Plugging device for a fuel tank filler pipe

Abstract

A device for plugging a top of a fuel tank filler pipe situated under a fuel filler flap, movement of which is controlled by an actuator. The device includes a stopper secured to the fuel filler flap and configured to plug the top of the pipe and a locking mechanism for locking the stopper. The actuator is configured to activate the locking mechanism that locks the stopper independently of the movement of the filler flap

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . A device for plugging a top of a fuel tank filler pipe situated under a fuel filler flap, movement of which is controlled by an actuator, the device comprising:
 a stopper secured to the fuel filler flap and configured to plug the top of the pipe, and a locking mechanism for locking the stopper;   wherein the actuator is configured to activate the locking mechanism that locks the stopper independently of movement of the filler flap.   
   
   
       12 . The device according to claim  10 , wherein the tank and the filler pipe are made of plastic and the top of the pipe is made of metal. 
   
   
       13 . The device according to claim  10 , further comprising a seal affixed between the stopper and the top of the pipe. 
   
   
       14 . The device according to claim  10 , wherein the locking mechanism imparts a rotational movement either directly to the stopper or to a part secured to the stopper. 
   
   
       15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the stopper has a form of a cap equipped with a screw thread that complements a screw thread borne by the top of the 
   
   
       16 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the stopper comprises at least part of a bayonet system. 
   
   
       17 . The device according to claim  10 , wherein operation of the actuator is linked to that of an engine of a vehicle. 
   
   
       18 . The device according to  claim 17 , wherein the actuator can be operated only when the vehicle engine is not running. 
   
   
       19 . The device according to  claim 18 , wherein when the vehicle engine is restarted the actuator automatically returns to a closed position, closes the filler flap, and relocks the stopper. 
   
   
       20 . A fuel system comprising:
 a fuel tank;   a filler pipe; and   a plugging device according to claim  10 .