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Title:
VEHICLE CATALYST LIQUID ADDITIVE TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/153741
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement (10) includes a transport member (12). The transport member (12) includes a wall (16), the wall (16) defining a transport passage (14) along which, in use, a vehicle catalyst liquid additive flows therethrough. The arrangement (10) includes a heating arrangement (80) for, in use, heating the liquid additive in the transport passage (14). The heating arrangement (80) comprises part of the wall (16) or is located in the passage (14).

Inventors:
BROWN ERROL LEROY (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2017/050611
Publication Date:
September 14, 2017
Filing Date:
March 07, 2017
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
AKTIV SOLUTIONS LTD (GB)
International Classes:
F01N3/20; F16L53/38; H05B3/56
Domestic Patent References:
WO2004018924A12004-03-04
WO2014188190A12014-11-27
Foreign References:
DE202005004602U12005-07-14
EP2369217A22011-09-28
DE102005037183B32007-05-10
DE102008018658A12009-10-15
EP2006593A12008-12-24
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
IP-ACTIVE.COM LIMITED (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1 . A vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement, the arrangement including a transport member, the transport member including a wall, the wall defining a transport passage along which, in use, a vehicle catalyst liquid additive flows therethrough, the arrangement including a heating arrangement for, in use, heating the liquid additive in the transport passage, wherein the heating arrangement comprises part of the wall or is located in the passage.

2. A transport arrangement according to claim 1 , in which the heating arrangement is located in the passage.

3. A transport arrangement according to claims 1 or 2, in which the heating arrangement comprises a relatively flat, tape-like assembly.

4. A transport arrangement according to claim 3, in which the tape assembly is secured at each end within the passage. 5. A transport arrangement according to claim 4, in which the tape assembly is only secured at each end.

6. A transport arrangement according to claim 5, in which the tape assembly is permitted to move relative to the wall between the ends.

7. A transport arrangement according to claim 6, in which the movement is a twisting movement.

8. A transport arrangement according to any of claims 3 to 7, in which the tape assembly is a sliding fit into the passage.

9. A transport arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the heating arrangement comprises a plurality of parts, the parts comprising:

• a first electrode part comprising an electrically conductive material which comprises one electrode,

• an intermediate part comprising a heating material which is electrically powered and

• a second electrode part comprising an electrically conductive material which comprises another electrode,

the intermediate heating part being located between the first electrode part and the second electrode part.

10. A transport arrangement according to claim 9, in which the electrically conductive material of the first electrode part and/or the second electrode part is a metal.

1 1 . A transport arrangement according to claims 9 or 10, in which the material of the first electrode part is the same as the material of the second electrode part.

12. A transport arrangement according to any of claims 9 to 1 1 , in which the heating material heats up when electric current flows therethrough.

13. A transport arrangement according to any of claims 9 to 12, in which in an operating condition, an electric current flows between the first electrode part and the second electrode part through the heating material, heating up the heating material.

14. A transport arrangement according to any of claims 9 to 13, in which the heating material is self-regulating.

15. A transport arrangement according to claim 14, in which the heating material is formed of a positive temperature coefficient material, in which the electrical conductivity reduces with temperature. 16. A transport arrangement according to claim 14 or 15, in which the heating material is electrically conductive below a predefined temperature, and is less or substantially non-electrically conductive above a predefined temperature. 17. A transport arrangement according to any of claims 14 to 16, in which the heating material is formed of a self-regulating positive temperature coefficient polymer material.

18. A transport arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the passage is closed in cross-section.

19. A transport arrangement according to claim 9, in which the first electrode part and the second electrode part are in the form of wire-like members, which are spaced apart and surrounded by the heating material.

20. A transport arrangement according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 3, in which the first electrode part, the heating part and the second electrode part are each formed as relatively flat tape-like members and are bonded together to form the relatively flat tape-like assembly.

21 . A transport arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the heating arrangement includes an electrical connector for connection to a power supply. 22. A transport arrangement according to claim 21 , in which the electrical connector is in the form of a socket, which in use is connectable to a plug connected to a power supply.

23. A transport arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the transport arrangement includes a connection arrangement.

24. A transport arrangement according to claim 23, in which the connection arrangement permits connection between the transport member and the heating arrangement.

25. A transport arrangement according to claims 23 or 24, in which the connection arrangement permits connection between the transport member and other fluid carrying parts of a vehicle catalyst liquid additive system.

26. A transport arrangement according to claim 25, in which the connection arrangement includes a quick release connector for connection to a pipe or hose connector.

27. A transport arrangement according to claim 26, in which the quick release connector comprises a socket. 28. A transport arrangement according to any of claims 23 to 27, in which the connection arrangement includes a connector housing.

29. A transport arrangement according to claim 28 when dependent on claims 26 or 27, in which the connector housing includes the quick release connector.

30. A transport arrangement according to claims 28 or 29 when dependent on claim 22, in which the electrical connector includes a plug formation, and the connector housing includes a socket formation in which the plug formation of the electrical connector is receivable.

31. A transport arrangement according to any of claims 28 to 30 when dependent on claim 3, in which the connector housing defines a straight bore which communicates with and is aligned with the passage, and along which the tape assembly is movable during assembly/disassembly.

32. A transport arrangement according to any of claims 28 to 31 , in which the connector housing includes a projecting transport member connecting formation for connecting the transport member to the housing.

33. A transport arrangement according to claim 9, in which the wall comprises a plurality of layers, the first electrode part comprising an inner layer, the heating part comprising an intermediate layer and the second electrode part comprising an outer layer.

34. A transport arrangement according to claim 33, in which the passage is defined by the inner layer.

35. A transport arrangement according to claims 33 or 34, in which the layers include an internal barrier layer, which is applied to an inner surface of the inner layer. 36. A transport arrangement according to any of claims 33 to 35, in which the layers include an external insulating layer, which is applied to an outer surface of the outer layer, and provides thermal and/or electrical insulation.

37. A transport arrangement according to any of claims 33 to 36, in which the layers are each formed as relatively flat tape-like members, and the tapelike members are bonded together to form a relatively flat tape-like assembly.

38. A transport arrangement according to claim 37, in which the tape assembly is formed into a closed cross-section, so that the tape assembly is tube-like in form, which defines the transport passage.

39. A transport arrangement according to claim 38, in which longitudinal free edges of one, some or all the members of the tape assembly are welded together to form a longitudinal seam which extends along the tube-like form.

40. A vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement, the arrangement including a heating arrangement, the heating arrangement comprising a plurality of parts, the parts comprising:

• a first electrode part comprising an electrically conductive material which comprises one electrode,

• an intermediate part comprising a heating material which is electrically powered and

• a second electrode part comprising an electrically conductive material which comprises another electrode,

the intermediate heating part being located between the first electrode part and the second electrode part, wherein the first electrode part, the heating part and the second electrode part are each formed as relatively flat tapelike members and are bonded together to form a relatively flat tape-like assembly.

41 . A transport arrangement according to claim 40, in which the transport arrangement includes any of the features defined in any of claims 1 to 39.

42. A method of heating a vehicle catalyst liquid additive, the method including providing a vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement, the transport arrangement including any of the features defined in any of the preceding claims.

43. A method of forming a vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement, the arrangement including any of the features defined in any of the preceding claims.

Description:
Vehicle Catalyst Liquid Additive Transport Arrangement

The present invention relates to a vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement.

To reduce NOx emissions of diesel vehicles, liquid additive such as urea is added to exhaust catalysts. However, the additive freezes at low temperatures, so the transport pipework carrying the additive from a storage reservoir to the catalyst must be heated to protect the additive from freezing. Conventionally, the pipework is heated by an electrical heating element, located on the outside of the pipework. However, this results in a relatively inefficient arrangement, since the heat must pass through the pipework to warm up the additive. Also, the heating element usually only provides one circuit, which, if broken, means that heating to the pipework is lost.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement, the arrangement including a transport member, the transport member including a wall, the wall defining a transport passage along which, in use, a vehicle catalyst liquid additive flows therethrough, the arrangement including a heating arrangement for, in use, heating the liquid additive in the transport passage, wherein the heating arrangement comprises part of the wall or is located in the passage.

Possibly, the heating arrangement is located in the passage. Possibly, the heating arrangement comprises a relatively flat, tape-like assembly.

Possibly, the tape assembly is secured at each end and may only be secured at each end, and possibly the tape assembly is permitted to move relative to the wall between the ends. Possibly, the movement is a twisting movement. Possibly, the tape assembly is a sliding fit into the passage.

Possibly, the heating arrangement comprises a plurality of parts, the parts comprising: • a first electrode part comprising an electrically conductive material which comprises one electrode,

• an intermediate part comprising a heating material which is electrically powered and

· a second electrode part comprising an electrically conductive material which comprises another electrode,

the intermediate heating part being located between the first electrode part and the second electrode part. Possibly, the electrically conductive material of the first electrode part and/or the second electrode part is a metal. Possibly, the material of the first electrode part is the same as the material of the second electrode part.

Possibly, the heating material heats up when electric current flows therethrough. Possibly, in an operating condition, an electric current flows between the first electrode part and the second electrode part through the heating material, heating up the heating material.

Possibly, the heating material is self-regulating, and may be formed of a positive temperature coefficient material, in which the electrical conductivity reduces with temperature. Possibly, the heating material is electrically conductive below a predefined temperature, and may be less or substantially non-electrically conductive above a predefined temperature. Possibly, the heating material is formed of a self-regulating positive temperature coefficient polymer material.

Possibly, the passage is closed in cross-section.

Possibly, the first electrode part and the second electrode part are in the form of wire-like members, which are spaced apart and surrounded by the heating material. Possibly, the first electrode part, the heating part and the second electrode part are each formed as relatively flat tape-like members. Possibly, the tape-like members are bonded together, possibly with conductive adhesive, to form the relatively flat tape-like assembly.

Possibly, the transport arrangement includes a connection arrangement.

Possibly, the connection arrangement permits connection between the transport member and the heating arrangement.

Possibly, the heating arrangement includes an electrical connector for connection to a power supply. Possibly, the electrical connector is in the form of a socket, which in use is connectable to a plug, possibly connected to a power supply.

Possibly, the connection arrangement permits connection between the transport member and other fluid carrying parts of a vehicle catalyst liquid additive system. Possibly, the connection arrangement includes a quick release connector for connection to a pipe or hose connector. The quick release connector may comprise a socket.

Possibly, the connection arrangement includes a connector housing, which includes the quick release connector.

Possibly, the electrical connector includes a plug formation. Possibly, the connector housing includes a socket formation in which the plug formation of the electrical connector may be receivable. Possibly, the connector housing defines a straight bore which may communicate with and be aligned with the passage, and along which the tape assembly may movable during assembly/disassembly. Possibly, the connector housing includes a projecting transport member connecting formation for connecting the transport member to the housing. Possibly, the wall comprises a plurality of layers. Possibly, the first electrode part comprises an inner layer, the heating part comprises an intermediate layer and the second electrode part comprises an outer layer.

Possibly, the passage is defined by the inner layer.

The layers may include an internal barrier layer, which may be applied to an inner surface of the inner layer.

The layers may include an external insulating layer, which may be applied to an outer surface of the outer layer, and may provide thermal and/or electrical insulation.

Possibly, the layers are each formed as relatively flat tape-like members. Possibly, the tape-like members are bonded together, possibly with conductive adhesive, to form a relatively flat tape-like assembly.

Possibly, the tape assembly is formed into a closed cross-section, so that the tape assembly may be tube-like in form, which may define the transport passage. Possibly, longitudinal free edges of one, some or all the members of the assembly may be welded together to form a longitudinal seam which may extend along the tube-like form.

Possibly, the inner layer is formed as a closed cross section, and may be formed by extrusion as a closed cross section.

Possibly, the heating layer is formed as a closed cross section, and may be formed by extrusion as a closed cross section, possibly over the inner layer, which may be pre-formed. Possibly, the outer layer is formed as a relatively flat tape-like member, which may be wound around the heating layer, which may be pre-formed. Possibly, the insulating layer is formed as a closed cross section, and may be formed by extrusion as a closed cross section, possibly over the outer layer.

Possibly, the transport member includes an electrical connection arrangement, which may locate on an external surface of the transport member and may provide current paths to the electrodes. Each transport member may be provided with a plurality of electrical connection arrangements, which may be arranged in parallel circuits. Possibly, the transport arrangement includes a plurality of transport members, which may be arranged so that the passages of adjacent transport members communicate. Possibly, the arrangement includes member connectors for connecting adjacent transport members together. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement, the arrangement including a heating arrangement, the heating arrangement comprising a plurality of parts, the parts comprising:

• a first electrode part comprising an electrically conductive material which comprises one electrode,

• an intermediate part comprising a heating material which is electrically powered and

• a second electrode part comprising an electrically conductive material which comprises another electrode,

the intermediate heating part being located between the first electrode part and the second electrode part, wherein the first electrode part, the heating part and the second electrode part are each formed as relatively flat tape-like members and are bonded together to form a relatively flat tape-like assembly.

Possibly, the transport arrangement includes any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of heating a vehicle catalyst liquid additive, the method including providing a vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement, the arrangement including any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement, the arrangement including any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

Possibly, the method includes any of the steps described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an end part of a vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement, with one end shown in cross section;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of part of the arrangement, with successive layers removed for illustrative purposes;

Fig. 3 is an end cross-sectional view of the arrangement;

Figs. 4A to 4F are perspective schematic views of stages in the manufacture of the arrangement;

Fig. 5 is an end cross-sectional view of a second vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement; Fig. 6A to 6C are perspective schematic views of stages in the manufacture of the second arrangement;

Fig. 7 is a perspective, part cut-away view of a third transport arrangement;

Fig. 8 is an end cross sectional view through a transport member of the third transport arrangement;

Fig. 8 is a perspective, part cut-away view of a fourth transport arrangement;

Fig. 9 is an end cross sectional view through a transport member of the fourth transport arrangement;

Fig. 1 1 is a perspective schematic views of stages in the manufacture of a tape assembly of the fourth transport arrangement; and

Fig. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a connection arrangement of the third or fourth transport arrangements.

Figs. 1 to 4 show a vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement 10. The arrangement 10 includes a transport member 12, the transport member 12 including a wall 16, the wall 16 defining a transport passage 14 along which, in use, a vehicle catalyst liquid additive flows therethrough. The arrangement 10 includes a heating arrangement 80 for, in use, heating the liquid additive in the transport passage 14, wherein the heating arrangement 80 comprises part of the wall 16 or is located in the passage 14. The heating arrangement 80 comprises a plurality of parts, the parts comprising:

• a first electrode part 82 comprising an electrically conductive material which comprises one electrode 42A,

• an intermediate part 84 comprising a heating material which is electrically powered and

• a second electrode part 86 comprising an electrically conductive material which comprises another electrode 42B, the intermediate heating part 84 being located between the first electrode part 82 and the second electrode part 86.

The electrically conductive material of the first electrode part 82 is the same as the material of the second electrode part 86, and is a metal.

In this embodiment, the wall 16 comprises a plurality of layers, the first electrode part 82 comprising an inner layer 20, the heating part 84 comprising an intermediate layer 22 and the second electrode part 86 comprising an outer layer 24.

The passage 14 is closed in cross-section. The passage 14 is defined by the inner layer 20. The heating layer 22 heats up when electric current flows therethrough.

In an operating condition, electric current flows between the one electrode 42A and the other 42B through the heating layer 22, heating up the heating layer 22. The heating layer 22 is formed of a self-regulating positive temperature coefficient polymer material, in which the electrical conductivity reduces with temperature. In one example, the heating layer 22 could be electrically conductive below a predefined temperature, and could be less or substantially non-electrically conductive above a predefined temperature. The predefined temperature could be, for example, in the range 40°C-60°C.

The layers 18 include an external insulating layer 28, which is applied to an outer surface of the outer layer 24, and provides thermal and electrical insulation.

The layers 18 could optionally include an internal barrier layer (not shown), which could be applied to an inner surface of the inner layer 20. In the example in which the inner layer 20 is formed of aluminium and the liquid additive is urea, the applicant has found that an internal barrier layer is not required. However, in other examples, the internal barrier layer could be applied to improve corrosion resistance and/or flow properties. The transport member 12 includes an electrical connection arrangement 70, which locates on an external surface of the transport member 12 and provides current paths to the electrodes 42. Each electrical connection arrangement 70 includes a pair of connectors 36, one for each electrode 42.

More desirably, each transport member 12 could include a plurality of electrical connection arrangements 70, which are arranged in parallel circuits. Advantageously, this ensures electrical supply continuity to the heating layer 22 even if one circuit is broken.

The arrangement 10 includes a plurality of transport members 12, which can be arranged so that the passages 14 of adjacent transport members 12 communicate to permit fluid flow therealong. The arrangement 10 includes member connectors 40 for connecting adjacent transport members 12 together, the member connectors 40 providing a fluid tight connection therebetween.

Referring to Figs. 4A-4F, the inner layer 20, the heating layer 22 and the outer layer 24 are each formed as relatively flat tape-like members. Fig. 4 shows the heating layer 22 being extruded by an extruder 46, and heating layer apertures 44 being formed in the heating layer 22 at intervals, for example, by punching by a punch 48.

Fig. 4B shows the tape-like members of the layers 20, 22, 24 being bonded together to form a relatively flat tape-like assembly 32. The inner and outer layers 20, 24 are in the form of metal foil, which is bonded by conductive adhesive (not shown) to the heating layer 22. Outer layer apertures 50 are formed in the outer layer 24 at the locations of the heating layer apertures 44, for example, by punching by a punch 52, shown schematically in the inset box labelled IVB.

Fig. 4C shows the assembly 32 being heat laminated by a laminator 54 to activate the conductive adhesive.

In Fig. 4D the assembly 32 is formed (for example, by folding) by a former 56 into a closed cross-section, so that the assembly 32 is tube-like in form, and defines the transport passage 14. Longitudinal free edges 34 of the assembly 32 are welded together by a welder 58 to form a longitudinal seam 60 which extends along the tube-like form. If required, an internal barrier layer (not shown), could be applied to an inner surface of the inner layer 20 in this stage. By reference to Fig. 3, one of the identifying features of this embodiment is the seam 60 present in each of the inner, heating and outer layers 20, 22, 24.

After welding and seam formation, the insulating layer 28 is formed by extrusion by an extruder 64 as a closed cross section, over the outer layer 24 of the assembly 32.

In Fig. 4E, apertures 68 are cut by a cutter 66 into the insulating layer 28 at the locations of the outer layer apertures 50 to provide access to the electrodes 42 and one electrical connection arrangement 70 is fitted and sealed at each outer layer aperture 50, with the connectors 36 connected to the electrodes 42.

The assembly 32 is then cut into lengths to form the transport members

12. In Fig. 4F, one member connector 40 is fixed and sealed by, for example, welding by a welder 72 to each end of the transport member 12, as shown schematically in relatively enlarged side cross section detail in inset box labelled IVF. In use, the transport members 12 are connected together to form the vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement 10 and are connected between a liquid additive reservoir (not shown) and an inlet of a catalyst (not shown), and the electrical connection arrangements 70 connected to an electrical supply. In the operating condition, current flows between the electrodes 42, heating the heating layer 22 until the predefined temperature is reached, when current will cease to flow because of the increased resistance of the heating layer 22. When the temperature falls, the resistance of the heating layer 22 falls and the current will again flow. Hence, advantageously, the arrangement 10 self regulates the heat applied, reducing circuit complexity.

Advantageously, the heating layer 22 is very close to the passage 14 and not separated from it by an insulation layer or a transport tube wall but only by the electrode 42 of the inner layer 20, ensuring efficiency of heat transfer. The insulating layer 28 encloses around both the passage 14 and the heating layer 22, ensuing good heat efficiency. The direct bonding of the electrodes 42 to the heating layer 22 reduces electrical resistance and increases energy efficiency.

Advantageously, the arrangement 10 is compact and can be fitted and removed easily and quickly. Figs. 5 to 12 show other embodiments of the invention, many features of which are similar to those already described in relation to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments will only be described in so far as they differ from the embodiment already described. Where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals have been used and the features will not be described again.

Figs. 5 and 6 show a second vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement 210. As shown in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, the inner layer 20 could be formed by extrusion as a closed cross section, for example, a tube. In one example, the inner layer 20 could be provided in the form of a metal tube, which could be of a standardised size, shape and manufacture for economy.

The heating layer 22 is then formed as a closed cross section by extrusion through an extruder 74, over the pre-formed inner layer 20.

The outer layer 24 is formed as a relatively flat tape-like member, which is wound spirally around the pre-formed heating layer 22. The outer layer 24 is bonded by conductive adhesive (not shown) to the heating layer 22 and the assembly 32 heat laminated as indicated by arrow A to activate the conductive adhesive. The insulating layer 28 is formed by extrusion by an extruder 64 as a closed cross section, over the outer layer 24 of the assembly 32.

The assembly 32 is then cut into lengths to form the transport members

212.

Referring to Fig. 6B, an electrical connection arrangement 70 is located onto the end of the transport member 212 so that connectors 36 electrically connect to the electrodes 42, as shown schematically in relatively enlarged side cross section detail labelled VIB.

Referring to Fig. 6C, one member connector 40 is then connected to the electrical connection arrangement 70 as shown schematically in relatively enlarged side cross section detail labelled VIC. Thus, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, there is no longitudinal seam in the inner layer 20, the heating layer 22 or the outer layer 24. This means there is less risk of a leak occurring because of a manufacturing defect or arising during use. It is not necessary to make apertures in the layers for the electrical connection arrangement. Standard tubing can be used for the inner layer. Overall the manufacturing process is simpler and the resulting product simpler, cheaper to manufacture and more robust in use. The electrical connection arrangements 70 are shown in the drawings as having connectors 36 including outwardly extending pins. In another example (not shown) the connectors could define sockets in which pins (for example of a vehicle plug) are receivable. Figs. 7 and 8 show a third transport arrangement 310, in which the heating arrangement 80 is located in the passage 14. The heating arrangement 80 comprises a relatively flat, tape-like assembly 32 (hereinafter referred to as the tape assembly 32). In this embodiment, the transport member 12 comprises a tubular wall

16, which is formed of a plastics material, and which defines a transport passage 14.

The tape assembly 32 is only be secured at each end 76 (only one of which is shown in Fig. 7, and thus is permitted to move relative to the wall 16 between the ends 76. In one example, the movement is a twisting movement. The tape assembly 32 is a sliding fit into the passage 14.

In the example shown, the first electrode part 82 and the second electrode part 86 are in the form of wire-like members 78, which are spaced apart and surrounded (encapsulated) by the heating material of the intermediate part 84.

In cross sectional shape as shown in Fig. 8, the tape assembly 32 of this embodiment is in the form of an elongate figure of 8, having a width dimension along a width axis 88 which is greater than the height dimension along a height axis 90. This makes the tape assembly 32 stiffer in bending and with higher spring back along the width axis 88 (around the height axis 90), but less stiff and with lower spring back along the height axis 90 (around the width axis 88). However, the arrangement 310 permits a degree of relative movement between the tape assembly 32 and the wall 16, so that, if for example, the transport member 12 is bent along the width axis 88, the tape assembly 32 can twist relative to the wall 16 to accommodate the bending. Thus, a degree of bending of the transport member 12 in any plane can be relatively easily accommodated.

Figs. 9 and 10 show a fourth transport arrangement 410, in which, again, the heating arrangement 80 is located in the passage 14. The heating arrangement 80 comprises a relatively flat, tape-like assembly 32 (hereinafter referred to as the tape assembly 32), which, again is only secured at each end 76 (only one of which is shown in Fig. 9), which permits some movement of the tape assembly 32 relative to the wall 16 to accommodate bending of the transport member 12, as described above.

In this embodiment, the first electrode part 82, the heating part 84 and the second electrode part 86 are each formed as relatively flat tape-like members, and the tape assembly 32 formed in a process similar to that previously described in relation to Figs. 4 and 6, in which the first electrode part 82, the heating part 84 and the second electrode part 86 comprise layers 20, 22 and 24 respectively.

Fig. 1 1 shows the heating layer 22 being extruded by an extruder 46. Another extruder 92 forms a layer of conductive adhesive 94 on each large flat side of the heating layer 22. The layers 20, 24 (the first electrode part 82 and the second electrode part 86) are applied to the adhesive layers 94 and a cover material 96 (which could be formed of a plastics material) then applied by another extruder 98 to all longitudinal sides of the tape assembly 32.

In both of the third and fourth embodiments, the transport arrangement 310, 410, could include a connection arrangement 100. The connection arrangement 100 permits connection between the transport member 12, the heating arrangement 80 and other fluid carrying parts (not shown) of a vehicle catalyst liquid additive system.

As shown in Fig. 12, the heating arrangement 80 includes an electrical connector 102 for connection to a power supply (not shown). The electrical connector 102 is in the form of a socket 104, which in use is connectable to a plug (not shown) connected to the power supply.

The electrical connector 102 includes a plug formation 106.

The connection arrangement 100 includes a quick release connector 1 10 for connection to a pipe or hose connector (not shown). The quick release connector 1 10 comprises a socket 1 12. The connection arrangement 100 includes a connector housing 1 14, which includes the quick release connector 1 10 and a socket formation 1 16 in which the plug formation 106 of the electrical connector 102 is receivable.

The connector housing 1 14 defines a straight bore 108 which communicates with and is aligned with the passage 14, and along which the tape assembly 32 is movable during assembly/disassembly.

The connector housing 1 14 includes a projecting transport member connecting formation 1 18 for connecting the transport member 12 to the housing 1 14. The transport member 12 could be secured to the transport member connecting formation 1 18 for example, the formation 1 18 could include barbs, or the transport member 12 could be welded, glued, swaged or clamped to the transport member connecting formation 1 18. In use, the transport arrangement 410 is initially in a disassembled condition. The transport member 12 is located onto the projecting transport member connecting formation 1 18. The tape assembly 32 is inserted through the straight bore 108 into the passage 12, and is slid therealong, until the plug formation 106 locates in the socket formation 1 16 and is then sealingly secured thereto by any convenient method eg mechanical (0 ring), welding, ultrasonic, laser, adhesive etc. In one example, the tape assembly 32 is inserted from one end and is approximately the length of the transport member 12, so that at the other end, only a conventional pipe or hose connector is required. In another example, one tape assembly 32 is inserted from each end, each assembly 32 being approximately half the length of the transport member 12, so that one connection arrangement 100 is required at each end.

A plug (not shown) can then be inserted into the socket 104 to provide power to the heating arrangement 80. The quick release connector 1 10 can be connected to a complementary plug connected to the other fluid carrying parts (not shown) of a vehicle catalyst liquid additive system.

Advantageously, the location of the heating arrangement 80 within the passage 14 permits the size of the transport member 12 to be minimised and the amount of the additive liquid therein also to be minimised. This reduces the power required to defrost the additive liquid. This permits warm up times to be reduced, improving efficiency.

In this respect, the applicant has found that the heating arrangement 80 of the fourth transport arrangement 410 can be made smaller than the heating arrangement 80 of the third transport arrangement 310, thus providing a performance advantage.

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangement and the various components thereof could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material (within the scope of the specific definitions herein). Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document. For example, the first embodiment could have end located electrical connection arrangements as disclosed in the second embodiment.

There is thus provided vehicle catalyst liquid additive transport arrangements with a number of advantages over conventional arrangements. In particular, the arrangements disclosed are compact and energy efficient.