Plug System for a Fuel Tank Filler Pipe

Abstract

Plug system built into the top of a fuel tank filler pipe, comprising a plug with a locking device, a fuel flap able to occupy a position allowing access to the pipe and a position preventing access to the pipe, and a mechanical connection system able to transmit a movement from the flap to the locking device in such a way as to lock or unlock the plug. The mechanical connection system comprises components able to interact by part of a movement of one component being transmitted to another, adjacent component in such a way that only part of the movement of the flap can be transmitted to the locking device in order to lock or unlock the plug.

1 . A plug system built into the top of a fuel tank filler pipe, comprising
 a plug ( 1 ) with a locking device,   a fuel flap ( 9 ) able to occupy a position allowing access to the pipe and a position preventing access to the pipe, and   a mechanical connection system able to transmit a movement from the flap ( 9 ) to the locking device in such a way as to lock or unlock the plug ( 1 ),   wherein the mechanical connection system comprises components able to interact by part of a movement of one component being transmitted to another, adjacent component in such a way that only part of the movement of the flap ( 9 ) is able to be transmitted to the locking device in order to lock or unlock the plug ( 1 ).   
   
   
       2 . The plug system according to  claim 1 , wherein the plug ( 1 ) is retractable under the action of a force directed against it along an axis essentially parallel to the axis of the pipe. 
   
   
       3 . The plug system according to  claim 1 , wherein the plug ( 1 ) comprises a device for regulating the pressure in the filler pipe. 
   
   
       4 . The plug system according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking device comprises a ring ( 3 ) attached to the plug ( 1 ) in a bayonet system. 
   
   
       5 . The plug system according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical connection system comprises at least a link ( 7 ) and a cam ( 6 ) able to cooperate in a mechanical connection that can is able to be deactivated for at least part of the movement of the flap ( 9 ). 
   
   
       6 . The plug system according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical connection system comprises at least two components able to interact by means of complementary gears. 
   
   
       7 . The plug system according to  claim 1 , wherein the fuel flap ( 9 ) comprises a door able to pivot about an axis ( 8 ) essentially perpendicular to the axis of the pipe. 
   
   
       8 . The plug system according to  claim 7 , wherein the door is able to pivot in the course of a movement comprising
 a first part where the mechanical connection system is deactivated,   a second part where the locking device is moved from a locked position to an unlocked position or vice versa, and   a third part where the mechanical connection system is also deactivated.   
   
   
       9 . The plug system according to  claim 8 , wherein
 the first part of the pivoting corresponds to an angular variation of between 0° and 15°,   the second part of the pivoting corresponds to an angular variation of between 10° and 65°, and   the third part of the pivoting corresponds to an angular variation of between 60° and 90°.   
   
   
       10 . The plug system according to  claim 1 , comprising a protective shield ( 19 ) for the plug ( 1 ).