Cooling device of fuel cell vehicle

Abstract

To secure both of mountability and cooling performance in a cooling device of a fuel cell vehicle.SOLUTION: A cooling device 1 of a fuel cell vehicle 2 including a cab 21 and a chassis frame 22 and driving a travel motor 24 by power of a fuel cell 23 includes: a hydrogen gas storage section 3 and a heat exchange section 4. The hydrogen gas storage section 3 is installed on a rear side of the cab 21 and outside in a vehicle width direction D2 of the chassis frame 22 and stores hydrogen gas to be supplied to the fuel cell 23. The heat exchange section 4 is installed along the hydrogen gas storage section 3 outside in the vehicle width direction D2 of the hydrogen gas storage section 3 and performs heat exchange between a refrigerant 41 for cooling at least the fuel cell 23 and outside air. The heat exchange section has a first heat exchange section 4A performing heat exchange between the first refrigerant 41 for cooling the fuel cell 23 and the outside air and a third heat exchange section 4C performing heat exchange between a third refrigerant 43 which cools the motor 24 driven by power supplied from the fuel cell 23 and is different from the first refrigerant 41 and the outside air.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle having a cab and a chassis frame. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, fuel cell systems that generate electricity by utilizing a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen (air) have been known. In recent years, in order to reduce the burden on the environment, fuel cell systems have also been developed in the field of commercial vehicles, such as trucks equipped with cabs and chassis frames. Fuel cell systems used in commercial vehicles tend to be large in size because they require a large output in accordance with the weight of the commercial vehicle. Accordingly, the radiators for cooling the fuel cells also tend to be large in size because they are required to have high cooling performance. In response to this, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for ensuring the cooling capacity for the fuel cell by using multiple radiators in a fuel cell truck. In this technique, the multiple radiators are arranged under the cab together with the fuel cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-059299 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since the space below the cab generally accommodates a steering device as well as a fuel cell, it is difficult to secure a large space for mounting a radiator, and it is particularly difficult to install a large radiator with sufficient cooling performance. Therefore, the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of securing both the mountability and cooling performance of the radiator. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objects is to ensure both mountability and cooling performance in a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be realized in the following aspects or application examples. (1) The cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle in this application example is a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle that has a cab and a chassis frame and drives a driving motor with power from a fuel cell, and is equipped with a hydrogen gas storage section that is installed rearward of the cab and outwardly of the chassis frame in the vehicle width direction and that stores hydrogen gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, and a heat exchange section that is installed along the hydrogen gas storage section and outwardly of the hydrogen gas storage section in the vehicle width direction and that exchanges heat between at least a refrigerant that cools the fuel cell and outside air.

[0006] According to this application example, the heat exchange unit can be mounted by utilizing the dead space present on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the hydrogen gas storage unit. This makes it possible to ensure a larger mounting space for the heat exchange unit than in the conventional case where the heat exchange unit (radiator) is installed under the cab, making it possible to install a large heat exchange unit with sufficient cooling performance. In addition, with a heat exchange unit installed on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the hydrogen gas storage unit, the traveling wind of the fuel cell vehicle can be directly introduced into the heat exchange unit, improving the cooling performance of the heat exchange unit. Therefore, both mountability and cooling performance can be ensured in the cooling device for the fuel cell vehicle.

[0007] (2) The cooling device for the fuel cell vehicle according to this application example may include an outside air guide portion that guides outside air to the heat exchange portion. According to this configuration, the outside air is guided to the heat exchange section by the outside air guide section, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air in the heat exchange section. This improves the cooling performance of the heat exchange section, so that the equipment to be cooled, including the fuel cell, can be cooled more efficiently. This improves the reliability of the fuel cell vehicle.

[0008] (3) In the cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to this application example, the heat exchange unit may be provided separate from the hydrogen gas storage unit, and the outside air induction unit may include a casing that forms a passage for outside air between the hydrogen gas storage unit and the heat exchange unit. According to this configuration, the flow rate of outside air passing through the heat exchanger is increased by circulating the outside air through the passage formed by the casing, thereby improving the cooling performance of the heat exchanger, and enabling more efficient cooling of the target devices, including the fuel cell.

[0009] (4) In the cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to this application example, the outside air induction portion may include a fan that generates a flow of outside air that passes through the heat exchange portion. With this configuration, the fan can actively guide outside air to the heat exchanger. Therefore, even when the fuel cell vehicle is stopped, outside air can be circulated through the heat exchanger. This further improves the cooling performance of the heat exchanger, and the equipment to be cooled, including the fuel cell, can be cooled more efficiently.

[0010] (5) In the cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to this application example, the heat exchange unit may include a first heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between a first refrigerant that cools the fuel cell and outside air, and a second heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between a second refrigerant that cools a high-voltage battery that stores power for the fuel cell and is different from the first refrigerant, and the outside air. According to this configuration, the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are cooled by outside air independently in the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the fuel cell and the high-voltage battery can be improved compared to the case where the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are cooled together in a single heat exchange unit. In addition, the sizes (cooling performance) of the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit can be individually set according to the requirements of the fuel cell and the high-voltage battery, so that the fuel cell and the high-voltage battery can be cooled more efficiently.

[0011] (6) In the cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle relating to this application example, the hydrogen gas storage portion may include a first hydrogen gas storage portion provided on the vehicle width outward of one of a pair of side rails extending in the vehicle length direction on the chassis frame having a ladder frame structure, and a second hydrogen gas storage portion provided on the vehicle width outward of the other side rail, and the first heat exchange portion may be installed along the first hydrogen gas storage portion on the vehicle width outward of the first hydrogen gas storage portion, and the second heat exchange portion may be installed along the second hydrogen gas storage portion on the vehicle width outward of the second hydrogen gas storage portion. According to this configuration, the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit can be mounted by utilizing two dead spaces that exist on the outer side of the first hydrogen gas storage unit and the second hydrogen gas storage unit in the vehicle width direction. This allows a large mounting space for both the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit to be secured, making it possible to install large first heat exchange unit and second heat exchange unit with sufficient cooling performance. Therefore, cooling performance can be secured in each of the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit.

[0012] (7) In the cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to this application example, the heat exchange unit may include a third heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange between a third refrigerant, which is a refrigerant for cooling the motor and is different from the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, and outside air. According to this configuration, the first refrigerant, the second refrigerant, and the third refrigerant are cooled by outside air independently in the first heat exchange unit, the second heat exchange unit, and the third heat exchange unit. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the fuel cell, the high-voltage battery, and the motor can be improved compared to a case where at least two of the first refrigerant, the second refrigerant, and the third refrigerant are cooled together in a single heat exchange unit. In addition, the sizes (cooling performance) of the first heat exchange unit, the second heat exchange unit, and the third heat exchange unit can be individually set according to the requirements of the fuel cell, the high-voltage battery, and the motor, so that the fuel cell, the high-voltage battery, and the motor can be cooled more efficiently.

[0013] (8) In the cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to this application example, the third heat exchanger may be disposed along the second hydrogen gas storage portion on the outer side of the second hydrogen gas storage portion in a vehicle width direction. With this configuration, the first heat exchange unit, the second heat exchange unit, and the third heat exchange unit can be mounted by utilizing two dead spaces that exist on the outer side of the first hydrogen gas storage unit and the second hydrogen gas storage unit in the vehicle width direction. Also, by installing the first heat exchange unit for cooling the fuel cell in a space different from the second heat exchange unit and the third heat exchange unit, the size (cooling performance) of the first heat exchange unit can be made larger than the second heat exchange unit and the third heat exchange unit. This allows the first heat exchange unit to more efficiently cool the fuel cell, which has higher cooling requirements than the high-voltage battery and the motor.

[0014] (9) In the cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to this application example, the heat exchange unit may be supported by a bracket that fixes the hydrogen gas storage unit to the chassis frame. According to this configuration, the heat exchange unit can be mounted using the bracket for fixing the hydrogen gas storage unit, which reduces the number of parts and saves space compared to a case where a dedicated bracket is provided for the heat exchange unit. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, in a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle, both mountability and cooling performance can be ensured. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic top view of a fuel cell vehicle to which a cooling device according to a first embodiment is applied; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the cooling device of FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a side view of a part of the cooling device in FIG. 1 as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic view of a main part of the fuel cell vehicle of FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 is a perspective view (corresponding to FIG. 2) illustrating a cooling device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 4) that shows a schematic view of a main part of a fuel cell vehicle to which the cooling device of FIG. 5 is applied. [Figure 7] 11 is a schematic top view of a fuel cell vehicle to which a cooling device according to a second embodiment is applied. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of a main part of the fuel cell vehicle of FIG. 7, with the brace exploded. [Figure 9] 8 is a perspective view of a pedestrian guard provided in the fuel cell vehicle of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of a fuel cell vehicle to which a cooling device according to a third embodiment is applied. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of the cooling device of FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic view of a main part of the fuel cell vehicle of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 12) illustrating a cooling device according to a first modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 12) illustrating a cooling device according to a second modified example of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not specified in the embodiments. The configurations of the following embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the embodiments. In addition, they can be selected or combined as necessary.

[0018] [1. First embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] <Fuel cell vehicle> As shown in FIG. 1, a cooling device 1 for a fuel cell vehicle according to the first embodiment is applied to a fuel cell vehicle 2, which is a truck. Hereinafter, the "cooling device 1 for a fuel cell vehicle" will be simply referred to as the "cooling device 1", and the "fuel cell vehicle 2" will be simply referred to as the "vehicle 2". The vehicle 2 includes a cab 21 and a chassis frame 22, and drives a motor 24 for traveling with power from a fuel cell 23. The vehicle 2 of this embodiment further includes a high-voltage battery 25 that stores power from the fuel cell 23, and drives the motor 24 with the power stored in the high-voltage battery 25. In the drawings, the cab 21 and a mounted object 36, which will be described later, are both indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0019] The chassis frame 22 of this embodiment has a ladder frame structure. Specifically, the chassis frame 22 has a pair of side rails 26 extending in the vehicle length direction (front-rear direction) D1 and spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) D2, and a plurality of cross members 27 (only two are shown in FIG. 1 ) extending in the vehicle width direction D2 and connecting the side rails 26 to each other, forming a ladder shape. The front part of the chassis frame 22 supports the cab 21 from below. Meanwhile, the center part and the rear part of the chassis frame 22 in the vehicle length direction D1 support a mounted object 36 arranged behind the cab 21 from below. The mounted object 36 is, for example, a cargo box, and is also called a body.

[0020] The fuel cell 23 is a device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen (air). The fuel cell 23 is disposed, for example, below the cab 21 and between a pair of side rails 26. The fuel cell 23 is provided with various accessories 28 (hereinafter also referred to as FC accessories 28) related to the fuel cell 23, such as valves and compressors.

[0021] The high-voltage battery 25 is disposed, for example, between a pair of side rails 26, rearward of the cab 21 and the fuel cell 23. In addition, various electric auxiliaries 29 (hereinafter also referred to as E auxiliaries 29), a heater 30, and a DC / DC converter 31 are disposed rearward of the fuel cell 23 and forward of the high-voltage battery 25. The E auxiliaries 29 are specifically a water pump, a compressor, and a valve. The heater 30 is a device for heating the high-voltage battery 25. The DC / DC converter 31 is a device for raising and lowering the voltage of a direct current. The E auxiliaries 29, the heater 30, and the DC / DC converter 31 are all disposed between the pair of side rails 26.

[0022] The motor 24 is disposed, for example, between a pair of side rails 26, rearward of the high-voltage battery 25. The motor 24 is modularized with an inverter (not shown). An axle 32 including a reduction gear (not shown) is disposed rearward of the motor 24. An oil cooler 33 is disposed between the high-voltage battery 25 and the motor 24. The oil cooler 33 is a device that cools oil for cooling and lubricating the motor 24 and the axle 32. The oil cooler 33 in this embodiment is of a water-cooled type that exchanges heat between the oil and cooling water. Note that, when the motor 24 and the axle 32 are cooled with cooling water instead of oil, the oil cooler 33 is omitted.

[0023] <Cooling device> The cooling device 1 includes a hydrogen gas storage section 3 disposed rearward of the cab 21 and outward in the vehicle width direction D2 of the chassis frame 22, and a heat exchange section 4 disposed along the hydrogen gas storage section 3 and outward in the vehicle width direction D2 of the hydrogen gas storage section 3. In this embodiment, the hydrogen gas storage section 3 includes two tanks, a first tank (first hydrogen gas storage section) 3A and a second tank (second hydrogen gas storage section) 3B.

[0024] The first tank 3A is provided outward in the vehicle width direction D2 of one (the left side in FIG. 1) of a pair of side rails 26 that extend in the vehicle length direction D1 on the chassis frame 22 having a ladder frame structure. The second tank 3B is provided outward in the vehicle width direction D2 of the other (the right side in FIG. 1) side rail 26. Thus, in this embodiment, the first tank 3A is disposed on the left side of the left side rail 26, and the second tank 3B is disposed on the right side of the right side rail 26.

[0025] The hydrogen gas storage unit 3 (each of the first tank 3A and the second tank 3B) is a container that stores hydrogen gas to be supplied to the fuel cell 23, and is, for example, shaped like a cylinder with both ends blocked by semispherical surfaces, and is mounted in a position in which the axis of the cylinder extends along the vehicle length direction D1. In this embodiment, the first tank 3A and the second tank 3B are shaped identically to each other. However, the shape of the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 is not limited to the above example, and the two tanks 3A, 3B may have different shapes.

[0026] The hydrogen gas storage section 3 is disposed in the space between the front wheels 34 and rear wheels 35 of the vehicle 2. From the viewpoint of safety, the hydrogen gas storage section 3 is disposed inwardly by a predetermined dimension or more from an outer surface 37 of the vehicle 2 (for example, the outermost surface of the body 36) in the vehicle width direction D2. Therefore, a space of a predetermined dimension or more is provided outwardly of the hydrogen gas storage section 3 in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0027] As described above, the heat exchange unit 4 is disposed in a space of a predetermined dimension or more that is provided outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the hydrogen gas storage unit 3. In other words, the heat exchange unit 4 is mounted by utilizing the dead space that exists outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the hydrogen gas storage unit 3. The heat exchange unit 4 in this embodiment is provided spaced apart from the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0028] The heat exchange unit 4 is a device that exchanges heat between at least the refrigerant that cools the fuel cell 23 and outside air (for example, running wind). In this embodiment, the heat exchange unit 4 includes three radiators: a first radiator (first heat exchange unit) 4A for cooling the fuel cell 23, a second radiator (second heat exchange unit) 4B for cooling the high-voltage battery 25, and a third radiator (third heat exchange unit) 4C for cooling the motor 24. Each of the three radiators 4A, 4B, and 4C is an air-cooled heat exchanger that cools cooling water as a refrigerant with outside air. Each of the radiators 4A, 4B, and 4C in this embodiment has a thin box shape and is arranged such that the side with the largest area (the surface through which the outside air passes) is at least aligned along the vehicle length direction D1.

[0029] The first radiator 4A exchanges heat between the outside air and a first coolant (coolant) 41 that cools the fuel cell 23. The first radiator 4A in this embodiment is a cooling device dedicated to the fuel cell 23. Therefore, the first coolant 41 circulates between the fuel cell 23 and the first radiator 4A, and after cooling only the fuel cell 23, is cooled again by the first radiator 4A. The first radiator 4A is installed along the first tank 3A, outside the first tank 3A in the vehicle width direction D2. The dimension of the first radiator 4A in the vehicle length direction D1 is set to be approximately the same as that of a cylindrical portion of the first tank 3A, for example.

[0030] The second radiator 4B exchanges heat between the outside air and a second refrigerant (refrigerant) 42, which is a refrigerant that cools the high-voltage battery 25 and is different from the first refrigerant 41. The second radiator 4B in this embodiment is a cooling device for a water-cooling section 40 through which not only the high-voltage battery 25 but also the E-auxiliary equipment 29, the heater 30, and the DC / DC converter 31 pass. More specifically, the second refrigerant 42 circulates between the water-cooling section 40 and the second radiator 4B, and after cooling the high-voltage battery 25, the E-auxiliary equipment 29, the heater 30, and the DC / DC converter 31 in the water-cooling section 40, it is cooled again by the second radiator 4B. The second radiator 4B is installed along the second tank 3B, outside the second tank 3B in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0031] The third radiator 4C exchanges heat between the outside air and a third refrigerant (refrigerant) 43, which is a refrigerant for cooling the motor 24 and is different from the first refrigerant 41 and the second refrigerant 42. The third radiator 4C in this embodiment is a cooling device for the FC accessories 28 and the oil that cools the motor 24. Therefore, the third refrigerant 43 circulates through the FC accessories 28, the oil cooler 33, and the third radiator 4C, and cools the FC accessories 28, then cools the oil for cooling the motor 24 in the oil cooler 33, and is cooled again by the third radiator 4C. The third radiator 4C is installed along the second tank 3B, together with the second radiator 4B, outside the second tank 3B in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0032] 1 shows an example in which the second radiator 4B is installed in front of the third radiator 4C. Each dimension in the vehicle length direction D1 of the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C is set to, for example, about half of the cylindrical portion of the second tank 3B. 1 illustrates radiators 4A, 4B, and 4C in which the refrigerant inlet and outlet are provided on the same side (front end or rear end), but the layout of the refrigerant inlet and outlet in the heat exchanger 4 can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the first radiator 4A, the refrigerant inlet may be provided at the front end and the refrigerant outlet may be provided at the rear end. If the refrigerant inlet and outlet are provided on both sides of the heat exchanger 4 in the vehicle length direction D1 in this manner, the dimension of the heat exchanger 4 in the vehicle height direction (vertical direction) D3 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) can be reduced.

[0033] The cooling device 1 of this embodiment includes an outside air induction section 5 that induces outside air to the heat exchange section 4. The outside air induction section 5 includes a casing 6 that forms a passage for outside air between the heat exchange section 4 and the hydrogen gas storage section 3, and a fan 7 that generates a flow of outside air passing through the heat exchange section 4. In this embodiment, two casings 6 attached to the two tanks 3A, 3B, respectively, and a fan 7 disposed at the rear end of each casing 6 behind the tanks 3A, 3B are illustrated. Note that in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 7 and 10 described below, the casing 6 is indicated by a dashed line to make it easier to see the heat exchange section 4 and the like.

[0034] The casing 6 attached to the second tank 3B will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 4 as an example. As shown in Fig. 2, the casing 6 has a main body portion 6A provided to cover the second tank 3B (hydrogen gas storage portion 3) from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2, and a duct portion 6B provided to cover the second tank 3B from the rear. The casing 6 is made of, for example, plastic, and its edge portion is attached without any gaps to the outer surface of the second tank 3B via a rubber material 51. The casing 6 cooperates with a part of the outer surface of the second tank 3B to form a passage for outside air passing through the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C.

[0035] The main body 6A is substantially box-shaped. Openings 61 and 62 for fitting the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C are formed on the side surface of the main body 6A facing outward in the vehicle width direction D2. The second radiator 4B of the present embodiment is fitted into the opening 61 with the side surface having the largest area (the surface through which the outside air passes) aligned along the vehicle length direction D1 and the vehicle height direction D3. Similarly, the third radiator 4C is fitted into the opening 62 with the side surface having the largest area (the surface through which the outside air passes) aligned along the vehicle length direction D1 and the vehicle height direction D3. An outside air intake 63 is formed at the front end of the main body 6A facing outward in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0036] Duct portion 6B is a portion to which fan 7 is attached, and is disposed adjacent to the hemispherical rear end portion of second tank 3B. Fan 7 attached to duct portion 6B generates an air flow from the front to the rear inside casing 6. As shown by the thick arrow in Fig. 2, outside air is taken into casing 6 through intake port 63 and openings 61, 62 (second radiator 4B, third radiator 4C), flows rearward along the outer surface of second tank 3B, passes through fan 7, and is discharged to the rear of casing 6.

[0037] 3, the fan 7 is installed at an angle with respect to the vehicle height direction D3. This allows the diameter of the fan 7 to be enlarged inside the casing 6, compared to a case in which the fan 7 is installed along the vehicle height direction D3. This allows the flow rate of the outside air passing through the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C to be increased. The fan 7 may be disposed forward of the hydrogen gas storage section 3. However, various components for hydrogen replenishment are often disposed in front of the hydrogen gas storage section 3. For this reason, if the fan 7 is disposed behind the hydrogen gas storage section 3, it becomes easier to ensure mounting space in front of the hydrogen gas storage section 3 for arranging the various components for hydrogen replenishment.

[0038] 4, the casing 6, the second radiator 4B, and the third radiator 4C are supported by brackets 38, 39 that fix the second tank 3B to the chassis frame 22. Specifically, the brackets 38, 39 are composed of a mount 38 that supports the second tank 3B from below, and a rod-shaped stay 39 that is disposed above the second tank 3B. The mount 38 is fixed to the side rail 26. On the other hand, the stay 39 is fixed to the side rail 26 or the mount 38.

[0039] A side impact guard 44 for receiving an object colliding from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 is disposed outward of the second tank 3B in the vehicle width direction D2. The side impact guard 44 is formed, for example, in a rod shape extending in the vehicle length direction D1. Fig. 4 illustrates the side impact guard 44 disposed outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the casing 6, the second radiator 4B, and the third radiator 4C. The casing 6 attached to the first tank 3A is configured similarly to the casing 6 attached to the second tank 3B, except that only one opening is provided for fitting the first radiator 4A therein.

[0040] However, the shape of the casing 6 is not limited to the above example. The main body 6A of the casing 6 may not have the outside air inlet 63. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the main body 6A of the casing 6 may be divided into an upper main body 6C and a lower main body 6D. In this case, an opening 61 for fitting the second radiator 4B may be provided on one side of the upper main body 6C or the lower main body 6D, and an opening 62 for fitting the third radiator 4C may be formed on the other side of the upper main body 6C or the lower main body 6D. FIG. 5 illustrates a main body 6A in which an opening 61 for the second radiator 4B is provided on a side of the upper main body 6C, and an opening 62 for the third radiator 4C is provided on a side of the lower main body 6D.

[0041] When the main body 6A is divided into an upper main body 6C and a lower main body 6D, the side impact guard 44 may be disposed between the upper main body 6C and the lower main body 6D as shown in Fig. 6. According to this configuration, the side impact guard 44 can be disposed in the space between the upper main body 6C and the lower main body 6D, so that the side impact guard 44 can be prevented from protruding outward in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0042] [1-2. Actions and Effects] (1) According to the cooling device 1, the heat exchanger 4 is installed along the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 outside the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 in the vehicle width direction D2, so that the heat exchanger 4 can be installed by utilizing the dead space present outside the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 in the vehicle width direction D2. As a result, compared to the conventional case where the heat exchanger (radiator) is installed under the cab, a larger installation space for the heat exchanger 4 can be secured, so that a large heat exchanger 4 having sufficient cooling performance can be installed. In addition, according to the heat exchanger 4 installed outside the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 in the vehicle width direction D2, the traveling wind of the vehicle 2 can be directly introduced into the heat exchanger 4, so that the cooling performance of the heat exchanger 4 can be improved. Therefore, according to the cooling device 1, both the mountability and the cooling performance can be secured. Furthermore, by providing the heat exchange unit 4 in the dead space, the mounting space for the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 can be expanded compared to a case in which the heat exchange unit 4 is arranged next to the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 in the vehicle length direction D1. This allows the amount of hydrogen gas stored in the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 to be increased.

[0043] (2) If an outside air guiding unit 5 that guides outside air to the heat exchange unit 4 is provided, the outside air is guided to the heat exchange unit 4 by the outside air guiding unit 5, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air in the heat exchange unit 4. This improves the cooling performance of the heat exchange unit 4, so that the devices to be cooled, including the fuel cell 23, can be cooled more efficiently. This improves the reliability of the vehicle 2.

[0044] (3) If the outside air guide section 5 includes a casing 6 that forms a passage for outside air between the heat exchange section 4 and the hydrogen gas storage section 3, the flow rate of the outside air passing through the heat exchange section 4 can be increased by circulating the outside air through the passage formed by the casing 6. This improves the cooling performance of the heat exchange section 4, and the equipment to be cooled, including the fuel cell 23, can be cooled more efficiently.

[0045] (4) If the outside air induction section 5 includes the fan 7 that generates a flow of outside air passing through the heat exchange section 4, the outside air can be actively guided to the heat exchange section 4 by the action of the fan 7. Therefore, for example, even when the vehicle 2 is stopped, the outside air can be circulated through the heat exchange section 4. This further improves the cooling performance of the heat exchange section 4, and the devices to be cooled, including the fuel cell 23, can be cooled more efficiently.

[0046] (5) If the heat exchange unit 4 includes a first radiator 4A that exchanges heat between the first refrigerant 41 that cools the fuel cell 23 and the outside air, and a second radiator 4B that exchanges heat between the second refrigerant 42 that cools the high-voltage battery 25 and the outside air, the first refrigerant 41 and the second radiator 4B are cooled by the outside air independently of each other. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the fuel cell 23 and the high-voltage battery 25 can be improved compared to the case where the first refrigerant 41 and the second refrigerant 42 are cooled together by a single radiator. In addition, the sizes (cooling performance) of the first radiator 4A and the second radiator 4B can be set individually according to the requirements of the fuel cell 23 and the high-voltage battery 25, so that the fuel cell 23 and the high-voltage battery 25 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0047] (6) If the first radiator 4A and the second radiator 4B are installed on the outside of the first tank 3A and the second tank 3B, which are provided on the outside of the pair of side rails 26 in the vehicle width direction D2, respectively, the two radiators 4A, 4B can be mounted by utilizing two dead spaces present on the outside of the two tanks 3A, 3B in the vehicle width direction D2. This allows a large mounting space for both the two radiators 4A, 4B to be secured, making it possible to install large first radiators 4A and second radiators 4B with sufficient cooling performance. Therefore, the cooling performance can be secured in each of the first radiator 4A and the second radiator 4B.

[0048] (7) If the heat exchange unit 4 includes a third radiator 4C that exchanges heat between the third refrigerant 43 for cooling the motor 24 and the outside air, the first refrigerant 41, the second refrigerant 42, and the third refrigerant 43 are cooled by the outside air independently of one another by the three radiators 4A, 4B, and 4C. This improves the cooling efficiency of the fuel cell 23, the high-voltage battery 25, and the motor 24 compared to a case in which at least two of the first refrigerant 41, the second refrigerant 42, and the third refrigerant 43 are cooled together by a single radiator. In addition, the size (cooling performance) of each of the three radiators 4A, 4B, and 4C can be set individually according to the requirements of the fuel cell 23, the high-voltage battery 25, and the motor 24, so that the fuel cell 23, the high-voltage battery 25, and the motor 24 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0049] (8) If the first radiator 4A is installed outside the first tank 3A in the vehicle width direction D2, and the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C are installed outside the second tank 3B in the vehicle width direction D2, the three radiators 4A, 4B, and 4C can be mounted by utilizing two dead spaces that exist outside the two tanks 3A and 3B in the vehicle width direction D2. In addition, by installing the first radiator 4A for cooling the fuel cell 23 in a space different from the other two radiators 4B and 4C, the size (cooling performance) of the first radiator 4A can be made larger than the other two radiators 4B and 4C. This allows the fuel cell 23, which has a higher cooling requirement than the high-voltage battery 25 and the motor 24, to be cooled more efficiently by the first radiator 4A.

[0050] (9) If the heat exchange unit 4 is supported by brackets 38, 39 that secure the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 to the chassis frame 22, the heat exchange unit 4 can be mounted using the brackets 38, 39 for securing the hydrogen gas storage unit 3. This allows for a reduction in the number of parts and space savings compared to a case in which a dedicated bracket is provided for the heat exchange unit 4.

[0051] (10) If the fan 7 is installed behind the hydrogen gas storage section 3, restrictions on the installation space for the fan 7 can be alleviated compared to when the fan 7 is installed between the hydrogen gas storage section 3 and the heat exchange section 4. This allows the fan 7 to be made larger. Furthermore, if the duct section 6B of the casing 6 to which the fan 7 is attached is disposed adjacent to a semispherical portion of the hydrogen gas storage section 3, the protrusion of the duct section 6B in the vehicle width direction D2 can be suppressed compared to when the duct section 6B is disposed adjacent to a cylindrical portion of the hydrogen gas storage section 3. This allows the installation space for the fan 7 to be secured while saving space for the cooling device 1 in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0052] (11) If the outside air intake 63 and the fan 7 are provided at both ends of the casing 6 in the vehicle length direction D1, a flow of outside air along the vehicle length direction D1 is easily generated inside the casing 6, so that the air pressure inside the casing 6 can be equalized across the vehicle length direction D1. This makes it possible to smooth the flow of outside air inside the casing 6.

[0053] (12) If the fan 7 generates an air flow from the front to the rear, the air flow generated by the fan 7 will be in the same direction as the wind as the vehicle 2 moves, and the wind can be smoothly guided to the heat exchanger 4. This also makes it easier to ensure the flow rate of outside air passing through the heat exchanger 4, thereby improving the cooling performance of the heat exchanger 4.

[0054] (13) When the fan 7 is installed at an angle with respect to the vehicle height direction D3, the diameter of the fan 7 can be made larger inside the casing 6 compared to when the fan 7 is installed along the vehicle height direction D3. This also makes it easier to ensure the flow rate of outside air passing through the heat exchanger 4, thereby improving the cooling performance of the heat exchanger 4.

[0055] [2. Second embodiment] [2-1. Configuration] 7, the cooling device 1' according to the second embodiment is different from the cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment in the shape of a casing 6' in an outside air induction section 5 and in the arrangement of a fan 7. Hereinafter, elements that are the same as or correspond to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0056] In the outside air induction section 5 of this embodiment, two casings 6' are attached to the two tanks 3A, 3B, respectively, and a fan 7 that generates a flow of outside air passing through the heat exchange section 4 is disposed in the space between the heat exchange section 4 and the hydrogen gas storage section 3. The fan 7 is installed in a position directly facing the heat exchange section 4. As a result, the fan 7 generates a flow of outside air that is perpendicular to the side of the heat exchange section 4 that has the largest area.

[0057] 7 shows an example in which three fans 7 are arranged side by side in the vehicle length direction D1 in the space between the first radiator 4A and the first tank 3A, and three fans 7 are also arranged side by side in the vehicle length direction D1 between the second radiator 4B and the second tank 3B and between the second tank 3B and the third radiator 4C and the first tank 3B. However, the number of fans 7 is not limited to this.

[0058] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, a casing 6' attached to the second tank 3B will be described as an example. As shown in Figure 8, the casing 6' of this embodiment is provided to cover the second tank 3B (hydrogen gas storage section 3) from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2, similar to the main body section 6A described in the first embodiment, and is generally box-shaped. Openings 61, 62 for fitting the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C, respectively, are formed on the side surface of the casing 6' facing outward in the vehicle width direction D2. In addition, an exhaust port 64 for outside air is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the casing 6'.

[0059] The fan 7 in this embodiment is installed between the side surface of the casing 6' on which the openings 61, 62 are formed and the outer surface of the second tank 3B (hydrogen gas storage section 3). In other words, all of the fans 7 are disposed inside the casing 6'. The fan 7 in this embodiment generates an air flow that flows from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction D2 (from the outside of the heat exchange section 4 in the vehicle width direction D2 to the hydrogen gas storage section 3).

[0060] In this embodiment as well, the casing 6', the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C are supported by brackets 38, 39 that fix the second tank 3B to the chassis frame 22. Note that the casing 6' in this embodiment may also be divided into an upper body portion 6C and a lower body portion 6D as shown in Figures 5 and 6, similar to the main body portion 6A of the casing 6 described in the first embodiment.

[0061] A pedestrian guard 10 is disposed outside the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C in the vehicle width direction D2 to protect a pedestrian who may be hit from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2. The pedestrian guard 10 has a number of holes 11 penetrating in the vehicle width direction D2 to allow outside air to flow into the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C. As shown in FIG. 9, the pedestrian guard 10 has, for example, a number of hexagonal cylindrical tubes 12, a lattice-shaped frame 13 supporting the tubes 12, and a panel 14 joined to one end of the tubes 12. The panel 14 has a number of through holes communicating with the hollow portions of the tubes 12. In this way, the hollow portions of the tubes 12 communicate with the through holes of the panel 14, thereby forming the above-mentioned holes 11 penetrating in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 8, the pedestrian guard 10 is mounted on the vehicle 2 in a position in which the panel 14 is located further outward in the vehicle width direction D2 than the tube portion 12. As shown by the thick arrow in Fig. 8, the outside air passes through the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C by flowing from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction D2 through the hole portion 11 of the pedestrian guard 10 due to the action of the fan 7. The outside air then flows upward and downward along the outer surface of the second tank 3B and is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 2 from the exhaust port 64 of the casing 6'.

[0063] As shown in an exploded view in Fig. 8, a brace 8 is disposed between the pedestrian guard 10 and the second tank 3B to transmit the impact force input to the pedestrian guard 10 to the second tank 3B. The brace 8 is a plate-shaped member extending along the vehicle width direction D2 and the vehicle height direction D3, and has a notch 8a along the outer surface of the second tank 3B. The brace 8 is disposed outside (front or rear) the casing 6' in a state of contact with both the pedestrian guard 10 and the second tank 3B. Preferably, a plurality of braces 8 are disposed at intervals from one another in the vehicle length direction D1.

[0064] As shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 8, deflectors 46 for controlling the flow of outside air may be provided at the upper and lower ends of the pedestrian guard 10. Here, a deflector 46 having a triangular cross section is illustrated. If such a deflector 46 is provided, the outside air discharged outward from the exhaust port 64 in the vehicle width direction D2 can flow obliquely upward or downward, thereby suppressing swirling (vortex) of the outside air.

[0065] [2-2. Actions and Effects] According to the cooling device 1' of this embodiment, the fan 7 is disposed in the space between the heat exchange section 4 and the hydrogen gas storage section 3, so that the flow of outside air passing through the heat exchange section 4 can be efficiently generated by the fan 7. As a result, the cooling performance of the heat exchange section 4 is improved, so that the equipment to be cooled, including the fuel cell 23, can be efficiently cooled. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a mounting space for the fan 7 (the duct section 6B in the first embodiment) at the front end or rear end of the casing 6', it is possible to make the casing 6' more compact and to expand the heat exchange section 4 in the vehicle length direction D1.

[0066] If the pedestrian guard 10 is installed outward from the heat exchange unit 4 in the vehicle width direction D2, it is possible to ensure protection for pedestrians who may collide with the heat exchange unit 4 from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2, even if the side collision guard 44 shown in the first embodiment is not provided. Furthermore, the pedestrian guard 10 provided with a large number of holes 11 ensures protection for pedestrians as described above, while allowing outside air to pass through the heat exchange unit 4 through the holes 11, so that the cooling performance of the heat exchange unit 4 can be maintained.

[0067] If the deflectors 46 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the pedestrian guard 10, the swirling of the outside air discharged from the casing 6' is suppressed, and the outside air discharged from the casing 6' is prevented from re-flowing into the heat exchanger 4. This makes it easier for new cold outside air to flow into the heat exchanger 4, improving the cooling performance of the heat exchanger 4.

[0068] If the brace 8 is disposed between the pedestrian guard 10 and the hydrogen gas storage section 3, the impact force input to the pedestrian guard 10 can be transmitted to the hydrogen gas storage section 3 through the brace 8. This allows the impact force to be absorbed by the hydrogen gas storage section 3, which has a relatively high strength, so the heat exchange section 4 can be protected from the impact force. In addition, according to the cooling device 1' of this embodiment, the same functions and effects can be obtained from the same configuration as the cooling device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0069] [3. Third embodiment] [3-1. Configuration] As shown in FIG. 10, the cooling device 1" of the third embodiment is different from the cooling device 1 of the first embodiment in the shape of the heat exchange section 4, and also in the configurations of the casing 6" and the fan 7" in the outside air induction section 5. In this embodiment, the heat exchange section 4 and the fan 7" are arranged offset from each other in the vehicle height direction D3. Furthermore, in the outside air induction section 5 of this embodiment, the two casings 6" are arranged along the outer sides of the two tanks 3A, 3B in the vehicle width direction D2, and the fan 7" that generates the flow of outside air that passes through the heat exchange section 4 is also arranged along the outer sides of the two tanks 3A, 3B in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0070] FIG. 10 shows an example in which one fan 7″ is arranged for each of the tanks 3A, 3B. However, the number of fans 7″ is not limited to this, and two or more fans 7″ may be arranged side by side in the vehicle length direction D1 for each of the tanks 3A, 3B.

[0071] Hereinafter, the heat exchanger 4 (second radiator 4B and third radiator 4C) on the second tank 3B side and the outside air guide unit 5 will be described as an example with reference to Figs. 11 and 12. As shown in Fig. 11, the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C of this embodiment have a curved L-shaped cross section, and are arranged with both ends of the L-shaped cross section facing inward and upward in the vehicle width direction D2. Here, an example is shown in which the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C are arranged side by side in the vehicle length direction D1. The second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C are preferably provided in contact with the outer surface of the second tank 3B from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 without any gaps.

[0072] On the other hand, the casing 6" in this embodiment is in the form of a thin plate and functions as a straightening vane. The casing 6" illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 has a flat plate-like portion 6e arranged along the vehicle length direction D1 and the vehicle width direction D2, and a partially cylindrical curved portion 6f attached to the outer surface of the second tank 3B, and has a J-shaped cross section.

[0073] The casing 6" receives outside air flowing in from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 and guides it downward, thereby guiding the outside air between the second radiator 4B and the second tank 3B and between the third radiator 4C and the second tank 3B. For this reason, it can be said that the casing 6" of this embodiment also forms a passage for outside air between the heat exchange section 4 and the hydrogen gas storage section 3. The casing 6" may be attached without any gaps to the outer surface of the second tank 3B via the rubber material 51 described in the first embodiment above.

[0074] The fan 7" of this embodiment is of the type used in general home air conditioners and is also called a crossflow fan or tangential fan, which generates an airflow perpendicular to its rotation axis. The fan 7" has a cylindrical motor section 7a and a cylindrical rotor section 7b that is smaller in diameter than the motor section 7a and longer in the axial direction. The motor section 7a and the rotor section 7b are arranged coaxially and connected to each other.

[0075] The fan 7" is mounted in an orientation such that the axial directions of the motor section 7a and rotor section 7b coincide with the vehicle length direction D1. The motor section 7a is disposed adjacent to the hemispherical portion of the second tank 3B, and the rotor section 7b is disposed in the space surrounded by the curved section 6f of the casing 6". When driven by the motor section 7a, the fan 7" causes outside air flowing into the rotor section 7b from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 to flow downward from the rotor section 7b.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 12, the casing 6" in this embodiment is supported by stays 39 that fix the second tank 3B to the chassis frame 22. A side impact guard 44 is arranged outward of the second tank 3B in the vehicle width direction D2. The side impact guard 44 in this embodiment is located below the fan 7" and above the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C. A flow straightening material 47 is installed on the upper surface of the side impact guard 44 to optimize the flow of outside air by filling the gap between the rotor portion 7b of the fan 7" and the side impact guard 44. Note that in FIG. 12 and Figures 13 and 14 described below, a cross section of the rotor portion 7b of the fan 7" is shown in a simplified form.

[0077] Although not shown in the present embodiment, the brace 8 described in the second embodiment may be added between the second tank 3B and the side impact guard 44. When the brace 8 is added to the structure of this embodiment, a circular through hole is provided in the brace 8 to avoid interference with the fan 7". Also, in this embodiment, the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C may be supported by a mount 38 that fixes the second tank 3B to the chassis frame 22.

[0078] As shown by the thick arrows in FIG. 12, the outside air flows from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 into the rotor portion 7b due to the action of the casing 6" and the fan 7", then flows downward along the outer surface of the second tank 3B and passes through the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C. In this way, the outside air flows downward from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 and is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 2.

[0079] However, the flow direction of the outside air is not limited to the above example. As shown in FIG. 13, the casing 6" and the fan 7" may be disposed below the side impact guard 44 and the heat exchanger 4 may be disposed above the side impact guard 44, so that the outside air flows from below to above. In this case, the fan 7" is driven by the motor unit 7a to cause the outside air flowing into the rotor unit 7b from below to flow out upward from the rotor unit 7b.

[0080] The second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C of the first modified example shown in FIG. 13 are arranged with both ends of the L-shaped cross section facing inward and downward in the vehicle width direction D2. Moreover, the casing 6" of this modified example is arranged to surround the fan 7" from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2. The casing 6" prevents the outside air flowing from below from diverting outward in the vehicle width direction D2, thereby guiding the outside air between the second radiator 4B and the second tank 3B and between the third radiator 4C and the second tank 3B. A straightening material 48 is arranged on the outer surface of the second tank 3B to fill the gap between the rotor portion 7b of the fan 7" and the second tank 3B and to optimize the flow of the outside air.

[0081] As shown by the thick arrows in FIG. 13, the outside air flows from below into the rotor portion 7b due to the action of the fan 7'' and the casing 6'', then flows upward, travels upward along the outer surface of the second tank 3B, and passes through the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C. Thus, in this modified example, the outside air flows from below to above and is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 2.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 14, the casing 6" may be installed below the side impact guard 44 so as to guide upward the outside air flowing in from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2. In this case, the fan 7" is driven by the motor unit 7a to cause the outside air flowing into the rotor unit 7b from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 to flow upward from the rotor unit 7b. In addition, the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C may both be formed in a thin box shape and arranged at right angles to each other to form an L shape.

[0083] In the second modified example shown in FIG. 14, the second radiator 4B is disposed along the vehicle width direction D2 and the vehicle length direction D1, and the third radiator 4C is disposed along the vehicle height direction D3 and the vehicle length direction D1. The casing 6″ of this modified example is disposed so as to surround the fan 7″ from below, and the curved portion 6f is attached to the outer surface of the second tank 3B. The casing 6″ receives outside air flowing from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 and guides it upward, thereby guiding the outside air between the second radiator 4B and the second tank 3B and between the third radiator 4C and the second tank 3B. A straightening material 48 is disposed on the outer surface of the second tank 3B above the casing 6″ to fill a gap between the rotor portion 7b of the fan 7″ and the second tank 3B and to optimize the flow of the outside air.

[0084] As shown by the thick arrows in FIG. 14, the outside air flows from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 into the rotor portion 7b due to the action of the fan 7" and the casing 6", then flows upward, travels upward along the outer surface of the second tank 3B, and passes through the second radiator 4B and the third radiator 4C. Thus, in this modified example, the outside air flows from the outside to the upward in the vehicle width direction D2 and is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 2.

[0085] [3-2. Actions and Effects] According to the cooling device 1'' of this embodiment, the fan 7'', which is a cross-flow fan, is provided along the hydrogen gas storage section 3, so that the dimensions of the fan 7'' can be easily adjusted to match the dimensions of the hydrogen gas storage section 3. Therefore, even if the length of the hydrogen gas storage section 3 in the vehicle length direction D1 varies, a fan 7'' with dimensions that fit the hydrogen gas storage section 3 can be easily installed.

[0086] Because the heat exchange unit 4 and the fan 7" are positioned offset from each other in the vehicle height direction D3, the heat exchange unit 4 and the fan 7" can be mounted more compactly in the vehicle width direction D2 than if the heat exchange unit 4 and the fan 7" were positioned side by side in the vehicle width direction D2 at the same position in the vehicle height direction D3. This makes it easier to secure space for installing the side impact guard 44. Installing the side impact guard 44 outboard of the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 in the vehicle width direction D2 improves collision resistance in the event of a side impact.

[0087] The heat exchanger 4 having an L-shaped cross section can be mounted compactly while ensuring the surface area through which the outside air passes. The same action and effect can be obtained by the heat exchanger 4 having two radiators (for example, the above-mentioned second radiator 4B and third radiator 4C) arranged at right angles to each other so as to form an L shape.

[0088] If the motor section 7a, which has a larger diameter than the rotor section 7b in the fan 7'', is positioned adjacent to the hemispherical portion of the hydrogen gas storage section 3, the protrusion of the motor section 7a in the vehicle width direction D2 can be reduced compared to when the motor section 7a is positioned adjacent to the cylindrical portion of the hydrogen gas storage section 3.As a result, it is possible to secure mounting space for the fan 7'' while saving space for the cooling device 1'' in the vehicle width direction D2. In addition, according to the cooling device 1'' of this embodiment, the same functions and effects can be obtained from the same configuration as the cooling devices 1, 1' of the first and second embodiments.

[0089] [4. Modifications] Each of the configurations of the cooling devices 1, 1', 1" described above is merely an example. The cooling device is required to include at least the hydrogen gas storage section 3 and the heat exchange section 4, and the outside air induction section 5 may be omitted. Furthermore, the number of tanks 3A, 3B included in the hydrogen gas storage section 3 and the number of radiators 4A, 4B, 4C included in the heat exchange section 4 are not particularly limited.

[0090] The arrangement of the hydrogen gas storage unit 3 and the heat exchange unit 4 is not limited to the above example. For example, the three radiators included in the heat exchange unit 4 may be installed along one tank serving as the hydrogen gas storage unit 3. Alternatively, the three radiators included in the heat exchange unit 4 may be installed along the three tanks included in the hydrogen gas storage unit 3, respectively. Note that the object to be cooled by the refrigerant that undergoes heat exchange in the heat exchange unit 4 needs to include at least the fuel cell 23.

[0091] The above-mentioned configuration of the outside air induction unit 5 is also one example. The outside air induction unit 5 may include only one of the casing and the fan, or may include configurations other than the casing and the fan. In addition, the shape of the casing and the type and arrangement of the fan are not limited to the above-mentioned example, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0092] The radiator included in the heat exchange unit 4 may have a plurality of passages independent of each other inside. For example, two types of passages, a passage through which a relatively high temperature refrigerant flows and a passage through which a relatively low temperature refrigerant flows, may be formed inside one radiator. The configuration of the vehicle 2 described above is one example. The vehicle 2 of the first and third embodiments may be provided with the pedestrian guard 10 described in the second embodiment instead of the side impact guard 44. The pedestrian guard 10 shown in FIG. 9 is one example. The pedestrian guard 10 may be formed to allow outside air to flow into the heat exchanger 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1,1',1" Cooling device (cooling device for fuel cell vehicles) 2 Vehicles (Fuel Cell Vehicles) 3 Hydrogen gas storage section 3A First tank (first hydrogen gas storage section) 3B Second tank (second hydrogen gas storage section) 4 Heat exchange section 4A First radiator (first heat exchange section) 4B Second radiator (second heat exchange section) 4C Third radiator (third heat exchange section) 5. Outside air induction section 6,6′,6″ casing 6A Main unit 6B Duct section 6C Upper part of the body 6D Bottom of the body 6e Hirabe 6f curved section 7,7″ fan 7a Motor section 7b Rotor section 8. Braces 8a Cutout 10 Pedestrian Guard 11 Hole 12 Cylinder part 13 Frame 14 Panel 21 Cab 22 Chassis frame 23 Fuel Cell 24 Motor 25 High Voltage Battery 26 Side rail 27 Cross member 28 FC Auxiliary Unit 29 E Auxiliary 30 Heater 31 DC / DC converter 32 Axle 33 Oil cooler 34 Front wheel 35 Rear wheel 36 Bodywork 37 Exterior 38 Mount (bracket) 39 Stay (bracket) 40 Water cooling section 41 First refrigerant (refrigerant) 42 Second refrigerant (refrigerant) 43 Third refrigerant (refrigerant) 44 Side impact guard 46 Deflector 47 Rectifier 48 Rectifier 51 Rubber material 61 Aperture 62 Aperture 63 Intake 64 Outlet D1 Vehicle length direction (front / rear direction) D2 Vehicle width direction (left and right) D3 Vehicle height direction (up and down)

Claims

1. A cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle that includes a cab and a chassis frame and drives a motor for traveling using electric power from a fuel cell, a hydrogen gas storage section that is disposed rearward of the cab and outward of the chassis frame in a vehicle width direction and that stores hydrogen gas to be supplied to the fuel cell; a heat exchange unit that is provided along the hydrogen gas storage unit and outwardly of the hydrogen gas storage unit in a vehicle width direction and that exchanges heat between at least a refrigerant that cools the fuel cell and outside air, The heat exchange unit includes a first heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange between a first refrigerant that cools the fuel cell and outside air, and a third heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange between a third refrigerant that cools a motor driven by electric power supplied from the fuel cell and is different from the first refrigerant and the outside air. A cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle.

2. An outside air guide section is provided to guide outside air to the heat exchange section.

2. The cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The heat exchange unit is provided apart from the hydrogen gas storage unit, The outside air induction section includes a casing that forms a passage for outside air between the hydrogen gas storage section and the heat exchange section.

3. The cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 2.

4. The outside air induction unit includes a fan that generates a flow of outside air passing through the heat exchange unit.

4. The cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the hydrogen gas storage portion includes a first hydrogen gas storage portion provided on the outer side of one of a pair of side rails extending in a vehicle length direction in the chassis frame having a ladder frame structure, and a second hydrogen gas storage portion provided on the outer side of the other of the side rails in the vehicle width direction, The first heat exchange unit is installed along the first hydrogen gas storage unit on the outer side of the first hydrogen gas storage unit in the vehicle width direction, and the third heat exchange unit is installed along the second hydrogen gas storage unit on the outer side of the second hydrogen gas storage unit in the vehicle width direction.

5. The cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device is a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle.

6. The heat exchange unit includes a second heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between a second refrigerant, which is a refrigerant for cooling a high-voltage battery that stores power for the fuel cell and is different from the first refrigerant and the third refrigerant, and outside air.

6. The cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device is a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle.

7. The second heat exchanger is disposed along the second hydrogen gas storage portion on the outer side of the second hydrogen gas storage portion in the vehicle width direction. A cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 6 which is dependent on claim 5.

8. The heat exchange unit is supported by a bracket that fixes the hydrogen gas storage unit to the chassis frame.

8. The cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device is a cooling device for a fuel cell vehicle.

Images