Pick-up vehicle comprising a gas storage module

Abstract

Disclosed is a pick-up vehicle comprising a load platform (1) delimited by at least two lateral and longitudinal boards (2) and by a cabin (4) at the front of the platform (1). The vehicle comprises a storage module (6) for a pressurised gas intended to supply a powertrain, the storage module (6) comprising a frame (61) that extends from one lateral board (2) to the other above the platform (1) along the cabin (4) and is attached to an upper edge of each of the boards (2), the frame (61) supporting at least one tank for containing gas.

Description

[0001] Pick-up type vehicle with a gas storage module

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a pick-up type vehicle comprising a loading platform delimited by at least two lateral and longitudinal sides and by a cabin at the front of the platform. It relates more particularly to the installation on the vehicle of a gas storage module to supply a powertrain of the vehicle.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] A pickup-type vehicle is known comprising a loading platform delimited by at least two side and longitudinal sides and by a cab at the front of the platform. The platform allows materials or goods to be transported with access from above or from the rear of the vehicle. These vehicles are generally equipped with thermal 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 US 8,534,403 B2 shows a pickup-type vehicle equipped with tanks for compressed natural gas. The vehicle comprises a storage module comprising a frame and one or two tanks extending horizontally. The storage module is placed between the rear of the cab and the front of the bed, with the tanks extending in a transverse direction. In the case of two tanks, these are placed superimposed, i.e., one above the other.

[0008] This arrangement significantly reduces the loading space on the bed, in particular by reducing the maximum size of objects that can be placed on the bed. Documents US 9,010,832 B2 and US 2013 / 306695 A1 show a pick-up type vehicle with a tank attached to the bed at the very rear of the vehicle. This arrangement prevents access to the bed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0009] Statement of the invention

[0010] It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a pick-up type vehicle comprising a loading platform so that it is supplied with pressurized gas but while preserving loading capacities as much as possible.

[0011] With these objectives in view, the subject of the invention is a vehicle of the pick-up type comprising a loading platform delimited by at least two lateral and longitudinal sides and by a cabin at the front of the platform, the vehicle comprising a storage module for a pressurized gas intended to supply a powertrain, characterized in that the storage module comprises a frame extending from one lateral side to the other in elevation above the platform along the cabin, the frame supporting at least one tank for containing gas.

[0012] Thanks to this arrangement, the loading platform remains free over its entire surface, particularly for loading long objects. A vehicle initially equipped with a liquid fuel supply can be easily converted by adding the storage module. Access to the platform from the rear of the vehicle is preserved, as the storage module is placed alongside the cab.

[0013] According to a preferred arrangement, the storage module is intended and equipped to contain dihydrogen. Storing this gas requires large volumes. It is hardly possible to use "wasted" space to place tanks there.

[0014] According to a constructive arrangement, the frame is fixed on the upper edge of the sides. In some cases, the vehicle is already designed to accommodate a roll bar at the rear of the cab. The same fastening means can be used to fix the storage module.

[0015] According to another construction arrangement, the frame is fixed to the platform. In some cases, the vehicle has anchor points on the platform. These can be used to secure the frame. These anchor points can also be added specifically. Preferably, these are along the side panels.

[0016] According to a constructive arrangement, the storage module comprises at least two tanks having a cylindrical body, the tanks being arranged at the same level. The use of more than one tank makes it possible to limit the height occupied by these by distributing the volume over several tanks of smaller size than if there were only one for the same capacity.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the tanks are arranged parallel to each other and with the axes of the cylindrical bodies oriented in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the tanks are arranged parallel to each other and with the axes of the cylindrical bodies oriented in a transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0019] According to an improvement, a curtain extends horizontally above the platform and below the storage module, being attached to the upper edges of the side panels. This curtain protects the goods contained on the platform from the weather or from prying eyes. This type of curtain is already frequently supplied with this type of vehicle and the addition of the storage module does not prevent its use.

[0020] In another improvement, a removable hardtop covers the bed, enclosing the storage module. The removable hardtop is a frequently used solution supplied with pickup trucks. In this version, the storage module can be housed under this removable hardtop.

[0021] According to a constructive arrangement, the storage module comprises a connection device for filling the storage module with gas. Given the positioning of the storage module, the connection device is directly accessible from the outside or, if necessary, by passing through a wall of the removable rigid roof. Brief description of the figures

[0022] 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:

[0023] • figure 1 is a perspective view of a pick-up type vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention and comprising a removable rigid roof;

[0024] • Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a vehicle according to the prior art;

[0025] • Figure 3 is a side view of a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0026] • Figure 4 is a view of the rear of the vehicle of Figure 3;

[0027] • Figure 5 is a side view of a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0028] • Figure 6 is a view of the rear of the vehicle of Figure 5;

[0029] • Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Detailed description

[0031] A vehicle of the pick-up type according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 to 7, and generally comprises a loading platform 1 delimited by two side and longitudinal sides 2, by a tilting rear side 3 and by a cabin 4 at the front of the platform 1. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the vehicle comprises a removable rigid roof 5 covering the platform 1 while including a storage module 6. The storage module 6 comprises a connection device 60 for filling the storage module 6 with gas. The connection device 60 is accessible from the side of the vehicle above the side side 2.

[0032] The storage module 6 (not visible in Fig. 1, covered by the roof 5) is intended to store a pressurized gas, in this case dihydrogen, intended to supply a powertrain, not shown. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the storage module 6 comprises a frame 61 extending from one side wall 2 to the other above the platform 1 along the cabin 4 and fixed on an upper edge 20 of each of the walls 2. Thus, a free space remains between the platform 1 and the storage module 6 over the entire height of the walls 2.

[0033] In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the storage module 6 comprises two tanks 62 having a cylindrical body, the tanks 62 being arranged at the same level parallel to each other and with the axes of the cylindrical bodies oriented in a transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0034] In the embodiment of figures 5 and 6, the storage module 6' comprises three tanks 62' having a cylindrical body, the tanks 62' being arranged on the frame 61' at the same level parallel to each other and with the axes of the cylindrical bodies oriented in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0035] The tanks 62, 62' rest for example on cradles of the frame 61, 61' and are fixed there by straps, not shown.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a vehicle comprising a curtain 7 extending horizontally above the platform 1, being attached to the upper edges of the side panels 2, and a hoop 8 extending transversely at the rear of the cabin 4. This vehicle can be transformed by removing the hoop 8 and replacing it with the storage module 6, the frame 61 being fixed to the upper edges of the side panels 2. The powertrain must also be adapted and connected to the storage module 6 by a pipe, not shown.

[0037] For example, the tanks 62 in the first embodiment have a length of approximately one meter and a diameter of between 0.4 and 0.5 meters. These dimensions may be increased depending on the dimensions of the vehicle. The tanks may be of any suitable type, in particular type I to IV, and in particular type II or III, i.e. with a metal inner tank (steel or aluminum) and a fiber composite casing. The tanks are typically designed for a filling pressure of 350 to 700 bars. The various tanks may be connected to a collection line comprising an outlet connector to be connected to a powertrain supply line, as well as the connection device 60 (e.g. a connector with a non-return valve capable of cooperating with a filling nozzle).

[0038] In a fourth embodiment, shown in Figure 7, the frame 61” comprises feet 610 which extend along the side walls 2 to the platform 1. The feet 610 are fixed to the platform 1. This configuration is advantageous when the sides are not provided for fixing the frame 61” on the upper edges. Anchoring points can be used for fixing the feet 610, either already provided on the vehicle or specifically installed. Thus, a free space remains between the platform 1 and the storage module 6 over the entire height of the feet 610.

Claims

Claims 1. Pick-up type vehicle comprising a loading platform (1) delimited by at least two lateral and longitudinal sides (2) and by a cabin (4) at the front of the platform (1), the vehicle comprising a storage module (6) for a pressurized gas intended to supply a powertrain, characterized in that the storage module (6) comprises a frame (61) extending from one lateral side (2) to the other, raised above the platform (1) along the cabin (4), the frame (61) supporting at least one tank for containing gas.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, in which the storage module (6) is intended and equipped to contain dihydrogen.

3. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (61, 61') is fixed on an upper edge of each of the side panels (2).

4. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the frame (61”) is fixed on the platform (1).

5. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which the storage module (6) comprises at least two tanks (62) having a cylindrical body, the tanks (62) being arranged at the same level.

6. Vehicle according to claim 3, in which the tanks (62) are arranged parallel to each other and with the axes of the cylindrical bodies oriented in a longitudinal direction (F) of the vehicle.

7. Vehicle according to claim 3, in which the tanks (62) are arranged parallel to each other and with the axes of the cylindrical bodies oriented in a transverse direction (T) of the vehicle.

8. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which a curtain (7) extends horizontally above the platform (1) and below the storage module (6), being attached to the upper edges of the side panels (2).

9. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which a removable rigid roof (5) covers the platform (1) while including the storage module (6).

10. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which the storage module (6) comprises a connection device (60) for filling the storage module (6) with gas.

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