling, or service flap is movable, in particular pivotable, by a movement, in particular a rotation, of the second transfer shaft between the closed position and the open position, because the kinematics is configured so as to transfer the rotational movement of the drive to the second transfer shaft. In other words, due to the first movement, the rotational movement of the drive shaft is transferred to a first transfer shaft while, due to the second movement, the kinetic energy of the drive shaft is transferred to a second transfer shaft. The first transfer shaft can be connected to the flap lock while the second transfer shaft is connected to the pivot arm of the charging, fueling, or service flap. Thus, with the actuating mechanism of the present invention the rotational movement of the drive shaft can be converted into separate rotational movements of the first and second transfer shafts, which can be operated with different gear ratios at different rotational speeds. 
     According to a further embodiment, the kinematics comprises a lever element attached to the first transfer shaft and connected to an end of the flexible tensile element remote from the drive, which lever element is configured so as to transfer a movement of the tensile element to the first transfer shaft. The lever element serves as a connecting link between the flexible tensile element and the first transfer shaft. Accordingly, depending on the configuration of the lever element, the torque transferred by the flexible tensile element to the first transfer shaft can be adjusted precisely. It is also conceivable to form the lever element such that the torque transferred to the first transfer shaft is variable, for example, as a function of the rotational angle of the lever element. In doing so, a comparatively small torque can first be used for opening the flap lock, which either continuously or suddenly increases in order to release a jam. As will be explained in further detail below, this can also be used in order to break up an icing of the flap. 
     According to a further embodiment, the lever element is biased into a first position corresponding to a locking position of the flap lock. Accordingly, the charging, fueling, or service flap is also reliably locked in the event of a fault. 
     According to a further embodiment, the kinematics comprises a cam washer connected to the drive shaft and a first end of the flexible tensile element, wherein the cam washer is configured so as to convert a rotation of the drive shaft into a tensile movement of the flexible tensile element. By directly connecting the cam washer to the drive shaft, important construction space can be saved. 
     A further aspect of the present invention relates to a charging, fueling, or service flap having any of the actuating mechanisms described above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be described in further detail below with respect to the embodiments shown in the figures. 
       The following are shown: 
         FIG.  1    a perspective view of an actuating mechanism having a flap according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    a sectional view of the actuating mechanism according to  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    a further sectional view of the actuating mechanism according to  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    an enlarged view of a region of the sectional view according to  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5 A  a schematic front view of a charging, fueling, or service compartment having a flap lock in the locking position; and 
         FIG.  5 B  a schematic front view of the charging, fueling, or service compartment according to  FIG.  8 A  in the release position of the flap lock. 
         FIG.  6    a perspective view of the actuating mechanism according to  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    a perspective view of the kinematics of the actuating mechanism according to  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8    a perspective, enlarged view of a flap lock; 
         FIG.  9    a schematic perspective view of a charging flap having an actuating mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  10    a perspective view of the actuating mechanism according to  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    a perspective view of the actuating mechanism in conjunction with a pivot arm of the charging flap according to  FIG.  9     
         FIG.  12    a cross-section through the assembly shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  13    an enlarged view of the flap lock according to  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  14    a frontal view onto a portion of the charging compartment according to the embodiment of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  15    a perspective view of the actuating mechanism according to  FIG.  9    in the closing position of the charging flap; 
         FIG.  16    a perspective view of the actuating mechanism according to  FIG.  9    upon release of the flap lock; 
         FIG.  17    a perspective view of the actuating mechanism according to  FIG.  9    where the charging flap is slightly opened; and 
         FIG.  18    the actuating mechanism according to  FIG.  9    in the open position of the charging flap. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic perspective view of an actuating mechanism  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The actuating mechanism  100  serves on the one hand to actuate a cover shown herein as a charging flap  102 . On the other hand, the actuating mechanism  100  is also configured so as to lock the charging flap  102  in its closed position (as shown in  FIG.  1   ). Finally, icing of the charging flap  102  can be broken up by the actuating mechanism  100  on the associated charging, fueling, or service compartment (as illustrated in  FIG.  8 A,  8 B ). 
     The actuating mechanism  100  comprises a drive, in particular an electric drive  106 , which is shown herein as an electric motor. A rotation of the electric drive  106  is transferred via a kinematics  108  to the corresponding movable elements of the actuating mechanism  100 , such as a flap lock and a pivot arm for the charging flap  102 . 
     A detailed view of the kinematics  108  of the actuating mechanism  100  can be seen in the sectional view according to  FIG.  2   . The kinematics  108  comprises a first pinion  110  connected to the electric drive  106  via a drive shaft  111 . A rotation of the electric drive  106  can be transferred to the first pinion  110  via the drive shaft  111 . 
     The first pinion  110  is connected to a gear rack  112 . In particular, the first pinion  110  is connected to a first end  113  of the gear rack  112 . For this purpose, the first end  113  of the gear rack  112  comprises one or more teeth that are operatively connected to corresponding teeth of the first pinion  110 . By way of a resilient abutment bearing  126 , which is shown by way of example, the first end  113  of the gear rack  112  is pressed against the pinion  110  such that it is operatively connected at all times to the teeth of the pinion  110 . 
     At a second end  116  of gear rack  112  opposite to the first end  113 , the gear rack  112  is rotatably connected to an eccentric washer  118 . The eccentric washer  118  is connected to a first transfer shaft  114 . The first transfer shaft  114  extends in particular into the interior of the charging, fueling, or service compartment  104 , which is not shown in detail here. 
     The first pinion  110  is operatively connected to a second pinion  122 . In particular, the second pinion  122  has one or more teeth operatively connected to corresponding teeth of the first pinion  110 . The second pinion  122  is arranged substantially at a side of the first pinion  110  lying opposite the first end  113  of the gear rack  112 . 
     The first and second pinions  110 ,  122  each have end stops  125 ,  127  that limit the maximum rotational angle of the pinions  110 ,  122 . The first stop  125  of the first pinion  110  limits the maximum movement stroke, that is to say the maximum pivoting, of the flap lock. The second stop  127  of the second pinion  122  limits the maximum movement stroke, that is to say the maximum pivoting, of the charging flap  102 . 
     The second pinion  122  is connected to a second transfer shaft  124  via an overload coupling, not shown here. The second transfer shaft  124  serves to transfer a rotational energy of the drive to a flap  102  in order to move it from its closed position into the open position and back. 
     The kinematics  110  is biased into the position shown in  FIG.  2   . A biasing element  128  configured as a spring serves this purpose. The biasing element  128  is connected to a housing of the actuating mechanism  100  on the one hand and to the gear rack  112  on the other hand. As will be explained in further detail below, the resting position of the gear rack  112  shown in  FIG.  2    corresponds to the locking position of flap lock  130  ( FIG.  3   ). In other words, the biasing element  128  biases the flap lock  130  into its locking position. 
       FIG.  3    shows a cross-section through the housing  120  of the actuating mechanism  100 . A charging compartment  104  is provided on a front side of the housing  120 . Behind the charging compartment  104 , that is to say on the side of the charging compartment  104  facing away from the charging flap  104 , there is a first cavity  140  for receiving a flap lock  130  and a second cavity  146  for receiving a pivot arm  150 . 
     The flap lock  130  received in the first cavity  140  is connected to the first transfer shaft  114  and has a locking position, shown in  FIG.  3   , in which the flap lock  130  locks the charging flap  102  in its closed position, shown in  FIG.  3   . For this purpose, the flap lock  130  is connected to a locking element  134  of the charging flap  102 . In particular, the flap lock  130  and the locking element  134  are each locking hooks that are operatively connected to one another in the closed position of the flap lock. The charging flap is locked in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2   , that is, an opening of the charging flap  102  in the locking position is not possible without damaging the flap lock  130 . However, it is also generally conceivable to align the flap lock such that it merely locks the charging flap  102  so that an opening of the charging flap  102  is also possible in the locking position without damaging the flap lock. 
     As indicated above in connection with  FIG.  2   , the flap lock  130  is biased into the locking position shown in  FIG.  3    by the biasing element  128 . To unlock the flap lock and thus transfer the flap lock  130  into its unlocking position, the first pinion  110  is rotated by the drive  106  in a direction counterclockwise, as shown in  FIG.  2   . The first pinion  110  is operatively connected to teeth arranged at the first end  113  of the gear rack  112  such that, as the first pinion  110  rotates, the gear rack  112  is pulled counterclockwise in the direction of the first end  113 . Via the second end  116 , which is connected to the eccentric washer  118 , such a pulling motion of the gear rack  112  is transferred to the first transfer shaft  114 . Accordingly, the first transfer shaft  114  is rotated clockwise according to  FIG.  2   . In other words, a rotation of the first pinion  110  in one direction (for example, counterclockwise in  FIG.  2   ) results in rotation of the first transfer shaft  114  in the opposite direction (for example, clockwise according to  FIG.  2   ). 
     Returning to the illustration according to  FIG.  3   , it should be mentioned that a rotation of the first transfer shaft  114  in the clockwise direction also causes the flap lock  130  to be pivoted clockwise. In particular, the flap lock  130  is pivoted away from the locking element  134  of the charging flap  102  in the first direction shown as clockwise and into the interior of the first cavity  140 . 
     By pivoting the flap lock  130  in the first direction, it is released from the locking element  134  and thus releases a movement of the charging flap  102 . As soon as the flap lock  130 , which is configured as a locking hook, is no longer in operative engagement with the locking element  134 , the flap lock  130  has reached its release position. It should be noted that the flap lock  130  does not need to be fully rotated into the first cavity  140  in its release position. Rather, the release position of the flap lock  130  is already achieved when there is no longer any contact between the flap lock and the locking element  134 . 
     The locking device further comprises a pushing element  132  configured so as to push the charging flap  102  out of the closed position shown in  FIG.  2    away from the charging compartment  104  when the charging flap  102  is stuck in the closed position, for example when it has become iced. The pushing element is located on the first transfer element after the flap lock  130  has been moved into its release position. The pushing element  132  is also connected to the first transfer shaft  114 . The pushing element is arranged on the first transfer shaft such that it only comes into contact with the locking element  134  after the flap lock  130  has already been transferred into its release position. 
     In particular, the pushing element  132  is formed integrally with the flap lock  130  according to the embodiment shown in the figures. Specifically, the flap lock  130  and the pushing element  132  each have a first end connected to one another and to the first transfer shaft  114 . 
     The pushing element  132  and the flap lock  130  extend at an angle of about 90° to one another, according to the embodiment shown herein. Of course, however, it is just as conceivable to provide a larger or smaller angle. Specifically, the angle will depend on how long the pushing element  132  takes to push the charging flap  102  away from the charging compartment  104  after the flap lock  130  has reached the release position. The angle between the pushing element  132  and the flap lock  130  accordingly defines the delay between achieving the release position of the flap lock  130  and the pushing out of the charging flap  102  by the pushing element  132 . 
     The angle between the pushing element  132  and the flap lock  130  is sized according to the illustrated embodiment such that, in normal operation, there is no contact between the pushing element  132  and the locking element  134 . Rather, in normal operation, the charging flap is moved in the direction of the open position before the pushing element  132  has been rotated sufficiently far so as to contact the locking element  134 , as will be explained in further detail below. 
     In a further embodiment (not shown), the flap lock and the pushing element can also be arranged offset from one another along the first transfer shaft, wherein the pushing element and the flap lock are still connected to and driven by the transfer shaft, respectively. 
     As noted above, the flap lock  130  can be transferred by a rotation in the first direction (here, clockwise) from the locking position shown in  FIG.  3    into a release position in which the flap lock  130  is no longer in contact with the locking element  134  of the charging flap  102 . If the first transfer shaft  114  is moved further in the first direction (i.e., clockwise according to  FIG.  3   ) upon reaching the release position of the flap lock  130 , the flap lock  130  is pivoted even further into the interior of the first cavity  140 . By rotating the transfer shaft  114  further, the pushing element  132  further moves in the direction of a face of the locking element  134  of the charging flap  102 , wherein the pushing element preferably moves the locking element  134  only in case of icing (or sticking) of the charging flap, as will be explained in further detail below. 
       FIG.  4    shows an enlarged view of the first cavity  140  of the housing  120 . The first cavity  140  comprises a first region  142  which is not visible from the direction of the charging compartment  104 . A second region  144  of the cavity  140  is visible from the direction of the charging compartment  104 . According to the embodiment illustrated herein, upon rotation in the first direction (clockwise), the flap lock  130  and the pushing element  132  can be pivoted fully into the first region  142  of the cavity  140  such that the flap lock  130  and the pushing element  132  are not visible with the charging flap  102  open. This advantageously protects the flap lock  130  and the pushing element  132  against the elements. 
     A corresponding front view of the charging compartment  104  is shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . It should be noted, however, that the state illustrated in  FIG.  5 A  is usually not visible, because the charging compartment  104  is typically covered by the charging flap  102  in this configuration. 
       FIG.  5 A  shows the locking position of the flap lock  130 . In this position, the flap lock  130  and the pushing element  132  are visible in the first region of the first cavity  140 . 
       FIG.  5 B  shows a state with the flap open, that is to say when the flap lock and the pushing element  132  have been pivoted completely into the interior, that is to say into the first region  142  of the first cavity  140 . The flap lock  130  and the pushing element  132  are not visible in this position from the direction of the charging compartment  104 . The maximum pivot stroke of the flap lock  130  and the pushing element  132  in the first region  142  of the cavity  140  can be determined, for example, by the first stop  125  of the first pinion  110 . 
     It can further be seen from  FIG.  3    that a pivot arm  150  is arranged in the second cavity  146 . The pivot arm  150  is substantially U-shaped in cross-section. The pivot arm  150  extends between the second transfer shaft  124  and the charging flap  102 . In other words, the pivot arm  150  has a first end connected to the second transfer shaft  124  and a second end connected to a back side of the charging flap  102 . The pivot arm  150  is used in particular in order to tap a rotational movement of the second transfer shaft  124  and convert it into a movement, particularly a pivoting, of the charging flap  102 . In other words, the pivot arm  150  serves to transfer the charging flap  102  between its closed position shown in  FIG.  3    and an open position, not shown in the figures. 
     As mentioned above, the second transfer shaft  124  is also driven by the rotation of the electric drive  106 . Returning to the example described above, in which the first pinion  110  is rotated counterclockwise by the electric drive  106  of  FIG.  2   , a rotation of the second transfer shaft  124  in a clockwise direction also occurs. This occurs in particular when the teeth of the first pinion  110  come into operative connection with the teeth of the second pinion  122 , and thus the rotation of the first pinion  110  is transferred to the second pinion  122  and thus to the second transfer shaft  124 . 
     A rotation of the second transfer shaft  124  clockwise according to  FIG.  3    results in the opening of the charging flap, that is to say a pivoting movement out of the closed position in the direction of the open position (not shown). 
     The rotational movements of the first transfer shaft  114  and the second transfer shaft  124  are synchronized via the kinematics  108 . In particular, the kinematics  108  is configured such that the torque of the first drive wheel is initially only transferred to the gear rack  112  and thus only to the first transfer shaft  114  until the flap lock  130  has been transferred to its release position. As soon as the flap lock  130  has reached its release position, the torque of the first pinion  110  is also transferred to the second pinion  122  and thus to the second transfer shaft  124 . In other words, a rotation of the second transfer shaft  124  and thus a pivoting of the charging flap  102  by the pivot arm  150  occurs only after the release position of the flap lock is reached. This ensures that the pivot arm  150  does not attempt to pivot the charging flap  102  while it is still locked in its closed position by the flap lock  130 . 
     In the embodiment depicted herein, the teeth of the first pinion  110  only come into contact with the teeth of the second pinion  122  after a movement of the gear rack  112  due to the first pinion  110 . In other words, the teeth of the first pinion  110  are already in contact with the teeth at the first end  113  of the gear rack  112  in the resting position (locking position) shown in  FIG.  2   . Conversely, the teeth of the first pinion  110  are still spaced apart from the teeth of the second pinion  122  in this position such that the second pinion  122  is initially not moved upon activation of the drive  106 . 
     The distance between the teeth of the first and second pinions  110 ,  122  in the resting position is selected such that the teeth do not contact one another until after the flap lock  130  is transferred into its release position by the gear rack  112  and the first transfer shaft  114 . Thus, it is ensured that the charging flap is not opened by the pivot arm  150  attached to the second transfer shaft  124  until the flap lock  130  releases the charging flap  102 . 
     Returning to the angle or distance between the flap lock  130  and the pushing element  132 , it should be mentioned that it is configured such that the pushing element  132  does not contact the locking element  134  during normal operation. Rather, the kinematics is configured such that the teeth of the first pinion  110  already hit against the teeth of the second pinion  122  before a rotation angle of the drive shaft  111  is achieved that would result in a contact of the pushing element  132  with the locking element  134  via the kinematics  108 . In other words, the charging flap  102  is pivoted out of the closed position by the pivot arm before the pushing element  132  reaches the locking element  134 . 
     In some cases (e.g., when the charging flap  102  is iced), the charging flap  102  can become stuck into the closed position. In such cases, the force of the pivot arm can be insufficient to pivot the charging flap  102 . The kinematics is configured such that the drive  106  nevertheless rotates the first pinion  110  further in the first direction (counterclockwise). 
     Thus, in one embodiment, there is a slight (elastic) deformation of the pivot arm  150  activated by the second transfer shaft  122  due to the resistance of the stuck charging flap  102  against which the pivot arm  150  pushes. Simultaneously, the first transfer shaft  114  is further rotated so that the pushing element  132  is further moved onto the locking element  134 . Because the charging flap  102  cannot be moved out of the closed position by the pivot arm  150 , there is ultimately contact between the pushing element  132  and the locking element  134 . From this time on, the force (the torque) of the drive is transferred to the charging flap  102  via the pushing element  132 , and no further deformation of the pivot arm  150  occurs. The pushing element  132  finally breaks the icing, which allows the pivot arm  150  to move the charging flap  102  into the open position. 
     In a further embodiment, an overload coupling can be provided. If, in the event of a fault (for example, if the flap lock  130  is stuck), the second transfer shaft  124  is activated before the flap lock  130  has been transferred into its release position, the actuating mechanism is protected by an overload coupling  123 . The overload coupling  123  can be seen, for example, in  FIG.  5   , which is a perspective view of the actuating mechanism  100 . As shown, the overload coupling  123  is arranged between the second transfer shaft  124  and the second pinion  122 . If movement of the second transfer shaft is blocked, for example, because the flap lock  130  is stuck, then the overload coupling  123  decouples the second transfer shaft  124  from the second pinion  122  as soon as a resistance against the movement of the second transfer shaft  124  exceeds a threshold value. 
     It should be noted, however, that the kinematics  108  is configured such that, despite exceeding the threshold value, the rotational movement of the drive  106  is still transferred to the first transfer shaft  114  by the gear rack  112 . Thus, even when the charging flap  102  is stuck/iced onto the charging compartment, the flap lock  104  is released and the pushing element is activated, which, as described in conjunction with  FIG.  4   , pushes the charging flap  102  outwardly against the icing upon contact with the locking element  134 . The pushing element  132  can thus also be understood as an “icebreaker.” 
     As soon as the pushing element  132  has separated the charging flap  102  by pushing it down from the charging compartment  104 , the resistance against the movement of the second transfer shaft  124  will also decrease below the threshold value so that the coupling reestablishes the connection between the second pinion  122  and the second transfer shaft  124 . Thus, the pivot arm  150  can now pivot the charging flap  102  into its open position. 
       FIG.  8    shows an enlarged view of the flap lock  130  and the pushing element  132 . As mentioned above, the flap lock  130  is configured as a locking hook. Accordingly, the locking hook has an undercut  136 , which operatively engages with a corresponding undercut  137  of the locking element  134  when the charging flap  102  is locked in its closed position. A contact surface  138  of the flap lock  130  lying opposite the undercut  136  is configured so as to be oriented obliquely to the opening direction of the charging flap  102  in the locking position of the flap lock  130 . 
     The locking device  139  of the charging flap  102  has a corresponding oblique surface  139  that is also oriented obliquely to the opening direction of the charging flap  102  and substantially parallel to the surface  138  of the flap lock  130 . 
     As indicated above, the flap lock  130  is biased into its locking position by the biasing element  128 . Accordingly, when the charging flap  102  is transferred into its closed position, the oblique surface  139  of the locking device  134  of the charging flap  102  comes into contact with the oblique surface  138  of the flap lock. In particular, the oblique surface  139  of the locking device  134  contacts the oblique surface  138  of the flap lock  130  just before the charging flap  102  reaches its closed position. At this time, in order to completely close the charging flap and thus lock the charging flap  102 , it is necessary to push the charging flap  102  against the biasing element  128  in the direction of the closed position. 
     The pressure on the charging flap  102  pushes the locking device  134  into the interior of the first cavity  140 , wherein the oblique surface  139  of the locking device  134  pushes against the oblique surface  138  of the flap lock  130  and thereby slides the flap lock  130  against the force of the biasing element  128  in the direction of the release position, that is to say clockwise according to  FIG.  4   . As soon as the charging flap  102  has been transferred into its closed position, the two oblique surfaces  138 ,  139  are no longer in contact with one another, such that the flap lock  130 , due to the resetting force of the biasing element  128 , snaps back into the locking position shown in  FIG.  4    and thus locks the charging flap  102  in its closed position. 
       FIG.  9    shows a schematic perspective view of an actuating mechanism  200  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The actuating mechanism  200  serves on the one hand to actuate a cover shown herein as a charging flap  202 . On the other hand, the actuating mechanism  200  is also configured so as to lock the charging flap in its closed position (as shown in  FIG.  9   ). Finally, icing of the charging flap  202  can be broken up by the actuating mechanism on the associated charging compartment ( 204 ,  FIG.  12   ). 
     The actuating mechanism  200  comprises a drive, in particular an electric drive  206 , which is shown herein as an electric motor. A rotation of the electric drive  206  is transferred via a kinematics  208  to the corresponding movable elements of the actuating mechanism  200 , such as a flap lock and a pivot arm for the charging flap  202 . 
     A perspective view of the actuating mechanism without a charging flap can be seen in  FIG.  10   . The kinematics  208  of the actuating mechanism is configured so as to tap a rotational movement of the drive shaft (not shown here) when the drive is actuated and convert it into a first movement for manipulating a flap lock ( 230 ,  FIG.  12   ) and into a second movement for moving, and in particular pivoting, the charging flap  202 . For this purpose, the kinematics is configured such that the movement of the drive shaft can be transferred to two transfer shafts  214 ,  224 . A first transfer shaft  214  serves to actuate the flap lock, which will be described in further detail below. A second transfer shaft  224  serves to drive a pivot arm, which pivots the charging flap  202  between its open and closed position. 
     The kinematics  208  connects the drive shaft of the drive  206  to the first transfer shaft  214  via a flexible tensile element, in particular a Bowden cable  212 . The Bowden cable  212  is coupled to the DRIVE SHAFT OF THE DRIVE  206  AT A FIRST END REGION ( 217 ,  FIG.  15   ). An opposing second end  216  of the Bowden cable  212  is connected to the first transfer shaft  214  via a lever element  218 . 
     The lever element  218  is rotatable together with the drive shaft  214 . The lever element  214  has an extension  219 , which is arranged for example at the opposite end of the second end  216  of the Bowden cable  212 . The extension  219  is connected to a spring element  228 . At its end opposite the extension  219 , the spring element is connected to the housing of the charging compartment and thus to the vehicle body. 
     The spring element  228  biases the lever element  218  into the home position shown in  FIG.  10   . In this position, the flap lock ( 230 ,  FIG.  12   ) connected to the first transfer shaft  214  is in its locking position. As will be explained further below, by pulling on the Bowden cable  212 , the lever element  218  can be rotated counterclockwise as shown in FIG.  10 . Together with the lever element  218 , the first transfer shaft  214  is also rotated counterclockwise. The rotation of the lever element  218  out of the home position shown in  FIG.  10    occurs against the biasing of the spring element  228 . 
       FIG.  11    shows a perspective view of the actuating mechanism in the region of the drive  206 . The drive  206  shown here comprises a drive shaft (not shown), which extends through a cam washer  213  on the one hand and a first pinion of a pair of gears  211  on the other hand. The cam washer  213  is arranged on the drive shaft of the drive  206  such that it moves with the drive shaft. A guide housing  207  is further arranged on the housing of the drive  206 . The guide housing  207  together with the cam washer  213  forms a guide groove ( 215 ,  FIG.  15   ) that serves to guide the first end  217  of the Bowden cable  212  during the actuation. 
     The drive shaft is further connected to a pair of gears  211 . A first pinion ( 220 ,  FIG.  15   ) is arranged on the drive shaft of the drive  206  and moves along with it. The first pinion  210  is operatively connected to a second pinion  222  at predetermined times such that a rotational movement of the drive shaft  211  can be transferred to the second pinion  222 . The second pinion  222  is connected to the second transfer shaft  224 . A rotational movement of the second pinion results in the rotation of the second transfer shaft  224 . 
     A pivot arm  250  of the charging flap  202  is attached to the second transfer shaft  224 . Thus, a rotation of the second transfer shaft  224  causes the charging flap to be pivoted between the closed position shown in  FIG.  11    and the open position (not shown here). 
       FIG.  12    shows a cross-section through a housing  220  of the actuating mechanism  200 . A charging compartment  204  is provided on a front side of the housing  220 . Behind the charging compartment  204 , that is to say on the side of the charging compartment  204  facing away from the charging flap  204 , there is a first cavity  240  for receiving a flap lock  230  and a second cavity  246  for receiving a pivot arm  250 . 
     The flap lock  230  received in the first cavity  240  is connected to the first transfer shaft  214  and has a locking position, shown in  FIG.  12   , in which the flap lock  230  locks the charging flap  202  in its closed position, shown in  FIG.  12   . For this purpose, the flap lock  230  is connected to a locking element  234  of the charging flap  202 . In particular, the flap lock  230  and the locking element  234  are each locking hooks that are operatively connected to one another in the closed position of the flap lock. The charging flap is locked in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  10   , that is, an opening of the charging flap  202  in the locking position is not possible without damaging the flap lock  230 . However, it is also generally conceivable to align the flap lock such that it merely locks the charging flap  202  so that an opening of the charging flap  202  is also possible in the locking position without damaging the flap lock. 
     As indicated above in connection with  FIG.  10   , the flap lock  230  is biased into the locking position shown in  FIG.  12    by the biasing element  228 . To unlock the flap lock and thus transfer the flap lock  230  into its unlocking position, the first pinion  210  is rotated by the drive  206  in a direction counterclockwise, as shown in  FIG.  10   . 
     Returning to the illustration according to  FIG.  12   , it should be mentioned that a rotation of the first transfer shaft  214  in the clockwise direction also causes the flap lock  230  to be pivoted clockwise. In particular, the flap lock  230  is pivoted away from the locking element  234  of the charging flap  202  in the first direction shown as clockwise and into the interior of the first cavity  240 . 
     By pivoting the flap lock  230  in the first direction, it is released from the locking element  234  and thus releases a movement of the charging flap  202 . As soon as the flap lock  230 , which is configured as a locking hook, is no longer in operative engagement with the locking element  234 , the flap lock  230  has reached its release position. It should be noted that the flap lock  230  does not need to be fully rotated into the first cavity  240  in its release position. Rather, the release position of the flap lock  230  is already achieved when there is no longer any contact between the flap lock and the locking element  234 . 
     The locking device further comprises a pushing element  232  configured so as to push the charging flap  202  out of the closed position shown in  FIG.  10    away from the charging compartment  204  when the charging flap  202  is stuck in the closed position, for example when it has become iced. The pushing element  232  is also connected to the first transfer shaft  214 . The pushing element is arranged on the first transfer shaft such that it only comes into contact with the locking element  234  after the flap lock  230  has already been transferred into its release position. 
     In particular, the pushing element  232  is formed integrally with the flap lock  230  according to the embodiment shown in the figures. Specifically, the flap lock  230  and the pushing element  232  each have a first end connected to one another and to the first transfer shaft  214 . 
     The pushing element  232  and the flap lock  230  extend at an angle of about 90° to one another, according to the embodiment shown herein. Of course, however, it is just as conceivable to provide a larger or smaller angle. Specifically, the angle will depend on how long the pushing element  232  takes to push the charging flap  202  away from the charging compartment  204  after the flap lock  230  has reached the release position. The angle between the pushing element  232  and the flap lock  230  accordingly defines the delay between achieving the release position of the flap lock  230  and the pushing out of the charging flap  202  by the pushing element  232 . 
     The angle between the pushing element  232  and the flap lock  230  is sized according to the illustrated embodiment such that, in normal operation, there is no contact between the pushing element  232  and the locking element  234 . Rather, in normal operation, the charging flap is moved in the direction of the open position before the pushing element  232  has been rotated sufficiently far so as to contact the locking element  234 , as will be explained in further detail below. 
     In a further embodiment (not shown), the flap lock and the pushing element can also be arranged offset from one another along the first transfer shaft, wherein the pushing element and the flap lock are still connected to and driven by the first transfer shaft, respectively. 
     As noted above, the flap lock  230  can be transferred by a rotation in the first direction (here, clockwise) from the locking position shown in  FIG.  12    into a release position in which the flap lock  230  is no longer in contact with the locking element  234  of the charging flap  202 . If the first transfer shaft  214  is moved further in the first direction (i.e., clockwise according to  FIG.  12   ) upon reaching the release position of the flap lock  230 , the flap lock  230  is pivoted even further into the interior of the first cavity  240 . By rotating the transfer shaft  214  further, the pushing element  232  further moves in the direction of a face of the locking element  234  of the charging flap  202 , wherein the pushing element preferably moves the locking element  234  only in case of icing (or sticking) of the charging flap. 
       FIG.  13    shows an enlarged view of the first cavity  240  of the housing  220 . The first cavity  240  comprises a first region  242  which is not visible from the direction of the charging compartment  204 . A second region  244  of the cavity  240  is visible from the direction of the charging compartment  204 . According to the embodiment illustrated herein, upon rotation in the first direction (clockwise), the flap lock  230  and the pushing element  232  can be pivoted fully into the first region  242  of the cavity  240  such that the flap lock  230  and the pushing element  232  are not visible with the charging flap  202  open. This advantageously protects the flap lock  230  and the pushing element  232  against the elements. 
     A corresponding front view of the charging compartment  204  is shown in  FIG.  14   . It should be noted, however, that the state illustrated on the left side of  FIG.  14    is usually not visible, because the charging compartment  204  is typically covered by the charging flap  202  in this configuration. 
     The left side of  FIG.  14    shows the locking position of the flap lock  230 . In this position, the flap lock  230  and the pushing element  232  are visible in the first region of the first cavity  240 . 
     The right side of  FIG.  14    shows a state with the flap open, that is to say when the flap lock and the pushing element  232  have been pivoted completely into the interior, that is to say into the first region  242  of the first cavity  240 . The flap lock  230  and the pushing element  232  are not visible in this position from the direction of the charging compartment  204 . The maximum pivot stroke of the flap lock  230  and the pushing element  232  in the first region  242  of the cavity  240  can be determined, for example, by the first stop  225  of the first pinion  210 . 
     Returning to  FIG.  12   , it can further be seen that a pivot arm  250  is arranged in the second cavity  246 . The pivot arm  250  is substantially U-shaped in cross-section. The pivot arm  250  extends between the second transfer shaft  224  and the charging flap  202 . In other words, the pivot arm  250  has a first end connected to the second transfer shaft  224  and a second end connected to a back side of the charging flap  202 . The pivot arm  250  is used in particular in order to tap a rotational movement of the second transfer shaft  224  and convert it into a movement, particularly a pivoting, of the charging flap  202 . In other words, the pivot arm  250  serves to transfer the charging flap  202  between its closed position shown in  FIG.  13    and an open position, not shown in the figures. 
     As mentioned above, the second transfer shaft  224  is also driven by the rotation of the electric drive  206 . Returning to the example described above, in which the first pinion  210  is rotated counterclockwise by the electric drive  206  of  FIG.  10   , a rotation of the second transfer shaft  224  in a clockwise direction also occurs. This occurs in particular when the teeth of the first pinion  210  come into operative connection with the teeth of the second pinion  222 , and thus the rotation of the first pinion  210  is transferred to the second pinion  222  and thus to the second transfer shaft  224 . 
     A rotation of the second transfer shaft  224  clockwise according to  FIG.  12    results in the opening of the charging flap, that is to say a pivoting movement out of the closed position in the direction of the open position (not shown). 
     The rotational movements of the first transfer shaft  214  and the second transfer shaft  224  are synchronized via the kinematics  208 . In particular, the kinematics  208  is configured such that the torque of the first drive wheel is initially only transferred to the Bowden cable  212  and thus only to the first transfer shaft  214  until the flap lock  230  has been transferred to its release position. As soon as the flap lock  230  has reached its release position, the torque of the first pinion  210  is also transferred to the second pinion  222  and thus to the second transfer shaft  224 . In other words, a rotation of the second transfer shaft  224  and thus a pivoting of the charging flap  202  by the pivot arm  250  occurs only after the release position of the flap lock  230  is reached. This ensures that the pivot arm  250  does not attempt to pivot the charging flap  202  while it is still locked in its closed position by the flap lock  230 . 
     The distance between the teeth of the first and second pinions  210 ,  222  in the resting position is selected such that the teeth do not contact one another until after the flap lock  230  is transferred into its release position by the gear rack  212  and the first transfer shaft  214 . Thus, it is ensured that the charging flap is not opened by the pivot arm  250  attached to the second transfer shaft  224  until the flap lock  230  releases the charging flap  202 . 
     Returning to the angle or distance between the flap lock  230  and the pushing element  232 , it should be mentioned that it is configured such that the pushing element  232  does not contact the locking element  234  during normal operation. Rather, the kinematics is configured such that the teeth of the first pinion  210  already hit against the teeth of the second pinion  222  before a rotation angle of the drive shaft  211  is achieved that would result in a contact of the pushing element  232  with the locking element  234  via the kinematics  208 . In other words, the charging flap  202  is pivoted out of the closed position by the pivot arm  250  before the pushing element  232  reaches the locking element  234 . 
     In some cases (e.g., when the charging flap  202  is iced), the charging flap  202  can become stuck into the closed position. In such cases, the force of the pivot arm can be insufficient to pivot the charging flap  202 . The kinematics is configured such that the drive  206  nevertheless rotates the first pinion  210  further in the first direction (counterclockwise). 
     Thus, in one embodiment, there is a (slight) elastic deformation of the pivot arm  250  activated by the second transfer shaft  222  due to the resistance of the stuck charging flap  202  against which the pivot arm  250  pushes. Simultaneously, the first transfer shaft  214  is further rotated so that the pushing element  232  is further moved onto the locking element  234 . Because the charging flap  202  cannot be moved out of the closed position by the pivot arm  250 , there is ultimately contact between the pushing element  232  and the locking element  234 . From this time on, the force (the torque) of the drive is transferred to the charging flap  202  via the pushing element  232 , and no further deformation of the pivot arm  250  occurs. The pushing element  232  finally breaks the icing, which allows the pivot arm  250  to move the charging flap  202  into the open position. 
       FIGS.  15  to  18    show different positions of the actuating mechanism  200  during the opening movement of the charging flap  202 . In particular,  FIG.  15    shows a position of the actuating mechanism in which the charging flap  202  is in its closed position. At this time, no pulling force is transferred to the lever element  218  ( FIG.  10   ) via the Bowden cable  212 . Rather, the first end  217  of the Bowden cable  212  is only in contact with a cam  229  of the cam washer  213 . 
     The drive shaft of the drive  206  (not shown here) extends through the opening of the cam washer  213  and the first pinion  210 . Upon a rotation of the drive shaft clockwise in  FIG.  15   , the first pinion  210  as well as the cam washer  213  are also moved clockwise along with the drive shaft. 
     A first clockwise movement can be seen in  FIG.  16   . In the position shown in  FIG.  16   , the first end  217  of the Bowden cable  212  has already been moved a first piece along the guide groove  215  such that a first tensile force is transferred to the lever element  218  by the Bowden cable  212 . This tensile force acts counter to the biasing of the spring element  228  and pivots the lever element  218  counterclockwise in  FIG.  10   . 
     As mentioned above, a pivoting of the lever element  218  results in a rotation of the transfer shaft  214  and thus the transfer of the flap lock into its unlocking position. Also, the first pinion  210  is moved clockwise together with the drive shaft. However, because the teeth of the first pinion  210  are spaced apart from the teeth  227  of the second pinion  222  in the home position shown in  FIG.  15   , there is no transfer of the rotational movement of the first pinion  210  to the second pinion  222  until the unlocking position of the actuating mechanism shown in  FIG.  16   . Thus, during this first movement into the unlocking position of the actuating mechanism  200 , i.e., until the flap lock is unlocked, there will also be no pivoting of the charging flap  202 . Only in the unlocking position shown in  FIG.  16    do the teeth  225  of the first pinion  210  come into contact with the teeth  227  of the second pinion  222  such that a rotational movement can be transferred to the second pinion  222  upon further rotation of the first pinion  210 . 
       FIG.  17    shows a position of the actuating mechanism  200  in which the charging flap  202  has already been pushed out, such that a gap has opened up. If the charging flap  202  becomes stuck in its closed position, the pushing element contacts the locking element  234  just before the position shown in  FIG.  17    and forces the charging flap  202  out of its closed position. However, because the teeth  225 ,  227  of the first and second pinions  210 ,  222  are already in contact with one another in the position according to  FIG.  16   , in normal operation, i.e., when the charging flap is not stuck, the pivoting open of the charging flap  202  occurs still before the contacting of the pushing element  232  with the charging flap  202  or locking element  234 . Thus, in normal operation, the charging flap  202  comes before the pushing element  232 , i.e., the pushing element  232  does not touch the charging flap in normal operation. 
       FIG.  18    shows a position of the actuating mechanism corresponding to the respective positions of the flap lock and the pushing element  230 ,  232  shown in  FIG.  14 B . In this position, the flap lock  230  is completely received in the region  240 . The Bowden cable  212  is in its maximum tensile position, i.e., it is no longer possible to further pivot the lever element  218  in the position shown in  FIG.  18   . The rotation of the pair of gears  211  in this position has already resulted in the charging flap  202  being transferred into its open position. 
     The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figures, but rather results when all of the features disclosed herein are considered together. 
     Further unclaimed examples of the present disclosure are set forth in the clauses below:
         1. A system having a charging, fueling, or service flap and a charging, fueling, or service compartment received or receivable on or in a body component of a vehicle, wherein the charging, fueling, or service flap is reversibly movable, and in particular pivotable, between a closed position and an open position relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment, wherein a locking device is further provided, comprising the following:
           a locking hook arranged on an exterior of the charging, fueling, or service compartment and designed so as to be operatively engaged, when in the closed state of the charging, fueling, or service flap, with a locking element attached to the charging, fueling, or service flap such that the charging flap is locked in its closed position;   a transfer shaft connected to the locking hook such that the locking hook is pivoted by a rotation of the transfer shaft, wherein the transfer shaft extends through a housing wall, between an interior and the outer side of a charging, fueling, or service compartment;   
           2. The system according to clause 1,
           Wherein the transfer shaft extends through the housing wall in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the locking hook.   
           3. A locking device for locking a charging, fueling, or service flap on a charging, fueling, or service compartment received or receivable on or in a body component of a vehicle, wherein the charging, fueling, or service flap is reversibly movable, and in particular pivotable, between a closed position and an open position relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment, wherein the locking device comprises the following:
           a locking hook designed so as to be operatively engaged, when in the closed state of the charging, fueling, or service flap, with a locking element attached to the charging, fueling, or service flap such that the charging flap is locked in its closed position;   a transfer shaft connected to the locking hook in such a manner that the locking hook is eccentrically pivoted by a rotation of the transfer shaft.   
           4. The locking device according to clause 3,
           wherein the locking hook comprises a locking position, in which the locking hook is operatively engaged with the locking element of the charging, fueling, or service flap, preferably in a frictionally locking manner, as well as an unlocking position, in which the locking element is movable in relation to the locking hook, wherein the locking hook can be transferred from its locking position into its unlocking position by a rotation of the transfer shaft in a first direction.   
           5. The locking device according to clause 4,
           wherein the locking device comprises a pushing element connected to the transfer shaft and configured so as to push the charging, fueling, or service flap out of its closed position away from the charging compartment upon rotation of the transfer shaft in the first direction counter to the first direction, in particular after the locking hook is transferred into its unlocking position.   
           6. The locking device according to clause 5,
           wherein the pushing device and the locking hook are integrally formed.   
           7. A locking device for locking a charging, fueling, or service flap on a charging, fueling, or service compartment received or receivable on or in a body component of a vehicle, wherein the charging, fueling, or service flap is reversibly movable, and in particular pivotable, between a closed position and an open position relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment, wherein the locking device comprises the following:
           a locking hook designed so as to be operatively engaged when in the closed position of the charging, fueling, or service flap, with a locking element attached to the charging, fueling, or service flap such that the charging flap is locked in its closed position;   a transfer shaft connected to the locking hook in such a manner that the locking hook is pivoted by a rotation of the transfer shaft;   a pushing element connected to the transfer shaft and configured so as to push the charging, fueling, or service flap out of its closed position away from the charging compartment when the locking hook is separated from the locking element.   
           8. The locking device according to clause 7,
           wherein the locking hook comprises a locking position, in which the locking hook is operatively engaged with the locking element of the charging, fueling, or service flap, preferably in a frictionally locking manner, as well as an unlocking position, in which the locking element is movable in relation to the locking hook, wherein the locking hook can be transferred from its locking position into its unlocking position by a rotation of the transfer shaft in a first direction.   
           9. The locking device according to clause 8,   wherein the pushing element is connected to the transfer shaft such that and configured so as to push the charging, fueling, or service flap out of its closed position away from the charging compartment upon rotation of the transfer shaft in the first direction, in particular after the locking hook has been transferred into its unlocking position.   10. The locking device according to clause 9,
           wherein the pushing device and the locking hook are integrally formed.   
           11. An actuating mechanism for actuating a charging, fueling, or service flap on a charging, fueling, or service compartment received or receivable on or in a body component of a vehicle, wherein the charging, fueling, or service flap is reversibly movable, and in particular pivotable, between a closed position and an open position relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment, wherein a flap lock is further provided for locking the charging, fueling, or service flap in its closed position, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises the following:
           a drive, in particular in the form of an electric motor, having a transfer shaft; and   a kinematics associated with the drive and configured so as to tap a rotational movement of the transfer shaft when the drive is actuated and convert it into a first movement for manipulating, and in particular pivoting, the charging, fueling, or service flap and into a second movement for manipulating the flap lock.   
           12. The actuating mechanism according to clause 11,
           wherein the kinematics is configured so as to convert the rotational movement tapped by the transfer shaft into the first movement upon actuation of the drive such that the charging, fueling, or service flap is moved, and in particular pivoted, in a non-linear manner relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment.   
           13. The actuating mechanism according to clause 11 or 12,
           wherein the kinematics is configured so as to convert the rotational movement tapped by the transfer shaft into the first movement upon actuation of the drive such that, upon transfer of the charging, fueling, or service flap from its closed position into its open position, the charging, fueling, or service flap is moved, and in particular pivoted, initially relatively slowly and subsequently relatively quickly relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment.   
           14. The actuating mechanism according to any one of clauses 11 to 13,
           wherein the kinematics is configured so as to convert the rotational movement tapped by the transfer shaft into the first movement upon actuation of the drive such that, upon transfer of the charging, fueling, or service flap from its open position into its closed position, the charging, fueling, or service flap is moved, and in particular pivoted, initially relatively quickly and subsequently relatively slowly relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment.   
           15. The actuating mechanism according to any one of clauses 12 to 14,
           wherein, in order to convert the rotational movement tapped by the transfer shaft upon actuation of the drive into the non-linear first movement, the kinematics comprises a mechanism acting according to the knee lever principle.   
           16. The actuating mechanism according to clause 15,
           wherein the mechanism acting according to the knee lever principle comprises a first lever element connected to the transfer shaft and a second lever element pivotably connected to the first lever element, which second element is operatively coupled to a lever mechanism associated with the charging, fueling, or service flap via a gearing mechanism, in particular a gear train.   
           17. The actuating mechanism according to any one of clauses 1 to 16,
           wherein the flap lock comprises a locking element that can be manipulated by the kinematics and a locking portion connected to the charging, fueling, or service compartment, wherein, in a locking position, the locking element engages with the locking portion, and wherein, in a release position, the engagement is released.   
           18. The actuating mechanism according to clause 17,
           wherein the kinematics comprises a lever element associated with the locking element and connected to the transfer shaft, which lever element is operatively connected to the locking element via a lever mechanism such that, upon actuation of the drive and when the charging, fueling, or service flap is transferred from its closed position into its open position, the locking element is moved into its release position.   
           19. The actuating mechanism according to clause 18,
           wherein the lever mechanism is configured such that, upon the transfer of the locking element into the release position, the operative connection between the lever mechanism and the lever element associated with the locking element is released.   
           20. The actuating mechanism according to clause 18 or 19,
           wherein the lever mechanism is associated with a biasing element, in particular in the form of a spring, via which the lever mechanism with the locking element is biased into a home position in which the lever mechanism and the locking element are located when the charging, fueling, or service flap is in its locked, closed position.   
           21. The actuating mechanism according to clause 20,
           wherein, after releasing the operative connection between the lever mechanism and the lever element of the lever mechanism associated with the locking element, the lever mechanism with the locking element moves into the home position.   
           22. The actuating mechanism according to clause 21,
           wherein, upon transfer of the charging, fueling, or service flap from the open position into the closed position, the lever element associated with the locking element moves the lever mechanism with the locking element counter to the biasing force of the biasing element and thus moves the locking element in the direction of the charging, fueling, or service flap.   
           23. A system having a charging, fueling, or service flap and a charging, fueling, or service compartment received or receivable on or in a body component of a vehicle, wherein the charging, fueling, or service flap is reversibly movable, and in particular pivotable, between a closed position and an open position relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment, wherein a locking device is further provided, comprising the following:
           a locking hook arranged on an exterior of the charging, fueling, or service compartment and designed so as to be operatively engaged, when in the closed state of the charging, fueling, or service flap, with a locking element attached to the charging, fueling, or service flap such that the charging flap is locked in its closed position;   a transfer shaft connected to the locking hook such that the locking hook is pivoted by a rotation of the transfer shaft, wherein the transfer shaft extends through a housing wall, between an interior and the outer side of a charging, fueling, or service compartment;   a sealing element arranged between the transfer shaft and the housing wall of the charging, fueling, or service compartment.   
           24. The system according to clause 232,
           wherein the transfer shaft extends through the housing wall in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the locking hook.   
           25. A locking device for locking a charging, fueling, or service flap on a charging, fueling, or service compartment received or receivable on or in a body component of a vehicle, wherein the charging, fueling, or service flap is reversibly movable, and in particular pivotable, between a closed position and an open position relative to the charging, fueling, or service compartment, wherein the locking device comprises the following:
           a locking hook designed so as to be operatively engaged when in the closed state of the charging, fueling, or service flap, with a locking element attached to the charging, fueling, or service flap such that the charging flap is locked in its closed position;   a transfer shaft connected to the locking hook in such a manner that the locking hook is eccentrically pivoted by a rotation of the transfer shaft.   
           26. The locking device according to clause 25,
           wherein the locking hook comprises a locking position, in which the locking hook is operatively engaged with the locking element of the charging, fueling, or service flap, preferably in a frictionally locking manner, as well as an unlocking position, in which the locking element is movable in relation to the locking hook, wherein the locking element can be transferred from its locking position into its unlocking position by a rotation of the transfer shaft in a first direction.   
           27. The locking device according to clause 26,
           wherein the locking device comprises a pushing element connected to the drive shaft and configured so as to push the charging, fueling, or service flap out of its closed position away from the charging compartment upon rotation of the transfer shaft in a second direction counter to the first direction.   
           28. The locking device according to clause 27,
           wherein the pushing device and the locking hook are integrally formed.