Fuel cell vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to and provides a fuel cell vehicle that can suppress breakage of fuel tanks and protect vehicle interior occupants at the time of side collision of the vehicle, in the case where a plurality of fuel tanks are arranged longitudinally. The fuel cell vehicle is provided with a plurality of fuel tanks each of which is arranged with its long side direction along the vehicle longitudinal direction and is arranged in the vehicle width direction, and is provided with: a first fuel tank that is provided on the outside in the vehicle width direction; a second fuel tank that is arranged beside the first fuel tank, with the height position of the axis positioned higher than the height position of the axis of the first fuel tank; a first support mechanism that, at the time of application of a collision load from the outside in the vehicle width direction, supports the first fuel tank while allowing the first fuel tank to move downward of the second fuel tank; and a restriction member that is provided above the second fuel tank and restricts the upward movement range of the second fuel tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to fuel cell vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, fuel cell vehicles have been put into practical use. A fuel cell is a generator that produces electricity based on the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen (air). Compared to fossil fuels such as gasoline, hydrogen fuel has a lower energy density. Therefore, to ensure the driving range of fuel cell vehicles, the fuel capacity needs to be higher than that of vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines that use gasoline or similar fuels. However, because the fuel tank is filled with high-pressure hydrogen, the space available for the fuel tank is limited when considering safety in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0003] In many commercially available fuel cell vehicles, to prevent damage to the fuel tanks themselves and surrounding parts during a vehicle collision, the fuel tanks are arranged with their long sides along the vehicle width (hereinafter also referred to as "transverse arrangement"), and each fuel tank is arranged separately. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel tank support device. In fuel cell vehicles where multiple fuel tanks are transversely arranged at the rear of the vehicle, to avoid damage to the fuel tanks due to excessive load during a vehicle collision, the support device has a detachment portion that deforms during a collision, allowing at least the fuel tank located at the front of the vehicle to detach.

[0004] In addition, as an example of making the layout of the fuel tank conform to the vehicle, Patent Document 2 discloses a fuel cell vehicle in which the long side of the fuel tank is arranged along the length of the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as "longitudinal configuration").

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-143464

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-147500 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In this case, with multiple fuel tanks arranged longitudinally, the tanks may interfere with each other and rupture during a side collision, potentially causing fuel leakage. Furthermore, even if the fuel tanks move upwards during a side collision, it is still necessary to protect the occupants inside the vehicle.

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell vehicle that, when multiple fuel tanks are arranged longitudinally, can suppress the damage of the fuel tanks in the event of a side collision, while protecting the occupants inside the vehicle.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0013] To address the aforementioned problems, according to a certain aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell vehicle is provided, comprising a plurality of fuel tanks, each with its long side arranged along the vehicle length direction and its length direction arranged along the vehicle width direction. The vehicle includes: a first fuel tank disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction; a second fuel tank disposed next to the first fuel tank, its axial height positioned higher than that of the first fuel tank; a first support mechanism that, when a collision load is applied from the outer side in the vehicle width direction, supports the first fuel tank while allowing it to move downwards towards the second fuel tank; and a limiting member disposed above the second fuel tank to limit the upward movement range of the second fuel tank.

[0014] Alternatively, in the fuel cell vehicle, the support mechanism may include: a first support member that supports a first fuel tank; and a first fixing member that fixes the first support member to the vehicle body, wherein the first support member has an elongated hole provided along the vehicle width direction in the long side direction and through which the first fixing member passes, and is configured to be movable in the vehicle width direction when a collision load is applied.

[0015] Alternatively, in the fuel cell vehicle, the first fixing member may be located on the central side of the elongated hole of the first support member in the vehicle width direction, thereby fixing the first support member to the vehicle body.

[0016] Alternatively, in the fuel cell vehicle, a portion of the second fuel tank may be disposed in an upper recess located on the underside of the vehicle's floor, and the upper recess may have a limiting component.

[0017] Alternatively, in the fuel cell vehicle, the second fuel tank may be supported by a second support mechanism, which includes: a second support member that supports the second fuel tank; and a second fixing member that fixes the second support member to the vehicle body. The second support member has an elongated hole that is provided along the vehicle width direction in the long side direction and is passed through by the second fixing member, and is configured to be movable in the vehicle width direction when a collision load is applied.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] As explained above, according to the present invention, when multiple fuel tanks are arranged longitudinally, it is possible to suppress the breakage of the fuel tanks and protect the occupants in the vehicle interior during a side collision. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the layout of the fuel tank in a fuel cell vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 Observe in the direction of the arrow. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the I-I section.

[0022] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the support structure of the fuel tank as viewed from below.

[0023] Figure 4 Observe in the direction of the arrow Figure 3 A schematic diagram of section II-II.

[0024] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of the first fixed part of the first support mechanism.

[0025] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of the second fixing part of the first support mechanism.

[0026] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of the fixing part of the second support mechanism.

[0027] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the fuel tank during a side collision of a vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in this specification and the drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional structure are omitted from repeated description by assigning the same reference numerals.

[0029] [1. Layout of fuel tanks]

[0030] First, the layout of the fuel tank in the fuel cell vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0031] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the simplified layout of the constituent elements of the fuel cell vehicle (hereinafter also simply referred to as "vehicle") 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of vehicle 1 viewed from above. Figure 2 This is a simplified representation of viewing along the direction of the arrow. Figure 1 Explanation diagram of the I-I section.

[0032] The fuel cell vehicle 1 includes a fuel cell 11, a front-wheel drive motor 9F, a rear-wheel drive motor 9R, a front-wheel power transmission device 7F, a rear-wheel power transmission device 7R, a secondary battery 13, a first fuel tank 15a, a second fuel tank 15b, and a third fuel tank 15c.

[0033] The fuel cell 11 and the front-wheel drive motor 9F are mounted at the front of the vehicle 1. The driving force output by the front-wheel drive motor 9F is transmitted to the axle 5LF of the left front wheel 3LF and the axle 5RF of the right front wheel 3RF via the front-wheel power transmission device 7F. The front-wheel power transmission device 7F is configured to include, for example, a differential gear and a clutch.

[0034] The rear-wheel drive motor 9R is mounted at the rear of the vehicle 1. The driving force output by the rear-wheel drive motor 9R is transmitted via the rear-wheel power transmission device 7R to the axle 5LR of the left rear wheel 3LR and the axle 5RR of the right rear wheel 3RR. The rear-wheel power transmission device 7R, like the front-wheel power transmission device 7F, includes, for example, a differential gear and a clutch.

[0035] Vehicle 1 is equipped with an inverter (not shown) and a motor control device. The motor control device controls the inverter to drive the front-wheel drive motor 9F and the rear-wheel drive motor 9R using the charging power of the secondary battery 13 and the generating power of the fuel cell 11. In addition, the motor control device controls the inverter to provide regenerative driving for the front-wheel drive motor 9F and the rear-wheel drive motor 9R, charging the secondary battery 13 with regenerative power.

[0036] The fuel cell 11 generates electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and air (oxygen) filled in the first fuel tank 15a, the second fuel tank 15b, and the third fuel tank 15c. The electricity generated by the fuel cell 11 supplies power to the front-wheel drive motor 9F and the rear-wheel drive motor 9R, and also charges the secondary battery 13. The drive of the fuel cell 11 is controlled by a fuel cell control device (not shown).

[0037] The vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes three fuel tanks: a first fuel tank 15a, a second fuel tank 15b, and a third fuel tank 15c (hereinafter collectively referred to as fuel tank 15 unless otherwise specified). Each fuel tank 15 is arranged longitudinally along the length of the vehicle. On / off valves 16a to 16c (hereinafter collectively referred to as on / off valve 16 unless otherwise specified), located at one end of the long side of each of the first fuel tank 15a, second fuel tank 15b, and third fuel tank 15c, are situated at the front of the vehicle body. By arranging the fuel tanks longitudinally, compared to arranging them transversely, the on / off valves 16 can be positioned further away from the side of the vehicle body. This reduces the risk of hydrogen leakage due to damage to the on / off valves 16 during a side collision of the vehicle 1, thereby improving safety.

[0038] The first fuel tank 15a, the second fuel tank 15b, and the third fuel tank 15c are arranged sequentially from right to left of the vehicle body. The second fuel tank 15b, located in the center of the three fuel tanks 15, is positioned next to either the first fuel tank 15a or the third fuel tank 15c. The height of the axis C2 of the second fuel tank 15b is positioned higher than the height of the axis C1 of the first fuel tank 15a and the axis C3 of the third fuel tank 15c. A portion of the second fuel tank 15b is disposed within a recess 23 located above the floor bottom surface 21 of the vehicle body (see reference). Figure 2 Therefore, the space for the fuel tank 15 can be effectively utilized. For the upper recess 23, for example in conventional vehicles where an engine or drive motor is mounted in either the front or rear, a channel portion for transmitting drive force from the front wheel side to the rear wheel side or from the rear wheel side to the front wheel side can also be utilized.

[0039] Furthermore, since the fuel cell vehicle 1 of this embodiment has a front-wheel drive motor 9F and a rear-wheel drive motor 9R at the front and rear respectively, it is difficult to ensure sufficient space for the fuel tanks 15 at the front and rear of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the three fuel tanks 15 are arranged below the rear seats 25 in the passenger compartment between the front wheels 3LF and 3RF and the rear wheels 3LR and 3RR. In addition, since the fuel tanks 15 are arranged longitudinally, the on / off valve 16 can be arranged away from the side of the vehicle body, and the fuel tanks 15 can be arranged close to the side of the vehicle body. Therefore, the hydrogen loading capacity can be increased, and the driving range of the fuel cell vehicle 1 can be extended.

[0040] [2. Support structure for fuel tank]

[0041] Next, the support structure of the fuel tank 15 in the fuel cell vehicle 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0042] Figures 3-6 This is a diagram illustrating the support structure of the fuel tank 15. Figure 3 This is a view of the bottom surface 21 of the vehicle's floor, viewed from below. Figure 4 Observe in the direction of the arrow Figure 3 A schematic diagram of section II-II. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the first fixing part 30aa of the first support mechanism 30a. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the second fixing parts 30ab and 30cb of the first support mechanisms 30a and 30c. Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the fixing part of the second support mechanism 40a. Furthermore, while the figures show up, down, front, back, left, and right, these positions can be reversed depending on the diagram.

[0043] Of the three fuel tanks 15, the first fuel tank 15a, located on the right outer side in the vehicle width direction, is supported by first support mechanisms 30a and 30b. When a collision load acts from the right outer side in the vehicle width direction, the first support mechanisms 30a and 30b support the first fuel tank 15a while allowing it to move downwards towards the second fuel tank 15b. Similarly, the third fuel tank 15c, located on the left outer side in the vehicle width direction, is supported by first support mechanisms 30c and 30d. When a collision load acts from the left outer side in the vehicle width direction, the first support mechanisms 30c and 30d support the third fuel tank 15c while allowing it to move downwards towards the second fuel tank 15b.

[0044] First support mechanisms 30a and 30b support the first fuel tank 15a at the front and rear sides, respectively, along its long side. The two first support mechanisms 30a and 30b supporting the first fuel tank 15a have identical structures. First support mechanisms 30c and 30d support the third fuel tank 15c at the front and rear sides, respectively, along its long side. Except for left-right reversal, the first support mechanisms 30c and 30d supporting the third fuel tank 15c have the same structure as the first support mechanisms 30a and 30b supporting the first fuel tank 15a. The following explanation uses the first support mechanism 30a as an example.

[0045] A first support mechanism 30a supporting a first fuel tank 15a has a first fixing part 30aa on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and a second fixing part 30ab at the center in the vehicle width direction, which is fixed to the vehicle body and supports the first fuel tank 15a. The first support mechanism 30a is composed of a first support member 33a supporting the first fuel tank 15a and first fixing members 31a and 35a fixing the first support member 33a to the vehicle body. The first support member 33a includes a lower bracket 33aa and an upper bracket 33ab configured to clamp the first fuel tank 15a from above and below.

[0046] The lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab have a strength less than that of the fuel tank 15, for example, they are made of resin molded articles formed in a strip shape. The central portion of the long side of the lower bracket 33aa is shaped to follow the shape of the lower side of the first fuel tank 15a, supporting the first fuel tank 15a from the lower side. The central portion of the long side of the upper bracket 33ab is shaped to follow the shape of the upper side of the first fuel tank 15a, holding the upper side of the first fuel tank 15a.

[0047] The two sides of the lower bracket 33aa, together with the two sides of the upper bracket 33ab, are fixed to the vehicle body by the first fixing members 31a and 35a, respectively. For example, the outer sides of the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab in the vehicle width direction are fixed to the side frame 25a of the vehicle body by the first fixing member 31a at the first fixing part 30aa. In addition, the sides of the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab in the vehicle width direction at the center are fixed to the tank support frame 27 provided on the floor of the vehicle body by the first fixing member 35a at the second fixing part 30ab.

[0048] The two sides of the lower bracket 33aa and the two sides of the upper bracket 33ab can also be joined together. By joining the two sides of the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab, the first fuel tank 15a can be stably supported. In this case, the two sides of the lower bracket 33aa and the two sides of the upper bracket 33ab can be joined using adhesive, welding, or by strapping or the like.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a view of the first fixing part 30aa from below. The lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab have elongated holes 32aa formed along the vehicle width direction at their outer ends in the vehicle width direction. The elongated holes 32aa pass through the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab. A first fixing member 31a, such as a bolt, screw, or rivet, passes through the elongated hole 32aa and is fixed to the side frame 25a. The first fixing member 31a is located at the center side in the vehicle width direction within the elongated hole 32aa. Therefore, when the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab are pulled towards the center side in the vehicle width direction, they can move along the elongated hole 32aa towards the center side in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] In addition, in order to enable the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab to move toward the center side in the vehicle width direction, a portion of the elongated hole 32aa may exist on the outer side in the vehicle width direction than the first fixing member 31a. The first fixing member 31a may also not be arranged in the center side in the vehicle width direction of the elongated hole 32aa.

[0051] Alternatively, the elongated hole 32aa could be a U-shape opening outwards in the vehicle width direction. However, even in the event of a side collision of at least vehicle 1, where the lower bracket 33aa and upper bracket 33ab move together with the first fuel tank 15a in the vehicle width direction, the lower bracket 33aa and upper bracket 33ab must not detach from the first fixing member 31a, and the first fuel tank 15a must not fall off. In this respect, if the elongated hole 32aa is a closed hole shape, then even in the event of a side collision of vehicle 1, where the lower bracket 33aa and upper bracket 33ab move in the vehicle width direction, the detachment of the lower bracket 33aa and upper bracket 33ab from the first fixing member 31a can be prevented.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the second fixing part 30ab as viewed from above. Furthermore, in... Figure 6 In the figure, the second fixing part 30cb of the first support mechanism 30c supporting the third fuel tank 15c is shown together with the second fixing part 30ab of the first support mechanism 30a supporting the first fuel tank 15a.

[0053] The lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab have elongated holes 32ab formed along the vehicle width direction at their ends on the central side in the vehicle width direction. The elongated holes 32ab are formed through the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab. The first fixing member 35a, like the first fixing member 31a, is fixed to the tank support frame 27 by passing through the elongated holes 32ab. The first fixing member 35a is located on the central side in the vehicle width direction in the elongated holes 32ab. Thus, when the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab are pulled towards the central side in the vehicle width direction, the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab can move along the elongated holes 32ab towards the central side in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] Furthermore, for the elongated hole 32ab formed at the end of the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab on the central side in the vehicle width direction, a portion of the elongated hole 32ab may exist on the right outer side in the vehicle width direction than the first fixing member 35a. The first fixing member 35a may also not be disposed on the central side in the vehicle width direction of the elongated hole 32ab. In addition, the elongated hole 32ab may also be a U-shaped opening to the side opposite to the first fuel tank 15a side, but in order to prevent the first fuel tank 15a from falling off due to vibration or other deviations of the lower bracket 33aa and the upper bracket 33ab, a closed hole-shaped elongated hole 32ab is preferred.

[0055] The first support mechanism 30b supporting the rear side of the first fuel tank 15a is constructed in the same manner as the first support mechanism 30a. Furthermore, except for left-right reversal, the first support mechanisms 30c and 30d supporting the third fuel tank 15c, which is located on the left outer side in the vehicle width direction, are constructed in the same manner as the first support mechanism 30a. That is, the first support mechanism 30c supporting the third fuel tank 15c is constructed by including a first support member 33c and first fixing members 31c and 35c. The first support member 33c includes a lower bracket 33ca and an upper bracket 33cb, and the first fixing members 31c and 35c fix the first support member 33c to the vehicle body. When a collision load is applied from the left outer side in the vehicle width direction, the first support mechanism 30c supports the third fuel tank 15c while allowing it to move downwards towards the second fuel tank 15b. The first support mechanism 30d supporting the rear side of the third fuel tank 15c is constructed in the same manner as the first support mechanism 30c.

[0056] The second fuel tank 15b, located in the center of the three fuel tanks 15, is supported by second support mechanisms 40a and 40b. The second support mechanisms 40a and 40b support the second fuel tank 15b at the front and rear sides along its long side, respectively. The two second support mechanisms 40a and 40b supporting the second fuel tank 15b have the same structure. The following description uses the second support mechanism 40a as an example.

[0057] The second support mechanism 40a comprises a second support member 43a supporting the second fuel tank 15b and a second fixing member 41a fixing the second support member 43a to the vehicle body. The second support member 43a includes a lower bracket 43aa and an upper bracket 43ab configured to clamp the second fuel tank 15b from above and below.

[0058] The lower bracket 43aa and the upper bracket 43ab have a strength less than that of the fuel tank 15, for example, they are made of resin molded articles formed in a strip shape. The central portion of the long side of the lower bracket 43aa is shaped to follow the shape of the lower side of the second fuel tank 15b, supporting the second fuel tank 15b from the lower side. The central portion of the long side of the upper bracket 43ab is shaped to follow the shape of the upper side of the second fuel tank 15b, holding the upper side of the second fuel tank 15b.

[0059] The two sides of the lower bracket 43aa, together with the two sides of the upper bracket 43ab, are fixed to the bottom surface 21 of the vehicle floor via the second fixing members 41aa and 41ab. The two sides of the lower bracket 43aa and the upper bracket 43ab are fixed to the two sides of the upper recess 23 provided on the bottom surface 21 of the floor. For the second support member 43aa, the two sides of the lower bracket 43aa and the two sides of the upper bracket 43ab can also be joined together.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a view of the fixing parts on both sides of the second support member 43a from below. Figure 7 The central portion of the second support member 43a supporting the second fuel tank 15b is omitted. The second support member 43a has elongated holes 42aa and 42ab formed along the vehicle width direction on both sides. The elongated holes 42aa and 42ab pass through the lower bracket 43aa and the upper bracket 43ab.

[0061] The second fixing component 41a is the same as the first fixing component 31a, such as a bolt, screw, or rivet, and is fixed to the bottom surface 21 of the floor through the elongated holes 42aa and 42ab. The second fixing component 41a is located on the center side in the vehicle width direction in each of the elongated holes 42aa and 42ab. Therefore, when the lower bracket 43aa and the upper bracket 43ab are pulled towards the center side in the vehicle width direction, the lower bracket 43aa and the upper bracket 43ab can move along the elongated holes 42aa and 42ab towards the center side in the vehicle width direction.

[0062] In addition, the elongated holes 42aa and 42ab can also be U-shaped and open on the outside in the vehicle width direction, but in order to suppress detachment from the second fixing member 41a, the elongated holes 42aa and 42ab are preferably closed holes.

[0063] In the support structure of the fuel tank 15 configured in this way, the second fuel tank 15b, the first fuel tank 15a, and the third fuel tank 15c, located in the center of the three fuel tanks 15, partially overlap in the vertical direction (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 4 Additionally, the height of the axis C2 of the second fuel tank 15b is positioned above the height of the axis C1 of the first fuel tank 15a and the axis C3 of the third fuel tank 15c, which are located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. A portion of the second fuel tank 15b is located within the recess 23 above the bottom surface 21 of the floor (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0064] A limiting member 29 is provided on the inner surface of the upper recess 23. The limiting member 29 is disposed above the second fuel tank 15b and limits the upward movement range of the second fuel tank 15b. The limiting member 29 is a member with at least higher strength than the bottom surface of the floor 21 and the fuel tank 15, and has the function of suppressing the deformation of the bottom surface of the floor 21 when the second fuel tank 15b is pushed from below.

[0065] The manner in which the limiting member 29 is restricted is not particularly limited. For example, the limiting member 29 may be a member with a specified high strength as a material property, or a member with a specified high strength in terms of shape or other structure. For example, the limiting member 29 may be a member formed by bending one or more layers of steel plates with high tension and a specified thickness, or it may be a structural member containing reinforcing structures such as ribs. However, it is preferable to make the surface of the limiting member 29 that presses against the second fuel tank 15b a flat surface so as not to damage the second fuel tank 15b when it is pressed.

[0066] [3. Function]

[0067] This concludes the explanation of the support structure for the fuel cell vehicle 1 and fuel tank 15 according to this embodiment. Next, the function of the support structure for the fuel cell vehicle 1 and fuel tank 15 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0068] Figure 8 It means in Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the action of the fuel tank 15 in the support structure, which occurs when a side impact from the right side of the vehicle body, where the first fuel tank 15a is located, applies a collision load to the first fuel tank 15a. Figure 8 The diagram shows the first fixing part 30aa of the first support mechanism 30a viewed from below and the second fixing part 30ab viewed from above.

[0069] In the event of a side collision originating from the right side of the vehicle, if from Figure 8 When a collision load is applied to the right side of the first fuel tank 15a, the first fuel tank 15a is pushed towards the center in the vehicle width direction. At this time, the first fuel tank 15a is guided to the left by the first fixing parts 31a and 35a fixed to the side frame 25a or the tank support frame 27 by the elongated holes 32aa and 32ab provided in the first support member 33a (lower bracket 33aa, upper bracket 33ab) and the through elongated holes 32aa and 32ab.

[0070] Furthermore, the first fuel tank 15a contacts the second fuel tank 15b midway as it moves towards the center of the vehicle width. At this time, the height of the axis C2 of the second fuel tank 15b is positioned higher than the height of the first fuel tank 15a. Therefore, the first fuel tank 15a pushes the second fuel tank 15b upward while moving to the lower left. The first support member 33a supporting the first fuel tank 15a is fixed to the side frame 25a or the tank support frame 27 through the first fixing members 31a and 35a through the elongated holes 32aa and 32ab. Therefore, the first fuel tank 15a will not fall off after movement and will remain in place.

[0071] Furthermore, the second fuel tank 15b, pushed upward from the first fuel tank 15a, is guided by second fixing members 41aa and 41ab, which are fixed to the bottom surface 21 of the floor, in the second support member 43a (lower bracket 43aa, upper bracket 43ab) that supports the second fuel tank 15b. Therefore, the second fuel tank 15b remains attached to the second support member 43a even after being pushed.

[0072] Since the second fuel tank 15b is located below the passenger compartment, it is necessary to prevent it from being pushed upwards and intruding into the passenger compartment. Therefore, a limiting member 29 with a specified strength is provided above the second fuel tank 15b to reduce the risk of the second fuel tank 15b intruding into the passenger compartment.

[0073] Thus, in the event of a side collision from the right side of the vehicle body, the first fuel tank 15a moves downward toward the center in the vehicle width direction, restricted in its direction of movement by the first support members 33a, 33b and the second fuel tank 15b. The first support members 33a, 33b can move a predetermined amount toward the center in the vehicle width direction; on the other hand, since they are configured not to detach from the first fixing members 31a, 31b, 35a, 35b, they are supported to prevent detachment from the vehicle body. Furthermore, the second fuel tank 15b, pushed upward by the first fuel tank 15a, has its movement restricted by the limiting member 29 provided in the upper recess 23, suppressing intrusion into the vehicle interior.

[0074] Similarly, in the event of a side collision from the left side of the vehicle body, the third fuel tank 15c moves downward toward the center in the vehicle width direction by means of the first support members 33c, 33d and the second fuel tank 15b. The first support members 33c, 33d can move a predetermined amount toward the center in the vehicle width direction, and are supported so as not to detach from the first fixing members 31c, 31d, 35c, 35d. In addition, the second fuel tank 15b, which is pushed upward by the third fuel tank 15c, is restricted in its movement by the limiting member 29 provided in the upper recess 23, thus suppressing intrusion into the vehicle interior.

[0075] [4. Effect]

[0076] As explained above, in the fuel cell vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the height of the axis C2 of the second fuel tank 15b on the central side in the vehicle width direction is positioned higher than the height of the axes C1 and C3 of the fuel tanks 15 (15a, 15c) on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the fuel tanks 15 (15a, 15c) on the outer side in the vehicle width direction are supported by the first support mechanisms 30a to 30d in a manner that allows them to move downwards towards the second fuel tank 15b. Therefore, in the event of a side collision, the fuel tanks 15 (15a, 15c) located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction will not detach and move downwards towards the second fuel tank 15b on the central side in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the risk of damage to the fuel tanks 15 caused by interference between the fuel tanks 15 can be reduced. In addition, the movement of the second fuel tank 15b into the vehicle interior, which also functions to move the fuel tanks 15 (15a, 15c) located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction downwards towards the central side in the vehicle width direction, is limited by the limiting member 29. Therefore, the occupants inside the vehicle interior can be protected.

[0077] Furthermore, the fuel cell vehicle 1 according to this embodiment has a front-wheel drive motor 9F or a rear-wheel drive motor 9R at the front and rear of the vehicle 1, respectively, and multiple fuel tanks 15 are longitudinally arranged below the rear seats 35 in the vehicle interior between the front wheels 3LF, 3RF and the rear wheels 3LR, 3RR. Therefore, the impact of a collision from the front of the vehicle 1 is difficult to be transmitted to the fuel tanks 15. In addition, for collisions from the rear of the vehicle 1, the rear-wheel drive motor 9R and the rigid body supporting it function to protect the fuel tanks 15. Therefore, not only in the case of side collisions from the left and right, but also in the case of front and rear collisions, the risk of damage to the fuel tanks 15 can be reduced.

[0078] Furthermore, in the fuel cell vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, a portion of the second fuel tank 15b located at the center in the vehicle width direction is disposed within a recess 23 above the floor bottom surface 21 of the vehicle body. For example, a portion of the second fuel tank 15b is disposed within the space of a passageway where a driveshaft is disposed in a conventional all-wheel drive vehicle. Therefore, ample space can be provided for the fuel tank 15, and the hydrogen loading capacity can be increased.

[0079] Furthermore, in the fuel cell vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the diameter of the second fuel tank 15b located at the center in the vehicle width direction is smaller than the diameter of the fuel tanks 15 (15a, 15c) on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it is easy to arrange a portion of the second fuel tank 15b within the upper recess 23, allowing the fuel tank 15 to be installed away from the road surface.

[0080] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. Anyone skilled in the art to which this invention pertains should understand that various modifications or variations can be conceived within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims, and should be understood that these also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0081] For example, the structure of the support mechanism that allows the fuel tanks 15 (15a, 15c) located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction to move downwards towards the second fuel tank 15b while providing support is not limited to the example described above. The first support member does not have to be a bracket; other suitable components can be used. For example, guide grooves or guide holes that define the movement direction of the fuel tanks 15 can be provided on the side of the vehicle body, and each fuel tank 15 can be supported by fixing a fixing member within the guide groove or the like. Furthermore, the structure of the support mechanism can be modified in various ways.

[0082] [Symbol Explanation]

[0083] 1… Fuel cell vehicle, 15a… First fuel tank, 15b… Second fuel tank, 15c… Third fuel tank, 21… Floor bottom surface, 23… Upper recess, 25a, 25b… Side supports, 27… Tank support frame, 29… Restricting components, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d… First support mechanism, 30aa, 30ba, 30ca, 30da… First fixing part, 30ab, 30bb, 30cb, 30db… Second fixing part, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d… First fixing component, 32a, 32a a, 32ab…elongated holes, 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d…first support component, 33aa, 33ba, 33ca, 33da…upper bracket, 33ab, 33bb, 33cb, 33db…lower bracket, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d…first fixing component, 40a, 40b…second support mechanism, 41aa, 41ab…second fixing component, 42a, 42aa, 42ab…elongated holes, 43a, 43b…second support component, 43ab…upper bracket, 43ab…lower bracket.

Claims

1. A fuel cell vehicle comprising multiple fuel tanks, each with its long side arranged along the vehicle length direction and the vehicle width direction, wherein... The fuel cell vehicle includes: The first fuel tank is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction; The second fuel tank is located next to the first fuel tank, and its axis is positioned higher than that of the first fuel tank. A first support mechanism, which, when a collision load is applied from the outside in the vehicle width direction, supports the first fuel tank while allowing the first fuel tank to move downwards towards the second fuel tank; and A limiting component, disposed above the second fuel tank, restricts the upward movement range of the second fuel tank. The first support mechanism includes: - A first support member that supports the first fuel tank; and - A first fixing component that secures the first supporting component to the vehicle body. The first supporting member has an elongated hole that is arranged along the vehicle width direction on its long side and through which the first fixing member passes, thereby enabling it to move in the vehicle width direction when the collision load is applied. The first fixing component is located at the center side of the elongated hole of the first support component in the vehicle width direction, thereby fixing the first support component to the vehicle body. A portion of the second fuel tank is disposed within an upper recess located on the underside of the vehicle's floor, and the upper recess includes a restraining component. The second fuel tank is supported by a second support mechanism. The second support mechanism includes: - A second support component that supports the second fuel tank; and - A second fixing component that secures the second support component to the vehicle body. The second support member has an elongated hole that is arranged along the vehicle width direction with its long side extending through it and is through which the second fixing member passes, thus enabling it to move in the vehicle width direction when the collision load is applied.

Images