Vehicle safety device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle safety device that can discharge gaseous fuel from a fuel tank when an impact is applied to a vehicle from outside the vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle safety device with a fuel tank that stores gaseous fuel comprises: an auxiliary storage unit capable of storing gaseous fuel; a discharge unit that discharges the gaseous fuel from the fuel tank into the auxiliary storage unit; and an impact detection unit that detects impacts on the fuel tank and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank. In response to an impact detected by the impact detection unit, the discharge unit discharges the gaseous fuel inside the fuel tank to the auxiliary storage unit or to outside the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle safety device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, vehicles using fuel cells have been developed from the viewpoint of environmental consideration. Fuel cells use gaseous fuel such as hydrogen or methanol, and the vehicle is equipped with a fuel tank for storing the gaseous fuel. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cargo vehicle equipped with a fuel tank between a tractor head and a trailer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-126941 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such vehicles using gaseous fuel may be subjected to an external impact due to an accident or the like, and the fuel tank of the vehicle may be damaged by the impact. In addition, if the fuel tank of the vehicle is damaged, the gaseous fuel may leak from the fuel tank.

[0005] The gaseous fuel may be difficult to see, and in this case, even if the gaseous fuel is leaking from the fuel tank, it may be difficult to determine whether or not the gaseous fuel is leaking from the fuel tank.

[0006] Therefore, when a gaseous fuel-powered vehicle receives an impact from outside the vehicle, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the vehicle occupants and those around the vehicle with respect to the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and aims to provide a vehicle safety device that can properly discharge gaseous fuel in a fuel tank when an impact is applied to the vehicle from outside the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the problems described above, and can be realized in the following aspects or application examples.

[0009] (1) The vehicle safety device related to this application example is a safety device for a vehicle equipped with a fuel tank for storing gaseous fuel, and includes an auxiliary storage section capable of storing the gaseous fuel, a discharge section that discharges the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank to the auxiliary storage section, and an impact detection section that detects an impact to the fuel tank and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank, and when the impact is detected by the impact detection section, the discharge section discharges the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank to the auxiliary storage section.

[0010] According to this application example, when an impact from outside the vehicle is applied to the fuel tank and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can be discharged to the auxiliary storage section, thereby ensuring the safety of the occupants of the host vehicle and the surrounding area of ​​the host vehicle with respect to the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank.

[0011] (2) In the vehicle safety device relating to the application example of (1) above, the discharge section includes a connecting passage connecting the fuel tank and the auxiliary storage section, and a valve provided in the middle of the connecting passage and capable of switching between a connected state and a non-connected state for the fuel tank and the auxiliary storage section, and when the impact is detected by the impact detection section, the valve switches the non-connected state for the fuel tank and the auxiliary storage section to a connected state, and discharges the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank to the auxiliary storage section via the connecting passage.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can be discharged to the auxiliary storage section by controlling the valve. This makes it possible to easily discharge the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank. Furthermore, since the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can be discharged to the auxiliary storage section simply by controlling the valve, the discharge of the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can be started quickly. This makes it possible to quickly ensure the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle.

[0013] (3) The vehicle safety device related to this application example is a safety device for a vehicle equipped with a fuel tank that stores gaseous fuel, and includes an exhaust unit that exhausts the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank outside the vehicle, and an impact detection unit that detects an impact to the fuel tank and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank, and when the impact is detected by the impact detection unit, the exhaust unit exhausts the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank outside the vehicle.

[0014] According to this application example, when an impact from outside the vehicle is applied to the fuel tank and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can be discharged outside the host vehicle, and the safety of the occupants of the host vehicle and the surrounding area of ​​the host vehicle with respect to the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can be ensured.

[0015] (4) In a vehicle safety device relating to the application example of (3) above, the discharge section includes a discharge port, a connecting flow path connecting the fuel tank and the discharge port, a valve provided in the connecting flow path and capable of switching between a connected state and a non-connected state for the fuel tank and the discharge port, and a fire extinguisher tank provided in the connecting flow path downstream of the valve for storing a fire extinguisher, and when the impact is detected by the impact detection section, the valve switches the non-connected state for the fuel tank and the discharge port to a connected state, and the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank is mixed with the fire extinguisher in the connecting flow path and is then discharged from the discharge port.

[0016] According to the above configuration, by controlling the valve, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can be discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the vehicle. This makes it possible to easily discharge the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank. Furthermore, by controlling the valve, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can be appropriately discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the vehicle, so that the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can be quickly discharged. This makes it possible to quickly ensure the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle.

[0017] In addition, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank is mixed with the fire extinguishing agent and then discharged outside the vehicle through the exhaust port. Therefore, the concentration of the gaseous fuel can be diluted by the fire extinguishing agent. Therefore, for example, even if the gaseous fuel approaches something in a high temperature state, ignition can be suppressed. This ensures the safety of the vehicle and the surroundings against the gaseous fuel discharged outside the vehicle through the exhaust port.

[0018] (5) In the vehicle safety device relating to the application example of (4) above, the vehicle is a cab-over type truck, the exhaust outlet is provided at the rear and above the vehicle, and the fuel tank is provided between the cab portion of the vehicle and a cargo box of the vehicle.

[0019] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the gaseous fuel mixed with the fire extinguishing agent can be discharged upward outside the vehicle from the exhaust port located at the front of the vehicle away from the driver's seat, thereby further improving the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the surrounding area.

[0020] (6) In the vehicle safety device according to the application example of (1) or (3) above, the fuel tank is a cylinder.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the pressure of the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank is made substantially uniform. In other words, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a point where pressure is concentrated in the fuel tank. As a result, it is possible to safely store high-pressure gaseous fuel in the fuel tank.

[0022] (7) In the vehicle safety device according to the application example of (1) or (3) above, the gaseous fuel is hydrogen gas.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the traveling efficiency of the vehicle can be improved.

[0024] (8) In the vehicle safety device according to the application example of (1) or (3) above, a protective member that houses the fuel tank may be further included, and the impact detection unit may detect an impact to the protective member.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the protective member can protect the fuel tank from impacts from outside the vehicle, and the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can start to be discharged at the moment when the impact is transmitted to the protective member, thereby quickly ensuring the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the surrounding area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for specifically explaining a discharge processing unit of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a vehicle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram for specifically explaining a discharge processing unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a third modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] 1. Overall configuration of the vehicle according to the first embodiment First, a specific overall configuration of a vehicle 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing the overall configuration of a vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Note that Fig. 1 is also a view of the vehicle 10 as seen from above. Fig. 2 is also a view of the vehicle 10 as seen from the left. Furthermore, Fig. 2 omits illustration of some components related to Fig. 1. Furthermore, in Figs. 1 to 13, components hidden by other components may be indicated by dashed lines.

[0029] In addition, in this specification, the vehicle length direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the X direction or the front-rear direction. Furthermore, in this specification, the vehicle height direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the Z direction, the up-down direction, or the vertical direction. Furthermore, in this specification, the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the Y direction, the left-right direction, or the lateral direction.

[0030] The vehicle 10 is a vehicle that obtains power using gaseous fuel. The vehicle 10 may be a fuel cell vehicle (FCV: Fuel Cell Vehicle, or FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) or the like. The vehicle 10 may also be an engine vehicle that burns gaseous fuel. Specifically, the vehicle 10 is a fuel cell truck that uses hydrogen gas as the gaseous fuel. The vehicle 10 may also be a cab-over truck.

[0031] The body frame 20 of the vehicle 10 is, for example, a chassis frame with a ladder frame structure applied to large vehicles such as trucks, and supports various components of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the body frame 20 supports a fuel cell stack 30, a battery 32, a drive unit 34, a cab 60, a storage section 64, a cargo box 70, and the like.

[0032] The vehicle body frame 20 includes a pair of left and right side rails 22R, 22L, a plurality of cross members 24, and the like.

[0033] The pair of side rails 22R, 22L includes a right side rail 22R and a left side rail 22L, which extend in the vehicle length direction. The pair of side rails 22R, 22L are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction.

[0034] The multiple cross members 24 extend in the vehicle width direction and connect the ends and intermediate positions of the pair of side rails 22R, 22L.

[0035] The fuel cell stack 30 is a power generation device that generates power using gaseous fuel, and is one of the power sources of the vehicle 10. The fuel cell stack 30 is, for example, a solid polymer fuel cell, and generates power by chemically reacting an oxidant gas (air) and hydrogen gas.

[0036] The fuel cell stack 30 includes a plurality of stacked battery cells (not shown). Each battery cell includes an anode (fuel electrode), a cathode (air electrode), an electrolyte membrane, and the like.

[0037] The fuel cell stack 30 is connected to a fuel tank 66 (described later) by a hose (not shown) and a socket (not shown), and the like. Gas fuel is supplied from the fuel tank 66 to the fuel cell stack 30 .

[0038] Furthermore, the fuel cell stack 30 is electrically connected to a battery 32, a drive unit 34, etc., and the electric power generated by the fuel cell stack 30 is supplied to these.

[0039] The battery 32 is a higher-voltage, larger-capacity battery than a low-voltage battery (not shown) for electrical components, and is one of the power sources of the vehicle 10. The battery 32 is mounted in a battery case (not shown).

[0040] The battery 32 is electrically connected to the fuel cell stack 30 as well as the drive unit 34 and the like. The battery 32 is charged by receiving power from the fuel cell stack 30. The battery 32 also supplies power to the drive unit 34 and the like.

[0041] The drive unit 34 is a drive source for the vehicle 10, and includes an inverter 36, an electric motor (electric motor) 38, a gear box 40, a differential device 42, etc. In the drive unit 34, the inverter 36 and the like are integrally configured.

[0042] The inverter 36 is electrically connected to an electric motor 38, and the electric motor 38 is mechanically connected to a gear box 40. Furthermore, the gear box 40 is mechanically connected to a differential device 42.

[0043] The inverter 36 converts the DC power input from at least one of the fuel cell stack 30 and the battery 32 into AC power of a predetermined frequency, and outputs the AC power to the electric motor 38 .

[0044] The electric motor 38 , which is essentially a drive source, converts the electric power input from the inverter 36 side into drive force (rotational force) and outputs it to the gear box 40 .

[0045] The gear box 40 is a reduction mechanism equipped with a plurality of gears, and converts the rotation input from the electric motor 38 at a predetermined gear ratio and outputs it to the differential device 42 .

[0046] The differential 42 distributes the driving force input from the gear box 40 to the left and right drive shafts 44R, 44L, respectively.

[0047] The drive shaft 44R mechanically connects the drive unit 34 to a right rear wheel 46R, and the drive shaft 44L mechanically connects the drive unit 34 to a left rear wheel 46L.

[0048] The driving force generated by the drive unit 34 is transmitted to the rear wheels 46R, 46L via the drive shafts 44R, 44L. Therefore, the rear wheels 46R, 46L are driving wheels. The rear wheels 46R, 46L are suspended from the body frame 20 and support the weight of the vehicle 10.

[0049] The cab 60 is a structure including a driver's seat 62, a steering wheel (not shown), and the like, and is provided on the upper part of the body frame 20 at the front of the vehicle 10. The steering wheel is provided in front of the driver's seat 62.

[0050] The steering force applied to the steering wheel is transmitted to the front wheels 50R, 50L via a transmission mechanism (not shown) and the steering shaft 48. Therefore, the front wheels 50R, 50L are driven wheels. The front wheels 50R, 50L are suspended from the body frame 20 and support the weight of the vehicle 10.

[0051] The accommodation section 64 is a structure that accommodates a fuel tank 66, and is provided on the upper part of the body frame 20 between the cab 60 and the cargo box 70. The accommodation section 64 also accommodates the fuel tank 66, a protective member 68, and the like.

[0052] The fuel tank 66 is a container, specifically a cylinder, that stores high-pressure gaseous fuel. Gaseous fuel is stored in the fuel tank 66. The gaseous fuel stored in the fuel tank 66 is one of the power fuels for the vehicle 10.

[0053] As described above, the fuel tank 66 is connected to the fuel cell stack 30 via a hose or the like, and supplies hydrogen gas from the fuel tank 66 to the fuel cell stack 30. The pressure inside the fuel tank 66 is positive compared to the pressure inside an auxiliary storage section 84, which will be described later.

[0054] The vehicle 10 and the fuel tank 66 are compatible with a supply of gaseous fuel from outside the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 can replenish the fuel tank 66 with hydrogen gas at, for example, a hydrogen station.

[0055] The protective member 68 is a case that protects the fuel tank 66 from impact, and houses the fuel tank 66. Therefore, the protective member 68 is located near the fuel tank 66. The protective member 68 is, for example, a metal case.

[0056] The cargo box 70 is a structure on which luggage and the like are loaded, and is provided on the upper part of the body frame 20 behind the storage section 64.

[0057] The vehicle 10 of the first embodiment further includes a safety device 80. When an impact is applied to the vehicle 10 from outside the vehicle 10, the safety device 80 prevents the safety of the occupants of the vehicle 10 from being threatened due to damage to the fuel tank 66. The safety device 80 includes an impact detection unit 82, an auxiliary storage unit 84, and a discharge unit 86.

[0058] The impact detection unit 82 includes one or more impact detection sensors 83. As the impact detection sensor 83, for example, a general-purpose shock sensor, a general-purpose acceleration sensor, or the like can be used.

[0059] The impact detection sensor 83 is attached to the fuel tank 66 and / or near the fuel tank 66. Examples of the vicinity of the fuel tank 66 include the protective member 68, the storage section 64, the rear of the cab 60, the front of the cargo box 70, and the like.

[0060] When the impact detection sensor 83 is attached to the fuel tank 66 , the impact detection unit 82 can detect an impact applied to the fuel tank 66 from outside the vehicle 10 .

[0061] When the impact detection sensor 83 is attached near the fuel tank 66 , the impact detection unit 82 can detect an impact applied to the vicinity of the fuel tank 66 from outside the vehicle 10 .

[0062] Since the protective member 68 houses the fuel tank 66 , when an impact from outside the vehicle 10 is transmitted to the fuel tank 66 , the impact is transmitted to the fuel tank 66 via the protective member 68 .

[0063] Therefore, when the impact detection sensor 83 is attached to the fuel tank 66, the impact detection unit 82 can detect an impact applied to the fuel tank 66 and the protective member 68 from outside the vehicle 10.

[0064] Moreover, since the fuel tank 66 is housed in the housing portion 64, the same can be said when the impact detection sensor 83 is attached to the housing portion 64 or the like.

[0065] When the impact detection sensor 83 is attached to the fuel tank 66 or near the fuel tank 66, the impact detection unit 82 can detect an impact applied to the fuel tank 66 or near the fuel tank 66 from outside the vehicle 10.

[0066] For these reasons, the impact detection unit 82 is capable of detecting an impact applied to the fuel tank 66 and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank 66 from outside the vehicle 10.

[0067] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the impact detection unit 82 has two impact detection sensors 83, one impact detection sensor 83 is attached to the right side of the protective member 68, and the other impact detection sensor 83 is attached to the left side of the protective member 68.

[0068] 1 and 2, the impact detection unit 82 is capable of detecting an impact applied to the protective member 68 from outside the vehicle 10. Below, an example will be described in which the impact detection unit 82 is configured as shown in FIGS.

[0069] The auxiliary storage unit 84 is a container capable of storing gaseous fuel, for example, a cylinder. The auxiliary storage unit 84 is disposed at a position away from the fuel tank 66. In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the auxiliary storage unit 84 is disposed at the rear of the cargo box 70.

[0070] The discharge portion 86 discharges the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 to the auxiliary storage portion 84. The discharge portion 86 includes a connecting passage 88 and a valve 90.

[0071] The connecting flow passage 88 includes a hose, a socket, etc. The connecting flow passage 88 forms a flow passage for the gaseous fuel by connecting the fuel tank 66 and the auxiliary storage section 84. The upstream side of the connecting flow passage 88 is the fuel tank 66 side, and the downstream side is the auxiliary storage section 84 side.

[0072] The valve 90 is an electrically controllable two-way valve that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. The valve 90 is provided at a midpoint of the connecting flow passage 88. As a result, the valve 90 can be switched between a communicating state and a non-communicating state with the fuel tank 66 and the auxiliary storage section 84.

[0073] When the connecting flow path 88 is also used as a flow path for supplying liquid fuel to the fuel cell stack 30 from its upstream end to a midway position, the valve 90 is provided downstream of the midway position where the flow paths branch off.

[0074] 2. Electrical configuration of the vehicle according to the first embodiment 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the vehicle 10 of the first embodiment. In addition to the fuel cell stack 30 and the like, the vehicle 10 also includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 110, a storage unit 114, and the like.

[0075] The ECU 110 is electrically connected to each of the fuel cell stack 30, the battery 32, the drive unit 34, the impact detection unit 82, the valve 90, the memory unit 114, etc. via a circuit such as a bus. As described above, the fuel cell stack 30, the battery 32, the drive unit 34, etc. are electrically connected to one another.

[0076] The ECU 110 is an information processing unit that executes various processes in the vehicle 10. The ECU 110 may include only a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or may further include a storage unit 114, for example.

[0077] The storage unit 114 stores programs and data for implementing the operations of various components of the vehicle 10, and these are read out by the ECU 110 as necessary.

[0078] Furthermore, data output from various components is stored in the storage unit 114 by the ECU 110. The storage unit 114 includes, for example, a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM) and a non-volatile memory such as an embedded multi media card (eMMC).

[0079] The ECU 110 executes a program stored in the memory unit 114 to function as an emission processing unit 112. The emission processing unit 112 discharges the gas fuel in the fuel tank 66 to the auxiliary storage unit 84 by the discharge unit 86 when the impact detection unit 82 detects an impact on the protective member 68 from outside the vehicle 10.

[0080] The ECU 110 also controls the amount of gaseous fuel supplied from the fuel tank 66 to the fuel cell stack 30, the amount of power generated by the fuel cell stack 30, and the amount of power supplied from the battery 32 to the drive unit .

[0081] 3. Discharge process of gaseous fuel in the first embodiment Fig. 4 is a diagram for specifically explaining the discharge processing unit 112 of the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is also a diagram corresponding to Fig. 2. Specifically, when the impact detection unit 82 detects an impact on the protective member 68 from outside the vehicle 10, the discharge processing unit 112 switches the valve 90 from a closed state to an open state, thereby switching the fuel tank 66 and the auxiliary storage unit 84 from a non-communication state to a communication state.

[0082] As described above, the pressure in the fuel tank 66 is positive compared to the pressure in the auxiliary storage portion 84. Therefore, when the fuel tank 66 and the auxiliary storage portion 84 switch from a non-communication state to a communication state, as shown in Fig. 4, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 is discharged to the auxiliary storage portion 84 via the connecting flow path 88, and the gaseous fuel is stored in the auxiliary storage portion 84. This allows at least a portion of the gaseous fuel to move from the fuel tank 66 side to the auxiliary storage portion 84 side.

[0083] According to the safety device 80 of the first embodiment, when an impact from outside the vehicle 10 is applied to the fuel tank 66 and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank 66, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be discharged to the auxiliary storage portion 84.

[0084] Therefore, according to the safety device 80 of the first embodiment, even if an impact is applied to the fuel tank 66 from outside the vehicle, the safety of the occupants of the vehicle 10 and the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 10 can be ensured.

[0085] Further, in consideration of the safety of passengers in the vehicle 10, the auxiliary storage section 84 is preferably disposed in a position away from the driver's seat 62.

[0086] According to the discharge unit 86 of the first embodiment, when an impact is applied from outside the vehicle 10 to the fuel tank 66 and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank 66, the valve 90 can be controlled to discharge the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 to the auxiliary storage unit 84. Therefore, according to the discharge unit 86 of the first embodiment, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be easily discharged.

[0087] Furthermore, if the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be discharged to the auxiliary storage portion 84 simply by controlling the valve 90, the discharge of the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be started quickly. Therefore, the safety of the occupants of the vehicle 10 and those around the vehicle 10 can be quickly ensured.

[0088] In the vehicle 10 of the first embodiment, since the fuel tank 66 is a cylinder, the pressure of the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 is made approximately uniform. In other words, the vehicle 10 of the first embodiment can prevent the occurrence of any points where pressure concentrates in the fuel tank 66. Furthermore, for these reasons, the vehicle 10 of the first embodiment can safely store high-pressure gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66.

[0089] In the vehicle 10 of the first embodiment, the gaseous fuel is hydrogen gas, which can improve the running efficiency of the vehicle 10.

[0090] In the vehicle 10 of the first embodiment, the fuel tank 66 is housed in the protective member 68, and the impact detection unit 82 can detect an impact to the protective member 68 from outside the vehicle 10.

[0091] Therefore, according to the vehicle 10 of the first embodiment, the protective member can protect the fuel tank 66 from an impact from outside the vehicle 10, and the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank can start to be discharged at the time when the impact is transmitted to the protective member. This makes it possible to quickly ensure the safety of the occupants of the vehicle 10 and the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 10.

[0092] 4. Overall configuration of vehicle according to second embodiment The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the configuration of the safety device 80 of the vehicle 10 is changed. Therefore, the description that overlaps with the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified. Also, the second embodiment will be described by taking as an example a case where the impact detection unit 82 is configured similarly to the first embodiment.

[0093] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the vehicle 10 of the second embodiment. Fig. 5 is also a diagram showing the vehicle 10 as viewed from the left. In the second embodiment, the gas fuel in the fuel tank 66 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the auxiliary storage unit 84 is omitted from the safety device 80. In other words, the safety device 80 of the second embodiment includes an impact detection unit 82 and a discharge unit 86.

[0094] The discharge unit 86 of the second embodiment discharges the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 to the outside of the vehicle 10. The discharge unit 86 of the second embodiment also includes at least a connecting flow path 88, a valve 90, a fire extinguisher tank 92, and a discharge port 94. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the discharge unit 86 further includes an opening / closing unit 96 in addition to these.

[0095] The connecting flow passage 88 of the second embodiment forms a flow passage for the gaseous fuel by connecting the fuel tank 66 and the exhaust port 94. In the second embodiment, the upstream side of the connecting flow passage 88 is the fuel tank 66 side, and the downstream side is the exhaust port 94 side.

[0096] The valve 90 of the second embodiment can switch between a communication state and a non-communication state with at least the fuel tank 66 and the exhaust port 94. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the valve 90 switches between a communication state and a non-communication state with respect to the fuel tank 66 and the exhaust port 94.

[0097] The fire extinguisher tank 92 is a container for storing a fire extinguisher, such as a cylinder. The fire extinguisher in the fire extinguisher tank 92 may be in liquid form, powder form, or gas form.

[0098] As the extinguishing agent, for example, water, carbon dioxide, strengthening liquid, and hydrogen carbonate can be used. As the extinguishing agent, a powder containing sodium hydrogen carbonate as a main component can be used. In addition, two or more types of extinguishing agents may be stored in the extinguishing agent tank 92, and the shapes of the extinguishing agents may change due to a chemical reaction when they are discharged from the extinguishing agent tank 92. For example, the two or more types of extinguishing agents may be discharged as foam-like extinguishing agents or mist-like extinguishing agents when they are discharged from the extinguishing agent tank 92.

[0099] The fire extinguisher tank 92 is provided downstream of the valve 90 of the connecting flow passage 88. In the example shown in FIG.

[0100] The exhaust port 94 exhausts the gaseous fuel mixed with the fire extinguishing agent to the outside of the vehicle 10. The exhaust port 94 is provided at a position away from the driver's seat 62, for example, at the rear and upper part of the vehicle 10. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the exhaust port 94 is provided at the left rear and upper part of the cargo box 70.

[0101] Further, the exhaust port 94 is provided with an opening / closing unit 96. The opening / closing unit 96 switches the exhaust port 94 from a closed state to an open state. As the opening / closing unit 96, for example, an electrically controllable lid, a valve, or the like can be used. Below, an example will be described in which the opening / closing unit 96 is an electrically controllable lid.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the pressure in the fuel tank 66 is positive compared to the air pressure outside the vehicle 10, and the pressure in the fire extinguisher tank 92 is positive compared to the air pressure outside the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the pressure in the fuel tank 66 and the pressure in the fire extinguisher tank 92 are similar.

[0103] 5. Electrical configuration of the vehicle according to the second embodiment 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the vehicle 10 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the ECU 110 is also electrically connected to the opening / closing unit 96 via a circuit such as a bus.

[0104] In the second embodiment, when the impact detection unit 82 detects an impact on the fuel tank 66 and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank 66, the exhaust processing unit 86 exhausts the gas fuel in the fuel tank 66 outside the vehicle 10 from the exhaust port 94.

[0105] 6. Discharge process of gaseous fuel in the second embodiment Fig. 7 is a diagram for specifically explaining the discharge processing unit 112 of the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is also a diagram corresponding to Fig. 5. Specifically, when the impact detection unit 82 detects an impact on the fuel tank 66 and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank 66, the discharge processing unit 112 switches the valve 90 from a closed state to an open state, thereby switching the fuel tank 66 and the discharge port 94 from a non-communication state to a communication state.

[0106] At this time, the discharge processing unit 112 switches the opening / closing unit 96 from the closed state to the open state in accordance with the control of the valve 90.

[0107] As described above, the pressure in the fuel tank 66 is positive relative to the air pressure outside the vehicle 10, the pressure in the fire suppression tank 92 is positive relative to the air pressure outside the vehicle 10, and further, the pressures in the fuel tank 66 and the fire suppression tank 92 are similar.

[0108] Therefore, when the fuel tank 66 and the auxiliary storage section 84 switch from a non-communicating state to a communicating state and the opening / closing section 96 switches from a closed state to an open state, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 is mixed with the fire extinguisher downstream of the valve 90 of the connecting passage 88, as shown in Fig. 7. In addition, the gaseous fuel mixed with the fire extinguisher downstream of the valve 90 of the connecting passage 88 is discharged from the exhaust port 94 to the outside of the vehicle 10.

[0109] According to the safety device 80 of the second embodiment, when an impact is applied from outside the vehicle 10 to the fuel tank 66 and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank 66, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be discharged outside the vehicle 10.

[0110] Therefore, according to the safety device 80 of the second embodiment, when an impact is applied from outside the vehicle 10 to the fuel tank 66 and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank 66, the safety of the occupants of the vehicle 10 and the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 10 with respect to the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be ensured.

[0111] According to the discharge unit 86 of the second embodiment, when an impact from outside the vehicle 10 is applied to the fuel tank 66 and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank 66, the valve 90 can be controlled to discharge the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 to the outside of the vehicle 10 from the discharge port 94. Therefore, according to the discharge unit 86 of the second embodiment, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be easily discharged.

[0112] Furthermore, if the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be discharged from the exhaust port 94 to the outside of the vehicle 10 by controlling the valve 90, the discharge of the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be started promptly and appropriately. Therefore, the safety of the occupants of the vehicle 10 and the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 10 can be ensured promptly.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the discharge unit 86 of the second embodiment, the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 is mixed with the fire extinguishing agent and then discharged from the discharge port 94 to the outside of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the concentration of the gaseous fuel can be diluted by the fire extinguishing agent. Therefore, for example, even if the gaseous fuel approaches something in a high temperature state, ignition can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the discharge unit 86 of the second embodiment, the safety of the occupants of the vehicle 10 and the surroundings of the vehicle 10 can be ensured with respect to the gaseous fuel discharged from the discharge port 94 of the vehicle 10.

[0114] In the safety device 80 of the second embodiment, the exhaust port 94 is provided at the rear and above the vehicle 10. Therefore, according to the safety device 80 of the second embodiment, the gaseous fuel mixed with the fire extinguishing agent can be exhausted to the outside and above the vehicle 10 from the exhaust port 94 located away from the driver's seat 62. This can further improve the safety of the occupants of the vehicle 10 and the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 10.

[0115] In addition, since the exhaust unit 86 has the exhaust port 94 above the vehicle 10, it is possible to reduce the amount of gaseous fuel exhausted to the front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle 10. This can further improve the safety of the occupants of the vehicle 10 and the surroundings of the vehicle 10.

[0116] The gaseous fuel of this embodiment, i.e., hydrogen gas, is lighter than the air near the ground surface, so the gaseous fuel moves upwards in the vehicle 10 immediately after being discharged. This can further improve the safety of the passengers in the vehicle 10 and the vehicle 10 itself.

[0117] 7. Modifications, etc. The specific configurations shown in each embodiment are merely examples, and aspects of the present invention are not limited to the configurations shown in each embodiment.

[0118] The vehicle 10 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be configured as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are diagrams for explaining a first modified example of each embodiment. Also, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are diagrams of the vehicle 10 viewed from the left. Furthermore, Fig. 8 shows the vehicle 10 before an impact is detected by the impact detection unit 82, and Fig. 9 shows the vehicle 10 after an impact is detected by the impact detection unit 82. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 is the vehicle 10 of the second embodiment.

[0119] In the first modified example, the connecting flow path 88 from its upstream end to a midway position is also used as a flow path for supplying liquid fuel to the fuel cell stack 30. In addition, in the first modified example, the valve 90 is an electrically controllable three-way valve, and the valve 90 is provided at a midway position where the flow paths branch off.

[0120] In a first variant of the first embodiment, the discharge treatment unit 112 controls the valve 90 to switch the supply destination of the liquid fuel in the fuel tank 66 from the fuel cell stack 30 to the auxiliary storage unit 84, thereby switching the non-communicated state of the fuel tank 66 and the auxiliary storage unit 84 to a connected state.

[0121] In a first variant of the second embodiment, the exhaust processing unit 112 controls the valve 90 to switch the supply destination of the liquid fuel in the fuel tank 66 from the fuel cell stack 30 to the exhaust port 94, thereby switching the non-communicated state of the fuel tank 66 and the exhaust port 94 to a connected state.

[0122] The vehicle 10 of the second embodiment may be configured as shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are diagrams for explaining a second modified example of the second embodiment. Also, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are diagrams of the vehicle 10 viewed from the left. Furthermore, Fig. 10 shows the vehicle 10 before an impact is detected by the impact detection unit 82, and Fig. 11 shows the vehicle 10 after an impact is detected by the impact detection unit 82.

[0123] In the second modified example, the valve 90 is an electrically controllable three-way valve, and the fire extinguisher tank 92 is provided for the valve 90 on the connecting flow path 88. Also, in the second modified example, the valve 90 can be switched between a communication state and a non-communication state with respect to the fuel tank 66, the fire extinguisher tank 92, and the exhaust port 94.

[0124] In a second variant of the second embodiment, the exhaust treatment unit 112 controls the valve 90 to switch the non-communicating states of the fuel tank 66, the fire extinguisher tank 92, and the exhaust port 94 to a communicating state, and exhausts the gaseous fuel mixed with the fire extinguisher from the exhaust port 94 to outside the vehicle 10.

[0125] In addition, in the second variant of the second embodiment, the valve 90 has a similar role to the opening / closing unit 96, specifically, it also has the role of preventing the extinguisher in the extinguisher tank 92 from being unnecessarily discharged outside the vehicle 10, and therefore the opening / closing unit 96 may be omitted from the safety device 80.

[0126] The vehicle 10 of the second embodiment may be configured as shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are diagrams for explaining a third modified example of the second embodiment. Also, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are diagrams of the vehicle 10 viewed from the left. Furthermore, Fig. 12 shows the vehicle 10 before an impact is detected by the impact detection unit 82, and Fig. 13 shows the vehicle 10 after an impact is detected by the impact detection unit 82.

[0127] In the third modified example, the fire extinguisher tank 92 is provided downstream of the valve 90 in the connecting flow passage 88 via a valve 98. The valve 98 is an electrically controllable two-way valve.

[0128] In the third modification of the second embodiment, the exhaust treatment unit 112 switches both the valves 90 and 98 from a closed state to an open state, and exhausts the gaseous fuel mixed with the fire extinguishing agent from the exhaust port 94 to the outside of the vehicle 10.

[0129] In addition, in the third variant of the second embodiment, the valve 98 has a similar role to the opening / closing unit 96, specifically, it also has the role of preventing the extinguisher in the extinguisher tank 92 from being unnecessarily discharged outside the vehicle 10, and therefore the opening / closing unit 96 may be omitted from the safety device 80.

[0130] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, a proximity detection unit (not shown) may be provided instead of the impact detection unit 82. In this case, the discharge processing unit 112 starts discharging the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank 66 when the proximity detection unit detects the approach of an object to the fuel tank 66 and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank 66.

[0131] According to this configuration, when an object collides with the fuel tank 66 and / or the vicinity of the fuel tank 66 and the impact of the collision is applied to the fuel tank 66, the discharge of gaseous fuel within the fuel tank 66 can begin before the impact is transmitted to the fuel tank 66.

[0132] In the first embodiment, the positions of the fuel tank 66 and the protective member 68 are not particularly limited as long as they are within the vehicle 10. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the positions of the impact detection unit 82, the auxiliary storage unit 84, the connecting flow path 88, and the valve 90 are not particularly limited as long as they function as described above. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 84 may be supported by the body frame 20. Also, for example, the auxiliary storage unit 84 may be disposed between a pair of side rails 22R, 22L to prevent collision of an object with the auxiliary storage unit 84.

[0133] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the configuration of the discharge portion 86 is not particularly limited as long as the gas fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be discharged to the auxiliary storage portion 84 as described above.

[0134] In the second embodiment, the positions of the fuel tank 66 and the protective member 68 are not particularly limited as long as they are within the vehicle 10. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the positions of the impact detection unit 82, the connecting flow path 88, the valve 90, the fire extinguisher tank 92, the exhaust port 94, the opening / closing unit 96, and the like are not particularly limited as long as they function as described above.

[0135] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the configuration of the discharge portion 86 is not particularly limited as long as the gas fuel in the fuel tank 66 can be discharged to the outside of the vehicle 10 as described above.

[0136] In the second embodiment, the opening / closing portion 96 may simply close the exhaust port 94. In this case, when a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure is applied to the opening / closing portion 96, the opening / closing portion 96 switches from a closed state to an open state.

[0137] When the exhaust section 86 is configured as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 8 and 9, the predetermined pressure is set based on the pressure in the fuel tank 66 and the pressure in the extinguisher tank 92.

[0138] Specifically, the predetermined pressure is set so that the application of the pressure in the fuel tank 66 and the pressure in the fire extinguisher tank 92 causes the opening / closing unit 96 to switch from the closed state to the open state.

[0139] More specifically, the predetermined pressure is set to be smaller than the sum of the pressure in the fuel tank 66 and the pressure in the fire extinguisher tank 92 , and larger than the pressure in the fire extinguisher tank 92 .

[0140] When the discharge portion 86 is configured as shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the predetermined pressure is set based on at least one of the pressure in the fuel tank 66 and the pressure in the fire extinguisher tank 92.

[0141] Specifically, the predetermined pressure is set so that the opening / closing unit 96 switches from a closed state to an open state when the pressure inside the fuel tank 66 or the pressure inside the fire extinguisher tank 92 is applied.

[0142] More specifically, the predetermined pressure is set to be greater than the pressure in the fuel tank 66 or the pressure in the fire extinguisher tank 92 .

[0143] The valve 90 is controlled to open and close in order to discharge the gaseous fuel from the fuel tank 66. In addition to this, a suction pump or the like may be used to discharge the gaseous fuel from the fuel tank 66. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 10 Vehicles 20 Body frame 60 Cab 62 Storage unit 66 Fuel Tank 68 Protective Materials 70 Packing box 80 Safety equipment 82 Impact detection unit 83 Impact detection sensor 84 Auxiliary storage section 86 Discharge section 88 Connecting Channel 90 valves 92 Fire extinguishing body 94 Outlet 96 Opening and Closing Section 98 Valves

Claims

1. A safety device for a vehicle having a fuel tank for storing gaseous fuel, comprising: an auxiliary storage section capable of storing the gas fuel; a discharge section that discharges the gas fuel in the fuel tank to the auxiliary storage section; an impact detection unit that detects an impact to the fuel tank and / or a vicinity of the fuel tank, A safety device for a vehicle, wherein, when the impact is detected by the impact detection unit, the discharge unit discharges the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank to the auxiliary storage unit.

2. The discharge section is a connecting passage connecting the fuel tank and the auxiliary reservoir; a valve provided in the connecting flow path and switchable between a communication state and a non-communication state with respect to the fuel tank and the auxiliary storage portion, 2. The vehicle safety device according to claim 1, wherein when the impact is detected by the impact detection unit, the valve switches the non-communicating state of the fuel tank and the auxiliary storage unit to a communicating state, and discharges the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank to the auxiliary storage unit via the connecting flow path.

3. A safety device for a vehicle having a fuel tank for storing gaseous fuel, comprising: a discharge section that discharges the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank to the outside of the vehicle; an impact detection unit that detects an impact to the fuel tank and / or a vicinity of the fuel tank, A vehicle safety device, wherein when the impact is detected by the impact detection unit, the exhaust unit exhausts the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank to the outside of the vehicle.

4. The discharge section is An outlet; a connecting passage connecting the fuel tank and the exhaust port; a valve provided in the connecting flow path and capable of switching between a communication state and a non-communication state with respect to the fuel tank and the discharge port; a fire extinguisher tank provided downstream of the valve in the connecting flow path and configured to store a fire extinguisher; 4. The vehicle safety device according to claim 3, wherein when the impact is detected by the impact detection unit, the valve switches the non-communicating state between the fuel tank and the exhaust port to a communicating state, and the gaseous fuel in the fuel tank is mixed with the fire extinguisher in the connecting flow path before being discharged from the exhaust port.

5. The vehicle is a cab-over truck, The exhaust outlet is provided at the rear and upper part of the vehicle, 5. The vehicle safety device according to claim 4, wherein the fuel tank is provided between a cab portion of the vehicle and a cargo box of the vehicle.

6. 4. The vehicle safety device according to claim 1, wherein the fuel tank is a cylinder.

7. 4. The vehicle safety device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the gaseous fuel is hydrogen gas.

8. A protective member that houses the fuel tank is further provided. The vehicle safety device according to claim 1 , wherein the impact detection unit detects an impact on the protective member.

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