Locking system for a closure mechanism for a fuel-tank filler pipe

Abstract

A system for locking a closure mechanism for a fuel-tank filler pipe covered by a fuel flap, the closure mechanism includes a shutter allowing automatic opening of the pipe via action of a fuel-dispensing nozzle, this shutter being retractable through action of thrust directed against it along an axis parallel to the axis of the pipe head and integral with a return spring allowing it to be held in the closed position. The system includes a lever integral with the closure mechanism and having the effect of locking/unlocking it, depending on its position, and a lever arm, integral with the fuel flap, that can act effectively on the lever only to lock the mechanism when it is unlocked and the fuel flap is being closed.

1 - 10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . A system for locking a closure mechanism for a fuel-tank filler pipe covered by a fuel flap, the closure mechanism including a shutter allowing automatic opening of the pipe via action of a fuel-dispensing nozzle, the shutter being retractable through action of thrust directed against the shutter along an axis parallel to an axis of a pipe head and integral with a return spring allowing the shutter to be held in the closed position, the system comprising: 
 a lever integral with the closure mechanism and having an effect of locking/unlocking the closure mechanism, depending on a position of the leaver; and    a lever arm, integral with the fuel flap, configured to act effectively on the lever only to lock the closure mechanism when the closure mechanism is unlocked and the fuel flap is being closed.    
   
   
       12 . The locking system according to  claim 11 , wherein the shutter has a form of a movable plate that blocks a passage when in the closed position.  
   
   
       13 . The locking system according to  claim 12 , wherein the plate is coupled to a rotary casing including a cylindrical opening.  
   
   
       14 . The locking system according to  claim 11 , wherein the shutter can be retracted by a shaft integral with the filler pipe and located at the periphery of the shutter, which can serve as rotation axis allowing tilting of the shutter.  
   
   
       15 . The locking system according to  claim 14 , wherein the shutter is held in the closed position by a torsion return spring arranged around the shaft and of which one end is integral with the shutter.  
   
   
       16 . The locking system according to  claim 11 , wherein the lever is integral with a rotary or pivoting component that effectively locks/unlocks the closure mechanism, depending on the position of the lever.  
   
   
       17 . The locking system according to  claim 16 , wherein the lever is integral with a rotary ring that collaborates with the shutter via a bayonet system.  
   
   
       18 . The locking system according to  claim 16 , wherein the lever is integral with a plate configured to pivot about an axis parallel to an axis of the pipe, between a position in which the plate blocks movement of the shutter and a position in which the plate allows retraction of the shutter.  
   
   
       19 . The locking system according to  claim 11 , wherein the closure mechanism is unlocked by direct manual action, or by indirect manual action, or by manual actuation of a control of an actuator or a motor.  
   
   
       20 . The locking system according to  claim 11 , said locking system further comprising a sensor configured to monitor proper locking of the closure mechanism, incorporated into the vehicle's passenger compartment.