Safety system having a tank closure

Abstract

A safety system, a tank closure and a method for a keyless access control of a tank closure. The safety system includes a tank closure of a motor vehicle, such that the tank closure can be brought into an unlocked state and into a locked state and being provided with a locking unit for locking a tank opening. The locking unit is able to be moved via a drive between a closed position, in which the tank opening is completely closed, and an open position, in which the tank opening is released, for filling the fuel tank.

1 .- 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A safety system for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, said safety system comprising:
 a tank closure configured to be moved between an unlocked state and a locked state;   a locking unit configured to permit opening and closing of an opening of the fuel tank;   a drive configured to move the locking unit between a closed position in which the tank opening is completely closed, and an open position in which the tank opening is released to permit filling of the fuel tank;   a controller in data communication with the tank closure; and   a releasing element configured for activation by the controller via an authentication query, wherein in the event of a positive authentication, the tank closure can be brought in the unlocked state in which the locking unit is moved into the open position.   
     
     
         19 . The safety system of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 an identification (ID) transmitter adapted to be carried by a user, wherein the authentication query occurs between the ID transmitter and the controller.   
     
     
         20 . The safety system of  claim 18 , wherein the releasing element is integrated into the locking unit. 
     
     
         21 . The safety system of  claim 18 , wherein the releasing element is disposed on a steering column of the motor vehicle. 
     
     
         22 . The safety system of  claim 18 , wherein the controller is configured as one of a keyless-acting access and a driver eligibility control system. 
     
     
         23 . The safety system of  claim 18 , wherein the motor vehicle comprises a motorcycle. 
     
     
         24 . A tank closure for a motor vehicle, said tank closure comprising:
 a tank closure body configured for movement between an unlocked state and a locked state;   a locking unit configured to permit closing of an opening of the fuel tank;   a drive configured to move the locking unit between a closed position, in which the tank opening is completely closed, and an open position in which the tank opening is released to permit filling of the fuel tank;   a releasing element disposed on the locking unit and configured for activation by an authentication query, wherein only in the event of a positive authentication, the fuel tank closure can be brought in the unlocked state in which the locking unit is moved into the open position.   
     
     
         25 . The tank closure of  claim 24 , wherein the locking unit has a switch upon which the releasing element is effective after having been manually activated. 
     
     
         26 . The tank closure of  claim 25 , further comprising:
 a mechanical locking element disposed on the locking unit upon which the drive is effective.   
     
     
         27 . The tank closure of  claim 26 , further comprising:
 a locking cylinder in connection with the mechanical locking element.   
     
     
         28 . The tank closure of  claim 27 , wherein a mechanical emergency unlocking action of the tank closure is permitted. 
     
     
         29 . The tank closure of  claim 28 , wherein the releasing element acts as a protective door for the locking cylinder and protectively shields the locking cylinder when the locking cylinder is in a resting position. 
     
     
         30 . The tank closure of  claim 23 , wherein the motor vehicle comprises a motorcycle. 
     
     
         31 . A method of controlling a tank closure of a motor vehicle fuel tank, the tank closure adapted for movement between an unlocked state and a locked state, said method comprising:
 providing a locking unit configured to permit opening and closing of an opening of the fuel tank, a controller in data communication with the tank closure, and a releasing element configured for activation by the controller;   activating the releasing element to initiate an authentication query between a user and the controller;   moving the locking element from a locked state to an unlocked state upon a positive authentication.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein after the tank closure is in an unlocked state, the tank closure is returned to a locked state. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the authentication query occurs between an identification (ID) transmitter carried by the user and the controller. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the authentication query occurs at least one of capacitively and inductively. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein activating the releasing element occurs via one of a proximity sensor and a touch sensor. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the releasing element is integrated into the locking unit. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the releasing element is disposed on a steering column of the motor vehicle.