Working machine

Abstract

A working machine comprising: a body (12) mounted on a ground engaging structure; a lifting arm (14) pivotally mounted to the body; a gas engine (15') configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging structure; an operator cab mounted to the body; a primary gas storage system comprising at least one primary gas storage tank (18) for storing a gaseous fuel mounted to the body: an auxiliary storage unit (22) removably mounted to the working machine and comprising an auxiliary gas storage system comprising at least one auxiliary storage tank (26) for storing a gaseous fuel; and a gas system controller (38) configured to control the primary and auxiliary gas storage systems to convey gaseous fuel to the gas engine; wherein the at least one auxiliary storage tank is removably connectable to the primary gas storage system and the gas system controller is configured to detect when the at least one auxiliary storage tank is connected to the primary gas storage system and to convey gaseous fuel from the at least one auxiliary storage tank to the gas engine.

Description

[0001] A Working Machine

[0002] FIELD

[0003] This invention relates to a working machine.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Off-highway vehicles / working machines are typically those used in construction industries (e.g. backhoe loaders, slew excavators, telescopic handlers, forklifts, skid-steer loaders, dump trucks, bulldozers, graders), agricultural industries (e.g. tractors, combine harvesters, wheeled loading shovels, telescopic handlers, self-propelled harvesters and sprayers), quarrying (e.g. excavators, wheeled loading shovels, aggregate crushing equipment), and forestry (e.g. timber harvesters, feller bunchers). Many working machines have a primary function of moving material using either a lifting arm (e.g. a pivoting boom) or a working arm (e.g. an excavator arm) and may be referred to as material handling machines. Telehandlers are generally well known and comprise a vehicle with a pivoting telescopically extending working arm which allows items to be transported between different locations at varying heights with relative ease and flexibility. Telehandlers are often utilised in agriculture, construction or logistics, amongst other sectors.

[0006] Conventionally, working machines of the type referred to above are generally powered by diesel internal combustion engines. However, there is a general need to reduce vehicle emissions in the face of global warming leading to working machine OEMs considering alternative prime movers. Proposed alternatives include battery, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines and various hybrid options, etc.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide a storage solution for a gaseous fuel for a working machine comprising a gas engine or dual fuel engine.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The present teachings provide a working machine according to the appended claims. A first aspect of the present teachings provides a working machine. The working machine may comprise a body mounted on a ground engaging structure. A lifting arm may be pivotally mounted to the body. The working machine may comprise a gas engine configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging structure. An operator cab may be mounted to the body. A primary gas storage system may comprise at least one primary gas storage tank for storing a gaseous fuel mounted to the body. An auxiliary storage unit may be removably mounted to the working machine. The auxiliary storageunit may comprise an auxiliary gas storage system. The auxiliary gas storage system may comprise at least one auxiliary storage tank for storing a gaseous fuel. The working machine may comprise a gas system controller configured to control the primary and auxiliary gas storage systems to convey gaseous fuel to the gas engine. The at least one auxiliary storage tank may be removably connectable to the primary gas storage system. The gas system controller may be configured to detect when the at least one auxiliary storage tank is connected to the primary gas storage system and to convey gaseous fuel from the at least one auxiliary storage tank to the gas engine.

[0010] Advantageously, providing a working machine with a gas engine and a storage tank reduces vehicle emissions in the face of global warming, thereby improving the sustainability of the working machine. Moreover, providing an auxiliary storage tank removably connectable to the machine (i.e. the primary gas storage system) enables the auxiliary tank(s) to be used to increase the range of the machine by increasing the gas storage capacity.

[0011] The gas system controller may be configured to incorporate the at least one auxiliary storage tank into the primary gas storage system such that the at least one auxiliary storage tank acts as an additional primary storage tank.

[0012] This enables the auxiliary storage tanks to be used to temporarily increase the gas storage capacity of the gas storage system.

[0013] The gas system controller may be configured to monitor at least one property of each primary and auxiliary storage tank. The gas system controller may be configured to open a tank valve of one of said primary and auxiliary storage tanks based on said property for conveying gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

[0014] This helps to optimise the use of gaseous fuel on the working machine.

[0015] The gas system controller may be configured to monitor a tank temperature and / or tank pressure of each primary and auxiliary tank.

[0016] This helps to optimise the use of gaseous fuel on the working machine.

[0017] The gas system controller may be configured to determine a fuel fill level for each primary and auxiliary storage tank. The gas system controller may be configured to open a tank valve of one of said tanks based on this determination for conveying gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

[0018] This helps to optimise the use of gaseous fuel on the working machine.

[0019] The auxiliary storage unit may comprise a communication system to transmit signals to the gas system controller.This enables the gas system controller to determine whether the auxiliary storage unit is being used to refuel the primary storage tanks, or whether the auxiliary storage tanks are to be used to convey gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

[0020] The communication system may be configured to transmit data relating to pressure and / or temperature of the at least one auxiliary storage tank to the gas system controller.

[0021] The communication system may be at least partially disposed on the outlet nozzle.

[0022] The auxiliary storage unit may comprise an outlet nozzle configured to be connectable to a first inlet port of the primary gas storage system to connect the auxiliary storage unit to the primary gas storage system to convey gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

[0023] The outlet nozzle may be configured to be connectable to a filling nozzle inlet of the primary gas storage system for refuelling the at least one primary storage tank.

[0024] The auxiliary storage unit may comprise a communication system to transmit signals to the gas system controller relating to whether the outlet nozzle is connected to the first inlet port or the filling nozzle inlet.

[0025] This enables the gas system controller to determine whether the auxiliary storage unit is being used to refuel the primary storage tanks, or whether the auxiliary storage tanks are to be used to convey gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

[0026] The auxiliary storage unit may comprise a mounting arrangement configured to be mounted to the working arm of the working machine.

[0027] Enabling the auxiliary storage unit to be mounted to the working arm enables it to be carried by the working machine. This may be particularly useful when the working machine is towing a load on a trailer between locations, as it will provide an extended range of the working machine during said transportation.

[0028] The auxiliary storage unit may comprise a housing or frame that houses the at least one auxiliary storage tank. The housing may be provided in the form of a bucket.

[0029] The working machine may comprise a tow hitch. The auxiliary storage unit may comprise a mounting arrangement configured to be mounted to the tow hitch.

[0030] Enabling the auxiliary storage unit to be towed by the working machine may be particularly useful when the working machine is performing working operations with the working arm. The auxiliary storage unit may be a trailer or may be configured to be mounted to a trailer. The auxiliary storage unit may comprise a filling nozzle inlet.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGSEmbodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0032] Figures 1A to IE show a material handling machine according to the present disclosure, and illustrate a front perspective view of the lifting arm side (Fig. 1A), a rear perspective view of the lifting arm side (Fig. IB), cab side sideview (Fig. 1C), a front perspective view of the cab side (Fig. ID) and a rear perspective view of the cab side (Fig IE);

[0033] Figure 2 shows a plurality of storage tanks located beneath an operator cab of the working machine of Figures 1A to IE;

[0034] Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the working machine of Figures 1A to IE with an auxiliary storage unit mounted to the working arm;

[0035] Figure 4 shows a side view of the auxiliary storage unit of Figure 3;

[0036] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of an auxiliary storage unit; and

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an auxiliary storage unit.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments and the inventive concept. However, those skilled in the art will understand that: the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with known equivalents of these specific details; that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments; and, that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of alternative embodiments. It will also be appreciated that well known methods, procedures, components, and systems may have not been described in detail.

[0040] References to vertical and horizontal in the present disclosure should be understood to be in relation to the machine when stood on horizontal ground in a non-working condition. The term axial is generally used in relation to the longitudinal axis of the machine. The term width is generally used in relation to the longitudinal length, that is, transverse to the length.

[0041] With reference to Figures 1A to IE there is shown a working machine 10. The working machine 10 of the described embodiment is a material handling machine 10 in the form of a telehandler. In other embodiments the load handling machine 10 may be a rotating telescopic handler, an excavator, a skid-steer loader, a compact track loader, a wheel loader, or a telescopic wheel loader, a backhoe loader, a tractor, for example. Such working machines may be denoted as off-highway vehicles or as non-road mobile machinery, and may include an operator cab. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure may be applicable to other working machines which have a prime mover operable using a gaseous fuel.The material handling machine 10 has a body 12, an operator cab 13 mounted to the body, and a lifting arm 14 pivotably mounted at a first end to the body 12 for pivoting movement about a first generally horizontal axis A (i.e. a pivot axis A). The machine includes an engine housing or side pod 15, in which a prime mover 15' (shown schematically in Figure IB only) is located. The body 12 is located on a ground engaging structure 17 which is in the form of axle mounted front 17F, 19F and rear wheels 17R, 19R. The material handling machine 10 is generally elongate having a principal longitudinal axis 11. The operator cab 13 defines the principal forward facing direction of travel of the material handling machine 10.

[0042] The material handling machine 10 includes the prime mover 15' in the form of a gas engine which is configured to run on a gaseous fuel. The prime mover 15' may be configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging structure and / or at least one hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump may be used to drive hydraulic actuators required for the operation of the lifting arm or some other hydraulic service.

[0043] The gaseous fuel may be any suitable fuel such as compressed natural gas, hydrogen, landfill gas or biomass, for example, all of which are known in the art. It shall be appreciated that the gaseous fuel may be combined with any suitable combustible mixture. The gas engine may be an internal combustion engine. In preferred embodiments, the engine will be either a port fuel injected or direct injected hydrogen internal combustion engine, as known in the art. In other embodiments, the power train of the working vehicle may include a hydrogen fuel cell or some other form of gas powered energy conversion device. The prime mover may be dual fuel in some embodiments, and the material handling machine 10 may be a hybrid machine providing motive power from electrical and gaseous fuel energy sources. The gas engine 15' may be powered exclusively by hydrogen. The material handling machine 10 may include a battery (not shown). The battery provides electrical power for powering various electrical functions on the material handling machine as well known in the art. For example, the battery may provide power to a starter motor of the machine or one or more ECUs or other electrical equipment. The battery may be located within a housing which is provided towards the front of, rear of, upstream of or downstream of and external to the lifting arm housing so as to be suitably removed from fuel lines and storage assembly. The battery may be located in a forward housing of the chassis between conventional stabiliser legs 76 which may be deployed to increase the machine stability during certain lifting operations.

[0044] The body 12 is carried by the ground engaging structure 17F, 19F, 17R, 19R comprising propulsive means which are driven by a powertrain. The powertrain includes the prime mover 15' and a drivetrain. In this example the prime mover is an internal combustion engine and the drivetrain includes a powershift gearbox as known in the art, but otherprime movers and drivetrain types such as hydrostatic transmission and combinations thereof may be possible.

[0045] The body 12 and ground engaging structure 17F, 19F, 17R, 19R are provided in a fixed relation such that there is no relative movement therebetween in normal use. That is, the body 12 is not configured to rotate about a vertical axis, i.e. slew, in relation to the ground engaging structure 17F, 19F, 17R, 19R. Further, the body 12 includes a rigid or fixed frame which does not articulate as a wheeled loading shovel or other machines might.

[0046] The body 12 may include a chassis 30 which provides the main structural support for the material handling machine 10. The chassis 30 may provide structural support for the ground engaging structure 17F, 19F, 17R, 19R, the prime mover 15', the drivetrain, the operator cab 13, the lifting arm 14 and associated actuators, and any ancillary equipment, components, systems or body work as may be required for the machine to function. The chassis 30 may include a lifting arm housing in which the lifting arm is partially housed when in a non-working position and / or provides a pivoting mount for the lifting arm 14. Parallel sidewalls 30-1, 30-2 of the chassis 30 define the lifting arm housing. Put another way, the lifting arm 14 is located between the sidewalls 30-1, 30-2 of the chassis 30. The body 12 may include a counterweight 84 to counterbalance the lifting arm 14. The counterweight 84 is positioned at an aft end of the operator structure 13, for example opposite the lifting arm 14 to optimise the counterbalance effect.

[0047] The ground engaging structure 17 of the example shown in the figures includes a front pair of wheels 17F, 19F and a rear pair of wheels 17R, 19R as is well known in the art. The wheels 17F, 19F, 17R, 19R may be configured to provide two wheel or four wheel steering as is well known in the art. As such, either or both of the front 17F, 19F and rear wheels 17R, 19R may be configured to turn relative to the body 12 under the influence of a steering device provided within the operator cab 13.

[0048] Either or both of the front 17F, 19F and rear 17R, 19R wheels may be driveably attached to corresponding axles which form part of the transmission / drivetrain of the material handling machine 10. One or both of the axles may be coupled to the prime mover 15' or drive train which is configured to drive movement of one or both pairs of wheels 17F, 19F, 17R, 19R. Thus, the wheels 17F, 19F, 17R, 19R may contact a ground surface and rotation of the wheels 17F, 19F, 17R, 19R may cause movement of the material handling machine 10 with respect to the ground surface. In other embodiments the ground engaging propulsion structure may include a pair of tracks. In an embodiment, at least one of the first and second axles is coupled to the body 12 by a pivot joint (not shown) located at substantially the centre of the axle such that the axle can rock about a longitudinal axis ofthe material handling machine 10 thereby improving stability when moving across uneven ground.

[0049] The operator cab 13 is mounted to the chassis 30 of the main body 12 and includes an operator seat and suitable controls for operating the machine 10. Thus, there may be one or more: steering device, such as a steering wheel 13-7, lever or joystick for example; input devices for operating the lifting arm 14, such as a lever or joystick 13-8 for example, speed control devices for controlling the movement of the machine over ground, such as one or more foot controls (e.g. accelerator, brake), lever or joystick; a throttle control; one or more output devices for providing the operator with information pertaining to the operating state of the machine which may be visual (e.g. a display screen, warning lights) or audible (e.g. buzzer, speaker or other alarm); and, one or more input devices for configuring or operating various aspects of the machine (e.g. switches, levers, touch screen display, joysticks, touch buttons).

[0050] The operator cab 13 may be conventional and be constructed from a glazed frame 13 including a number of structural members having panels or glass extending therebetween. The operator cab 13 extends from one side of the machine 10, the near-side, towards the other lifting arm 14. As can best be seen in Figure ID, access to the operator cab 13 may be provided by an opening in a cab sidewall 13-2. In the embodiment shown, there is shown a door 13-3 pivotable about a plurality of hinges 13-4 provided on an aft cab pillar thereof and a handle 13-5 provided towards the front for latching and optionally locking the door 13-3 in a closed position. It will be appreciated that the presence and arrangement of the door 13-3 may differ variously in embodiments of the present disclosure. The operator cab 13 includes a cab roof 13-6 for protecting the operator from falling debris etc.

[0051] Immediately and directly below the cab entrance there is provided a plurality of cab access steps 40-1, 40-2, 40-3 which are configured to receive an operator's feet when entering or exiting the cab 13.

[0052] The lifting arm 14 is configured to carry a load handling implement (not shown) at a second end and may include a tool carrier 16 which is configured to attach a working implement to the machine 10. The tool carrier 16 is configured to pivot relative to the lifting arm 14 about a second generally horizontal axis so that a load may be kept in a constant horizontal or other desired orientation as the lifting arm 14 pivots up and down, as well known in the art.

[0053] The lifting arm 14 may be provided by an elongate box section having a length which extends fore-aft on the machine 10, a transverse width, and a vertical depth. The lifting arm 14 may be a telescopic boom having a plurality of nested sections which areconfigured to expand telescopically to adjust the length thereof upon demand. Thus, there is shown a first section connected to a pivoting mount 32 and a second section which is telescopically mounted within the first section. The second section of the lifting arm 14 is longitudinally moveable with respect to the first section such that the lifting arm 14 can be extended and retracted on demand from the operator cab 13 controls. The lifting arm 14 shown in the Figures has four telescopic sections but more or fewer may be used in other embodiments. It will be appreciated that the lifting arm may not be telescopic in some embodiments.

[0054] The lifting arm 14 extends from the pivot mount 32 which is located generally above the rear wheel 19R and aft of the cab 13 to the front of the machine 10. The tool carrier 16 is the foremost part of the material handling machine 10 when no lifting implement is attached. The first section is a straight section which is inclined slightly downwards from the pivot mount 32 for transportation and when not in use, and extends fore of the cab 13 to terminate above the front wheel 19F. The second section extends colinearly from within the first section with a drop section which is angled downwards so as to put the tool carrier 16 proximate the ground. Telescopic movement of the second section with respect to the first section of the lifting arm 14 may be achieved by use of an extension actuator. The extension actuator may be any known in the art, such as a double acting hydraulic linear actuator. In some embodiments, extension may be achieved by use of an electric linear actuator, a telescopic extension ram, multiple extension rams, and / or a chain and pulley system.

[0055] The working machine 10 includes a primary gas storage system. The primary gas storage system includes one or more primary gas storage tanks 18 for storing a gaseous fuel mounted to the body 12. The working machine 10 includes a gas system controller 38 (see Figure 6) configured to control the primary gas storage system to convey gaseous fuel from the or each primary gas storage tank to the gas engine 15'.

[0056] In embodiments where more than one primary storage tank 18 is provided, the primary storage tanks 18 may include shutoff valves or isolation valves. The valves enable individual tanks to be shutoff or isolated from one another, for example sequential shutoff from one another. This helps to limit a pressure drop of each primary storage tank 18 during discharge of gaseous fuel from the primary storage tank 18, thereby helping to prevent temperature drops and chilling of the primary storage tanks 18.

[0057] As illustrated in Figure 2, the material handling machine 10 may have one or more primary storage tanks 18 in which the gaseous fuel may be received and stored for use by the gas engine 15'. The location of the primary storage tanks 18may be anywhere suitable in or on the machine 10, as will be described in more detail below. The primary storage tanks are elongate. The primary storage tanks 18 have a cylindrical central body with first andsecond hemispherical ends. The primary storage tanks may be substantially torpedo shaped.

[0058] In some embodiments, the primary storage tanks have a longitudinal axis lying horizontal and transverse to the longitudinal axis 11 of the machine 10 and operator cab 13. In other words, the primary storage tanks lie width-wise across the machine 10 and perpendicular to the length of the machine 10. In some embodiments, the primary storage tanks have a longitudinal axis lying parallel to the longitudinal axis 11 of the material handling machine 10 and the operator cab 13. In other words, the primary storage tanks lie lengthwise along the material handling machine 10 and parallel to the length of the material handling machine 10. In some embodiments, the primary storage tanks have a longitudinal axis extending vertically and transverse to the longitudinal axis 11 of the material handling machine 10 and operator cab 13. In other words, the primary storage tanks lie height-wise along the material handling machine 10 and perpendicular to the length of the material handling machine 10. In some embodiments, a combination of the above orientations may be used, and / or the primary storage tanks may be arranged diagonally.

[0059] Referring to Figure 2, a location of the at least one primary storage tank 18 is illustrated. The primary storage tanks 18 may be provided under the operator cab 13. The primary storage tanks 18 have a longitudinal axis lying horizontal and transverse to the longitudinal axis 11 of the machine 10 and operator cab 13. In other words, the primary tanks 18 lie width-wise across the machine 10 and perpendicular to the length of the machine 10. It will, however, be understood that the tanks may be arranged to be substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the machine 10. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three primary storage tanks 18a-c, but there may be more or fewer primary storage tanks than this in other embodiments.

[0060] In other embodiments the primary storage tanks 18 may be arranged at any suitable location on the machine 10, either in addition to or as an alternative to the tank location illustrated in Figure 2.

[0061] In a first example, the operator cab 13 is offset relative to a central longitudinal axis 11 of the body 12 on a first side of the body 12 (i.e. the operator cab side). The working machine 10 includes a side pod 15 mounted to the body 12 on a second side of the body 12 remote from the operator cab 13 (i.e. the lifting arm side). One or more primary storage tanks may be arranged in the side pod 15. In a second example, one or more storage tanks may be mounted to the operator cab 13. Mounting the primary storage tanks to the operator cab 13 provides a convenient location for storing a gaseous fuel. The storage tank(s) may be mounted to the cab roof. In a third example, one or more storage tanks may be located at the rear of the working machine. It will be understood that anycombination of the first, second, and third examples may be used, and that the first, second and third examples of primary storage tank locations may be used in combination with or as a replacement for the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2.

[0062] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the working machine 10 has an auxiliary storage unit 22 removably mounted to the working machine 10. In the illustrated example, the auxiliary storage unit 22 is removably mounted to the working arm 14. The auxiliary storage unit 22 includes a frame or housing 24. One or more auxiliary storage tanks 26a-e are arranged within the housing 24. The auxiliary storage unit 22 is removably connectable to the primary gas storage system. The gas system controller 38 is configured to control the auxiliary gas storage system to convey gaseous fuel to the gas engine 15'. The gas system controller 38 is configured to detect when the at least one auxiliary storage tank 26a-e is connected to the primary gas storage system and to convey gaseous fuel from the at least one auxiliary storage tank to the gas engine 15'.

[0063] The auxiliary storage unit 22 is illustrated in the form of a bucket 24 that is mounted to a distal end of the working arm 14. In alternative embodiments, however, any suitable frame or housing may be used for the auxiliary storage unit 22. In further alternative embodiments, it will be appreciated that the auxiliary storage unit 22 may be removably mounted to any suitable location on the working machine 10, for example on the body 12 or on the operator cab 13. In embodiments of the working machine 10 including an undercarriage and a superstructure, the auxiliary storage unit 22 may be mounted to either the undercarriage or the superstructure. In such embodiments, the auxiliary storage unit 22 may be mounted to a skid-steer hitch, or to any other suitable mounting arrangement on the working machine 10. It will further be understood that a working machine 10 may include multiple the auxiliary storage units 22 mounted thereto.

[0064] Referring to Figure 5, an embodiment of the auxiliary storage unit 22' is illustrated. The auxiliary storage unit 22' is substantially the same as the auxiliary storage unit 22 of Figure 3 and 4, but in this embodiment the auxiliary storage unit 22' is mounted to a trailer 28. In other embodiments, the auxiliary storage unit 22' may be integrally formed as a part of the trailer 28. As is illustrated in Figure IE, the working machine is provided with a tow hitch 30 (see Figures IB and IE) at a rear thereof. The trailer 28 is releasably mounted to the tow hitch 30. The auxiliary storage unit 22' is provided with a mounting arrangement 32 configured to be mounted to the tow hitch 30. The trailer 28 includes a chassis or frame 34 with wheels 36 mounted thereto and arranged on opposing sides of the chassis 34. Referring to Figure 6, an exemplary auxiliary gas storage system 40 for the auxiliary storage units 22, 22' is shown. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the auxiliary storage unit 22, 22' may be provided with any suitable gas storage system, and is not limited to the gas storage system illustrated.The auxiliary storage unit 22, 22' includes at least one auxiliary storage tank 26 for storing a gaseous fuel. In the example shown, the auxiliary storage unit 22, 22' includes five auxiliary storage tanks 26a-e, but any suitable number of auxiliary storage tanks may be used in other embodiments.

[0065] The auxiliary gas system 40 has a plurality of auxiliary storage tanks 26a-e each having a tank valve 42. Each tank valve 42 includes a port to which a single tank line 44a-e is connected to enable flow of gaseous fuel into and out of the respective storage tank 26a-e.

[0066] The tank valve 42 may be mounted to a respective neck potion of each storage tank 26a-e. Each tank 26a-e may include one or more of a manual bleed valve 46, a thermally-activated pressure relief device, TPRD 48, a pressure sensor 50, a temperature sensor 52, a filter 54, and a tank shut-off valve 56.

[0067] Whilst the pressure sensor 50 and temperature sensor 52 are illustrated as being provided together, it will be understood that separate pressure and temperature sensors 50, 52 may be provided. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 50 may be provided on each tank line 44a-e and the temperature sensor 52 may be provided on each tank 26a-e. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 52 may be configured to extend into each tank 26a-e to monitor the temperature within the respective tank 26a-e.

[0068] Each tank line 44a-e includes a valve 58 to enable flow of gaseous fuel into and out of each tank 26a-e. The valve 58 may be a solenoid valve. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 58 is bidirectional valve to enable flow into and out of each tank 26a-e via the single tank line 44a-e. In alternative embodiments, however, two tank lines may be provided for each tank 26a-e to provide separate inlet and outlet lines into and out of each tank 26a-e, respectively.

[0069] In some embodiments, each auxiliary tank 26a-e or group of auxiliary tanks 26a-e may be provided with a vent line 60a, 60b which connects to the TPRD 48 of each tank or group of tanks 26a-e. In alternative embodiments, all of the tanks 26a-e may connect to a single vent line, or each tank 26a-e may be connected to a separate vent line.

[0070] In some embodiments, each tank line 44a-e extends between the respective storage tank 26a-e and a common manifold block 62. In other embodiments, the manifold block 62 may be omitted.

[0071] The auxiliary gas storage system 40 of the auxiliary storage unit 22, 22' includes an outlet nozzle 64. The outlet nozzle 64 is configured to be connectable to a first inlet port (not shown) of the primary gas storage system to connect the auxiliary storage unit 22, 22' to the primary gas storage system. Put another way, the outlet nozzle 64 is configured to be connectable to a first inlet port (not shown) of the primary gas storage system to connectthe auxiliary storage tanks 26a-e to the primary gas storage system. In this way, connecting the auxiliary storage unit 22, 22' to the primary gas storage system enables the gas system controller 38 to incorporate the auxiliary storage tanks 26a-e into the primary gas storage system such that gaseous fluid can be conveyed from the auxiliary storage tanks 26a-e directly to the gas engine 15'. In some embodiments, the outlet nozzle 64 may also be configured to be connectable to a filling nozzle inlet (not shown) of the primary gas storage system, so as to be capable of filling or refuelling the primary gas storage tanks 18a-c.

[0072] The working machine 10 includes a gas system controller 38 configured to control the primary gas storage system, and also the auxiliary gas storage system 40 when said auxiliary gas storage system 40 is connected to the working machine 10. In some embodiments, the auxiliary storage unit 22, 22' may be provided with a communication system 68 to transmit data to the gas system controller 38 to enable to gas system controller 38 to determine whether the auxiliary gas storage unit 22, 22' is connected to the first inlet port (i.e. the auxiliary tanks 26a-e are used as additional tanks of the primary gas storage system) or to the filling nozzle inlet (i.e. the auxiliary tanks 26a-e are used to refuel the primary storage tanks 18a-c).

[0073] In the present embodiment, the communication system 68 is at least partially disposed on the refuelling outlet nozzle 64. The communication system 68 may be provided as an infrared communication system. In some embodiments, the communication system 68 may include an infrared communicator, e.g. an infrared collar, on the refuelling outlet nozzle 64 that communicates with an inlet nozzle of the vehicle being refuelled, although any suitable wired or wireless connection may be provided in alternative embodiments, for example NFC (near field communication, Bluetooth, wi-fi or cellular communications. In other embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 22, 22' may be provided with an electrical cable that is connected / connectable to the gas system controller 38 to transmit data regarding the auxiliary storage tanks 26a-e.

[0074] The communication system 68 may be configured to transmit data relating to pressure and / or temperature of the auxiliary storage tanks 26a-e to the gas system controller 38. The gas system controller 38 may be configured to determine a fuel fill level for each primary and auxiliary storage tank, based on a respective tank pressure and / or temperature. The gas system controller 38 may then selectively open a tank valve of one of the primary or auxiliary tanks 18a-c, 26a-e based on the determined fill levels to convey gaseous fuel to the gas engine 15'.

[0075] The auxiliary storage unit 22, 22' includes a filling nozzle inlet 70. The filling nozzle inlet 70 may include a receptacle 70-1 and a filter 70-2 to help remove particulate matter from the flow of gaseous fuel as it enters the auxiliary storage unit 22, 22'. The incorporationof a filling nozzle inlet 70 enables the auxiliary storage unit 22, 22' to be refuelled as required.

[0076] The filling nozzle inlet 70 may also comprise a check valve 70-3 which prevents a reverse flow of gas from the tanks 26a-e when the filling nozzle (not shown) is removed. In some embodiments, the check valve may be selectively openable to allow gas to be purged from the system 40 and captured in a reverse refuelling process.

[0077] Although not illustrated, it will be understood that the primary gas storage system of the working machine 10 may be substantially the same as the auxiliary gas storage system 40. Alternatively, the working machine 10 may be provided with any suitable primary gas storage system that is capable of being connected to an auxiliary storage unit.

[0078] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only and it will be appreciated that the variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1. A working machine comprising:a body mounted on a ground engaging structure;a lifting arm pivotally mounted to the body;a gas engine configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging structure;an operator cab mounted to the body;a primary gas storage system comprising at least one primary gas storage tank for storing a gaseous fuel mounted to the body:an auxiliary storage unit removably mounted to the working machine and comprising an auxiliary gas storage system comprising at least one auxiliary storage tank for storing a gaseous fuel; anda gas system controller configured to control the primary and auxiliary gas storage systems to convey gaseous fuel to the gas engine;wherein the at least one auxiliary storage tank is removably connectable to the primary gas storage system and the gas system controller is configured to detect when the at least one auxiliary storage tank is connected to the primary gas storage system and to convey gaseous fuel from the at least one auxiliary storage tank to the gas engine.

2. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein the gas system controller is configured to incorporate the at least one auxiliary storage tank into the primary gas storage system such that the at least one auxiliary storage tank acts as an additional primary storage tank.

3. The working machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the gas system controller is configured to monitor at least one property of each primary and auxiliary storage tank and to open a tank valve of one of said primary and auxiliary storage tanks based on said property for conveying gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

4. The working machine according to claim 3, wherein the gas system controller is configured to monitor a tank temperature and / or tank pressure of each primary and auxiliary tank.

5. The working machine according to claim 4, wherein the gas system controller is configured to determine a fuel fill level for each primary and auxiliary storage tank,and to open a tank valve of one of said tanks based on this determination for conveying gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

6. The working machine according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the auxiliary storage unit comprises a communication system to transmit signals to the gas system controller.

7. The working machine according to claim 6, wherein the communication system is configured to transmit data relating to pressure and / or temperature of the at least one auxiliary storage tank to the gas system controller.

8. The portable refuelling device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the communication system is at least partially disposed on the outlet nozzle.

9. The working machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary storage unit comprises an outlet nozzle configured to be connectable to a first inlet port of the primary gas storage system to connect the auxiliary storage unit to the primary gas storage system to convey gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

10. The working machine according to claim 9, wherein the outlet nozzle is configured to be connectable to a filling nozzle inlet of the primary gas storage system for refuelling the at least one primary storage tank.

11. The working machine according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the auxiliary storage unit comprises a communication system to transmit signals to the gas system controller relating to whether the outlet nozzle is connected to the first inlet port or the filling nozzle inlet.

12. The working machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary storage unit comprises a mounting arrangement configured to be mounted to the working arm of the working machine.

13. The working machine according to claim 12, wherein the auxiliary storage unit comprising a housing or frame that houses the at least one auxiliary storage tank, optionally wherein the housing is provided in the form of a bucket.

14. The working machine according to any preceding claim, comprising a tow hitch, wherein the auxiliary storage unit comprises a mounting arrangement configured to be mounted to the tow hitch.

15. The working machine according to claim 14, wherein the auxiliary storage unit is a trailer or is configured to be mounted to a trailer.

16. The working machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary storage unit comprises a filling nozzle inlet.

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