Power generation unit and power generation system

By designing a power generation unit with loading and unloading structure, the problem of system maintenance difficulties in the event of abnormal internal combustion engines is solved, and convenient and efficient maintenance of the system is achieved.

CN119731039APending Publication Date: 2025-03-28KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380062507.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-03-29
Filing Date
2023-08-24
Publication Date
2025-03-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When an abnormality occurs in an internal combustion engine or when regular inspections are performed, the system activity equipped with the internal combustion engine is stopped, making the system maintenance difficult.

Method used

A power generation unit is designed, including an internal combustion engine, a generator and a support structure, which has a loading and unloading structure so that it can be loaded and unloaded on the mounted body.

Benefits of technology

Through this design, the maintenance process of the system can be simplified, the need for maintenance in the installation state can be reduced, and the convenience and efficiency of maintenance can be improved.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN119731039A_ABST
    Figure CN119731039A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The power generation unit includes: an internal combustion engine; a generator that generates electric power by the output of the internal combustion engine; and a support structure for supporting both the internal combustion engine and the generator, the support structure having an attachment / detachment structure configured so as to be attachable / detachable to / from the attachment body.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

field The present disclosure relates to a power generation unit and a power generation system. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine that can be operated using hydrogen as fuel, and propelled by transmitting the rotation of an output shaft of the internal combustion engine to drive wheels.

[0003] Prior art literature: Patent Literature: Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-038680. Summary of the invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention: When an abnormality occurs in the internal combustion engine or when maintenance work such as a periodic inspection is performed, the operation of the system on which the internal combustion engine is mounted is stopped.

[0005] Therefore, an object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a power generation unit and a power generation system that facilitate a maintenance method of the system.

[0006] Means of solving the problem: A power generation unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: an internal combustion engine; a generator that generates electric power by output from the internal combustion engine; and a support structure that supports both the internal combustion engine and the generator and has a detachable structure configured to be detachably mounted on a mounting body.

[0007] One aspect of the power generation system disclosed herein comprises: a power generation unit including an internal combustion engine, a generator that generates electricity through the output of the internal combustion engine, and a supporting structure that supports both the internal combustion engine and the generator and has a loading and unloading structure that is configured to be freely loaded and unloaded on a mounted body; and the mounted body, which loads and unloads the power generation unit via the loading and unloading structure.

[0008] Effect of the invention: According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power generation unit and a power generation system that facilitate the maintenance method of the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile body equipped with a power generation unit according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A block diagram of a driving system of a moving body; Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a power generation unit fixed to a moving object; Figure 4 For from Figure 3A schematic perspective view of a power generation unit fixed to a moving object when viewed from different directions; Figure 5 A schematic top view of a power generation unit fixed to a moving object; Figure 6 A schematic side cross-sectional view of a power generation unit in a state of being fixed to a moving object; Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of a power generation unit in a state where the lock relative to the moving body is released; Figure 8 A schematic perspective view showing an enlarged unit locking mechanism; Fig. 9 A diagram for explaining a power generation unit according to a second embodiment; Fig.10 For illustration Fig. 9 A schematic enlarged side cross-sectional view of the unit locking mechanism is shown; Fig.11 A diagram for explaining a power generation unit according to a third embodiment; Fig.12 It is a diagram for explaining a power generation unit according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <First embodiment> Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile body 1 equipped with a power generation unit 40 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a railway vehicle is exemplified as the mobile body 1. The mobile body 1 has a vehicle body 2 and a pair of carriages 3 arranged near both ends of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction and supporting the vehicle body 2. The carriage 3 has a plurality of wheels 3a. Two wheels 3a arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction are connected by an axle. The mobile body 1 is an electric vehicle. The mobile body 1 has at least one electric motor 11 (see Figure 2 ). The output shaft of the electric motor 11 is connected to at least one wheel 3a via a power transmission mechanism.

[0012] The mobile body 1 includes an operator 6 and a vehicle controller 7 configured to communicate with the operator 6. The operator 6 includes one or more levers or handles provided in the cab. According to the operation input of the driver to the operator 6, a request command is sent from the operator 6 to the vehicle controller 7. The operator 6 includes a travel operator for inputting a travel command and a brake commander for inputting a brake command.

[0013] The vehicle controller 7 includes a processor, a system memory, and a storage memory. The vehicle controller 7 generates an output command for controlling the electric motor 11 mounted on the mobile body 1 based on the request command received from the operator 6. The vehicle controller 7 also sends an output command to an inverter 14 (see FIG. 1 ) for controlling the output of the electric motor 11. Figure 2 ) to send output instructions.

[0014] The mobile body 1 is equipped with at least one power generation unit 40, at least one fuel supply unit 20, and an integrated device 16. The fuel supply unit 20 supplies fuel to the power generation unit 40. The power generation unit 40 generates electricity. The integrated device 16 manages the at least one power generation unit 40 and the at least one fuel supply unit 20 in a unified manner.

[0015] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a drive system for driving the electric motor 11. Specifically, Figure 2 , a supply system for supplying fuel to the power generation unit 40, a supply system for the power generated by the power generation unit 40, and a communication system for driving the electric motor 11 are shown. Figure 2 In order to simplify the drawings, only one electric motor 11 of the moving body 1 is shown. Figure 2 , four power generation units 40 and one fuel supply unit 20 are shown, but the number of power generation units 40 and fuel supply units 20 provided in the mobile body 1 is not limited thereto.

[0016] First, the components other than the power generation unit 40 and the fuel supply unit 20 are described. Figure 2 As shown, the mobile object 1 includes a power collection circuit 12, a power storage body 13, and an inverter 14. In the power collection circuit 12, a plurality of power generation units 40 of the mobile object 1 are electrically connected in parallel via cables or the like. The power collection circuit 12 collects the electric power generated by the plurality of power generation units 40.

[0017] The power storage body 13 is electrically connected to a plurality of power generation units 40 via a power collection circuit 12. The power storage body 13 is charged with power generated by the plurality of power generation units 40. The power storage body 13 is, for example, a battery or a capacitor. The power storage body 13 is electrically connected to the electric motor 11 via an inverter 14.

[0018] The inverter 14 is configured to convert direct current into alternating current, adjust the voltage, and supply the alternating current to the electric motor 11. The inverter 14 controls the output of the electric motor 11 based on an output command sent from the vehicle controller 7.

[0019] The integrated device 16 includes a communication interface 16a and an integrated controller 16b. In addition, the integrated controller 16b is also called an integrated ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 16b. The communication interface 16a connects the integrated ECU 16b to the vehicle controller 7, the power generation unit 40, and the fuel supply unit 20 so that they can communicate. The integrated ECU 16b sends a fuel supply instruction to the fuel supply unit 20 or sends a power generation instruction to a plurality of power generation units 40 based on information received from at least one of the vehicle controller 7, the power generation unit 40, and the fuel supply unit 20. In addition, the integrated ECU 16b can determine the maintenance period of the power generation unit 40 based on the information received from the power generation unit 40.

[0020] (Structure of fuel supply unit) The fuel supply unit 20 supplies hydrogen as fuel to the internal combustion engine 41 of the power generation unit 40. Figure 2 As shown, the fuel supply unit 20 includes a first fuel tank 21 , a second fuel tank 22 , a supply pipe 23 , a filling pipe 24 , a communication interface 25 , a fuel controller 26 , a support structure 27 , etc. The fuel controller 26 is also referred to as a fuel ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 26 .

[0021] The first fuel tank 21 and the second fuel tank 22 have the same structure. The first fuel tank 21 and the second fuel tank 22 store hydrogen gas in a compressed state as fuel gas. The internal pressure of the first fuel tank 21 and the second fuel tank 22 in a full state is higher than the atmospheric pressure, specifically, higher than the prescribed intake pressure of the internal combustion engine 41.

[0022] The first fuel tank 21 is provided with a first on-off valve 31 for opening and closing the port of the first fuel tank 21. The second fuel tank 22 is provided with a second on-off valve 32 for opening and closing the port of the second fuel tank 22. The first on-off valve 31 and the second on-off valve 32 are electrically controllable solenoid valves.

[0023] The supply pipe 23 is a pipe for supplying fuel from the first fuel tank 21 and the second fuel tank 22 to the outside of the fuel supply unit 20. Both upstream ends of the supply pipe 23 are connected to the first fuel tank 21 and the second fuel tank 22. One downstream end of the supply pipe 23 includes a supply port 23d.

[0024] In more detail, the supply piping 23 includes: a first auxiliary supply piping 23a, a second auxiliary supply piping 23b, and a main supply piping 23c. The first auxiliary supply piping 23a connects the first fuel tank 21 to the main supply piping 23c. The second auxiliary supply piping 23b connects the second fuel tank 22 to the main supply piping 23c. That is, the first auxiliary supply piping 23a and the second auxiliary supply piping 23b branch from the main supply piping 23c on the upstream side of the main supply piping 23c. The downstream end of the main supply piping 23c includes a supply port 23d. As described later, the supply port 23d is connected to the fuel receiving port 42a of the power generation unit 40 via the connecting pipe 15. In addition, the connecting pipe 15 is provided with an on-off valve 15a.

[0025] The main supply pipe 23c is provided with a pressure reducing valve 33. The pressure reducing valve 33 reduces the pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing through the main supply pipe 23c so as to maintain the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the main supply pipe 23c to the internal combustion engine 41 at a predetermined intake pressure.

[0026] A shutoff valve 34 is disposed in the main supply pipe 23c at a portion downstream of the pressure reducing valve 33. The shutoff valve 34 is disposed in the main supply pipe 23c so as to shut off the supply of hydrogen gas from the main supply pipe 23c to the internal combustion engine 41 in an emergency or the like.

[0027] The filling pipe 24 is a pipe for introducing fuel from the outside into the first fuel tank 21 and the second fuel tank 22. One end of the filling pipe 24 is connected to a portion of the main supply pipe 23c on the upstream side of the pressure reducing valve 33. The other end of the filling pipe 24 includes a filling port 24a. The filling pipe 24 is provided with a check valve 35 that prevents the fuel from flowing to the filling port 24a.

[0028] The communication interface 25 connects the fuel ECU 26 to the integrated device 16 provided outside the fuel supply unit 20 so as to be communicable. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface 25 is a detachable terminal or communication connector. In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface 25 is a known wireless communication device.

[0029] The fuel ECU 26 controls the first opening and closing valve 31 and the second opening and closing valve 32 based on the signal received from the integrated device 16 via the communication interface 25. The fuel ECU 26 has a processor, a system memory, and a storage memory. The processor includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The system memory is, for example, a RAM. The storage memory may include a ROM. The storage memory may include a hard disk, a flash memory, or a combination thereof. The storage memory stores programs.

[0030] The components 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 included in the fuel supply unit 20 are fixed to each other and integrated. Specifically, the components 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32, 33, 34, 3 included in the fuel supply unit 20 are supported by the support structure 27 and are unitized. For example, the support structure 27 is a rectangular box shape. The components 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 (excluding the support structure 27) included in the fuel supply unit 20 are accommodated in the box-shaped support structure 27, and are directly or indirectly connected and fixed to the support structure 27.

[0031] The support structure 27 is configured to be detachably mounted on the vehicle body 2 while supporting the fuel tanks 21 and 22. That is, the fuel supply unit 20 is detachably mounted on the vehicle body 2. By removing the support structure 27 from the vehicle body 2, the components mounted on the support structure 27 can be removed from the vehicle body 2 at one time. The fuel supply unit 20 can be maintained or repaired while being removed from the vehicle body 2. The fuel supply unit 20 is configured to be replaceable with another fuel supply unit 20 of the same structure.

[0032] (Structure of power generation unit) The power generation unit 40 includes an internal combustion engine 41 , a fuel supply pipe 42 , a generator (motor generator) 43 , an inverter 44 , an electrical interface 45 , a communication interface 46 , a power controller 47 , etc. The power controller 47 is also referred to as a power ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 47 .

[0033] The internal combustion engine 41 burns fuel gas and converts the combustion energy into rotational energy of the crankshaft 54. In the present embodiment, the internal combustion engine 41 is a hydrogen engine configured to use hydrogen gas as fuel. The internal combustion engine 41 is, for example, a multi-cylinder engine.

[0034] The internal combustion engine 41 includes a throttle device 51, an ignition device 52, and a fuel supply device 53. In addition, the power generation unit 40 includes the ignition devices 52 and the fuel supply devices 53 in the same number as the number of the combustion chambers. Figure 2 One is shown in each. The throttle device 51 adjusts the intake amount of the internal combustion engine 41. For example, the throttle device 51 is an electronically controlled throttle device that opens and closes the throttle valve by a motor. The ignition device 52 ignites the mixed gas in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 41. The ignition device 52 is, for example, a spark plug. The fuel supply device 53 supplies fuel to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 41. The fuel supply device 53 is, for example, an electronically controlled injector.

[0035] One end of the fuel supply pipe 42 is connected to the fuel supply device 53 of the internal combustion engine 41. The other end of the fuel supply pipe 42 includes a fuel receiving port 42a. In more detail, the fuel supply pipe 42 includes an injector rail, which distributes the fuel supplied from the fuel receiving port 42a to a plurality of fuel supply devices 53. The fuel receiving port 42a may also be referred to as a fluid interface or a fluid connector. The fuel receiving port 42a of the power generation unit 40 is connected to the supply port 23d of the above-mentioned fuel supply unit 20 via a connecting pipe 15. The connecting pipe 15 is supported on the vehicle body 2, for example. The supply port 23d and the fuel receiving port 42a may also be configured to be directly connectable. Hydrogen is introduced from the fuel supply unit 20 to the fuel supply device 53 of the internal combustion engine 41 via the connecting pipe 15 and the fuel supply pipe 42.

[0036] The generator 43 generates electric power by the rotational power of the internal combustion engine 41. The generator 43 is driven by the internal combustion engine 41. In the present embodiment, the rotating shafts 43a of the two generators 43 are connected to each other in a form of integral rotation, and one of the rotating shafts 43a of the two generators 43 is connected to the crankshaft 54 ​​in a form of integral rotation with the crankshaft 54. The rotating shaft 43a is provided with a rotor, and includes a stator arranged at a position facing the rotor. The generator 43 is, for example, a three-phase induction motor.

[0037] The two inverters 44 are respectively configured to correspond to the two generators 43. The two inverters 44 are respectively electrically connected to the two generators 43. The inverter 44 converts the alternating current generated by the generator 43 into direct current. The inverter 44 may also be called a converter. For example, the inverter 44 includes an inverter circuit and a control circuit. The inverter circuit or the control circuit is an example of a "control circuit". In addition, the two inverters 44 are respectively electrically connected to two electrical interfaces 45.

[0038] The electrical interface 45 is an interface for supplying the power generated by the power generation unit 40 to the outside. The electrical interface 45 electrically connects the inverter 44 of the power generation unit 40 to the power storage body 13 provided outside the power generation unit 40. In the case of contact power supply, the electrical interface 45 is a power connector. In the case of non-contact power supply, the electrical interface 45 is a coil. In the present embodiment, each power generation unit 40 is provided with an electrical interface 45, but a single electrical interface 45 for supplying the power of two power generation units 40 to the outside may also be provided.

[0039] The communication interface 46 connects the power ECU 47 to the integration device 16 outside the power generation unit 40 so that communication is possible. In the present embodiment, in the case of wired communication, the communication interface 46 is a communication connector. The communication interface 46 is an example of an "input connector". In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface 46 is a well-known wireless communication device.

[0040] The power ECU 47 controls the internal combustion engine 41 and the inverter 44 based on the power generation instruction received from the integrated device 16 via the communication interface 46. The power ECU 47 has a processor, a system memory, and a storage memory. The processor includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The system memory is, for example, a RAM. The storage memory may include a ROM. The storage memory may include a hard disk, a flash memory, or a combination thereof. The storage memory stores programs.

[0041] The power ECU 47 communicates with the integration device 16 via the communication interface 46 . Specifically, the power ECU 47 associates state information indicating the state of the power generation unit 40 with unit identification information (identification ID) for identifying the power generation unit 40 , and transmits the information to the integration device 16 via the communication interface 46 .

[0042] The state information includes information related to the damage caused by age. In addition, the state information may also include the past operation history. For example, the state information may also include: information related to the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine 41, the torque generated by the internal combustion engine 41, the operation history of the internal combustion engine 41, the power generation of the generator 43, the impact force received by the power generation unit 40 from the outside, or the life of the components of the power generation unit 40.

[0043] In addition, the power generation unit 40 includes a cooling flow path 81, a radiator 82, and a refrigerant pump 83. The radiator 82 and the refrigerant pump 83 are disposed in the cooling flow path 81. The cooling flow path 81 is a circulation flow path that introduces the refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant pump 83 into the internal combustion engine 41 and returns the refrigerant after cooling the internal combustion engine 41 to the refrigerant pump 83. The refrigerant is, for example, water. Alternatively, the cooling flow path 81 introduces the refrigerant into the generator 43 or the inverter 44 to cool the generator 43 or the inverter 44. The radiator 82 dissipates heat from the refrigerant circulating in the cooling flow path 81. The refrigerant pump 83 may be a mechanical pump that is driven by mechanical linkage with the rotation of the crankshaft 54, or an electric pump that is controlled by the power ECU 47. The radiator 82 is an example of a "heat exchanger". In the present embodiment, the power generation unit 40 has two radiators 82.

[0044] The power generation unit 40 includes a support structure 100. Various elements (excluding the support structure 100) included in the power generation unit 40 are supported and unitized by the support structure 100. Each element (excluding the support structure 100) included in the power generation unit 40 is directly or indirectly connected and fixed to the support structure 100.

[0045] In this embodiment, the support structure 100 has a detachable structure configured to be detachable relative to the mobile body 1. That is, the detachable structure on the power generation unit 40 side and the detachable structure on the mobile body 1 side that can be detached from each other can be locked in a manner that restricts the movement of the power generation unit 40 relative to the mobile body 1. The detachable structure of the support structure 100 is a boltless detachable structure that does not require fastening with bolts and nuts.

[0046] In addition, the vehicle body 2 of the mobile body 1 includes a pair of guide rails 203 for guiding the power generation unit 40 to a predetermined installation position (see Figure 3 ), a pair of guide rails 203 have the above-mentioned loading and unloading structure on the side of the moving body 1. By moving the supporting structure 100 of the power generation unit 40 along the pair of guide rails 203, the positioning operation of the supporting structure 100 to the installation position can be facilitated.

[0047] (Detailed structure of power generation unit) Next, refer to Figures 3 to 6 The specific structure of the power generation unit 40 is described. Figures 3 to 6 and the following Figures 7 to 12 In each of the drawings, some elements of the power generation unit 40 are omitted.

[0048] Figures 3 to 6 The power generation unit 40 is shown in a state where the power generation unit 40 is installed at a predetermined installation position on the moving body 1 and fixed to the moving body 1 . Figure 3 It is a schematic perspective view of the power generation unit 40 in a state of being fixed to the mobile object 1 . Figure 4 For from Figure 3 Schematic perspective views of the power generation unit 40 in a state of being fixed to the mobile object 1 as viewed from different directions. Figure 5 It is a schematic plan view of the power generation unit 40 in a state of being fixed to the mobile object 1 . Figure 6 It is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the power generation unit 40 in a state of being fixed to the mobile object 1 .

[0049] In the following description, for convenience, for the power generation unit 40, the horizontal direction moving along the guide rail 203 is referred to as the first direction, and the horizontal direction orthogonal to the up-down direction and the first direction is defined as the second direction. In particular, in the power generation unit 40 placed on the guide rail 203, the direction in which the power generation unit 40 moves toward the installation position is defined as the inner side in the first direction, the direction in which the power generation unit 40 moves away from the installation position is defined as the near front side in the first direction, the side close to the middle of the pair of guide rails 203 in the second direction is defined as the inner side in the second direction, and the side away from the middle is defined as the outer side in the second direction. In this embodiment, the length of the power generation unit 40 in the first direction is longer than the length in the second direction. Therefore, the first direction of the power generation unit 40 is also referred to as the long side direction, and the second direction of the power generation unit 40 is also referred to as the short side direction.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the support structure 100 includes a plurality of frames 101. The plurality of frames 101 are combined to form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. Various elements of the power generation unit 40 (excluding the support structure 100) are arranged in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space S (hereinafter referred to as "accommodation space S") which is a space surrounded by the plurality of frames 101. Various elements of the power generation unit 40 are supported by the support structure 100.

[0051] The plurality of frames 101 include: two substantially rectangular annular first frames 101a arranged at a predetermined interval in the second direction; and a plurality of second frames 101b connecting the two annular first frames 101a. In this embodiment, the length of the first frame 101a in the first direction is longer than the length of the first frame 101a in the up-down direction. The length of the first frame 101a in the first direction is longer than the length of the second frame 101b. The plurality of frames 101 may also include frames extending in the up-down direction or obliquely relative to the up-down direction.

[0052] The interval between the two first frames 101a is a length corresponding to the interval between a pair of guide rails 203. The lower portion of the frame extending linearly in the first direction in the first frame 101a is a portion that slides on the guide rail 203 (more specifically, the horizontal portion 203a described later). The first frame 101a is a ring-shaped rectangular shape with rounded corners when viewed in the second direction. That is, the four corners of the first frame 101a are roughly arc-shaped when viewed in the second direction. Thereby, it is easy for the power generation unit 40 to slide on the guide rail 203 in the first direction. In addition, only the two lower corners of the four corners of the first frame 101a may be shaped to facilitate sliding. Furthermore, the corner may not be roughly arc-shaped when viewed in the second direction, but may be a shape formed by chamfering. Each second frame 101b is rod-shaped and extends in the second direction.

[0053] Furthermore, the support structure 100 has a bottom plate 102. The bottom plate 102 is disposed between the lower portions of the two first frames 101a and connected to the lower portions of the two first frames 101a. The bottom plate 102 supports the internal combustion engine 41 from below.

[0054] In more detail, the internal combustion engine 41 includes an engine body 55. The engine body 55 has a cylinder head, a cylinder block, and a crankcase. The cylinder head, the cylinder block, and the crankcase are connected in sequence from the top in the up-down direction. In addition, the cylinder head also includes a cylinder head cover. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the crankshaft 54 ​​extends parallel to the long side direction of the support structure 100. As a result, it is easy to accommodate a multi-cylinder engine in which cylinders are arranged in a row in the accommodation space S surrounded by the support structure 100.

[0055] A plurality of (four in this example) legs 91 are mounted on the engine body 55. The plurality of legs 91 extend downward from the engine body 55 and support the engine body 55. A rubber mount 92 serving as a vibration-proof member is mounted on the lower end of each leg 91. The rubber mount 92 is fixed to the support structure 100. More specifically, the rubber mount 92 is fixed to the bottom plate 102. Vibration transmitted from one of the movable body 1 and the engine body 55 to the other is reduced by the rubber mount 92. In this embodiment, the internal combustion engine 41 is fixed to the support structure 100 via a vibration-proof member, which is a so-called rubber mount. Various components included in the power generation unit 40 other than the internal combustion engine 41 are not fixed to the support structure 100 via a vibration-proof member, which is a so-called rigid mount. As various elements supported by rubber, in addition to the engine body 55, components connected to the engine body 55 via piping, such as the air cleaner 71, the supercharger 73, and the muffler 79 described later, can be cited. As various elements supported by rigidity, electrical components such as the generator 43, the power ECU 47, and the inverter 44 can also be cited.

[0056] Various interfaces of the power generation unit 40, such as the fluid interface 42a, the electrical interface 45, and the communication interface 46, are arranged near the same side surface among the four side surfaces of the substantially rectangular storage space S, which is a space surrounded by the plurality of frames 101. Figure 3 As shown, the support structure 100 has a side plate 104 fixed to the frame 101 near the side surface near the front side in the first direction in the storage space S. The side plate 104 integrally supports the electrical interface 45 and the communication interface 46. Figure 6 As shown, the fluid interface 42a of the fuel supply pipe 42 is also arranged near the side surface of the accommodation space S on the front side in the first direction. Figure 6In the figures other than FIG104, the fuel supply pipe 42 is omitted. The fluid interface 42a may be supported by the side plate 104, or may be supported by the frame 101 directly or by a member different from the side plate 104. In this way, by concentrating various interfaces on one side of the storage space S, the operator can smoothly perform the connection operation of various interfaces when installing the power generation unit 40 on the mobile body 1 or the separation operation of various interfaces when removing the power generation unit 40 from the mobile body 1.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, the extension direction B1 of the crankshaft 54 ​​in the engine body 55 is parallel to the first direction. Moreover, a camshaft for opening and closing the intake valve and the exhaust valve is arranged above the crankshaft 54 ​​in the engine body 55. Figure 6 , the extending direction B2 of the camshaft is shown. The camshaft is driven by the power transmitted from the crankshaft 54. Specifically, a power transmission space D is provided on one side of the first direction (the near front side in this example) in the engine body 55, and a cam chain connected to one end of the crankshaft 54 ​​and one end of the camshaft is arranged in the power transmission space D. The driving force of the crankshaft 54 ​​is transmitted to the camshaft 61 via the cam chain.

[0058] The end 54b of the crankshaft 54 ​​on the opposite side of the end connected to the cam chain is coupled to the rotating shaft 43a of the generator 43. The rotating shaft 43a of the generator 43 and the crankshaft 54 ​​are coaxial. The rotating shaft 43a of the generator 43 and the crankshaft 54 ​​both extend in the first direction. The crankshaft 54 ​​and the rotating shaft 43a of the generator 43 are connected by a universal joint 93. However, the crankshaft 54 ​​and the rotating shaft 43a of the generator 43 may be directly connected without a universal joint. In the present embodiment, two generators 43 are arranged on the extension line of the crankshaft 54. The two generators 43 are coupled in the axial direction. The rotating shafts 43a of the two generators 43 are coaxial and coupled to each other in a form of rotating together.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the power generation unit 40 includes an intake pipe 70A for introducing intake air sucked from the intake port P1 to the intake port of the internal combustion engine 41, and an exhaust pipe 70B for introducing exhaust gas from the exhaust port of the internal combustion engine 41 to the exhaust port P2 and discharging it to the outside.

[0060] The intake pipe 70A is provided with an air filter 71, a supercharger 73, and an intake chamber box 75. The air filter 71, the supercharger 73, and the intake chamber box 75 are arranged in order from upstream to downstream in the flow direction of the intake air. The air filter 71 has an intake port P1. The air filter 71 and the supercharger 73 are connected by an intake pipe portion 72, and the supercharger 73 and the intake chamber box 75 are connected by an intake pipe portion 74. The air filter 71 purifies the external air sucked in as the intake air. The supercharger 73 compresses the intake air passing through the air filter 71 and delivers it to the intake chamber box 75. The supercharger 73 is a turbocharger that compresses air by using the flow of exhaust gas. The intake chamber box 75 absorbs the intake pressure pulsation.

[0061] A plurality of intake pipe portions 76 corresponding to the plurality of combustion chambers extend from the intake chamber case 75. Intake air is fed from the intake chamber case 75 through the intake pipe portions 76 to the combustion chambers.

[0062] An electronically controlled throttle device 51 is disposed on the intake pipe portion 74. The throttle device 51 is disposed in the intake passage of the intake pipe portion 74 and includes a throttle valve for adjusting the amount of air sucked into the internal combustion engine 41 by changing the opening. However, the throttle device 51 may also include a plurality of throttle valves, and the plurality of throttle valves may also be respectively disposed in a plurality of intake pipe portions 76 corresponding to a plurality of combustion chambers.

[0063] The exhaust pipe 70B is provided with a muffler 79. Specifically, a plurality of exhaust pipe sections 77 as a part of the exhaust pipe 70B extend from the plurality of exhaust ports, respectively. The plurality of exhaust pipe sections 77 introduce exhaust gas to the supercharger 73. The supercharger 73 is driven by the exhaust gas introduced through the plurality of exhaust pipe sections 77. The exhaust gas passing through the supercharger 73 is introduced into the muffler 79 through the exhaust pipe section 78. The muffler 79 silences the exhaust sound of the internal combustion engine 41. The exhaust gas after passing through the muffler 79 is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port P2. A catalyst for purifying the exhaust gas may also be provided in the exhaust pipe 70B.

[0064] The air cleaner 71 is arranged on the opposite side of the muffler 79 across the internal combustion engine 41. Figure 5 As shown, the air filter 71, the engine body 55 and the muffler 79 do not overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The air filter 71, the engine body 55 and the muffler 79 are arranged in this order toward the near front side in the first direction. That is, the air filter 71 is located on one side (the inner side) in the first direction relative to the engine body 55, and the muffler 79 is located on the other side (the near front side) in the first direction relative to the engine body 55. The intake pipe portion 72 connecting the air filter 71 and the supercharger 73 extends from the supercharger 73 toward the inner side in the first direction, and the exhaust pipe portion 78 connecting the supercharger 73 and the muffler 79 extends from the supercharger 73 toward the near front side in the first direction.

[0065] The air cleaner 71 and the muffler 79 are arranged staggered in the vertical direction. The center of the air cleaner 71 is arranged above the center of the muffler 79. The long side direction of the air cleaner 71 extends in the first direction, and the long side direction of the muffler 79 extends in the second direction. The air filter 71 The inlet P1 and the exhaust outlet of the muffler 79 are separately arranged in the first direction. The inlet P1 is arranged on the opposite side of the outlet P2 across the internal combustion engine 41. The inlet P1 is open on the inner side, and the outlet P2 is open on the near front side. The muffler 79 and the internal combustion engine 41 are partially overlapped when viewed from the first direction. In this embodiment, the inlet P1 and the outlet P2 face opposite directions to each other. One side of the inlet P1 and the outlet P2 faces one side of the second direction, and the other side faces the other side of the second direction. The air cleaner 71 and the internal combustion engine 41 are partially overlapped when viewed from the first direction. A supercharger 73 is arranged between the air cleaner 71 and the muffler 79 in the first direction. The supercharger 73 is arranged in parallel with the internal combustion engine 41 in the second direction.

[0066] Furthermore, the two generators 43 are arranged on the opposite side of the muffler 79 across the internal combustion engine 41. Figure 5 As shown, the generator 43, the engine body 55, and the muffler 79 do not overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The generator 43, the engine body 55, and the muffler 79 are arranged in this order toward the near front side in the first direction. That is, the generator 43 is located on one side (the inner side) in the first direction relative to the engine body 55, and the muffler 79 is located on the other side (the near front side) in the first direction relative to the engine body 55. The generator 43 and the air cleaner 71 are arranged adjacent to each other. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the generator 43 and the air cleaner 71 partially overlap each other when viewed in the up-down direction. The air cleaner 71 is arranged above the generator 43 .

[0067] Furthermore, the two inverters 44 are arranged on the opposite side of the muffler 79 across the internal combustion engine 41. The inverter 44, the engine body 55, and the muffler 79 do not overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The inverter 44, the engine body 55, and the muffler 79 are arranged in this order toward the near front side in the first direction. The inverter 44 is arranged on the opposite side of the radiator 82 relative to the internal combustion engine 41 in the second direction.

[0068] The two inverters 44 are arranged near the side surface of the storage space S which is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped space surrounded by a plurality of frames 101. The two inverters 44 overlap with the first frame 101a when viewed from above, and are arranged between the upper and lower parts of the first frame 101a in the up-down direction. Since the inverter 44 faces outward, it is easy for the inverter 44 to come into contact with the outside air, and it is easy to suppress the temperature rise of the inverter 44. In addition, the inverter 44 is arranged near the air inlet P1. Specifically, the inverter 44 and the air inlet P1 are arranged near the same side surface in the storage space S (see Figure 5 ). Therefore, it is easy to make the air around the inverter 44 flow, and it is easy to improve the heat dissipation effect of the inverter 44 caused by the contact between the inverter 44 and the air.

[0069] The two heat sinks 82 are arranged near the side surface of the substantially rectangular storage space S, which is a space surrounded by the plurality of frames 101. The two heat sinks 82 overlap the first frame 101a in a plan view and are arranged between the upper and lower portions of the first frame 101a in the vertical direction.

[0070] The radiator 82 is rectangular in shape when viewed in the second direction. Each radiator 82 includes a rectangular radiator body and a cooling fan 82a fixed to the radiator body. The two radiators 82 are arranged side by side in the first direction, in other words, in the extension direction of the crankshaft 54. The two radiators 82 are arranged so that the rotation axis of the cooling fan 82a is parallel to the second direction.

[0071] The radiator 82 is arranged on the opposite side of the plurality of exhaust pipe portions 77 connected to the exhaust port of the internal combustion engine 41 across the internal combustion engine 41 or the plurality of intake pipe portions 76 connected to the internal combustion engine 41. Figure 5 As shown, on the side where the radiator 82 is located, a plurality of intake pipe portions 76 are connected to the internal combustion engine 41, and on the side opposite to the side where the radiator 82 is located, a plurality of exhaust pipe portions 77 are connected to the internal combustion engine 41. That is, the internal combustion engine 41 is configured so that the intake port is located closer to the radiator 82 than the exhaust port. The radiator 82 is fixed to the support structure 100 in a form in which the exhaust pipe portion 77 is located farther than the plurality of intake pipe portions 76.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, when the power generation unit 40 is mounted on the mobile body 1 as the mounted body, the lower end of the radiator 82 is located below the upper end of the internal combustion engine 41. When the power generation unit 40 is mounted on the mobile body 1 as the mounted body, the upper end of the radiator 82 may also be located below the upper end of the internal combustion engine 41.

[0073] Next, the loading and unloading structure on the side of the power generation unit 40 and the loading and unloading structure on the side of the mobile body 1 that can be loaded and unloaded from each other are described. One of the loading and unloading structure on the side of the power generation unit 40 and the loading and unloading structure on the side of the mobile body 1 has an engaged portion, and the loading and unloading structure on the other side includes: an engaging portion that can be engaged with the engaged portion; an operating piece that can be displaced between two positions, a locked position and a lock release position; and a linkage portion that, when the operating piece is in the locked position, makes the engaging portion and the engaged portion in an engaged state, and the operating piece is displaced from the locked position to the lock release position, thereby releasing the engaged state of the engaging portion and the engaged portion, so that the displacement action of the engaging portion and the operating piece is linked. Due to such a loading and unloading structure, the state of locking the power generation unit 40 relative to the mobile body 1 and the state of unlocking are switched via the linkage portion by changing the position of the operating piece operated by the operator.

[0074] For example, it is also possible that the loading and unloading structure with a locking portion includes: a locking portion that can be engaged with the locked portion; a rotating member that is axially supported between a locked position and a locked release position and can be rotated relative to a supporting structure; and a force-applying member, which is a force-applying member connected to the rotating member and generates an applied force for maintaining the engaged state of the locking portion and the engaged portion when the rotating member is in the locked position, and the loading and unloading structure is configured to rotate the rotating member from the locked position to the locked release position by overcoming the applied force, thereby releasing the engaged state of the locking portion and the engaged portion.

[0075] Hereinafter, the combination of the loading and unloading structure on the power generation unit 40 side and the loading and unloading structure on the mobile body 1 side which can be loaded and unloaded from each other is referred to as a unit locking mechanism. In the present embodiment, the power generation unit 40 is locked relative to the mobile body 1 by two unit locking mechanisms M1 and M2. Hereinafter, in order to distinguish between the unit locking mechanisms M1 and M2, they are referred to as a first unit locking mechanism M1 and a second unit locking mechanism M2, respectively.

[0076] Figure 7 1 is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing the power generation unit 40 in the unlocked state. In the present embodiment, the power generation unit 40 is installed on a setting surface 201 which is perpendicular to the up-down direction in the mobile body 1, and is located facing a wall surface 202 which stands upright from the setting surface 201. The above-mentioned pair of guide rails 203 are fixed to the setting surface 201. The pair of guide rails 203 are used to guide the power generation unit 40 to a position where it can be installed relative to the mobile body 1 through the loading and unloading structure of the power generation unit 40, that is, a predetermined installation position. In addition, in each figure, a set of guide rails 203 and a power generation unit 40 are shown, but the mobile body 1 may also have a plurality of sets of guide rails 203. For example, the plurality of guide rails 203 may also be arranged along the wall surface 202.

[0077] A pair of guide rails 203 are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other. The pair of guide rails 203 extend in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 202. The pair of guide rails 203 are symmetrical in shape. One guide rail 203 is roughly L-shaped when viewed in the extending direction, and the other guide rail 203 is an inverted L-shaped. Each guide rail 203 includes: a plate-shaped horizontal portion 203a extending in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 202 and perpendicular to the up-down direction; and a vertical portion 203b vertically rising from the end edge of the other guide rail 203 on the far side in the width direction of the horizontal portion 203a. The power generation unit 40 slides on the horizontal portion 203a. The interval between the vertical portions 203b of the pair of guide rails 203 is a length corresponding to the power generation unit 40. The first unit locking mechanism M1 and the second unit locking mechanism M2 lock the power generation unit 40 in a state of being placed at a predetermined installation position on the guide rail 203 to restrict movement relative to the movable body 1.

[0078] (First unit locking mechanism) The first unit locking mechanism M1 includes two engaged portions 103 as a mounting and dismounting structure of the power generation unit 40 and two locking devices 210 as a mounting and dismounting structure of the mobile body 1. The locking device 210 has an engaging portion 211 that can engage with the engaged portion 103.

[0079] The two locking devices 210 are arranged at a distance from each other in the horizontal direction along the wall surface 202, and are fixed to the wall surface 202. The two engaged portions 103 in the power generation unit 40 are arranged at a distance from each other in the second direction (ie, the short-side direction).

[0080] The engaging portion 103 is fixed to one or more frames 101 near the side surface on the inner side of the first direction in the accommodation space S. The engaging portion 103 includes a plate-shaped portion 103a perpendicular to the horizontal direction and an engaging hole 103b penetrating the plate-shaped portion 103a. When the power generation unit 40 is located at the installation position on the guide rail 203, the plate-shaped portion 103a is opposite to the wall surface 202 in the first direction. The engaging hole 103b is a long hole. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the engaging holes 103 b of the two engaged portions 103 are arranged in separate plate members, but may be arranged in one plate member.

[0081] The locking device 210 is a twist lock. The locking device 210 has a snap-fitting portion 211, a base 212, and a shaft 213. The base 212 is fixed, for example, to a wall surface 202 in the mobile body 1 as a mounted body. The shaft 213 extends vertically from the wall surface 202. In other words, the shaft 213 extends in the extension direction of the guide rail 203. The shaft 213 is rotatably supported by the base 212. The shaft 213 protrudes from the base 212, and the snap-fitting portion 211 is fixed to the end of the shaft 213. The snap-fitting portion 211 rotates integrally with the shaft 213.

[0082] The engaging portion 211 is in the shape of a horizontal strip extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the shaft 213. The engaging portion 211 can pass through the engaging hole 103b when the extending directions of the engaging portion 211 and the engaging hole 103b are consistent, and cannot pass through the engaging hole 103b when the extending directions of the engaging portion 211 and the engaging hole 103b are inconsistent.

[0083] The locking device 210 can be configured to rotate the shaft 213 manually or automatically. For example, a rod for manually rotating the shaft 213 around the axis of the shaft 213 can also be configured on the base 212. In this case, the rod corresponds to the above-mentioned operating piece, and the shaft 213 corresponds to the above-mentioned linkage part. Alternatively, for example, the shaft 213 can be rotated by an actuator. For example, an actuator for rotating the drive shaft 213 can also be configured on the base 212. In this case, for example, the actuator can also be configured to rotate the shaft 213 automatically.

[0084] The locking of the power generation unit 40 relative to the moving body 1 by the first unit locking mechanism M1 is described. In a state where the extension direction of the engaging hole 103b is consistent with the extension direction of the engaging portion 211, the power generation unit 40 is slid along the guide rail 203 to the installation position, and the engaging portion 211 is inserted into the engaging hole 103b. Thereafter, if the shaft 213 is rotated 90 degrees, the engaging portion 211 cannot be pulled out of the engaging hole 103b. In this way, the movement of the power generation unit 40 relative to the moving body 1 in the first direction near the front side can be restricted.

[0085] The unlocking of the power generation unit 40 with respect to the movable body 1 by the first unit locking mechanism M1 can be performed by the reverse procedure of the above-mentioned locking procedure.

[0086] (Second unit locking mechanism) Two engaged portions 220 are disposed at the inner end of the pair of guide rails 203. The power generation unit 40 is provided with two locking devices 110, and the locking device 110 has an engaging portion 115a that can engage with the engaged portion 220. The second unit locking mechanism M2 is composed of the engaged portion 220 as a mounting and dismounting structure of the mobile body 1 and the locking device 110 as a mounting and dismounting structure of the power generation unit 40.

[0087] Figure 8 The schematic perspective view of the second unit locking mechanism M2 is enlarged. The engaged portion 220 is hook-shaped. The hook-shaped engaged portion 220 is open on the inner side. The engaged portion 220 protrudes outward in the second direction from the vertical portion 203b, for example.

[0088] The two locking devices 110 are located near the inner end of the lower part of the first frame 101a so as to be attachable and detachable to the engaged portion 220 when the power generation unit 40 is in the installed position. The locking device 110 includes a rod 111, a rod support portion 112, a holding member 113, a biasing member 114, and an engaging member 115. The rod 111 is an example of a rotating member.

[0089] The rod 111 is rod-shaped. The rod support portion 112 is fixed to the lower portion of the first frame 101a. One end of the rod 111 is axially supported by the rod support portion 112. Specifically, the rod support portion 112 includes: a protruding piece 112a protruding from the lower portion of the first frame 101a to the outside in the second direction, and a connecting body 112b connecting the protruding piece 112a and the rod 111. The connecting body 112b is inserted through a through hole that passes through the protruding piece 112a in the up-down direction and a through hole that passes through one end of the rod 111 in the up-down direction. In this way, the rod 111 will be able to rotate between a specified locking position and a lock release position relative to the rod support portion 112, with the axis C1 extending in the up-down direction as the center.

[0090] In this embodiment, the locked position is the position of the rod 111 when the rod 111 is extended backward from the axis C1 in a manner that the direction from the axis C1 toward the axis C2 is parallel to the first direction. In other words, the locked position is the position of the rod 111 when the axis C2 is at the farthest position from the engaged portion 220. The unlocked position is the position of the rod 111 when the direction from the axis C1 toward the axis C2 is inclined relative to the first direction.

[0091] Furthermore, the holding member 113 is connected to the rod 111 so as to be able to swing freely. Specifically, the rod 111 has a through hole for connecting to the holding member 113 in addition to the through hole for connecting to the rod support portion 112. The holding member 113 is roughly U-shaped, and has two through holes at each of its two ends. The through holes of the rod 111 and the through holes of the holding member 113 are arranged in the vertical direction, and the connecting body 116 is inserted into the through holes of the holding member 113 and the through holes of the rod 111 in a state where the rod 111 is clamped by the two ends of the holding member 113. In this way, the holding member 113 can be swung relative to the rod 111 around the axis C2 extending in the vertical direction.

[0092] The holding member 113 holds the urging member 114. The holding member 113 and the engaging member 115 are connected to each other so as to be relatively movable. That is, the holding member 113, the urging member 114 and the engaging member 115 are integrally connected to the rod 111 so as to be swingable around the axis C2.

[0093] The engaging member 115 includes an annular engaging portion 115a, a rod-shaped portion 115b penetrating the central portion of the holding member 113, and a stopper 115c. The stopper 115c is disposed in a space covered by the holding member 113, that is, between the central portion and both ends of the holding member 113. One end of the rod-shaped portion 115b is connected to the annular engaging portion 115a, and the other end of the rod-shaped portion 115b is connected to the stopper 115c.

[0094] The urging member 114 is a compression coil spring. The urging member 114 is arranged in the space covered by the retaining member 113. The rod-shaped portion 115b inserted through the through hole in the central portion of the retaining member 113 is inserted radially inward of the urging member 114. Therefore, both ends of the urging member 114 abut against the stopper 115c and the central portion of the retaining member 113, respectively. In this way, the urging member 114 is retained between the stopper 115c and the central portion of the retaining member 113. The rod 111 corresponds to the above-mentioned operating piece, and the various elements (rod-shaped portion 115b, retaining member 113, etc.) connecting the rod 111 and the engaging portion 115a correspond to the above-mentioned interlocking portion.

[0095] The locking of the power generation unit 40 relative to the mobile body 1 by the second unit locking mechanism M2 is described. The power generation unit 40 is slid along the guide rail 203 to the installation position. When the power generation unit 40 is located at the installation position, the engaged portion 220 and the engaging portion 115a are engaged with each other while the rod 111 is rotated to the lock release position. That is, the annular engaging portion 115a is hung on the hook-shaped engaged portion 220. Thereafter, the rod 111 is swung from the lock release position to the locked position to overcome the applied force of the force applying member 114. Thus, the power generation unit 40 is locked relative to the mobile body 1. In more detail, by the applied force of the force applying member 114, the engaged state of the engaging portion 115a and the engaged portion 220 can be maintained, thereby limiting the movement of the power generation unit 40 near the front side of the first direction relative to the mobile body 1.

[0096] In addition, since there is a wall surface 202 at the installation position, the movement of the power generation unit 40 to the inner side is also restricted. In this embodiment, the movement of the power generation unit 40 to the inner side is restricted by the support structure 100 abutting against the base 212 fixed to the wall surface 202. Therefore, when the lever 111 is swung from the unlocked position to the locked position, the power generation unit 40 does not move to the inner side due to the biasing force of the biasing member 114.

[0097] When the lock of the power generation unit 40 relative to the mobile body 1 caused by the unit locking mechanism M2 is released, the lever 111 is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position against the applied force. As a result, the axis C2 approaches the engaged portion 220, the applied force of the force applying member 114 disappears, and the force applying member 114 becomes powerless. Thereafter, the annular engaging portion 115a is removed from the hook-shaped engaged portion 220, thereby releasing the restriction on the movement of the power generation unit 40 relative to the mobile body 1 caused by the unit locking mechanism M2.

[0098] (Effect) As described above, according to the present embodiment, the supporting structure 100 of the power generation unit 40 has a detachable structure configured to be freely attached to and detached from the mobile body 1 as the mounted body. Therefore, the power generation unit 40 can be removed from the mobile body 1 for maintenance. In addition, since the maintenance work in the state of being mounted on the mobile body 1 as the mounted body can be omitted, the maintenance work is easier than that of an internal combustion engine or a generator which needs to be maintained in the state of being mounted on the mounted body.

[0099] The power generation unit 40 is configured to be replaceable with other power generation units 40 of the same structure. Therefore, when one of the one or more power generation units 40 mounted on the mobile body 1 requires maintenance, the activity of the system equipped with the internal combustion engine 41 can be prevented from being stopped by replacing the power generation unit 40 requiring maintenance with another power generation unit 40 that has been maintained.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the power generation unit 40 includes a fuel receiving port 42a for introducing fuel from the outside into the internal combustion engine 41. Therefore, since the internal combustion engine 41 receives fuel from the outside of the power generation unit 40, the power generation unit 40 does not need to include a fuel tank.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since signals can be input from the outside to the electrical components of the power generation unit 40 via the communication interface 46 , the power generation unit 40 itself does not need to include a device for supplying signals to the electrical components.

[0102] According to the present embodiment, the radiator 82 is arranged on the opposite side of the exhaust pipe 77 connected to the exhaust port of the internal combustion engine 41 across the internal combustion engine 41. Therefore, the radiator 82 can be separated from the exhaust pipe 77, and heat transfer from the exhaust pipe 77 to the radiator 82 can be suppressed.

[0103] According to the present embodiment, when the power generation unit 40 is mounted on the mobile body 1, the lower end of the radiator 82 is located below the upper end of the internal combustion engine 41. Therefore, the hot air flowing upward from the internal combustion engine 41 can be suppressed from flowing to the radiator 82.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the air cleaner 71 is arranged on the opposite side of the muffler 79 across the internal combustion engine 41 , it is possible to suppress the exhaust gas from the muffler 79 from flowing into the air cleaner 71 .

[0105] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the generator 43 is disposed on the opposite side of the muffler 79 with the internal combustion engine 41 interposed therebetween, it is possible to suppress the heat of the exhaust gas passing through the muffler 79 from being transferred to the generator 43 .

[0106] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the inverter 44 is arranged on the opposite side of the muffler 79 with the internal combustion engine 41 interposed therebetween, it is possible to suppress the heat of the exhaust gas passing through the muffler 79 from being transferred to the inverter 44 .

[0107] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the locking device 110 can engage or disengage the engaging portion 115a on the power generation unit 40 side and the engaged portion 220 on the movable body 1 side by rotating the rod 111, the structure for loading and unloading the power generation unit 40 on the movable body 1 side can be simplified.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the movable body 1 has the guide rail 203 , the power generation unit 40 can be guided to a predetermined installation position while sliding on the guide rail 203 , and the power generation unit 40 can be easily positioned at the predetermined installation position.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the inverter 44 or the radiator 82 is arranged near the side surface of the substantially rectangular storage space S which is a space surrounded by the plurality of frames 101 , it is possible to suppress the heat transfer of the internal combustion engine 41 to the inverter 44 or the radiator 82 .

[0110] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the inverter 44 or the radiator 82 is arranged near the side surface of the substantially rectangular storage space S which is a space surrounded by the plurality of frames 101 , it is possible to suppress the heat transfer of the internal combustion engine 41 to the inverter 44 or the radiator 82 .

[0111] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the generator 43 and the air filter 71 are located at a position that does not overlap with the engine body 55 when viewed from above, it is possible to suppress heat transfer from the internal combustion engine 41 to the inverter 44 or the radiator 82 compared to a case where the generator 43 or the air filter 71 is arranged directly above the engine body 55.

[0112] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the engine body 55 is located at a position that does not overlap with the exhaust pipe portion 78 or the muffler 79 when viewed from above, heat transfer from the exhaust pipe portion 78 or the muffler 79 to the engine body 55 can be suppressed compared to a case where the engine body 55 is arranged directly above the exhaust pipe portion 78 or the muffler 79.

[0113] <Second embodiment> Next, a power generation unit 40A according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 It is a diagram for explaining a power generation unit 40A according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a power generation unit 40A in a state where it is fixed to the mobile body 1 by the unit locking mechanism M3 according to the second embodiment. Fig.10 It is a schematic enlarged side cross-sectional view for explaining the unit locking mechanism M3. In the second embodiment, the movement of the power generation unit 40A relative to the movable body 1 can be restricted by the unit locking mechanism M3 having a different structure from the unit locking mechanism M2 explained in the first embodiment.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment and the third and fourth embodiments described later, various elements are the same as those in the first embodiment except for the attachment and detachment structure of the power generation unit 40 and the attachment and detachment structure on the side of the mounted body that can be attached and detached to the attachment and detachment structure. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment and the third and fourth embodiments described later, the elements related to the attachment and detachment structure are mainly described, and the description repeated with the first embodiment is omitted.

[0115] Two engaged parts 220 are arranged on the inner end of the pair of guide rails 203. The power generation unit 40A is provided with a locking device 120, and the locking device 120 has an engaging part 123b that can be engaged with the two engaged parts 230 respectively. The unit locking mechanism M3 is composed of the two engaged parts 230 as the loading and unloading structure of the mobile body 1 and the locking device 120 as the loading and unloading structure of the power generation unit 40A. In addition, Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , the power generation unit 40A in a state of sliding along the guide rail 203 toward the mounting position is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and the power generation unit 40A in a state of engaging the engaging portion 123 b and the engaged portion 230 at the mounting position is indicated by a solid line.

[0116] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the engaged portion 230 is an engaging hole formed in the horizontal portion 203 a of each guide rail 203 . The engaged portion 230 is disposed at the inner end portion of each guide rail 203 .

[0117] The locking device 120 includes a shaft 121 , two rotation support portions 122 , two rotation members 123 , two force applying members 124 , and a force receiving member 125 .

[0118] The shaft 121 extends along the second direction between the pair of first frames 101a. The two rotation support parts 122 are respectively fixed to the lower parts of the pair of first frames 101a. The two rotation support parts 122 support both ends of the shaft 121 in a manner that the shaft 121 can rotate around the center line C3.

[0119] The two rotating members 123 are fixed near both ends of the shaft 121. More specifically, the rotating members 123 are fixed to a portion of the shaft 121 that is located further inward in the second direction than the rotating support portion 122. When the power generation unit 40 is located on the guide rail 203, the rotating members 123 overlap with the horizontal portion 203a of the guide rail 203 in a plan view. In this embodiment, since the pair of rotating members 123 are fixed to the shaft 121, when one of the pair of rotating members 123 rotates around the center line C3 of the shaft 121, the other rotating member 123 also rotates together.

[0120] The rotating member 123 has a rotating operating portion 123a and a locking portion 123b. The rotating operating portion 123a extends rearward from the center line C3. The force member 124 is configured to apply force in the up-down direction below the rotating operating portion 123a. The force member 114 is a compression coil spring. The force-bearing member 125 is located above the force member 124 and is a plate-like body that slides on the horizontal portion 203a of the guide rail 203. The force member 124 is clamped between the rotating operating portion 123a and the force-bearing member 125 in the up-down direction. One end of the force member 124 is connected to the rotating operating portion 123a, and the other end of the force member 124 is connected to the force-bearing member 125.

[0121] The engaging portion 123b extends obliquely forward from the center line C3. That is, the engaging portion 123b is located on the opposite side of the rotation operation portion 123a relative to the center line C3 so as to rise around the center line C3 by pressing down the rotation operation portion 123a. The length of the engaging portion 123b is longer than the length from the center line C3 to the lower surface of the first frame 101a and the length from the center line C3 of the power generation unit 40 to the lower surface of the first frame 101a. That is, when the power generation unit 40 is located on the guide rail 203, the tip end of the engaging portion 123b abuts against the horizontal portion 203a of the guide rail 203. The rotation operation portion 123a corresponds to the above-mentioned operation piece, and the portion of the rotating member 123 that connects the rotation operation portion 123a and the engaging portion 123b corresponds to the above-mentioned linkage portion.

[0122] The locking of the power generation unit 40A relative to the moving body 1 by the unit locking mechanism M3 will be described. Fig.10 As shown by the two-dot chain line, when the power generation unit 40A is slid along the guide rail 203 to the installation position, the engaging portion 123b and the force receiving member 125 slide on the horizontal portion 203a of the guide rail 203. The force applying member 124 generates a force in the direction of pushing the rotation operation portion 123a upward. Therefore, the tip end of the engaging portion 123b slides while the horizontal portion 203a of the guide rail 203 is pressed downward by the force applying member 124.

[0123] When the power generation unit 40A reaches the installation position, in other words, when the tip end of the engaging portion 123b reaches the engaging hole of the engaged portion 230, the engaging portion 123b enters the engaging hole of the engaged portion 230 by the applied force of the force applying member 124. The rotation position of the rotating operation portion 123a around the center line C3 at this time can be called a locked position. The rotation position of the rotating operation portion 123a around the center line C3 when it is pulled out from the engaging hole of the engaged portion 230 can be called a lock release position. The engaging portion 123b is shaped to be engaged with the engaging hole of the engaged portion 230. Therefore, by the applied force of the force applying member 124, the engaging state of the engaging portion 123b and the engaged portion 230 is maintained, and the movement of the power generation unit 40A in the first direction near the front side relative to the moving body 1 can be restricted.

[0124] When the lock of the power generation unit 40A relative to the mobile body 1 by the unit locking mechanism M3 is released, the rotation operation part 123a is pressed down from the locking position to the unlocking position against the biasing force. That is, the engaging part 123b is pulled out from the engaging hole as the engaged part 230, and the restriction on the movement of the power generation unit 40A relative to the mobile body 1 is released.

[0125] This embodiment can also obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0126] <Third Embodiment> Next, a power generation unit 40B according to a third embodiment will be described. Fig.11 It is a figure for demonstrating the power generation unit 40B of 3rd Embodiment. The power generation unit 40B of 3rd Embodiment can be connected with other power generation units 40B in the horizontal direction. Fig.11 , two power generation units 40B are shown. The two power generation units 40B are arranged side by side in the second direction and are connected to each other by a unit locking mechanism M4. In this embodiment and the fourth embodiment described later, the loading and unloading structure of the power generation unit is a loading and unloading structure for connecting to other power generation units. That is, in this embodiment and the fourth embodiment described later, the object to which the power generation unit 40B is installed is not a mobile body, but other power generation units 40B. The power generation unit 40B, as described later, has an engaging portion 115a and an engaged portion 130.

[0127] The power generation unit 40B includes a support structure 100B. Various elements (excluding the support structure 100B) of the power generation unit 40B are supported by the support structure 100B. The support structure 100B includes a plurality of frames 101, similar to the first embodiment. The plurality of frames 101 include: two substantially rectangular first frames 101a arranged at a predetermined interval in the second direction; and a plurality of second frames 101b connecting the two substantially rectangular first frames 101a.

[0128] Furthermore, the support structure 100B includes two locking devices 110B and two engaged portions 130. The structure of the locking device 110B is the same as that of the locking device 110 of the first embodiment. That is, the locking device 110B includes a rod 111, a rod support portion 112, a retaining member 113, a biasing member 114, and an engaging member 115. The description of these elements is omitted. The engaged portion 130 is a hook shape that opens inward in the second direction.

[0129] The difference between the locking device 110B of this embodiment and the locking device 110 of the first embodiment is that the engaging portion 115a of the locking device 110 of the first embodiment is used to engage with the engaged portion 220 of the guide rail 203 fixed to the mobile body 1, while the engaging portion 115a of the locking device 110B of this embodiment is used to engage with the engaged portion 130 of the supporting structure 100B of other power generation units 40.

[0130] The two engaging portions 115a and the two engaged portions 130 of the two locking devices 110B of the power generation unit 40B are respectively arranged at the four corners of the power generation unit 40 in a plan view. The rod support portions 112 of the two locking devices 110B are respectively fixed to the second frame 101b arranged on one side of the first direction among the multiple frames 101 and the second frame 101b arranged on the other side of the first direction.

[0131] One of the two locking devices 110B is configured to engage with the engaged portion 130 of the other power generation unit 40B adjacent to the one side of the second direction of the power generation unit 40B, and the other of the two locking devices 110B is configured to engage with the engaged portion 130 of the other power generation unit 40B adjacent to the other side of the second direction of the power generation unit 40B. One of the two engaged portions 130 is configured to engage with the engaging portion 115a of the other power generation unit 40B adjacent to the right side of the power generation unit 40B, and the other of the two engaged portions 130 is configured to engage with the engaging portion 115a of the other power generation unit 40B adjacent to the power generation unit 40B in the second direction.

[0132] The two locking devices 110B are in point-symmetrical positions relative to the center line C4 extending in the up-down direction through the center of the power generation unit 40B when viewed from above. The two engaged portions 130 are also in point-symmetrical positions relative to the center line C4 when viewed from above. Specifically, the two locking devices 110B are respectively arranged at the right front and left rear corners of the power generation unit 40B when viewed from above, and the two engaged portions 130 are respectively arranged at the left front and right rear corners of the power generation unit 40B when viewed from above. Therefore, the power generation unit 40B can also be rotated 180 degrees around the center line C4 and connected to other power generation units 40. That is, as Fig.11As shown, the two power generation units 40B may be connected to each other in a form where the radiators 82 face each other. By connecting the two power generation units 40B to each other in a form where the radiators 82 face each other, the radiator 82 of one of the two power generation units 40B can be kept away from the exhaust pipe portion 77 of the other power generation unit 40B, and the reduction in the cooling efficiency of the radiator 82 can be suppressed.

[0133] In the present embodiment, since the plurality of power generation units 40B can be connected to each other in the horizontal direction, the plurality of power generation units 40B can be integrated, and the arrangement of the plurality of power generation units 40B can be easily coordinated.

[0134] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a power generation unit 40C according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig.12 1 is a diagram for explaining a power generation unit 40C according to the fourth embodiment. The power generation unit 40C according to the fourth embodiment is configured so that other power generation units 40C can be stacked on top of each other.

[0135] The power generation unit 40C includes a support structure 100C. Various elements (excluding the support structure 100C) of the power generation unit 40C are supported by the support structure 100C. The support structure 100C includes a plurality of frames 101, similar to the first embodiment. The plurality of frames 101 include: two substantially rectangular first frames 101a arranged at a predetermined interval in the second direction; and a plurality of second frames 101b connecting the two substantially rectangular first frames 101a.

[0136] In addition, the supporting structure 100C of the power generation unit 40C is provided with a pair of guide rails 140. The pair of guide rails 140 is used to place other power generation units 40C on the power generation unit 40C and guide them to a predetermined installation position. The pair of guide rails 140 is. The pair of guide rails 140 are respectively fixed to the upper part of the pair of first frames 101a. The pair of guide rails 140 extend in the first direction, i.e., the long side direction. The guide rails 140 include: a plate-shaped horizontal portion 140a extending in the first direction and perpendicular to the up-down direction; and a vertical portion 140b vertically erected from one end of the horizontal portion 140a in the width direction.

[0137] The power generation unit 40C is provided with a locking device 110 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In addition, an engaging portion 141 is respectively arranged on the inner end portion of a pair of guide rails 140 of the power generation unit 40C. The engaging portion 141 can engage with the engaging portion 115a of the locking device 110. That is, the engaging portion 141 is the same as the engaging portion 220 of the guide rail 203 on the side of the moving body 1. That is, the engaging portion 141 is hook-shaped. The hook-shaped engaging portion 141 is open on the inner side. The engaging portion 141 protrudes outward in the second direction, for example, from the vertical portion 140b. Therefore, the pair of guide rails 140 play a role in guiding the other power generation units 40 placed above to the installation position.

[0138] In this embodiment, since the plurality of power generation units 40C can be stacked one on top of the other in the vertical direction, the space above the power generation unit 40 can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, since the plurality of power generation units 40C can be connected to one another in the vertical direction, the plurality of power generation units 40C can be integrated, and the configuration of the plurality of power generation units 40C can be easily integrated.

[0139] <Other embodiments> As mentioned above, although embodiment was described, the said structure can be changed, deleted, and added within the scope of the subject matter of this invention.

[0140] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a railway vehicle is exemplified as a mobile body, but the mobile body is not limited thereto. For example, the mobile body may also be other types of land mobile bodies with drive wheels. For example, as a land mobile body, for example, in addition to a rail vehicle, it may be a vehicle with four or more wheels such as an LTV, a truck, a bus, or a multi-purpose vehicle, a motorcycle, a PTV, etc. In addition, the mobile body may be a water mobile body or an underwater mobile body with a propulsion device, or an aerial mobile body flying in the air, etc. As a water mobile body, a ship, a tanker, a jet ski (personal watercraft), etc. may be exemplified. As an underwater mobile body, a submarine, etc. may be exemplified. As an aerial mobile body, an airplane, a helicopter, a drone, etc. may be exemplified. Alternatively, the rotating body may also be a propeller.

[0141] The object on which the power generation unit is mounted may not be a mobile object. For example, the object on which the power generation unit is mounted may be a building or facility that requires electricity. That is, the object on which the power generation unit is mounted through the mounting and dismounting structure of the power generation unit may be a mobile object, a fixed object, or another power generation unit as in the third and fourth embodiments. The object on which the power generation unit is mounted may also be a fuel supply unit.

[0142] The installation location of the power generation unit may not be located facing the wall surface 202 standing upright from the installation surface 201. When the power generation unit is configured to be locked by the locking device 210 of the installed body, the locking device 210 may be fixed to a structure provided on the installation surface 201 instead of the wall surface 202. The installation location of the power generation unit may not have a guide rail. It is sufficient as long as a mounting and disassembly structure on the installed body side that can be mounted and disassembled relative to the mounting and disassembly structure of the power generation unit is provided at the installation location.

[0143] The structure of the fuel supply unit is not limited to the structure described in the above embodiment. For example, the fuel supply unit may not include some or all of the components described in the above embodiment. For example, the number of fuel tanks provided by the fuel supply unit may not be two, but may be one, or may be three or more. Furthermore, the object on which the power generation unit such as a mobile object is provided may not include the fuel supply unit.

[0144] Furthermore, the support structure of the fuel supply unit preferably adopts the same loading and unloading structure as the power generation unit. In this case, in order to prevent loading and unloading errors such as installing the fuel supply unit and the power generation unit at the location where one of them is installed, the support structure of the fuel supply unit and the support structure of the power generation unit may also have different types of loading and unloading structures. The support structure of the fuel supply unit and the support structure of the power generation unit may have different sizes, and the pair of guide rails for the fuel supply unit and the pair of guide rails for the power generation unit may have different guide rail widths (i.e., the interval between the pair of guide rails).

[0145] The power generation unit may not include some of the elements described in the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the power generation unit includes a fuel receiving port for introducing fuel from the outside into the internal combustion engine, but the power generation unit may include a fuel tank for storing the fuel of the internal combustion engine instead of the fuel receiving port. The power generation unit and the fuel supply unit may also constitute a single unit. The power generation unit may not include an air filter, and the air filter may be arranged outside the power generation unit.

[0146] Furthermore, the power generation unit may also be provided with a pipe interface for connecting to an intake pipe outside the power generation unit, instead of the intake port P1 for inhaling the intake air, and the air inhaled from the intake port of the intake pipe may also be introduced into the internal combustion engine through the pipe interface. Thus, the intake air can be inhaled from the intake port far from the power generation unit, which makes it easy to reduce the temperature of the intake air.

[0147] Alternatively, the power generation unit may include an element that replaces the element described in the above embodiment. For example, the supercharger provided in the power generation unit may not be a turbocharger, but may be a supercharger of other forms. For example, the supercharger may also be a mechanical supercharger driven by the rotation of a crankshaft or the like. The internal combustion engine may adopt an existing structure. For example, the internal combustion engine may not be a multi-cylinder engine, but may be a single-cylinder engine. Again, for example, the internal combustion engine may be a four-stroke engine or a two-stroke engine. The power generation unit may not include a supercharger. The internal combustion engine may also use fuels other than hydrogen. That is, as a fuel, as long as it can drive the internal combustion engine, gasoline, light oil, liquefied natural gas, methanol, biofuel, etc. may also be used.

[0148] In the above embodiment, two generators are connected in series, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of generators provided in the power generation unit is also not limited to two. The internal combustion engine may drive one generator instead of two generators, or may drive three or more generators. Furthermore, when the power generation unit has a plurality of generators, a common inverter may be connected to the plurality of generators.

[0149] In the above embodiment, multiple power generation units are supplied with fuel from a common fuel supply unit, but a fuel supply unit may be provided for each power generation unit. Alternatively, a common electrical interface may be provided for multiple inverters provided by the power generation unit. The power generation unit may have not two radiators, but one, or three or more radiators. Furthermore, the power generation unit may also have a radiator for the internal combustion engine and a radiator for the generator and the inverter.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the crankshaft and the rotating shaft of the generator are coaxially arranged, but the rotating shaft of the generator may be non-coaxial with respect to the axis of the crankshaft, that is, offset. In this case, the rotating shaft of the generator is indirectly connected to the crankshaft via a power transmission member such as a gear or a chain. The generator may not be a structure that generates electricity using a three-phase AC motor, and an existing generator may be used. For example, the generator may also be a DC generator.

[0151] The power generation unit may also include other elements other than the elements described in the above embodiment. For example, the power generation unit may also include an electric storage body. In addition, the power generation unit may also include an element for guiding the oil drawn from the oil pan of the internal combustion engine by the oil pump as lubricating oil to various parts of the internal combustion engine such as the gears, such as a lubricating oil circuit or an oil pump disposed in the lubricating oil circuit.

[0152] The power generation unit may also include electrical components other than those described in the above embodiments, such as a generator, an inverter, and a power controller. Furthermore, the power generation unit may also include at least one sensor for detecting the state of the power generation unit. The state of the power generation unit may include the state of the internal combustion engine, the state of the generator, and the like. For example, at least one sensor may include: a temperature sensor for detecting oil temperature, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of cooling water, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the generator, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the inverter, a current sensor included in the inverter, a speed sensor for detecting the speed (rotational speed) of the internal combustion engine, a throttle opening sensor, a strain gauge for detecting the mechanical load of a mechanical component or structure of the power generation unit, or a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of fuel flowing in the fuel supply pipe, and the like.

[0153] The arrangement of the various elements included in the power generation unit is not limited to the arrangement described in the above embodiment. In addition, the various elements included in the power generation unit are preferably arranged so that the heat of the internal combustion engine of the power generation unit is difficult to transfer to the internal combustion engine of another power generation unit.

[0154] Furthermore, the power generation unit may include a power input connector for inputting power from the outside to the electrical components of the power generation unit, in addition to the electrical interface 45 as an interface for supplying the power generated by the power generation unit to the outside. In this case, the power input connector may also be supported by the support structure.

[0155] The shape and structure of the support structure are not limited to those described in the above embodiment. For example, a plurality of frames 101 of the support structure may be combined to form a vertically long shape as a whole.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the support structure 100 has the bottom plate 102 that supports the internal combustion engine 41 from below, but the bottom plate 102 may not only support the internal combustion engine 41 but also support other components such as the generator 43 from below.

[0157] The support structure may not include the bottom plate 102. In this case, the internal combustion engine 41 may be supported from below by a plurality of frames 101b. A rubber bracket 92 may be interposed between the frame 101b and the internal combustion engine 41. The support structure may have side plates that cover the elements of the power generation unit supported by the support structure from the side.

[0158] Furthermore, the supporting structure may include, for example, a plurality of wheels for movement that are rotatably supported on a frame or a base plate.

[0159] The support structure can also be connected to a power-consuming object set on the object to be set, and support an electrical output connector for supplying output power. For a support structure with a loading and unloading structure, since the electrical output connector is supported, the loading and unloading operation of the object to be set and the power generation unit can be facilitated. Preferably, the electrical output connector is arranged at a position away from a heat source such as an internal combustion engine. Preferably, the electrical output connector is arranged adjacent to the loading and unloading structure or the fuel receiving port. In this way, the amount of movement of the operator during the loading and unloading operation can be reduced.

[0160] The structures described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment may be combined as appropriate. For example, the power generation unit may have only one of the multiple loading and unloading structures described in the above embodiments, or may have multiple loading and unloading structures selected arbitrarily. For example, in the first embodiment, a structure for locking the power generation unit 40 relative to the mobile body 1 by two unit locking mechanisms M1 and M2 is described, but the structure for locking the power generation unit 40 relative to the mobile body 1 may also be only one of the two unit locking mechanisms M1 and M2. That is, the loading and unloading structure of the power generation unit 40 may also be only one of the engaged portion 103 and the locking device 110.

[0161] Furthermore, the loading and unloading structure of the supporting structure described in the above embodiment is only an example. For example, the power generation unit may also include a locking device 210 to replace the engaged portion 103 described in the first embodiment, and in this case, the mounted body may also include the engaged portion 103. The power generation unit may also include an engaged portion 220 to replace the locking device 110 described in the first embodiment, and in this case, the mounted body may also include the locking device 110. The same is true for the third embodiment.

[0162] In the third embodiment, the loading and unloading structure of the supporting structure 100B of the power generation unit 40B is in a point-symmetrical position when viewed from above, but in the first, second, and fourth embodiments, it can also be configured as a structure that can change the orientation of the power generation unit so as to be locked in the installation position. For example, the supporting structure can also be provided with a pair of loading and unloading structures that are in a point-symmetrical position when viewed from above. In addition, it can also be, for example, that the supporting structure is provided with a pair of loading and unloading structures that are in a line-symmetrical position when viewed from above. It can also be that, for example, the power generation unit 40 of the first embodiment has a latched portion 103 near the side surface on the inner side of the first direction in the storage space S, and another latched portion 103 near the side surface on the near front side of the first direction in the storage space S as the opposite side. Thus, when a plurality of power generation units are arranged horizontally in the second direction, two adjacent power generation units can be arranged so that the radiators are opposite. Thus, the radiator of one of the two adjacent power generation units can be kept away from the exhaust pipe of the other power generation unit, and the reduction in the cooling efficiency of the radiator can be suppressed.

[0163] Furthermore, the supporting structure is preferably configured so that when a plurality of power generating units are arranged on a target object, the installation direction of the power generating units will not be mistaken.

[0164] Furthermore, the number of attachment and detachment structures provided in the power generation unit, the positions of the attachment and detachment structures in the power generation unit, the structures of the attachment and detachment structures, etc. are not limited to the structures described in the above embodiment.

[0165] For example, in the first embodiment, the engaged portion 220 may not be the inner end of the guide rail 203. For example, the engaged portion 220 may be located near the center of the guide rail 203 in the first direction. For example, in the second embodiment, the shaft 121 may not extend in the second direction between the pair of first frames 101a. The two rotation support portions 122 at the two ends of the support shaft 121 may be fixed to one first frame 101a. The shaft 121 may not extend in the second direction, but may extend in the first direction.

[0166] In each attachment and detachment structure, the engaging portion and the engaged portion can be in any shape as long as they can be engaged with each other. For example, the engaging portion 115a may be hook-shaped and the engaged portion 220 may be ring-shaped. Alternatively, both the engaging portion 115a and the engaged portion 220 may be hook-shaped.

[0167] Since various components (excluding the supporting structure) of the power generation unit are arranged in the roughly rectangular storage space S, which is a space surrounded by multiple frames, even if the power generation unit falls or contacts an obstacle, the various components will be protected by the frame of the supporting structure, and it is easy to prevent damage to the various components. The engine body, generator, air filter, muffler, etc. are arranged inside the frame. Since the storage space S is not airtight, in other words, the frames of at least a part of the supporting structure are not sealed to each other, the heat generated in the storage space S is easy to dissipate, and it is easy to prevent the temperature of the power generation unit from rising.

[0168] The support structure is not limited to the structure described in the above embodiment, and a variety of structures can be adopted. Part of the frame in the support structure can be covered by a panel. The support structure can also have a reinforcing member for preventing the frame from deforming. The power generation unit can also have a vibration-proof structure for preventing the vibration of the internal combustion engine from being transmitted to the various electrical components in the power generation unit. The support structure can also have wheels for moving along the guide rails. The support structure can also have a hook for hanging the support structure, through which the support structure can be easily transported between a fixed position fixed to the vehicle body and a separated position separated from the vehicle body.

[0169] In the above embodiment, various interfaces are concentrated on the side surface near the front side in the first direction in the accommodation space S, but various interfaces of the power generation unit 40 may also be distributed at different positions in the accommodation space S. For example, interfaces related to power and communication such as the electrical interface 45 and the communication interface 46 may be arranged at a position different from the fluid interface 42a.

[0170] At least two interfaces are arranged on the same surface in the substantially rectangular storage space S, thereby enabling the operator to easily carry out the loading and unloading operations of the interfaces. For example, preferably, two or more electrical-related interfaces are formed on the same surface. Also, preferably, the electrical-related interfaces are arranged at a position away from the radiator, muffler, and exhaust pipe that are the heat sources of the internal combustion engine. In addition, the power generation unit may also be provided with a fan for preventing hot air from remaining in the supporting structure. The fan may also be arranged to allow external air to flow around the electrical components or the electrical-related interfaces. The fan can prevent the temperature of the electrical components or the electrical-related interfaces from rising. In addition, in order to prevent the temperature of the power generation unit from rising, the duct or fan that guides the external air around the power generation unit may not be arranged on the power generation unit, but on the object on which the power generation unit is arranged. Multiple power generation units may also be arranged at intervals. Thus, it is easy to prevent the hot air of one power generation unit from being transferred to the power generation unit of another side.

[0171] The shape of the guide rail can also be appropriately selected. The guide rail can also be a structure that supports the support structure. For example, one guide rail can be formed in the center of the second direction of the support structure. In this case, the support structure can also have a groove extending in the first direction that can be engaged with the guide rail. Conversely, the guide rail can have a groove, and the support structure can have a protrusion that engages with the groove of the guide rail.

[0172] The functions of the elements disclosed in this specification can be performed using a circuit or processing circuit that includes a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, an integrated circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), an existing circuit, or any combination thereof that is constructed or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. The processor is considered to be a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors or other circuits. In the present disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the listed functions, or hardware that is programmed to perform the listed functions. The hardware may be the hardware disclosed in this specification, or it may be other known hardware that is programmed or constructed to perform the listed functions. When the hardware is considered to be a processor of a circuit, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used in the construction of the hardware and / or processor.

[0173] [Public Aspects] The following aspects are disclosures of preferred embodiments, respectively.

[0174] [Aspect 1] A power generation unit, comprising: internal combustion engine; A generator that generates electricity from the output of the internal combustion engine; and The supporting structure supports both the internal combustion engine and the generator, and has a detachable structure configured to be detachably attached to a mounted body.

[0175] According to the above structure, since the supporting structure has a loading and unloading structure, the power generation unit can be removed from the mounted body for maintenance. In addition, since the maintenance work in the state of being mounted on the mounted body can be omitted, the maintenance work is easier than that of an internal combustion engine or a generator which needs to be maintained in the state of being mounted on the mounted body.

[0176] [Aspect 2] The power generation unit according to aspect 1, further comprising a fuel receiving port for introducing fuel from outside the power generation unit into the internal combustion engine, The fuel receiving port is supported by the support structure.

[0177] According to the above configuration, since the internal combustion engine receives fuel from outside the power generation unit, the power generation unit does not need to include a fuel tank.

[0178] [Aspect 3] The power generation unit according to aspect 1 or 2, Also having electrical components different from the generator; An input connector for inputting power or signals to the electrical component from the outside, The input connector is supported by the supporting structure.

[0179] According to the above configuration, since power or signals can be input from the outside to the electrical components of the power generation unit via the input connector, the power generation unit itself does not need to include a device for supplying power or signals to the electrical components.

[0180] [Aspect 4] The power generation unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, further comprising a heat exchanger supported by the supporting structure, The heat exchanger is arranged on the opposite side of an exhaust pipe connected to an exhaust port of the internal combustion engine across the internal combustion engine.

[0181] According to the above configuration, the heat exchanger can be spaced away from the exhaust pipe, and the transfer of heat from the exhaust pipe to the heat exchanger can be suppressed.

[0182] [Aspect 5] The power generation unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising a heat exchanger supported by the supporting structure, In the power generation unit in a state of being mounted on the mounted body, a lower end of the heat exchanger is located below an upper end of the internal combustion engine.

[0183] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the hot gas flowing upward from the internal combustion engine from flowing to the heat exchanger.

[0184] [Aspect 6] The power generation unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, It also includes: an intake pipe having an intake port and guiding intake air sucked from the intake port to the internal combustion engine; and an exhaust pipe having an exhaust port and discharging exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to the outside from the exhaust port, The intake port is arranged on the opposite side of the exhaust port across the internal combustion engine.

[0185] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the exhaust gas discharged from the discharge port from flowing into the suction port.

[0186] [Aspect 7] The power generation unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, An exhaust pipe is further provided, which has an exhaust port and discharges the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to the outside through the exhaust port. The generator is arranged on the opposite side of the exhaust port across the internal combustion engine.

[0187] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the heat of the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port from being transferred to the generator.

[0188] [Aspect 8] The power generation unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, An exhaust pipe is further provided, which has an exhaust port and discharges the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to the outside through the exhaust port; and a control loop for controlling the generator, The control circuit is arranged on the opposite side of the exhaust port across the internal combustion engine.

[0189] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the heat of the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port from being transferred to the control circuit.

[0190] [Aspect 9] The power generation unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, The loading and unloading structure comprises: an engaging portion capable of engaging with the engaged portion of the mounted body; an operating piece supported relative to the supporting structure and capable of displacement between two positions: a locked position and an unlocked position; and The linkage part is configured to make the engaging part and the engaged part in an engaged state when the operating piece is in the locked position, and the operating piece is displaced from the locked position to the lock release position, thereby releasing the engagement state between the engaging part and the engaged part, so that the displacement action of the engaging part and the operating piece is linked.

[0191] According to the above configuration, by changing the position of the operating piece operated by the operator, it is possible to switch, via the interlocking portion, between a state in which the power generation unit is locked with respect to the mounted body and a state in which it is unlocked.

[0192] For example, the loading and unloading structure may include: an engaging portion capable of engaging with the engaged portion of the mounted body; a rotating member rotatably supported between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the supporting structure; and a biasing member connected to the rotating member and generating a biasing force for maintaining the engaging state of the engaging portion and the engaged portion when the rotating member is in the locked position, The attaching and detaching structure is configured to release the engagement state between the engaging portion and the engaged portion by rotating the rotating member from the locking position to the unlocking position against the biasing force.

[0193] According to the above configuration, since the power generation unit attachment and detachment structure includes a rotating member that is rotated to release the engagement between the engagement portion on the power generation unit side and the engagement portion on the attached body side, the structure on the attached body side required for attachment and detachment of the power generation unit can be simplified.

[0194] [Aspect 10] A power generation system comprising: A power generation unit comprising: an internal combustion engine, a generator for generating electric power by output of the internal combustion engine, and a support structure for supporting both the internal combustion engine and the generator and having a detachable structure configured to be detachably attached to a mounted body, and The mounted body is configured to attach and detach the power generation unit via the attaching and detaching structure.

[0195] According to the above structure, since the supporting structure has a loading and unloading structure, the power generation unit can be removed from the mounted body for maintenance. In addition, since the maintenance work in the state of being mounted on the mounted body can be omitted, the maintenance work is easier than that of an internal combustion engine or a generator which needs to be maintained in the state of being mounted on the mounted body.

[0196] [Aspect 11] According to the power generation system of aspect 10, the mounted body has a guide rail for guiding the power generation unit to a predetermined mounting position.

[0197] Since the power generation unit can be guided to the installation position while sliding on the guide rail, it is easy to position the power generation unit at the installation position.

Claims

1. A power generation unit, characterized in that: have: internal combustion engine; A generator that generates electricity from the output of the internal combustion engine; and The supporting structure supports both the internal combustion engine and the generator, and has a detachable structure configured to be detachably attached to a mounted body.

2. The power generation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: further comprising a fuel receiving port for introducing fuel from outside the power generation unit into the internal combustion engine, The fuel receiving port is supported by the support structure.

3. The power generation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: further comprising: an electrical component different from the generator; and An input connector for inputting power or signals to the electrical component from the outside, The input connector is supported by the supporting structure.

4. The power generation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: further comprising a heat exchanger supported by the supporting structure, The heat exchanger is arranged on the opposite side of an exhaust pipe connected to an exhaust port of the internal combustion engine across the internal combustion engine.

5. The power generation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: further comprising a heat exchanger supported by the supporting structure, In the power generation unit in a state of being mounted on the mounted body, a lower end of the heat exchanger is located below an upper end of the internal combustion engine.

6. The power generation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes: an intake pipe having an intake port and guiding intake air sucked from the intake port to the internal combustion engine; and an exhaust pipe having an exhaust port and discharging exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to the outside from the exhaust port, The intake port is arranged on the opposite side of the exhaust port across the internal combustion engine.

7. The power generation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An exhaust pipe is further provided, which has an exhaust port and discharges the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to the outside through the exhaust port. The generator is arranged on the opposite side of the exhaust port across the internal combustion engine.

8. The power generation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The invention further comprises: an exhaust pipe having an exhaust port and discharging exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to the outside through the exhaust port; and a control loop for controlling the generator, The control circuit is arranged on the opposite side of the exhaust port across the internal combustion engine.

9. The power generation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The loading and unloading structure comprises: an engaging portion capable of engaging with the engaged portion of the mounted body; an operating piece supported relative to the supporting structure and capable of displacement between two positions: a locked position and an unlocked position; and The linkage part is configured to make the engaging part and the engaged part in an engaged state when the operating piece is in the locked position, and the operating piece is displaced from the locked position to the lock release position, thereby releasing the engagement state between the engaging part and the engaged part, so that the displacement action of the engaging part and the operating piece is linked.

10. A power generation system, characterized in that: have: A power generation unit comprising: an internal combustion engine, a generator for generating electric power by output of the internal combustion engine, and a support structure for supporting both the internal combustion engine and the generator and having a detachable structure configured to be detachably attached to a mounted body, and The mounted body is configured to attach and detach the power generation unit via the attaching and detaching structure.

11. The power generation system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The mounted body has a guide rail for guiding the power generation unit to a predetermined mounting position.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Control device of gas fuel internal combustion engine

    JP2008038680A