Pickup truck comprising gas storage module

Abstract

A pickup truck is disclosed comprising a loading platform (1) delimited by at least two longitudinal side panels (2) and a carriage (4) located in front of the platform (1). The vehicle comprises a storage module (6) for pressurized gas intended to be supplied to the powertrain, the storage module (6) comprising a frame (61) extending along the carriage (4) above the platform (1) from one side panel (2) to the other side panel (2) and attached to the upper edge of each side panel (2), the frame (61) supporting at least one tank for containing gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pickup truck including a loading platform defined by at least two longitudinal side panels and a cargo box located at the front of the platform. More specifically, this invention relates to installing an air storage module on the vehicle to supply the vehicle's powertrain. Background Technology

[0002] A pickup truck is known to include a loading platform defined by at least two longitudinal side panels and a cargo box located at the front of the platform. The platform allows for the transport of materials or cargo from above or behind the vehicle. Typically, these vehicles are equipped with a thermal engine that uses liquid fuel.

[0003] The goal of reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions has spurred the exploration of alternatives, particularly the use of hydrogen obtained from renewable energy sources for fuel supply. A major constraint on this technology lies in storing hydrogen in vehicles. Large storage volumes are required, even at pressures of 350 or 700 bar, when storing hydrogen in gaseous form under pressure.

[0004] Document US8534403B2 illustrates a pickup truck equipped with tanks for compressed natural gas. The vehicle includes a storage module comprising a frame and one or two horizontally extending tanks. The storage module is positioned between the rear of the cargo box and the front of the platform, with the tanks extending laterally. In the case of two tanks, they are placed in a stacked manner, i.e., one above the other.

[0005] This arrangement significantly reduces the loading space on the platform, especially by reducing the maximum size of objects that can be placed on the platform.

[0006] Documents US9010832B2 and US2013 / 306695A1 show pickup trucks that include tanks attached to a platform away from the vehicle. This arrangement makes it impossible to access the platform from the rear of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pickup truck that includes a loading platform such that it uses pressurized gas as fuel, but at the same time optimally maintains its carrying capacity.

[0008] In view of these purposes, one object of the present invention is a pickup truck including a loading platform defined by at least two longitudinal side panels and a cargo box located at the front of the platform, the vehicle including a storage module for supplying pressurized gas for a powertrain system, characterized in that the storage module includes a frame extending along the cargo box above the platform from one side panel to the other, the frame supporting at least one tank for containing the gas.

[0009] This arrangement allows the loading platform to remain free across its entire surface, making it particularly suitable for loading long objects. Vehicles initially equipped with a liquid fuel supply system can be easily converted by adding storage modules. Because the storage modules are positioned along the cargo compartment, access to the platform from the rear of the vehicle is maintained.

[0010] According to the preferred arrangement, the storage module is designed and equipped to contain hydrogen. Storing this gas requires a large volume. It is practically impossible to use "wasteful" space to place the tanks within it.

[0011] Depending on the structural arrangement, the frame is attached to the upper edge of the plate. In some cases, the vehicle has been configured to receive a roll bar at the rear of the cargo compartment. The same attachment device can be used to attach storage modules.

[0012] According to another construction arrangement, the frame is attached to the platform. In some cases, the vehicle includes anchor points on the platform. These can be used to attach the frame. These anchor points can also be added specifically for this purpose. Preferably, these are arranged along the side panels.

[0013] According to the construction arrangement, the storage module includes at least two tanks with cylindrical bodies, the tanks being arranged at the same horizontal height. Using more than one tank allows for limiting the height occupied by these tanks by distributing the volume among several tanks having a smaller size than if only one tank were present for the same capacity.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the tanks are arranged parallel to each other, and the axis of the cylindrical body is oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the tanks are arranged parallel to each other, and the axis of the cylindrical body is oriented according to the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0016] In one improvement, the curtain extends horizontally above the platform and below the storage module, hooking onto the upper edge of the side panels. This curtain allows for the protection of goods contained on the platform from inclement weather or to make them invisible. This curtain has been frequently fitted to such vehicles, and its use is not excluded by the addition of storage modules.

[0017] In another improvement, a removable rigid canopy covers the platform while housing the storage module. Removable rigid canopies are a common solution for pickup trucks. In this configuration, the storage module can be housed beneath the removable rigid canopy.

[0018] According to the structural arrangement, the storage module includes a connection device for filling the storage module with gas. Considering the positioning of the storage module, the connection device can be accessed directly from the outside or, where appropriate, through the wall of a removable rigid canopy. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a pickup truck according to a first embodiment of the present invention and including a removable rigid roof;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a vehicle similar to the one based on existing technology. Figure 1 The view;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a side view of a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A view of the rear of the vehicle;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a side view of a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A view of the rear of the vehicle;

[0026] Figure 7 It is similar to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 The view. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The pickup truck according to the present invention Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 7 As shown, it generally includes a carrying platform 1, which is defined by two longitudinal side panels 2, an inclined rear panel 3, and a carriage 4 at the front of the platform 1. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a removable rigid roof 5 covering the platform 1 and also containing a storage module 6. The storage module 6 includes a connection device 60 for filling the storage module 6 with gas. The connection device 60 can be accessed from the side of the vehicle above the side panel 2.

[0028] Storage module 6 (in) Figure 1 (Not visible in the center, covered by a canopy 5) is designed to store pressurized gas, in this case hydrogen, intended to supply the power transmission system (not shown). Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the storage module 6 includes a frame 61 that extends along the carriage 4 above the platform 1 from one side panel 2 to the other and is attached to the upper edge 20 of each panel 2. Therefore, free space remains between the platform 1 and the storage module 6 along the entire height of the panel 2.

[0029] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the storage module 6 includes two tanks 62 having cylindrical bodies, the tanks 62 being arranged parallel to each other at the same horizontal height, and the axis of the cylindrical bodies being oriented according to the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0030] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the storage module 6' includes three tanks 62' with cylindrical bodies, which are arranged parallel to each other at the same horizontal height on the frame 61', and the axes of the cylindrical bodies are oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0031] For example, cans 62, 62' rest on supports of frames 61, 61' and are attached to the supports by a strap (not shown).

[0032] Figure 2 The vehicle shown includes a curtain 7 extending horizontally above platform 1 and hooked to the upper edge of side panel 2, and a roll cage 8 extending laterally at the rear of the passenger compartment 4. The vehicle can be converted by removing the roll cage 8 and replacing it with a storage module 6, frame 61 attached to the upper edge of side panel 2. The powertrain must also be adapted and connected to the storage module 6 via conduits not shown.

[0033] For example, the tank 62 in the first embodiment has a length of approximately 1 meter and a diameter between 0.4 and 0.5 meters. These dimensions can be increased depending on the size of the vehicle. The tank can be any suitable type, particularly Type I to IV tanks, especially Type II or III tanks, i.e., a metal inner tank (steel or aluminum) and a shell made of fiber composite material. The tanks are typically designed for filling pressures of 350 to 700 bar. Different tanks can be connected to a collection pipe and a connection device 60 (e.g., a connector with a check valve capable of cooperating with a refill nozzle), the collection pipe including an outlet connector for the supply pipe to be connected to the powertrain.

[0034] exist Figure 7 In the fourth embodiment shown, frame 61'' includes legs 610 extending downwards along side panel 2 to platform 1. Legs 610 are attached to platform 1. This configuration is of interest when the panel is not used to attach frame 61'' to the upper edge. For the attachment of legs 610, anchor points already installed on the vehicle or specifically installed for this purpose can be used. Therefore, free space remains between platform 1 and storage module 6 along the entire height of legs 610.

Claims

1. A pickup truck comprising a loading platform (1) delimited by at least two longitudinal side panels (2) and by a bed (4) located at the front of said platform (1), said vehicle comprising a storage module (6) for pressurized gas intended to supply a power transmission system, characterized in that, The storage module (6) comprises a frame (61) extending along the vehicle cabin (4) above the platform (1) from one side panel (2) to the other, the frame (61) supporting at least one tank for containing gas.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The storage module (6) is intended to be equipped to contain hydrogen gas.

3. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The frame (61, 61') is attached to the upper edge of each of the side panels (2).

4. The vehicle of one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The frame (61'') is attached to the platform (1).

5. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The storage module (6) comprises at least two tanks (62) having a cylindrical body, the tanks (62) being arranged at the same horizontal level.

6. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein, The tanks (62) are arranged parallel to each other and the axis of the cylindrical body is oriented according to the longitudinal direction (F) of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein, The tanks (62) are arranged parallel to each other and the axis of the cylindrical body is oriented according to the transverse direction (T) of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, A curtain (7) extends horizontally above the platform (1) and below the storage module (6), the curtain (7) being hooked to the upper edge of the side panels (2).

9. The vehicle of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, A removable rigid roof (5) covers the platform (1) while containing the storage module (6).

10. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The storage module (6) comprises connection means (60) for filling the storage module (6) with gas.

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