SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE VACUUM IN A VEHICLE VACUUM STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

This disclosure provides a system (100) for controlling the vacuum in a vehicle, comprising a vacuum reservoir (110) and an electrically actuated valve mechanism (120) coupled near the opening (112) of the vacuum reservoir (110). The valve mechanism (120) is a normally closed solenoid valve with a movable flow control element (122), an elastic preload element (128), and an electric actuator (124). A control circuit (126) regulates the power supply to the actuator (124) when the engine ignition is switched on, thereby moving the movable flow control element (122) to an open state. When the ignition is switched off, the removal of the power supply allows the preload element (128) to return the movable flow control element (122) to a closed state, thus preventing vacuum leakage.The system (100) offers a reliable vacuum seal and a faster response time, enabling a leak-free container with stored vacuum at engine start.

Description

This disclosure generally relates to vacuum control systems for vehicles. In particular, this disclosure relates to electrically actuated valve mechanisms for controlling the fluid connection with a vacuum reservoir in order to maintain the vacuum after the engine is switched off. Vehicle systems typically use vacuum to operate various subsystems, including brake assist systems, engine control systems, emissions control systems, turbocharger control systems, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. Many vehicles incorporate a vacuum reservoir to store vacuum and maintain vacuum availability under conditions where a primary vacuum source is unable to generate sufficient vacuum. Such conditions can occur when the engine is switched off, during transient engine operation, or under operating conditions with low intake manifold vacuum. The vacuum reservoir can therefore serve as a backup vacuum source for vacuum-dependent vehicle components. The vacuum in a vehicle can be generated via an engine intake manifold, a vacuum pump, or another vacuum-generating device. The generated vacuum can be routed to the vacuum reservoir via one or more vacuum lines. In certain vehicle configurations, additional vacuum pumps may be used to maintain vacuum levels for vehicle subsystems that require a continuous or stable vacuum supply. The vacuum reservoir can also help reduce fluctuations in vacuum pressure and maintain vacuum availability during transient operating conditions, such as braking or rapid load changes. The proper operation of vacuum-dependent vehicle systems generally depends on the ability of the vacuum reservoir and associated vacuum lines to maintain a vacuum for a certain period of time. For example, brake booster systems rely on stored vacuum to provide brake assistance, while engine management systems may use vacuum signals to operate actuators, bypass valves, and emission control devices. A loss of stored vacuum can therefore adversely affect the operation of such vehicle systems. In some vehicle systems, a vacuum leak can occur after the engine is switched off due to wear and tear on hoses, fittings, seals, check valves, or other vacuum system components. A vacuum leak can reduce the vacuum reservoir's ability to maintain stored vacuum while the engine is inactive. As a result, vacuum-dependent vehicle systems may exhibit reduced operational efficiency during subsequent vehicle operation or restart conditions. Conventional approaches to resolving vacuum leaks typically involve inspecting and replacing vacuum system components, including hoses, seals, and check valves. Certain systems also utilize passive check valves configured to reduce backflow and maintain vacuum in the reservoir. However, passive valve assemblies can become less effective over time due to wear, contamination, material fatigue, or insufficient sealing force. Furthermore, passive systems generally offer limited control over vacuum flow conditions and may not actively respond to varying vehicle operating conditions. Some conventional vehicle systems employ larger vacuum reservoirs in an attempt to compensate for gradual vacuum loss. While increased reservoir capacity can temporarily extend vacuum availability, such approaches can increase system size and complexity without addressing the underlying cause of the vacuum leak. Consequently, maintaining vacuum integrity after the engine is switched off remains a challenge in vehicle vacuum systems. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system for controlling the vacuum within a vehicle vacuum system. Specifically, there is a need for a system configured to selectively control the fluid connection to a vacuum reservoir in order to maintain the stored vacuum after the engine is switched off. Furthermore, there is a need for an electrically actuated valve mechanism capable of actively controlling the vacuum retention within the vacuum reservoir for the operation of vacuum-dependent vehicle systems. One object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlling the vacuum within a vehicle vacuum system. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrically actuated valve mechanism configured to selectively control the fluid connection with a vacuum reservoir. Another object of the present invention is to provide a normally closed solenoid valve mechanism configured to reduce the vacuum loss from the vacuum container when the electrical power is removed. Another object of the present invention is to maintain the vacuum in a vehicle vacuum container after the engine has been switched off. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrically actuated valve mechanism configured to seal an opening of the vacuum container in a closed state. Another object of the present invention is to reduce operational problems associated with vacuum loss in vehicle vacuum systems. Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve mechanism suitable for integration into vacuum-controlled vehicle systems, including brake systems, turbocharger systems and exhaust gas recirculation systems. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling the vacuum in a vehicle is provided, comprising a vacuum reservoir configured to maintain a vacuum. The system further comprises an electrically actuated valve mechanism located near an opening of the vacuum reservoir, the electrically actuated valve mechanism comprising a movable flow control element, an elastic preload element mechanically coupled to the movable flow control element, and an electrical actuator.A control circuit is configured to supply electrical energy to the electric actuator, wherein the electrically actuated valve mechanism is a solenoid valve mechanism configured such that, upon supply of electrical energy, the electric actuator moves the movable flow control element from a closed state to an open state to allow fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir, and upon removal of the electrical energy, the elastic preload element returns the movable flow control element to the closed state to block fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the electrically actuated valve mechanism is a normally closed solenoid valve mechanism configured to maintain a sealing engagement of the movable flow control element with the vacuum reservoir opening when the electric actuator is not receiving electrical power. This ensures vacuum retention when the engine is not running. The control circuit is configured to supply electrical power to the electric actuator when a vehicle ignition signal indicates an "on" state, causing the electric actuator to move the movable flow control element to the open state.Furthermore, the control circuit is configured to interrupt the supply of electrical energy to the electric actuator when the vehicle ignition signal indicates an off state, allowing the elastic preload element to return the movable flow control element to the closed state. The vacuum reservoir is fluidically connected to at least one high-pressure (HP) turbine system, one low-pressure (LP) turbine system, one exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, or one of the vehicle's braking systems. The electrically actuated valve mechanism also includes a sealing element configured to maintain the vacuum within the vacuum reservoir in the closed state by sealing the reservoir opening against fluid leakage.The electric actuator comprises a magnetic coil configured to generate a magnetic field upon receiving electrical energy, and the movable flow control element comprises a plunger configured to be magnetically actuated by the magnetic field from the closed state to the open state, wherein, upon removal of the electrical energy, the elastic preload element is configured to return the plunger to the closed state. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrically actuated valve mechanism is provided, comprising a valve housing configured to be coupled near an opening of a vehicle vacuum reservoir. The electrically actuated valve mechanism further comprises a movable flow control element located within the valve housing, the movable flow control element being movable between a closed state, which blocks the fluid connection, and an open state, which allows the fluid connection. An electrical actuator is configured to exert a force on the movable flow control element upon receiving electrical energy.Additionally, an elastic preload element is mechanically coupled to the movable flow control element and configured to push the movable flow control element towards the closed state, wherein the electrical actuator is configured to move the movable flow control element into the open state against a preload force of the elastic preload element when electrical energy is supplied, and wherein the elastic preload element is configured to return the movable flow control element to the closed state when electrical energy is removed.The valve housing is dimensioned for installation in a vehicle vacuum system, the electric actuator is configured to generate an actuator force sufficient to move the movable flow control element into the open state against the vacuum pressure and the preload force of the elastic preload element, the elastic preload element is configured to apply a closing force sufficient to maintain the sealing engagement of the movable flow control element under vacuum pressure when electrical energy is removed, and the electric actuator is configured to operate using a vehicle supply voltage. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided comprising a vacuum reservoir and the aforementioned electrically actuated valve mechanism, wherein the electrically actuated valve mechanism is configured to selectively control the fluid connection to the vacuum reservoir. This vehicle system benefits from improved vacuum control and reduced performance problems associated with vacuum leaks. The introduction of an electrically actuated solenoid valve offers superior vacuum retention, precise active control, and faster response times in a vehicle vacuum system. This results in improved vehicle performance, reduced emissions, and greater operational reliability. The preceding paragraphs are provided as a general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the subsequent claims. The described embodiments, along with further advantages, are best understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle vacuum system with a vacuum reservoir, a vacuum pump, and associated vehicle components. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrically actuated solenoid valve mechanism coupled to a vacuum reservoir. Aspects of this disclosure are best understood by reference to the description set forth herein. All aspects described herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following descriptions. However, it should be understood that while the following descriptions indicate preferred aspects and numerous specific details thereof, they are for illustrative purposes only and should not be treated as limitations. Changes and modifications may be made within the scope contained herein without altering its spirit and scope, and this disclosure includes all such modifications. The present invention relates to a system for controlling the vacuum within a vehicle vacuum system, in particular for reducing vacuum loss from a vacuum reservoir when the engine is not running. The system comprises a vacuum reservoir, an electrically actuated valve mechanism, such as a solenoid valve, located near an opening of the vacuum reservoir, and a control circuit configured to control the operation of the solenoid valve. By selectively controlling the fluid connection to the vacuum reservoir, the system helps maintain the vacuum within the reservoir during periods when the engine is inactive. This can reduce operational problems associated with vacuum loss in vehicle vacuum systems. Now with reference to the figures, Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle vacuum system with a vacuum reservoir 110 configured to maintain a vacuum within the system. The vacuum system further comprises a vacuum pump 130 and one or more vehicle systems fluidically connected via a vacuum circuit 114. In one embodiment, the vacuum circuit 114 is fluidically connected to one or more high-pressure (HP) turbine systems 160, low-pressure (LP) turbine systems 140, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems 170, and brake systems 150. The vacuum system further comprises an electrically actuated valve mechanism configured to selectively control the fluid connection to the vacuum reservoir 110 to reduce vacuum leakage when the engine is off. The vacuum reservoir 110 functions as a storage chamber configured to maintain a vacuum for the operation of one or more vacuum-dependent vehicle systems. The vacuum reservoir 110 can have a predetermined storage volume selected according to the vehicle's vacuum requirements. In certain embodiments, the vacuum reservoir 110 can comprise a multi-chamber configuration configured to maintain different vacuum levels for various vehicle subsystems. The vacuum pump 130 is configured to generate and maintain a vacuum within the vacuum reservoir 110 and its associated vacuum lines. The vacuum pump 130 may comprise a mechanical vacuum pump, an electrically driven vacuum pump, or another suitable vacuum-generating device. In one embodiment, the vacuum pump 130 is configured to generate sufficient vacuum to establish a desired vacuum level within the vacuum reservoir 110 within a predetermined time interval. Alternative embodiments may include rotary vane pumps, ejector pumps, or other vacuum pump configurations depending on vehicle requirements. In some embodiments, the vacuum system is fluidically connected to an HP turbine system 160, which is configured to use vacuum to control one or more turbine control mechanisms, including wastegates or variable geometry mechanisms. The vacuum system can additionally be fluidically connected to an LP turbine system 140, which is configured to use vacuum to control bypass valves or other exhaust flow control mechanisms. Maintaining the vacuum within the vacuum reservoir 110 after the engine is shut down helps to preserve the availability of vacuum for such vehicle systems during subsequent engine operation. The vacuum system 100 can furthermore be fluidically connected to an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system 170, which is configured to recirculate exhaust gases back into the engine cylinders for emission control. In one embodiment, vacuum from the vacuum reservoir 110 is used to actuate one or more EGR valves. The electrically actuated valve mechanism helps to maintain the stored vacuum within the vacuum reservoir 110 to facilitate the operation of the EGR system 170. The braking system 150 may include a brake booster configured to use stored vacuum to amplify the braking force applied by a vehicle operator. The electrically actuated valve mechanism helps to maintain vacuum within the vacuum reservoir 110 after the engine is switched off, ensuring vacuum availability for brake booster operation during subsequent engine restarts or transient operating conditions. In certain embodiments, additional vacuum-controlled vehicle systems may also be connected to the vacuum circuit 114. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 configured to control the fluid connection with a vacuum reservoir 110 of a vehicle vacuum system 100. In some embodiments, the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 is mounted on an opening 112 of the vacuum reservoir 110 and configured to selectively allow or block the fluid connection with the vacuum reservoir 110. The electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 comprises a movable flow control element 122, an electric actuator 124, a control circuit 126, and an elastic preload element 128. The control circuit 126 is configured to selectively supply electrical energy to the electric actuator 124 to control the movement of the movable flow control element 122. The vacuum reservoir 110 is configured to maintain a vacuum for the operation of one or more vacuum-dependent vehicle systems. In certain embodiments, the vacuum reservoir 110 can be fluidically connected to one or more high-pressure (HP) turbine systems 160, low-pressure (LP) turbine systems 140, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems 170, or brake systems 150. The vacuum reservoir 110 can be made of metallic materials, polymeric materials, composite materials, or combinations thereof, according to the requirements of the vehicle application. In one embodiment, the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 is a normally closed solenoid valve mechanism configured as a normally closed valve mechanism. The movable flow control element 122 is movable between a closed state, which blocks the fluid connection to the vacuum reservoir 110, and an open state, which allows the fluid connection to the vacuum reservoir 110. In the absence of electrical energy, the elastic preload element 128 forces the movable flow control element 122 toward the closed state to reduce vacuum leakage from the vacuum reservoir 110. The movable flow control element 122 can comprise a plunger, a slide or other movable valve element configured to engage with a valve seat associated with the opening 112 of the vacuum reservoir 110. The electric actuator 124 is configured to exert an actuator force on the movable flow control element 122 when it receives electrical energy from the control circuit 126. In one embodiment, the electric actuator 124 includes a magnetic coil configured to generate a magnetic field upon receiving electrical energy. The magnetic field actuates the movable flow control element 122 from the closed state toward the open state against the preload force of the elastic preload element 128. The electric actuator 124 can be configured to operate using a vehicle supply voltage. The elastic preload element 128 is mechanically coupled to the movable flow control element 122 and configured to return the movable flow control element 122 to the closed position when electrical energy is removed from the electrical actuator 124. In one embodiment, the elastic preload element 128 comprises a compression spring. Alternative embodiments may use other elastic elements, including torsion springs, disc springs, or equivalent preload structures. The control circuit 126 is configured to control the operation of the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 in response to a vehicle ignition signal. In one embodiment, the control circuit 126 supplies electrical energy to the electric actuator 124 when the vehicle ignition signal indicates an engine-on state, thereby moving the movable flow control element 122 to the open position. When the vehicle ignition signal indicates an engine-off state, the control circuit 126 interrupts the electrical energy supply to the electric actuator 124, allowing the elastic preload element 128 to return the movable flow control element 122 to the closed position. The control circuit 126 may comprise one or more electronic control devices, including relays, switching devices, microcontrollers, integrated circuits, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 further comprises a sealing element 129 configured to maintain a sealing engagement between the movable flow control element 122 and the opening 112 of the vacuum reservoir 110 when the movable flow control element 122 is in the closed position. The sealing element 129 may comprise an elastomeric seal, an O-ring, a gasket, a diaphragm seal, a polymeric sealing element, or another suitable sealing structure configured to reduce fluid leakage under vacuum conditions. The sealing element 129 may be positioned on the movable flow control element 122, within the valve housing 121, or adjacent to a valve seat associated with the opening 112 of the vacuum reservoir 110.In the closed state, the elastic preloading element 128 pushes the movable flow control element 122 towards the opening 112, so that the sealing element 129 forms an essentially fluid-tight seal to help maintain the vacuum inside the vacuum reservoir 110 after the engine is switched off. In one embodiment, the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 comprises a valve housing 121 configured to couple near the opening 112 of the vacuum reservoir 110 within the vehicle vacuum system 100. The valve housing 121 is configured to support and enclose the movable flow control element 122, the electric actuator 124, and at least a portion of the elastic preload element 128. The valve housing 121 may further define one or more internal flow passages configured to selectively permit fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir 110. In certain embodiments, the valve housing 121 is dimensioned for installation in a vehicle vacuum system and may be made of metallic materials, polymeric materials, composite materials, or combinations thereof. The movable flow control element 122 is arranged within the valve housing 121 and is movable between a closed state, which blocks the fluid connection, and an open state, which allows the fluid connection to the vacuum reservoir 110. In one embodiment, the movable flow control element 122 comprises a plunger configured to engage sealingly with a valve seat associated with the opening 112 of the vacuum reservoir 110 in the closed state. The movable flow control element 122 may further comprise a sealing element 129 configured to reduce fluid leakage under vacuum conditions. The electric actuator 124 is configured to exert an actuator force on the movable flow control element 122 when it receives electrical energy. In one embodiment, the electric actuator 124 includes a magnetic coil configured to generate a magnetic field for actuating the movable flow control element 122 from the closed state toward the open state. The electric actuator 124 can be configured to generate an actuator force sufficient to move the movable flow control element 122 against the vacuum pressure acting on the movable flow control element 122 and against the preload force of the elastic preload element 128. The electric actuator 124 can further be configured to operate using an electrical supply voltage from the vehicle, including 12-volt or 24-volt vehicle electrical systems. The elastic preload element 128 is mechanically coupled to the movable flow control element 122 and configured to force the movable flow control element 122 toward the closed state. In one embodiment, the elastic preload element 128 includes a compression spring configured to apply a closing force sufficient to maintain the sealing engagement between the movable flow control element 122 and the opening 112 of the vacuum vessel 110 under vacuum pressure conditions when electrical energy is removed from the electrical actuator 124. Upon removal of the electrical energy, the elastic preload element 128 returns the movable flow control element 122 to the closed state, thereby reducing vacuum leakage from the vacuum vessel 110. In one embodiment, a vehicle comprises a vacuum reservoir 110 and an electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 coupled to the vacuum reservoir 110. The electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 is configured to selectively control the fluid connection to the vacuum reservoir 110 to maintain the vacuum within a vehicle vacuum system 100. In one embodiment, the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 comprises a valve housing 121 mounted on an opening 112 of the vacuum reservoir 110, a movable flow control element 122 arranged within the valve housing 121, an electric actuator 124 configured to actuate the movable flow control element 122, and an elastic preload element 128 configured to force the movable flow control element 122 toward a closed state. The electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 is configured such that when electrical energy is supplied to the electrical actuator 124, the movable flow control element 122 is moved into an open state, allowing fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir 110. When the electrical energy is removed, the elastic preload element 128 returns the movable flow control element 122 to the closed state to reduce vacuum leakage from the vacuum reservoir 110. In some embodiments, the vacuum system 100 can be configured to maintain a vacuum level within the vacuum vessel 110 in a range of approximately 500 mbar to 700 mbar. The vacuum vessel 110 can have a volume of approximately 1.2 liters, while the associated vacuum lines within the vacuum circuit 114 together define an internal volume of approximately 0.07 liters. In some embodiments, the vacuum pump 130 and the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 can be configured to establish a desired vacuum condition within the vacuum system within approximately 0.1 to 2 seconds. In certain embodiments, the opening 112 of the vacuum reservoir 110 can have an opening diameter of approximately 4 mm. The electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 can include a valve seat with a diameter of approximately 10 mm. In one embodiment, the valve housing 121 can be dimensioned for installation in the available space of a vehicle engine compartment. For example, the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 can have overall dimensions of approximately 30 mm × 30 mm × 60 mm, with a valve outer diameter in the range of approximately 20 mm to 25 mm and an overall length of approximately 50 mm. Such dimensions can facilitate the integration of the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 with the vacuum reservoir 110 or associated vacuum lines. In one embodiment, the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 is configured as a normally closed valve mechanism. The electric actuator 124 can be operated using an electrical supply voltage from the vehicle, including approximately 12 volts or other suitable vehicle supply voltages. In some embodiments, the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 can have an opening or closing response time in the range of approximately 10 milliseconds to 100 milliseconds. The control circuit 126 can therefore selectively supply energy to the electric actuator 124 to enable controlled fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir 110 during vehicle operation. In certain embodiments, the movable flow control element 122 can engage the opening 112 of the vacuum reservoir 110 by means of a sealing element 129. The sealing element 129 can comprise elastomeric or polymeric sealing materials, including Viton, EPDM, PTFE, or combinations thereof. Such sealing materials can help to maintain the sealing engagement under vacuum pressure conditions and reduce vacuum leakage after the engine is switched off. In some embodiments, the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 can be configured to withstand vacuum pressure differentials associated with vehicle vacuum systems. For example, the vacuum pressure within the vacuum reservoir 110 may be in the range of approximately 500 mbar to 700 mbar relative pressure. In one embodiment, the pressure differential acting across the movable flow control element 122 may be approximately 300 mbar. The electric actuator 124 and the elastic preload element 128 can therefore be selected to provide sufficient opening and closing forces under such vacuum conditions. In one embodiment, the elastic preload element 128 comprises a compression spring configured to force the movable flow control element 122 toward the closed position. The compression spring may be made of spring steel or other elastic materials suitable for repeated actuation cycles in vehicle operating environments. In certain embodiments, the compression spring may have a wire diameter of approximately 2 mm, an outer diameter of approximately 10 mm, and approximately five active coils. The spring constant can be selected according to the desired valve stroke and closing force requirements. In certain embodiments, the electric actuator 124 can include a magnetic coil configured to generate a magnetic field sufficient to move the movable flow control element 122 against the vacuum pressure and the preload force of the elastic preload element 128. The magnetic coil can comprise a predetermined number of coil turns and operate at a current corresponding to the vehicle's electrical supply voltage. The electric actuator 124 can thereby generate an actuator force sufficient to move the movable flow control element 122 from the closed state toward the open state during vehicle operation. In some embodiments, the vacuum pump 130 may include a positive displacement pump configured to generate a vacuum within the vacuum reservoir 110 and the associated vacuum lines. For example, the vacuum pump 130 may have a displacement of approximately 115 cubic centimeters per revolution and operate at approximately 800 revolutions per minute. In certain embodiments, the vacuum pump 130 may therefore provide a volumetric displacement rate of approximately 92 liters per minute. Alternative embodiments may employ rotary vane pumps, electrically driven pumps, ejector pumps, or other suitable vacuum-generating devices. In certain embodiments, the electrically actuated valve mechanism 120 can be integrated directly into the vacuum reservoir 110 to reduce vacuum leakage during extended periods when the engine is off. By maintaining the stored vacuum within the vacuum reservoir 110 after the engine is switched off, the system can help maintain the operation of vacuum-dependent vehicle systems, including braking systems, turbocharger systems, exhaust gas recirculation systems, and other vacuum-assisted vehicle functions during subsequent vehicle operation or restart conditions. The embodiments disclosed herein are to be understood as exemplary and not as limiting. Other embodiments are possible, and modifications to the embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As such, these embodiments are only examples of the inventive concepts contained herein.

Claims

A system (100) for controlling the vacuum in a vehicle, wherein the system (100) comprises: a vacuum reservoir (110) configured to maintain a vacuum; an electrically actuated valve mechanism (120) coupled near an opening (112) of the vacuum reservoir (110), the electrically actuated valve mechanism (120) comprising a movable flow control element (122), an elastic preload element (128) mechanically coupled to the movable flow control element (122), and an electric actuator (124);and a control circuit (126) configured to supply electrical energy to the electric actuator (124), wherein the electrically actuated valve mechanism (120) comprises a solenoid valve mechanism configured such that, upon application of electrical energy, the electric actuator (124) moves the movable flow control element (122) from a closed state to an open state to allow fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir (110), and upon removal of the electrical energy, the elastic preload element (128) returns the movable flow control element (122) to the closed state to block fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir (110). The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electrically actuated valve mechanism (120) is a normally closed solenoid valve mechanism configured to maintain a sealing engagement of the movable flow control element (122) with the opening (112) of the vacuum reservoir (110) in the absence of an electrical power supply to the electrical actuator (124). The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit (126) is configured to supply electrical energy to the electric actuator (124) when a vehicle ignition signal indicates an on state, whereby the electric actuator (124) moves the movable flow control element (122) into the open state. The system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit (126) is configured to interrupt the supply of electrical energy to the electrical actuator (124) when the vehicle ignition signal indicates an off state, thereby allowing the elastic preload element (128) to return the movable flow control element (122) to the closed state. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum reservoir (110) is fluidically connected via a vacuum circuit (114) to at least one high-pressure (HP) turbine system, one low-pressure (LP) turbine system, one exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system or one brake system of the vehicle. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electrically actuated valve mechanism (120) further comprises a sealing element (129) configured to maintain the vacuum inside the vacuum vessel (110) in the closed state by sealing the opening (112) of the vacuum vessel (110) against fluid leakage. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical actuator (124) comprises a magnetic coil configured to generate a magnetic field upon receiving electrical energy, and the movable flow control element (122) comprises a plunger configured to be magnetically actuated from the closed state to the open state by the magnetic field, wherein, upon removal of the electrical energy, the elastic preload element (128) is configured to return the plunger to the closed state. An electrically actuated valve mechanism (120) comprising: a valve housing (121) configured to be coupled near an opening (112) of a vehicle vacuum reservoir (110); a movable flow control element (122) arranged within the valve housing, the movable flow control element (122) being movable between a closed state, blocking fluid connection, and an open state, allowing fluid connection; an electrical actuator (124) configured to exert a force on the movable flow control element (122) upon receiving electrical energy;and an elastic preload element (128) mechanically coupled to the movable flow control element (122) and configured to push the movable flow control element (122) towards the closed state, wherein the electrical actuator (124) is configured to move the movable flow control element (122) into the open state against a preload force of the elastic preload element (128) when electrical energy is supplied, and wherein the elastic preload element (128) is configured to return the movable flow control element (122) to the closed state when electrical energy is removed. The electrically actuated valve mechanism (120) according to claim 8, wherein the valve housing is dimensioned for installation in a vehicle vacuum circuit (114), the electric actuator (124) is configured to generate an actuator force sufficient to move the movable flow control element (122) into the open state against the vacuum pressure and the preload force of the elastic preload element (128), the elastic preload element (128) is configured to apply a closing force sufficient to maintain the sealing engagement of the movable flow control element (122) under vacuum pressure when electrical energy is removed, and the electric actuator (124) is configured to operate using a vehicle supply voltage. A vehicle comprising: a vacuum reservoir (110); and the electrically actuated valve mechanism (120) according to claim 8, wherein the electrically actuated valve mechanism (120) is configured to selectively control the fluid connection with the vacuum reservoir (110).

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