Light commercial vehicle having an enclosed space comprising a gas storage module, and kit for equipping such a vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed is a light commercial vehicle having a closed space (1) comprises an elongate pressurized gas storage module (5) for containing a gaseous fuel for the vehicle, characterized in that the storage module (5) includes a single tank (51) that is placed vertically in the enclosed space (1) of the vehicle along one side of the vehicle. Also disclosed is a kit for equipping a light commercial vehicle with a gas storage module (5).

Description

[0001] Light utility vehicle with enclosed space including a gas storage module and kit for equipping such a vehicle

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a light commercial vehicle with an enclosed space comprising a pressurized gas storage module serving as fuel for the vehicle, in particular dihydrogen. It relates to a kit for equipping a light commercial vehicle with an enclosed space with such a pressurized gas storage module.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] Light commercial vehicles are vehicles designed to transport goods or people, particularly in urban areas. They are smaller than heavy goods vehicles to allow them to maneuver more easily in narrow streets and to have lower fuel consumption. These vehicles are generally equipped with internal combustion engines powered by liquid fuel.

[0006] The objectives of reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions suggest exploring alternatives, including fueling with hydrogen obtained from renewable energy sources. A major constraint of this technique lies in the storage of hydrogen in the vehicle. In the solution of storing it in pressurized gaseous form, it is necessary to provide a large storage volume, even at high pressures of 350 bars or even 700 bars.

[0007] Document KR 100528222 B1 shows a utility vehicle equipped with tanks in the form of a collection of cylinders arranged horizontally one above the other at the rear of a cab. A light utility vehicle with an enclosed space frequently has a sliding side door for access just behind the cab. With the arrangement proposed by this document, a significant part of this access is blocked by the tanks.

[0008] In document EPI 373 002 Al, the tank is provided in a compartment reserved for the height of the chassis and which extends longitudinally over a good part of the length of the vehicle. Such an arrangement is only applicable to a vehicle specifically designed to accommodate such a tank.

[0009] Document CA2287414A1 proposes placing a plurality of tanks on the roof of a passenger transport vehicle. This solution requires multiplying the number of tanks in order to limit their diameter and therefore the height requirement. In addition, adding elements at the top of the vehicle raises the position of the center of gravity, which is not favorable to the stability and comfort of the vehicle.

[0010] There are also known solutions that seek to place the tanks under the floor of the vehicle. Given the limited space available and the clutter caused by various accessories, this solution leads to increasing the number of tanks and generally requires a vehicle specifically designed to accommodate them.

[0011] In most cases, the volume of each tank is less than 150 liters, and 250 liters in very rare cases.

[0012] Statement of the invention

[0013] The invention therefore aims to provide a light utility vehicle with an enclosed space which can be easily equipped with a reserve of fuel in gaseous form and with a limited impact on the use of the enclosed space.

[0014] With these objectives in view, the invention relates to a light utility vehicle with an enclosed space intended to shelter people or goods according to claim 1. The vehicle comprises an elongated pressurized gas storage module for containing a gaseous fuel of the vehicle, characterized in that the storage module comprises a single tank arranged vertically in the enclosed space of the vehicle along one side of the vehicle.

[0015] Using a single tank reduces installation constraints, particularly connection constraints and the associated leak risks. The tank's vertical position allows the volume to be used from top to bottom in the enclosed space, limiting the footprint on the floor. By placing the storage module on the side, a passage space can be preserved from a side door in vehicles equipped with one. Connecting the tank to the engine is simplified since a single pipe is sufficient with a single connection point to the tank. With such a storage module, it is possible to equip vehicles without modifying their structure, even if they were not initially designed for this equipment.

[0016] According to one provision, the storage module is intended and equipped to contain dihydrogen. Adaptation to this gas results in specific provisions on the materials used, in particular with regard to sealing, and on the equipment or such as valves and / or regulators with which the tank is equipped.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the tank has a cylindrical shape and is closed by flanges, the storage module comprising a frame supporting the tank, the frame being fixed to the vehicle. This shape allows the tank to best respond to the mechanical constraints linked to the pressure of the gas contained. The frame makes it possible on the one hand to protect the tank and on the other hand to avoid transmitting additional constraints to it for its fixing.

[0018] According to a constructive arrangement, the frame includes a fixing connecting the tank to a lower end of the tank. This fixing makes it possible to support the weight of the tank and its contents while allowing the expansion of the tank walls depending on the gas pressure.

[0019] According to a constructive arrangement, the frame comprises at least one crosspiece fixed to two opposite side uprights of the vehicle. This makes it possible to fix the storage module to particularly strong points of the vehicle.

[0020] According to an improvement, the frame comprises a removable cover extending over the entire width of the frame and placed in the upper part of the frame. The use of a removable cover for the frame makes it possible to reduce the height of the frame during the installation phases in the vehicle. The reduction of this height makes it possible in particular to insert the storage module horizontally, then to straighten it in the enclosed space and finally to replace the removable cover in order to consolidate the frame. This optimizes the use of space by having a tank which extends practically over the entire available height in the enclosed space. According to a particular arrangement, a transverse partition separates the enclosed space on the one hand into a cabin and on the other hand into a loading space, the storage module being placed in the loading space along the partition.This provision particularly concerns van-type vehicles in which the loading space is intended to contain goods and is separated by the partition from the cabin where the driver is installed. This provision makes it possible to protect the occupants of the cabin against accidental gas leakage.

[0021] In another arrangement, the frame comprises a partition containing the tank, advantageously in a substantially sealed manner, and at least one orifice for placing the volume inside the partition in fluid communication with the exterior of the vehicle. The partition makes it possible, on the one hand, to protect physical access to the tank and, on the other hand, to contain any gas leaks in a delimited volume and to conduct these gases to the outside through the orifice. It is thus possible to place the storage module inside the enclosed space, even if it is intended to accommodate people. The orifice may be provided with a simple ventilation grille or a ventilation grille with a fan which forces the circulation of air.

[0022] Typically, the partition extends from the floor to the ceiling, where it is sealed. Preferably, the partition surrounds the tank around its entire periphery to define an enclosed volume. Alternatively, the partition surrounds the tank around the majority of its periphery and cooperates with the bodywork on the side of the vehicle to form an enclosed volume surrounding the tank.

[0023] The invention also relates to an adaptation kit for a light utility vehicle with an enclosed space, the kit comprising a storage module with a single tank fixed to a frame, the frame being arranged to be fixed to the vehicle with the tank in a vertical position in the enclosed space of the vehicle along one side of the vehicle. It is thus possible to equip a light utility vehicle which was not initially intended to be powered by a gas supply, in particular dihydrogen, with an engine using a gaseous fuel. According to one embodiment, the frame comprises a cover without which the storage module can move from a horizontal position to a vertical position inside the enclosed space, and with which the storage module cannot move from the horizontal position to the vertical position inside the enclosed space.

[0024] Brief description of the figures

[0025] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will appear on reading the description which follows, the description making reference to the appended drawings among which:

[0026] • Figure 1 is a cutaway view of a light utility vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0027] • Figure 2 is a top view of the vehicle of Figure 1, shown without the roof;

[0028] • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a kit intended to equip the vehicle of Figure 1;

[0029] • Figure 4 is a view showing an intermediate position of the kit of Figure 3 during assembly in the vehicle of Figure 1;

[0030] • figure 5 is a view of detail V of figure 4;

[0031] • figure 6 is a view similar to figure 2 for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Detailed description

[0033] A light utility vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 5. The vehicle is of the type comprising a loading space 1 separated from a cabin 2 by a transverse partition 3, the cabin 2 housing the driving position 20 of the vehicle. This type of vehicle is conventionally called a van. For example, the cross-section of the enclosed space 1 is higher than it is wide and has a height which can typically be 1.9 m or 2.2 m. The enclosed space 1 is accessible by rear doors, not shown, located at the rear of the vehicle and by a sliding side door, of which only the opening 4 is indicated, on the side opposite the driving position 20 just to the rear of the transverse partition 3. The partition can be a solid partition to seal off the cabin 2 from the loading space 1.The vehicle comprises an elongated pressurized gas storage module 5 for containing a gaseous fuel for the vehicle, in this case dihydrogen. The vehicle engine is a heat engine, not shown, specially adapted to receive dihydrogen (in the gaseous state) as fuel.

[0034] The storage module 5 comprises a frame 50 supporting a single tank 51 and arranged vertically in the enclosed space 1 of the vehicle along one side of the vehicle at the rear of the driver's position 20. The tank 51 has a cylindrical shape and is closed by rounded flanges 510. The frame 50 is fixed to the vehicle in a manner not detailed here, but which may be by screwing, bolting or welding. The frame 50 is made up of metal bars extending vertically and / or horizontally and assembled together, in particular by welding.

[0035] The frame 50 comprises a fixing 501 connecting the tank 51 to a lower end of the tank 51. The fixing 501 has the form of a plate fixed to the frame 50 by its edges and on which the tank 51 is supported by the center of one of its flanges 510. The storage module 5 further comprises a system of straps 52 surrounding the cylindrical part of the tank 51 in order to keep the latter supported on cradles 53 integrated into the frame 50. The frame 50 further comprises a removable cover 502 which maintains the rigidity of the frame 50, but which can be removed during the phase of mounting the storage module 5 inside the vehicle.

[0036] The frame 50 may also include a cross member (not shown) which is fixed to two opposite side uprights (providing structural support) of the vehicle. The cross member may extend horizontally, substantially halfway up the enclosed space 1, and along the transverse partition 3. Such a cross member makes it possible to transmit loads to the vehicle body in the event of a frontal impact without stressing the transverse partition 3.

[0037] The storage module 5 is provided as a kit for retrofitting a light commercial vehicle with an enclosed space 1, for retrofitting either existing vehicles or new vehicles outside a production line. The kit comprises the single tank 51 fixed to the frame 50, the frame 50 being intended to be fixed to the vehicle with the tank 51 in a vertical position in the enclosed space 1 of the vehicle along one side of the vehicle.

[0038] The frame 50 comprises the cover 502 without which the storage module 5 can move from a horizontal position to the vertical position inside the enclosed space 1, and with which the storage module 5 cannot move from the horizontal position to the vertical position inside the enclosed space 1. Figure 4 shows that, with the cover 502 in place, there is interference between the frame 50 and the roof 7 of the vehicle during the phase of moving from the horizontal position to the vertical position. By removing the cover 502, this interference is avoided. It is thus possible to use a maximum of available height to have the maximum height dimensions and therefore capacity for the tank 51.

[0039] In a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6, the light utility vehicle is a vehicle for transporting people in the enclosed space 1' and provided with seats 8 for the passengers. Such a vehicle is commonly called a minibus. In this embodiment, the storage module 5' is also placed at the rear of the driver's station 20. The frame 50' comprises a partition 504 containing the tank 51' and at least one orifice 505 for putting the volume inside the partition 504 into fluid communication with the exterior of the vehicle.

[0040] The partition 504 is made with solid walls, and any junctions are treated to be watertight, for example with flexible joints or with mastic. The partition 504 is complete so as not to leave any communication between the volume inside the partition and the enclosed space 1'. It can be seen that the volume around the tank 51' is not in fluid communication with the inside of the enclosed space 1'. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a gas sensor, adapted to the type of gas used, and which triggers an alert in the event of exceeding a predetermined threshold of a gas concentration. The sensor samples the gas preferably in the space delimited by the partition.

[0041] The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described by way of example. The gas contained could be another type of gas such as propane, natural gas or petroleum gas. The tank 51 may be of any suitable type, in particular type I to IV, and in particular type II or III, that is to say with a metal inner tank (steel or aluminum) and a fiber composite casing. The tank is typically designed for a filling pressure of 350 to 700 bars. Typically, the tank may have a capacity of 300 liters or more, in particular 350 liters, or even 400 liters.

Claims

Claims 1. Light utility vehicle with enclosed space (1) intended to accommodate people or goods, the vehicle comprising an elongated pressurized gas storage module (5, 5') for containing a gaseous fuel of the vehicle, characterized in that the storage module (5, 5') comprises a single tank (51, 51') arranged vertically in the enclosed space (1) of the vehicle along one side of the vehicle.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, in which the storage module (5) is intended and equipped to contain dihydrogen.

3. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which the tank (51) has a cylindrical shape and is closed by flanges (510), the storage module (5) comprising a frame (50) supporting the tank (51), the frame (50) being fixed to the vehicle.

4. Vehicle according to claim 3, in which the frame (50) comprises an attachment (501) connecting the tank (51) to a lower end of the tank (51).

5. Vehicle according to one of claims 3 or 4, in which the frame (50) comprises a removable cover (502) extending over the entire width of the frame and placed in the upper part of the frame (50).

6. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which a transverse partition (3) separates the enclosed space (1) on the one hand into a cabin (2) and on the other hand into a loading space, the storage module (5) being placed in the loading space along the partition.

7. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (50') comprises a partition (504) containing the tank (51') in a sealed manner and at least one orifice (505) for putting the volume inside the partition (504) into fluid communication with the exterior of the vehicle.

8. Adaptation kit for a light utility vehicle with enclosed space (1), the kit comprising a storage module (5) with a single tank (51) fixed on a frame (50, 50'), the frame (50, 50') being arranged to be fixed to the vehicle with the tank (51) in a vertical position in the enclosed space (1) of the vehicle along one side of the vehicle to obtain a light utility vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Kit according to claim 8, in which the frame (50, 50') comprises a cover (502) removable extending over the entire width of the frame and placed in the upper part of the frame (50), without which the storage module (5) can move from a horizontal position to a vertical position inside the enclosed space (1), and with which the storage module (5) cannot move from the horizontal position to the vertical position inside the enclosed space (1).

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