Moving body and maintenance method

Abstract

The moving body is provided with: a rotating body for obtaining propulsive force; a moving body main body that rotatably supports the rotating body; an electric motor that rotationally drives the rotating body by being supplied with power; and at least one power generation unit including an internal combustion engine, a power generator that generates power by the output of the internal combustion engine, and a support structure that supports the internal combustion engine and the power generator and that is attachable / detachable to / from the mobile body main body while supporting both the internal combustion engine and the power generator.

Description

field The present disclosure relates to a mobile object including an internal combustion engine and a maintenance method. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known mobile bodies equipped with internal combustion engines. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine that can run on hydrogen as fuel, and propelled by transmitting the rotation of the 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 regular inspection is performed, the movement of the mobile body 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 moving body and a maintenance method that can easily resume the activity of the moving body.

[0006] Means of solving the problem: A mobile body according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a rotating body for obtaining a propulsion force; a mobile body main body that rotationally supports the rotating body; an electric motor that rotationally drives the rotating body by being supplied with electric power; and at least one power generation unit, which includes an internal combustion engine, a generator that generates electric power by the output of the internal combustion engine, and a supporting structure that supports the internal combustion engine and the generator and can be freely loaded and unloaded on the mobile body main body while supporting both the internal combustion engine and the generator.

[0007] A maintenance method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a maintenance method for maintaining a mobile body, wherein the mobile body comprises a mobile body main body, an electric motor for propulsion, and a unit including an internal combustion engine and a generator for generating electric power through the output of the internal combustion engine; an unmaintained unit which is the unit mounted on the mobile body is removed from the mobile body; a maintained unit is installed on the mobile body, the maintained unit being a maintained unit different from the unmaintained unit; and the maintenance work on the mobile body is ended.

[0008] Effect of the invention: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a moving body and a maintenance method that can easily resume the activity of the moving body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a vehicle formation of a mobile body as one embodiment; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A block diagram of a driving system of a moving body; Figure 3 (A) is a schematic perspective view showing one example of a power generation unit, and (B) is a schematic perspective view showing another example of a power generation unit; Figure 4 To show Figure 1 A schematic top view of an upper portion of an electric vehicle; Figure 5 for Figure 4 VI-VI schematic front cross-sectional view; Figure 6 A block diagram showing the flow of information in a drive system of a moving body; Figure 7 This is a table summarizing an example of the content of the control instructions to the internal combustion engine in each power generation unit and the output power corresponding to the control instructions; Figure 8 a table showing unit identification information, temperature information corresponding to the unit identification information, and maintenance information; Fig. 9 An example of a fuel consumption rate map of an internal combustion engine for explaining a control method of an integrated ECU is shown; Fig.10 A diagram for explaining a maintenance method of an electric vehicle; Fig.11 It is a schematic side view of a moving body of Modification Example 1; Fig.12 It is a schematic side view of a moving body according to Modification Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0011] (Overall structure of the moving body) Figure 1 It is a schematic side view of a moving body of one embodiment. In this embodiment, a vehicle set 1 including a rail vehicle 2 is described as a moving body. The vehicle set 1 is a low-floor tram such as a streetcar.

[0012] The vehicle formation 1 is composed of two electric vehicles 2a as the first vehicle and the third vehicle, and an accompanying vehicle 2b as the second vehicle connected to the two electric vehicles 2a. The electric vehicle 2a has at least one electric motor 11 as a propulsion power generating device. The accompanying vehicle 2b does not have a propulsion power generating device, but is towed or propelled by the electric vehicle 2a. The two electric vehicles 2a as the first vehicle and the third vehicle are respectively provided with a driving platform D. The electric vehicle 2a and the accompanying vehicle 2b are both passenger vehicles. The electric vehicle 2a and the accompanying vehicle 2b respectively have a passenger cabin (accommodation space) S for accommodating passengers. The passenger cabins S of two adjacent vehicles 2 are connected to each other by a connecting passage covered by a canopy 3. In addition, when explaining without distinguishing between the electric vehicle 2a and the accompanying vehicle 2b, it is referred to as vehicle 2.

[0013] Each vehicle 2 includes a dolly 4 and a vehicle body 5 supported by the dolly 4. The dolly 4 includes a plurality of wheels 4a and a plurality of axles 4b connected to the plurality of wheels 4a. The axle 4b connects two wheels 4a arranged side by side at a distance in the vehicle width direction. However, the dolly 4 may also be an independent wheel type in which the two wheels 4a are not connected by the axle 4b. The dolly 4 supports the vehicle body 5, for example, via a pillow spring. The wheel 4a is an example of a rotating body for obtaining a propulsive force, and the dolly 4 and the vehicle body 5 are an example of a mobile body main body that rotatably supports the wheel 4a as a rotating body.

[0014] The vehicle body 5 of each vehicle 2 has side walls 6 that face each other in the vehicle width direction so as to sandwich the passenger cabin S in the vehicle width direction, a floor 7 disposed below the passenger cabin S, and a ceiling 8 disposed above the passenger cabin S. An entry and exit port 6a is disposed on the side wall 6. Each vehicle 2 is a low-floor type. That is, the height of the floor surface of the passenger cabin S, that is, the upper surface of the floor 7, is 400 mm or less, preferably 350 mm or less. An air conditioner 9 for conditioning the air of the passenger cabin S is disposed on the ceiling 8.

[0015] The output shaft of each electric motor 11 is connected to at least one wheel 4a via a power transmission mechanism. The electric motor 11 is arranged at the same height as the wheel 4a. In this embodiment, the electric vehicle 2a adopts a body suspension drive method. That is, the electric motor 11 is fixed to the body 5 of the electric vehicle 2a. However, the electric motor 11 can also be fixed to the trolley 4 of the electric vehicle 2a.

[0016] Each electric vehicle 2a is equipped with four power generation units 40 and one fuel supply unit 20 (see Figure 4 The power generation unit 40 generates electricity by using the supplied fuel, thereby generating electric power to be supplied to the electric motor 11. The fuel supply unit 20 supplies the fuel required for generating electric power to the power generation unit 40. In this embodiment, the power generation unit 40 includes: an internal combustion engine 41 that generates a driving force by being supplied with fuel, and a generator 43 that generates electric power by receiving the driving force generated by the internal combustion engine 41.

[0017] (Drive system) Reference Figure 2 A drive system for driving the electric motor 11 of the electric vehicle 2 a will be described. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a drive system for driving an electric motor 11. Figure 2 As shown, the drive system includes a vehicle controller 10 , an electric motor 11 , a power collection circuit 12 , a power storage body 13 , an inverter 14 , a fuel supply unit 20 , four power generation units 40 , and an integration device 60 .

[0018] The vehicle controller 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the operator 10a. The operator 10a includes one or more rods or handles arranged on the driving console. According to the operation input of the driver to the operator 10a, a request instruction is sent from the operator 10a to the vehicle controller 10. The request instruction includes a driving instruction and a braking instruction. The operator 10a includes a driving operator for inputting a driving instruction and a braking commander for inputting a braking instruction. In addition, the driving operator can be provided separately from the braking operator, or they can be integrated.

[0019] The vehicle controller 10 generates an output command for controlling the electric motor 11 based on the request command received from the operator 10a. The vehicle controller 10 sends the output command to the inverter 14 for controlling the output of the electric motor 11. The power required for driving the electric motor 11 is supplied from at least one power generation unit 40.

[0020] The vehicle controller 10 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.

[0021] The electric motor 11 is configured to generate running power and drive the wheels 4 a of the electric vehicle 2 a .

[0022] The plurality of power generation units 40 mounted on the electric vehicle 2 a are electrically connected in parallel to the power collection circuit 12 via cables etc. The power collection circuit 12 collects the electric power generated by the plurality of power generation units 40 .

[0023] 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.

[0024] The inverter 14 is configured to convert direct current into alternating current, regulate the voltage, and supply the alternating current to the electric motor 11. The inverter 14 controls the output of the electric motor 11 in accordance with an output command sent from the vehicle controller 10.

[0025] The power generation unit 40 includes an internal combustion engine 41 that uses hydrogen as fuel. The fuel supply unit 20 supplies hydrogen as fuel to the internal combustion engine 41 of the power generation unit 40. The fuel supply unit 20 and the power generation unit 40 will be described in detail below.

[0026] (Structure of fuel supply unit) 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 .

[0027] 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.

[0028] The first fuel tank 21 is provided with a second 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 both electrically controllable solenoid valves.

[0029] The supply pipe 23 guides the fuel from the first fuel tank 21 and the second fuel tank 22 to the power generation unit 40. 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The communication interface 25 connects the fuel ECU 26 to the integrated device 60 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.

[0035] 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 60 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 a program.

[0036] 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, 35 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. The support structure 27 can also be called a second support structure.

[0037] The support structure 27 is configured to be detachably mounted on the vehicle body 5 while supporting the fuel tanks 21 and 22. That is, the fuel supply unit 20 is detachably mounted on the vehicle body 5. The fuel supply unit 20 is configured to be replaceable with another fuel supply unit 20 having the same structure.

[0038] (Structure of power generation unit) The power generation unit 40 includes an internal combustion engine 41, a fuel pipe 42, a generator (motor generator) 43, an inverter 44, an electrical interface 45, a communication interface 46, a power controller 47, an alarm 49, etc. The power controller 47 is also referred to as a power ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 47. The power controller 47 is an example of a unit controller.

[0039] The internal combustion engine 41 burns fuel gas and converts the combustion energy into rotational energy of a crankshaft 41a. 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.

[0040] The internal combustion engine 41 includes a throttle device 41b, an ignition device 41c, and a fuel supply device 41d. The throttle device 41b adjusts the intake amount of the internal combustion engine 41. For example, the throttle device 41b is an electronically controlled throttle device that opens and closes a throttle valve by a motor. The ignition device 41c ignites the mixed gas in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 41. The ignition device 41c is, for example, a spark plug. The fuel supply device 41d supplies fuel to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 41.

[0041] One end of the fuel pipe 42 is connected to the fuel supply device 41d of the internal combustion engine 41. The other end of the fuel pipe 42 includes a fuel receiving port 42a. The fuel receiving port 42a of the power generation unit 40 and the supply port 23d of the above-mentioned fuel supply unit 20 are connected by a connecting pipe 15. The connecting pipe 15 is supported by the vehicle body 5, for example. Hydrogen is guided from the fuel supply unit 20 to the fuel supply device 41d of the internal combustion engine 41 via the connecting pipe 15 and the fuel pipe 42.

[0042] The generator 43 generates electric power by the rotational power of the internal combustion engine 41. The generator 43 has a rotating shaft 43a coupled to the crankshaft 41a so as to rotate together with the crankshaft 41a. 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.

[0043] The inverter 44 is electrically connected to the generator 43. The inverter 44 converts the alternating current generated by the generator 43 into direct current. The inverter 44 may also be referred to as a converter. In addition, the inverter 44 is electrically connected to an electrical interface 45. 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 detachable terminal or power connector. In the case of non-contact power supply, the electrical interface 45 is a coil.

[0044] The communication interface 46 connects the power ECU 47 to the integration device 60 provided outside the power generation unit 40 so as to be communicable. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface 46 is a detachable terminal or communication connector. In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface 46 is a known wireless communication device.

[0045] The power ECU 47 controls the internal combustion engine 41 or the inverter 44, etc., which are the control objects in each power generation unit 40. Hereinafter, the control object in each power generation unit 40 is referred to as a "unit-side control object X". The power ECU 47 controls the unit-side control object X based on the signal received from the integration device 60 via the communication interface 46. The unit-side control object X includes the throttle device 41b, the ignition device 41c, the fuel supply device 41d, and the inverter 44 in the internal combustion engine 41. The unit-side control object X may also include the alarm 49 or the oil control valve unit 54, etc., which will be described later.

[0046] 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. The power ECU 47 is an example of a unit controller.

[0047] The power ECU 47 communicates with the integration device 60 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 60 via the communication interface 46 .

[0048] 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.

[0049] Furthermore, the power ECU 47 receives a power generation instruction from the integration device 60 via the communication interface 46. The power generation instruction will be described in detail later.

[0050] The alarm 49 is electrically connected to the power ECU 47. The alarm 49 notifies the state of the power generation unit 40. The alarm 49 includes, for example, a display or a light emitter. For example, the display is a liquid crystal display. For example, the light emitter is an LED. The alarm 49 notifies, for example, maintenance information associated with the maintenance of the power generation unit 40. The maintenance information is, for example, information indicating the necessity of replacement, repair, or inspection of the power generation unit 40 itself, information indicating a predetermined period for replacement, repair, or inspection of the power generation unit 40 itself, information indicating the necessity of replacement, repair, or inspection of a component included in the power generation unit 40, and information indicating the period for replacement, repair, or inspection of a component included in the power generation unit 40.

[0051] Furthermore, the power generation unit 40 includes an oil pump 51 , a lubricating oil passage 52 , a driving oil passage 53 , an oil control valve unit 54 , and an oil port 55 .

[0052] The oil pump 51 is driven mechanically in conjunction with the rotation of the crankshaft 41a. The lubricating oil passage 52 guides the oil drawn from the oil pan of the internal combustion engine 41 by the oil pump 51 to various locations such as the gears of the internal combustion engine 41 as lubricating oil.

[0053] A driving oil passage 53 is branched from the lubricating oil passage 52. One end of the driving oil passage 53 is connected to the lubricating oil passage 52. The other end of the driving oil passage 53 is connected to an oil port 55.

[0054] The oil port 55 (an example of a fluid outlet) is a fluid interface for outputting oil to the hydraulic actuator 16 provided outside the power generation unit 40. The oil port 55 is detachably connected to the oil pipe 17 (an example of a fluid pipe) connected to the inflow port of the hydraulic actuator 16 mounted on the vehicle body 5. The hydraulic actuator 16 is a hydraulic cylinder or the like that generates a braking force.

[0055] The oil control valve unit 54 is interposed in the drive oil circuit 53. The oil control valve unit 54 functions as a fluid control device that opens and closes the drive oil circuit 53 and controls the hydraulic pressure applied to the hydraulic actuator 16. For example, when a braking command is sent from the operator 10a to the vehicle controller 10, the vehicle controller 10 sends the braking command to the integrated ECU 62, and the integrated ECU 62 sends the braking command to the power ECU 47. The power ECU 47 controls the oil control valve unit 54 based on the received braking command.

[0056] In addition, the drive oil circuit 53 may not be branched from the lubricating oil circuit 52. For example, oil may be supplied to the drive oil circuit 53 by an oil pump different from the lubricating oil pump 51. Furthermore, the drive oil circuit 53 or the oil pump that supplies oil to the drive oil circuit 53, and the oil control valve unit 54 disposed in the drive oil circuit 53 may be disposed in the vehicle body 5 instead of in the power generation unit 40. In this case, the oil control valve unit 54 may be directly controlled by the vehicle controller 10 instead of via the power ECU 47.

[0057] In addition, the power generation unit 40 is provided with a circulation device for circulating the circulating fluid in the internal combustion engine 41 at least. The circulation device includes a refrigerant pump 56, a cooling channel 57, and a radiator 58. The refrigerant pump 56 discharges a refrigerant (for example, water). The refrigerant pump 56 is mechanically linked to the rotation of the crankshaft 41a and is driven. However, the refrigerant pump 56 may also be driven by another power source.

[0058] The cooling flow channel 57 is a circulation flow path that guides the refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant pump 56 to the internal combustion engine 41, etc., and returns the refrigerant (corresponding to the circulating fluid) after cooling the internal combustion engine 41 to the refrigerant pump 56. Alternatively, the cooling flow channel 57 guides the refrigerant to the generator 43 or the inverter 44 to cool the generator 43 or the inverter 44. The radiator 58 is interposed in the cooling flow channel 57 to dissipate heat from the refrigerant circulating in the cooling flow channel 57.

[0059] The power generation unit 40 includes a support structure 48. Each element 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 included in the power generation unit 40 and excluding the support structure 48 is supported by the support structure 48 to form a unit. Each element 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 (excluding the support structure 48) included in the power generation unit 40 is directly or indirectly connected and fixed to the support structure 48. The support structure 48 may also be referred to as a first support structure.

[0060] Figure 3 (A) is a schematic perspective view showing a power generation unit 40 including a horizontally opposed internal combustion engine 41 as an example of the power generation unit 40 . Figure 3 (B) is a schematic perspective view showing a power generation unit 40 including an in-line internal combustion engine 41 as another example of the power generation unit 40. Figure 3 In (A) and (B), among the components of the power generation unit 40 supported by the support structure 48 , only the internal combustion engine 41 , the generator 43 , the inverter 44 , and the electrical interface 45 are shown, and the rest are omitted.

[0061] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the support structure 48 includes a plurality of frames. The plurality of frames of the support structure 48 are connected in the form of surrounding the elements 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 of the power generation unit 40. For example, the support structure 48 includes: a plurality of upper and lower frames extending in the up-down direction and a plurality of horizontal frames extending in the horizontal direction connected to the upper and lower frames. For example, the support structure 48 includes a plate member on which the internal combustion engine 41 is placed. For example, the support structure 48 may be a structure that supports the internal combustion engine 41 and the various elements of the power generation unit 40 such as the generator 43 from below, or a structure that supports from above (i.e., suspended support).

[0062] In the electric vehicle 2a of this embodiment, the support structures 48 are not arranged in a vertical direction, but are arranged as follows. Figure 3 As shown by the double-dashed line in (B), the plurality of support structures 48 are configured to be stacked in the up-down direction. When stacked in the up-down direction, the installation position relative to the moving body can be reduced. In addition, the plurality of support structures 48 can also be configured to be connected in the horizontal direction. That is, it can also be arranged in a row in at least one of the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction. In this case, compared with the case where the power generation unit 40 is arranged in the up-down direction, when loading and unloading the power generation unit 40, it is possible to make it unnecessary to remove the power generation unit 40 other than the power generation unit 40 to be loaded and unloaded from the moving body.

[0063] The support structure 48 is configured to be detachably mounted on the vehicle body 5 while supporting both the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43. That is, the power generation unit 40 is detachably mounted on the vehicle body 5. The power generation unit 40 is configured to be replaceable with another power generation unit 40 of the same structure. In addition, the plurality of support structures 48 mounted on the vehicle body 5 have a common structure. For example, the dimensions of the plurality of support structures 48 in the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-back direction are the same. Therefore, a certain power generation unit 40 mounted on the vehicle body 5 can be replaced by another power generation unit 40 of the same structure.

[0064] Figure 4 To show Figure 1 A schematic top view of the upper portion of the electric vehicle 2a. Figure 5 for Figure 4 VI-VI schematic front cross-sectional view. In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, four power generation units 40 and one fuel supply unit 20 are arranged above the roof 8 of the vehicle body 5 of the electric vehicle 2a. More specifically, from the front, two power generation units 40, one fuel supply unit 20, the air conditioner 9, and two power generation units 40 are arranged in this order. Other equipment of the electric vehicle 2a may also be arranged above the roof 8.

[0065] like Figure 5As shown, a plurality of elastic bodies 71 are interposed between the roof 8 of the vehicle body 5 and the supporting structure 48 of the power generation unit 40 (see Figure 1 ). For example, the elastic body 71 is a part of the anti-vibration bracket. The elastic body 71 can be, for example, rubber, an air spring, or a coil spring.

[0066] The support structure 48 is fixed to the vehicle body 5 by a fastener 72 when the vehicle body 5 and the support structure 48 are connected via the elastic body 71. The fastener 72 is, for example, a bolt. Figure 5 As shown, the flange portion 48a ( Figure 3 (not shown in the figure).

[0067] Since the elastic body 71 is interposed between the vehicle body 5 and the support structure 48, the vibration of the vehicle body 5 can be prevented from being transmitted to the components of the power generation unit 40. Figure 5 As shown, a gap is formed between the vehicle body 5 and the support structure 48. The power generation unit 40 is mounted on the vehicle body 5 with a gap between the internal combustion engine 41 and the ceiling 8 of the vehicle body 5. Therefore, heat transfer from the internal combustion engine 41 to the vehicle body 5 can be suppressed.

[0068] (Cooling structure) The vehicle body 5 has a cooling structure for cooling at least one of the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43 by using the running wind. The cooling structure of the present embodiment is a structure in which the power generation unit 40 is arranged in such a way that at least a portion of the power generation unit 40 is visible when the electric vehicle 2a is viewed from the front (i.e., when viewed from the forward direction side). In other words, the power generation unit 40 is arranged in such a way that the running wind from the front directly blows onto at least a portion of the power generation unit 40. Specifically, on the upper surface of the ceiling 8, a protruding plate 73 stands upward. The protruding plate 73 stands from the front end portion of the ceiling 8 and a pair of side ends opposite to each other in the vehicle width direction. As Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the length of the protruding plate 73 in the vertical direction is adjusted so that the upper end of the protruding plate 73 is lower than the upper end of the power generation unit 40. That is, the power generation unit 40 protrudes upward from the ceiling in a manner that the power generation unit 40 is visible when the electric vehicle 2a is viewed from the front. Therefore, the traveling wind easily blows directly to the power generation unit 40 from the front.

[0069] The cooling structure is not limited to this. For example, the upper end of the power generation unit 40 may be lower than the upper end of the protruding plate 73. That is, the power generation unit 40 may be configured to be hidden in the protruding plate 73 when viewed from the front. In this case, the structure of the vehicle body 5 that is open above the power generation unit 40 also functions as a cooling structure. That is, since the upper part of the power generation unit 40 is open, the running wind flows from above the protruding plate 73 into the space around the power generation unit 40 surrounded by the protruding plate 73 (the space on the side covered by the protruding plate 73). The running wind flows from the upper part into the space surrounded by the protruding plate 73, thereby cooling the power generation unit 40.

[0070] Furthermore, the top of the power generation unit 40 may not be open. For example, the vehicle body 5 may be provided with a cover body above the ceiling 8 and covering the space around the power generation unit 40, instead of the protruding plate 73. In this case, one or more slits may be provided on the cover body in the form of allowing the running wind to flow into the space around the power generation unit 40, which is the space covered by the cover body. The slit functions as a cooling structure. That is, the power generation unit 40 is cooled by the vortex generated in the cover body by the running wind flowing from the slit into the space surrounded by the cover body. The slit may be open in the vehicle width direction, may be open in the vehicle length direction, or may be open in the up-down direction.

[0071] Furthermore, the power generation unit 40 includes at least one sensor 59 for detecting the state of the power generation unit 40. Information detected by the at least one sensor 59 is transmitted to the power ECU 47.

[0072] In other words, the state of the power generation unit 40 refers to the state of at least one of the elements 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , and 58 included in the power generation unit 40 . Figure 2 In order to simplify the drawing, at least one sensor 59 is represented by a box. In addition, at least one sensor 59 may include a sensor that is a part of each component 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 constituting the power generation unit 40.

[0073] For example, at least one sensor 59 may include: a temperature sensor for detecting oil temperature, a temperature sensor for detecting cooling water temperature, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the generator 43, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the inverter 44, a current sensor included in the inverter 44, a speed sensor for detecting the speed (rotational speed) of the internal combustion engine 41, a throttle opening sensor, a strain gauge for detecting the mechanical load of a mechanical component or structure of the power generation unit 40, or a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of fuel flowing in the fuel distribution pipe 42, etc.

[0074] (Structure of integrated device) Return to Figure 2 The integrated device 60 receives information from the plurality of power generation units 40 and the fuel supply unit 20. The integrated device 60 includes a communication interface 61, an integrated controller 62, and a display 63. The integrated controller 62 is also referred to as an integrated ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 62.

[0075] The communication interface 61 connects the integrated ECU 62 to the vehicle controller 10, the power generation unit 40, and the fuel supply unit 20 so that they can communicate. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface 61 is a detachable terminal or communication connector. In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface 61 is a well-known wireless communication device.

[0076] The integrated ECU 62 communicates information with all power generation units 40 and fuel supply units 20 mounted on the electric vehicle 2a. The integrated ECU 62 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.

[0077] The integrated ECU 62 stores the status information and the unit identification information received from the power generation unit 40 and the fuel supply unit 20 in its memory in association with each other.

[0078] The display 63 is electrically connected to the integrated ECU 62. The display 63 outputs maintenance information related to maintenance of each power generation unit 40, for example.

[0079] (Control of moving objects) Next, refer to Figures 6 to 8 An example of control of the drive system during travel of the vehicle set 1 will be described.

[0080] Figure 6 To show Figure 2 The block diagram of the communication information flow of each element in the driving system of FIG.

[0081] The vehicle controller 10 generates an output command based on the request command received from the operator 10a, sends it to the inverter 14, etc., and controls the inverter 14, etc. In this way, the rotational driving force generated by the electric motor 11 is controlled. The electric power consumption source supplied with electric power from the plurality of power generation units 40, such as the electric components of the vehicle body 2 and the electric motor 11, is referred to as a power consumption source Y.

[0082] In this embodiment, the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43 of the power generation unit 40 are controlled based on information indicating the power usage status of at least one of the electrical components of the vehicle body 5 and the electric motor 11. The information indicating the power usage status is, for example, information related to the power consumption of the electric motor 11. The information indicating the power usage status of the electric motor 11 may also include information that affects the power consumption of the electric motor 11, such as the speed of the vehicle formation 1 as a moving body. For example, the total power generation requested from the four power generation units 40 when the vehicle formation 1 is running slowly at a predetermined speed or less is smaller than the total power generation when the vehicle formation 1 is running normally at a predetermined speed.

[0083] The control of the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43 will be described in more detail. The vehicle controller 10 acquires power consumption information indicating the power consumption status of the power consumption source Y as information indicating the power usage status. The vehicle controller 10 receives the power consumption information from the power consumption source Y, for example. The vehicle controller 10 may calculate the power consumption information based on information received from various sensors mounted on the vehicle body 2 (for example, a current sensor included in the inverter 14, etc.), or may receive the power consumption information from other devices.

[0084] The vehicle controller 10 determines a requested power value indicating the power requested for all of the plurality of power generation units 40 based on at least one of the request command from the operator 10a and the power consumption information. The vehicle controller 10 then transmits the requested power value to the integration device 60.

[0085] However, the vehicle controller 10 sets the requested power value to be less than the power value that can be achieved by the plurality of power generation units 40. Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle controller 10 may also receive information indicating an achievable electric power value from the integrated ECU 62 .

[0086] The integrated ECU 62 receives the requested power value received from the vehicle controller 10. In addition, the integrated ECU 62 receives status information from each power generation unit 40. The integrated device 60 sends a power generation instruction as an operation command to each power generation unit 40 based on the status information and the requested power information (power consumption information). The power generation instruction includes the requested power generation amount requested to the power generation unit 40. The integrated ECU 62 determines the requested power generation amount to be given to each power generation unit 40 based on the status information and the requested power information (power consumption information).

[0087] Each power ECU 47 receives a power generation instruction from the integrated ECU 62 , and controls the control object X on the unit side based on the requested power generation amount determined by the integrated ECU 62 .

[0088] (Individual control of each power generation unit) In this embodiment, the power generation amounts requested to the four power generation units 40 may be different from each other. In addition, the power generation instruction may include a stop instruction requesting to stop power generation. For example, the integrated ECU 62 may not send a power generation instruction or send a power generation stop instruction to some of the four power generation units 40. The integrated ECU 62 may comprehensively determine the status, maintenance information, power generation efficiency, etc. of each unit and change the content of the power generation instruction for each power generation unit 40.

[0089] Figure 7 4 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the contents of the power generation instructions sent to the four power generation units 40 are different from each other. Specifically, Figure 7 This is a table that summarizes the power generation instructions for the internal combustion engine 41 in each of the four power generation units 40 and an example of the output power corresponding to the power generation instructions. Hereinafter, the four power generation units 40 are respectively referred to as "unit #1", "unit #2", "unit #3", and "unit #4". In addition, the power generation instructions for the internal combustion engine 41 and the output power are represented by a curve graph. In more detail, Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , as an operation command to the internal combustion engine 41 , the time transition of the engine speed and the throttle opening is shown by a graph.

[0090] Since unit #1 and unit #2 receive power generation instructions indicating the same power generation amount, Figure 7 As shown, the output power of unit #2 is the same as the output power of unit #1. Since unit #3 has received a power generation instruction indicating a lower power generation amount than units #1 and #2, the output power of unit #3 is a value lower than the output power of unit #1. In addition, unit #4 has received a stop instruction from the integrated ECU 62 and is not generating power.

[0091] In addition, in the present embodiment, the total power generated by the remaining power generation units 40 after one power generation unit is removed from the plurality of power generation units 40 is set to be greater than the power required to propel the mobile body 1. Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in one of the plurality of power generation units 40, the propulsion of the mobile body 1 can be continued by the power supply from the remaining power generation units 40.

[0092] (Example 1 of changing the power generation instruction content for each unit) Reference Figure 8 An example in which the content of the power generation instruction is changed for each power generation unit 40 based on the state or maintenance information of the power generation unit 40 will be described. Figure 8 The table shows unit identification information, temperature information corresponding to the unit identification information, and maintenance information. For example, the temperature information is information indicating the temperature detected by the sensor 59 in the power generation unit 40. The temperature may be the temperature of the lubricating oil of the internal combustion engine 41, etc., the cooling water for cooling the internal combustion engine 41, etc., the generator 43, or the inverter 44.

[0093] The integrated ECU 62 receives temperature information as one of the state information from each power generation unit 40. That is, the power ECU 47 associates the state information (including the temperature information) indicating the state of the power generation unit 40 with the unit identification information (unit ID) identifying the power generation unit 40, and transmits the associated information to the integrated ECU 62 via the communication interface 46. The integrated ECU 62 associates the state information indicating the state of the power generation unit 40 with the unit identification information and stores the associated information in the memory.

[0094] For example, the integrated ECU 62 determines the amount of electric power requested from each of the four power generation units 40 based on the status information from the units #1, #2, #3, and #4 as the four power generation units 40. In addition, basically, the total amount of electric power requested from each of the four power generation units 40 is consistent with the requested power value received from the vehicle controller 10.

[0095] For example, the integrated ECU 62 determines whether the temperature corresponding to each power generation unit 40 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. For example, when it is determined that the temperature corresponding to unit #4 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the integrated ECU 62 sends a stop instruction to the unit #4, or sends a power generation instruction of a power generation amount lower than the power generation amount requested to the units #1, #2, and #3 as other power generation units 40, to the unit #4, in order to suppress damage (i.e., temperature load) to the components (e.g., the internal combustion engine 41, etc.) included in the unit #4.

[0096] Again, if Figure 8 As shown, the integrated ECU 62 associates and stores the maintenance information of the power generation unit 40 with the unit identification information. For example, the maintenance information may be information received by the integrated ECU 62 from each power generation unit 40 or information received by the integrated ECU 62 from outside the railway vehicle 1 . Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , as an example of maintenance information, information indicating the next maintenance date of the power generation unit 40 is shown. In the present embodiment, the next maintenance date of the power generation unit 40 is a time to replace the power generation unit 40 with other power generation units 40 that have been maintained.

[0097] For example, the integrated ECU 62 may determine the power generation instruction of the power generation unit 40 in a form that allows overload for the power generation unit 40 approaching the next maintenance date. For example, the integrated ECU 62 may determine the power generation instruction of the power generation unit 40 in a form that continues power generation even if the temperature of the power generation unit 40 exceeds a predetermined threshold value for the power generation unit 40 approaching the next maintenance date.

[0098] (Example 2 of changing the power generation instruction content for each unit) Reference Fig. 9An example in which the content of the power generation instruction is changed for each power generation unit 40 from the viewpoint of power generation efficiency will be described. Fig. 9 An example of an efficiency map of the internal combustion engine 41 is shown. Fig. 9 The efficiency map is a fuel consumption rate map, where the horizontal axis represents the engine speed, the vertical axis represents the engine torque, and the fuel consumption rate of the internal combustion engine 41 is represented by contour lines. Fig. 9 The graph indicated by the bold line in FIG. 4 is an engine performance curve indicating the maximum torque of the internal combustion engine 41 .

[0099] With the distance Fig. 9 Therefore, from the viewpoint of fuel consumption rate, it is desirable to operate the internal combustion engine 41 of the power generation unit 40 in a region as close to the high efficiency point as possible.

[0100] For example, when the four power generation units 40, namely, units #1, #2, #3, and #4, are instructed to generate electric power in the form of four equal parts of the requested power value from the vehicle controller 10, it is assumed that the operating point of the internal combustion engine 41 of each power generation unit 40 is Fig. 9 The point indicated by a triangle in the figure. Since this operating point is far from the high efficiency point, it is known to be low efficiency. At this time, if only two of the four units #1, #2, #3, and #4 are instructed to generate power that is equal to the power value requested by the vehicle controller 10 and the remaining two units are stopped, the engine operating point becomes close to the high efficiency point. Fig. 9 At the point indicated by x, the fuel consumption rate becomes better.

[0101] In this way, the integrated ECU 62 can also determine the amount of power generation requested from each power generation unit 40 based on the engine efficiency map stored in its memory. Fig. 9 The integrated ECU 62 may determine the amount of power generation requested from each power generation unit 40 based on the efficiency map of the motor of the generator 43, although the integrated ECU 62 may determine the amount of power generation requested from each power generation unit 40 based on the efficiency map of the motor of the generator 43. Furthermore, for example, the integrated ECU 62 may store in its memory at least one of the efficiency map of the internal combustion engine 41 of the power generation unit 40 and the efficiency map of the generator 43. Then, the integrated ECU 62 may determine to which power generation instructions are to be sent based on at least one efficiency map and the requested power information received from the vehicle controller 10. In other words, the integrated ECU 62 may determine the power generation unit 40 to be stopped based on the requested power information received from the vehicle controller 10. The integrated ECU 62 may also determine which power generation unit 40 is to be stopped based on the status information received from each power generation unit 40.

[0102] (Notification of maintenance information) Furthermore, the integrated device 60 not only sends power generation instructions to each power generation unit 40, but also collects and outputs maintenance information related to the maintenance of each power generation unit 40. In the present embodiment, the integrated device 60 receives status information from each power generation unit 40 regularly or irregularly, and based on the received status information of each power generation unit 40, causes the display 63 to display the maintenance information related to the maintenance of each power generation unit 40. Specifically, the integrated ECU 62 determines the necessity of maintenance of each power generation unit 40 based on the status information received from each power generation unit 40. The integrated ECU 62 causes the display 63 to display the determined necessity of maintenance as maintenance information. The operator who manages the mobile body 1 can observe the display 63 to grasp, for example, the power generation unit 40 that needs maintenance or the maintenance period.

[0103] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the integrated ECU 62 sends the determination result of the necessity of maintenance of each power generation unit 40 to the power generation unit 40. The power ECU 47 causes the alarm 49 to notify the received determination result as maintenance information. For example, when the alarm 49 is a light emitter, the power ECU 47 of the power generation unit 40 that needs maintenance makes it light up in a visible form to indicate that maintenance is required. The power ECU 47 can, for example, make the light emitter of the power generation unit 40 that needs maintenance flash, or can also light it in a color that can be distinguished from the unit that does not need maintenance. As a result, the maintenance operator can easily find the power generation unit 40 that needs maintenance among the multiple power generation units 40.

[0104] (Maintenance method) Next, refer to Fig.10 The maintenance method of the electric vehicle 2a is described below. The maintenance of the electric vehicle 2a is performed, for example, regularly or when an abnormality occurs in a component included in the electric vehicle 2a. Fig.10 , the flow of the maintenance method of the electric vehicle 2a is shown. Hereinafter, the power generation unit 40 and the fuel supply unit 20 are simply referred to as units 20 and 40.

[0105] The electric vehicle 2a includes a plurality of maintenance objects, and the plurality of maintenance objects include the units 20 and 40. In the present embodiment, among the maintenance objects of the electric vehicle 2a, the units 20 and 40 are maintained separately from the other maintenance objects.

[0106] Specifically, before the maintenance work of the electric vehicle 2a is started, the electric vehicle 2a is moved to the maintenance work site, and then all the units 20 and 40 are removed from the vehicle body 5. All the units 20 and 40 removed from the vehicle body 5 for maintenance may also be referred to as unmaintained units. After all the units 20 and 40 are removed, maintenance work is started on maintenance objects other than the units 20 and 40.

[0107] The maintenance work is also started for the units 20, 40 removed from the vehicle body 5. Hereinafter, the units 20, 40 removed from the vehicle body 5 are referred to as old units 20, 40. After the maintenance work is completed, the old units 20, 40 are stored in, for example, a storage warehouse. A plurality of maintained units 20, 40 are stored in the storage warehouse. Hereinafter, the maintained units are referred to as new units. The new units 20, 40 stored in the storage warehouse also have the same structure as the old units 20, 40. That is, a plurality of replaceable units 20, 40 are stored in the storage warehouse.

[0108] Regardless of whether the maintenance of the old unit 20, 40 removed from the electric vehicle 2a is completed, the electric vehicle 2a is equipped with a maintained unit 20, 40 different from the old unit 20, 40. That is, before the maintenance work of the old unit 20, 40 is completed, the new unit 20, 40 is moved from the storage warehouse to the maintenance work site of the electric vehicle 2a, and then the new unit 20, 40 is installed on the electric vehicle 2a.

[0109] Therefore, when the maintenance work of the parts other than the old units 20 and 40 in the electric vehicle 2a and the installation work of the new units 20 and 40 to the electric vehicle 2a are completed, the maintenance work of the electric vehicle 2a can be completed and the activity of the electric vehicle 2a can be restarted regardless of whether the maintenance of the old units 20 and 40 is completed. In other words, the activity of the electric vehicle 2a can be restarted without waiting for the completion of the maintenance work of the old units 20 and 40. In addition, after the maintenance work is completed, the old units 20 and 40 are stored in the storage warehouse as maintained units.

[0110] (Effect) As described above, in this embodiment, the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43 are both supported by the support structure 48 and integrated as the power generation unit 40. Therefore, the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43 can be integrally attached to and detached from the vehicle body 5.

[0111] However, in a vehicle configured so that the mechanical energy output from the internal combustion engine is directly transmitted to the wheels via a power transmission mechanism, it is difficult to remove the internal combustion engine from the vehicle. When an abnormality occurs in the internal combustion engine mounted on the vehicle or when performing maintenance operations such as regular inspections, there is a problem that the maintenance operations take time. Since the maintenance operations take time, the period of vehicle activity suspension becomes longer.

[0112] In this embodiment, when the electric energy output from the generator 43 is transmitted to the electric motor 11 via a cable or the like, the cable as the energy supply path is mounted and removed when the support structure 48 is mounted and removed from the vehicle body 5. That is, in this embodiment, compared with a vehicle in which the mechanical energy output from the internal combustion engine is directly transmitted to the wheels via a power transmission mechanism, the mounting and removal of the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43 with respect to the vehicle body 5 can be facilitated. Therefore, when the maintenance work is performed on the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43, the activity of the vehicle can be easily resumed by replacing the mounted power generation unit 40 with the power generation unit 40 on which the maintenance work has been completed.

[0113] In the present embodiment, the vehicle body 5 is equipped with a plurality of power generation units 40. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in some of the plurality of power generation units 40, power can continue to be supplied from the remaining power generation units 40, and power supply stop can be easily prevented.

[0114] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the supporting structures 48 of the plurality of power generation units 40 have a common structure, it is possible to easily replace the power generation unit 40 mounted on the vehicle body 5 with another power generation unit 40. In addition, in addition to the supporting structure 48, the connection part connected to the supply fluid / discharge fluid, or the electrical connection part of the electrical signal / power, etc. is also common, thereby facilitating the connection operation. As substances flowing in the connected fluid channel, fuel, air, coolant, lubricant, fluid energy transfer medium taken out from the power generation unit, etc. are envisioned.

[0115] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the total power generated by the remaining power generation unit 40 after one power generation unit 40 is reduced from the plurality of power generation units 40 provided in the train set 1 is set to be greater than the power required to propel the train set 1. Therefore, even when an abnormality occurs in one of the plurality of power generation units 40, the propulsion of the train set 1 can be continued by the power supply from the remaining power generation unit 40.

[0116] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the power ECU 47 is also supported by the support structure 48, when the power generation unit 40 is removed from the vehicle body 5, not only the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43 but also the power ECU 47 can be maintained. Therefore, the maintenance inspection items can be increased, and the reliability can be improved. In other words, compared with the case where the power ECU 47 is installed on the vehicle body 5 instead of the power generation unit 40, the maintenance work of the part after the power generation unit 40 is removed from the vehicle 2 can be reduced, and the activity resumption of the vehicle 2 can be accelerated.

[0117] In addition, in the present embodiment, the circulation devices such as the refrigerant pump 56, the cooling channel 57, and the radiator 58 are also supported by the support structure 48. Therefore, when the power generation unit 40 is removed from the vehicle body 5, not only the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43 but also the circulation devices can be maintained. Therefore, the maintenance inspection items can be increased and the reliability can be improved. In other words, compared with the case where the circulation device is installed on the vehicle body 5 instead of the power generation unit 40, the maintenance work of the part after the power generation unit 40 is removed from the vehicle 2 can be reduced, and the activity resumption of the vehicle 2 can be accelerated.

[0118] In addition, in this embodiment, since the oil pipe 17 of the vehicle body 5 can be connected to the oil port 55 of the power generation unit 40, the fluid energy output from the internal combustion engine 41 can be transmitted to the hydraulic actuator 16 of the vehicle body 5 through the oil pipe 17. The oil pipe 17 for transmitting fluid energy is easier to mechanically connect than the connecting member for transmitting mechanical energy. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the power generation unit 40 to the vehicle body 5, and it is possible to easily extract the energy from the internal combustion engine 41.

[0119] In addition, in the present embodiment, the internal combustion engine 41 is configured to be able to use hydrogen as fuel. Therefore, the exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine 41 using hydrogen as fuel contains fewer harmful substances than the exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine 41 using hydrocarbon as fuel. Therefore, even if a purification device for purifying harmful substances is supported on the support structure 48, it is easy to prevent the power generation unit 40 from being enlarged.

[0120] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the electric vehicle 2a includes a fuel supply unit 20 that can be attached to and detached from the vehicle body 5. Therefore, when the fuel stored in the fuel tanks 21 and 22 becomes low or empty, the fuel supply unit 20 can be replaced with another fuel supply unit 20 including the fuel tanks 21 and 22 filled with sufficient fuel. Therefore, compared with the case of refueling the fuel tank fixed to the vehicle body 5, the fuel can be refueled to the mobile body in a shorter time.

[0121] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the support structure 48 is disposed above the cabin S, it is easier to dispose the floor surface of the cabin S below than in the case where the support structure 48 is disposed below the cabin S. For example, by being able to dispose the floor surface below, the cabin S can be enlarged or the step difference when passengers get on and off from the outside can be reduced.

[0122] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the vehicle body 5 includes a cooling structure that utilizes the traveling wind to cool at least one of the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43. Therefore, the equipment for cooling the power generation unit 40 can be saved.

[0123] In this embodiment, the integrated ECU 60 controls at least one of the internal combustion engine 41 and the generator 43 based on information indicating the power usage status of at least one of the electrical components of the vehicle body 5 and the electric motor 11. This configuration can improve power generation efficiency according to the power usage status and the like.

[0124] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the power storage body 13 for storing the electric power generated by the generator 43 is provided, the electric power can be used effectively.

[0125] Since the power generation unit 40 includes the oil pump driven by the power of the internal combustion engine 41, the loading and unloading operation of the power generation unit 40 is easier than in the case where an oil pump for lubrication is provided on the vehicle body side.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the vehicle formation 1 is described as a mobile body, but the type of the mobile body is not limited thereto. As an example of a mobile body equipped with the power generation unit 40 and the fuel supply unit 20, the modified examples 1 and 2 are described. In addition, the structure of each unit of the power generation unit 40 and the fuel supply unit 20 is the same as the structure described in the above embodiment, so the description is omitted. In addition, the power supply from the power generation unit 40 to the electric motor, the connection relationship of each element, and the exchange of information of each element are also the same as the above embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0127] (Variant 1) Fig.11 1 is a schematic side view of a moving body of Modification 1. The moving body 100 of Modification 1 is not a low-floor vehicle but a general electric vehicle of a high-floor vehicle. In the above embodiment, the power generation unit 40 and the fuel supply unit 20 are arranged above the ceiling 8 of the vehicle body 5, but in this Modification 1, they are arranged under the floor of the vehicle body 101.

[0128] Specifically, the electric vehicle 100 as a moving body of the present modification example 1 includes a vehicle body 101 and a pair of carriages 102 disposed near both ends of the vehicle body 101 in the longitudinal direction and supporting the vehicle body 101. A pillow spring 103 is interposed between the vehicle body 101 and each carriage 102. The carriage 102 includes a plurality of wheels 102a.

[0129] Furthermore, at least one electric motor 104 as a propulsion power generating device is fixed to the trolley 102. Each electric motor 104 drives the corresponding wheel 102a to rotate. The electric vehicle 100 may also adopt a body-suspended drive method. That is, the electric motor 104 may also be fixed to the vehicle body 101.

[0130] At least one power generation unit 40, at least one fuel supply unit 20, and underfloor equipment 105 are fixed between a pair of carriages 102 in the vehicle length direction under the floor of the vehicle body 101. The underfloor equipment 105 includes the power collection circuit 12, power storage body 13, inverter 14, etc. described in the above embodiment.

[0131] This modification example 1 can also obtain the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0132] (Variant 2) Fig.12 2 is a schematic side view of a moving body of Modification 2. The moving body 200 of Modification 2 is a tractor (also referred to as a tractor head or a trailer head) 200 capable of towing a trailer. The tractor 200 and the trailer towed by the tractor 200 constitute a semitrailer vehicle.

[0133] The tractor 200 includes a cab 201 having a driver's seat, and a frame (also referred to as a vehicle frame) 202 supporting the cab 201. The frame 202 is, for example, in the shape of a ladder extending in the front-rear direction. A plurality of wheels 203 are assembled on the frame 202 via a suspension. The cab 201 is connected to the frame 202 via a buffer device 203. More specifically, the cab 201 includes a pair of cab frames 201a separated in the vehicle width direction, and the pair of cab frames 201a are connected to the frame 202 via buffer devices 203, respectively. The buffer device 203 plays a role in suppressing the transmission of vibration of the frame 202 to the cab 201. The buffer device 203 includes, for example, a plurality of air springs. A coupler 205 for coupling with a trailer is provided at the rear of the frame 202.

[0134] The tractor 200 includes an electric motor 206 as a propulsion power generating device, at least one power generation unit 40, and at least one fuel supply unit 20. The electric motor 206 is fixed to the vehicle frame 202. The output shaft of the electric motor 206 is connected to a plurality of driving wheels among the plurality of wheels 203 via a power transmission mechanism. Fig.12 , the electric motor 206 is shown to be arranged between the front wheel and the rear wheel in the front-rear direction, but the position of the electric motor 206 is not limited to this.

[0135] At least one power generation unit 40 is fixed to the front portion of the vehicle frame 202. At least one power generation unit 40 is disposed below the driver's seat of the cab 201. Alternatively, at least one power generation unit 40 may be connected to the vehicle frame 202 via the elastic body 71 described in the above embodiment.

[0136] At least one fuel supply unit 20 is fixed to the vehicle frame 202, for example, behind the cab 201 and in front of the coupler 205. Fig.12In the example shown, two fuel supply units 20 are fixed to the vehicle frame 202 in a vertically stacked state. However, the tractor 200 may not include the fuel supply unit 20. For example, a hydrogen bottle for supplying hydrogen fuel to the power generation unit 40 may be provided on the vehicle frame 202 or the cab 201.

[0137] The same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can also be obtained in this modification 2. In addition, the moving body 200 may not be a tractor vehicle, but may be a truck with cargo loaded on the rear of the vehicle frame 202 .

[0138] (Other Implementations) As mentioned above, although embodiment is described, the said structure can be changed, deleted, and added within the range of the gist of this invention.

[0139] For example, in the above embodiment, a vehicle formation 1 including a plurality of rail vehicles 2 is described as a movable body, and in Modifications 1 and 2, a high-floor vehicle and a tractor vehicle are described as movable bodies, respectively, but the movable body is not limited thereto.

[0140] For example, the mobile body may also be a rail vehicle. The rail vehicle may be a low-floor vehicle or a high-floor vehicle. Furthermore, the mobile body is not limited to a rail vehicle, and 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 also be a tracked vehicle (caterpillar), LTV (Light Tactical Vehicle), truck, bus and other vehicles with four or more wheels, or a multi-purpose vehicle, motorcycle, PTV (Personal Transport Vehicle), etc. Furthermore, 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, examples include ships, tankers, jet skis (personal watercraft), etc. As an underwater mobile body, examples include submarines, etc. As an aerial mobile body, examples include airplanes, helicopters, drones, etc. It is also possible that the rotating body may also be a propeller.

[0141] The structure of the fuel supply unit 20 is not limited to the structure described in the above embodiment. For example, the fuel supply unit 20 may not include a part or all of the elements 24, 25, 26, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35. For example, the number of fuel tanks included in the fuel supply unit may not be two, but may be one or three.

[0142] Furthermore, the fuel supply unit 20 may not include the fuel tanks 21 and 22. For example, the fuel tanks 21 and 22 may not be fixed to the components on the main body side of the mobile body via the support structure 27 of the fuel supply unit 20. The fuel supply unit 20 only needs to include the support structure 27 and the supply piping 23 supported by the support structure 27. In the case where the fuel supply unit does not include a fuel tank, although the fuel tank cannot be replaced by replacing the fuel unit, the maintainability of the supply piping for supplying fuel can be improved. For example, in a state separated from the main body of the mobile body, the supply piping of the fuel supply unit can be leak checked, making it easy to perform maintenance operations.

[0143] The structure of the power generation unit 40 is not limited to the structure described in the above embodiment. For example, the power generation unit 40 may not have a part or all of the elements 44, 45, 46, 47, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58. For example, in the above embodiment, the refrigerant pump 56 included in the power generation unit 40 is provided, but it may also be that the refrigerant pump 56 is arranged on the vehicle body 5 outside the power generation unit 40. The power generation unit may also have a storage body. The internal combustion engine may also use substances other than hydrogen as fuel. For example, the internal combustion engine may be driven by gaseous fuels such as hydrogen, or by existing liquid fuels such as gasoline. Regarding the specific structure of the internal combustion engine, known technologies may be appropriately applied to the layout, the number of cylinders, and the cam structure. For example, in the case of a hydrogen engine using hydrogen as fuel, the hydrogen engine may have a supercharged intake device with intake and exhaust valves, or it may be a two-stroke engine.

[0144] The power generation unit and the fuel supply unit may constitute one unit. In other words, one of the power generation unit and the fuel supply unit may include all the elements of the other unit.

[0145] The number or configuration of the power generation units and fuel supply units of the mobile body is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiment. The mobile body may not be equipped with a fuel supply unit. For example. The mobile body may be equipped with only one power generation unit, or may be equipped with more than two power generation units. When multiple power generation units are mounted on the mobile body, the outputs of the multiple power generation units may be electrically connected in parallel or in series. In addition, there may be multiple groups formed by connecting the outputs of multiple power generation units in series, and the outputs of the multiple groups may be connected in parallel.

[0146] The method of fixing the support structure to the moving body is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. For example, an interference member, specifically a damping member, may be interposed between the support structure and the moving body to prevent the transmission of shock or vibration generated on the moving body.

[0147] The shape or structure of the support structures 27 and 48 is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. The support structure 27 of the fuel supply unit 20 may not be in a box shape. For example, the support structure 27 may be a structure including a plurality of frames, as in the support structure 48 of the power generation unit 40. The support structure 48 of the power generation unit 40 may not be in a box shape. Figure 3 For example, the support structure 48 may be box-shaped like the support structure 27 of the fuel supply unit 20 .

[0148] The support structure 48 can adopt any structure for the support structure of each component so that the components constituting the power generation unit 40 function as a module. For example, the support structure of the power generation unit only needs to be a structure that supports at least the internal combustion engine, the generator, and the power transmission mechanism that transmits power from the internal combustion engine to the generator. In other words, the support structure also includes a structure that partially omits the protection function of the surrounding parts. The internal combustion engine, the generator and the power transmission mechanism connecting them require installation accuracy. By fixing these internal combustion engines, generators and power transmission mechanisms to a common stand, it is easy to omit the fine adjustment of the relative position relationship after installation on the mobile body. In addition, as for electrical connections such as signals or electricity, and fluid connections such as fuel, air, and coolant, compared with power connections, because the tolerance related to the connection is larger, even if it is separated from the power generation unit, the impact related to maintenance can be reduced.

[0149] The power generation unit mounted on the mobile body and the power generation unit not mounted on the mobile body may have the same structure or different structures. However, in order to easily replace the power generation unit mounted on the mobile body with the power generation unit not mounted on the mobile body, the power generation unit mounted on the mobile body and the replacement power generation unit (maintained unit) not mounted on the mobile body are preferably of the same structure. When a plurality of power generation units are mounted on the mobile body, the plurality of power generation units are preferably of the same structure. For example, the supporting structures of the plurality of power generation units may be of a common structure. Furthermore, for example, the internal combustion engines of the plurality of power generation units may be of a common structure, and the generators of the plurality of power generation units may also be of a common structure.

[0150] Preferably, when a plurality of power generation units are mounted on a mobile body, the total power that can be generated by the power generation units after a predetermined number (e.g., two or more) of the plurality of power generation units mounted is preferably greater than the power required for propelling the mobile body. The power required for propelling the mobile body may be the power required for starting. Thus, even if a predetermined number of power generation units or less among the plurality of power generation units mounted on the mobile body are abnormal, the mobile body can continue to move. That is, it is possible to prevent the movement from stopping due to a failure of a part of the plurality of power generation units mounted.

[0151] Furthermore, the maintenance method is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, as a maintenance operation, it is described that after removing the units 20 and 40 from all the mobile bodies, maintenance operations are performed on maintenance objects other than the units 20 and 40, but the maintenance method is not limited to this. Alternatively, when the maintenance object of the mobile body is only the power generation unit, the maintenance method does not include maintenance of objects other than the power generation unit. In other words, maintenance can also be completed by replacing the unmaintained unit with the maintained unit.

[0152] The functions of the elements disclosed in this specification can be performed using circuits or processing circuits including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), existing circuits, or any combination thereof that are 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.

[0153] [Public Aspects] The following aspects respectively disclose preferred embodiments.

[0154] [Aspect 1] A mobile body, comprising: A rotating body for obtaining propulsion; A moving body main body rotatably supporting the rotating body; An electric motor that rotationally drives the rotating body by being supplied with electric power; and At least one power generation unit includes an internal combustion engine, a generator that generates electricity through the output of the internal combustion engine, and a support structure that supports the internal combustion engine and the generator and is freely attachable and detachable to the mobile body while supporting both the internal combustion engine and the generator.

[0155] According to the above configuration, the internal combustion engine and the generator are both supported by the supporting structure and integrated as a power generation unit. Therefore, the internal combustion engine and the generator can be integrally attached to and detached from the main body of the mobile body.

[0156] Furthermore, according to this structure, when the electric energy output from the generator is transmitted to the electric motor via a cable, for example, when the support structure is mounted or removed from the main body of the mobile body, the cable as the energy supply path is mounted or removed. That is, the structure can facilitate the mounting or removal of the internal combustion engine and the generator relative to the main body of the mobile body, compared with a mobile body in which the mechanical energy output from the internal combustion engine is directly transmitted to the rotating body via a power transmission mechanism. Therefore, when performing maintenance work on the internal combustion engine and the generator, by replacing the mounted power generation unit with a power generation unit that has completed the maintenance work, the activity of the mobile body can be easily resumed.

[0157] [Aspect 2] The mobile body according to claim 1, wherein the mobile body is configured to be able to carry the plurality of power generation units. According to the above configuration, since a plurality of power generation units are provided, even when an abnormality occurs in some of the plurality of power generation units, power supply can be continued from the remaining power generation units, and power supply stop can be easily prevented.

[0158] [Aspect 3] The mobile object according to aspect 2, wherein the supporting structures of the plurality of power generation units have a common structure.

[0159] According to the above configuration, it is possible to facilitate the work of replacing the power generation unit mounted on the mobile body with another power generation unit.

[0160] [Aspect 4] The moving body according to aspect 2 or 3, wherein the total electric power generated by the remaining electric power generating units after removing a prescribed number of electric power generating units from the plurality of electric power generating units is set to be larger than electric power required to propel the moving body.

[0161] According to the above configuration, even when an abnormality occurs in some of the plurality of power generation units, the propulsion of the moving object can be continued by supplying power from the remaining power generation units.

[0162] [Aspect 5] The mobile body according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the power generation unit further includes: a unit controller supported by the support structure and for controlling the internal combustion engine and the generator.

[0163] According to the structure, since the unit controller is also supported by the supporting structure, when the power generation unit is removed from the main body of the mobile body, not only the internal combustion engine and the generator but also the unit controller can be maintained. Therefore, the maintenance inspection items can be increased and the reliability can be improved. In other words, compared with the case where the unit controller is installed on the main body of the mobile body instead of the power generation unit, the maintenance work of the part after the power generation unit is removed from the mobile body can be reduced, and the activity resumption of the mobile body can be accelerated.

[0164] [Aspect 6] The mobile body according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the power generation unit further includes: a circulation device supported by the support structure and configured to circulate a circulating fluid at least in the internal combustion engine.

[0165] According to the above structure, since the circulation device is also supported by the supporting structure, when the power generation unit is removed from the main body of the mobile body, not only the internal combustion engine and the generator but also the circulation device can be maintained. Therefore, the maintenance inspection items can be increased and the reliability can be improved. In other words, compared with the case where the circulation device is installed on the main body of the mobile body instead of the power generation unit, the maintenance work of the part after the power generation unit is removed from the mobile body can be reduced, and the activity resumption of the mobile body can be accelerated.

[0166] [Aspect 7] The mobile body according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein: The power generation unit further includes: a fluid energy outlet supported by the support structure and configured to output fluid energy obtained by driving the internal combustion engine; The movable body further includes a fluid pipe connectable to the fluid extraction port.

[0167] According to the structure, since the fluid piping of the mobile body can be connected to the fluid energy extraction outlet of the power generation unit, the fluid energy output from the internal combustion engine can be transmitted to the mobile body via the fluid piping. The fluid piping for transmitting fluid energy is easier to connect than the connecting member for transmitting mechanical energy. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the loading and unloading of the power generation unit relative to the mobile body, and it is possible to easily extract energy from the internal combustion engine.

[0168] [Aspect 8] The mobile body according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the internal combustion engine is configured to be able to use hydrogen as a fuel.

[0169] According to the above structure, the exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine using hydrogen as fuel contains less harmful substances than the exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon as fuel. Therefore, even if the purifying device for purifying harmful substances is supported by the supporting structure, it is easy to prevent the power generation unit from being enlarged.

[0170] [Aspect 9] The mobile body according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein: The supporting structure is a first supporting structure, The mobile body further includes at least one fuel supply unit, which includes a supply pipe that supplies fuel from a fuel tank storing fuel, and a second support structure that supports the fuel tank and the supply pipe and is freely attachable and detachable to the mobile body while supporting both the fuel tank and the supply pipe.

[0171] According to the above structure, the maintainability of the supply piping for supplying fuel can be improved. The fuel supply unit is detachably fixed to the mobile body in a space above the ceiling or under the floor on the mobile body, for example, so that maintenance and inspection of the components included in the fuel supply unit can be easily performed. For example, the supply piping of the fuel supply unit can be inspected for leaks in a state separated from the mobile body, making maintenance work easy.

[0172] [Aspect 10] The mobile body according to aspect 9, wherein the fuel supply unit further includes the fuel tank.

[0173] According to the above structure, when the fuel stored in the fuel tank becomes less or empty, the fuel supply unit can be replaced with another fuel supply unit including a fuel tank filled with sufficient fuel. Therefore, compared with the case of replenishing fuel to the fuel tank fixed to the main body of the mobile body, the mobile body can be replenished with fuel in a shorter time.

[0174] [Aspect 11] The mobile object according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein: The moving body is a vehicle for getting on and off the land, and the moving body main body further includes a ceiling located above a storage space for accommodating passengers. The supporting structure is arranged above the accommodation space.

[0175] According to the structure, it is easier to arrange the floor surface of the storage space below than when the supporting structure is arranged below the storage space. For example, by being able to arrange the floor surface below, the storage space can be expanded or the step difference when passengers get on and off from the outside can be reduced.

[0176] [Aspect 12] The mobile object according to aspect 11, wherein: The rotating body is a wheel supporting the main body of the moving body. The mobile body is a low-floor vehicle having a floor surface of the storage space lower than upper ends of the wheels.

[0177] [Aspect 13] The mobile body according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein: The rotating body is a wheel supporting the main body of the moving body. The power generation unit is arranged below the upper end of the wheel.

[0178] [Aspect 14] The mobile body according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein: The mobile body includes a cooling structure for cooling at least one of the internal combustion engine and the generator using traveling wind.

[0179] According to the above configuration, it is possible to save equipment for cooling the power generation unit.

[0180] [Aspect 15] The mobile body according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein: At least one controller is provided for controlling at least one of the internal combustion engine and the generator based on information indicating a power usage status of at least one of the mobile body and the electric motor.

[0181] According to the above configuration, the power generation efficiency can be improved according to the power usage situation and the like.

[0182] [Aspect 16] The mobile object according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, further comprising a power storage body for storing the electric power generated by the generator.

[0183] According to the above configuration, the electric power generated by the generator can be temporarily stored in the electric power storage body, thereby making effective use of the electric power.

[0184] [Aspect 17] A maintenance method, A maintenance method for maintaining a mobile body, the mobile body comprising a mobile body main body, an electric motor for propulsion, and a unit including an internal combustion engine and a generator for generating electric power by output of the internal combustion engine; removing the unmaintained unit, which is the unit mounted on the moving body, from the moving body; Installing a maintained unit on the mobile body, the maintained unit being a maintained unit different from the unmaintained unit; Finishing the maintenance work of the mobile body, In addition, the parts other than the unmaintained unit in the mobile body may be maintained. Furthermore, when the maintenance work on the parts other than the unmaintained unit in the mobile body and the installation work of the maintained unit to the mobile body are completed, the maintenance work on the mobile body is terminated regardless of whether the maintenance of the unmaintained unit is completed.

[0185] According to the method, since the unmaintained unit mounted on the mobile body is replaced with the maintained unit, the maintenance work of the mobile body can be completed without waiting for the maintenance work of the unmaintained unit to be completed. Therefore, the activity of the mobile body can be easily resumed.

[0186] The above may also have the following features.

[0187] The power generation unit is mounted on the mobile body with a gap between the internal combustion engine and the mobile body. According to this structure, heat transfer from the internal combustion engine to the mobile body can be suppressed.

[0188] The various interfaces of the power generation unit, such as the electrical interface, the communication interface, and the fluid interfaces such as the fuel receiving port 42a and the oil port 55, can also be arranged in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the unit. According to this structure, even if the power generation units are arranged, it is easy to connect the wiring harness or hose.

[0189] The moving body may be provided with a collection circuit for collecting the electric power supplied from each generator.

[0190] The integrated ECU may also determine whether the state information of the power generation unit received from the power ECU satisfies a prescribed determination condition. The integrated ECU may also send an instruction to the power ECU to stop the power supply from the power generation unit or to reduce the power supply amount from the power generation unit when it is determined that the state information satisfies the prescribed determination condition. Alternatively, the integrated ECU may also notify the need to check the power generation unit through an alarm such as a display mounted on the main body of the mobile body when it is determined that the state information satisfies the prescribed determination condition.

[0191] The moving body may also be a rail vehicle with multiple wheels rolling on rails. The moving body may also be a vehicle formation with multiple rail vehicles connected in series.

[0192] The power generation units may also be arranged in the forward direction along the forward direction of the vehicle.

[0193] Alternatively, in the mobile body having the at least one fuel supply unit, the mobile body is a vehicle and further includes a ceiling located above a storage space for accommodating passengers, and the second supporting structure of the fuel supply unit is arranged above the storage space.

Claims

1. A mobile object, characterized in that: have: A rotating body for obtaining propulsion; A moving body main body rotatably supporting the rotating body; An electric motor that rotationally drives the rotating body by being supplied with electric power; and At least one power generation unit includes an internal combustion engine, a generator that generates electricity through the output of the internal combustion engine, and a support structure that supports the internal combustion engine and the generator and is freely attachable and detachable to the mobile body while supporting both the internal combustion engine and the generator.

2. The mobile body according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mobile body is configured to be able to carry the plurality of power generation units.

3. The moving object according to claim 2, characterized in that: The supporting structures of the plurality of power generation units have a common structure.

4. The moving object according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The total power generated by the remaining power generation units after removing a predetermined number of power generation units from the plurality of power generation units is set to be larger than the power required to propel the moving object.

5. The moving object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The power generation unit further includes a unit controller supported by the support structure and configured to control the internal combustion engine and the generator.

6. The moving body according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The power generation unit further includes a circulation device supported by the support structure and configured to circulate at least a circulating fluid in the internal combustion engine.

7. The moving object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The power generation unit further includes: a fluid energy outlet supported by the support structure and configured to output fluid energy obtained by driving the internal combustion engine; The movable body further includes a fluid pipe connectable to the fluid extraction port.

8. The moving object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The internal combustion engine is configured to be able to use hydrogen as fuel.

9. The mobile body according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The supporting structure is a first supporting structure, The mobile body further includes at least one fuel supply unit, which includes a supply pipe that supplies fuel from a fuel tank storing fuel, and a second support structure that supports the fuel tank and the supply pipe and is freely attachable and detachable to the mobile body while supporting both the fuel tank and the supply pipe.

10. The moving object according to claim 9, characterized in that The fuel supply unit further includes the fuel tank.

11. The moving object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The moving body is a vehicle for getting on and off the land, and the moving body body also includes a roof located above the accommodation space for accommodating passengers. The supporting structure is arranged above the accommodation space.

12. The moving object according to claim 11, characterized in that The rotating body is a wheel supporting the main body of the moving body. The mobile body is a low-floor vehicle having a floor surface of the storage space lower than upper ends of the wheels.

13. The moving object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The rotating body is a wheel supporting the main body of the moving body. The power generation unit is arranged below the upper end of the wheel.

14. The moving object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The mobile body includes a cooling structure for cooling at least one of the internal combustion engine and the generator using traveling wind.

15. The moving object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least one controller is provided for controlling at least one of the internal combustion engine and the generator based on information indicating a power usage status of at least one of the mobile body and the electric motor.

16. The moving object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An electric power storage body for storing electric power generated by the generator is provided.

17. A maintenance method, characterized in that: A maintenance method for maintaining a mobile body, the mobile body comprising a mobile body main body, an electric motor for propulsion, and a unit including an internal combustion engine and a generator for generating electric power by output of the internal combustion engine; removing the unmaintained unit, which is the unit mounted on the moving body, from the moving body; Installing a maintained unit on the mobile body, the maintained unit being a maintained unit different from the unmaintained unit; The maintenance work of the moving object is completed.

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