Hydrogen power crawler-type vehicle

Abstract

A hydrogen powered tracked vehicle extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising: a frame (2); a cab (3) mounted on the frame (2); a first track (4) and a second track (5) configured to move the tracked vehicle (1) forward in a direction of travel (D) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1); and a hydrogen reservoir (6, 14, 21) comprising a first supply tank (7, 15) and a second supply tank (8, 16) configured to store hydrogen, extending along respective lateral axes (A2, A3) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1), and arranged on opposite side regions of the longitudinal axis (A1) and at respective distances from the longitudinal axis (A1).

Description

[0001] Cross-citation to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of Italian patent application No. 102024000005482, filed on March 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a hydrogen-powered tracked vehicle. Background Art

[0004] Over the past few decades, increasing attention to global pollution reduction has promoted the development of tracked vehicles equipped with alternative propulsion systems powered by renewable energy sources. In particular, hydrogen-powered tracked vehicles have been developed.

[0005] As is well known, a hydrogen-powered tracked vehicle includes: a first track and a second track configured to move the tracked vehicle forward; a hydrogen storage device provided with a supply tank for storing hydrogen; and a propulsion system powered by hydrogen provided by the hydrogen storage device and configured to transmit power to the first track and the second track.

[0006] Generally, hydrogen-powered tracked vehicles can limit the emission of polluting gases. However, the supply tanks make the tracked vehicles bulky and occupy a considerable amount of space, thus limiting the operational advantages of the tracked vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create a hydrogen powered tracked vehicle which alleviates the drawbacks of the prior art highlighted herein.

[0008] According to the present invention, a hydrogen-powered tracked vehicle is created, the tracked vehicle extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising:

[0009] - framework;

[0010] - Cab, mounted on the frame;

[0011] - a first track and a second track configured to move the tracked vehicle forward in a direction of travel substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; and

[0012] - A hydrogen storage device including a first supply tank and a second supply tank configured to store hydrogen, extending along respective lateral axes substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and at respective distances therefrom.

[0013] The invention makes it possible to arrange the supply tank on the tracked vehicle in such a way as to leave a free rearward view for the operator of the tracked vehicle and to keep the central space behind the cab available for accommodating any additional equipment.

[0014] Specifically, the tracked vehicle includes a winch that is mounted on the frame behind the cab with respect to a traveling direction of the tracked vehicle and is arranged between the first supply tank and the second supply tank.

[0015] This allows the winch to be mounted behind the cab, limiting the impact of the hydrogen reservoir on the dynamics and operation of the tracked vehicle.

[0016] From an operational perspective, a winch may be used to facilitate forward movement of a hydrogen-powered tracked vehicle down steep slopes and / or over rough terrain.

[0017] Specifically, the first supply tank and the second supply tank are removable from the tracked vehicle to allow replacement of a substantially depleted hydrogen supply tank with a supply tank loaded with hydrogen.

[0018] Furthermore, removal of the supply tank allows easy performance of maintenance operations on components of the tracked vehicle located below or behind the supply tank and allows transport of the tracked vehicle on roads requiring a limited maximum vehicle width.

[0019] According to a first embodiment, the first supply tank and the second supply tank are positioned on opposite sides of the cab with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0020] In this way, the overall size of the tracked vehicle in the vertical direction can be limited.

[0021] According to a second embodiment, the first supply tank and the second supply tank are arranged behind the cab with respect to the direction of travel of the tracked vehicle.

[0022] In this way, the lateral overall dimensions of the tracked vehicle can be limited due to the supply tank.

[0023] Specifically, the hydrogen storage includes a plurality of first supply tanks and a plurality of second supply tanks.

[0024] According to a third embodiment, at least one of the first supply tanks is positioned behind the cab relative to the traveling direction of the tracked vehicle, and at least one of the first supply tanks is positioned at a first side of the cab; at least one of the second supply tanks is positioned behind the cab relative to the traveling direction of the tracked vehicle, and at least one of the second supply tanks is positioned at a second side of the cab opposite to the first side relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0025] In this way, the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage tank can be increased, thereby extending the operating range of the tracked vehicle.

[0026] According to a first variant of the present invention, the tracked vehicle includes: a fuel cell configured to receive hydrogen from a hydrogen storage tank and generate electrical energy from the received hydrogen; and a propulsion system powered by the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell and configured to transmit power to the first and second tracks and / or the winch.

[0027] This allows hydrogen stored in supply tanks to be used to generate electricity and power the propulsion system of a tracked vehicle.

[0028] According to a second variant of the invention, the tracked vehicle comprises a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine configured to receive hydrogen from a hydrogen storage and to transmit power to the first and second tracks and / or the winch.

[0029] This allows the internal combustion engine to be powered directly from hydrogen stored in a supply tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tracked vehicle constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, with some components removed for clarity;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a tracked vehicle in FIG, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0033] Figure 3 Made according to the second embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A plan view of a tracked vehicle in FIG, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A rear view of a tracked vehicle in [Image file] with some parts removed for clarity;

[0035] Figure 5 Made according to the third embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 a plan view of a tracked vehicle in FIG, with some parts removed for clarity; and

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A rear view of a tracked vehicle in [Image caption missing] with some parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , reference numeral 1 generally designates a hydrogen-powered tracked vehicle.

[0038] In the case described and shown here, the tracked vehicle 1 is used for preparing a ski slope. Specifically, the tracked vehicle 1 is a snow groomer.

[0039] In more detail, the tracked vehicle 1 is used for preparing an alpine ski slope, and / or a cross-country ski slope, and / or a ski jumping slope, and / or a half-pipe slope, and / or a snow park.

[0040] It will be appreciated that, according to another embodiment, the tracked vehicle 1 may be used for operations in the agricultural sector, such as for example for collecting and / or moving agricultural products and / or silage, and / or for collecting and / or moving bagasse. Depending on this configuration, the tracked vehicle 1 may include a shredder, which is preferably positioned at the front of the tracked vehicle 1 and may be used to shred vegetation.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the tracked vehicle 1 can be used for cleaning beaches and / or for working sandy areas.

[0042] The tracked vehicle 1 extends along a longitudinal axis A1 and comprises: a frame 2; a cab 3 mounted on the frame 2; tracks 4 and 5 configured to move the tracked vehicle 1 forward in a travel direction D substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1; and a hydrogen storage 6 comprising a supply tank 7 and a supply tank 8 (in Figure 2 ), these supply tanks are configured to store hydrogen, extend along respective lateral axes A2, A3 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1, and are arranged on opposite side regions of the longitudinal axis A1 at respective distances therefrom.

[0043] In particular, the tracked vehicle 1 comprises a winch 9 which is mounted on the frame 2 behind the cab 3 with respect to the travel direction D of the tracked vehicle 1 and is arranged between the supply tanks 7 and 8 .

[0044] It will be understood that, according to variants not shown in the accompanying drawings, the tracked vehicle 1 could be provided without having a winch 9 , without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] Furthermore, the tracked vehicle 1 includes a cutter 10 movably connected to the rear portion of the frame 2 and a shovel 11 movably connected to the front portion of the frame 2 .

[0046] Specifically, the cab 3 is arranged in the front portion of the tracked vehicle 1 and faces the shovel 11. The winch 9 is arranged in the rear portion of the tracked vehicle 1 and is located behind the cab 3.

[0047] According to a first variant of the present invention, the tracked vehicle 1 includes: a fuel cell (not shown in the drawings) configured to receive hydrogen from the hydrogen storage 6 and generate electrical energy from the received hydrogen; and a propulsion system (not shown in the drawings) powered by the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell and configured to transmit power to the tracks 4 and 5 and / or the winch 9.

[0048] According to a second variant of the invention, the tracked vehicle 1 comprises a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (not shown in the drawings) configured to receive hydrogen from the hydrogen reservoir 6 and transmit power to the tracks 4 and 5 and / or the winch 9 .

[0049] refer to Figure 2 , the winch 9 is interposed between the supply tanks 7 and 8. In other words, the supply tanks 7 and 8 are arranged on opposite side areas of the winch 9 relative to the longitudinal axis A1.

[0050] In particular, the tanks 7 and 8 are arranged at substantially equal distances from the longitudinal axis A1 .

[0051] In more detail, the supply tank 7 is arranged on top of the crawler track 4 , and the supply tank 8 is arranged on top of the crawler track 5 .

[0052] In practice, the supply tank 7 extends along a lateral axis A2 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 and is arranged at a distance therefrom. The supply tank 8 extends along a lateral axis A3 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 and is arranged at a distance therefrom.

[0053] Furthermore, the supply tanks 7 and 8 are removable from the tracked vehicle 1 to allow replacement of substantially depleted hydrogen supply tanks 7 and 8 with supply tanks 7 and 8 loaded with hydrogen.

[0054] according to Figure 2 In the first embodiment described and shown in FIG, the supply tanks 7 and 8 are arranged behind the cab 3 with respect to the travel direction D of the tracked vehicle 1. In practice, the supply tanks 7 and 8 directly face the winch 9.

[0055] refer to Figure 3 , shows a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the tracked vehicle 1 includes a hydrogen storage 14 provided with a supply tank 15 and a supply tank 16.

[0056] According to such an embodiment, the supply tanks 15 and 16 are positioned on opposite sides of the cab 3 relative to the longitudinal axis A1 .

[0057] Specifically, the supply tank 15 extends along a lateral axis A4 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 and is disposed at a distance therefrom. The supply tank 16 extends along a lateral axis A5 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 and is disposed at a distance therefrom.

[0058] In more detail, the supply tanks 15 and 16 are removable from the tracked vehicle 1 to allow replacement of the supply tanks 15 and 16 that are substantially depleted of hydrogen with supply tanks 15 and 16 that are loaded with hydrogen.

[0059] refer to Figure 4 , the hydrogen storage 14 includes a plurality of supply tanks 15 arranged one above another and a plurality of supply tanks 16 arranged one above another.

[0060] In other words, the hydrogen storage 14 includes a plurality of supply tanks 15 stacked to form a tank stack 17 and a plurality of supply tanks 16 stacked to form a tank stack 18 .

[0061] In the non-limiting case of the invention described and illustrated herein, the hydrogen storage 14 includes two supply tanks 15 and two supply tanks 16 .

[0062] It will be appreciated that the number of supply tanks 15 and 16 may vary depending on the operational needs of the tracked vehicle 1 and may specifically be less than or greater than two.

[0063] Furthermore, the hydrogen storage 14 includes a container 19 containing the stacked supply tanks 15 and a container 20 containing the stacked second supply tanks 16 .

[0064] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , shows a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the tracked vehicle 1 includes a hydrogen storage 21 provided with a supply tank 7 , a supply tank 8 , a plurality of supply tanks 15 and a plurality of supply tanks 16 .

[0065] In particular, supply tanks 7 and 8 are positioned behind the cab 3 with respect to the travel direction D of the tracked vehicle 1. Supply tanks 15 and 16 are positioned on opposite sides of the cab 3 with respect to the longitudinal axis A1.

[0066] refer to Figure 5 , supply tanks 7 and 8 are arranged at a first distance from the longitudinal axis A1 , and supply tanks 15 and 16 are arranged at a second distance from the longitudinal axis A1 that is greater than the first distance.

[0067] refer to Figure 6 , a plurality of supply tanks 15 are arranged one above another, and a plurality of supply tanks 16 are arranged one above another.

[0068] It will be appreciated that the number and arrangement of supply tanks 7 , 8 , 15 and 16 may vary depending on the operational requirements of tracked vehicle 1 .

[0069] Obviously, modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hydrogen-powered tracked vehicle, the tracked vehicle (1) extending along a longitudinal axis (A1) and comprising: - Frame (2); - a cab (3), mounted on the frame (2); - a first crawler track (4) and a second crawler track (5) configured to move the tracked vehicle (1) forward in a direction of travel (D) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1); and - a hydrogen storage device (6; 14; 21) comprising a first supply tank (7; 15) and a second supply tank (8; 16), the first supply tank and the second supply tank being configured to store hydrogen, extending along respective lateral axes (A2, A3; A4, A5) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1) and being arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A1) and at respective distances from the longitudinal axis (A1).

2. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1 , comprising a winch (9) mounted on the frame (2) behind the cab (3) with respect to the direction of travel (D) of the tracked vehicle (1), and arranged between the first supply tank (7; 15) and the second supply tank (8; 16).

3. The tracked vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The first supply tank (7; 15) and the second supply tank (8; 16) are arranged on opposite side areas of the winch (9) relative to the longitudinal axis (A1).

4. A tracked vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first supply tank (7; 15) and the second supply tank (8; 16) are removable from the tracked vehicle (1).

5. A tracked vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first supply tank (7; 15) is arranged on top of the first crawler (4), and the second supply tank (8; 16) is arranged on top of the second crawler (5).

6. A tracked vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first supply tank and the second supply tank are arranged behind the cab (3) relative to the travel direction (D) of the tracked vehicle (1).

7. The tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first supply tank and the second supply tank are positioned on opposite sides of the cab (3) relative to the longitudinal axis (A1).

8. A tracked vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The hydrogen storage device includes a plurality of the first supply tanks (7, 15) and a plurality of the second supply tanks (8, 16).

9. The tracked vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: At least one of the first supply tanks is positioned behind the cab (3) relative to the travel direction (D) of the tracked vehicle (1), and at least one of the first supply tanks is positioned at a first side of the cab (3); at least one of the second supply tanks (8) is positioned behind the cab (3) relative to the travel direction (D) of the tracked vehicle (1), and at least one of the second supply tanks (16) is positioned at a second side of the cab (3) opposite to the first side relative to the longitudinal axis (A1).

10. The tracked vehicle according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: A plurality of the first supply tanks are arranged one above another, and a plurality of the second supply tanks are arranged one above another.

11. A tracked vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: A fuel cell configured to extract hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device (6; 14； 21) receiving hydrogen and generating electrical energy from the received hydrogen; and a propulsion system powered by the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell and configured to transmit power to the first crawler track (4) and the second crawler track (5) and / or the winch (9).

12. The tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine configured to receive hydrogen from the hydrogen storage (6; 14; 21) and transmit power to the first track (4) and the second track (5) and / or the winch (9).

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