A material handling machine

Abstract

A material handling 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 adjacent the lifting arm; at least one storage tank for supplying a gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

Description

[0001] P607486GB00

[0002] A Material Handling Machine

[0003] FIELD

[0004] This invention relates to a material handling machine. In particular, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a material handling machine having a pivoting telescopic lifting arm.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Off-highway vehicles, also known as working machines or material handling 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.

[0007] Telehandlers are generally well known and comprise a vehicle with a pivoting telescopically extending lifting 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] The present invention seeks to provide a storage solution for a gaseous fuel for a material handling machine comprising a gas engine or dual fuel engine.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] The present teachings provide a material handling machine according to the appended claims.

[0012] A first aspect of the teachings provides material handling machine comprising: a ground engaging structure comprising a first axle mounting a pair of wheels and a second axle mounting a pair of wheels; a chassis supported on the ground engaging structure; a lifting arm pivotally mounted to the chassis to pivot about a pivot axis; a gas engine; an operatorP607486GB00

[0013] cab mounted to the body adjacent the lifting arm; and at least one storage tank for supplying a gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

[0014] The working machine may be a telehandler. The lifting arm may be pivotably mounted at a first end to the chassis for pivoting movement about a first generally horizontal axis. The at least one storage tank may have a capacity of up to 15kg.

[0015] The material handling machine may include a motor powered by the gas engine to drive the first axle.

[0016] The gas engine may be arranged proximate to the second axle and configured to provide motive power to a gearbox which drives the second axle.

[0017] Advantageously, providing a material handling machine with a gas engine and a storage tank reduces vehicle emissions in the face of global warming, thereby improving the sustainability of the material handling machine. Moreover, the arrangement of the material handling machine enables the propellor shaft to be omitted from the machine, which enables other components of the machine to be arranged within the chassis. Providing a motor to drive the front axle is also advantageous as the motor has immediate torque availability. The gas engine may be powered exclusively by hydrogen.

[0018] Powering the first axle by using an independently controlled power source enables greater control of the machines 2WD / 4WD capabilities. For example, the machine could be operated in 2WS for efficiency more of the time and only use 4WD when there is a lack of traction.

[0019] The first axle may be a front axle and the second axle may be a rear axle, in a normal direction of travel. Alternatively, the first axle may be a rear axle and the second axle may be a front axle, in a normal direction of travel.

[0020] At least one of the engine and the gearbox may be connected to the second axle to provide a sub-assembly. The gas engine and the gearbox may be connected to the second axle to provide the sub-assembly.

[0021] The gearbox may be interposed between the engine and the second axle and the engine is coupled to the second axle via the gearbox. The gearbox may be arranged rearward of the rear axle with respect to a fore-aft axis of the machine.

[0022] The material handling machine defines a front and a rear, and the gas engine may be located towards the rear of the material handling machine.

[0023] Advantageously, providing the gas engine towards the rear of the material handling machine helps to create space for the storage tanks in the centre of the chassis and / or between the wheels, thereby improving the space efficiency of the material handlingP607486GB00

[0024] machine. Moreover, providing the gas engine towards the rear of the material handling machine provides counterweight needed at the rear of the machine for stability so can result in reduced additional cast counterweights being used.

[0025] The motor may be directly mounted on the first axle.

[0026] The motor may be a hydraulic motor, and the machine ma comprise a hydraulic pump driven by the gas engine to drive the hydraulic motor. Advantageously, the use of a hydraulic motor removes the need for the material handling machine to include a battery to power the motor.

[0027] The motor may be an electric motor, and the material handling machine may comprise an electrical source of power configured to power the electric motor. Advantageously, an electric motor is able to provide improved performance of the material handling machine. The chassis may comprise a pair of parallel sidewalls, and wherein the gas engine is at least partially, for example entirely, arranged between said sidewalls.

[0028] The material handling machine may comprise a hydraulic fluid tank and a hydraulic pump configured to provide hydraulic fluid to the working arm for pivoting the working arm. The hydraulic fluid tank may be located rearward of the pivot axis or between the first and second axles. Advantageously, providing the hydraulic tank in these positioned helps to prevent the tank from obstructing the lifting arm during an operation of the material handling machine.

[0029] The chassis may comprise a pair of parallel sidewalls, and the hydraulic fluid tank may be arranged between said sidewalls.

[0030] The hydraulic fluid tank may be arranged underneath or beneath the operator cab.

[0031] The operator cab may be offset relative to a central longitudinal axis of the body on a first side of the body. The material handling machine may comprise a side pod mounted to the body on a second side of the body remote from the operator cab.

[0032] The material handling machine may comprise at least one storage tank located in the side pod. Advantageously, providing the storage tank in a side pod may provide a convenient location for storing a gaseous fuel. The location of the storage tanks in the side pod provides natural protection. Moreover, providing one or more storage tanks in the side pod has the advantage of being an entirely separate standalone assembly that can be pressure tested at supplier, and remain in the metal side pod right up to point of fit, so is protected through transport.P607486GB00

[0033] The material handling machine may comprise at least two storage tanks located in the side pod, for example three, four, five or six storage tanks located within the side pod. The working machine may comprise a plurality of storage tanks located in the side pod. The plurality of storage tanks may be vertically stacked. Optionally an uppermost storage tank may be offset relative to the other storage tanks in the side pod. Advantageously, providing the at least one storge tanks vertically stacked helps to reduce the ground space taken up by the material handling machine. Providing more than one tank on the material handling machine increases the storage capability of gaseous fuel on the material handling machine.

[0034] The vertically stacked storage tanks may be arranged to tesselate. Advantageously, this improves packing of the storage tanks.

[0035] The, or each, storage tank may be arranged longitudinally in the side pod with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the chassis.

[0036] The material handling machine may comprise at least one storage tank located underneath the operator cab. Advantageously, providing the storage tank below the operator cab provides a convenient location for storing a gaseous fuel. The location of the storage tanks below the operator cab provides natural protection. The storage tank may be located fully within the footprint of the material handling machine, thereby improving space efficiency of the material handling machine.

[0037] The material handling machine may comprise a plurality of storage tanks located underneath the operator cab. The, or each, storage tank may be arranged transverse underneath the operator cab with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the chassis. The material handling machine may comprise at least one storage tank located substantially centrally on the chassis. The at least one substantially central storage tank may be located adjacent to the one or more storage tanks located underneath the operator cab.

[0038] The material handling machine may comprise a storage tank chamber housing the or each storage tank located underneath the operator cab and the or each storage tank located substantially centrally on the chassis. The chassis may comprise a pair of parallel sidewalls, and the storage tank chamber may be interposed between front and rear sidewall portions of one of the sidewalls.

[0039] The material handling machine may comprise at least one storage tank mounted to the operator cab. Advantageously, providing the storage tank mounted to the operator cab provides a convenient location for storing a gaseous fuel. The storage tank may be locatedP607486GB00

[0040] fully within the footprint of the material handling machine, thereby improving space efficiency of the material handling machine.

[0041] The operator cab may comprise a cab roof, and at least one storage tank may be mounted to the cab roof.

[0042] The at least one storage tank may be arranged longitudinally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the working machine.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0045] Figures 1 and 2 show a material handling machine according to the present disclosure;

[0046] Figures 3 and 4 show a plan view of the chassis of the material handling machine of Figure 1;

[0047] Figure 5 shows a rear view of the chassis of the material handling machine of Figure 1;

[0048] Figure 6 shows a plan view of a chassis of a material handling machine according to an embodiment; and

[0049] Figure 7 shows a rear view of the chassis of Figure 6.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 being perpendicular to the longitudinal length, that is, transverse to the length.P607486GB00

[0053] With reference to Figures 1 and 2 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. However, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure may be applicable to other working machines or material handling machines which have a prime mover operable using a gaseous fuel, for example a rotary telehandler.

[0054] The material handling machine 10 has a body 12, an operator cab 13 mounted to the body. 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. The material handling machine includes 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 material handling machine 10 includes a front and a rear with respect to a principal direction of travel. The machine may include a side pod 15. The operator cab 13 is offset relative to a central longitudinal axis of the body 12 on a first side of the body, and the side pod 15 is mounted to the body on a second side of the body 12 remote from the operator cab 13.

[0055] The body 12 is located on a ground engaging structure 17. The ground engaging structure 17 includes a first, or front, axle 18F mounting a pair of wheels 17F, 19F and a second, or rear, axle 18R mounting a pair of wheels 17R, 19R. 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 a prime mover 34 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 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 of the material handling machine 10 thereby improving stability when moving across uneven ground.

[0056] 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. In some embodiments, the material handling machine 10 may be configured to provide both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, depending on operation of the material handling machine 10. It will be understood that in some embodiments, four-wheel drive may be activated when the material handling machine 10 is travelling below a pre-determined threshold speed, for example 10 mph or 15mph. Alternatively, any suitable criteria may be used to change between two-wheelP607486GB00

[0057] drive and four-wheel drive, as required. This changing between 2WD and 4WD may be based upon outputs from an on-machine camera to determine if the machine is on road / off road and if on-road put us into 2wd for efficiency.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The material handling machine 10 includes the prime mover 34 in the form of a gas engine which is configured to run on a gaseous fuel. The prime mover 34 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, for example propulsion of one or more of the axles.

[0060] 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 34 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 22 which may be deployed to increase the machine stability during certain lifting operations.

[0061] The body 12 may include a chassis 24 which provides the main structural support for the material handling machine 10. The chassis 24 may be formed, at least in part, by a pair of opposing sidewalls 24-1, 24-2 each extending entirely or partially along the elongateP607486GB00

[0062] length of the body 12. The chassis 24 may provide structural support for the ground engaging structure 17F, 19F, 17R, 19R, the prime mover 34, 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 10 to function. The chassis 24 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. The body 12 may include a counterweight 26 to counterbalance the lifting arm 14. The counterweight 26 is positioned at an aft end of the operator structure 13, for example opposite the lifting arm 14 to optimise the counterbalance effect.

[0063] The operator cab 13 is mounted to the chassis 24 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, lever or joystick for example; input devices for operating the lifting arm 14, such as a lever or joystick 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).

[0064] The operator cab 13 may be conventional and be constructed from a glazed frame 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.

[0065] 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, for example a carriage, 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.

[0066] 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 are configured to expand telescopically to adjust the length thereof upon demand. Thus, there is shown a first section connected to a pivoting mount 28 and a second section which is telescopically mounted within the first section. The second section of the lifting arm 14 isP607486GB00

[0067] 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 Figures 1 and 2 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.

[0068] The lifting arm 14 extends from the pivot mount 28 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 28 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.

[0069] As illustrated in Figure 3, the material handling machine 10 may have one or more storage tanks 20 in which the gaseous fuel may be received and stored for use by the gas engine 34. The location of the storage tanks may be anywhere suitable in the machine 10, as will be described in more detail below. The storage tanks are elongate. The storage tanks have a cylindrical central body with first and second hemispherical ends. The storage tanks may be substantially torpedo shaped.

[0070] In some embodiments, the storage tank or tanks 20 have a longitudinal axis substantially parallel with to the longitudinal axis 11 of the machine 10. In other words, the storage tanks may lie length-wise along the material handling machine 10 and parallel to the length of the material handling machine 10. In alternative embodiments, however, one or more tanks 20 may be arranged transverse or width-wise across the machine 10 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 11 of the machine 10. In some embodiments, a combination of the above orientations may be used, and / or the storage tanks may be arranged diagonally.

[0071] In embodiments where more than one storage tank 20 is provided, the, or each, storage tank 20 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 storage tank 20 during discharge of gaseous fuel from the storage tank 20, thereby helping to prevent temperature drops andP607486GB00

[0072] chilling of the storage tanks 20. In some embodiments, the, or each, storage tank may have a capacity of up to 15kg.

[0073] The material handling machine 10 includes a drive arrangement that is configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging structure 17F, 19F, 17R, 19R. The drive arrangement includes the gas engine 34. The drive arrangement includes a motor 30 that is powered by the gas engine 34 and is configured to drive the first axle 18F. The drive arrangement includes a gearbox 32 that is powered by the gas engine 34 and is configured to drive the second axle 18R.

[0074] In some embodiments, the motor 30 is a hydraulic motor. In such embodiments, the materials handling machine 10 includes a hydraulic pump driven by the gas engine 34 to drive the hydraulic motor 30. In alternative embodiments, the motor 30 may be an electric motor. In such embodiments, the material handling machine 10 will include an electrical source of power, for example a battery, configured to power the electric motor. Accordingly, the motor 30 may be considered to be indirectly powered by the gas engine 34.

[0075] The gas engine 34 in this embodiment is located towards the rear of the material handling machine 10 (i.e. as opposed to in the side pod 15). Put another way, the gas engine 34 may be arranged proximate to the second, or rear, axle 18R. Providing the gas engine 34 towards the rear of the material handling machine 10 helps to create space in the side pod 15 for the storage tank 20. This helps to improve the space efficiency of the material handling machine 10. In some embodiments, the gas engine 34 is at least partially, for example entirely, arranged between said sidewalls 24-1, 24-2. The gas engine 34 may be mounted in a fore-aft direction, or may be mounted transverse on the material handling machine 10.

[0076] Referring now to Figure 4, the gas engine 34 may be connected to, or mounted to, the rear axle 18R. In the illustrated example, the gas engine 34 is coupled to the rear axle 18R axle via the gearbox 32. The gearbox 32 is fastened to a central part of the rear axle 18R so that the rear axle 18R is arranged in front of the gearbox 32. Put another way, the gearbox 32 is interposed between the gas engine 34 and the rear axle 18R and is configured to transmit motive power from the gas engine 34 to the rear axle 18R. A forward output of the gearbox 32 is connected by a gearbox shaft (not shown) to a bevel pinion which meshes with a crown wheel of the rear axle 18R.

[0077] In some embodiments, a torque converter (not shown) may also be mounted directly or indirectly to the rear axle 18R, for example using the same mounting arrangement as the gearbox 32. The torque converter may be connected to, or formed wholly or partly integrally with, the gearbox 32. This enables the drive arrangement to provide greaterP607486GB00

[0078] tractive power as the torque converter is in the driveline. Alternatively, the torque converter may be omitted or provided in some other suitable position in the drive train. In some embodiments, a sub-assembly may be provided. The sub-assembly may include a part of, or all of, the rear axle 18R. The sub-assembly may also include the gas engine 34 and the gearbox 32. In some embodiments, the torque converter may form part of the sub-assembly.

[0079] As discussed above, the drive arrangement includes a motor 30 that is indirectly powered by the gas engine 34 and is configured to drive the first axle 18F. The motor 30 may be mounted to the first axle 18F. In some embodiments, the motor 30 may be directly mounted to the first axel 18F. By way of example, the motor 30 may be fastened to a forward part of the front axle 18F. Put another way, the motor 30 may be arranged in front of the front axle 18F.

[0080] As discussed above, a hydraulic pump may be used to drive hydraulic actuators required for the operation of the lifting arm or some other hydraulic service. A hydraulic fluid tank 38 may be provided on the material handling machine 10 for supplying hydraulic fluid to the pump. In the illustrated example, the hydraulic tank 38 may be located underneath or beneath the operator cab 13. In other embodiments, the hydraulic tank 38 may be arranged rearward of the rear axle 18R. Put another way, the hydraulic tank 38 may be arranged rearward of the pivot axis A of the lifting arm 14. In another embodiment, the hydraulic tank 38 may be arranged between the first and second axles 18F,18R. In some embodiments, the hydraulic tank 38 is at least partially, for example entirely, arranged between said sidewalls 24-1, 24-2. In other embodiments, the hydraulic tank 38 may be arranged in the side pod 15.

[0081] Referring to Figure 5, as previously discussed, the material handling machine 10 may have one or more storage tanks 20 in which the gaseous fuel may be received and stored for use by the gas engine 34.

[0082] At least one gas storage tank 20a-f is located in the side pod 15. In the illustrated embodiment, six storage tanks 20a-f are located in the side pod 15. However, in alternative embodiments, any suitable number of storage tanks may be arranged in the side pod, For example two, three, four, five, seven or eight storage tanks. The side pod 15 includes a base wall, a top wall and a continuous sidewall extending therebetween. The side pod 15 includes a housing for housing the storage tanks 20a-f. The housing 42 retains the storage tanks 20a-f in the correct position with respect to the side pod 15. Locating one or more storage tanks 20a-f in the side pod 15 helps to provide protection to the or each storage tank 20. Furthermore, the storage tanks 20a-f can be mounted in the side pod 15 a distance of 200mm from the edge of the body 12, which helps to reduce the needP607486GB00

[0083] for expensive and time-consuming right-side impact testing to comply with industry standards. Providing the storage tanks 20a-f in the side pod 15 as a modular structure means that the side pod 15 can be retrofitted to a number of wheelbases.

[0084] Each of the storage tanks 20a-f has a diameter in the range 200mm to 600mm, for example a diameter in the range 300mm to 500mm. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, any suitable number of storage tanks 20a-f may be provided of any suitable diameter. The total storage capacity of the storage tanks 20a-f in the side pod 15 may be greater than 5kg, for example greater than 9kg. In some embodiments, each storage tank may have a capacity of up to 15kg. Storage capacities within these ranges have been found to be suitable for intense operation of the material handling machine 10, and can be used to power a higher power gas engine 34 compared to storage tanks 20a-f with a lower storage capacity.

[0085] Each storage tank 20a-f is arranged longitudinally in the side pod 15 with respect to the central longitudinal axis 11 of the body 12. The storage tanks 20a-f extend in a common direction relative to the length of the material handling machine 10. The storage tanks 20a-f are vertically stacked. In the embodiment shown, the tanks 20a-f are arranged in two columns, each having three storage tanks 20a-f.

[0086] In some embodiments, the columns of storage tanks 20a-f may be arranged so that adjacent columns of storage tanks 20a-f partially overlap. The storage tanks 20a-f may be hexagonally packed. The storage tanks 20a-f may be packed so that tanks 20a-f in alternating rows or layers are arranged in the space between two tanks 20a-f in the adjacent column. Put another way, the tanks 20a-f may be arranged to tesselate. In this way, the storage tanks 20a-f can occupy a smaller footprint for a given size of the storage tanks, thereby maximising the storage in the side pod 15.

[0087] The storage tanks 20a-f occupy a majority of a volume of the side pod 15. The storage tanks 20a-f extend along a majority of a length of the side pod 15, for example substantially along an entirety of the length of the side pod 15. It shall be appreciated that the length of the side pod 80 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 11 of the material handling machine 10. The term "substantially" in this context is taken to mean that the storage tanks 20a-f occupy as much of the side pod 80 as is possible in practice. For example, clearances may need to be provided to account for vibration of the storage tanks 20a-f, meaning that the storage tanks 20a-f cannot occupy 100% of the side pod 15. Although not illustrated, an uppermost storage tank 20a, 20d may be offset relative to the other of the storage tanks 20b, c, e, f in the side pod 15. The arrangement of the uppermost storage tank 20a, 20d conforms to the shape of the side pod 15, and improves operator visibility in a direction towards the front wheels 17F, 19F. The uppermost tankP607486GB00

[0088] 20a, 20d is located closer to the rear of the material handling machine 10 than the other of the storage tanks. A shape of the side pod 15 conforms to the shape of the storage tanks 20a-f (e.g. the shape of the offset uppermost storage tank 20a, 20d). As such, the sidewall of the side pod 15 includes a protruded portion protruding rearwardly for providing space to house the offset uppermost tank 20a, 20d. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the storage tanks 20a-f may be vertically aligned. Alternatively, the uppermost tank 20a, 20d may be located closer to the front of the material handling machine 10 than the other storage tanks, or one of the other storage tanks may be offset. In some embodiments, the material handling machine 10 may be provided with at least one storage tank 20g-i mounted below the operator cab 13. It shall be appreciated that an entirety of the, or each, storage tank 20g-i may be provided below a lowermost extent of the operator cab 13. For example, an entirety of the, or each, storage tank 20g-i may be provided below a floor plate of the operator cab 13. The storage tanks 20g-i may be located directly underneath the operator cab 13, or offset from the operator cab 13 but vertically below the operator cab 13 (i.e. closer to the ground surface than the operator cab 13).

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, three storage tanks 20g-i are arranged below, or underneath, the operator cab 13. However in alternative embodiments, any suitable number of storage tanks may be arranged below the operator cab, for example one, two, four five, six tanks. The storage tanks 20g-i may have the same storage capacity as has been described for the storage tank 20a-f. The storage tanks 20g-i may be arranged to extend transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis 11 of the material handling machine 10. The storage tanks 20g-i may be longitudinally aligned. Put another way, each of the storage tanks 20g-i is located substantially the same distance from the front and rear of the material handling machine 10 as the other of the storage tanks 20g-i. The storage tanks 20g-i are arranged on an opposing side of the material handling machine 10 to the side pod 15. Put another way, the storage tanks 20g-i are arranged on an opposing side of the parallel sidewalls 24-1, 24-2 to the side pod 15.

[0090] In some embodiments, the material handling machine 10 may be provided with at least one storage tank 20j-m arranged substantially centrally on the chassis 24. Put another way, the material handling machine 10 may be provided with at least one storage tank 20j-m arranged between the parallel sidewalls 24-1, 24-2. In the embodiment illustrated, four storage tanks 20j-m are arranged substantially centrally on the chassis 24, but it will be appreciated that any suitable number of storage tanks may be provided, for example one, two, three, five, six storage tanks. In some embodiments, the storage tanks 20j-m arranged between the parallel sidewalls 24-1, 24-2 (i.e. the substantially central storage tanks 20j-m) may be omitted.P607486GB00

[0091] Although not illustrated, in some embodiments, at least one storage tank may be mounted to the operator cab 13. Providing a storage tank mounted to the operator cab 13 provides a convenient location for storing a gaseous fuel. The storage tank may be located fully within the footprint of the material handling machine 10, thereby improving the space efficiency of the material handling machine 10. In particular, at least one storage tank may be mounted to the cab roof. The, or each, storage tank may be arranged longitudinally on the roof of the cab 13 with respect to the central longitudinal axis 11 of the body 12. The arrangement of storage tanks on a cab roof helps to improve visibility because a storage tank on the roof of the cab 13 does not obstruct the line of sight of the operator. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, a material handling machine 10 is illustrated. It shall be appreciated that the teachings of Figures 1 to 5 are applicable to the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, and only differences are discussed.

[0092] In this embodiment, the material handling machine 10 is provided with a storage tank chamber 42. The storage tank chamber 42 houses the storage tanks 20g-i arranged underneath the operator cab 13 and the storage tanks arranged substantially centrally on the chassis 24. In this embodiment, a fourth storage tank 20n is located underneath the operator cab 13, but it will be appreciated that any suitable number of storage tanks may be arranged beneath the operator cab 13 in other embodiments.

[0093] In this embodiment, one of the parallel side walls 24-1 is provided in the form of a front portion 24-1F and a rear portion 24-1R, and the storage tank chamber 42 is interposed between said front and rear portions of the sidewall 24-1.

[0094] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only and it will be appreciated that the various aspects and features may be variously modified. For example, although principally aimed towards material handling machines such as telehandlers, the disclosure may apply to other forms of working machine. These variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

P607486GB00Claims1. A material handling machine comprising:a ground engaging structure comprising a first axle mounting a pair of wheels and a second axle mounting a pair of wheels;a chassis supported on the ground engaging structure;a lifting arm pivotally mounted to the chassis to pivot about a pivot axis; a motor powered by the gas engine to drive the first axle;a gas engine arranged proximate to the second axle and configured to provide motive power to a gearbox which drives the second axle;an operator cab mounted to the body adjacent the lifting arm; andat least one storage tank for supplying a gaseous fuel to the gas engine.

2. The material handling machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the engine and the gearbox is connected to the second axle to provide a sub-assembly.

3. The material handling machine according to claim 2, wherein the gas engine and the gearbox are connected to the second axle to provide the sub-assembly.

4. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the gearbox is interposed between the engine and the second axle and the engine is coupled to the second axle via the gearbox.

5. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the gearbox is arranged rearward of the rear axle with respect to a fore-aft axis of the machine.

6. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the material handling machine defines a front and a rear, and wherein the gas engine is located towards the rear of the material handling machine.

7. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the motor is directly mounted on the first axle.

8. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the motor is a hydraulic motor, and wherein the machine comprises a hydraulic pump driven by the gas engine to drive the hydraulic motor.

9. The material handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the motor is an electric motor, and wherein the material handling machine comprises an electrical source of power configured to power the electric motor.P607486GB0010. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the chassis comprises a pair of parallel sidewalls, and wherein the gas engine is at least partially, for example entirely, arranged between said sidewalls.

11. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, comprising a hydraulic fluid tank and a hydraulic pump configured to provide hydraulic fluid to the working arm for pivoting the working arm.

12. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the operator cab is offset relative to a central longitudinal axis of the body on a first side of the body, and wherein the material handling machine comprises a side pod mounted to the body on a second side of the body remote from the operator cab, and wherein the material handling machine comprises at least one storage tank located in the side pod.

13. The material handling machine according to claim 12, comprising a plurality of storage tanks located in the side pod that are vertically stacked, optionally wherein an uppermost storage tank is offset relative to the other storage tanks in the side pod.

14. The material handling machine according to claim 13, wherein the vertically stacked storage tanks are arranged to tesselate.

15. The material handling machine according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the, or each, storage tank is arranged longitudinally in the side pod with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the chassis.

16. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one storage tank located underneath the operator cab.

17. The material handling machine according to claim 16, comprising a plurality of storage tanks located underneath the operator cab.

18. The material handling machine according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the, or each, storage tank is arranged transverse underneath the operator cab with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the chassis.

19. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one storage tank located substantially centrally on the chassis.

20. The material handling machine according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the at least one substantially central storage tank is located adjacent to the one or more storage tanks located underneath the operator cab.P607486GB0021. The material handling machine according to claim 20, comprising a storage tank chamber housing the or each storage tank located underneath the operator cab and the or each storage tank located substantially centrally on the chassis.

22. The material handling machine according to claim 21, wherein the chassis comprises a pair of parallel sidewalls, and wherein the storage tank chamber is interposed between front and rear sidewall portions of one of the sidewalls.

23. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one storage tank mounted to the operator cab, optionally wherein the operator cab comprises a cab roof and the at least one storage tank is mounted to the cab roof.

24. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas engine is powered exclusively by hydrogen.

25. The material handling machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the working machine is a telehandler.17

Images