IP Library Granted Patent US 12661978
Granted Patent B2
US 12661978 · App. 18/098,335 · Granted Jun 23, 2026

Wheel loader machine

Inventors: Reinhard Dengg (Tamsweg, AT); Gerald Heugenhauser (Goldegg, AT); Hans Knapp (Bischofshofen, AT)
Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen GmbH
B60K15/07B60K2015/03184B60K2015/03315B60K2015/0675
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12661978
App. No.
18/098,335
Granted
Jun 23, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine, in particular wheel loader, with a cabin for the operator of the machine and with an engine compartment arranged behind the cabin, wherein the machine has a drive, which is operable using hydrogen or using energy obtained from hydrogen and wherein one or more tanks are present for receiving hydrogen, wherein the tank or tanks is/are arranged between the cabin and the rear of the machine in a hydrogen fuel system.

Claims (29)

1 . Machine, in particular wheel loader, with a cabin for an operator of the machine and with an engine compartment arranged behind the cabin, wherein

the machine comprises a drive, which is operable using hydrogen or with energy obtained from hydrogen,

one or more tanks are present to receive hydrogen, and

the tank or tanks is/are arranged between the cabin and the rear of the machine in a hydrogen fuel system, wherein the one or more tanks are arranged between the cabin and the engine compartment.

2 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein the tank is arranged directly behind the cabin.

3 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein the tank is not arranged above the engine compartment.

4 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein behind the cabin is a recess in which the tank is located.

5 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein the hydrogen fuel system is suitable for storing hydrogen in liquid and/or gaseous form and/or combined form.

6 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein a structure protecting against mechanical influences is present, which encloses the hydrogen fuel system at least partially.

7 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein a cladding is present, which encloses the hydrogen fuel system at least partially.

8 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein no other component of the machine that can constitute an ignition source is located above the hydrogen fuel system.

9 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein the machine has a fuel cell for producing electric energy by hydrogen and/or hydrogen combustion engine.

10 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein the machine has no combustion engine for diesel fuel or petrol to drive the machine or apart from the drive operable using hydrogen, the machine has a combustion engine for diesel fuel or petrol to drive the machine.

11 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein the components of the hydrogen fuel system are not connected fixedly to the machine but are exchangeable.

12 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein the hydrogen fuel system at least partially forms a pre-assembly module.

13 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein the hydrogen fuel system comprises one or more of the following components: a tank for receiving hydrogen or containing hydrogen, a valve, and pipework.

14 . Machine, in particular wheel loader, with a cabin for an operator of the machine and with an engine compartment arranged behind the cabin, wherein

the machine comprises a drive, which is operable using hydrogen or with energy obtained from hydrogen,

one or more tanks are present to receive hydrogen, and

the tank or tanks is/are arranged between the cabin and the rear of the machine in a hydrogen fuel system, wherein a predetermined break point is present, which is designed and arranged such that, upon the impact of force, in particular in the event of an accident, the tank and/or a tank system comprising the container or containers becomes detached from the machine and in particular from its vehicle frame, or moves relative thereto, at the predetermined break point.

15 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein a tank system comprising the container or containers has a mounting frame, which is designed to deform in the event of an impact of force, in particular in the event of an accident.

16 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein the machine has a rear-side way up.

17 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein the machine has a base frame and in particular in the event of an accident, a portion of the forces arising is dissipated via the tank or tanks and/or via a tank system comprising the tank or tanks to the base frame.

18 . Machine according to claim 1 , wherein components with little mechanical strength are enclosed by a structure protecting against mechanical influences.

19 . Machine, in particular wheel loader, with a cabin for an operator of the machine and with an engine compartment arranged behind the cabin, wherein

the machine comprises a drive, which is operable using hydrogen or with energy obtained from hydrogen,

one or more tanks are present to receive hydrogen, and

the tank or tanks is/are arranged between the cabin and the rear of the machine in a hydrogen fuel system, wherein a safety mechanism is present, which is designed to ensure in the event of an uncontrolled escape of hydrogen due to one or more damaged components, the valve or valves of the tank or tanks is/are closed.

20 . Machine according to claim 2 , wherein the tank is not arranged above the engine compartment.