Plugging System For a Fuel Tank Filler Pipe

Abstract

A system for plugging the top of a fuel tank filler pipe, including a stopper allowing the pipe to be opened automatically via action of a fuel dispensing nozzle. The stopper is retractable under action of a thrust directed against the stopper along an axis parallel to the axis of the top of the pipe, and is secured to a return spring keeping the stopper in the closed position. The system also includes a moving ring configured to prevent movement of the stopper via a bayonet system, and in which the movement of the bayonet system between opened and closed (or vice versa) is governed by a specific actuator and includes a progressive helical movement that progressively compresses (or decompresses) a seal affixed between the stopper and the top of the pipe.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . A system for plugging the top of a fuel tank filler pipe, the system comprising:
 a stopper allowing the pipe to be opened automatically via action of a fuel dispensing nozzle, the stopper being:
 retractable under action of a thrust directed against the stopper along an axis parallel to the axis of the top of the pipe; 
 secured to a return spring keeping the stopper in a closed position; and 
   a moving ring configured to prevent movement of the stopper via a bayonet system, and in which movement of the bayonet system between opened and closed, or vice versa, is governed by a specific actuator and includes a progressive helical movement that progressively compresses or decompresses a seal affixed between the stopper and the top of the pipe.   
   
   
       12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the stopper includes a moving plate pivoting about an axis. 
   
   
       13 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the plate is made of plastic and includes a metal cover. 
   
   
       14 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the plate includes a device for setting the pressure in the filler pipe. 
   
   
       15 . The system according to  claim 11 , further comprising a rod, secured to the top of the pipe, situated at a periphery of the stopper and allowing the stopper to pivot, the rod including a torsion spring having one end secured to the stopper and that keeps the stopper in the closed position. 
   
   
       16 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the stopper includes lugs and the moving ring includes a helical ramp and notches, a shape, number, and location of the notches correspond to those of the lugs on the stopper. 
   
   
       17 . A method for sealed locking of the top of a fuel tank filler pipe including a stopper allowing the pipe to be opened automatically via action of a fuel dispensing nozzle, the stopper being: retractable under action of a thrust directed against the stopper along an axis parallel to the axis of the top of the pipe; and secured to a return spring keeping the stopper in closed position,
 the method comprising:   equipping the stopper with a shield bearing lugs at its periphery, possibly inserting a seal between the shield and the top of the pipe; and   fixing, over the top of all this, a moving ring equipped with a helical ramp and with notches, a shape, number, and location of the notches correspond to those of the lugs on the stopper.   
   
   
       18 . A method for sealed locking of the top of a fuel tank filler pipe including a stopper allowing the pipe to be opened automatically via action of a fuel dispensing nozzle, the stopper being: retractable under action of a thrust directed against the stopper along an axis parallel to the axis of the top of the pipe; and secured to a return spring keeping the stopper in a closed position;
 the method comprising:   equipping the stopper with a shield bearing lugs at its periphery;   inserting between the shield and the top of the pipe a mobile ring equipped with a helical ramp and with notches, a shape, number, and location of the notches correspond to those of the lugs of the stopper; and   fixing the assembly onto the top of the pipe by welding on at least one add-on part.   
   
   
       19 . A motor vehicle equipped with a plugging system according to  claim 11 . 
   
   
       20 . The vehicle according to  claim 19  and comprising a sensor for monitoring that the plugging system is correctly locked.