Hydrogen-powered vehicle and transportation method thereof

Abstract

A hydrogen powered vehicle has: a frame (2); a cab (3) mounted on the frame (2); a first drive wheel (4) and a second drive wheel (5) configured to move the vehicle (1) forward in the direction of travel (D); and a hydrogen reservoir (6) comprising a plurality of supply tanks (7) configured to store hydrogen and a housing structure (8) housing the supply tanks (7), the housing structure being movably coupled to the frame (2) between a lowered position and a raised position.

Description

[0001] Cross-citation to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Italian Patent Application No. 102024000005476, filed on March 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a hydrogen-powered vehicle and a transportation method of the vehicle. Background Art

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

[0005] As is well known, a hydrogen-powered vehicle includes: a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, configured to move the vehicle forward; a hydrogen storage provided with a plurality of supply tanks storing hydrogen; and a propulsion system powered by hydrogen provided by the hydrogen storage and configured to transmit power to the first drive wheel and the second drive wheel.

[0006] Hydrogen-powered vehicles are generally capable of limiting the emission of polluting gases. However, hydrogen storage makes the vehicle bulky and occupies a considerable amount of space, making maintenance operations on the vehicle's internal components complicated.

[0007] Furthermore, the presence of the hydrogen tank limits the possibility of hooking the vehicle to a lifting system, such as for example a crane or an articulated or telescopic arm, in order to lift and load the vehicle onto a transport device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to create a hydrogen powered vehicle which alleviates the drawbacks of the prior art highlighted herein.

[0009] According to the present invention, a hydrogen powered vehicle is created, the vehicle extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising:

[0010] - framework;

[0011] - Cab, mounted on the frame;

[0012] - a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel configured to move the vehicle forward in a direction of travel; and

[0013] A hydrogen storage device includes a plurality of supply tanks configured to store hydrogen and a housing structure housing the supply tanks, the housing structure being coupled to the frame in a manner movable between a lowered position and a raised position.

[0014] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to move the housing structure from a lowered position to a raised position, allowing access to the components of the vehicle situated below the hydrogen storage and enabling maintenance of these components.

[0015] Furthermore, when the housing structure is in the raised position, the vehicle can be hooked to a lifting system, such as, for example, a crane or an articulated or telescopic arm, in a simple and quick manner in order to lift and load the vehicle onto a transport device.

[0016] In particular, the housing structure is articulated to the frame in a pivotable manner about a first rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In this way, the housing structure can be moved from the lowered position to the raised position and vice versa by rotating the housing structure about the first rotation axis.

[0018] Specifically, the housing structure includes a support element to which the supply tank is attached, and a cover configured to be arranged around the support element and the supply tank.

[0019] More specifically, the cover is coupled to the support element in a manner movable between a closed position, in which the cover is arranged around the support element and the supply tank, and an open position, in which the cover is raised relative to the support element and the supply tank.

[0020] In this way, the cover can be moved from the closed position into the open position, thereby holding the support element in the lowered position.

[0021] In practice, the cover is articulated to the support element in such a way that it can pivot about a second axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation.

[0022] In this way, the cover can be lifted relative to the support element and the supply tank to allow maintenance and / or replacement of the supply tank.

[0023] Specifically, the cover has a plurality of through openings.

[0024] In this way, in the event of a hydrogen leak from the supply tank, a dangerous accumulation of hydrogen inside the cover can be avoided and the hydrogen can be quickly dispersed into the external environment.

[0025] Therefore, it is not necessary to install the hydrogen detector inside the cover.

[0026] Specifically, the support element includes an upper support member supporting a plurality of supply tanks aligned along a first support plane, and a lower support member integrally formed with the upper support member and supporting at least one additional supply tank along a second support plane.

[0027] In this way, a plurality of supply tanks can be accommodated in the housing structure along two vertically staggered support planes.

[0028] Specifically, the vehicle includes at least one actuator arranged between the frame and the housing structure and configured to control rotation of the housing structure about a first rotation axis to move the housing structure from a lowered position to a raised position and vice versa.

[0029] Specifically, the vehicle includes a propulsion system configured to be powered by hydrogen stored in a supply tank and to transmit power to first and second drive wheels.

[0030] According to a first embodiment, a propulsion system includes a fuel cell configured to receive hydrogen from a supply tank and generate electrical energy from the received hydrogen; and an electric motor powered by the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell and configured to transmit power to first and second drive wheels.

[0031] In this way, hydrogen stored in the supply tank can be used to generate electricity and power the vehicle's propulsion system.

[0032] According to a second embodiment, a propulsion system includes a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine configured to receive hydrogen from a supply tank and transmit power to first and second drive wheels.

[0033] This allows the internal combustion engine to be powered by hydrogen stored in a supply tank.

[0034] Specifically, the hydrogen storage includes: a filling manifold configured to be connected to a nozzle of a hydrogen filling system; an inlet door movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position allows the filling manifold to be connected to the nozzle of the filling system, and the closed position prevents the filling manifold from being connected to the nozzle of the filling system; a status sensor configured to detect a position of the inlet door; and a control unit in communication with the status sensor and configured to control the propulsion system according to the position of the inlet door detected by the status sensor.

[0035] Specifically, the control unit is configured to keep the propulsion system deactivated when the control unit receives an opening signal from the status sensor during filling of the supply tank. In other words, the propulsion system cannot be started when the access door is open.

[0036] In this way, when the filling system is connected to the filling manifold of the vehicle, the vehicle can be prevented from moving forward during filling of the supply tank to avoid accidental damage to the vehicle and the filling station when the pipes of the filling system are connected to the vehicle.

[0037] Furthermore, the filling manifold is configured to transmit temperature and pressure data from the hydrogen storage to the filling station and to transmit temperature and pressure data from the filling station to the control unit.

[0038] Specifically, the vehicle includes a first track and a second track coupled to a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, respectively.

[0039] In this way, a tracked vehicle can be provided which can be used, for example, for preparing ski slopes, or for operations in the agricultural field, or for working sand.

[0040] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of transport for transporting hydrogen powered vehicles which alleviates the disadvantages of the prior art highlighted herein.

[0041] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for transporting the vehicle described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0042] - moving the housing structure of the hydrogen storage device from a lowered position to a raised position;

[0043] - Connect the vehicle to the lifting system;

[0044] - lifting the vehicle using a lifting system; and

[0045] - Load the vehicle onto the transport unit.

[0046] Due to the fact that the shell structure can be brought into a raised position, the vehicle can be hooked to a lifting system, such as for example a crane or an articulated or telescopic arm, and lifted by means of this lifting system in a simple and fast manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] 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:

[0048] - Figure 1 is a plan view of a hydrogen powered vehicle constructed in accordance with the present invention with certain components removed for clarity;

[0049] - Figures 2 to 4 yes Figure 1 a side view of the vehicle in a corresponding operating configuration with some components removed for clarity and schematic components shown;

[0050] - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a hydrogen storage device of a vehicle in FIG, with some components removed for clarity;

[0051] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 1 a rear elevation view of a detail of the vehicle in a corresponding operating configuration, with some components removed for clarity and schematic components shown; and

[0052] - Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A side view of a vehicle in the steps of a transport method according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] refer to Figure 1 , reference numeral 1 generally denotes a hydrogen-powered vehicle.

[0054] In the non-limiting context of the invention described and illustrated herein, the vehicle 1 is of the tracked type.

[0055] It will be understood that the vehicle 1 may be of a type other than tracked and may comprise tires, for example, without thereby departing from the scope of application of the present invention.

[0056] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the vehicle 1 is used for preparing a ski slope. Specifically, the vehicle 1 is a snow grooming vehicle.

[0057] More specifically, the vehicle 1 is used to prepare 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.

[0058] It will be appreciated that, according to another embodiment, the vehicle 1 may be used for operations in the agricultural sector, such as for example for collecting and / or moving agricultural products and / or for silage, and / or for collecting and / or moving bagasse. Depending on this configuration, the vehicle 1 may include a shredder, preferably located at the front of the vehicle 1, which may be used to shred vegetation.

[0059] According to another embodiment, the vehicle 1 can be used for cleaning beaches and / or for working sand.

[0060] The vehicle 1 extends along a longitudinal axis A1 and includes a frame 2 , a cab 3 mounted on the frame 2 , drive wheels 4 and 5 configured to move the vehicle 1 forward in a driving direction D, and a hydrogen storage 6 .

[0061] In the case described and illustrated herein, the vehicle 1 comprises tracks 9 and 10 which are coupled to drive wheels 4 and 5 respectively.

[0062] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 includes a cutter 11 movably connected to the frame 2 and a shovel 12 movably connected to the frame 2 .

[0063] Specifically, the cab 3 is arranged at the front of the vehicle 1 and faces the shovel 12. The hydrogen storage 6 is arranged behind the cab 3 with respect to the traveling direction D of the vehicle 1.

[0064] refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the hydrogen storage device 6 includes: a plurality of supply tanks 7 configured to store hydrogen; and a housing structure 8 accommodating the supply tanks 7 and capable of being in a lowered position ( Figure 2 ) and raised position ( Figure 3 ) are connected to frame 2 in a movable manner.

[0065] Specifically, the vehicle 1 includes a propulsion system 13 configured to be powered by hydrogen stored in a supply tank 7 and transmit power to drive wheels 4 and 5 .

[0066] According to the first embodiment, the propulsion system 13 includes: a fuel cell (not shown in the drawings), configured to receive hydrogen from the supply tank 7 and generate electrical energy from the received hydrogen; and an electric motor (not shown in the drawings), powered by the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell and configured to transmit power to the drive wheels 4 and 5.

[0067] According to the second embodiment, the propulsion system 13 includes a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (not shown in the drawings) configured to receive hydrogen from the supply tank 7 and transmit power to the drive wheels 4 and 5 .

[0068] In particular, the housing structure 8 is articulated to the frame 2 in a pivotable manner about a rotation axis A2 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 .

[0069] refer to Figure 4 The housing structure 8 includes a support element 14 to which the supply tank 7 is attached, and a cover 15 configured to be arranged around the support element 14 and the supply tank 7 .

[0070] The cover 15 can be in the closed position ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) and the open position ( Figure 4 ) is coupled to the support element 14 in a manner that is movable between, in the closed position, the cover 15 is arranged around the support element 14 and the supply tank 7, and in the open position, the cover 15 is raised relative to the support element 14 and the supply tank 7.

[0071] In particular, the cover 15 is articulated to the support element 14 in such a way as to pivot about a rotation axis A3 that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis A2 .

[0072] In practice, the support element 14 comprises an end 16 articulated to the frame 2 about an axis of rotation A2 , and the cover 15 is articulated to the support element 14 about an axis of rotation A3 , such that the cover 15 can freely rotate relative to the support element 14 .

[0073] Furthermore, the support element 14 comprises an end portion 17 ( Figure 3 ), which is opposite to the end 16 and is configured so that when the shell structure 8 is in the lowered position ( Figure 2 ) is connected to the connecting part of the frame 2.

[0074] In the non-limiting case of the invention described and illustrated herein, the cover 15 comprises an upper wall 18 , two side walls 19 and a rear wall 20 .

[0075] In practice, the upper wall 18, the side walls 19 and the rear wall 20 delimit a housing space. In the closed position, the support element 14 and the supply tank 7 are arranged within this housing space.

[0076] Furthermore, the cover 15 has a plurality of through openings 21 ( Figure 1 ) and a plurality of through openings 22 ( Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0077] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , through-openings 21 are formed in the upper wall 18 . More specifically, the upper wall 18 includes a plurality of grids 37 , each of which is arranged in a corresponding through-opening 21 .

[0078] refer to Figures 2 to 4 , a through opening 22 is formed in the side wall 19 .

[0079] Due to the through-openings 21 and 22 , the receiving space formed inside the cover 15 can be connected directly to the external environment.

[0080] According to an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the vehicle 1 comprises an actuator arranged between the frame 2 and the housing structure 8 and configured to control the rotation of the housing structure 8 about the axis of rotation A2. Preferably, the actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

[0081] refer to Figure 5 The support element 14 includes an upper support member 23 supporting a plurality of supply tanks 7 aligned along a first support plane, and a lower support member 24 integrally formed with the upper support member 23 and supporting at least one additional supply tank 7 along a second support plane.

[0082] In the non-limiting case of the invention described and illustrated herein, the upper support 23 supports four supply tanks 7 and the lower support 24 supports one supply tank 7 .

[0083] It will be appreciated that the number and arrangement of the supply tanks 7 supported by the upper and lower supports 23, 24 may vary without thereby departing from the scope of application of the present invention.

[0084] In particular, each supply tank 7 extends along a respective transverse axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the vehicle 1. More particularly, each supply tank 7 has a generally cylindrical shape with rounded ends.

[0085] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The hydrogen storage device 6 includes a filling manifold 25 configured to be connected to a nozzle of a hydrogen filling system (not shown in the drawings); an inlet port 26 capable of being opened in an open position ( Figure 6 ) and closed position ( Figure 7 ), in the open position, the access door 26 allows the filling manifold 25 to be coupled to the nozzle of the filling system, and in the closed position, the access door 26 prevents the filling manifold 25 from being coupled to the nozzle of the filling system; a status sensor 27 configured to detect the position of the access door 26; and a control unit 28 in communication with the status sensor 27 and configured to control the propulsion system 13 according to the position of the access door 26 detected by the status sensor 27 ( Figures 2 to 4 ) on / off.

[0086] In the non-limiting case of the invention described and illustrated herein, the access door 26 is hinged to the cover 15 to selectively open and close an access passage 29 formed in the cover 15 for the nozzle of the filling system. In other words, in the open position ( Figure 6 ), the entrance door 26 opens the entrance passage 29, and in the closed position ( Figure 7 ), the entrance door 26 closes the entrance passage 29.

[0087] Specifically, the entrance door 26 is hinged to the rear wall 20 , and an entrance passage 29 is formed in the rear wall 20 .

[0088] More specifically, the filling manifold 25 is arranged inside the accommodation space of the cover 15 , at the inlet channel 29 .

[0089] Specifically, the state sensor 27 is arranged at the entrance passage 29. More specifically, the state sensor 27 is configured to detect the position of the entrance door 26, and is configured to issue a closing signal ( Figure 7 ), and / or an opening signal is issued when the entrance door 26 is in the open position ( Figure 6 ).

[0090] The control unit 28 is configured to receive the closing signal and / or the opening signal sent by the status sensor 27, and is configured to selectively activate / deactivate the propulsion system 13 according to the received opening signal and / or the closing signal. Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0091] From an operational perspective, the control unit 28 is configured to keep the propulsion system 13 deactivated when the control unit 28 receives an on signal from the status sensor 27. Vice versa, the control unit 28 is configured to activate the propulsion system 13 or keep the propulsion system 13 activated when the control unit 28 receives an off signal from the status sensor 27.

[0092] Furthermore, the hydrogen reservoir 6 comprises a closure plug 30 , preferably made of a polymer material and configured to close the filling manifold 25 in order to prevent external agents from entering the filling manifold 25 .

[0093] refer to Figure 6 The hydrogen storage 6 is equipped with: a controller 38, which is in communication with the control unit 28 and includes a status sensor 27; a light indicator 39, which is configured to emit light according to the filling status of the supply tank 7; a filling button 40, which is configured to start / stop the filling of the supply tank 7; and an emergency stop button 41.

[0094] In use, and reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , actuating the housing structure 8 to rotate it about the rotation axis A2 to move the housing structure 8 from the lowered position ( Figure 2 ) to the raised position ( Figure 3 ). This allows access to components of the vehicle 1 located below the hydrogen storage 6 and enables maintenance of these components.

[0095] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , actuating the cover 15 to rotate it about the rotation axis A3 to move the cover 15 from the closed position ( Figure 2 ) to the open position ( Figure 4 ). During the rotation of the cover 15, the support element 14 remains in the lowered position.

[0096] In this way, the supply tank 7 may be accessed to allow maintenance and / or replacement of the supply tank 7 .

[0097] refer to Figure 8 , the housing structure 8 moves from the lowered position to the raised position.

[0098] Once the shell structure 8 is in the raised position, the vehicle 1 is connected to the lifting system 31 .

[0099] In the case described and shown herein, the lifting system 31 comprises a telescopic arm 32 provided at one end with a hook 33. It will be appreciated that according to other embodiments not shown in the drawings, the lifting system 31 may comprise a crane or an articulated arm.

[0100] Specifically, during the step of connecting the vehicle 1 to the lifting system 31 , the telescopic arm 32 places the hook 33 on the vehicle 1 , and the hook 33 is connected to the front and rear of the vehicle 1 by connecting elements 34 and 35 , such as belts or straps.

[0101] More specifically, the connecting element 34 connects the hook 33 to the front of the vehicle 1, and the two connecting elements 35 (at Figure 8The hook 33 is connected to the rear of the vehicle 1 ) in which only one connecting element is visible.

[0102] In the non-limiting case of the invention described and illustrated herein, each connecting element 35 connects the hook 33 to a respective driving wheel 4 , 5 .

[0103] Once the hook 33 is connected to the vehicle 1 , the lifting system 31 lifts the vehicle 1 and loads the vehicle 1 onto a transport device 36 .

[0104] At this time, the transport device 36 transports the vehicle 1 from one work site to another work site.

[0105] Obviously, modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hydrogen powered vehicle, said vehicle (1) extending along a longitudinal axis (A1) and comprising: - Frame (2); - a cab (3), mounted on the frame (2); - a first drive wheel (4) and a second drive wheel (5) configured to move the vehicle (1) forward in a direction of travel (D); and - a hydrogen storage (6) comprising a plurality of supply tanks (7) configured to store hydrogen and a housing structure (8) accommodating the supply tanks (7), the housing structure being coupled to the frame (2) in a manner movable between a lowered position and a raised position.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The hydrogen storage device (6) is arranged behind the cab (3) relative to the driving direction (D) of the vehicle (1).

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing structure (8) is articulated to the frame (2) in a pivotable manner about a first rotation axis (A2) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A1).

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The housing structure (8) comprises a support element (14) to which the supply tank (7) is attached, and a cover (15) configured to be arranged around the support element (14) and the supply tank (7).

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein The cover (15) is coupled to the support element (14) in a manner movable between a closed position, in which the cover (15) is arranged around the support element (14) and the supply tank (7), and an open position, in which the cover (15) is raised relative to the support element (14) and the supply tank (7).

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The cover (15) is articulated to the support element (14) in a pivotable manner about a second rotation axis (A3) that is substantially parallel to the first rotation axis (A2).

7. The vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The cover (15) has a plurality of through openings (21, 22).

8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The support element (14) comprises an upper support member (23) supporting a plurality of supply tanks (7) aligned along a first support plane; and a lower support member (24) integrally formed with the upper support member (23) and supporting at least one further supply tank (7) along a second support plane.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 3 to 8, comprising at least one actuator arranged between the frame (2) and the housing structure (8) and configured to control the rotation of the housing structure (8) around the first rotation axis (A2).

10. The vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a propulsion system (13) configured to be powered by hydrogen stored in the supply tank (7) and to transmit power to the first drive wheel (4) and the second drive wheel (5).

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The propulsion system (13) includes: a fuel cell configured to receive hydrogen from the supply tank (7) and generate electrical energy from the received hydrogen; and an electric motor powered by the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell and configured to transmit power to the first drive wheel (4) and the second drive wheel (5).

12. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The propulsion system (13) includes a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine configured to receive hydrogen from the supply tank (7) and transmit power to the first drive wheel (4) and the second drive wheel (5).

13. The vehicle according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The hydrogen storage (6) includes: a filling manifold (25) configured to be connected to a nozzle of a hydrogen filling system; an inlet door (26) movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position allows the filling manifold (25) to be connected to the nozzle of the filling system, and the closed position prevents the filling manifold (25) from being connected to the nozzle of the filling system; a state sensor (27) configured to detect the position of the inlet door (26); and a control unit (28) in communication with the state sensor (27) and configured to control the propulsion system (13) according to the position of the inlet door (26) detected by the state sensor (27).

14. The vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first track (9) and a second track (10), the first track and the second track being coupled to the first drive wheel (4) and the second drive wheel (5), respectively.

15. A method for transporting a vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - moving the housing structure (8) of the hydrogen storage (6) from the lowered position to the raised position; - connecting the vehicle (1) to a lifting system (31); - lifting the vehicle (1) by means of the lifting system (31); and - Loading the vehicle (1) onto the transport device (36).

16. The transportation method according to claim 15, wherein: The step of connecting the vehicle (1) to the lifting system (31) comprises: arranging a hook (33) of the lifting system (31) on the vehicle (1); and connecting the hook (33) to the front and rear of the vehicle (1) via connecting elements (34, 35).

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