Fuel cell module, and forklift with fuel cell module loaded thereon

Abstract

To improve workability relating to assembly of a frame.SOLUTION: A fuel cell module 10 comprises a fuel cell and a frame 20 on which the fuel cell is loaded. The frame 20 includes: a first frame 21 provided with a bottom part 24 on which a first load member is loaded and which includes a bottom face 20a of the frame 20, a plurality of first supporting parts 43 positioned higher than the bottom part 24, and a plurality of second supporting parts 44 positioned higher than the bottom part 24; a second frame 22 provided with a plurality of first supported parts 56 loaded on the plurality of first supporting parts 43, mounted on the first frame 21, positioned higher than the bottom part 24 and loading a second load member thereon; and a third frame 23 provided with a plurality of second supported parts 64 loaded on the plurality of second supporting parts 44, mounted on the first frame 21, positioned higher than the bottom part 24 and loading a third load member thereon. The plurality of first supporting parts 43 is at the same height as each other, and the plurality of second supporting parts 44 is at the same height as each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell module and a forklift equipped with the fuel cell module. [Background technology]

[0002] The fuel cell module described in Patent Document 1 includes a fuel cell and a frame on which the fuel cell is mounted. In addition, the frame may include an upper frame, which is a separate member, provided above the bottom of the frame in order to mount components above the bottom of the frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-86178 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the upper frame is provided above the bottom of the frame, the upper frame needs to be lifted up, and there has been a demand for improving the ease of this work. There has also been a demand for improving the ease of work involved in assembling the frame by performing the work of attaching the upper frame to the frame with the upper frame in a stable position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A fuel cell module that solves the above problem is a fuel cell module comprising a fuel cell and a frame on which the fuel cell is mounted, wherein the frame comprises a first frame having a bottom on which a first mounting member is mounted and which has a bottom surface of the frame, a plurality of first support parts located above the bottom, and a plurality of second support parts located above the bottom, a second frame having a plurality of first supported parts placed on each of the plurality of first support parts, attached to the first frame and located above the bottom, on which a second mounting member is mounted, and a third frame having a plurality of second supported parts placed on each of the plurality of second support parts, attached to the first frame and located above the bottom, on which a third mounting member is mounted, wherein the plurality of first support parts are the same height as each other, and the plurality of second support parts are the same height as each other.

[0006] A forklift equipped with a fuel cell module that solves the above-mentioned problems is a forklift equipped with the above-mentioned fuel cell module, wherein the forklift is a counterbalanced forklift, the first frame has a front frame portion and a rear frame portion located rearward of the forklift relative to the front frame portion, the fuel cell is mounted on the front frame portion, the multiple first support portions and the multiple second support portions are provided on the rear frame portion, and the first mounting member is mounted on the rear frame portion.

[0007] According to the above configurations, the second frame is attached to the first frame and is located above the bottom. The third frame is attached to the first frame and is located above the bottom. Therefore, the upper part of the frame, which is a part of the frame located above the bottom, can be divided into the second frame and the third frame, and the second frame and the third frame can be sequentially arranged on the first frame. Since the upper part of the frame is lighter than when it is attached to the first frame as a single member, the workability can be improved when arranging the upper part of the frame on the first frame. In addition, the second frame has a plurality of first supported parts that are placed on each of the plurality of first supports. The third frame has a plurality of second supported parts that are placed on each of the plurality of second supports. The plurality of first supports are at the same height. The plurality of second supports are at the same height. Therefore, the second frame can be attached to the first frame with the second frame in a stable position. The third frame can be attached to the first frame with the third frame in a stable position. This improves workability compared to a case in which the second and third frames are attached to the first frame while their postures are unstable.

[0008] In a fuel cell module, the first mounting member is a fuel tank that stores fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, the fuel tank having a cylindrical tank main body and a tank end portion located between the tank main body and the two first support portions in the axial direction of the tank main body, the tank end portion having an outer diameter that decreases the farther it is from the tank main body in the axial direction of the tank main body, and the second frame may have a frame main body portion located above the fuel tank and extending in the axial direction of the tank main body along the tank main body, and a frame end portion located between the frame main body and the two first supported portions and extending along the tank end portion.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the space between the fuel tank and the second frame can be reduced, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the fuel cell module. In a fuel cell module, the first mounting member is a fuel tank that stores fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, the fuel tank having a cylindrical tank main body, a tank end portion located between the tank main body and the two first support portions in the axial direction of the tank main body, and a nozzle located at the tank end portion, the first frame having a pair of extension portions extending between the bottom and the first support portions and spaced apart from each other in an orthogonal direction that is along the bottom surface and perpendicular to the axis of the tank main body, and the nozzle may be located between the pair of extension portions.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the tank body and the tank end are located between the two first support parts in the axial direction of the tank body, while at least a part of the cap is not disposed. Compared to a case where the entire cap is disposed between the two first support parts in the axial direction of the tank body, the occupancy rate of the tank body and the tank end in the space between the two first support parts can be increased. Therefore, the fuel cell module can be made smaller. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to this invention, the workability in assembling the frame can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a forklift equipped with a fuel cell module. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell module. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the frame. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the first frame and the fuel tank. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the frame and the fuel tank. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the first frame and the second frame. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the first frame and the third frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] An embodiment of a fuel cell module and a forklift equipped with the fuel cell module will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up" and "down" refer to the state in which the operator driving the forklift faces the front of the vehicle (forward travel direction).

[0014] <Forklift equipped with a fuel cell module> As shown in FIG. 1, the forklift F includes a fuel cell module 10, a vehicle body 11, and a loading device 12. The forklift F is a counterbalanced forklift. The vehicle body 11 has a driver's seat 11a. The vehicle body 11 has an accommodation space 11b. The accommodation space 11b is located below the driver's seat 11a. The fuel cell module 10 is accommodated in the accommodation space 11b. The vehicle body 11 has a counterweight 11c. The counterweight 11c is located at the rear of the vehicle body 11. The loading device 12 is provided at the front of the vehicle body 11. The loading device 12 performs loading and unloading operations.

[0015] <Fuel cell module> As shown in Fig. 2, the fuel cell module 10 includes a fuel cell 14 and a frame 20 on which the fuel cell 14 is mounted. The fuel cell 14 is a stack of multiple fuel cell units. The fuel cell units are, for example, solid molecular fuel cells. The fuel cell 14 generates electricity using hydrogen and oxygen in the air. That is, hydrogen in this embodiment corresponds to the fuel gas.

[0016] The fuel cell module 10 includes a fuel tank 15. The fuel tank 15 stores hydrogen as a fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell 14. In this embodiment, the fuel tank 15 corresponds to a first mounting member. The fuel tank 15 has a cylindrical tank main body 15a and a tank end 15b.

[0017] The direction in which the axis L1 of the tank main body 15a extends is referred to as the axial direction X of the tank main body 15a. Hereinafter, the axial direction X of the tank main body 15a may also be simply referred to as the axial direction X. The fuel tank 15 is mounted on the fuel cell module 10 so that the axis L1 of the tank main body 15a extends in the left-right direction. That is, the axial direction X is the same as the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the up-down direction is also referred to as the vertical direction Z. The direction perpendicular to the axial direction X and the vertical direction Z of the tank main body 15a is referred to as the orthogonal direction Y. The orthogonal direction Y is the same as the front-rear direction.

[0018] The tank ends 15b are located on one side and the other side of the tank main body 15a in the axial direction X of the tank main body 15a. The tank ends 15b correspond to the ends of the fuel tank 15. The outer diameter of the tank ends 15b decreases as they move away from the tank main body 15a in the axial direction X of the tank main body 15a. The axis L2 of the tank ends 15b is on an extension of the axis L1 of the tank main body 15a. Therefore, the axis L1 of the tank main body 15a and the axis L2 of the tank ends 15b correspond to the axis L of the fuel tank 15. The axial direction X is the direction in which the axis L2 of the tank ends 15b extends and also the direction in which the axis L of the fuel tank 15 extends.

[0019] The fuel tank 15 has a nozzle 15c located at a tank end 15b serving as an end of the fuel tank 15. The nozzle 15c is cylindrical and extends in the axial direction X. The outer diameter of the nozzle 15c is smaller than the outer diameter of the tank main body 15a. The nozzle 15c extends in the axial direction X from the tank end 15b located on one side of the tank main body 15a in the axial direction X. A valve (not shown) and a hydrogen supply path (not shown) are connected to the nozzle 15c. Hydrogen is supplied from the fuel tank 15 to the fuel cell 14 through the hydrogen supply path. The amount of hydrogen supplied from the fuel tank 15 to the fuel cell 14 is adjusted by the valve.

[0020] The fuel cell module 10 includes a DC / DC converter 16 and a capacitor 17. In this embodiment, the DC / DC converter 16 corresponds to the second mounting member. In this embodiment, the capacitor 17 corresponds to the third mounting member.

[0021] The DC / DC converter 16, for example, transforms the output voltage of the fuel cell 14 and outputs it to a capacitor 17. The output voltage from the DC / DC converter 16 is supplied to an electric motor (not shown) that drives the forklift F. The capacitor 17 stores power for driving various auxiliary devices mounted on the fuel cell module 10.

[0022] The fuel cell module 10 includes a heat exchanger 18 and a compressor 19. The heat exchanger 18 exchanges heat between a heat exchange medium that has exchanged heat with the fuel cell 14 and the outside air. Cooling water is used as the heat exchange medium, but other media may be used. The heat exchanger 18 is supplied with cooling water from, for example, a reservoir tank (not shown). The compressor 19 compresses air. The air compressed by the compressor 19 is supplied to the fuel cell 14 through an air supply path (not shown).

[0023] <frame> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame 20 has a first frame 21, a second frame 22, and a third frame 23.

[0024] <First frame> The first frame 21 has a front frame portion 21a and a rear frame portion 21b. The front frame portion 21a and the rear frame portion 21b are separate from each other and connected to each other. When the fuel cell module 10 is mounted on a forklift F, the rear frame portion 21b is located further rearward of the forklift F than the front frame portion 21a. For example, the rear frame portion 21b is heavier than the front frame portion 21a. The front frame portion 21a weighs, for example, 80 kg. The rear frame portion 21b weighs, for example, 300 kg.

[0025] The front frame portion 21a has a first bottom portion 31, a standing portion 32 extending upward from the first bottom portion 31, a plate portion 33 located above the first bottom portion 31, and a side wall portion 34 provided around the plate portion 33. The first bottom portion 31 constitutes the lower portion of the front frame portion 21a. The first bottom portion 31 is substantially flat and extends perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The standing portion 32 extends upward from the upper surface of the first bottom portion 31. The plate portion 33 is connected to the upper end of the standing portion 32. The plate portion 33 is flat and extends perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. On the first bottom portion 31, a heat exchanger 18 is mounted to the right of the standing portion 32. On the first bottom portion 31, an auxiliary device (not shown) is mounted to the left of the standing portion 32. The fuel cell 14 and the compressor 19 are placed in the space on the plate portion 33 and inside the side wall portion 34. That is, the fuel cell 14 is mounted on the front frame portion 21a. Therefore, the first frame 21 carries the fuel cell 14.

[0026] The rear frame portion 21b has a second bottom portion 35. The second bottom portion 35 constitutes the lower portion of the rear frame portion 21b. The first bottom portion 31 and the second bottom portion 35 constitute the bottom portion 24 of the frame 20. The lower surface of the first bottom portion 31 and the lower surface of the second bottom portion 35 constitute the bottom surface 20a of the frame 20. Therefore, the first frame 21 has a bottom portion 24 having the bottom surface 20a of the frame 20. The bottom surface 20a is a plane extending perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The perpendicular direction Y is a direction along the bottom surface 20a and perpendicular to the axis L1 of the tank main body portion 15a.

[0027] The upper surface of the second bottom portion 35 is formed with a storage portion 35b surrounded by a curved surface 35a. The curved surfaces 35a are located on the front, rear, left and right sides of the storage portion 35b. The storage portion 35b is a space that opens upward. With the fuel tank 15 stored in the storage portion 35b, the fuel tank 15 is mounted on the rear frame portion 21b. That is, the fuel tank 15 as the first mounting member is mounted on the rear frame portion 21b. Therefore, the fuel tank 15 as the first mounting member is mounted on the first frame 21. A lower part of the fuel tank 15 is stored in the storage portion 35b. The curved surface 35a extends along the outer surface of the fuel tank 15.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel cell module 10 has a support mechanism 36 that supports the tank main body 15a from outside the tank main body 15a in the orthogonal direction Y. The support mechanism 36 is attached to the first frame 21. In detail, the support mechanism 36 is attached to a portion of the curved surface 35a of the rear frame portion 21b that is located forward of the storage portion 35b and a portion that is located rearward of the storage portion 35b. The support mechanism 36 is made of, for example, rubber. When the fuel tank 15 is stored in the storage portion 35b, the support mechanism 36 contacts the outer surface of the tank main body 15a. In this way, the support mechanism 36 suppresses the displacement of the fuel tank 15 in the orthogonal direction Y.

[0029] 3, the first frame 21 has a first extension portion 37 and a second extension portion 38. The first extension portion 37 extends upward from the left end portion of the rear frame portion 21b. The second extension portion 38 extends upward from the right end portion of the rear frame portion 21b. The accommodation portion 35b is located between the first extension portion 37 and the second extension portion 38 in the axial direction X.

[0030] The first extension portion 37 has a first upper surface 37a and a second upper surface 37b. Each of the first upper surface 37a and the second upper surface 37b is a plane that is located at the upper end of the first extension portion 37 and extends perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, the first upper surface 37a and the second upper surface 37b are a continuous plane. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first upper surface 37a and the second upper surface 37b are located at the same height. The first upper surface 37a is located forward of the second upper surface 37b.

[0031] A plurality of bolt holes H are formed in the first extension portion 37. The plurality of bolt holes H formed in the first extension portion 37 are separated from each other in the orthogonal direction Y. For example, four bolt holes H are formed in the first extension portion 37 in this embodiment. In FIG. 3, two bolt holes H out of the four bolt holes H in the first extension portion 37 are illustrated, and the illustration of the other bolt holes H is omitted. The bolt holes H open to the first upper surface 37a and the second upper surface 37b. Two bolt holes H open to the first upper surface 37a. Two bolt holes H open to the second upper surface 37b.

[0032] 3 and 5, the second extension portion 38 has a pair of extension portions 41 and a third extension portion 42. In other words, the first frame 21 has a pair of extension portions 41. The pair of extension portions 41 are spaced apart from each other in the perpendicular direction Y. The third extension portion 42 is located rearward of the pair of extension portions 41.

[0033] 5, the base 15c is located between the pair of extension parts 41. In detail, the base 15c extends between the pair of extension parts 41 to the left of the pair of extension parts 41 and to the right of the pair of extension parts 41 through the gap between the pair of extension parts 41.

[0034] 5 and 6, each of the pair of extension portions 41 has a third upper surface 41a. The third upper surface 41a is a plane that is located at the upper end of each of the pair of extension portions 41 and extends perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, the third upper surface 41a is located at the same height as the first upper surface 37a.

[0035] A bolt hole H is formed in each of the pair of extension portions 41. In this embodiment, one bolt hole H is formed in each of the pair of extension portions 41. In each of the pair of extension portions 41, the bolt hole H opens to the third upper surface 41a.

[0036] 3 and 7, the third extension portion 42 has a fourth upper surface 42a. The fourth upper surface 42a is a plane that is located at the upper end of the third extension portion 42 and extends perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, the fourth upper surface 42a is located at the same height as the second upper surface 37b. In this embodiment, the third upper surface 41a and the fourth upper surface 42a are located at the same height.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 7, a plurality of bolt holes H are formed in the third extension portion 42. The plurality of bolt holes H formed in the third extension portion 42 are separated from each other in the orthogonal direction Y. In this embodiment, two bolt holes H are formed in the third extension portion 42. The two bolt holes H open in the fourth upper surface 42a. Note that Fig. 7 illustrates one of the two bolt holes H in the third extension portion 42, and the illustration of the other bolt hole H is omitted.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 6, each of the first upper surface 37a and the third upper surface 41a in this embodiment functions as a first support portion 43. That is, the first frame 21 has two first support portions 43 located above the bottom portion 24. The pair of extension portions 41 extend between the bottom portion 24 and the first support portions 43. The tank end portion 15b is located between the tank main body portion 15a and the two first support portions 43 in the axial direction X of the tank main body portion 15a. In this embodiment, the two first support portions 43 are provided on the rear frame portion 21b.

[0039] 7, in this embodiment, the second upper surface 37b and the fourth upper surface 42a each function as a second support portion 44. That is, the first frame 21 has two second support portions 44 located above the bottom portion 24. In this embodiment, the two second support portions 44 are provided on the rear frame portion 21b.

[0040] <2nd frame> 2 and 3, the second frame 22 is positioned above the second bottom portion 35. In other words, the second frame 22 is positioned above the bottom portion 24 of the frame 20. The second frame 22 weighs, for example, 10 kg or less.

[0041] The second frame 22 has a frame main body 51 and a frame end portion 52. The frame main body 51 is located above the fuel tank 15. The frame main body 51 extends along the tank main body 15a in the axial direction X of the tank main body 15a.

[0042] The frame main body 51 has a pair of first plate portions 51a spaced apart from each other in the orthogonal direction Y. The pair of first plate portions 51a are generally flat plates extending perpendicular to the orthogonal direction Y. The long sides of the pair of first plate portions 51a extend in the axial direction X. The short sides of the pair of first plate portions 51a extend in the vertical direction Z.

[0043] The frame end 52 is located on the right and left sides of the frame main body 51. The frame end 52 extends along the tank end 15b. In detail, the frame end 52 has a pair of second plate portions 52a that are separated from each other in the orthogonal direction Y. The pair of second plate portions 52a are substantially flat plates that extend perpendicular to the orthogonal direction Y. The pair of second plate portions 52a are connected to the pair of first plate portions 51a. In the frame end 52 located on the right side of the frame main body 51, the pair of second plate portions 52a are curved so as to be positioned lower as they move away from the pair of first plate portions 51a to the right. In the frame end 52 located on the left side of the frame main body 51, the pair of second plate portions 52a are curved so as to be positioned lower as they move away from the pair of first plate portions 51a to the left.

[0044] The second frame 22 has a support plate portion 53. The support plate portion 53 is located above the frame main body portion 51. The support plate portion 53 is fixed to, for example, the upper ends of the pair of first plate portions 51a. A DC / DC converter 16 is mounted on the support plate portion 53. Therefore, the second frame 22 is mounted with the DC / DC converter 16 as a second mounting member.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, the fuel cell module 10 includes a fixing mechanism 54. The fixing mechanism 54 is provided on the second frame 22. Therefore, the fixing mechanism 54 is provided on the frame 20. The fixing mechanism 54 fixes the fuel tank 15 by pressing the fuel tank 15. The fixing mechanism 54 has a first fixing mechanism 54a that fixes the fuel tank 15 in the vertical direction Z, and a second fixing mechanism 54b that fixes the fuel tank 15 in the axial direction X of the tank main body 15a. The first fixing mechanism 54a is provided on the frame main body 51. The first fixing mechanism 54a is provided, for example, between the pair of first plate portions 51a. The first fixing mechanism 54a has, for example, a pressing portion (not shown). The pressing portion is made of, for example, rubber. The pressing portion is pressed against the outer surface of the tank main body 15a, so that the first fixing mechanism 54a presses the tank main body 15a from above. The second fixing mechanism 54b is provided on the frame end portions 52 located on both ends of the frame main body portion 51 in the axial direction X. The second fixing mechanism 54b is provided, for example, between the pair of second plate portions 52a. The second fixing mechanism 54b has, for example, a pressing portion (not shown). The pressing portion is made of, for example, rubber. The pressing portion is pressed against the outer surface of the tank end portion 15b, so that the second fixing mechanism 54b presses the tank end portion 15b from above.

[0046] 3 and 6, the second frame 22 includes a plurality of first fixing plate portions 55. In this embodiment, the second frame 22 includes two first fixing plate portions 55. One of the two first fixing plate portions 55 is located at one end of the second frame 22 in the axial direction X, and the other is located at the other end of the second frame 22 in the axial direction X. The frame end portion 52 is located between the frame main body portion 51 and the first fixing plate portions 55. The first fixing plate portions 55 are connected to the frame end portion 52.

[0047] The first fixing plate portion 55 has a flat plate shape extending perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. A bolt hole H is formed in the first fixing plate portion 55. The bolt hole H opens on the lower surface of the first fixing plate portion 55. In this embodiment, two bolt holes H are formed in the first fixing plate portion 55. The two bolt holes H are spaced apart from each other in the perpendicular direction Y on the first fixing plate portion 55.

[0048] The lower surface of each of the two first fixing plate portions 55 functions as a first supported portion 56. That is, the second frame 22 has two first supported portions 56. The frame end portion 52 is located between the frame main body portion 51 and the two first supported portions 56.

[0049] The two first supported portions 56 are placed on the two first supporting portions 43, respectively. The bolt holes H in the first supported portions 56 and the bolt holes H in the first supporting portions 43 overlap each other in the vertical direction Z. Fastening members B are inserted into the bolt holes H in the first supported portions 56 and the bolt holes H in the first supporting portions 43 from above the first supported portions 56. The first supported portions 56 are attached to the first supporting portions 43 by the fastening members B. In this way, the second frame 22 is attached to the first frame 21.

[0050] <Third frame> 2 and 3, the third frame 23 is positioned higher than the second bottom portion 35. In other words, the third frame 23 is positioned higher than the bottom portion 24 of the frame 20. The third frame 23 weighs, for example, 10 kg or less.

[0051] The third frame 23 has a pair of pillars 61 extending in the vertical direction Z, and a connecting portion 62 connecting the pair of pillars 61 to each other. The pair of pillars 61 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction X. The connecting portion 62 is located between the pair of pillars 61 in the axial direction X. The connecting portion 62 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular flat plate with a longitudinal direction extending in the axial direction X. One end of the connecting portion 62 in the axial direction X is connected to one of the pair of pillars 61, and the other end is connected to the other of the pair of pillars 61.

[0052] Capacitor 17 is placed between the pair of pillars 61 in the axial direction X. Capacitor 17 is connected to the pair of pillars 61 by a connecting member (not shown). Thus, capacitor 17 is mounted on the pair of pillars 61. Capacitor 17 is mounted on third frame 23 as a third mounting member.

[0053] 3 and 7, the third frame 23 includes a plurality of second fixing plate portions 63. In this embodiment, the third frame 23 includes two second fixing plate portions 63. The second fixing plate portions 63 are provided at the lower ends of the pillar portions 61. One of the two second fixing plate portions 63 is provided on one of the pair of pillar portions 61, and the other is provided on the other of the pair of pillar portions 61.

[0054] The second fixing plate portion 63 has a flat plate shape extending perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. A bolt hole H is formed in the second fixing plate portion 63. The bolt hole H opens on the lower surface of the second fixing plate portion 63. In this embodiment, two bolt holes H are formed in the second fixing plate portion 63. The two bolt holes H are spaced apart from each other in the perpendicular direction Y in the second fixing plate portion 63. Note that in the drawings, of the two bolt holes H in the second fixing plate portion 63, one bolt hole H is shown, and the other bolt hole H is not shown.

[0055] The lower surface of each of the two second fixing plate portions 63 functions as a second supported portion 64. That is, the third frame 23 has two second supported portions 64. The two second supported portions 64 are placed on the two second support portions 44, respectively. The bolt hole H in the second supported portion 64 and the bolt hole H in the second support portion 44 overlap each other in the vertical direction Z. A fastening member B is inserted into the bolt hole H in the second supported portion 64 and the bolt hole H in the second support portion 44 from above the second supported portion 64. The second supported portion 64 is attached to the second support portion 44 by the fastening member B. In this way, the third frame 23 is attached to the first frame 21.

[0056] <Height of the first and second support parts> As shown in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, the first upper surface 37a corresponding to the first support portion 43 and the third upper surface 41a corresponding to the first support portion 43 are located at the same height. Therefore, the two first support portions 43 are at the same height. The two first supported portions 56 of the second frame 22 are placed on the two first support portions 43, respectively. Therefore, the two first supported portions 56 are located at the same height. Note that the height refers to the position in the vertical direction Z.

[0057] 7, in this embodiment, the second upper surface 37b corresponding to the second supporting portion 44 and the fourth upper surface 42a corresponding to the second supporting portion 44 are located at the same height. Therefore, the two second supporting portions 44 are at the same height. The two second supported portions 64 of the third frame 23 are placed on the two second supporting portions 44, respectively. Therefore, the two second supported portions 64 are located at the same height.

[0058] [Operation of this embodiment] The operation of this embodiment will be described together with an example of a method for assembling the fuel cell module 10.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, when assembling the fuel cell module 10, various accessories including the fuel cell 14, the heat exchanger 18, and the compressor 19 are first mounted on the front frame portion 21a. The front frame portion 21a on which the accessories are mounted is attached to the rear frame portion 21b. The front frame portion 21a and the rear frame portion 21b are integrated in this manner to form the first frame 21. The subsequent assembly of the fuel cell module 10 is performed in a state in which the bottom surface 20a, which is the lower surface of the bottom portion 24 of the first frame 21, is placed on a work site. Then, the fuel tank 15 is mounted on the rear frame portion 21b. After the fuel tank 15 is mounted on the rear frame portion 21b, the second frame 22 and the third frame 23 are disposed above the bottom portion 24 of the first frame 21. At this time, the second frame 22 and the third frame 23 are sequentially disposed, for example, by the operator's hands.

[0060] The two first supported portions 56 of the second frame 22 are placed on the two first supporting portions 43, respectively, so that the second frame 22 is disposed above the bottom portion 24. At this time, since the two first supporting portions 43 are at the same height, the posture of the second frame 22 is stable in a state in which the two first supported portions 56 are placed on the two first supporting portions 43, respectively. In this state, the first supported portions 56 are attached to the first supporting portions 43 by the fastening members B, so that the second frame 22 is attached to the first frame 21. Then, the DC / DC converter 16 is mounted on the second frame 22.

[0061] The two second supported portions 64 of the third frame 23 are placed on the two second supporting portions 44, respectively, so that the third frame 23 is disposed above the bottom portion 24. At this time, since the two second supporting portions 44 are at the same height, the posture of the third frame 23 is stable when the two second supported portions 64 are placed on the two second supporting portions 44, respectively. In this state, the second supported portions 64 are attached to the second supporting portions 44 by the fastening members B, so that the third frame 23 is attached to the first frame 21. Then, the capacitor 17 is mounted on the third frame 23.

[0062] [Effects of this embodiment] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The frame 20 has a first frame 21, a second frame 22 on which a DC / DC converter 16 is mounted as a second mounting member, and a third frame 23 on which a capacitor 17 is mounted as a third mounting member. The first frame 21 has a bottom 24 on which a fuel tank 15 is mounted as a first mounting member, two first support parts 43 located above the bottom 24, and two second support parts 44 located above the bottom 24. The second frame 22 is attached to the first frame 21 and is located above the bottom 24. The third frame 23 is attached to the first frame 21 and is located above the bottom 24. Therefore, the upper part of the frame 20, which is a part located above the bottom 24, can be divided into the second frame 22 and the third frame 23, and therefore the second frame 22 and the third frame 23 can be sequentially arranged on the first frame 21. Since the weight is lighter than when the upper frame portion is attached to the first frame 21 as a single member, the workability can be improved when arranging the upper frame portion on the first frame 21. In addition, the second frame 22 has two first supported portions 56 that are placed on the two first supporting portions 43, respectively. The third frame 23 has two second supported portions 64 that are placed on the two second supporting portions 44, respectively. The two first supporting portions 43 are at the same height. The two second supporting portions 44 are at the same height. Therefore, the second frame 22 can be attached to the first frame 21 with the second frame 22 in a stable position. The third frame 23 can be attached to the first frame 21 with the third frame 23 in a stable position. Compared to the case where the second frame 22 and the third frame 23 are attached to the first frame 21 with their positions being unstable, the workability can be improved.

[0063] (2) The second frame 22 is positioned above the fuel tank 15. The second frame 22 has a frame main body portion 51 that extends along the tank main body portion 15a in the axial direction X of the tank main body portion 15a, and a frame end portion 52 that is positioned between the frame main body portion 51 and the two first supported portions 56 and extends along the tank end portion 15b. This makes it possible to reduce the space between the fuel tank 15 and the second frame 22, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the fuel cell module 10.

[0064] (3) The fuel tank 15 has a cylindrical tank main body 15a, a tank end 15b located between the tank main body 15a and the two first support parts 43 in the axial direction X of the tank main body 15a, and a nozzle 15c located at the tank end 15b. The first frame 21 has a pair of extension parts 41 that extend between the bottom 24 and the first support parts 43 and are spaced apart from each other in the perpendicular direction Y. The nozzle 15c is located between the pair of extension parts 41. Therefore, in the fuel tank 15, the tank main body 15a and the tank end parts 15b are located between the two first support parts 43 in the axial direction X of the tank main body 15a, while at least a part of the nozzle 15c is not disposed. Compared to a case in which the entire cap 15c is disposed between the two first support parts 43 in the axial direction X of the tank body 15a, the occupancy rate of the tank body 15a and the tank end part 15b in the space between the two first support parts 43 can be increased. Therefore, the fuel cell module 10 can be made smaller.

[0065] [Example of change] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0066] The base 15c may be provided at a position shifted from between the pair of extension portions 41. In this case, the pair of extension portions 41 may be omitted from the first frame 21. For example, instead of the pair of extension portions 41, the first frame 21 may have a member shaped to extend between the bottom portion 24 and the first support portion 43.

[0067] The frame end 52 does not necessarily extend along the tank end 15b. For example, the frame end 52 may extend in the same direction as the frame main body 51 between the frame main body 51 and the two first supported portions 56.

[0068] The third mounting member mounted on the third frame 23 may be a member other than the capacitor 17 . The second mounting member mounted on the second frame 22 may be a member other than the DC / DC converter 16 .

[0069] At least one of the first fixing mechanism 54 a and the second fixing mechanism 54 b may be attached to a member other than the second frame 22 . The fuel tank 15 as the first mounting member may be mounted on the front frame portion 21a. In this case, the fuel cell 14 may be mounted on the rear frame portion 21b. At least one of the first support portion 43 and the second support portion 44 may be provided on the front frame portion 21a.

[0070] The front frame portion 21a and the rear frame portion 21b do not have to be separate members, but may be a single member. In this case, the first frame 21 may be a single member as a whole. The first mounting member mounted on the first frame 21 may be a member other than the fuel tank 15 .

[0071] The first frame 21 may have three or more first supporting portions 43. The first frame 21 may have three or more second supporting portions 44. In this case, the second frame 22 may have the same number of first supported portions 56 as the first supporting portions 43. The second frame 22 may have the same number of second supported portions 64 as the second supporting portions 44.

[0072] The fuel cell module 10 may be installed in a passenger vehicle, a ship, a train, or the like. The fuel cell module 10 may be used as a stationary power generation device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] F...forklift, L1...axis (of tank main body), X...axial direction, Y...orthogonal direction, 10...fuel cell module, 14...fuel cell, 15...fuel tank as first mounting member, 15a...tank main body, 15b...tank end, 15c...ferrule, 16...DC / DC converter as second mounting member, 17...capacitor as third mounting member, 20...frame, 20a...bottom surface, 21...first frame, 21a...front frame portion, 21b...rear frame portion, 22...second frame, 23...third frame, 24...bottom, 41...extension portion, 43...first support portion, 44...second support portion, 51...frame main body, 52...frame end, 56...first supported portion, 64...second supported portion.

Claims

1. A fuel cell module comprising a fuel cell and a frame on which the fuel cell is mounted, The frame is a first frame including a bottom portion on which a first mounting member is mounted and which defines a bottom surface of the frame, a plurality of first support portions located above the bottom portion, and a plurality of second support portions located above the bottom portion; a second frame having a plurality of first supported portions to be placed on the plurality of first supporting portions, the second frame being attached to the first frame, the second frame being located above the bottom portion, and a second mounting member being mounted thereon; a third frame having a plurality of second supported portions that are placed on the respective second supporting portions, the third frame being attached to the first frame and positioned above the bottom portion, and on which a third mounting member is mounted; The first support portions are of the same height as each other, A fuel cell module, wherein the second support portions are at the same height as each other.

2. the first mounting member is a fuel tank that stores a fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, the fuel tank has a cylindrical tank main body and a tank end portion located between the tank main body and the two first support portions in an axial direction of the tank main body, The outer diameter of the tank end portion decreases as the tank end portion moves away from the tank main body portion in the axial direction of the tank main body portion, 2. The fuel cell module described in claim 1, wherein the second frame has a frame main body portion located above the fuel tank and extending in the axial direction of the tank main body portion along the tank main body portion, and a frame end portion located between the frame main body portion and the two first supported portions and extending along the tank end portion.

3. the first mounting member is a fuel tank that stores a fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, the fuel tank has a cylindrical tank main body, a tank end portion located between the tank main body and the two first support portions in an axial direction of the tank main body, and a nozzle located at the tank end portion, the first frame has a pair of extension portions extending between the bottom portion and the first support portion and spaced apart from each other in an orthogonal direction that is a direction along the bottom surface and a direction perpendicular to an axis of the tank main body portion, 3. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein the base is located between the pair of extension portions.

4. A forklift equipped with the fuel cell module according to claim 1 or 2, The forklift is a counterbalanced forklift, The first frame has a front frame portion and a rear frame portion located rearward of the front frame portion of the forklift, The fuel cell is mounted on the front frame portion, the first support portions and the second support portions are provided on the rear frame portion, A forklift equipped with a fuel cell module, wherein the first mounting member is mounted on the rear frame portion.

Images