Closure device for a fuel tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure device for a fuel tank in a motor vehicle. The closure device has a filling-level transmitter and a blocking element which both together form a constructional unit. The blocking element is adjustable so that is it movable to a position in which the blocking element closes an opening in the tank.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A closure device for a fuel tank having an opening which is to be closed, said closure device comprising: 
 a constructional unit including a filling-level transmitter arrangeable for determining of filling level of the fuel tank and a blocking element, wherein said blocking element is adjustable so that it is movable into a position in which the blocking element closes the opening of the fuel tank.    
     
     
         2 . The closure device of    claim 1   , wherein said filling-level transmitter comprises one of a lever-type transmitter having a lever arm and a submerged transmitter.  
     
     
         3 . The closure device of    claim 1   , wherein said blocking element comprises one of a flap, a cone and a slide.  
     
     
         4 . The closure device of    claim 1   , further comprising a mechanical link connected between said filling-level transmitter and said blocking element and comprising one of a toothed-gear mechanism, a cam mechanism and a lever mechanism, wherein said blocking element is mechanically actuatable in response to said filling-level transmitter via said mechanical link.  
     
     
         5 . The closure device of    claim 1   , further comprising a spindle, wherein said blocking element is fastened to said spindle for one of rotation or pivoting.  
     
     
         6 . The closure device of    claim 5   , wherein said filling-level transmitter comprises a lever arm and said spindle is directly connected to said lever arm.  
     
     
         7 . The closure device of    claim 6   , further comprising a float connected to said lever arm and wherein said float and said lever arm comprise components of a mechanism driving said blocking element.  
     
     
         8 . The closure device of    claim 1   , wherein said filling level transmitter generates an electrical signal in response to a fill level of the tank and said blocking element is actuated in response to said electrical signal.  
     
     
         9 . The closure device of    claim 8   , wherein the blocking element comprises a 2-way directional control valve.  
     
     
         10 . The closure device of    claim 1   , wherein said constructional unit comprises a carrier which holds the filling-level transmitter and said blocking element.  
     
     
         11 . In a fuel tank of a motor vehicle having a filler pipe, a closure device comprising a constructional unit formed by a filling-level transmitter and a blocking element, wherein said blocking element is adjustable so that it is movable into a position in which the blocking element closes the opening of the fuel tank, wherein said closure device is arranged at an end of the filler pipe situated in one of the fuel tank and a ventilation system of the fuel tank.