DE202024002611U1 - Flap mechanism for caravans or motorhomes with push-to-open function - Google Patents

Abstract

Flap device (1) for opening or closing an interior of a caravan or motorhome, comprising:
• a flap (2) to cover the interior opening (4),
• a frame (3) to which the flap (2) is pivotably attached to allow it to move from an open to a closed state and vice versa,
• wherein a first lock element (5) is attached to the flap (2) and a second lock element (6) is attached to the frame (3) or vice versa, a second lock element (6) is attached to the flap (2) and a first lock element (5) is attached to the frame (3), which interact with each other to keep the flap (2) in the closed state or to release it for the open state,
• wherein the first lock element (5) has a locking bolt (8) which is mounted perpendicular to the pivot direction (15) so that the locking bolt (8) is elastically movable perpendicular to the pivot direction (15) in a travel direction (14),
• wherein the second lock element (6) has a locking wedge (7) which is arranged so that it comes into contact with the locking bolt (8) in the pivot direction (15),
• characterized in that the locking bolt (8) is U-shaped and has two legs, the first leg of which is designed as a locking leg (10) and the second leg (11) as a stop leg,
• wherein the locking leg (10) is shorter than the stop leg (11), so that the locking wedge (7) comes into contact with the end of the locking leg (10) or not with the locking leg (10) when the flap (2) is pivoted,
• wherein when the flap (2) pivots, the closing wedge (7) lies on the path of movement of the stop leg (11),
• wherein the area between the locking leg (10) and the stop leg (11) is designed as a guide (20) for the locking wedge (7),
• wherein the locking bolt (8) has a motor drive (13) as a closing or opening aid, with which the locking bolt (8) can be moved in and/or against the direction of travel (14) against and/or with the pressure of the elastic bearing,
• wherein the stop leg (11) and the locking wedge (7) each have a pressing contact surface (9), at least one of which is inclined relative to the direction of travel (14) such that when the locking bolt (8) is moved away from the locking wedge (7) by means of the motor drive (13), the locking wedge (7) is pressed out of the guide (20) between the locking leg (10) and the stop leg (11) and the flap (2) is moved away from the frame (3) and/or from the second lock element (6) in the pivot direction (15).

Description

The invention relates to a flap device for opening or closing a storage compartment of a caravan or motorhome according to the preamble of claim 1.

Based on the state of the art, for example, the following are available: DE 20 2019 105 449 U1 Closing aids for vehicle flaps with a motor-driven bolt are known, wherein the vehicle flap has a guide track along which the bolt can slide, thus enabling a defined movement of the vehicle flap.

The object of the invention is to propose a flap device for caravans or motorhomes that enables a simplified design with greater ease of use.

Starting from a flap device of the type mentioned at the outset, the problem is solved by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The measures mentioned in the dependent claims make advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention possible.

Caravans and motorhomes often have storage compartments on their exteriors that provide additional storage space. Since these are located on the outside of the chassis, the invention stipulates that they should close securely to prevent them from opening while driving. Furthermore, the invention states that a locking mechanism should be available when the vehicle is parked, preventing unauthorized access to the storage space. Operation should also remain convenient. The storage compartment opening is concealed from the outside by a flap. This flap is attached to a frame and can be pivoted into a closed or open position. Such a storage compartment, for example, constitutes an interior space within the meaning of the invention. However, it is also conceivable that the interior space is the actual living and sleeping area, and the flap mechanism is designed to open or close a flap similar to a caravan or motorhome door.

According to the invention, the actual lock consists of two lock elements: a first lock element on the flap or on the frame, and a second lock element, which is attached to the frame or on the flap, depending on whether the first lock element is attached to the flap or to the frame, wherein both lock elements work together to keep the flap in the closed state or to release it for the open state.

The first locking element comprises a locking bolt. This bolt, in turn, interacts with the locking wedge of the second locking element. The locking bolt is mounted perpendicular to the pivot direction of the flap, which is mounted on the frame, in such a way that it can be moved elastically perpendicular to the pivot direction. In one embodiment, a spring-loaded mounting of the locking bolt is advantageous and easy to implement. This direction, perpendicular to the pivot direction, is referred to as the travel direction.

When the flap is pivoted towards the frame with the locking bolt, the locking wedge is positioned so that the locking bolt comes into contact with the locking wedge in this storage position.

According to the invention, the locking bolt is U-shaped, with the two legs of the U-shape being referred to as the locking leg and the stop leg, respectively.

The locking wedge can be accommodated in the U-shape or the indentation of the U-shape. The locking arm is the part of the locking bolt that prevents the flap from opening again without changing the locked position. The stop arm marks the end of the pivoting movement, because the locking wedge can no longer pivot once it comes into contact with the stop arm.

Because the locking leg is shorter than the stop leg, the locking wedge can be moved past the locking leg in the corresponding area until it abuts the longer stop leg.

When the flap is closed or pivoted towards the frame, the locking arm may or may not come into contact with the locking wedge, depending on the design. This means that it is also conceivable that when the flap pivots, the locking arm can move past the locking wedge without them touching. However, the stop arm lies on the path of movement of the locking wedge, so the pivoting movement can only proceed up to the point where the stop arm and locking wedge make contact.

The area between the stop and locking legs, i.e., the indentation of the U-shape, forms a guide for the locking wedge; that is, the locking bolt can be defined in the direction of travel. The locking wedge can be moved when it is in the recess. The width of the locking wedge, in turn, can be chosen so that movement in the recess between the stop and locking arms is possible with minimal play, but without any blockage.

To provide the closing aid, a motorized drive can be provided that drives the locking bolt in or against the direction of travel. The locking bolt itself thus directly transmits the force to close the flap. If the locking bolt is spring-loaded, the motorized drive is also able to move the locking bolt against the spring pressure. In addition to the closing function, the invention focuses primarily on a practical push-open function. The stop leg and the locking wedge each have a push-open contact surface, at least one of which is inclined relative to the direction of travel such that, when the locking bolt is moved away from the locking wedge by means of the motorized drive, the locking wedge is pushed out of the guide between the locking leg and the stop leg, and the flap is moved away from the frame and/or the second locking element in the pivoting direction. The locking wedge can remain in its fixed position. The locking bolt can be pulled against the spring force until the push-open contact surface comes into contact with the locking wedge. The angle of the contact surface causes the flap to move away from the frame again when the locking bolt is moved further against this surface. The shape of the contact surfaces determines the flap's travel path. This pushes the locking wedge out of the guide between the locking arm and the stop arm, moving the flap away from the frame and/or the second lock element in the pivoting direction.

Advantageously, in one embodiment of the invention, the pressure contact surface is located on the side where the U-shape is open, i.e., in extension of the legs of the U or in extension of the guide, so that when the locking wedge is pulled out of the guide, it comes into contact with the pressure contact surface on its way.

According to one embodiment, both the locking wedge and the locking arm each have a contact surface, at least one of which is inclined relative to the direction of travel such that, when the locking bolt is moved towards the locking wedge by means of the motor drive, the locking wedge is pressed into the guide between the locking arm and the stop arm, and the flap is moved further in the pivoting direction towards the frame and/or the second locking element. The inclination is thus such that, when the locking bolt is moved towards the locking wedge, the pivoting movement of the flap towards the frame, i.e., the closing motion, is continued.

One advantage is that, for the first time, parts of the actual lock, namely the locking bolt and locking wedge, are functionally used as components of the lock assembly for both locking and closing. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for components such as the lock cylinder and its associated locking mechanism.

A particular advantage is that the motorized drive can be controlled and powered separately. This allows individual flaps to remain locked independently, for example, by interrupting the power supply to their respective motors. By de-energizing all the motors, a central locking system can be implemented. This allows the flaps to be locked, for example, while driving or when stopped at a traffic light. Selective locking is also possible. For instance, it can be advantageous when camping to be able to open the storage compartments on the awning side while keeping the storage compartments at the rear of the vehicle locked to prevent unauthorized access.

In an embodiment where the locking wedge comes into contact with the end of the locking arm (in the normal position with the flap open) when the flap pivots, the locking arm and locking wedge can each have a defined initial contact surface before the contact surfaces come into contact with each other. Since the locking bolt is spring-mounted or elastically mounted, at least one of the initial contact surfaces can be inclined relative to the direction of travel such that, during a further pivoting movement of the flap against the frame, the locking bolt is moved away from the locking wedge in the direction of travel and against the force of the spring or against the force caused by the elastic mounting. This allows for a softer impact or a softer retraction when the flap closes upon initial contact of the locking elements, in which the locking bolt can be pushed back against the spring force and oscillate or be deflected elastically. Without contact between the locking wedge and the locking arm, the locking wedge would potentially strike the stop arm or a seal located there directly. This can increase ease of use. It is also conceivable that this position of the lock The proximity of the elements to each other is detected through contact, for example by a break switch or a proximity switch.

Advantageously, in one embodiment of the invention, the respective contact surfaces and initial contact surfaces of the locking bolt and/or the locking wedge can be inclined in opposite directions. They can thus form a peak, or more generally, a summit point, so that during the transition of the flap's pivoting movement towards the frame, the locking arm overcomes this summit point in a series of movements with and against the spring force, thereby forming a first detent position between the first and second locking elements. This guides the locking bolt past the locking wedge in an open and then a closing position until the locking bolt partially engages the locking wedge.

The spring or the elastically movable bearing of the locking bolt serves to hold the locking bolt in the first detent position; that is, the ramp depresses the locking bolt, and when the pressure is released, it disengages again. In the locked state, no longitudinal forces act on the locking bolt in the direction of its movement. The mechanism is also self-locking.

Depending on the flap's open state, the locking bolt has a position relative to the locking wedge. In particular, when the locking bolt comes into contact with the locking wedge and must be moved against the spring force to overcome the wedge (as the flap approaches the frame further), the locking bolt can be described as being in a detent position relative to the locking wedge. The position of the locking bolt, and especially its detent position, can be detected by a proximity switch. When the locking bolt approaches the proximity switch at a certain threshold, the switch is triggered, activating a motor. When the flap is closed, if the locking bolt is positioned close enough to the locking wedge that the contact surfaces touch, or can touch (if the locking bolt is moved longitudinally in the direction of travel), the locking bolt can be moved by the motor. The angle of the contact surfaces and the motor's advance, which allows them to slide past each other, result in the flap being closed by the motor. This advantageously increases ease of use, as the flap only needs to be closed manually to a certain position. From that point on, the soft-close mechanism is automatically activated via the proximity switch until the flap is fully closed. The U-shaped locking bolt then secures the flap.

The motor can run and pull the flap towards the frame until the final closed position is reached (possibly with the flap being pulled against the seal). This second locking position is also defined by a specific position of the locking bolt (angle of the flap). This position can also be precisely detected by a second proximity switch to deactivate the motor. The second proximity switch can also be used for an alarm signal or to indicate that the flap or door is locked.

It is particularly advantageous if the two proximity switches are arranged in parallel or even directly next to each other, so that the detent positions follow each other immediately.

Advantageously, such proximity switches can be implemented using reed sensors. If, for example, a permanent magnet is integrated into the locking bolt or flap, its magnetic field can actuate the switch, provided the locking bolt is close enough to the reed sensor. The detent positions can thus be determined unambiguously and precisely. The threshold for triggering the proximity switch must be set to the corresponding detent position, for example, by selecting a suitable permanent magnet so that it generates a field at the appropriate position that is just sufficient to actuate the proximity switch. The permanent magnet can also be mounted on the extension of the motor shaft. If the proximity switches are arranged one behind the other in the pivoting direction of the flap, then advantageously only one permanent magnet (e.g., a bar magnet) is required.

If the flap is closed and the motor is not connected to a power source, the flap will not open easily. To allow for emergency release in such a situation, such as a power outage, the locking wedge can be mounted on a movable bearing and shifted perpendicular to the direction of travel via a Bowden cable or a motor. Once the locking wedge and latch are released, the flap can be opened without motor assistance. However, this feature of shifting the locking wedge is not only useful in the event of an emergency release, but can also be helpful when the flap is open. This allows the locking wedge to be moved out of the area of the storage compartment opening, especially if it would otherwise protrude into the opening, causing problems when loading or unloading the compartment. This could lead to problems because there is a risk of getting caught on the locking wedge while loading or unloading.

The mechanism for moving the locking wedge can be designed in different ways. For example, when the flap is opened, a longitudinal slider can be moved laterally via the Bowden cable or another coupling element, so that the locking wedge is carried along by a bolt or lowered via guide cams and removed from the area of the storage compartment opening.

To achieve a compact, space-saving design for the motor drive, a plunge spindle can be used, which can also generate high torque. In particular, a worm gear with a plunge spindle can be advantageously employed. Furthermore, the plunge spindle allows for precise movement. Above all, a plunge spindle is characterized by its space-saving, compact, and short design.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the flap can be operated without an external handle or switch and has a smooth surface. This is especially advantageous because the flap is intended for use on the outside of the chassis. The flap can thus blend seamlessly into the exterior without any protruding parts. Furthermore, protruding parts such as handles or switches can be obstructive or at least increase air resistance while driving. To still allow the flap to be opened, a touch sensor can be integrated into or beneath the outer wall of the flap. Advantageously, one embodiment uses a strain gauge. When pressure is applied to the outer wall, which can be made of an aluminum sheet, for example, by hand or thumb, this displacement or deformation of the sheet can be transmitted via a plunger to a circuit board. This pressure, transmitted via the plunger, results in a bending or stretching of the circuit board, which is then measured by a strain gauge.

This signal can be analyzed. Analysis may be necessary because, in such an arrangement, other effects can also cause a force to be transmitted to the strain gauge, making it necessary to filter out whether the sensor was intentionally actuated by an operator or not. It must be anticipated that the vehicle in question will be parked in the sun, where prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the chassis to heat up considerably. This expansion of the outer sheet metal can also lead to a displacement, which is then transmitted to the circuit board via the plunger. Unlike actuation by a person (e.g., thumb pressure), the pressure caused by temperature influence is generated and lasts significantly longer. Therefore, it is advantageous to also determine the duration or time derivative of the signal and use this as a criterion to ascertain whether it is a short impulse (e.g., thumb pressure) or a longer-lasting signal (temperature change). This prevents the flap from accidentally opening "on its own."

Examples of implementation:

• 1: eine Klappenvorrichtung gem. der Erfindung im geöffneten Zustand,
• 2: die Klappenvorrichtung aus 1 im verriegelten / geschlossenen Zustand,
• 3-7: eine schematische Darstellung des Schließ- bzw. Zuziehvorgangs bei einer Klappenvorrichtung gem. der Erfindung,
• 8-10: eine schematische Darstellung des Öffnungsvorgangs bei einer Klappenvorrichtung gem. der Erfindung, sowie
• 11: eine Außenwand mit DMS-Sensor.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below, including further details and advantages. Specifically, the drawings show:

• 1 : a flap device according to the invention in the open state,
• 2 : the flap mechanism made of 1 in the locked/closed state,
• 3-7 : a schematic representation of the closing or pulling process in a flap device according to the invention,
• 8-10 : a schematic representation of the opening process in a flap device according to the invention, as well as
• 11 : an exterior wall with a strain gauge sensor.

1 Figure 1 shows a flap device 1 with a flap 2 and a frame 3, opening from inside the storage compartment, wherein the frame 3 surrounds the storage compartment opening 4 and the flap 2 covers the storage compartment opening 4. The flap 2 is positioned in 1 a gap wide (into the drawing plane of 1 ); therefore, the first locking element 5, visible on the open flap 2, is slightly tilted. In contrast, a second locking element 6, which interacts with the first locking element 5, is arranged on the frame 3. To close, the flap 2 must be opened from the outside (behind the plane of the drawing in 1 ) are pressed down. In the first lock element 5 a recess can be seen, while from the second lock element 6 the locking wedge 7 protrudes, which is arranged so that when the flap 2 is closed the locking wedge 7 can engage in the recess.

2 shows the closed state of flap 2, whereby flap 2 is locked by the interaction of the two locking elements 5, 6.

As especially from 1 As can be seen, in this embodiment the locking wedge 7 protrudes into the area of the storage compartment opening 4. Especially when larger items are to be loaded into the storage compartment, there is a risk of them getting caught on the locking wedge 7. to remain in place. Therefore, in an advantageous embodiment, the locking wedge 7 can be lowered downwards out of the area of the storage compartment opening 4 via a Bowden cable or a motor. This measure can also be used for emergency release. The locking bolt 8 is then released, and the flap can be opened.

Closing function of flap 2:

A schematic representation of the closing process and the pull-tight function of flap 2 is shown in the 3-7 shown. Flap 2 is in 3 The locking bolt 8 is not yet closed. The locking bolt 8 is part of the first lock element 5, while the locking wedge 7 is part of the second lock element 6. The locking bolt 8 is essentially U-shaped, with the opening of the U-shape only partially covered by a pressure-sensitive contact surface 9. The U-shape has the locking leg 10 and the stop leg 11. The locking bolt 8 is mounted laterally at the base of the U-shape via a spring 12 on a motor drive 13, so that the locking bolt 8 can be moved in the direction of travel 14. The locking wedge 7 does not yet engage with the locking bolt 8, nor does the locking bolt 8 yet enclose the locking wedge 7. To close, the flap 2 and with it the locking bolt 8 are now pivoted in the direction of arrow 15 until 4 The locking bolt 8, more precisely the locking leg 10, and the locking wedge 7 come into contact at the respective initial contact surface 16.

The locking bolt 8 can slide along the initial contact surface of the locking wedge 7 against the spring force by manual pressure until the tip of the locking wedge 7 is reached or overcome. From this point, the first detent position can then be reached. The two reed switches 17, 18 for detecting the locking bolt 8 are arranged parallel to each other on the frame 3. When the first detent position is reached, the motor drive 13 is activated via the reed switch 17, and the locking bolt 8 is moved towards the locking wedge 7 in the direction of travel 14. Since the contact surfaces 19 are inclined accordingly, the locking bolt 8 continues to slide towards the frame, and the locking wedge 7 gradually slides towards the recess 20, which forms the guide.

It would also be conceivable that the position is from 4 with the contact of the initial contact surfaces being used as the first detent position and the motor drive 13 first moves the locking bolt 8 in the direction of 14 away from the locking wedge 7, so that the locking wedge 7 comes directly into the area of the guide 20.

In 6 The locking bolt 8 is moved by motor towards the locking wedge 7, with the locking wedge 7 being positioned at the beginning of the guide recess 20. The flap 2 is thereby pulled inwards against the seal of the frame 3.

In 7 The locking mechanism is engaged. The locking wedge 7 is located in the guide 20 between the locking arm 10 and the stop arm 11. The contacting surfaces between the locking wedge 7 and the locking bolt 8 (on the locking arm 10 and the stop arm 11) are aligned parallel. No longitudinal force is generated in the direction of the drive or in the opposite direction towards the opening. The stroke against the seal on the frame 3 can be predefined.

The spring 12 ensures that the locking bolt 8 is pressed further against the locking wedge 7 enclosed in the guide 20, i.e. the locking is maintained even when the drive is de-energized.

Push-open function of flap 2:

The present embodiment also provides assistance in opening the flap 2. To open it, for example by pressing on the sensor on the outer sheet metal, the motor drive 13 is activated, which moves the locking bolt 8 away from the locking wedge 7 against the spring force, as shown in 8 The locking bolt 8 is provided with a pressure contact surface 9, which partially extends beyond the U-shape and is oriented transversely to the direction of travel 14. The stroke and the force or speed can be adjusted by the shape of the pressure contact surfaces 9.

As soon as the locking wedge 7, as it is in 9 As shown, when the pressure contact surface 9 comes into contact, it slides along the locking wedge 7 and moves the locking bolt 8 and thus also the flap 2 away from the frame 3 in the direction 21, i.e., the flap 2 is opened. Finally, the locking bolt 8 and locking wedge 7 are no longer engaged, i.e., the locking mechanism is released ( 10 ). The flap 2 is initially partially open and can be grasped and lifted over the overhang.

This pushing function also provides additional assistance with stuck or frozen flaps 2, because flap 2 is moved by a motor.

The touch sensor 25 is in 11 explained, in which a cross-section through the outer wall is shown. The outer skin 22 is an aluminum sheet 22 which is connected via a pressure plunger 23 to a circuit board with strain gauges 24. A manually generated pressure pulse on the outer sheet. 22 generates a pressure pulse, which is then transmitted to the strain gauge 24. This relatively short signal is interpreted by an evaluation unit as an operator pressing down and is distinguished from longer-lasting changes in the external temperature. Manual pressure typically occurs within a time span of 0 seconds to approximately 1-2 seconds, while a temperature change is more likely to occur over periods of at least a few minutes to several hours.

Reference symbol list

1

Flap device

2

flap

3

Frame

4

Storage compartment opening

5

first lock element

6

second lock element

7

Locking wedge

8

Locking bolt

9

Pressure contact surface

10

locking lever

11

Stop leg

12

Feather

13

motor drive

14

Direction of travel

15

Swing direction of the flap when closing

16

First contact area

17, 18

Reed switch

19

Contact surface

20

Guide recess

21

Swing direction of the flap when opening

22

outer skin

23

Pressure plunger

24

Strain gauge sensor on circuit board

25

Touch sensor

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 20 2019 105 449 U1 [0002]

Claims (16)

A flap device (1) for opening or closing an interior of a caravan or motorhome, comprising: • a flap (2) for covering the interior opening (4), • a frame (3) to which the flap (2) is pivotably attached to allow it to move from an open to a closed state and vice versa, • wherein a first locking element (5) is attached to the flap (2) and a second locking element (6) is attached to the frame (3), or conversely, a second locking element (6) is attached to the flap (2) and a first locking element (5) is attached to the frame (3), which interact with each other to hold the flap (2) in the closed state or to release it for the open state, • wherein the first locking element (5) has a locking bolt (8) which is mounted perpendicular to the pivot direction (15) so that the locking bolt (8) is elastically movable perpendicular to the pivot direction (15) in a travel direction (14), • wherein the second locking element (6) has a locking wedge (7) which is arranged is characterized in that it comes into contact with the locking bolt (8) in the pivoting direction (15), • characterized in that the locking bolt (8) is U-shaped and has two legs, the first leg of which is designed as a locking leg (10) and the second leg (11) as a stop leg, • wherein the locking leg (10) is shorter than the stop leg (11), so that the locking wedge (7) comes into contact with the end of the locking leg (10) or not with the locking leg (10) when the flap (2) pivots, • wherein when the flap (2) pivots the locking wedge (7) lies on the path of movement of the stop leg (11), • wherein the area between the locking leg (10) and the stop leg (11) is designed as a guide (20) for the locking wedge (7), • wherein the locking bolt (8) has a motor drive (13) as a closing or opening aid, with which the locking bolt (8) can be moved in and/or against the direction of travel (14) against and/or with the pressure of the elastic bearing, • wherein the stop leg (11) and the locking wedge (7) each have a pressing contact surface (9), at least one of which is inclined relative to the direction of travel (14) such that when the locking bolt (8) is moved away from the locking wedge (7) by means of the motor drive (13), the locking wedge (7) is pressed out of the guide (20) between the locking leg (10) and the stop leg (11) and the flap (2) is moved away from the frame (3) and/or from the second lock element (6) in the pivot direction (15). Flap device (1) according Claim 1 , characterized in that the pressure contact surface (9) of the stop leg (11) is opposite the guide (20) of the locking wedge (7). Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking bolt (8) is spring-mounted perpendicular to the pivoting direction (15), so that the locking bolt (8) is elastically movable perpendicular to the pivoting direction (15) in a travel direction (14). Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap (2) has an outer wall (22) in and/or under which a touch sensor (25) is installed to activate the motor drive (13) for opening the flap (2). Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the touch sensor (25) is designed as a strain gauge in order to trigger the switching signal to switch on the motor drive (13) in particular when pressure is applied to the outer wall (22) within a certain period of time. Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking leg (10) and the locking wedge (7) each have a contact surface (19), at least one of which is inclined relative to the direction of travel (14) such that when the locking bolt (8) is moved by means of the motor drive (13) in the direction of the locking wedge (7), the locking wedge (7) is pressed into the guide between the locking leg (10) and the stop leg (11) and the flap (2) is moved further in the pivot direction (14) towards the frame (3) and/or towards the second lock element (6). Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motor drive (13) is designed as a plunger. Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking leg (10) and the locking wedge (7) each have a first contact surface (16) on which the locking leg (10) and the locking wedge (7) first come into contact when the flap (2) is pivoted against the frame (3), before the contact surfaces (19) come into contact, and wherein at least one of the first contact surfaces (16) is inclined relative to the direction of travel (14) such that during a further pivoting movement The flap (2) is moved against the frame (3) and the locking bolt (8) is moved in the direction of travel (14) away from the locking wedge (7) and against the force of the spring (12). Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective contact surface (19) and first contact surface (16) of the locking bolt (8) and/or the locking wedge (7) are inclined in opposite directions and form a peak point, so that during the transition in the pivoting movement of the flap (82) towards the frame (3) the locking leg (10) overcomes this peak point in a sequence of movement with and against the spring force, so that a first detent position can be formed between the first and second locking element. Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first proximity switch (17) is provided to detect the first detent position, which in particular triggers a switching operation as a threshold value from a certain approach of the locking bolt (8) to the locking wedge (7), preferably thereby switching on the motor drive (13). Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second proximity switch (18) is provided to detect a second detent position, which in particular triggers from a certain approach of the flap (2) to the frame (3) in order to determine the closed or open state of the flap (2). Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the proximity switches, in particular both proximity switches, are designed as reed sensors (17, 18). Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two proximity switches (17, 18) are arranged in series one behind the other in the direction of the pivoting movement (15). Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap (2),k in particular the first locking element (5), preferably the locking bolt (8), particularly preferably the locking leg (10) has a, preferably exactly one permanent magnet for generating the switching field for the reed sensors (17, 18). Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking wedge (7) is movably mounted and/or movable perpendicular to the direction of travel (14) via a Bowden cable and/or a motor in order to provide an emergency release and/or to move the locking wedge (7) out of the area of the storage compartment opening when the flap (2) is open. Flap device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motor drive (13) can be switched off to obtain a central locking system.