VEHICLE WITH SIDE-MOUNTED LIFTING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with a lateral lifting device.

[0002] Various designs of side loaders are known from EP 0 870 727 B1 and EP 2 518 010 B1.

[0003] The side loaders known from EP 0 870 727 B1 and EP 2 518 010 B1 have the disadvantage that they have a somewhat inflexible drive concept.

[0004] Another side loader is known from WO 2017 / 161397 A1. WO 01 / 79012 A2 discloses an energy supply module.

[0005] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a side loader and a method for operating the side loader which have an improved drive concept.

[0006] This problem is solved by a device and a method according to the claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a vehicle is designed with a lateral lifting device. The vehicle comprises at least a first axle carrier and a second axle carrier, wherein the two axle carriers are coupled to each other by means of a laterally off-center connecting structure and wherein the lifting device is arranged in a free space between the two axle carriers.Furthermore, an energy supply module is designed with an energy carrier for providing drive energy, wherein an energy supply module receptacle is designed which serves to receive the energy supply module, wherein the energy supply module is interchangeably arranged on the energy supply module receptacle and a first plug of an energy supply plug system is designed on the energy supply module and a second plug of the energy supply plug system is designed on the energy supply module receptacle, wherein in the plugged-in state of the first plug and the second plug of the energy supply plug system an energy transmission connection can be established between the energy supply module and the energy supply module receptacle, wherein the energy supply module receptacle is designed to receive different types of energy supply modules with different energy carriers.

[0008] The vehicle according to the invention offers the advantage that, by accommodating different types of energy supply modules within the same basic vehicle structure, various applications and uses can be achieved. For example, it is possible to replace an empty battery with a fully charged one to minimize vehicle downtime. Additionally, for different applications, an energy supply module with a battery can be replaced by an energy supply module with an internal combustion engine.

[0009] Furthermore, the energy carrier can be in the form of a battery designed to store electrical energy. For example, various batteries based on lithium, sodium, nickel, lead, or other materials are possible. It is also conceivable that a capacitor could serve as the energy carrier. In another embodiment, the energy carrier could be a tank for an internal combustion engine, which could be filled with gasoline, diesel, methane, hydrogen, ethanol, or another fuel.

[0010] In yet another version, the energy carrier can be a tank for a fuel cell, which can be filled with hydrogen, for example. The fuel cell itself can also be part of the energy supply module.

[0011] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the energy supply module to have an L-shape when viewed from above and to be positioned above sections of the second axle carrier and sections of the connecting structure. With this shape, it is particularly possible to arrange the energy supply module in the vehicle in a space-saving manner while simultaneously maximizing its volume to achieve the highest possible storage capacity. At the same time, this design allows the energy supply module to be easily removed from the vehicle. Specifically, one leg of the L-shaped energy supply module can be positioned above sections of the connecting structure, and the base of the L-shaped energy supply module can be positioned above sections of the second axle carrier.

[0012] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one crane lifting lug is arranged on the energy supply module, or that a forklift fork attachment is provided on the energy supply module. This has the advantage that the energy supply module can be easily removed from or placed on the vehicle.

[0013] Furthermore, a control unit can be provided, configured to recognize the specific type of energy supply module currently coupled to the energy supply module receptacle. This offers the advantage that different vehicle settings can be configured via the control unit depending on the type of energy supply module connected to the vehicle. In particular, the type of energy supply module currently coupled to the energy supply module receptacle can be automatically detected by the control unit. Alternatively, the type of energy supply module can be entered into the control unit by the user.

[0014] Another advantageous design is one in which an information carrier, in particular an RFID transponder, is attached to the energy supply module to identify the type of energy supply module. This allows the type of energy supply module to be automatically recognized.

[0015] According to further training, it is possible for guide pins to be arranged on the energy supply module or the energy supply module receptacle. These guide pins are vertically oriented, allowing the energy supply module to be placed vertically onto the receptacle. The guide pins also serve to position the energy supply module horizontally relative to the receptacle. This offers the advantage of simplifying the placement of the energy supply module onto the receptacle.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, one or more guide plates may be provided for the horizontal positioning of the energy supply module relative to the energy supply module receptacle. In particular, the guide plates may be arranged at the corners of the energy supply module receptacle and, for example, have an L-shape, thus enabling precise positioning of the energy supply module. Specifically, the guide plates may be arranged at two opposite corners of the energy supply module receptacle.

[0017] Furthermore, the guide plates can be designed to open in a funnel shape on the side facing away from the energy supply module receptacle. This facilitates the placement of the energy supply module onto the energy supply module receptacle.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the first connector of the power supply connector system is positioned on the power supply module and the second connector of the power supply connector system is positioned on the power supply module receptacle in such a way that the power transmission connection can be established automatically when the power supply module is placed onto the power supply module receptacle. This has the advantage of simplifying the procedure for coupling the power supply module to the power supply module receptacle. Particularly with such a design, it can be advantageous if the aforementioned guide pins are also present to minimize the risk of damage to the power supply connector system.

[0019] Furthermore, the energy carrier can be designed in the form of a fuel tank, which serves to supply fuel to an internal combustion engine arranged on the energy supply module, wherein the internal combustion engine is coupled to a generator also arranged on the energy supply module. An energy supply module designed in this way can have a high power output and is particularly well suited for operating the vehicle outdoors or for long-term operation. In particular, the internal combustion engine can be designed in the form of a diesel engine.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the internal combustion engine is designed as a piston engine. In an alternative embodiment, the internal combustion engine can also be designed as a rotary piston engine, in particular a Wankel engine.

[0021] In other design variants, however, it is also conceivable that the internal combustion engine is designed, for example, in the form of a turbine.

[0022] Furthermore, it is possible to arrange for an energy storage device to be located on the energy supply module in addition to the internal combustion engine and generator. This offers the advantage that the energy generated by the internal combustion engine can be temporarily stored in the energy storage device. Such a design also makes it conceivable that the vehicle can be operated as a hybrid vehicle, whereby, for example, a purely electric drive mode is selected for indoor driving, and the internal combustion engine is used for energy supply, either alternatively or additionally, for outdoor driving. In this case, it is conceivable that a selector switch for choosing the energy supply resource is located in the vehicle. In an alternative design variant, it is also conceivable that the selection of the energy supply resource is automated.This can be achieved, for example, by defining a geofence and determining the vehicle's position accordingly. Alternatively, it can also be done using light sensors to detect whether the vehicle is outdoors or indoors.

[0023] Furthermore, the energy storage device may be designed in the form of a rechargeable battery. For example, various rechargeable batteries based on lithium, sodium, nickel, lead, or other materials may be used.

[0024] In a specific configuration, a media coupling can be designed to transfer a fluid. This offers the advantage that the energy supply module can, for example, be supplied with a liquid for cooling or heating the energy supply module.

[0025] According to the invention, a method for operating a vehicle according to one of the above embodiments is designed. It can be provided that a first type of energy supply module is removed from the energy supply module mount and replaced by a second type of energy supply module.

[0026] The method offers the advantage that, by accommodating different types of energy supply modules within the same basic vehicle structure, various applications and uses for the vehicle can be achieved. For example, it is possible to replace an empty battery with a fully charged one to minimize vehicle downtime. Additionally, for different applications, an energy supply module with a battery can be replaced with one powered by an internal combustion engine.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be provided that the type of installed energy supply module is automatically detected by a control unit and vehicle settings are automatically adapted to the type of installed energy supply module. This has the advantage of simplifying the replacement of the energy supply module.

[0028] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0029] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a side loader from a top oblique angle; Fig. 2 another perspective view of a rear view of the first embodiment of the side loader from a top oblique angle; Fig. 3 the first embodiment of the side loader in a top view; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an energy supply module; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an energy supply module.

[0030] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0031] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle 1 with a side lifting device 2. Such a vehicle 1 is also referred to as a side loader in technical language.

[0032] In the Figures 2 and 3 Vehicle 1 is shown in further illustrations.

[0033] The following description is based on a compilation of the various representations of the first embodiment of vehicle 1 in the Figures 1 to 3 Not all component numbers are shown in every single figure; for clarity, components are only labeled in those figures where they are most clearly visible. It is assumed that a person skilled in the art understands how to combine different views from various perspectives.

[0034] Vehicle 1 has a first axle carrier 3 and a second axle carrier 4, which are coupled to each other by a connecting structure 5. In particular, the two axle carriers 3, 4 and the connecting structure 5 are coupled to each other in such a way that a clearance 6 is created on one side of vehicle 1. In the top view according to Fig. 3As seen, vehicle 1 has a U-shaped design, with the two parallel legs of the U being formed by the first axle carrier 3 and the second axle carrier 4.

[0035] To maximize the clearance 6, the connecting structure 5 is positioned laterally off-center when viewed from above on the vehicle 1. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting structure 5 is positioned as far as possible from a lateral edge 12 of the axle carriers 3, 4, thus maximizing the clearance 6. In other words, viewed from above, the connecting structure 5 is positioned as far away as possible from a central longitudinal axis 7 of the vehicle 1.

[0036] The longitudinal direction 8 of vehicle 1 is defined as the direction that lies parallel to the direction of travel of vehicle 1. Viewed from above, the transverse direction 9 of vehicle 1 is formed at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal direction 8 of vehicle 1.

[0037] Preferably, the vehicle 1 may have a main direction of movement, which is selected such that the first axle carrier 3 is at the front when traveling forward, so that the first axle carrier 3 can also be referred to as the front axle carrier. The second axle carrier 4 can analogously be referred to as the rear axle carrier.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be provided that a driver's cab 10 is arranged on the vehicle 1, the driver's cab 10 preferably being arranged on the first axle carrier 3. In the embodiment of the vehicle 1 according to the Figs. 1 to 3The driver's cab 10 is located on the left side of the vehicle 1 when viewed in the direction of travel. In other words, the driver's cab 10 can be arranged on the same side of the vehicle 1 as the connecting structure 5.

[0039] Furthermore, it may be provided that a support surface 11 is formed on the first axle carrier 3 and / or on the second axle carrier 4, on which elongated objects picked up by the lifting device 2 can be placed. The support surface 11 can be formed by the described arrangement of the driver's cab 10 and the connecting structure 5.

[0040] The first axle carrier 3 preferably comprises a first pair of wheels 13 and the second axle carrier 4 preferably comprises a second pair of wheels 14.

[0041] In particular, the first pair of wheels 13 may be steered to enable the vehicle 1 to be steered. Alternatively or additionally, the second pair of wheels 14 may also be steered. If both the first pair of wheels 13 and the second pair of wheels 14 are steered, the possible turning radius of the vehicle 1 can be reduced.

[0042] The axle carriers 3, 4 can, viewed from above, have an approximately rectangular cross-section.

[0043] The distance or arrangement of the first axle carrier 3 and the second axle carrier 4 relative to each other determines not only a length 15 of the vehicle 1 but also a clear length 16 of the clearance 6. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first axle carrier 3 has a first length 17. The second axle carrier 4 can have a second length 18. The first length 17 of the first axle carrier 3, the second length 18 of the second axle carrier 4, and the clear length 16 of the clearance 6 together can result in the length 15 of the vehicle 1.

[0044] Furthermore, it may be provided that the vehicle 1 has a total width of 19. The connecting structure 5 may have a connecting structure width of 20.

[0045] Furthermore, it may be provided that a lifting mast 21 is arranged in the free space 6, which serves to lift a lifting fork 22.

[0046] All actuators for moving individual parts of vehicle 1 and the vehicle's drive systems can be designed as electric motors. In the case of the drive systems, it is possible for an electric motor to be mounted on only one of the axle carriers 3, 4, with the electric motor driving only the wheel pair 13, 14 of that axle carrier 3, 4 on which it is located. In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the electric motor is located in the connecting structure 5 or on one of the axle carriers 3, 4, and that both wheel pairs 13, 14 of both axle carriers 3, 4 are coupled to the common electric motor by means of a cardan shaft. In yet another embodiment, it is also conceivable that an electric motor is mounted on each of the axle carriers 3, 4, with each electric motor driving the wheel pair 13, 14 of the axle carrier 3, 4 on which it is located.In yet another embodiment, it is also conceivable that each of the individual wheels of the wheel pairs 13, 14 is coupled with its own electric motor.

[0047] Alternatively, it can be provided that a central electric motor is coupled to a hydraulic unit and that individual or all actuators or drive units are designed in the form of a hydraulic motor.

[0048] As from Fig. 1 and look especially good Fig. 2 It can be seen that an energy supply module 23 is provided, which serves to couple with an energy supply module receptacle 24. The energy supply module 23 can serve to provide the drive energy for the vehicle 1.

[0049] How particularly good looks Fig. 2It can be seen that the energy supply module 23 is removable from the vehicle 1. In particular, it can be provided that the energy supply module 23 is arranged in an area above the second axle carrier 4 or the connecting structure 5.

[0050] As from Fig. 3 As can be seen, the energy supply module 23 can be designed in an L-shape when viewed from above. In particular, it is conceivable that the leg width 25 of one leg of the energy supply module 23 is between 70% and 150%, more particularly between 80% and 120%, preferably between 90% and 110% of the connection structure width 20.

[0051] Furthermore, it may be provided that a crane lug 26 is formed on the energy supply module 23, which serves to lift the energy supply module 23 by means of a lifting device.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a forklift attachment 27 is mounted on the energy supply module 23, which serves to lift the energy supply module 23 by means of a forklift truck.

[0053] As from Fig. 2 Furthermore, it can be provided that 24 guide pins 28 are formed in the area of ​​the energy supply module receptacle, which serve to guide the energy supply module 23. In particular, it can be provided that guide bores corresponding to the guide pins 28 are arranged in the energy supply module 23.

[0054] In the Fig. 4 Another embodiment of the energy supply module 23, which may be independent in itself, is shown, again using the same reference numerals or component designations for the same parts as in the preceding illustrations. Figures 1 to 3to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding sections. Figures 1 to 3 pointed out or referenced.

[0055] As from Fig. 4As can be seen, an energy carrier 29 may be arranged in the energy supply module 23. In the present embodiment, the energy carrier 29 may be in the form of a battery. The energy carrier 29 may be coupled to the vehicle 1 by means of an energy supply connector system 30 or contact plates (spring-loaded). In particular, the energy supply connector system 30 may comprise a first connector 31, which is coupled to the energy carrier 29. Furthermore, the energy supply connector system 30 may have a second connector 32, which may be coupled to the vehicle 1. When the first connector 31 and the second connector 32 are plugged in, the vehicle 1 may be electrically connected to the energy carrier 29.

[0056] In a first embodiment variant, it is conceivable that the first plug 31 and the second plug 32 are manually connected to each other after the energy supply module 23 has been placed on the energy supply module receptacle 24.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the first plug 31 and the second plug 32 are arranged on the energy supply module 23 or in the area of ​​the energy supply module receptacle 24 in such a way that when the energy supply module 23 is placed on the energy supply module receptacle 24, the first plug 31 is automatically coupled with the second plug 32.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the energy carrier 29 is coupled to the vehicle 1 by means of a contact system. The contact system can, for example, comprise two or more contact plates which interact with corresponding counter plates. The contact plates can, for example, be spring-loaded or include spring elements. This ensures reliable electrical contact between the contact plates and the counter plates.

[0059] Furthermore, it may be provided that a control unit 33 is installed on the vehicle 1, which may include a digital computer. The travel movements and / or work movements of the vehicle 1 can be controlled by means of the control unit 33. It is also conceivable that an energy management system is controlled or provided by means of the control unit 33.

[0060] As from Fig. 4Furthermore, it can be seen that an information carrier 34 is arranged on the energy supply module 23. The information carrier 34 can serve to uniquely identify the type of energy supply module 23. In a further development, it is also conceivable that the information carrier 34 serves to uniquely identify each of the possible energy supply modules 23.

[0061] The information carrier 34 can, for example, be in the form of a wirelessly operating data carrier, such as an RFID transponder. In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the information carrier 34 is coupled to or installed in the first connector 31, so that the energy supply module 23 can be identified by means of the energy supply connector system 30.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, it is also conceivable that a machine-readable code is arranged on the energy supply module 23, which can be read by a reading unit arranged on the vehicle 1.

[0063] In yet another embodiment, it is also conceivable that when changing the energy supply module 23, the type of energy supply module 23 is entered into the control unit 33 by the machine operator via a manual menu navigation.

[0064] In yet another embodiment, it is also conceivable that the energy supply module 23 can be identified by means of a mechanical coding system, such as a hole arrangement, which interacts with binary encoders.

[0065] As from Fig. 4As further shown, a media coupling 35 for transferring a fluid can be coupled to the energy supply module 23. The media coupling 35 can, for example, serve to transfer a coolant for cooling the energy carrier 29. As with the energy supply connector system 30, the media coupling 35 can also be coupled to the vehicle 1 manually or, with appropriate arrangement, automatically. According to a further embodiment, the media coupling 35 can also be integrated into the energy supply connector system 30.

[0066] In the Fig. 5 Another embodiment of the energy supply module 23, which may be independent in itself, is shown, again using the same reference numerals or component designations for the same parts as in the preceding illustrations. Figures 1 to 4to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding sections. Figures 1 to 4 pointed out or referenced.

[0067] As from Fig. 5 As can be seen, the energy supply module 23 may include an energy carrier 29 in the form of a fuel tank 36. The fuel tank 36 can supply an internal combustion engine 37 with fuel. Furthermore, the internal combustion engine 37 may be coupled to a generator 38 for generating electrical energy via a drive shaft 39. The generator 38 can be electrically connected to the vehicle 1 via the energy supply connector system 30. It is also conceivable that the energy supply module 23 incorporates an energy storage device 40, for example in the form of a battery, which can also be electrically connected to the generator 38.

[0068] The design of the energy supply module 23, or the interchangeability of the energy supply module 23, allows one and the same vehicle 1 to be used for different applications. For example, if a vehicle with increased performance is required, it is conceivable that an energy supply module 23 with an internal combustion engine 37, as shown in [reference], could be fitted to it. Fig. 5 described, is set up. However, if a vehicle 1 is to be as quiet and / or emission-free as possible, it is conceivable that an energy supply module 23 with a battery as an energy carrier 29, as described in Fig. 4 It is described as being placed on top of vehicle 1.

[0069] As from Fig. 3As further shown, it can be provided that one leg of the energy supply module 23 has a leg length 41. The leg length 41 can be between 80% and 120%, in particular between 90% and 110%, preferably between 98% and 105% of the clear length 16.

[0070] Furthermore, it can be provided that a base of the energy supply module 23 has a base length 42 and a base width 43. The base length 42 can be between 50% and 100%, in particular between 70% and 90%, preferably between 75% and 85% of the second length 18 of the second axle carrier 4. The base width 43 can be between 10% and 100%, in particular between 15% and 50%, preferably between 25% and 35% of the total width 19 of the vehicle 1.

[0071] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0072] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0073] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g., the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0074] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference numeral list 1 vehicle 29 Energy carriers 2 Lifting device 30 Power supply plug system 3 first axle carrier 31 first plug 4 second axle carrier 32 second plug 5 Connecting structure 33 control unit 6 open space 34 Information carrier 7 Longitudinal axis of vehicle 35 Media coupling 8 Longitudinal direction of the vehicle 36 fuel tank 9 Lateral direction of the vehicle 37 internal combustion engine 10 Driver's cab 38 generator 11 support level 39 drive shaft 12 Side edge of the axle carrier 40 Energy storage 13 first wheel pair, first axle carrier 41 thigh length 14 second pair of wheels, second axle carrier 42 Base length 43 Base width 15 Vehicle length 16 clear length 17 first length first axle carrier 18 second length second axle carrier 19 Overall width of vehicle 20 Connection construction width 21 mast 22 Lifting fork 23 Energy supply module 24 Energy supply module recording 25 thigh width 26 crane strap 27 forklift fork attachment 28 guide pen

Claims

1. A vehicle (1) with a lateral lifting device (2), comprising at least a first axle carrier (3) and a second axle carrier (4), wherein the two axle carriers (3, 4) are coupled with one another by means of a connecting structure (5) arranged laterally off-center and wherein the lifting device (2) is arranged in a free space (6) between the two axle carriers (3, 4), wherein a power supply module (23) with an energy carrier (29) is configured to supply drive power, wherein a power supply module receiving means (24) is configured which serves to receive the power supply module (23), characterized in that the power supply module (23) is arranged changeably on the power supply module receiving means (24) and a first plug (31) of a power supply plug system (30) is configured on the power supply module (23) and a second plug (32) of the power supply plug system (30) is configured on the power supply module receiving means (24), wherein when the first plug (31) and the second plug (32) of the power supply plug system (30) are plugged in, a power transmission connection can be established between the power supply module (23) and the power supply module receiving means (24), wherein the power supply module receiving means (24) is configured to receive various types of power supply modules (23) with different energy carriers (29).

2. The vehicle (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that when viewed from above the power supply module (23) is configured in an L-shape and is arranged above partial sections of the second axle carrier (4) and partial sections of the connecting structure (5).

3. The vehicle (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one crane splice (26) is arranged on the power supply module (23) or in that a lifting fork receiving means (27) is configured on the power supply module (23).

4. The vehicle (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a control unit (33) is configured, wherein the control unit (33) is configured in such a way that the respective type of the various types of power supply modules (23) currently coupled with the power supply module receiving means (24) is detectable.

5. The vehicle (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that an information medium (34), in particular an RFID transponder, is arranged on the power supply module (23), which serves to identify the type of power supply module (23).

6. The vehicle (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that guide pins (28) are arranged on the power supply module (23) or on the power supply module receiving means (24), wherein the guide pins (28) are aligned vertically, such that the power supply module (23) can be placed onto the power supply module receiving means (24) vertically and the guide pins (28) serve to position the power supply module (23) horizontally relative to the power supply module receiving means (24).

7. The vehicle (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first plug (31) of the power supply plug system (30) is positioned in such a way on the power supply module (23) and the second plug (32) of the power supply plug system (30) is positioned in such a way on the power supply module receiving means (24) that when placing the power supply module (23) onto the power supply module receiving means (24) the power transmission connection can be established automatically.

8. The vehicle (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the energy carrier (29) is configured in the form of a fuel tank (36) which serves to supply fuel to a combustion engine (37) arranged on the power supply module (23), wherein the combustion engine (37) is coupled with a generator (38) also arranged on the power supply module (23).

9. The vehicle (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that in addition to the combustion engine (37) and the generator (38), an energy storage device (40) is arranged on the power supply module (23).

10. The vehicle (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a media coupling (35) is configured for the transmission of a fluid.

11. A method for operating a vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a first type of the power supply module (23) is removed from the power supply module receiving means (24) and replaced by a second type of the power supply module (23).

12. The method according to Claim 11, characterized in that the type of power supply module (23) in place is automatically detected by means of a control unit (33) and vehicle configurations are automatically adjusted to the type of power supply module (23) in place.