DE102021100267A1 - Truck and truck with a tank assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates i.a. a semitrailer tractor (10) having a driver's cab (14) and a tank assembly (24) which is arranged behind the driver's cab (14) with respect to a forward direction of travel of the semitrailer tractor (10). With respect to the forward direction of travel, the tank assembly (24) has a rear side (25) which, in a top view of the semitrailer tractor (10), essentially has an arched shape directed in the forward direction of travel. Due to the arched shape of the rear (25) of the tank assembly (24), a predetermined pivoting radius of a semi-trailer can be used in a particularly space-saving manner, so that a particularly large-volume tank assembly (24) is possible.

Description

The invention relates to a tractor unit with a tank assembly. The invention also relates to a tractor-trailer having a tractor-trailer with a tank assembly.

Driving vehicles with hydrogen as a fuel requires new developments in terms of storing the hydrogen in the vehicle. Although hydrogen is light, it has a very large volume due to its low density. The energy density of hydrogen is therefore many times lower than that of conventional fuels such as diesel or petrol. The hydrogen can therefore, for example, be pressurized and/or liquefied at cryogenic temperatures in order to be carried in the motor vehicle in this state. However, even in this state, the volume of hydrogen is still very large in relation to a quantity of diesel that supplies the same energy, so that comparatively large storage tanks are required for the hydrogen. Another disadvantage is the considerable weight, particularly in the case of pressure tanks.

the WO 2015/022623 A2 discloses a vehicle with a driver's cab and a chassis with a horizontal plane. A docking area for a trailer, which is coupled to the vehicle, is set up on the horizontal plane. The vehicle has several sorption accumulators in an upright position, which are arranged on the horizontal plane.

the EP 3 467 290 A1 discloses a vehicle having a cab and a plurality of fuel storage system canisters located aft of the cab.

The invention is based on the object of creating an improved fuel storage system for a semitrailer tractor, preferably with regard to optimizing the installation space and/or optimizing the weight.

The object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tractor unit having a driver's cab and a tank assembly which is arranged behind the driver's cabin, preferably immediately/directly behind the driver's cabin, with respect to a forward direction of travel of the tractor unit (e.g. upright or lying down). The tank assembly has a rear side with respect to the forward direction of travel that has a substantially arcuate shape (e.g., circular arc shape) in a plan view of the tractor unit.

Due to the curved shape of the rear side of the tank assembly, a predetermined pivoting radius of a semi-trailer can be used in a particularly space-saving manner. The tank assembly can therefore preferably have larger storage volumes on the longitudinal outer sides than would be possible with an essentially planar rear side. This means that a tank assembly with a larger volume can be installed overall. Due to the larger volume, preferably more fluid can be entrained in the tank assembly and/or the fluid can preferably be entrained in the tank assembly at a lower pressure, as a result of which weight can be saved in the design of the tank assembly.

Preferably, the tractor unit may further include a vehicle frame, with the tank assembly being supported on a top of the vehicle frame.

In one embodiment, the tank assembly is a fuel tank assembly, preferably a pressurized fuel tank assembly, most preferably a pressurized hydrogen tank assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the semitrailer tractor has a drive unit which is connected to the tank assembly for fuel supply and which is designed as a hydrogen internal combustion engine or a fuel cell device. The tank assembly can thus advantageously be used to store and transport hydrogen to drive the tractor unit.

It is possible for the tank assembly to be a pressure tank assembly and/or a cryo tank assembly.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the semitrailer tractor has a fifth wheel plate with a mount for a king pin of a semitrailer. The arcuate (e.g., circular) shape is substantially coaxial with a central vertical axis of the receptacle. Preferably, a horizontal distance between the central axis and the arch form may remain substantially the same along the arch form and more preferably have a length ranging between greater than 2.04 m and 2.60 m. Advantageously, it can thus be made possible for a coupled semi-trailer to pivot at a constant distance from the arcuate rear side of the tank assembly when the semi-trailer is steered (eg with a predetermined pivoting radius of 2.04 m). the tank assembly can thus preferably be designed to be particularly large.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the arch shape has an arch apex which is arranged essentially centrally with respect to the tractor unit with respect to a transverse axis of the tractor unit. Alternatively or additionally, the tank assembly and/or the arched shape can extend, for example, essentially over an entire width of the tractor unit. Advantageously, the entire width of the semi-trailer tractor can be used in order to create a particularly large volume for the tank assembly, supported in particular on the longitudinal outer sides by the arched shape.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the tank assembly has a plurality of, preferably tubular, individual tanks. Advantageously, the individual tanks can support the formation of the arc shape without a complex special construction being necessary for the tank assembly.

In one embodiment, the multiple individual tanks are arranged upright next to each other (e.g. parallel to a vertical axis of the tractor unit) and the multiple individual tanks have two outer or outer individual tanks and at least one inner or inner unit (e.g. exactly two inner single tanks). The at least one inner unit is arranged between the two outer individual tanks with respect to a transverse axis of the tractor unit. Advantageously, the curved shape can be created in a particularly simple manner due to the juxtaposition, as a result of which the pivoting radius can be better utilized. Coupling the individual tanks when storing liquid can preferably enable joint refueling and removal, which would not be possible, or at least not readily possible, for example with liquid tanks arranged one above the other.

The two outer individual tanks can preferably be arranged on opposite longitudinal outer sides of the tractor unit.

In a further embodiment, the two outer individual tanks are set back with respect to the forward direction of travel compared to the at least one inner unit. Alternatively or additionally, the two outer individual tanks are each larger than the at least one inner unit. Alternatively or additionally, the two outer individual tanks each have a greater width (e.g. measured along a longitudinal axis of the tractor unit) and/or a larger diameter than the at least one inner unit. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one internal unit can have, for example, a preferably tubular individual tank, a cooling component, (at least) one heat exchanger, a pump, a compressor, a line, a fuel cell, a control unit, a refueling device and/or a valve device . In this way, the curved shape of the rear side of the tank assembly can be created in a particularly advantageous manner in order to make better use of the pivoting radius.

In a further embodiment, the several individual tanks are stacked on top of one another or arranged one on top of the other (e.g. two, three or four individual tanks), e.g. B. parallel to a transverse axis of the tractor. The tank assembly has a number of additional units, preferably having a cooling component, (at least) a heat exchanger, a pump, a compressor, a line, a fuel cell, a control unit, a refueling device and/or a valve device. The multiple additional units are arranged on the rear of the multiple individual tanks with respect to the forward direction of travel. The multiple additional units are arranged with respect to a transverse axis of the semi-trailer tractor essentially at opposite end regions of the multiple individual tanks. In this way, too, the curved shape of the rear side of the tank assembly can be created in a particularly advantageous manner in order to make better use of the pivoting radius.

It is possible that the at least one internal unit and/or the additional units alternatively or additionally have a supply line, an extraction line, a return line, a consumer, a central connection, connecting parts, a filling system, fittings container, a pressure control unit, a control valve, a safety valve and/or or have a cold valve.

In a further embodiment, the tank assembly has a support frame, preferably open and/or cage-shaped, which preferably supports the several individual tanks, e.g. B. from the front, from behind and / or side, and preferably reinforced by the multiple individual tanks, z. B. with respect to a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and / or a vertical axis of the support frame or the tractor. A support frame can advantageously have a comparatively low weight, as a result of which the tank assembly can be made lighter overall.

In one embodiment variant, the support frame has at least one support (e.g. a cross member or a diagonal support) on the rear of the tank assembly, with the at least one support being shaped essentially according to the arch shape (e.g. completely arched or with straight sections at least Sections belonging to the for men of the arc shape are connected to each other at an angle). The support frame can thus advantageously be adapted to the pivoting radius and contribute to the tank assembly being able to be designed with as large a volume as possible.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the at least one carrier on the rear of the tank assembly has a plurality of carriers arranged one above the other, which are preferably arranged offset from one another with respect to the forward direction of travel, preferably increasingly set back with respect to the forward direction of travel from top to bottom. In this way, an essentially truncated cone shell segment shape of the rear side can advantageously be achieved, which can be particularly advantageous for providing a particularly large installation space for the tank assembly.

In one embodiment, the tractor unit further includes at least one steerable rear axle, preferably a tag axle (i.e., trailing rear axle). Advantageously, an enlarged turning circle of the semitrailer tractor or the semitrailer combination can be compensated for or even overcompensated due to an extension of the semitrailer tractor caused by the tank assembly. Preferably, a first rear axle can be made lighter than usual, since a configuration with a trailing rear axle can be better adapted to the load from the semi-trailer in terms of weight, because the arrangement of the tank assembly means that the trailing axle in particular is loaded by the semi-trailer. The trailing axle can therefore preferably also be driven or can be driven.

The tractor unit preferably has a total of two rear axles, one of which can be steered, preferably the trailing rear axle. Such a configuration can prevent or at least alleviate space and weight problems that would result indirectly from the provision of the tank assembly in two-axle semitrailer tractors or in three-axle semitrailer tractors with only a steered front axle. For example, in the case of a two-axle semitrailer tractor with a driven, rigid rear axle (e.g. 4x2 drive formula), an unfavorable axle load distribution would result due to the short fifth wheel oversize, so that the hitherto usual fifth wheel load may no longer be able to be driven. A three-axle tractor unit with a driven, rigid rear axle (e.g. drive formula 6x2/4) can have a very large turning circle due to the installation space required for the tank assembly. On the other hand, a three-axle tractor unit with a steerable trailing axle (e.g. drive configuration 6x2-4) can advantageously avoid these problems.

In another embodiment, the tractor includes a first rear axle that is drivable and rigid and a second rear axle (e.g., trailing rear axle) that is non-driven and steerable. This configuration can advantageously enable a comparatively short wheelbase between the rear axles, so that very good cornering ability can be achieved. The cornering ability can also be advantageously improved by the negative saddle pre-measure in relation to the rigid drive axle (first rear axle) (Note: In chassis drawings and vehicle documents, the saddle pre-measure is calculated from the last axle and is therefore positive and, according to this definition, also positive in this configuration ). Advantageously, the two rear axles can also allow a higher fifth wheel load. Thus, for example, a 40 t or 44 t combination can be driven as usual, which can represent a significant customer benefit. The high load on the trailing axle due to the semi-trailer can be at least partially compensated for, for example, by adjusting the spring rates.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the tractor unit has a first rear axle, which can be driven and is rigid, and a second rear axle (e.g. trailing rear axle), which can be driven and steered, preferably with single tires on the first rear axle and the second rear axle . This configuration can advantageously enable a comparatively short wheelbase between the rear axles, so that very good cornering ability can be achieved. Advantageously, the ability to negotiate curves can also be improved by the saddle pre-measurement, which is negative in relation to the rigid drive axle (first rear axle). Advantageously, the two rear axles can also allow a higher fifth wheel load. This configuration can also make better use of the axle loads (e.g. double axle load 2x9 t = 18 t) and thus save weight.

In another embodiment, the tractor has a front axle that is drivable and steerable, a first rear axle that is non-driven and rigid, and a second rear axle (e.g. trailing rear axle) that is drivable and steerable, preferably with single tires on the first rear axle and the second rear axle. For example, hydraulic motors or electric motors in the form of wheel hub motors or motors close to the wheel can be used to drive the front axle. This configuration can advantageously allow a comparatively short wheelbase between the first rear axle and the second rear axle, so that very good cornering ability can be achieved. Advantageously, the two rear axles can also allow a higher fifth wheel load. Preferably, the traction can also be improved by the driven front axle will. It is also possible that a higher degree of efficiency can be achieved by eliminating the axle drive on the center axle (=first rear axle) and/or by making the center axle lighter in construction space.

In another embodiment, the tractor has a front axle that is drivable and steerable, a first rear axle that is drivable and rigid, and a second rear axle (e.g., trailing rear axle) that is drivable and steerable.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the tractor unit has a single rear axle, with the single rear axle being steerable and drivable. Such a configuration can be particularly advantageous, for example, if long semi-trailers with light loads are to be towed by the semi-trailer tractor.

It is explicitly noted that the tractor axle configurations disclosed herein are disclosed independent of a presence and/or configuration of the tank assembly and/or the arcuate shape of the rear of the tank assembly.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the tank assembly has at least one relief valve which is arranged on an upper side of the tank assembly. The upright arrangement of the tank assembly can thus be used advantageously. This is the safest and cheapest way to blow off in the event of damage.

In one embodiment, the rear side runs essentially in the shape of a cylinder jacket segment, preferably a circular cylinder jacket segment shape, or a truncated cone jacket segment shape, preferably a circular truncated cone jacket segment shape. The entire rear side can thus advantageously be adapted to the pivoting radius. Preferably, the cylindrical shell segment shape or truncated cone shell segment shape can be coaxial to a vertical central axis/vertical axis of the seat of the fifth wheel plate. Both the cylinder shell segment shape and the truncated cone shell segment shape can allow a particularly large installation space for the tank assembly, with the truncated cone shell segment shape being particularly advantageous since it can also be adapted to possible angles of inclination between the longitudinal axes of tractor unit and semi-trailer.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tractor-trailer having a tractor-trailer as disclosed herein and a semi-trailer coupled to the tractor-trailer. The semitrailer tractor and the further developments listed below can advantageously achieve the same advantages that have already been explained for the semitrailer tractor.

In one embodiment variant, the semi-trailer has a front side with respect to the forward direction of travel, which can be moved at a substantially constant distance along the arc shape (e.g. pivoted according to the pivoting radius) while driving when the semitrailer tractor is steered.

In a further embodiment variant, the semi-trailer has a front side with respect to the forward direction of travel, which partially (e.g. in an upper section of the front side) dips into an imaginary vertical plane in which opposite end points of the arc shape lie, when the semi-trailer is in relation to the tractor unit an angle of inclination of 5°-6° (e.g. measured between a longitudinal axis of the semi-trailer and a longitudinal axis of the semi-trailer tractor), for example when driving from a flat area to a slope or when driving through a hollow in the ground. Preferably, the front can penetrate or dip into a space between the two outer individual tanks while driving.

In a further embodiment variant, the articulated lorry has a pivoting radius for the semi-trailer, which spans an arc of slewing (e.g. when steering the articulated lorry). The arc shape and the pivot arc preferably run at a substantially constant distance from one another (e.g. at a distance between 0.01 m and 0.60 m).

• 1 eine Seitenansicht einer Sattelzugmaschine gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 2 eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Sattelzugmaschine (mit teilweise transparent dargestellten Flächen) gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 3 eine Seitenansicht einer Sattelzugmaschine gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 4 eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Sattelzug (mit teilweise transparent dargestellten Flächen) gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 5 eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Sattelzugmaschine (mit teilweise transparent dargestellten Flächen) gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung; und
• 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Tankbaugruppe gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a side view of a tractor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 2 a schematic plan view of a semitrailer tractor (with partially transparent surfaces shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 3 a side view of a tractor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 4 a schematic plan view of an articulated lorry (with partially transparent representation ten surfaces) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 5 a schematic plan view of a semitrailer tractor (with partially transparent surfaces shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
• 6 14 is a perspective view of a tank assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least in part, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols and, for their explanation, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition.

the 1 and 2 show a tractor unit 10. The tractor unit 10 has a vehicle frame 12, a driver's cab 14, a drive unit 16, a saddle plate 18, a front axle 20, at least one rear axle 22 and a tank assembly 24.

The vehicle frame 12 may support the cab 14 , power unit 16 , fifth wheel plate 18 , and tank assembly 24 . The front axle 20 and the at least one rear axle 22 may be suspended from the vehicle frame 12 . The vehicle frame 12 can be a ladder frame, for example.

The drive unit 16 is preferably a drive unit that can be operated with hydrogen as the fuel. The drive unit 16 is preferably a fuel cell device or an internal combustion engine (e.g. reciprocating piston) which is equipped for firing by means of hydrogen.

The drive unit 16 can be arranged at any suitable position of the tractor unit 10 . For example, the drive unit 16 can be arranged below the driver's cab 14, as in 1 is shown purely schematically. However, it is also possible for the drive unit 16 to be arranged, for example, in the area of the at least one rear axle 22 .

The drive unit 16 can be a central drive unit or can be arranged in a distributed manner on the tractor unit 10, for example in the form of wheel hub motors or motors close to the wheels.

The fifth wheel plate 18 is designed to support a semi-trailer (not shown in FIGS 1 until 3 ) to be coupled to the tractor unit 10. The fifth wheel plate 18 has a receptacle 26 for a king pin of a semi-trailer. The saddle plate 18 can be arranged at a height of preferably 1150 mm - 1300 mm.

The front axle 20 is steerable. In some embodiments, it is preferred if the front axle 20 can be driven, for example by means of the drive unit 16 or by means of separate motors, for example hydraulic wheel hub motors or hydraulic motors close to the wheel.

The rear axle 22 is driven by the drive unit 16 . If there are multiple rear axles 22, at least one of the multiple rear axles 22 can be driven. In some embodiments, it is preferred if the rear axle 22 is steerable. If several rear axles 22 are present, preferably at least one of the several rear axles 22 can be steerable. For example, details of particularly preferred configurations are provided later herein with reference to FIG 3 explained in more detail.

The tank assembly 24 is preferably designed to store fuel for driving the drive unit 16 . The tank assembly 24 is in fluid communication with the power unit 16 for supplying fuel. In principle, however, the techniques disclosed herein are also applicable to any other tank assembly, for example a tank assembly for storing compressed air, etc.

The tank assembly 24 is preferably designed as a pressure tank assembly for storing a fluid under pressure, for example greater than 5 bar, 10 bar, 100 bar, 200 bar, etc. Hydrogen can preferably be liquefied in the tank assembly 24, preferably under high pressure and/or cryogenically, get saved.

The tank assembly 24 is oriented upright. The tank assembly 24 is arranged behind the driver's cab 14 with respect to a forward direction of travel of the tractor unit 10, preferably directly behind a rear wall of the driver's cabin 14. The tank assembly 24 is arranged in front of the saddle plate 18 with respect to the forward direction of travel of the tractor unit 10. The tank assembly 24 is arranged at least essentially above the vehicle frame 12 . The tank assembly 24 particularly preferably extends essentially over the entire width of the tractor unit 10.

The tank assembly 24 has a rear side 25 with respect to the forward direction of travel of the semitrailer tractor 10 . The back 25 of the tank assembly 24 faces the saddles in a plan view tractor 10 (see 2 ) essentially an arc shape. The arc shape is directed in the forward direction of travel of the semitrailer truck 10 . In other words, the arc shape is convex with respect to the forward direction of travel, or has an arc crest that is more forward with respect to the forward direction of travel than the opposite ends of the arc shape. The rear side 25 of the tank assembly 24 can essentially have the shape of a cylinder jacket segment, preferably a circular cylinder jacket segment shape. Alternatively, the rear side 25 of the tank assembly 24 can preferably essentially have a truncated cone shell segment shape, preferably a circular truncated cone shell segment shape, preferably tapering or tapering towards the bottom. The cylindrical shell segment shape or the truncated cone shell segment shape can be directed in the forward direction of travel of the semitrailer tractor 10 or be convex with respect to the forward direction of travel. A front side of the tank assembly 24 can be flat or curved, for example, depending on the requirement and/or, for example, adapted to a shape of the rear wall of the driver's cab 14.

Preferably, the arc shape of the back surface 25 may be a substantially circular arc shape. The arcuate shape may be coaxial with a vertical center axis of the receptacle 26 . A horizontal distance r (see 2 ) between the vertical center axis of the receptacle 26 and the arc shape (ie, a radius from the vertical center axis) may be substantially the same length along the arc shape. The horizontal distance r is preferably in a range between 2.04 m and 2.60 m, preferably greater than 2.04 m and/or less than or equal to 2.60 m.

The tank assembly 24 can have a plurality of individual tanks 28, 30, 32, 34, a support frame 36 and at least one relief valve 38.

The individual tanks 28, 30, 32 and 34 are preferably tubular (e.g. circular in cross-section) and straight. The individual tanks 28, 30, 32 and 34 can have rounded or curved floors and/or ceilings. The individual tanks 28, 30, 32 and 34 can be oriented in an upright position. The individual tanks 28, 30, 32 and 34 can be designed as storage towers. The individual tanks 28, 30, 32 and 34 can be arranged next to one another with respect to a transverse axis of the tractor unit 10.

The individual tanks 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 are preferably in fluid connection with the drive unit 16 for supplying fuel, preferably hydrogen, to the drive unit 16 . The individual tanks 28, 30, 32, 34 can preferably be fluidically connected to one another. It is possible for the individual tanks 28, 30, 32, 34 to be filled up together and/or for the individual tanks 28, 30, 32, 34 to be able to conduct fuel to the drive unit 16 together.

The outer individual tanks 28, 34 are arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the semi-trailer tractor 10. The inner individual tanks 30 and 32 are arranged between the two outer individual tanks 28 and 34 with respect to a transverse axis of the tractor unit 10 . In order to achieve the arcuate shape of the rear side 25 of the tank assembly 24, the outer individual tanks 28, 34 can, for example, be larger than the two inner individual tanks 30, 32. For example, the outer individual tanks 28, 34 can have a larger diameter than the inner individual tanks 30, 32. Alternatively or additionally, the two outer single tanks 28,34 may be set back in relation to the forward direction of travel compared to the inner single tanks 30,32.

It is possible for the tank assembly 24 to have more or fewer than a total of four individual tanks. For example, the tank assembly 24 can have four or more outer individual tanks, with two or more individual tanks arranged one behind the other with respect to the forward direction of travel being arranged on both longitudinal outer sides of the semitrailer tractor 10 . If four or more outer individual tanks are provided, these can preferably be made smaller than the inner individual tank or tanks. With regard to the inner individual tanks, more or fewer than two individual tanks can likewise be provided. For example, the tank assembly 24 may have only three individual tanks, with the two outer individual tanks preferably being larger than the central individual tank.

It is also possible for the tank assembly 24 to have only a single tank, which for example has a rear side 25 that is essentially in the form of a segment of a cylinder jacket.

The support frame 36 can support the individual tanks 28, 30, 32, 34, preferably from the front, side and/or rear with respect to the forward direction of travel. The support frame 36 can preferably be designed as an open frame. The individual tanks 28, 30, 32, 34 can stiffen the support frame 36. The support frame 36 can surround the individual tanks 28, 30, 32, 34, for example in the form of a cage.

Preferably, the support frame 36 can contribute to or form the arcuate shape of the rear side 25 of the tank assembly 24 . For example, the support frame 36 can have at least one rear support 40 that has an arc shape in a plan view of the tractor unit 10 . The beam 40 can be a cross beam or a diagonal beam, for example.

The support frame 36 may be supported on an upper side of the vehicle frame 12 . The support frame 36 may or may not be attached to a rear of the cab 14 .

The at least one relief valve 38 is for releasing a fluid stored in the tank assembly 24, e.g. B. hydrogen formed. The at least one relief valve 38 is preferably arranged on an upper side of the tank assembly 24 . For example, each individual tank 28, 30, 32, 34 can be equipped with a blow-off valve 38 which is arranged, for example, on a top side of the respective individual tank 28, 30, 32, 34.

Most preferably, the tractor unit 10 is non-conventional (i.e., a single, steerable, non-driven front axle and a single, rigid (non-steerable), driveable rear axle) with respect to the presence and configuration of the tank assembly 24 . Instead, the configurations listed below are particularly advantageous, in particular with regard to additional support for the additional load caused by the tank assembly 24 and/or improved steerability of the long articulated lorry caused by the tank assembly 24 .

At the in the 1 and 2 illustrated semi-trailer tractor 10, the single rear axle 22 is preferably steerable and can be driven by the drive unit 16. The front axle 20 is steerable. It is possible that the front axle 20 can also be driven, e.g. B. by means of the drive unit 16 or separate (e.g. hydraulic) wheel hub motors or (e.g. hydraulic) motors close to the wheel.

the 3 shows a semitrailer tractor 10' with a front axle 20 and two rear axles 22 and 23. The second rear axle 23 is preferably a trailing axle. The second rear axle 23 can be arranged behind the first rear axle 22 with respect to the forward direction of travel.

In an advantageous configuration, the first rear axle 22 is rigid (non-steerable) and drivable by means of the drive unit 16 . The second rear axle 23 is non-driven and steerable. The front axle 20 is steerable and preferably non-driven.

In a further advantageous configuration, the first rear axle 22 is rigid (non-steerable) and can be driven by the drive unit 16 . The second rear axle 23 can be steered and driven by the drive unit 16, e.g. B. by means of a through drive. The front axle 20 is steerable and either non-driven or drivable, e.g. B. by means of the drive unit 16 or wheel hub motors or motors close to the wheel.

In another advantageous configuration, the front axle 20 can be steered and driven. The first rear axle 22 is non-driven and rigid. The second rear axle 23 can be steered and driven by the drive unit 16 .

4 shows a semi-trailer truck 42 purely schematically. The semi-trailer truck 42 has a semi-trailer 44 and, by way of example, the semi-trailer truck 10'. The semi-trailer 44 is coupled to the semi-trailer tractor 10', in particular by coupling a kingpin of the semi-trailer 44 to the fifth wheel plate 18 (see FIG 2 ) of the tractor unit 10'.

Due to the steerable rear axle 22, the articulated lorry 42 can still have a comparatively small turning circle, e.g 4 shows schematically.

Of the 4 It can also be seen that a front 46 of the semi-trailer 44 is movable a substantially constant distance along the arcuate shape of the rear 25 of the tank assembly 24 while driving when steering the tractor 10'. An upper section of the front side 46 can preferably dip into an imaginary vertical plane, in which a transverse axis of the semitrailer tractor 10' runs and in which opposite end points of the arc shape lie, when the semitrailer 44 is inclined relative to the semitrailer tractor 10 at an angle of 5° -6° inclined. The angle of inclination can preferably be measured between a longitudinal axis of the semitrailer 44 and a longitudinal axis of the semitrailer tractor 10 . When immersed, the front 46 does not touch the tank assembly 24 due to the arcuate back 25 thereof. Dipping can occur, for example, when the semi-trailer truck 44 is at the transition from a level stretch to a slope or when driving through a depression in the ground.

The articulated truck 42 can have a so-called pivoting radius d (see 2 ) for the semi-trailer 44, which spans a swing-through arc. The arched shape of the back 25 and the swing-through arch can extend at a substantially constant distance from one another, e.g. B. in a range between 0.01 m and 0.3 m. In other words, the distance r (see 2 ) is larger than the pivoting radius d, e.g. B. in a range between 0.01 m and 0.3 m.

the 5 shows a opposite of 2 modified embodiment. The tank assembly 24' has instead of the inner individual tanks 30, 32 (see 2 ) At least one additional unit 48. The at least one additional unit 48 is arranged between the two outer individual tanks 28 and 34 with respect to a transverse axis of the tractor unit 10 .

To achieve the curved shape of the rear side 25 of the tank assembly 24', the outer individual tanks 28, 34 can be larger than the at least one additional unit 48, for example. For example, the outer individual tanks 28, 34 can have a greater width than the at least one additional unit 48 (e.g .measured along a longitudinal axis of the tractor 10). Alternatively or additionally, the two outer individual tanks 28, 34 can be set back in relation to the at least one additional unit 48 with respect to the forward direction of travel. The at least one additional unit 48 can be designed, for example, as a cooling component, a pump, a compressor, a fuel cell, a control unit or a valve device. The at least one additional unit 48 can preferably be functionally assigned to the outer individual tanks 28, 34 and/or the drive unit 16.

the 6 shows a tank assembly 24", which is opposite to the tank assemblies 24 (see 1-4 ) and 24' (see 5 ) is modified. The individual tanks 28-34 are arranged horizontally. The individual tanks 28-34 are stacked one on top of the other. The individual tanks 28-34 can extend tubularly and in a straight line.

In order to achieve the curved shape of the rear side 25 of the tank assembly 24", the tank assembly 24" can have the additional units 48. The additional units 48 are arranged on the rear of the multiple individual tanks 28-34 with respect to the forward direction of travel. The additional units 48 are arranged with respect to a transverse axis of the semi-trailer tractor 10 essentially at opposite end regions of the plurality of individual tanks 28-34. A central section on the rear of the individual tanks 28-34 with respect to the transverse axis is preferably free of the additional units 48.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the idea of the invention and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the subclaims are also disclosed independently of all the features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and/or configuration of the cab and/or the tank assembly of independent claim 1. All ranges herein are to be understood as disclosed such that all values falling within each range are disclosed individually, e.g. B. also as the respective preferred narrower outer limits of the respective area.

Reference List

10

tractor unit

12

vehicle frame

14

cab

16

drive unit

18

saddle plate

20

front axle

22

rear axle

23

rear axle

24

tank assembly

25

back

26

recording

28

single tank

30

Single tank (example for aggregate)

32

Single tank (example for aggregate)

34

single tank

36

support frame

38

relief valve

40

carrier

42

articulated lorry

44

semi-trailer

46

front

48

auxiliary unit

right

Distance

i.e

swing radius

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• WO 2015/022623 A2 [0003]
• EP 3467290 A1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Tractor unit (10) having: a cab (14); and a tank assembly (24) which is arranged behind the driver's cab (14), preferably immediately behind the driver's cab (14), with respect to a forward direction of travel of the semitrailer tractor (10); wherein the tank assembly (24) has a rear side (25) with respect to the forward direction of travel, which in a plan view of the semitrailer tractor (10) has a substantially arcuate shape directed in the forward direction of travel. Tractor unit (10) after claim 1 , wherein: the tank assembly (24) is a fuel tank assembly, preferably a pressurized fuel tank assembly, particularly preferably a pressurized hydrogen tank assembly, and/or the tractor unit (10) has a drive unit (16) which is connected to the tank assembly (24) for fuel supply and which is designed as a hydrogen internal combustion engine or a fuel cell device. Tractor unit (10) after claim 1 or claim 2 , further comprising: a saddle plate (18) with a seat (26) for a kingpin of a semi-trailer (44), wherein the arc shape is substantially coaxial to a vertical central axis of the seat (26), and wherein preferably a horizontal distance (r) between the central axis and the arcuate shape remains substantially the same along the arcuate shape and more preferably has a length ranging between greater than 2.04 m and 2.60 m. A tractor unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the arch shape has an arch apex that is substantially centered with respect to the tractor unit (10) with respect to a transverse axis of the tractor unit (10); and or the tank assembly (24) and/or the arcuate shape extends across substantially an entire width of the semitrailer tractor (10). A tractor unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the tank assembly (24) has several, preferably tubular, individual tanks (28, 30, 32, 34). Tractor unit (10) after claim 5 wherein: the plurality of unit tanks are arranged standing side by side; and the plurality of individual tanks (28, 30, 32, 34) two outer individual tanks (28, 34) and at least one inner unit (30, 32; 48) which is located between the two outer individual tanks (28 , 34) is arranged. Tractor unit (10) after claim 6 wherein: the two outer individual tanks (28, 34) are set back with respect to the forward direction of travel compared to the at least one inner unit (30, 32; 48); and/or the two outer individual tanks (28, 34) are each larger than the at least one inner unit (30, 32; 48); and/or the two outer individual tanks (28, 34) each have a greater width or a greater diameter than the at least one inner unit (30, 32; 48); and/or the at least one internal unit (30, 32; 48) has a preferably tubular individual tank, a cooling component, a heat exchanger, a pump, a line, a compressor, a fuel cell, a control unit and/or a valve device. Tractor unit (10) after claim 5 wherein: the plurality of individual tanks (28, 30, 32, 34) are stacked face to face; the tank assembly (24) has a plurality of additional units (48), preferably having a cooling component, a heat exchanger, a pump, a compressor, a line, a fuel cell, a control unit and/or a valve device; the plurality of additional units (48) are arranged on the rear of the plurality of individual tanks (28, 30, 32, 34) with respect to the forward direction of travel; and the plurality of additional units (48) are arranged substantially at opposite end regions of the plurality of individual tanks (28) with respect to a transverse axis of the tractor unit (10). Tractor unit (10) according to one of Claims 5 until 8th , wherein: the tank assembly (24) has a support frame (36), preferably open and/or cage-shaped, which supports the plurality of individual tanks (28, 30, 32, 34) and is preferably supported by the plurality of individual tanks (28, 30, 32, 34) is stiffened. Tractor unit (10) after claim 9 wherein: the support frame (36) includes at least one bracket (40) at the rear (25) of the tank assembly (24), the at least one bracket (40) being shaped substantially according to the arch shape. Tractor unit (10) after claim 10 , wherein: the at least one carrier (40) on the rear of the tank assembly (24) has a plurality of carriers (40) arranged one above the other, which are offset from one another with respect to the forward direction of travel, preferably increasingly set back with respect to the forward direction of travel from top to bottom. A tractor unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the tractor unit (10) has at least one steerable rear axle (23); or the tractor (10) has a first rear axle (22) which is drivable and rigid and a second rear axle (23) which is non-driven and steerable; or the tractor (10) has a first rear axle (22) which is drivable and rigid and a second rear axle (23) which is drivable and steerable; or the tractor (10) has a front axle (20) that is drivable and steerable, a first rear axle (22) that is non-drivable and rigid, and a second rear axle (23) that is drivable and steerable; or the tractor (10) has a front axle (20) that is drivable and steerable, a first rear axle (22) that is drivable and rigid, and a second rear axle (23) that is drivable and steerable; or the tractor unit (10) has a single rear axle (22), the single rear axle (22) being steerable and drivable. A tractor unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the tank assembly (24) includes at least one bleed valve (38) located at a top of the tank assembly (24); and or the rear side (25) extends essentially in the shape of a cylinder jacket segment, preferably a circular cylinder jacket segment shape, or a truncated cone jacket segment shape, preferably a circular truncated cone jacket segment shape. Articulated lorry (42) comprising: a tractor unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; and a semi-trailer (44) coupled to the tractor unit (10). Articulated lorry (42) to Claim 14 , wherein the articulated lorry (42) has at least one of the following features: - the semi-trailer (44) has a front side (46) with respect to the forward direction of travel, which during travel when steering the articulated lorry (10) at a substantially constant distance along the arc shape is moved; - The semi-trailer (44) has a front side (46) with respect to the forward direction of travel, which partially dips into an imaginary vertical plane in which opposite end points of the arc shape lie, when the semi-trailer (44) with respect to the semi-trailer tractor (10) at an angle of inclination of 5°-6°, for example when driving from a flat area to a slope or when driving through a hollow in the ground; and - the articulated lorry (42) has a slewing radius (d) for the semi-trailer (44), which spans a slewing arc, and the arc shape and the slewing arc run at a substantially constant distance from one another.

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