WO2018082773A1

WO2018082773A1 - Device for vehicle fuel tank

Info

Publication number: WO2018082773A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/076544
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sigurd Sonderegger
Original assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
Priority date: 2016-11-03
Filing date: 2016-11-03
Publication date: 2018-05-11

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for a fuel tank (12) of a vehicle (14), wherein the device comprises: a head (16); and an extruded profile (22) assembled to the head and adapted to extend into the fuel tank, wherein the extruded profile comprises a fuel suction channel (26), a heating medium feed channel (28), and a heating medium return channel (30), and wherein the fuel suction channel is positioned between the heating medium feed channel and the heating medium return channel. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a fuel tank and such a device. The invention also relates to a method of operating such a device.

Description

DEVICE FOR VEHICLE FUEL TANK

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for a fuel tank of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a fuel tank and such a device. The invention also relates to a method of operating such a device. The invention can be applied in heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses and construction equipment. Although the invention will be described with respect to a truck, the invention is not restricted to this particular vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Today fuel tanks may have separate holes in the fuel tank for level sensor, fuel suction, fuel return, cab heater, air vent valve/pressure relief device, and coolant in and coolant out (for fuel heating functionality). Fuel heating functionality may be used to warm up fuel in cold weather, and it may conventionally be achieved by a separate fuel heater such as the In-Tank Fuel Warmer provided by Arctic Fox.

In case any of the aforementioned functions is not needed on the tank, the unused hole is closed by a sealing and a lid, or by a simple threaded bolt.

However, it may be desirable not to have so many separate holes and components in relation to the tank. To this end, various combined devices for tanks are known in the art.

For example, US6298540 discloses a combination rollover/vent valve, fuel pump and fuel level sender which is installed through a single access opening in the top of a fuel tank. However, the combination disclosed in US6298540 does not have fuel heating functionality.

Furthermore, CN201497539 U discloses heating type fuel oil volume sensor, which i.a. comprises a heating type oil guiding pipe, an oil return pipe, and an oil volume liquid level sensor. The heating type oil guiding pipe, the oil return pipe and the oil volume liquid level sensor are integrated, multi-pore installation of a fuel tank is changed to be one-hole installation. However, the sensor in CN201497539 U is "just" a sensor, and it does not have fuel suction, fuel return, etc.

Furthermore, EP1582732 B1 discloses an extraction unit for the extracting of a fluid from a tank, which is inserted into the tank via an assembly opening and has an immersible body equipped with an extraction pipe and a heat exchanger. The immersion body is formed as an extruded profile. At least one profile channel forms the extraction line, and at least two profile channels form heat exchanger channels. At least part of a level measuring device is disposed in at least one profile channel. However, the extraction unit in EP1582732 B1 is expressly particularly suitable for urea tanks, i.e. not fuel. SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to provide a device, which device has integrated heating capability, but which in particular is suitable for a fuel tank such as a vehicle diesel tank.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 . According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle according to claim 23. According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method according to claim 25.

According to the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for a fuel tank of a vehicle, which device comprises a head; and an extruded profile assembled to the head and adapted to extend into the fuel tank, wherein the extruded profile comprises a fuel suction channel, a heating medium feed channel, and a heating medium return channel, and wherein the fuel suction channel is positioned between the heating medium feed channel and the heating medium return channel.

By positioning the fuel suction channel between the heating medium feed and return channels, i.e. in a space that separates the heating medium channels, good heat exchange between heating medium in the heating medium feed and return channels and fuel in the fuel suction channel may be achieved. This is in particular useful in cold start situations. The fuel suction channel may also beneficially be isolated from cold fuel in the fuel tank by the heating medium feed and return channels. Furthermore, the extruded profile with fuel suction and heating medium channels may be more durable than if separate pipes are provided for these functions.

It should be noted that in the aforementioned EP1582732 B1 , the profile channel

(20) forming the extraction line is not positioned between the two profile channels (22, 24) forming heat exchanger channels. Instead, it is the profile channel (23) in which the level measuring device is arranged that is positioned closest to the two profile channels (22,

24), see fig. 4 in EP1582732 B1 .

Furthermore, compared to solutions having e.g. coils in the tank, the present device may mostly warm the fuel within the extruded profile, which may be beneficial for large fuel tanks. The fuel suction channel may be at least partly surrounded by the heating medium feed channel and the heating medium return channel. This too serves to provide good heat exchange between the heating medium in the heating medium feed and return channels and the fuel in the fuel suction channel.

The fuel suction channel and the heating medium feed channel may be separated only by a first common wall of the fuel suction channel and the heating medium feed channel, wherein the fuel suction channel and the heating medium return channel are separated only by a second common wall of the fuel suction channel and the heating medium return channel. In this way, the distance between the fuel suction channel and the heating medium channels may be kept at a minimum, which in turn provides for good heat exchange. The first and second common walls may be construed as internal, longitudinal walls of the extruded profile. The thickness of the first and second common walls may be in the range of 0.3-5 mm, preferably 0.3-2.5 mm. The first and second common walls may constitute 20-80% of the perimeter of the fuel suction channel. In other words, 20% to 80% of the perimeter of the fuel suction channel wall is common with heating medium channel walls. The first and second common walls may alternatively constitute 40-80%, or 55-80%, of the perimeter of the fuel suction channel.

The extruded profile may have a plane outer side wall. This may allow favourable positioning and/or orientation of various ports to/from the extruded profile.

The perimeter of the transversal cross-section of the extruded profile may for example be rectangular, have a circle segment shape, or have an isosceles trapezoid shape. Except providing the aforementioned plane outer side wall, such shapes may keep the hole or opening in the fuel tank for the extruded profile as small as possible. Transversal' may be construed as perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the extruded profile.

The extruded profile can be made of or comprise metallic material, such as aluminium, stainless steel, brass, copper, magnesium, carbon steel, alloyed steel, titanium, nickel, lead, tin, or zirconium. An advantage of using metallic material in the extruded profile is that metallic materials are generally good thermal conductors. Alternatively, the extruded profile could be made of or comprise plastic material.

The head may comprise a fuel suction port in fluid communication with the fuel suction channel, a heating medium in port in fluid communication with the heating medium feed channel, and a heating medium out port in fluid communication with the heating medium return channel. The fuel suction port, the heating medium in port, and the heating medium out port may be positioned at the plane outer side wall.

The fuel suction port, the heating medium in port, and the heating medium out port may be oriented in the same direction. In this way, all pipes/hoses connected to the ports may be oriented in the same direction from the head towards the chassis of the vehicle, which is less space consuming compared to pipes/hoses oriented in different directions. It is also easier to stripe and bundle the pipes/hoses to achieve a good level of vibration resistance. The 'same direction' may for example be perpendicular to the channels of the extruded profile. If the ports are not oriented in the same direction, angled connectors may be used.

The heating medium feed channel may be in fluid communication with the heating medium return channel at, or towards, the ends of the heating medium feed channel and the heating medium return channel which are opposite the head, so that the heating medium can circulate from the heating medium feed channel to the heating medium return channel.

At least one of the fuel suction channel, the heating medium feed channel, and the heating medium return channel may comprise at least one inwardly projecting fin. The least one inwardly projecting fin may improve the heat absorption in the respective channel. In other words, the least one inwardly projecting fin may improve the heat transition between the heating medium in the heating medium feed and/or return channel and the fuel in the fuel suction channel. Any of the fuel suction channel, the heating medium feed channel, and the heating medium return channel may comprise one, two, three or a plurality of inwardly projecting fins. Alternatively or complementary, one or more inner surfaces of at least one of the fuel suction channel, the heating medium feed channel, and the heating medium return channel could be corrugated. The fin(s) and/or corrugation(s) increase(s) the surface area available for interaction.

At least one of the heating medium feed channel and the heating medium return channel may accommodate a compressible element. This may provide protection should the heating medium in the heating medium feed and return channels freeze. That is, the expansion of the medium if it freezes is "absorbed" by the compressible element so that the expansion does not damage the channels. The compressible element may for example be a plastic pipe with closed ends, which plastic pipe may contain air, or the compressible element may be a plastic part made of closed foam cells.

The device may further comprise a fuel level sensor unit connected to the head and adapted to detect the level of fuel in the fuel tank. The device may further comprise a fuel return pipe, wherein the head further comprises a fuel return port in fluid communication with the fuel return pipe. The fuel return pipe may be arranged parallel to the extruded profile. Instead of a separate pipe, the extruded profile may comprise a fuel return channel in addition to the other channels, which fuel return channel would be in fluid communication with the fuel return port.

The head may comprise a flange fastenable to the fuel tank, either directly or via a plate or cup welded or otherwise attached to the fuel tank, for example. The flange may for example be fastened using threaded bolts or the like. An advantage of this solution is that no rotation of the head is needed when the device is fastened to or removed from the fuel tank.

Alternatively, the head may comprise a cylindrical portion with at least one bayonet mount male component attachable to a hole in the fuel tank with at least one bayonet mount female component. This solution provides for simple and quick attachment by rotating the head, and no bolts are needed. At least one rotation stop bolt may be provided as a complement.

As yet another alternative, the head may comprise one (big) thread that can be assembled to a corresponding thread in the fuel tank.

The head of the present device may be arranged at the top of the fuel tank. In this way, space at the side of the fuel tank that otherwise may be occupied by a conventional, separate fuel heater may become available.

The head of the device may be arranged in an outer recess of the fuel tank. This may reduce the installation height. The outer recess may for example be an embossing of the surface of the fuel tank, or a cup welded or otherwise attached to the fuel tank. In the latter case, the fuel tank may have one hole for the cup, and the cup may have an opening for the extruded profile (and optionally the fuel level sensor unit and/or the fuel return pipe), and optionally at least one additional opening for other components such as pressure relief device and cab heating means.

The fuel tank may be a diesel tank. Alternatively, the fuel tank may be a tank adapted to contain bio-diesel (FAME = fatty acid methyl ester), HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil), methanol, ethanol, etc. The fuel tank size may for example be 150-900 liters. The fuel tank may be adapted to contain liquid fuel.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a fuel tank and a device according to the first aspect. This aspect may exhibit the same or similar features and technical effects as the first aspect, and vice versa. The vehicle may be a truck, buss, construction equipment, etc. The fuel tank may comprise a filler neck, wherein the filler neck and the head of the device are aligned in the transversal direction of the vehicle. An advantage of this is that a minimum of space for tank mounting straps is blocked. Alternatively, the filler neck and the head of the device may be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, or not be aligned at all. An advantage of the former is good accessibility for repair, and an advantage of the latter is that components can be positioned where the functionality is best for each of the components. However, if the filler neck and the head are aligned, both can be assembled on the same plate or cup.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided method of operating a device according to the first aspect. This aspect may exhibit the same or similar features and technical effects as the first and/or second aspect(s), and vice versa.

Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle comprising a fuel tank and a device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Figs. 2a-c illustrate an embodiment of the present device.

Fig. 3a is a top view illustrating a variant of the device in figs. 2a-c.

Figs. 3b-c are top views illustrating optional details of the present device.

Figs. 4a-b illustrate another embodiment of the present device, and fig. 4c illustrates a fuel tank adapted for this device.

Figs. 5a-c illustrate yet another embodiment of the present device.

Fig. 6 is a flow-chart of a method of operating a device according to one or more embodiments from the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle 14 with a device 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The vehicle 14 in fig. 1 is a truck. Except the device 10, the vehicle 14 comprises a fuel tank 12, a chassis 46, an engine 47, and an engine cooling system 48. The fuel tank

12 is attached to the side of the chassis 46. The fuel tank 12 may be a diesel tank. The fuel tank 12 may contain fuel 20. The fuel 20 may be diesel. The fuel tank 12 comprises a filler neck 50, and the fuel tank 12 may for example have a D-shaped cross-section (see fig. 2b). The fuel tank 12 could alternatively have a circular cross-section, for example. The engine 47 is e.g. an internal combustion engine generating waste heat during operation. The engine cooling system 48 is adapted to cool the engine 47 of the vehicle 14 using an engine coolant, such as a solution of water and ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

The device 10 comprises a head 16 and an extruded profile 22. The head 16 of the device 10 is arranged at the top 52 of the fuel tank 12, at least partly on the outside of the fuel tank 12. The extruded profile 22 is assembled to the head 16, and extends into the fuel tank 12 when the device 10 is installed in the fuel tank 12. One end of the extruded profile 22 may for example be fitted (including a sealing) or welded to the head 16. The fit can for example be of type clearance fit, transition fit or interference fit (press fit). The extruded profile 22 is generally closed at its top and bottom. The extruded profile 22 has a longitudinal axis 54, and the length of the extruded profile 22 may substantially correspond to the height (or depth) of the fuel tank 12. The overall length of the extruded profile 22 may for example be 200-1200 mm, typically 300-700 mm. The extruded profile 22 may be vertically oriented in the fuel tank 12 of the vehicle 14, or it can be tilted 0-30 degrees from the vertical for example if the head 16 would be arranged at the rounded section of the top 52 of the fuel tank 12, i.e. slightly to the right of the position shown in fig. 2b. The extruded profile 22 can be made in one piece. The extruded profile 22 may for example be made of or comprise metallic material, such as aluminium, stainless steel, brass, copper, magnesium, carbon steel, alloyed steel, titanium, nickel, lead, tin, or zirconium.

The extruded profile 22 comprises a fuel suction channel 26, a heating medium feed channel 28, and a heating medium return channel 30. Hence, the device 10 has a fuel suction line with integrated fuel heater. The channels 26, 28, 30 may be straight. The channels may be parallel. The channels 26, 28, 30 may extend in the longitudinal direction 54. Opposite the head 16, the fuel suction channel 26 may protrude further than the heating medium feed and return channels 28, 30. That is, the fuel suction channel 26 may be longer than each of the heating medium feed and return channels 28, 30. The fuel suction channel 26 may have the same length as the overall length of the extruded profile 22, whereas the heating medium feed and return channels 28, 30 may be somewhat (for example 25-200 mm) shorter. The fuel suction channel 26 may for example have a transversal inside area in the range of 40-400 mm². The fuel suction channel 26 may have an opening opposite the head 16 for fuel 20. The opening may be covered by a mesh to avoid intrusion of big particles into the fuel suction channel 26. The fuel suction channel 26 may be connected to the engine 47, via at least one fuel line as illustrated in fig. 1 . The heating medium feed and return channels 28, 30 may be in fluid communication with the engine cooling system 48 as illustrated in fig. 1 , and they are also in fluid communication with each other at their ends which are opposite the head 16. The latter may be achieved by a bottom opening in a side wall 56 (see for example fig. 2a) separating the heating medium feed and return channels 28, 30. Each of the heating medium feed channel 28 and the heating medium return channel 30 may have a transversal inside area in the range of 40-350 mm², for example. A thermostat 49 may be adapted to regulate the flow of heating medium in the channels 28, 30 based on the temperature of the fuel in the fuel suction channel 26. The thermostat 49 may be included in the device 10 (the thermostat 49 may for example be built into the head 16), or it can be located elsewhere on the vehicle 14. Either a mechanical or an electronic thermostat may be used, or a temperature sensor, a solenoid, and a control unit may perform the function. All or only one or two of the temperature sensor, the solenoid, the control unit may be part of the device 10 or be located somewhere else on the vehicle 14.

Furthermore, the fuel suction channel 26 is positioned between the heating medium feed channel 28 and the heating medium return channel 30, for good heat exchange between fuel in the fuel suction channel 26 and heating medium in the heating medium feed and return channels 28, 30. "Positioned between" may here mean that at least some or the whole of the fuel suction channel 26 is positioned in the space that separates the heating medium feed and return channels 28, 30, as seen in a transversal direction 86 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or axis 54 and which intersects both of the heating medium feed and return channels 28, 30.

In operation, engine coolant (=heating medium) heated by the engine cooling system 48 is fed to the heating medium feed channel 28 and further circulated via the heating medium return channel 30 back to the engine cooling system 48. The thermostat 49 regulates the flow of heating medium based on suction fuel temperature. While in the heating medium feed and return channels 28, 30, the heating medium warms up fuel in the fuel suction channel 26, as well as fuel 20 elsewhere in the fuel tank 12.

Figs. 2a-c illustrate an embodiment of the device 10 in more detail. Figs. 2a and 2c are perspective views, and fig. 2b is a side view. The perimeter of the transversal cross- section of the extruded profile 22 is here rectangular, with a plane outer side wall 36 and chamfered corners opposite the plane outer side wall 36. Furthermore, the fuel suction channel 26 is partly surrounded by the heating medium feed and return channels 28, 30, as seen in fig. 2a. The fuel suction channel 26 and the heating medium feed channel 28 are separated by a first common right-angled wall 32. Likewise, the fuel suction channel 26 and the heating medium return channel 30 are separated by a second common right- angled wall 34. The thickness of the first and second common walls 32, 34 may be in the range of 0.3-5 mm, and the first and second common walls 32, 34 may constitute 20-80% of the total perimeter of the fuel suction channel 26. In the embodiment of fig. 2a, this percentage is about 66%. The remaining side wall of the fuel suction channel 26 is formed by a central section 38 of the plane outer side wall 36. 80% to 20% of the perimeter of the fuel suction channel 26 may be exposed to fuel 20 in the fuel tank 12.

In a variant shown in fig. 3a, the common walls 32 and 34 are straight, and the side wall 56 is omitted. In this case channels 28 and 30 may be connected with each other by a separate part which is located outside the extruded profile 22. The straight common walls 32 and 34 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane outer side wall 36.

Each of the heating medium feed channel 28 and the heating medium return channel 30 may comprise at least one inwardly projecting fin 66, for improved heat absorption (see fig. 3b). The inwardly projecting fins 66 of the heating medium feed channel 28 and the heating medium return channel 30 may be positioned on the common walls 32 and 34. The fuel suction channel 26 may also comprise at least one inwardly projecting fin 66. Here, the inwardly projecting fin 66 of the fuel suction channel 26 is positioned on the common wall 32 of the fuel suction channel 26 and the heating medium feed channel 28. Alternatively or complementary, one or more inner surfaces of at least one of the channels 26, 28, 30 could be corrugated or similar.

Furthermore, each of the heating medium feed channel 28 and the heating medium return channel 30 may accommodate a compressible element 68 (see fig. 3c), here in the form of a plastic pipe with closed ends, which plastic pipe contains air. The compressible elements 68 protect the extruded profile 22 should the heating medium in the channels 28, 30 freeze. The pipes 68 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the channels 28, 30.

Returning to figs. 2a-c, the head 16 of the device 10 comprises a fuel suction port

40 in fluid communication with the fuel suction channel 26, a heating medium in port 42 in fluid communication with the heating medium feed channel 28, and a heating medium out port 44 in fluid communication with the heating medium return channel 30. The ports 40, 42, 44 are positioned at the plane outer side wall 36, and oriented in the same direction, perpendicular to the channels 26, 28, 30 of the extruded profile 22. The device 10 may further comprise a fuel level sensor unit 18 connected to the head 16 and adapted to detect the level of fuel 20 in the fuel tank 12. The fuel level sensor unit 18 may comprise a fuel level sensor pipe 58 arranged parallel to the extruded profile 22, a float 60 containing permanent magnets slidably arranged on the outside of the fuel level sensor pipe 58, and a circuit board 62 comprising resistors and reed switches arranged inside the fuel level sensor pipe 58. However, other types of fuel level sensors, with or without floaters, could be used as well.

The device 10 may further comprise a fuel return pipe 64, wherein the head 16 further comprises a fuel return port 67 in fluid communication with the fuel return pipe 64. The fuel return pipe 64 may be arranged parallel to the extruded profile 22. The fuel return port 67 may be oriented in the same direction as the ports 40, 42, 44.

The head 16 of the device 10 in figures 2a-c comprises a flange 72 fastened to the fuel tank 12 in a top, outer recess 74 of the fuel tank 12. The flange 72 may for example be fastened by means of screws. The outer recess 74 may be an embossing of the surface of the fuel tank 12, or a plate or cup welded or otherwise attached to the fuel tank 12. The edge 76 of the outer recess 74 facing the plane outer side wall 36 may be reduced or absent, to facilitate connections to the ports 40, 42, 44, 67. In case the outer recess 74 is a cup, the fuel tank 12 may only have one hole for the cup 74, whereas the cup 74 has one combined opening from the extruded profile 22, the fuel level sensor pipe 58, and the fuel return pipe 64, as well as dedicated openings for a pressure relief device 69 and cab heating means 70 attached to the cup 74. The pressure relief device 69 may be a component that combines the functions of air vent valve, pressure relief valve and fusible plug.

The filler neck 50 as shown in figs. 2b-c is arranged at the upper edge of the D- shaped fuel tank 12, and the filler neck 50 and the head 16 of the device 10 are aligned in the transversal direction of the vehicle 10.

Figs. 4a-b are perspective views of another embodiment of the present device 10, and fig. 4c illustrates a fuel tank 12 adapted for this device 10. Unlike the device in figs. 2a-c, in this device 10 the perimeter of the transversal cross-section of the extruded profile 22 has an isosceles trapezoid shape, and the heating medium in port 42 and the heating medium out port 44 are positioned at the legs of the isosceles trapezoid. To this end, angled connectors may be used so that connections can be made in the same direction. The head 16 also comprises a circle cylindrical portion 78 with bayonet mount male components 80 attachable to a hole 82 with bayonet mount female components 84 of the fuel tank 12. Here only the hole 82 is necessary for all the functions of the device 10. When the device 10 is installed in the fuel tank 12, the head 16 of the device 10 and the filler neck 50 may for example be aligned in the transversal direction of the vehicle 14 (fig. 4c) or in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 14 (not shown). The device 10 of figs. 4a-b may also comprise a port for an additional fuel consumer such as cab heating means 70, a pressure relief valve (and/or fusible plug) 71 , an air vent valve 88, the thermostat 49, and/or an electrical connection of the fuel level sensor unit 18. Other features of the device 10 in figs. 4a-b may be the same or similar as in figs. 2a-c

In yet another embodiment of the present device 10, the extruded profile 22 has a transversal cross-section as illustrated in the top view of fig. 5a. Here, the opening for the extruded profile 22 can be smaller than in fig. 2a. Two variants of the head 16 for this extruded profile 22 are illustrated in figs. 5b-c. Figs. 5b-c are perspective views. Figs. 5b-c show the fuel suction channel 26 of the extruded profile 22 protruding through the head 16. The fuel suction channel 26 can be welded to the head 16 on top side of the head 16. The complete extruded profile 22 with all three channels 26, 28, 30 can also be welded on the bottom side of the head 16. In fig. 5b, the heating medium in port 42 and the heating medium out port 44 are vertically oriented, and the heating medium out port 44 is positioned behind the fuel suction port 40. Here, angled connectors may be used for the ports 42, 44 to allow horizontal connections. In fig. 5c, (only) the heating medium in port 42 is vertically oriented, whereas the heating medium out port 44 is horizontally oriented and positioned alongside the fuel suction port 40. Other features of the device 10 in figs. 5a-c may be the same or similar as in figs. 2a-c.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. For example, fins 66 and/or compressible elements 68 may also be applied to the devices 10 of figs. 4a-b and 5a-c.

It is also contemplated a device for a fuel tank of a vehicle, wherein the device comprises: a head; and an extruded profile assembled to the head and adapted to extend into the fuel tank, wherein the extruded profile comprises a fuel suction channel, a heating medium feed channel, and a heating medium return channel, and wherein only one of the heating medium feed channel and the heating medium return channel, preferably the (warmer) heating medium feed channel, has a common wall with the fuel suction channel.

Claims

1 . A device (10) for a fuel tank (12) of a vehicle (14), characterized in that the device comprises:

a head (16); and

an extruded profile (22) assembled to the head and adapted to extend into the fuel tank, wherein the extruded profile comprises a fuel suction channel (26), a heating medium feed channel (28), and a heating medium return channel (30), and wherein the fuel suction channel is positioned between the heating medium feed channel and the heating medium return channel.

2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the fuel suction channel is at least partly surrounded by the heating medium feed channel and the heating medium return channel.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel suction channel and the heating medium feed channel are separated only by a first common wall (32) of the fuel suction channel and the heating medium feed channel, and wherein the fuel suction channel and the heating medium return channel are separated only by a second common wall (34) of the fuel suction channel and the heating medium return channel.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the first and second common walls is in the range of 0.3-5 mm.

5. A device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first and second common walls constitute 20-80% of the perimeter of the fuel suction channel.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the extruded profile has a plane outer side wall (36).

7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the perimeter of the transversal cross-section of the extruded profile is rectangular, has a circle segment shape, or has an isosceles trapezoid shape.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the extruded profile is made of or comprises metallic material.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the head comprises a fuel suction port (40) in fluid communication with the fuel suction channel, a heating medium in port (42) in fluid communication with the heating medium feed channel, and a heating

5 medium out port (44) in fluid communication with the heating medium return channel.

10. A device according to claims 6 and 9, wherein the fuel suction port, the heating medium in port, and the heating medium out port are positioned at the plane outer side wall.

10

1 1 . A device according to any preceding claim 9-10, wherein the fuel suction port, the heating medium in port, and the heating medium out port are oriented in the same direction.

15 12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating medium feed channel is in fluid communication with the heating medium return channel at the ends of the heating medium feed channel and the heating medium return channel which are opposite the head.

20 13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of fuel suction channel, the heating medium feed channel, and the heating medium return channel comprises at least one inwardly projecting fin (66).

14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the heating 25 medium feed channel and the heating medium return channel accommodates a compressible element (68).

15. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a fuel level sensor unit (18) connected to the head and adapted to detect the level of fuel (20) in the fuel

30 tank.

16. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a fuel return pipe (64), wherein the head further comprises a fuel return port (67) in fluid communication with the fuel return pipe.

17. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the head comprises a flange (72) fastenable to the fuel tank.

18. A device according to any preceding claim 1 -16, wherein the head comprises a 5 cylindrical portion (78) with at least one bayonet mount male component (80) attachable to a hole (82) in the fuel tank with at least one bayonet mount female component (84).

19. A device according to any preceding claim, in combination with the fuel tank.

10 20. A device according to claim 19, wherein the head of the device is arranged at the top (52) of the fuel tank.

21 . A device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the head of the device is arranged in an outer recess (74) of the fuel tank.

15

22. A device to any preceding claim 19-21 , wherein the fuel tank is a diesel tank.

23. A vehicle (14) comprising a fuel tank (12) and a device (10) according to any preceding claim.

20

24. A vehicle according to claim 23, wherein the fuel tank comprises a filler neck (50), and wherein the filler neck and the head of the device are aligned in the transversal direction of the vehicle.

25 25. A method of operating a device according to any preceding claim 1 -22, which method comprises the steps of:

providing (S1 ) a heating medium in the heating medium feed channel (28) and the heating medium return channel (30); and

heating (S2) fuel in the fuel suction channel (26) by means of the heating medium 30 in the heating medium feed channel (28) and the heating medium return channel (30).

35