Fuel cell unit and work machine

Abstract

To provide a fuel cell unit and a work machine having good durability.SOLUTION: A fuel cell unit support mechanism FS is connected to a rotating frame 20. A fuel cell stack 22 is fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS. A hydrogen tank support mechanism TF is fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS. A hydrogen tank 21 supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell stack 22. The hydrogen tank 21 is fixed to the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell unit and a work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, new energy sources that do not emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide have been developed for work machines and the like. Fuel cells have attracted attention as such energy sources. Fuel cells generate electrical energy by chemically reacting hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack. After power generation, fuel cells only emit water, and no carbon dioxide. A work machine equipped with such a fuel cell is described, for example, in International Publication No. WO 2022 / 137688 (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 137688 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Compared to passenger cars, the body of a work machine such as a hydraulic excavator is subjected to greater shocks and vibrations. This results in greater displacement of hydrogen system devices such as fuel cells, hydrogen tanks, and hydrogen piping when subjected to shock. When the relative displacement between hydrogen system devices becomes large, damage occurs in the hydrogen piping and its connections, reducing durability.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel cell unit and a work machine that have good durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The fuel cell unit of the present disclosure is a fuel cell unit attached to a body frame of a work machine, and includes a fuel cell unit support mechanism, a fuel cell, a first hydrogen tank support mechanism, and a first hydrogen tank group. The fuel cell unit support mechanism is connected to the body frame. The fuel cell is fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism. The first hydrogen tank support mechanism is fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism. The first hydrogen tank group is fixed to the first hydrogen tank support mechanism and includes at least one hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a fuel cell unit and a working machine having good durability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a configuration of a work machine having a fuel cell in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a side view showing a first example of the arrangement of a fuel cell stack and a hydrogen tank in the work machine shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a rear view showing a first example of the arrangement of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen tank in the work machine shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a second example of the arrangement of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen tank. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a second example of the arrangement of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen tank. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a third example of the arrangement of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen tank. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing a third example of the arrangement of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen tank. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a fourth example of the arrangement of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen tank. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing a fourth example of the arrangement of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen tank. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is a side view showing a fifth example of an arrangement of a fuel cell stack and a hydrogen tank when two hydrogen tank support mechanisms are provided. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a sixth example of an arrangement of a fuel cell stack and a hydrogen tank when two hydrogen tank support mechanisms are provided. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a seventh example of an arrangement of a fuel cell stack and a hydrogen tank when two hydrogen tank support mechanisms are provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In the specification and drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are not repeated. In addition, in the drawings, configurations may be omitted or simplified for the convenience of explanation.

[0011] In the following description, the terms "up," "down," "front," "rear," "left," and "right" refer to directions based on an operator seated in the operator's seat 14S in the operator's cab 14 shown in FIG.

[0012] Therefore, in the following description, the fore-aft direction X is the direction in which the boom 16 extends between the base end and the tip end in a top view. The left-right direction Y is the direction perpendicular to the fore-aft direction X in a top view. The up-down direction Z is the direction perpendicular to a plane including the fore-aft direction X and the left-right direction Y which are perpendicular to each other.

[0013] The direction from the base end of the boom 16 to the tip end is the front, and the direction from the tip end of the boom 16 to the base end is the rear. When looking forward from the rear, the right and left sides are the right and left, respectively. In the vertical direction Z, the side with the ground is the bottom, and the side with the sky is the top. A top view refers to a perspective from which the work machine 100 is viewed from above and below. A side view refers to a perspective from which the rotating unit 13 is viewed from the left-right direction Y. A rear view refers to a perspective from which the rotating unit 13 is viewed from the rear to the front.

[0014] <Work machine configuration>

[0015] Hereinafter, a work machine according to the present disclosure will be described by taking a shovel equipped with a fuel cell as an example with reference to FIG.

[0016] The work machine of the present disclosure is not limited to a shovel, but may be a bulldozer, a wheel loader, a motor grader, or the like equipped with a fuel cell.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a work machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the work machine 100 according to this embodiment is, for example, a shovel having a fuel cell unit FCU. The fuel cell included in the fuel cell unit FCU generates electrical energy by chemically reacting hydrogen with oxygen.

[0018] The work machine 100 has a fuel cell stack 22 as a fuel cell. The fuel cell stack 22 is a stack of multiple fuel cell cells connected in series. The work machine 100 has, for example, two fuel cell stacks 22, but the number of fuel cell stacks 22 mounted on the work machine 100 is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be three or more.

[0019] The work machine 100 has a hydrogen tank 21 for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell stack 22. The work machine 100 has, for example, four hydrogen tanks 21, but the number of hydrogen tanks 21 mounted on the work machine 100 is not limited to four and may be one, or may be two, three, five or more.

[0020] The work machine 100 has a main body 11 and a hydraulically operated work implement 12. The main body 11 has a rotating body 13 and a traveling body 15.

[0021] The running body 15 has a pair of left and right crawlers 15Cr and a traveling motor 15M. The work machine 100 can travel by rotation of the crawlers 15Cr. The traveling motor 15M is provided as a drive source for the running body 15.

[0022] The rotating body 13 is disposed on and supported by the running body 15. The rotating body 13 can be rotated relative to the running body 15 about a rotation axis RX by a rotation motor (not shown). The rotation axis RX is an imaginary straight line that serves as the rotation center of the rotating body 13. The rotation motor may be hydraulically driven or electrically driven.

[0023] The rotating body 13 has a driver's cab 14. A driver's seat 14S where an operator sits is provided in the driver's cab 14. The operator sits in the driver's seat 14S and can operate the work implement 12, rotate the rotating body 13 relative to the traveling body 15, and travel the work machine 100 using the traveling body 15.

[0024] The work machine 12 is supported by the rotating body 13. The work machine 12 has a boom 16, an arm 17, and a bucket 18. The work machine 12 further has a boom cylinder 19a, an arm cylinder 19b, and a bucket cylinder 19c.

[0025] The boom 16 is rotatably connected to the main body 11. Specifically, a base end of the boom 16 is rotatably connected to the rotating body 13 with a boom foot pin BF as a fulcrum. The arm 17 is rotatably connected to the boom 16. Specifically, a base end of the arm 17 is rotatably connected to a tip of the boom 16 with a boom top pin BT as a fulcrum. The bucket 18 is rotatably connected to the arm 17. Specifically, a base end of the bucket 18 is rotatably connected to a tip of the arm 17 with an arm top pin AT as a fulcrum.

[0026] The rotating body 13 has an exterior panel OP that surrounds a machine room. A hydrogen tank 21, a fuel cell stack 22, a storage battery 27, a cooling unit CU (FIG. 3), etc. are arranged in the machine room of the rotating body 13. The hydrogen tank 21, the fuel cell stack 22, the storage battery 27, the cooling unit CU, etc. are covered by the exterior panel OP.

[0027] Although the above describes a configuration in which the driver's seat 14S is disposed inside the driver's cab 14, the driver's seat 14S may be exposed to the outside without the driver's cab 14. Furthermore, the work machine 100 may not have a driver's cab 14 and may operate automatically without a person. Furthermore, the work machine 100 may not have a driver's cab 14 and may be remotely operated by a remote controller.

[0028] <Fuel cell stack and hydrogen tank layout>

[0029] (First arrangement example)

[0030] Next, a first example of the arrangement of the fuel cell stack 22 and the hydrogen tank 21 in the work machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

[0031] Figures 2 and 3 are a side view and a rear view, respectively, showing a first example arrangement of a fuel cell stack and a hydrogen tank in the work machine shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the fuel cell unit FCU has a hydrogen tank group 21A, a fuel cell stack 22, a fuel cell unit support mechanism FS, a hydrogen tank support mechanism TF, and a damping mechanism DM. The fuel cell unit FCU is attached to a rotating frame (vehicle body frame) 20 of the work machine 100.

[0032] A fuel cell unit support mechanism FS is connected to the revolving frame 20 via a damping mechanism DM and the like. The damping mechanism DM supports the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS with respect to the revolving frame 20.

[0033] The damping mechanism DM has a function of damping vibration. The damping mechanism DM may be, for example, a liquid-filled mount or rubber. A liquid-filled mount as the damping mechanism DM is configured to obtain a large damping force by the pressure loss caused when the filled viscous liquid is squeezed by passing through a minute gap. The viscous liquid used in the liquid-filled mount is, for example, silicone oil.

[0034] The fuel cell unit support mechanism FS has a lower plate (mount portion) UP, an upper plate (ceiling portion) TP, and a pillar member (side frame portion) CM. The lower plate UP is connected to the revolving frame 20 via a damping mechanism DM and the like. The ceiling portion TP is disposed above the fuel cell (fuel cell stack 22) and is configured to protect the upper portion of the fuel cell and to secure other components to the upper portion. The mount portion UP is disposed below the fuel cell and is configured to protect the lower portion of the fuel cell and to secure other components to the upper portion. Each of the ceiling portion TP and the mount portion UP is not limited to a plate and may be a frame.

[0035] The fuel cell stacks 22 are disposed on the revolving frame 20. For example, each of the two fuel cell stacks 22 is fixed to the fuel cell unit support structure FS, for example by bolting or welding. This restrains each of the two fuel cell stacks 22 so that it cannot move relative to the fuel cell unit support structure FS. Therefore, each of the two fuel cell stacks 22 and the fuel cell unit support structure FS constitute the same vibration system in which the vibration pattern relative to the revolving frame 20 is the same.

[0036] Specifically, for example, each of the two fuel cell stacks 22 is disposed on a lower plate UP of the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS. Each of the two fuel cell stacks 22 is fixed to the lower plate UP, thereby forming the same vibration system together with the lower plate UP.

[0037] The two fuel cell stacks 22 are arranged side by side, for example, in the front-rear direction X, and extend in the left-right direction Y (FIG. 3) so as to be substantially parallel to each other. An upper plate TP is arranged on the top of the fuel cell stack 22 so as to protect the upper part of the fuel cell stack 22. The upper plate TP is supported by a lower plate UP via pillar members CM extending in the up-down direction Z. The pillar members CM connect the lower plate UP and the upper plate TP.

[0038] The lower plate UP and the column member CM are fixed to each other by bolting, welding, etc. Furthermore, the column member CM and the upper plate TP are fixed to each other by bolting, welding, etc. This restrains the lower plate UP, the column member CM, and the upper plate TP so that they cannot move relative to each other. The lower plate UP, the column member CM, and the upper plate TP constitute the same vibration system in which the vibration pattern with respect to the revolving frame 20 is the same.

[0039] A hydrogen tank support mechanism TF is fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS, for example by bolting or welding. Specifically, the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF is placed on an upper plate TP of the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS and fixed to the upper plate TP. This restrains the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF so that it cannot move relative to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS. Therefore, the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF and the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS constitute the same vibration system in which the vibration pattern with respect to the rotating frame 20 is the same.

[0040] The hydrogen tank group 21A is disposed on top of the fuel cell stack 22. The hydrogen tank group 21A is fixed to the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF, for example by a belt or the like. This restrains the hydrogen tank group 21A so that it cannot move relative to the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF. Furthermore, as described above, the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF is restrained so that it cannot move relative to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS. Therefore, the hydrogen tank group 21A is restrained via the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF so that it cannot move relative to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS.

[0041] As described above, both the hydrogen tank group 21A and the two fuel cell stacks 22 are restrained so that they cannot move relative to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS, and they form the same vibration system in which the vibration pattern relative to the rotating frame 20 is the same.

[0042] The hydrogen tank group 21A includes at least one hydrogen tank 21. The hydrogen tank group 21A may be made up of one hydrogen tank 21, or may be made up of a plurality of hydrogen tanks 21.

[0043] For example, four hydrogen tanks 21 are fixed to the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF as a hydrogen tank group 21A. The four hydrogen tanks 21 are arranged in two rows and two columns in side view. That is, the four hydrogen tanks 21 are arranged so that two are lined up in the front-to-rear direction X and two are lined up in the up-down direction Z in side view. Each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 extends in the left-right direction Y so as to be approximately parallel to one another.

[0044] A pressure reducer 23 is attached to the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF. The pressure reducer 23 has a function of reducing the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen tank 21 to a level that can be used in the fuel cell stack 22, which is a power generation device, and has a pressure reducing valve. The pressure reducer 23 is disposed, for example, in front of the arrangement area AR in which the four hydrogen tanks 21 are arranged. The arrangement position of the pressure reducer 23 is not limited to being in front of the arrangement area AR, and may be behind or to the side of the arrangement area AR.

[0045] The hydrogen tank 21 and the pressure reducer 23 are connected by a tank hose TH (Figure 3). High-pressure hydrogen gas in the hydrogen tank 21 is supplied to the pressure reducer 23 through this tank hose TH. An on-off valve 24 is disposed between the hydrogen tank 21 and the tank hose TH. The supply of high-pressure hydrogen gas from the hydrogen tank 21 to the pressure reducer 23 is started and stopped by opening and closing the on-off valve 24.

[0046] The pressure reducer 23 and the fuel cell stack 22 are connected by a stack hose SH. Hydrogen gas depressurized by the pressure reducer 23 is supplied to the fuel cell stack 22 through this stack hose SH.

[0047] Locations where hydrogen gas is likely to leak include a connection P1 between the fuel cell stack 22 and the stack hose SH, a connection P2 between the hydrogen tank 21 and the tank hose TH, a connection P3 between the stack hose and the pressure reducer 23, and a connection P3 between the tank hose TH and the pressure reducer 23. These connection parts P1, P2, and P3 are located on the same side in the left-right direction Y. For example, connection part P1 is located at the left end of the fuel cell stack 22, connection part P2 is located at the left end of the hydrogen tank 21, and connection part P3 is located at the left end of the pressure reducer 23. Note that connection part P1 may be located at the right end of the fuel cell stack 22, connection part P2 is located at the right end of the hydrogen tank 21, and connection part P3 is located at the right end of the pressure reducer 23.

[0048] 3, the work machine 100 has a cooling unit CU. The cooling unit CU has a radiator 25 and an electric fan (cooling fan) 26.

[0049] The radiator 25 is a device for dissipating heat from a cooling medium (coolant, for example, water) that cools the fuel cell stack 22. The radiator 25 is, for example, a heat exchanger. The radiator 25 is disposed, for example, to the side of the fuel cell stack 22, for example, on the left side of the fuel cell stack 22. Note that the radiator 25 may also be disposed, for example, on the right side of the fuel cell stack 22, or on the front or rear side of the fuel cell stack 22.

[0050] The electric fan 26 serves to blow air to the radiator 25, thereby dissipating heat emitted from the radiator 25. The electric fan 26 is disposed, for example, between the radiator 25 and the fuel cell stack 22.

[0051] For example, each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21 is aligned along the left-right direction Y of the work machine 100. Each of the two hydrogen tanks 21 lined up in the front-to-rear direction X is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21 is located in a plane including the left-to-right direction Y and the front-to-rear direction X of the work machine 100. Each of the two hydrogen tanks 21 lined up in the up-to-down direction Z is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21 is located in a plane including the left-to-right direction Y and the up-to-down direction Z of the work machine 100.

[0052] The on-off valves 24 of each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 are disposed on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21. The on-off valves 24 of each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 are disposed, for example, on the left side in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21. The on-off valves 24 of each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 are disposed at one of both longitudinal ends of the hydrogen tank 21 that is closer to the cooling unit CU.

[0053] The first arrangement example 1 has the configuration as described above.

[0054] (Second arrangement example)

[0055] Figures 4 and 5 are side and rear views, respectively, showing a second example arrangement of the fuel cell stack and hydrogen tank. As shown in Figure 4, the second example arrangement is different from the first example arrangement in the fixing location of the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF, the arrangement of the hydrogen tank 21, the configuration of the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS, the arrangement of the fuel cell stack 22, etc.

[0056] In the second arrangement example, the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF is fixed to a lower plate UP of the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS. For example, four hydrogen tanks 21 are fixed to the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF as a hydrogen tank group 21A. The four hydrogen tanks 21 are arranged, for example, in a vertical row aligned in the vertical direction Z. The four hydrogen tanks 21 are arranged, for example, behind the fuel cell stack 22.

[0057] The fuel cell unit support mechanism FS has a lower plate UP, a center plate CP, an upper plate TP, and pillar members CM. The lower plate UP is connected to the revolving frame 20 via a damping mechanism DM and the like. The center plate CP is disposed on the lower plate UP. The upper plate TP is disposed on the center plate CP. A pillar member CM is fixed to each of the lower plate UP and the center plate CP, for example, by bolting, welding, etc. A pillar member CM is fixed to each of the center plate CP and the upper plate TP, for example, by bolting, welding, etc. As a result, the lower plate UP, center plate CP, and upper plate TP are restrained so that they cannot move relative to one another.

[0058] For example, two fuel cell stacks 22 are stacked in the vertical direction Z. The lower fuel cell stack 22 is fixed to a lower plate UP, and the upper fuel cell stack 22 is fixed to a center plate CP. The center plate CP protects the upper part of the lower fuel cell stack 22 and also protects the lower part of the upper fuel cell stack 22. The center plate CP is not limited to a plate and may be a frame.

[0059] The four hydrogen tanks 21 and the two fuel cell stacks 22 are restrained so as not to move relative to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS, and constitute the same vibration system in which the vibration pattern relative to the rotating frame 20 is the same.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 extends in the left-right direction Y so as to be approximately parallel to one another. Each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21 is along the left-right direction Y of the work machine 100. Each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21 is located within a plane that includes the left-right direction Y and the up-down direction Z of the work machine 100.

[0061] The on-off valves 24 of each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 are disposed on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21. The on-off valves 24 of each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 are disposed, for example, on the left side in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21.

[0062] Other than the above, the configuration of the second arrangement example is almost the same as the configuration of the first arrangement example, so the same components in the second arrangement example as those in the first arrangement example are given the same symbols and redundant explanations will not be repeated.

[0063] (Third arrangement example)

[0064] 6 and 7 are side and rear views, respectively, showing a third example of the arrangement of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen tank. As shown in Fig. 6, the third example of the arrangement is different from the second example of the arrangement in the arrangement of the hydrogen tank 21.

[0065] In the third arrangement example, the four hydrogen tanks 21 as the hydrogen tank group 21A are arranged in two rows and two columns in a side view. That is, the four hydrogen tanks 21 are arranged so that two are lined up in the front-to-rear direction X and two are lined up in the up-down direction Z in a side view.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 7, each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 extends in the left-right direction Y so as to be approximately parallel to one another. Each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21 is along the left-right direction Y of the work machine 100. Each of the two hydrogen tanks 21 lined up in the front-to-rear direction X is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21 is located in a plane including the left-to-right direction Y and the front-to-rear direction X of the work machine 100. Each of the two hydrogen tanks 21 lined up in the up-to-down direction Z is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21 is located in a plane including the left-to-right direction Y and the up-to-down direction Z of the work machine 100.

[0067] The on-off valves 24 of each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 are disposed on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21. The on-off valves 24 of each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 are disposed, for example, on the left side in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21.

[0068] Since the configuration of the third arrangement example other than the above is almost the same as the configuration of the second arrangement example, the same components in the third arrangement example as those in the second arrangement example are given the same symbols and redundant explanations will not be repeated.

[0069] (Fourth arrangement example)

[0070] Figures 8 and 9 are a side view and a rear view, respectively, showing a fourth example arrangement of a fuel cell stack and hydrogen tanks. As shown in Figure 8, the fourth example arrangement differs from the second example arrangement in the arrangement of hydrogen tanks 21. In the fourth example arrangement, each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 constituting hydrogen tank group 21A is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of hydrogen tank 21 is aligned along the up-down direction Z.

[0071] 9, the four hydrogen tanks 21 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction Y so as to be in a horizontal row when viewed from the rear. Each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the four hydrogen tanks 21 is located within a plane that includes the left-right direction Y and the up-down direction Z of the work machine 100.

[0072] The on-off valves 24 of each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 are disposed on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21. The on-off valves 24 of each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 are disposed, for example, on the upper side in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank 21.

[0073] Other than the above, the configuration of the fourth arrangement example is almost the same as the configuration of the second arrangement example, so the same components in the fourth arrangement example as those in the second arrangement example are given the same symbols and redundant explanations will not be repeated.

[0074] In the above first to fourth arrangement examples, the fuel cell unit FCU has one hydrogen tank support mechanism TF, but the fuel cell unit FCU may have multiple hydrogen tank support mechanisms TF. Configurations in which the fuel cell unit FCU has, for example, two hydrogen tank support mechanisms TF will be described below as fifth to seventh arrangement examples.

[0075] (Fifth arrangement example)

[0076] Fig. 10 is a side view showing a fifth example of the arrangement of a fuel cell stack and a hydrogen tank when two hydrogen tank support mechanisms are provided. As shown in Fig. 10, the fuel cell unit FCU has a first hydrogen tank support mechanism TF1 and a second hydrogen tank support mechanism TF2.

[0077] For example, four hydrogen tanks 21 are fixed to the first hydrogen tank support mechanism TF1 as a first hydrogen tank group 21A. The four hydrogen tanks 21 as the first hydrogen tank group 21A are arranged in two rows and two columns in a side view. That is, the four hydrogen tanks 21 are arranged so that two are lined up in the front-to-rear direction X and two are lined up in the up-down direction Z in a side view. Each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 extends in the left-right direction Y so as to be approximately parallel to one another.

[0078] For example, four hydrogen tanks 21 are fixed to the second hydrogen tank support mechanism TF2 as a second hydrogen tank group 21B. The four hydrogen tanks 21 as the second hydrogen tank group 21B are arranged in two rows and two columns in a side view. That is, the four hydrogen tanks 21 are arranged so that two are lined up in the front-to-rear direction X and two are lined up in the up-down direction Z in a side view. Each of the four hydrogen tanks 21 extends in the left-right direction Y so as to be approximately parallel to one another.

[0079] The first hydrogen tank support mechanism TF1 and the second hydrogen tank support mechanism TF2 are each fixed to an upper plate TP of the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS. This restrains the fuel cell stack 22, the first hydrogen tank group 21A and the second hydrogen tank group 21B from moving relative to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS, and they form a single vibration system in which the vibration pattern relative to the revolving frame 20 is the same.

[0080] (Example 6)

[0081] Fig. 11 is a side view showing a sixth arrangement example of a fuel cell stack and a hydrogen tank when two hydrogen tank support mechanisms are provided. As shown in Fig. 11, the sixth arrangement example differs from the fifth arrangement example in that the second hydrogen tank support mechanism TF2 is fixed to the lower plate UP of the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS.

[0082] (7th arrangement example)

[0083] Fig. 12 is a side view showing a seventh arrangement example of a fuel cell stack and hydrogen tanks when there are two hydrogen tank support mechanisms. As shown in Fig. 12, the seventh arrangement example differs from the sixth arrangement example in that the four hydrogen tanks 21 of the second hydrogen tank group 21B fixed to the second hydrogen tank support mechanism TF2 are lined up in a row in the vertical direction Z.

[0084] In the above first to seventh arrangement examples, the hydrogen tank 21 is described as being cylindrical, but the hydrogen tank 21 may also be prismatic. In addition, in the above fifth to seventh arrangement examples, when one of the first hydrogen tank support mechanism TF1 and the second hydrogen tank support mechanism TF2 is fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS, the other of the first hydrogen tank support mechanism TF1 and the second hydrogen tank support mechanism TF2 does not have to be directly fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS as long as it is fixed to the other one.

[0085] <Effects>

[0086] Next, the effects of the present disclosure will be described.

[0087] According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the fuel cell stack 22 is fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS. Furthermore, a hydrogen tank support mechanism TF is fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS, and the hydrogen tank 21 is fixed to the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF. As a result, both the fuel cell stack 22 and the hydrogen tank 21 are restrained so as not to move relative to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS, and they form the same vibration system with the same vibration pattern relative to the rotating frame 20. This reduces the amount of relative displacement of the fuel cell stack 22 and the hydrogen tank 21 when the work machine 100 vibrates due to normal traveling, excavation, or swinging, or when the work machine 100 is subjected to an impact, making the hydrogen piping (tank hose TH, stack hose SH) and their connections P1, P2, P3 less likely to be damaged and improving durability.

[0088] 2, in this embodiment, the damping mechanism DM supports the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS relative to the revolving frame 20. As a result, vibrations transmitted from the revolving frame 20 to the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS are damped by the damping mechanism DM. This further reduces the amount of relative displacement of the fuel cell stack 22 and the hydrogen tank 21 when the work machine 100 receives an impact, further improving durability.

[0089] 2, in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF is fixed to an upper plate (ceiling portion) TP of the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS. This increases the installation height of the hydrogen tank 21, improving access to the opening / closing valve 24 of the hydrogen tank 21 and facilitating maintenance of the hydrogen tank 21. In addition, because the installation height of the hydrogen tank 21 is increased, the hydrogen tank 21 can be easily attached and detached.

[0090] 4, 6 and 8, in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF is fixed to a lower plate (mounting portion) UP of the fuel cell unit support mechanism FS. This allows good access to the fuel cell stack 22, and facilitates maintenance of the fuel cell stack 22.

[0091] 3, 5, 7 and 9, in this embodiment, the on-off valves 24 of the multiple hydrogen tanks 21 fixed to the hydrogen tank support mechanism TF are arranged on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tanks 21. This shortens the hydrogen piping (tank hose TH, stack hose SH) and simplifies the arrangement of the hydrogen piping. This makes it possible to reduce the load on the hydrogen piping and its connections.

[0092] 10 to 12, this embodiment provides a first hydrogen tank support mechanism TF1 and a second hydrogen tank support mechanism TF2 which support different hydrogen tanks 21. This allows the hydrogen tank support mechanisms TF1 and TF2 to be detached separately, facilitating maintenance.

[0093] 3, 5 and 7, in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank 21 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the left-right direction Y of the work machine 100. This makes it less likely for the hydrogen tank 21 to be displaced due to, for example, the swinging of the rotating body 13 in the rotational direction. Also, because the dimension of the work machine 100 in the fore-aft direction X can be reduced, the turning radius of the rotating body 13 can be kept small.

[0094] 3, 5 and 7, in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank 21 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction is located within a plane that includes the left-right direction Y and the front-rear direction X of the work machine 100. This reduces the installation height of the hydrogen tank 21 in the up-down direction Z, improving the rear visibility for the operator operating the work machine 100.

[0095] 9, in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank 21 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the vertical direction Z of the work machine 100, and the on-off valve 24 of the hydrogen tank 21 is arranged on the upper side of the hydrogen tank 21. This provides good access to the on-off valve 24 and makes maintenance of the hydrogen tank 21 easy.

[0096] 4, 6 and 8, in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank 21 is disposed behind the fuel cell stack 22. Normally, hydraulic devices such as a swing hydraulic motor are disposed in front of the fuel cell stack 22. Therefore, by disposing the hydrogen tank 21 behind the fuel cell stack 22, it is possible to place the hydrogen tank 21 in a location where the ambient temperature is low.

[0097] <Additional Notes>

[0098] The above-described embodiment includes the following technical ideas.

[0099] (Appendix 1) A fuel cell unit attached to a body frame of a work machine, a fuel cell unit support mechanism connected to the vehicle body frame; a fuel cell fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism; a first hydrogen tank support mechanism fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism; a first hydrogen tank group fixed to the first hydrogen tank support mechanism and including at least one hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell;

[0100] (Appendix 2) Further comprising a damping mechanism; The fuel cell unit described in Appendix 1, wherein the fuel cell unit support mechanism and the vehicle body frame are connected via the damping mechanism.

[0101] (Appendix 3) The fuel cell unit support mechanism includes: a mount portion connected to the vehicle body frame with the damping mechanism interposed therebetween; A ceiling portion that protects an upper portion of the fuel cell; a side frame portion connecting the mount portion and the ceiling portion, 3. The fuel cell unit according to claim 2, wherein the first hydrogen tank support mechanism is fixed to the ceiling portion.

[0102] (Appendix 4) The fuel cell unit support mechanism includes: a mount portion connected to the vehicle body frame with the damping mechanism interposed therebetween; A ceiling portion that protects an upper portion of the fuel cell; a side frame portion connecting the mount portion and the ceiling portion, 3. The fuel cell unit according to claim 2, wherein the first hydrogen tank support mechanism is fixed to the mount portion.

[0103] (Appendix 5) a plurality of hydrogen tanks included in the first hydrogen tank group are fixed to the first hydrogen tank support mechanism, 5. A fuel cell unit described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4, wherein the opening and closing valves of each of the multiple hydrogen tanks fixed to the first hydrogen tank support mechanism are arranged on the same side of the hydrogen tank in the longitudinal direction.

[0104] (Appendix 6) a second hydrogen tank group including at least one hydrogen tank different from the first hydrogen tank group; a second hydrogen tank support mechanism to which the second hydrogen tank group is fixed; 6. The fuel cell unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second hydrogen tank support mechanism is fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism or the first hydrogen tank support mechanism.

[0105] (Appendix 7) a plurality of hydrogen tanks included in the second hydrogen tank group are fixed to the second hydrogen tank support mechanism, 7. A fuel cell unit as described in claim 6, wherein the opening and closing valves of each of the plurality of hydrogen tanks fixed to the second hydrogen tank support mechanism are arranged on the same side of the hydrogen tank in the longitudinal direction.

[0106] (Appendix 8) 8. A fuel cell unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tanks included in the first hydrogen tank group is aligned with the left-right direction of the work machine.

[0107] (Appendix 9) 8. A fuel cell unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tanks included in the first hydrogen tank group is located within a plane including the left-right and front-rear directions of the work machine.

[0108] (Appendix 10) the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tanks included in the first hydrogen tank group is aligned with the up-down direction of the work machine, 8. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing valves of the hydrogen tanks included in the first hydrogen tank group are disposed above the hydrogen tanks.

[0109] (Appendix 11) 11. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the first hydrogen tank group is disposed rearward of the fuel cell.

[0110] (Appendix 12) A working machine equipped with a fuel cell unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

[0111] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 11 main body, 12 work machine, 13 rotating body, 14 driver's cab, 14S driver's seat, 15 running body, 15Cr track, 15M running motor, 16 boom, 17 arm, 18 bucket, 19a boom cylinder, 19b arm cylinder, 19c bucket cylinder, 20 rotating frame, 21 hydrogen tank, 21A, 21B hydrogen tank group, 22 fuel cell stack, 23 pressure reducer, 24 on-off valve, 25 radiator, 26 electric fan, 100 work machine, AR arrangement area, AT arm top pin, BF boom foot pin, BT boom top pin, CM pillar member, CU cooling unit, DM damping mechanism, FCU fuel cell unit, FS fuel cell unit support mechanism, OP exterior panel, P1, P2, P3 connection part, RX rotating shaft, SH stack hose, TF hydrogen tank support mechanism, TF1 First hydrogen tank support mechanism, TF2 second hydrogen tank support mechanism, TH tank hose, TP upper plate, UP lower plate.

Claims

1. A fuel cell unit attached to a body frame of a work machine, a fuel cell unit support mechanism connected to the vehicle body frame; a fuel cell fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism; a first hydrogen tank support mechanism fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism; a first hydrogen tank group fixed to the first hydrogen tank support mechanism and including at least one hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell;

2. Further comprising a damping mechanism; 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell unit support mechanism and the vehicle body frame are connected via the damping mechanism.

3. The fuel cell unit support mechanism includes: a mount portion connected to the vehicle body frame with the damping mechanism interposed therebetween; A ceiling portion that protects an upper portion of the fuel cell; a side frame portion connecting the mount portion and the ceiling portion, 3. The fuel cell unit according to claim 2, wherein the first hydrogen tank support mechanism is fixed to the ceiling portion.

4. The fuel cell unit support mechanism includes: a mount portion connected to the vehicle body frame with the damping mechanism interposed therebetween; A ceiling portion that protects an upper portion of the fuel cell; a side frame portion connecting the mount portion and the ceiling portion, 3. The fuel cell unit according to claim 2, wherein the first hydrogen tank support mechanism is fixed to the mount portion.

5. a plurality of hydrogen tanks included in the first hydrogen tank group are fixed to the first hydrogen tank support mechanism, 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing valves of each of the plurality of hydrogen tanks fixed to the first hydrogen tank support mechanism are disposed on the same side of the hydrogen tank in the longitudinal direction.

6. a second hydrogen tank group including at least one hydrogen tank different from the first hydrogen tank group; a second hydrogen tank support mechanism to which the second hydrogen tank group is fixed; 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the second hydrogen tank support mechanism is fixed to the fuel cell unit support mechanism or the first hydrogen tank support mechanism.

7. a plurality of hydrogen tanks included in the second hydrogen tank group are fixed to the second hydrogen tank support mechanism, 7. The fuel cell unit according to claim 6, wherein the opening and closing valves of each of the plurality of hydrogen tanks fixed to the second hydrogen tank support mechanism are disposed on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tanks.

8. 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tanks included in the first hydrogen tank group is aligned with the left-right direction of the work machine.

9. 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tanks included in the first hydrogen tank group is located within a plane that includes the left-right direction and the front-rear direction of the work machine.

10. the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tanks included in the first hydrogen tank group is aligned with the up-down direction of the work machine, 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein an opening and closing valve of a hydrogen tank included in said first hydrogen tank group is disposed above said hydrogen tank.

11. 2. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the first group of hydrogen tanks is disposed rearward of the fuel cell.

12. A work machine equipped with the fuel cell unit according to claim 1.

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