VEHICLE SUCTION SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention related to a vehicle suction system comprising a compartment (200) for storing an aqueous liquid (L); and a suction line (20) arranged for sucking the aqueous liquid out of the compartment (200); said suction line (20) comprising at least one suction branch and the at least one suction branch being provided with at least two suction orifices (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) positioned at different positions in the compartment (200); wherein at least one suction orifice is provided with a blocking means (40) configured for blocking at least a part of said suction orifice when the suction orifice is not in the aqueous liquid and for allowing the aqueous liquid to be sucked through the suction orifice when the suction orifice is in the aqueous liquid.

Claims

1. A vehicle suction system comprising: a compartment for storing a liquid (L) which is an aqueous liquid; a suction line arranged for sucking liquid out of the compartment; wherein said suction line comprises at least one suction branch and the at least one suction branch is provided with at least two suction orifices positioned at different positions in the compartment; wherein at least one suction orifice of said at least two suction orifices is provided with a blocking means configured for blocking at least a part of said suction orifice when the suction orifice is not in the liquid and for allowing liquid to be sucked through the suction orifice when the suction orifice is in the liquid.

2. The vehicle suction system according to claim 1, comprising at least two suction branches, both suction branches being preferably provided with at least two suction orifices.

3. The vehicle suction system according to claim 1, wherein the at least two suction orifices comprises two suction orifices at a distance of each other which is larger than 50 mm, more preferable larger than 100 mm.

4. The vehicle suction system according to claim 1, wherein the at least two suction orifices are each provided with a blocking means configured for blocking at least a part of said suction orifice when the suction orifice is not in the liquid and for allowing liquid to be sucked through the suction orifice when the suction orifice is in the liquid.

5. The vehicle suction system according to claim 1, wherein the compartment has a bottom wall, a side wall and top wall, wherein, in the mounted position of the compartment in the vehicle, the bottom wall corresponds with the lowest wall of the compartment; wherein the suction line has a line portion arranged against the bottom wall or at a distance of the bottom wall, said distance being smaller than 5 cm.

6. The vehicle suction system according to claim 1, wherein the suction line is arranged at least partially in the compartment; and/or wherein the suction line is arranged outside the compartment and is provided with a plurality of line connection portions extending through a wall of the compartment and connecting the suction orifices in the compartment with the suction line outside of the compartment.

7. The vehicle suction system according to claim 1, wherein the suction line has a line portion inside the compartment with a length which is larger than 200 mm.

8. The vehicle suction system according to claim 1, wherein the blocking means comprises a floatable flap configured for allowing the aqueous liquid to pass through the suction orifice when the suction orifice is in the aqueous liquid and for blocking at least a part of said suction orifice when the suction orifice is not in the aqueous liquid, for example a pivotally mounted flap configured for being lifted away from the suction orifice when the suction orifice is in the liquid.

9. The vehicle suction system according to claim 1, wherein the blocking means comprises a membrane or a filter configured to allow liquid to pass through the filter or membrane when in the liquid, and to block or limit the passage of air and/or vapours when the filter or membrane is not in the liquid.

10. The vehicle suction system according to claim 1, further comprising a suction line heater configured and arranged for heating at least a portion of the suction line.

11. The vehicle suction system according to claim 10, wherein the suction line heater comprises at least one heater arranged around and/or adjacent a section of the suction line, and can further comprise tubing for circulating engine coolant.

12. The vehicle suction system according to claim 10, further comprising at least one thermal conductive bridge connected between the suction line heater and the suction line to facilitate the heat conduction therebetween.

13. The vehicle suction system according to claim 1, further comprising a pump circuit connected to the suction line and configured for pumping liquid out of the compartment through the suction line.

14. The vehicle suction system according to claim 13, wherein the pump circuit comprises a jet pump and a feed pump unit, said feed pump unit being connected for pumping liquid from another additional compartment to a feed outlet; said feed pump unit being further connected for pumping liquid from said other additional compartment through the feed pump unit, through a pressure inlet of the jet pump to an outlet of the jet pump; said outlet of said jet pump being arranged for returning liquid from the suction inlet and from the pressure inlet to said other additional compartment.

15. The vehicle suction system according to claim 13, wherein the pump circuit comprises a feed pump unit with a feed outlet and with a feed inlet connected to the suction line; wherein optionally the feed pump unit may be provided in another additional compartment.

16. The vehicle suction system according to claim 14, wherein the compartment is a tank, and wherein the other additional compartment is located in the tank.

17. The vehicle suction system according to claim 14, wherein the other additional compartment is a first tank, and the compartment is a second tank.

18. The vehicle suction system according to claim 14, further comprising: an air intake line upstream of a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine; an injector configured for injecting liquid in the air intake line or in the combustion chamber; a feed line between the feed outlet of the feed pump unit and the injector, for feeding said injector with liquid out of the other additional compartment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system;

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of another vehicle suction system;

[0038] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E illustrate four different exemplary embodiments of a suction line provided with a suction opening which is closeable by a blocking means, viewed in a schematic cross-section through the suction line;

[0039] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate schematically two perspective views of an insert piece comprising a suction opening, which insert piece can be inserted in a suction line in accordance with exemplary embodiments; wherein FIG. 3A illustrates the blocking means in a closed position, and FIG. 3B illustrates the blocking means in an open position;

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates schematically an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system with a jet pump and two suction branches;

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates schematically an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system with a jet pump and two tanks;

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates schematically another exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system with a jet pump and two tanks;

[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates schematically a perspective view, looking from the top of a vehicle suction system according to a further developed exemplary embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates schematically an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system with a compartment having a bottom side with an irregular shape;

[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates schematically an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system with a feed pump;

[0046] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a more detailed exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system comprising a suction line extending through a wall of a swirlpot; and

[0047] FIG. 12 illustrates a partial view of a vehicle suction system according to a further developed exemplary embodiment with a plurality of thermal conductive bridges.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system comprising a compartment 200 for storing a liquid L, e.g. an aqueous liquid or a fuel. The vehicle suction system further comprises a suction line 20 arranged for sucking liquid L out of the compartment 200, comprising here one suction branch. The suction line 20 is provided with a plurality of suction orifices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d positioned at different positions in compartment 200. The illustrated vehicle suction system further comprises a pump circuit 30 which is configured for sucking liquid L from the compartment 200 through the suction orifices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d to a destination where the liquid L is needed.

[0049] Each suction orifice 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is provided with a blocking means (not illustrated in FIG. 1) configured for at least partly blocking the respective suction orifice 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d when the respective suction orifice is not in the liquid, and for allowing liquid to be sucked through the respective suction orifice 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d when the suction orifice is in the liquid. In a vehicle, when a car is driving, the liquid L in the compartment 200 is moving around within the compartment 200: indeed when e.g. turning left or right, or when breaking or accelerating, the liquid L may be moved to the left or to the right or upward or downward, or to the front or to the back. In order to guarantee an efficient sucking during driving it is advantageous to close the suction orifices which are not in the liquid, in order to avoid that air and/or vapors are sucked by the pump circuit 30. This is illustrated in FIG. 1, where 11 illustrates the liquid level in the tank 200 at rest, whilst 12 illustrates a possible liquid level in the tank during driving. When the liquid level corresponds with 12, the first two suction orifices 10a, 10b will be open, whilst the other suction orifices 10c, 10d will be closed or at least partly blocked. At rest (liquid level 11), all suction orifices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may be open.

[0050] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the pump circuit is arranged outside of the compartment 200. However, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the pump circuit 30 may be arranged at least partially inside the compartment 200, e.g. partially inside the compartment 200 and partially outside the compartment 200. FIG. 2 further illustrates that the pump circuit 30 may contain an optional swirlpot in which the liquid L of the compartment 200 is sucked before pumping it to a destination.

[0051] In order to be able to suck liquid L from various parts of the compartment 200, the suction orifices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are preferably arranged at different extremities of the compartment 200, e.g. at or close to different sides, preferably bottom sides of the compartment 200; or in or close to different corners, preferably bottom corners, of the compartment 200. Preferably, the distance between two suction orifices 10a, 10b is at least 50 mm, more preferably at least 100 mm. It is noted that in the schematic illustrations of FIGS. 1 and 2, the suction orifices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are drawn to be on a line. However, in practice the suction orifices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may be in or near various corners of the compartment 200, preferably in the bottom corners of the compartment 200.

[0052] The compartment 200 has a bottom wall 201, a side wall 203 and a top wall 202, wherein, in the mounted position of the compartment 200 in the vehicle, the bottom wall 201 corresponds with the lowest wall of the compartment 200. The suction line 20 has a line portion (in FIGS. 1 and 2 the line portion corresponds with the entire suction line) arranged against the bottom wall 201 or at a small distance of the bottom wall 201. For example, a small distance may be smaller than 5 cm, preferably smaller than 3 cm. It is noted that in other embodiments the suction line 20 may be arranged at a larger distance of the bottom wall 201, whilst providing the suction points 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d (using e.g. connection arms extending between each suction point and the suction line 20) at a small distance of the bottom wall 201, for example at a distance may be smaller than 5 cm, preferably smaller than 3 cm. Indeed, even though the liquid L may move in the compartment 200, it will typically be closer to the bottom wall 201 than to the top wall 202. For that reason it is advantageous to arrange the suction orifices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d in the lower half of the compartment 200, and in particular near the bottom wall 201.

[0053] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 the suction line is arranged entirely inside the compartment 200. However, as will be described in connection with other embodiments, the suction line 20 may also be located at least partially outside the compartment 200.

[0054] Preferably the suction line 20 has a line portion (in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 this is the entire suction line) inside the compartment 200 with a length which is larger than 200 mm, preferably larger than 300 mm, and more preferably larger than 400 mm. More in particular, the length of the suction line 20 is preferably such that multiple bottom corners or bottom sides of the compartment 200 may be reached.

[0055] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E illustrate four variants of blocking means 40 for use in a vehicle suction system of the invention.

[0056] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section of a suction line 20 which is provided with a suction orifice 10 which is closable by a blocking means 40. The blocking means 40 comprises a flap 41 which is floatable and, more precisely, pivotally mounted around a pivot axis 44 for pivoting between a closed position where the flap 41 closes the suction orifice 10, and an open position in which the flap 41 is moved away from the suction orifice 10. In order to open when the suction orifice 10 is in the liquid L, the flap 41 is configured to be lifted away from the suction orifice 10 when the suction orifice is in the liquid 10. To that end, the flap 41 may comprise a floatable portion (also called float) 42 attached to a support portion 43. The floatable portion 42 may be made in a material with a lower density than the density of the liquid L, or may be a component comprising an air volume. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the suction orifice 10 is provided on a side of the suction line 20, wherein the suction line 20 is drawn in a position mounted in the vehicle. In such an embodiment, the flap 41 can easily move upward when the suction orifice 10 is in the liquid. A similar embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B in the closed and open position of the blocking means 40, respectively. In FIGS. 4A and 4B it can be seen that the flap 42, 43 may be provided with a stopper portion 43 to avoid that the flap 42, 43 is lifted too much and flips over to the other side.

[0057] FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment where the suction orifice 10 is arranged at the bottom side of the suction line 20. In this embodiment, the flap 41 may be implemented as a sort of lever device with a first support portion 43a intended to close the suction orifice 10 and a second support portion 43b extending at another side of the pivot axis 44. This other support portion 43b is provided with the floatable part 42. The flap 41 is further designed such that it will close the suction orifice 10 by gravity when the suction orifice 10 is not in the liquid, whilst the support portion 43a will pivot away from the suction orifice 10 when the suction orifice 10 is in the liquid, causing the floatable part 42 to rise. Instead or in addition to using gravity, a spring means may be used to move the flap 41 to a closed position when not in the liquid.

[0058] FIG. 3C illustrates a blocking means 40 comprising a controllable valve 45 and a liquid detection sensor 46, wherein the controllable valve 45 is connected for being controlled based on a measurement by the liquid detection sensor 46. The controllable valve may be e.g. an electro-valve.

[0059] FIG. 3D illustrates a blocking means 40 comprising a liftable portion 43, 42 comprising a support 43 and a float 42. The liftable portion 43, 42 is attached using spring means 47 configured to press the liftable portion 43, 42 against the suction orifice 10 when the suction orifice 10 is not in the liquid and to allow the liftable portion 43, 42 to move upward when the suction orifice 10 is in the liquid.

[0060] FIG. 3E illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment where the blocking means 40 are in the form of a membrane or a filter spanning the suction orifice 10 and configured to allow liquid to pass through the filter or membrane 40 when in the liquid, and to block or limit the passage of air and/or vapours when the filter or membrane is not in the liquid. The filter may be e.g. a so-called depth media filter. The membrane may be e.g. a hydrophilic membrane. This blocking or limiting of the passage of air and/or vapours may be due to the fact that the filter or membrane is still wet, wherein the membrane or filter together with the liquid adhered to or absorbed in the membrane or filter at least partly blocks the suction orifice.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a vehicle system storing a liquid, e.g. an aqueous liquid L. The vehicle system comprises a first compartment 100 for storing liquid L, a second compartment 200 for storing a liquid L, and a module 400. In this embodiment second compartment 200 is a tank, and first compartment 100 is a bowl integrated in module 400, such that the bowl is positioned in the second compartment 200. Module 400 is arranged in an opening in a wall of tank 200. Tank 200 is provided with a filler pipe 240 for filling tank 200, and hence also compartment 100, with liquid L. Tank 200 has a bottom wall 201, a top wall 202 and a side wall 203 connecting the bottom wall 201 with the top wall 202. An opening is arranged in bottom wall 201. In the mounted position of tank 200, bottom wall 201 corresponds with the lowest face of tank 200. Module 400 is mounted in the opening in bottom wall 201 of tank 200, e.g. by welding or by any other suitable connection means, e.g. using a ring-nut system screwed onto a thread on tank 200, or using a closure system of the bayonet type. In another non-illustrated embodiment the opening may be arranged in side wall 203, in a lower half of the tank 200.

[0062] Module 400 comprises a feed pump unit 110, a jet pump 300, and a heater 120. Feed pump unit 110 is connected for pumping liquid L from the first compartment 100 to a feed outlet 181. Feed outlet 181 is intended for being connected to a feed line 180 for injecting liquid L by an injector 600, e.g. in an air intake line 710 upstream of a combustion chamber 700 of an internal combustion engine. Alternatively aqueous liquid may be injected directly in combustion chamber 700 of the internal combustion engine. More generally, for the described application, the liquid may be injected anywhere as long as the injection is such that the air injected in combustion chamber 700 is cooled. Feed line 180 extends between feed outlet 181 and injector 600, for feeding injector 600 with liquid out of first compartment 100.

[0063] Jet pump 300 has a suction inlet 310, a pressure inlet 320 and an outlet 330. Feed pump unit 110 is further connected for pumping liquid along a flow path P. The flow path P extends from an inlet 111 of feed pump unit 110 to an outlet 112 of feed pump unit 110 through a line 190 between outlet 112 and pressure inlet 320 of jet pump 300, to outlet 330 of jet pump 300. Suction inlet 310 is connected to a suction line 20 arranged for receiving liquid from the second compartment 200. The suction line 20 is provided with a plurality of suction points 10a, 10b, 10c which may be provided with blocking means as described above. The suction points 10a, 10b, 10c are preferably arranged close to the bottom wall 201 at different positions in the compartment 200.

[0064] Outlet 330 of jet pump 300 is arranged for returning liquid from suction inlet 310 and from pressure inlet 320 to first compartment 100. The vehicle system further comprises a controller 500 configured for controlling feed pump unit 110. Controller 500 may be configured to pump liquid from second compartment 200 to first compartment 100 when the level of the liquid in first compartment 100 is below a predetermined level. Controller 500 is shown mounted on module 400, but the skilled person understands that it may also be located remotely from module 400.

[0065] Heater 120 is configured and arranged for heating at least said flow path P. Heater 120 may be arranged e.g. between feed pump unit 110 and jet pump 300, and/or around feed pump unit 110 and jet pump 300. Preferably heater 120 is arranged either partially or fully inside first compartment 100 or in a wall delimiting first compartment 100.

[0066] A non-return valve 160, typically a check valve, may be included in the flow path P, downstream of the feed pump unit 110, preferably in a line section between the outlet 112 of the feed pump unit 110 and the pressure inlet 320 of the jet pump 300.

[0067] Outlet 112 of feed pump unit 110 is preferably located at the bottom of feed pump unit 110. Further, preferably jet pump 300 is arranged in a line section extending upwardly in module 400, such that the liquid is recirculated upwardly and returned in first compartment 100 at a position which is higher than pump outlet 112, and preferably also higher than pump inlet 111.

[0068] Advantageously, the suction line 20 as shown in FIG. 5 comprises two suction branches arranged in opposites directions in the compartment 200, wherein one suction branch comprises two suction orifices 10a and 10b located at different positions and the other suction branch comprises one suction orifices 10c. As schematically shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5, the two suction branches may be connected into the jet pump 300 via the suction inlet 310.

[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates another vehicle system storing a liquid, e.g. an aqueous liquid L. The vehicle system comprises a first tank 100 for storing liquid L, a second tank 200 for storing a liquid L, and a module 400. The module 400 is arranged in an opening in a wall of first tank 100. First tank 100 is provided with a filler pipe 140 for filling first tank 100, and via an overflow line 210, also second tank 200, with liquid L. First tank 100 has a bottom wall 101, a top wall 102 and a side wall 103 connecting bottom wall 101 with top wall 102. An opening is arranged in bottom wall 101. In the mounted position of first tank 100, bottom wall 101 corresponds with the lowest face of first tank 100. Module 400 is mounted in the opening in bottom wall 101 of first tank 100, e.g. by welding or by any other suitable connection means. In another non-illustrated embodiment the opening may be arranged in side wall 103, in a lower half of the tank 100.

[0070] Module 400 comprises a feed pump unit 110, a jet pump 300, and optionally also a heater 120 (not shown in FIG. 6). Feed pump unit 110 is connected for pumping liquid L from the first compartment 100 to a feed outlet 181 intended for being connected to a feed line 180 as in the embodiment of FIG. 5. Jet pump 300 has a suction inlet 310, a pressure inlet 320 and an outlet 330. Feed pump unit 110 is further connected for pumping liquid along a flow path. The flow path extends from an inlet 111 of feed pump unit 110 to an outlet 112 of feed pump unit 110 through a line 190 between outlet 112 and pressure inlet 320 of jet pump 300, to outlet 330 of jet pump 300.

[0071] Suction inlet 310 is connected to a suction line 20 arranged for receiving liquid from second tank 200. The suction line 20 is provided with a plurality of suction points 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d which may be provided with blocking means as described above. The suction points 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are preferably arranged close to the bottom wall 201 at different positions in the compartment 200.

[0072] Outlet 330 of jet pump 300 is arranged for returning liquid from suction inlet 310 and from pressure inlet 320 to first tank 100. The vehicle system may further comprise a controller (not shown) configured for controlling feed pump unit 110. The controller may be configured to pump liquid from second tank 200 to first tank 100 when the level of the liquid in first tank 100 is below a predetermined level.

[0073] First tank 100 may be positioned in a vehicle at a higher level than second tank 200. In an alternative embodiment first tank 100 and second tank 200 may be positioned at more or less the same height and a filler line 220 may be provided between filler pipe 140 of first tank 100 and second tank 200.

[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment which is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6 with this difference that jet pump 300 is not arranged in module 400 but is arranged in a separate module 500 mounted in an opening in bottom wall 201 of second tank 200. Line sections 190 and 190 extend between outlet 112 of feed pump unit 110 and pressure inlet 320. Line section 190 is integrated in module 400, and line section 190 is located outside first tank 100. A further line section 190 connects outlet 330 of jet pump 300 with first tank 100 to return liquid from the jet pump 300 to first tank 100. A check valve 160 is arranged in line section 190. As in the embodiment of FIG. 5, module 400 may comprise additional components such as a heater, a level sensor, a quality sensor, a bio-decontamination device, a filter, etc.

[0075] The liquid is preferably an aqueous liquid containing at least 90% water, more preferably at least 95% water, and most preferably at least 98% water. The aqueous liquid is e.g. demineralized water. In other embodiments an amount of methanol may be added to the aqueous liquid to lower the freezing point.

[0076] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, preferably, the feed pump unit 110 is configured to be able generate a flow of between 60 and 100 kg/h through the feed line 180. Further, the controller is preferably configured to control pump unit 110 in function of the load of the engine. When the load reaches a predetermined threshold, the feed pump unit 110 is made to pump with a flow speed within a predetermined range.

[0077] Although a gear pump is advantageous for use in exemplary embodiments, also other pumps may be used, e.g. a gerotor pump, a turbine pump, a membrane pump, a piston pump.

[0078] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the heater 120 may be an electrical heater, e.g. a flexible electrical heater comprising a flexible sheet with integrated electrical tracks. The flexible sheet may comprise two flexible films, wherein at least one electrical track is arranged between the two flexible films. The sheet may be a sheet with a central portion, and at least one flap and/or a plurality of flexible tentacles may extend from the central portion in the tank or on/in the module. Using an electrical heater has the advantage that immediate heater power is available reducing the start-up time at cold temperatures. A supply rate of molten aqueous liquid by the electrical heater may be between 150 and 350 g/h. The electrical heater may be controlled by a controller in function of the engine temperature, in order to heat more when the engine temperature is too low and less when the engine temperature is increasing.

[0079] In exemplary embodiments of the invention a tank 100, 200 may comprise a bottom shell and a top shell. The tank 100, 200 may be made of a plastic material, preferably a polyolefin material, e.g. a material comprising PE or PP.

[0080] FIG. 8 illustrate a vehicle system for storing a liquid, e.g. an aqueous liquid. The vehicle system comprises a first compartment 100 for storing liquid, a second compartment for storing a liquid (only a bottom shell 200a of the second compartment is shown), and a module 400. In this embodiment the second compartment is a tank, and the first compartment 100 is a bowl integrated in module 400, such that the bowl is positioned in the bottom shell 200a of the second compartment. Module 400 is arranged in an opening in a wall of bottom shell 200a. A top shell (not shown) may be provided with a filler pipe for filling the tank, and hence also compartment 100, with liquid. There may be provided a fill valve (not shown), e.g. an umbrella valve or a disc valve, in an opening in the first compartment 100, preferably in an opening in the bottom wall 101 of the first compartment 100. The fill valve is configured to allow the liquid L to enter the first compartment 100 during the tank's first fill, whilst it does not allow that liquid leaves the first compartment 100.

[0081] Bottom shell 200a has a bottom wall 201 and a side wall 203a for connection to a top shell (not shown). An opening is arranged in bottom wall 201. In the mounted position of tank, bottom wall 201 corresponds with the lowest face of tank. Module 400 is mounted in the opening in bottom wall 201 of the tank, e.g. by welding or by any other suitable connection means, e.g. using a ring-nut system screwed onto a thread on tank, or using a closure system of the bayonet type.

[0082] Module 400 comprises a feed pump unit 110, a jet pump 300, and a heater 120. Feed pump unit 110 is connected for pumping liquid L from the first compartment 100 to a feed outlet (not shown but may be similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5). Feed outlet is intended for being connected to a feed line for injecting liquid by an injector, e.g. in an air intake line upstream of a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. Alternatively liquid may be injected directly in combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.

[0083] Jet pump 300 has a suction inlet 310, a pressure inlet 320 and an outlet 330. Feed pump unit 110 is further connected for pumping liquid along a flow path extending from an inlet of feed pump unit 110 to an outlet of feed pump unit 110, through jet pump 300, to outlet 330 of jet pump 300. Suction inlet 310 is connected to a suction line 20 arranged for receiving liquid from the second compartment. The suction line 20 is provided with a plurality of suction points 10a, 10b, 10c which may be provided with blocking means as described above. The suction points 10a, 10b, 10c are preferably arranged close to the bottom wall 201 at different positions in the compartment 200.

[0084] The pump outlet (not shown) of feed pump unit 110 is preferably located at the bottom of feed pump unit 110. Further, preferably jet pump 300 extends upwardly in module 400, such that the liquid is recirculated upwardly and returned in first compartment 100 at a position which is higher than the pump outlet, and preferably also higher than the pump inlet.

[0085] Preferably, the first compartment 100 has the shape of a bowl, e.g. a substantially cylindrical bowl. The bowl may have a diameter between 100 mm and 200 mm, e.g. between 120 and 180 mm. The bowl may have a maximum height between 50 and 100 mm, e.g. between 60 mm and 90 mm. The volume of the tank formed by bottom shell 200a and a top shell may be between 5 and 15 liter, e.g. between 8 and 13 liter.

[0086] The feed pump unit 110 may comprise a motor 117 (e.g. a BLDC motor) and a gear pump 115.

[0087] The heater 120 comprises a heated portion which is provided adjacent the inner wall of first compartment 100. The heater is preferably an electrical heater. In the illustrated embodiment the heater 120 comprises a flexible heater portion arranged against the inner wall of the first compartment, preferably along substantially the entire cylindrical inner wall, optionally with flexible tentacles (not shown) extending in and/or around various areas of the first compartment 100. The bowl 100 may be provided with recesses through which the tentacles 123 extend. However, it is also possible to provide non-flexible electrical heating elements (not shown), e.g. PTC heating elements, attached to or integrated in module 400, e.g. attached to the inside and/or the outside of the first compartment, or in wall elements of first compartment 100. A further heater portion (not shown) may be provided at the bottom of the first compartment, below feed pump unit 110.

[0088] The vehicle system of FIG. 8 further comprises a suction line heating system 800 configured for heating at least a portion of the suction line 20. The suction line heating system 800 comprises a second heater 800a arranged around a section of the suction line 20, preferably at least a section of the suction line 20 between an inner space of the first compartment 100 and a bottom wall 201 of the second compartment. In the illustrated embodiment the second heater 800a extends around a section of the suction line which runs downward from an upper side of the first compartment to the bottom wall 201 of the second compartment. The first heater 120 and/or the second heater 800a may be a flexible electrical heater, and the first heater 120 may be connected to the second heater 800a.

[0089] The suction line heating system 800 further comprises tubing 800b for circulating engine coolant, wherein preferably the tubing 800b is arranged at a distance which is smaller than 5 cm from a section of the suction line 20, and more preferably directly adjacent to a section of the suction line 20. For example, the tubing 800b may extend over a distance which is larger than 200 mm along a section of the suction line 20.

[0090] It is noted that the suction line heating system 800 may also be solely electrical, or solely based on heating by engine coolant.

[0091] Preferably, the suction line 20 has a length which is larger than 200 mm, more preferably larger than 300 mm, even more preferably larger than 400 mm. Preferably, a distance between a section of the suction line 20 and a bottom wall 201 of the second compartment is smaller than 5 cm, more preferably smaller than 3 cm; wherein preferably a length of said section of the suction line 20 is larger than 200 mm.

[0092] Preferably the suction line 20 is configured to suck liquid in at least three different locations 10a, 10b, 10c in the tank, wherein preferably a distance between the each pair of locations is larger than 20% of the maximum dimension of the compartment 200, e.g. larger than 100 mm.

[0093] FIG. 9 illustrates schematically an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system with a compartment having a bottom side with an irregular shape. As can be seen, the multiple suction points 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d allow to suck liquid from all parts of the tank 200, limiting the dynamic dead volume of the liquid in the tank 200.

[0094] FIG. 10 illustrates schematically an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system with a feed pump. The vehicle suction system comprises a compartment 200 for storing a liquid L, and a suction line 20 in said compartment 200. The suction line 20 is arranged for sucking liquid out of the compartment and is provided with a plurality of suction orifices 10a, 10b positioned at different positions in the compartment. Each suction orifice 10a, 10b is provided with a blocking means 40 configured for at least partly blocking said suction orifice when the suction orifice is not in the liquid and for allowing liquid to be sucked through the suction orifice when the suction orifice is in the liquid. The suction line 20 is connected to the inlet 111 of a feed pump 110. The feed outlet 112 of the feed pump unit 110 is connected to a feed line 180. Liquid may flow back into a swirlpot 100 in the compartment 200 through a bypass line 190 in which a check valve 85 is arranged. Also, in the event that the two suction points 10a, 10b are closed, liquid may be sucked out of the swirlpot 100 through check valve 80.

[0095] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a more detailed exemplary embodiment of a vehicle suction system comprising a suction line extending through a wall of a swirlpot 100. The embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5 with this difference that the suction line 20 passes through the wall of a swirlpot 100 integrated with the compartment 200, and through the wall of a module 400. In such an embodiment, the module 400 may create a further sub-compartment which is in liquid communication with the swirlpot 100, e.g. by providing one or more orifices in the wall of module 400.

[0096] FIG. 12 illustrates a partial view of a vehicle suction system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is further developed based on embodiments comprising the suction line heater, for example the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. The vehicle suction system comprises here two suction branches, both suction branches being provided with two suction orifices. As can be seen in FIG. 12, advantageously, a plurality of thermal conductive bridges 900 are connected between the suction line 20 and the suction line heater 120, so as to facilitate the heat conduction between the two. The thermal conductive bridges can be made of any suitable material having good thermal conductivity, preferably of metal, especially preferably of aluminum. It is to be understood that the quantity, the form and the mounting manner of the thermal conductive bridges connected between the suction line and the suction line heater can be decided as needed and are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 12.

[0097] Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.