articulated vehicle

Abstract

In a semi-trailer truck, a fastening and unfastening device is arranged at a location between a front fork and a rear suspension and below a seat of the semi-trailer truck, wherein the hydrogen tank can be mounted on the fastening and unfastening device and the fastening and unfastening device is operable such that at least one fastening and unfastening section of the hydrogen tank is positioned outside a frame of the semi-trailer truck when the hydrogen tank is detached or fastened.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present description discloses a technology relating to a semi-trailer truck. In particular, the present description discloses a technology relating to a semi-trailer truck on which a hydrogen tank is mounted. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Japanese patent application JP 2007-99059A discloses a two-wheeled motorcycle (saddle vehicle) to which a hydrogen tank is mounted. In the saddle vehicle of JP 2007-99059A, a mounting and removal device for attaching the hydrogen tank is arranged above a rear wheel. In JP 2007-99059A, after the fuel (hydrogen) in the hydrogen tank is used up, the tank is removed from the mounting and removal device, and a new hydrogen-filled tank is attached. In JP 2007-99059A, the refueling time can be reduced by using a cartridge-type hydrogen tank. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As described above, in JP 2007-99059A, the mounting and removal device for attaching the hydrogen tank is located above the rear wheel. When the mounting and removal device and the hydrogen tank are positioned above the rear wheel, the center of gravity of the semi-trailer truck is raised, and in some cases, the truck's maneuverability decreases. Conversely, if the mounting and removal device and the hydrogen tank are located inside the semi-trailer truck, the mounting and removal characteristics of the hydrogen tank deteriorate, and the hydrogen tank exchange process (the time required to refuel) takes longer. Therefore, a technology is needed that prevents the center of gravity of the semi-trailer truck from being raised and that improves the mounting and removal characteristics of the hydrogen tank.The object of the present invention is to provide a semi-trailer truck in which the fastening and removal characteristics of the hydrogen tank are satisfactory and the center of gravity is low.

[0004] A first aspect disclosed in the present description relates to a semi-trailer truck on which a detachable and attachable hydrogen tank is mounted. The semi-trailer truck may have a mounting and detachment device located between a front fork and a rear suspension and below a seat of the semi-trailer truck, wherein the hydrogen tank may be mounted on the mounting and detachment device, and the mounting and detachment device may be configured such that at least one mounting and detachment section of the hydrogen tank is positioned outside a frame of the semi-trailer truck when the hydrogen tank is being removed or attached.

[0005] In the configuration described above, the hydrogen tank is located below the seat, which lowers the center of gravity of the semi-trailer. This improves the vehicle's handling. When the hydrogen tank is attached or removed, the mounting and removal mechanism is operated in such a way that one section of the tank is positioned outside the frame, facilitating easy installation and removal. This allows for quick and easy tank replacement. With the hydrogen tank positioned as described above, the space above the rear wheel can be used effectively. In particular, it allows for the creation of space for a passenger or luggage.

[0006] In the second aspect, the fastening and removal device can be arranged in a central tunnel that is provided in the frame in the first aspect described above.

[0007] The configuration described above prevents the hydrogen tank from being exposed to the outside, improves collision safety, prevents the hydrogen tank from coming into contact with the road surface if it falls over, and makes it possible to reduce damage to the hydrogen tank.

[0008] In a third aspect, the fastening and removal device can be pivotally attached to the frame in the first or second aspect described above.

[0009] With the configuration described above, it is possible to change the angle of the mounting and removal device (hydrogen tank) relative to the frame when attaching and detaching the hydrogen tank. The mounting and removal section of the hydrogen tank is oriented towards the side of the semi-trailer, allowing for smooth mounting and detachment of the hydrogen tank.

[0010] In a fourth aspect, the fastening and removal device can be integrated into the seat in one of the first to third aspects described above.

[0011] With the configuration described above, the coupling and uncoupling device and the seat are integrated, thus reducing the number of parts that make up the semi-trailer. It is not necessary to provide a gap between the coupling and uncoupling device and the seat, and it is possible to lower the seat height. This makes it possible to lower the center of gravity of the semi-trailer, including a driver, when the semi-trailer is in motion.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, the fastening and removal device can be attached in such a way that it can be moved slidably in relation to the frame in the first or second aspect described above.

[0013] With the configuration described above, it is possible to move the entire hydrogen tank to the outside of the frame when attaching or detaching it. This increases the design freedom for removing the hydrogen tank from (or installing) the mounting and detaching device. As a result, the design freedom of the semi-trailer truck is also increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The features and advantages as well as the technical and economic significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, showing: Fig. 1 an exterior view (side view) of a semi-trailer truck; Fig. 2 an external view (side view) of the frame of the semi-trailer truck; Fig. 3 a top view of the articulated vehicle; Fig. 4 a sectional view of a fastening and removal device and a hydrogen tank; Fig. 5. A view illustrating how the hydrogen tank is attached and removed; Fig. 6 an external view of the mounting and removal device and the hydrogen tank; Fig. 7 a sectional view of a modified example of a mounting and removal device and a hydrogen tank; and Fig. 8. An explanation of the procedure for attaching and detaching the hydrogen tank in the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0015] With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. Section 3 describes a semi-trailer vehicle 10. The semi-trailer vehicle 10 is a two-wheeled motorcycle and a fuel cell electric vehicle whose fuel source is hydrogen. In the present embodiment, an example of a two-wheeled motorcycle is described, but the technology disclosed in the description can also be applied to a three-wheeled motorcycle. The technology relating to the present description can also be applied to a hydrogen engine vehicle whose fuel source is hydrogen.

[0016] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the saddle vehicle 10 comprises a seat 20 on which a driver sits, a front wheel 4, and a rear wheel 14. The saddle vehicle 10 includes a handlebar 2 for operating the front wheel 4, a front fork 6 for reducing the vibration of the front wheel 4, and a rear suspension 18 for reducing the vibration of the rear wheel 14. The handlebar 2, the front fork 6, and the rear suspension 18 are attached to a frame 35 described later.

[0017] A mounting and removal device 8 with a locking mechanism 12 is provided below the seat 20. The mounting and removal device 8 is arranged between the front fork 6 and the rear suspension 18. The hydrogen tank 60, described later, can be attached to the mounting and removal device 8, and the mounting and removal device 8 is attached to the frame 35, described later. It is understood that the mounting and removal device 8 is arranged between the front wheel 4 and the rear wheel 14 in the longitudinal direction (the direction connecting the front wheel 4 and the rear wheel 14) of the semi-trailer 10.

[0018] Fig. Figure 2 shows a view in which the exterior and similar features of the articulated vehicle 10 have been removed. Referring to Fig. Section 2 describes in detail the structure of the frame 35 of the semi-trailer 10 and the position where the mounting and removal device 8 is located. The frame 35 comprises a head tube 30, a first subframe 32, a second subframe 34, an upper frame 38, and a subframe 40. The head tube 30 is hollow, and a steering shaft (not shown), extending from the handlebar 2, passes through the head tube 30. The steering shaft is connected to the front fork 6. Therefore, when the handlebar 2 is actuated, the angle of the front wheel 4 changes with respect to the frame 35.

[0019] One end of the first subframe 32 and one end of the second subframe 34 are attached to the head tube 30. The other end of the first subframe 32 and the other end of the second subframe 34 are attached to the upper frames 38. The upper frames 38 extend longitudinally along the saddle vehicle 10, and the rear suspension 18 is attached to the rear sections of the upper frames 38. Metal brackets 36 for attaching the seat 20 are mounted on the upper frames 38. The front sections of the subframes 40 are bent upwards, and their front ends are attached to the front ends of the upper frames 38. The rear sections of the subframes 40 are also bent upwards, and their rear ends are attached longitudinally to the middle sections of the upper frames 38.

[0020] A central tunnel 42 is formed in an intermediate section of the semi-trailer 10 in its longitudinal direction by the upper frames 38 and the lower frames 40. The fastening and removal device 8 is arranged on the inside of the central tunnel 42. The upper frames 38 are arranged to form a pair in the left-right direction (the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction) of the semi-trailer 10 and are connected to each other by the connecting frames 52, 54 described later. The lower frames 40 are also arranged to form a pair in the left-right direction of the semi-trailer 10 and are connected to each other by the connecting frames 52, 54 described later. Therefore, the central tunnel 42 is a three-dimensional space, and it is evident that the fastening and removal device 8 is arranged in a protected space surrounded by the frames 38, 40, 52, 54.

[0021] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the fastening and removal device 8 pivots about a front end section, and a rear end section can be positioned on the outside relative to the side surfaces of the semi-trailer 10 (in other words, outside the frame 35). For clarity, the drawing is shown in Fig. 3 Only the fastening and removal device 8 is shown as pivotable; however, in practice the fastening and removal device 8 and the seat 20 pivot integrally. In other words, the fastening and removal device 8 and the seat 20 are fixed to each other.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. Section 6 describes the fastening and removal device 8 in detail. Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 corresponds to views in which a section of the fastening and removal device 8 is viewed from above. Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows only the frame 35 of a part that forms the central tunnel 42 (see also Fig. 2).

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the pair of upper frames 38 (lower frames 40) are connected to each other by the connecting frames 52 and 54. The connecting frame 52 connects the front parts of the upper frames 38 (lower frames 40) to each other. The connecting frame 54 connects the rear parts of the upper frames 38 (lower frames 40) to each other. A pivot shaft 50, which is rotatable with respect to the connecting frame 52, is attached to the connecting frame 52.

[0024] The pivot shaft 50 is attached to the mounting and removal device 8. Therefore, the mounting and removal device 8 can pivot relative to the frame 35 (connecting frame 52). In the semi-trailer 10, a front part of the mounting and removal device 8 is attached to the connecting frame 52. When the mounting and removal device 8 rotates, a rear part of the mounting and removal device 8 is therefore located on the outside of the frame 35. The hydrogen tank 60 is located on the inside of the mounting and removal device 8. The hydrogen tank 60 is inserted into the interior of the mounting and removal device 8 (removed outwards from the mounting and removal device 8) by a mounting and removal section 58, which is provided at the rear end of the mounting and removal device 8.The fastening and removal section 58 is a cylindrical hole extending from the rear end section to the front end section of the fastening and removal device 8.

[0025] A push-rod opening and closing mechanism 56 is attached to a front end of the mounting and removal device 8. The opening and closing mechanism 56 can be attached to and detached from the hydrogen tank 60 and can open and close a valve (not shown) of the hydrogen tank 60. The valve of the hydrogen tank 60 opens when the opening and closing mechanism 56 is connected to the hydrogen tank 60, and the valve of the hydrogen tank 60 closes when the opening and closing mechanism 56 is disconnected from the hydrogen tank 60. A flexible tube 70 is connected to the opening and closing mechanism 56. The hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 60 is supplied to a fuel cell (not shown) via the flexible tube 70.

[0026] With reference to Fig. Section 5 describes a method for attaching and removing the hydrogen tank 60. Fig. Figure 5 shows a method for removing the hydrogen tank 60 from the mounting and removal device 8. Here, (a) shows a state in which the mounting and removal device 8 is in a predetermined position (on the inside of the central tunnel 42). In this state, pivoting of the mounting and removal device 8 is prevented by the locking mechanism 12 (see also Figure 5). Fig. 1) After the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 60 is used up, the hydrogen tank 60 is removed from the mounting and removal device 8 in order to replace the hydrogen tank 60. First, the locking mechanism 12 is released and the mounting and removal device 8 is moved into a pivotable position.

[0027] Next, the mounting and removal device 8 pivots about the axis of rotation 50, as shown in (b), until the mounting and removal section 58 is located on the outside of the frame 35 (frame 38, 40). At this point, the position of the opening and closing mechanism 56 relative to the frame 35 changes, and the distance between the opening and closing mechanism 56 and the fuel cell (not shown) changes. However, the opening and closing mechanism 56 and the fuel cell are connected by the flexible tube 70. Therefore, the flexible tube 70 can be prevented from detaching from the opening and closing mechanism 56 and / or the fuel cell, even when the mounting and removal device 8 pivots.

[0028] Next, as shown in (c), the hydrogen tank 60 is pulled out of the mounting and removal device 8. When the hydrogen tank 60 is pulled out of the mounting and removal device 8, the opening and closing mechanism 56 is disconnected from the hydrogen tank 60 and the valve of the hydrogen tank 60 is closed. A gripping section 62 for gripping the hydrogen tank 60 is provided in a rear end section of the hydrogen tank 60. When the hydrogen tank 60 is to be pulled out of the mounting and removal device 8, the gripping section 62 is engaged and the hydrogen tank 60 is pulled out. Then the new hydrogen-filled hydrogen tank 60 is inserted into the mounting and removal device 8, and the mounting and removal device 8 is arranged on the inside of the frame 35 (the inside of the central tunnel 42) in the sequence (c), (b), and (a).

[0029] As described above, in the semi-trailer 10, the mounting and unmounting device 8, to which the hydrogen tank 60 is mounted, is located below the seat 20. This lowers the center of gravity of the semi-trailer 10 and improves its handling. The mounting and unmounting device 8 and the seat 20 are integrated. Therefore, the space between the mounting and unmounting device 8 and the seat 20 can be reduced, further lowering the center of gravity of the semi-trailer 10. The rear part of the seat 20 (the area above the rear wheel 14) can be used as a passenger seat or luggage compartment. The mounting and unmounting device 8 (hydrogen tank 60) is located between the front fork 6 and the rear suspension 18 (a central longitudinal section of the semi-trailer 10), which also improves the longitudinal weight balance of the semi-trailer 10.

[0030] The fastening and removal device 8 (hydrogen tank 60) is located in the central tunnel 42, thereby improving collision safety. It prevents the hydrogen tank 60 from coming into contact with the road surface in the event of a fall, thus reducing damage to the hydrogen tank 60.

[0031] When the hydrogen tank 60 is attached to or detached from the semi-trailer 10, the fastening and removal device 8 is pivoted to the left side of the semi-trailer 10 (see Fig. 5) However, the fastening and removal device 8 can also be pivoted to the right side of the semi-trailer 10. In the semi-trailer 10, the pivot shaft 50 is attached to the front of the connecting frame 52 (see Fig. 4) However, the pivot shaft 50 can also be attached to the rear of the connecting frame 54. In this case, the fastening and removal device 8 can also be pivoted to the left or right side of the semi-trailer 10.

[0032] With reference to Fig. Figure 7 describes a semi-trailer truck 10a. The semi-trailer truck 10a is a modified example of the semi-trailer truck 10, and the operation of the fastening and removal device 8 for attaching and detaching the hydrogen tank 60 differs from that of the semi-trailer truck 10. With regard to the semi-trailer truck 10a, the illustration of the entire vehicle is omitted, and only the frame 35 of a part forming the central tunnel 42 is shown (corresponding to a part of the semi-trailer truck 10 in Figure 7). Fig. 4).

[0033] In the semi-trailer 10a, the pivot shaft 50 is not provided in the connecting frame 52, and a pantograph 80 is arranged between the mounting and removal device 8 and the frames 38, 40. The pantograph 80 is extendable and retractable, with one end attached to the mounting and removal device 8 and the other end to the frames 38, 40. When the hydrogen tank 60 is to be replaced, the pantograph 80 is extended and the mounting and removal device 8 is positioned on the outside of the frame 35.

[0034] With reference to Fig. Section 8 describes a method for attaching and removing the hydrogen tank 60. Fig. 8 corresponds Fig.5, which is described for the articulated vehicle 10. Here, (a) shows a state in which the fastening and unfastening device 8 is positioned at a predetermined position (on the inside of the central tunnel 42). In this state, the actuation of the fastening and unfastening device 8 is prevented by the locking mechanism 12. After the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 60 has been consumed, the hydrogen tank 60 is removed from the fastening and unfastening device 8 in order to replace the hydrogen tank 60. First, the locking mechanism 12 is released and the fastening and unfastening device 8 is moved into an actuable state.

[0035] Next, as shown in (b), the pantograph 80 is extended and the mounting and removal device 8 is moved until the entire mounting and removal section 58 is located on the outside of the frame 35 (frames 38, 40). The position of the opening and closing mechanism 56 relative to the frame 35 changes, and the distance between the opening and closing mechanism 56 and the fuel cell (not shown) also changes in this case. However, the opening and closing mechanism 56 and the fuel cell are connected to each other by the flexible tube 70. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flexible tube 70 from detaching from the opening and closing mechanism 56 and / or the fuel cell, even when the mounting and removal device 8 is moved.

[0036] Next, as shown in (c), the hydrogen tank 60 is pulled out of the mounting and removal device 8. When the hydrogen tank 60 is pulled out of the mounting and removal device 8, the opening and closing mechanism 56 is disconnected from the hydrogen tank 60 and the valve of the hydrogen tank 60 is closed. The gripping section 62 for gripping the hydrogen tank 60 is provided in the rear end section of the hydrogen tank 60. When the hydrogen tank 60 is to be pulled out of the mounting and removal device 8, the gripping section 62 is engaged and the hydrogen tank 60 is pulled out. Then the new hydrogen-filled hydrogen tank 60 is inserted into the mounting and removal device 8, and the mounting and removal device 8 is arranged inside the frame 35 (inside the central tunnel 42) in the sequence (c), (b), and (a).

[0037] In the semi-trailer 10a, the fastening and unfastening device 8 is moved to the left side of the semi-trailer 10 (b) when the hydrogen tank 60 is fastened or unfastened. However, the fastening and unfastening device 8 can also be moved to the right side of the semi-trailer 10. In the semi-trailer 10a, when the hydrogen tank 60 is removed from the fastening and unfastening device 8, it is pulled out to the rear (c). However, the opening and closing mechanism 56 can be located at the rear of the fastening and unfastening device 8, the fastening and unfastening section 58 can be located at the front of the fastening and unfastening device 8, and the hydrogen tank 60 can be pulled out to the front when it is removed from the fastening and unfastening device 8.Alternatively, the opening and closing mechanism 56 can be provided on the underside of the mounting and removal device 8, the mounting and removal section 58 can be provided on the top of the mounting and removal device 8, and the hydrogen tank 60 can be pulled out from the top when the hydrogen tank 60 is removed from the mounting and removal device 8. The pantograph 80 can be omitted, rails can be provided on the frame 35 (connecting frame 52, 54), and the mounting and removal device 8 can be moved slidingly until the entire mounting and removal section 58 is positioned on the outside of the frame 35 (frame 38, 40).

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described within the scope of the claims also includes those obtained by various modifications and alterations of the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this description or the drawings have technical benefits individually or in various combinations and are not limited to the combinations described in the originally filed claims. The technology illustrated in this description or the drawings achieves several objectives simultaneously and has technical benefits in itself by achieving one of these objectives. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2007 - 99 059 A [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] Semi-trailer truck to which a detachable and attachable hydrogen tank is attached, wherein: a fastening and removal device is arranged at a location situated between a front fork and a rear suspension and below a seat of the semi-trailer vehicle; the hydrogen tank can be mounted on the fastening and removal device; and The fastening and removal device is operable in such a way that at least one fastening and removal section of the hydrogen tank is positioned outside a frame of the semi-trailer when the hydrogen tank is removed or attached. [2] Semi-trailer truck according to claim 1, wherein the fastening and removal device is arranged in a central tunnel provided in the frame. [3] Semi-trailer vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening and removal device is pivotably attached to the frame. [4] Semi-trailer vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening and removal device is integrated into the seat. [5] Semi-trailer vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening and removal device is attached in such a way that it can be moved slidably in relation to the frame.

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