Fuel cell unit mounting structure and electrically assisted vehicle

Abstract

Provided are a fuel cell unit mounting structure and an electrically assisted vehicle that can prevent the mounting work between a fuel cell and a fuel tank from becoming complicated. [Solution] The mounting structure for a fuel cell unit 40 is applied to an electrically assisted vehicle 10 that is configured to be movable by adding an assisted driving force from a motor to the human driving force of a passenger, and is a structure for mounting the fuel cell unit 40 to the frame 20 of the electrically assisted vehicle 10. The fuel cell unit 40 includes a fuel cell 41, a fuel tank, and a base portion 43 having a first divided body 50 and a second divided body 60 that form an accommodation space S therein for accommodating the frame 20. The fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank are fixed to the first divided body 50. The base portion 43 is mounted to the frame 20 by connecting the first divided body 50 and the second divided body 60 to each other when the frame 20 is accommodated in the accommodation space S.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell unit mounting structure and an electrically assisted vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrically assisted bicycle that can move by combining the driving force of a rider with the assisting driving force of an electric motor. The electrically assisted bicycle is equipped with a fuel cell that supplies power to the electric motor.

[0003] The frame of an electrically assisted bicycle has a head pipe and a stand pipe located rearward of the head pipe. The head pipe rotatably supports a front wheel and a handlebar. The upper end of the stand pipe supports a saddle. The lower end of the stand pipe supports a drive unit equipped with a drive shaft driven by an electric motor. The upper end of the head pipe and the upper end of the stand pipe are connected by an upper pipe. The lower end of the head pipe and the lower end of the stand pipe are connected by a lower pipe.

[0004] A casing for holding a fuel cell is supported on the standpipe, and the fuel cell is configured to be detachable from the standpipe. The lower pipe has a tank holder with an internal space that opens upward, and a lid that is attached to the tank holder. The tank holder detachably holds a hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 149800 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When attaching a fuel cell and a hydrogen tank to the electrically assisted bicycle described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to hold the fuel cell in the casing and also to hold the hydrogen tank in the tank holder. In this case, the fuel cell and the hydrogen tank must be attached separately to the frame, which can make the installation process for the fuel cell and the hydrogen tank complicated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A mounting structure for a fuel cell unit to solve the above problem is applied to an electrically assisted vehicle configured to be movable by adding assisted driving force from a motor to the manual driving force of an occupant, and is a mounting structure for a fuel cell unit that mounts a fuel cell unit to the frame of the electrically assisted vehicle, wherein the fuel cell unit comprises a fuel cell that supplies power to the motor, a fuel tank that supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell, and a base portion having a first divided body and a second divided body that form an accommodation space therein to accommodate the frame, the fuel cell and the fuel tank being fixed to the first divided body, and the base portion being mounted to the frame by connecting the first divided body and the second divided body to each other when the frame is accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the base portion is attached to the frame by connecting the first and second divisional bodies to each other while the frame is housed in the housing space. Because the fuel cell and fuel tank are fixed to the first divisional body, the fuel cell and fuel tank can be attached to the frame by attaching the base portion to the frame. This eliminates the need to attach the fuel cell and fuel tank separately to the frame. This prevents the installation work of the fuel cell and fuel tank from becoming complicated.

[0009] The fuel cell unit mounting structure for solving the above problem is applied to an electrically assisted vehicle configured to be movable by adding an assisted driving force from a motor to the manual driving force of an occupant, and is a mounting structure for a fuel cell unit that mounts a fuel cell unit to the frame of the electrically assisted vehicle, wherein the fuel cell unit comprises a fuel cell that supplies power to the motor, a fuel tank that supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell, a base portion to which the fuel cell and the fuel tank are fixed, and a mounting member for mounting the base portion to the frame, and the mounting member includes a support portion that clamps and supports the frame, and a fixing portion that is fixed to the base portion.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the support portion sandwiches and supports the frame, and the fixing portion is fixed to the base portion, thereby attaching the base portion to the frame. Because the fuel cell and fuel tank are fixed to the base portion, the fuel cell and fuel tank can be attached to the frame by attaching the base portion to the frame. This eliminates the need to attach the fuel cell and fuel tank separately to the frame. This prevents the installation work of the fuel cell and fuel tank from becoming complicated.

[0011] An electrically assisted vehicle that solves the above problem includes the above fuel cell unit mounting structure. According to the above configuration, it is possible to achieve effects similar to those of the fuel cell unit mounting structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an electrically assisted vehicle equipped with a fuel cell unit mounting structure according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an electrically assisted vehicle equipped with a fuel cell unit mounting structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell unit mounting structure according to a first modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell unit mounting structure according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] First Embodiment A first embodiment of a fuel cell unit mounting structure and an electrically assisted vehicle will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0014] 1, the mounting structure for the fuel cell unit 40 is applied to an electrically assisted vehicle 10 that is configured to be movable by adding an assist driving force from a motor 36 to a driving force driven by a rider. The electrically assisted vehicle 10 is, for example, an electrically assisted bicycle.

[0015] (Overall configuration of the electrically assisted vehicle 10) The electrically assisted vehicle 10 includes a frame 20, a front fork 27, a handlebar 28, a front wheel 29, a rear wheel 30, a saddle 31, and a drive unit 32.

[0016] The frame 20 includes a head tube 21, a seat tube 22, a top tube 23, a down tube 24, seat stays 25, and chain stays 26. The head tube 21 extends in the vertical direction. The seat tube 22 extends in the vertical direction behind the head tube 21 and along the head tube 21. The top tube 23 connects the upper end of the head tube 21 to the upper end of the seat tube 22. The down tube 24 connects the lower end of the head tube 21 to the lower end of the seat tube 22. The seat stays 25 extend rearward from the upper end of the seat tube 22. The chain stays 26 extend rearward from the lower end of the seat tube 22. The rear ends of the seat stays 25 and the lower ends of the chain stays 26 are connected to each other. The frame 20 is formed, for example, by welding together a plurality of pipes each having a circular cross section.

[0017] The frame 20 forms an arrangement space A defined by a head tube 21, a seat tube 22, a top tube 23, and a down tube 24. The arrangement space A has a polygonal shape in a side view. In this embodiment, the arrangement space A has a quadrangular shape in a side view.

[0018] The front fork 27 is supported by the head tube 21 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction. The handlebars 28 are provided at the upper ends of the front forks 27 .

[0019] The front wheel 29 is rotatably supported at the lower end of the front fork 27 . The rear wheel 30 is rotatably supported at the connection between the seat stay 25 and the chain stay 26.

[0020] The saddle 31 is provided at the upper end of the seat tube 22 . The drive unit 32 is fixed to the frame 20 below the connection between the seat tube 22 and the down tube 24. The drive unit 32 includes a crankshaft 33, a pair of crank arms 34, a pair of pedals 35, and a motor 36.

[0021] The crankshaft 33 extends in the vehicle width direction. A pair of crank arms 34 extend from both longitudinal ends of the crankshaft 33 in a direction perpendicular to the crankshaft 33. A pair of pedals 35 are fixed to the ends of the pair of crank arms 34, respectively. The crankshaft 33 is connected to the rear wheel 30 via a chain (not shown). Human driving force acting on the pedals 35 is transmitted to the rear wheel 30 via the chain.

[0022] The motor 36 is connected to the crankshaft 33 via a transmission member (not shown). The motor 36 applies an assist driving force to the crankshaft 33. (Configuration of fuel cell unit 40) The electrically assisted vehicle 10 includes a fuel cell unit 40. The fuel cell unit 40 is attached to the frame 20. The fuel cell unit 40 includes a fuel cell 41, a fuel tank 42, and a base portion 43.

[0023] The fuel cell 41 supplies power to the motor 36. The fuel cell 41 is electrically connected to the motor 36. The fuel cell 41 generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas. The fuel gas is, for example, hydrogen gas. The oxidizing gas is, for example, air.

[0024] The fuel tank 42 supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell 41. For example, a hydrogen storage alloy that stores and releases hydrogen is built into the fuel tank 42. The fuel tank 42 is connected to the fuel cell 41 by a pipe (not shown).

[0025] Although not shown, the fuel cell unit 40 includes a group of devices G including a fuel cell 41 and a fuel tank 42. The group of devices G includes a compressor that supplies oxidant gas to the fuel cell 41, a control device that controls the fuel cell 41, a secondary battery that supplies power to the motor 36, and the like.

[0026] 2, the base portion 43 is divided in the vehicle width direction into a first divided body 50 and a second divided body 60. The first divided body 50 and the second divided body 60 are formed of, for example, a resin material.

[0027] A fuel cell 41 and a fuel tank 42 are fixed to the first divided body 50. In this embodiment, all of the equipment group G is fixed only to the first divided body 50. As shown in FIG. 1 , when the fuel cell unit 40 is attached to the frame 20, the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 are disposed in an arrangement space A formed in the frame 20.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the first divided body 50 has a first side wall 51 and a first peripheral wall 52 that protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the first side wall 51. The first side wall 51 covers one side in the vehicle width direction of the frame 20. More specifically, the first side wall 51 covers the entire head tube 21, the entire top tube 23, a portion of the seat tube 22 excluding the lower end, a portion of the down tube 24 excluding the lower end, and the front end portions of the seat stays 25.

[0029] The first peripheral wall 52 protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the first side wall 51 around the entire periphery of the first side wall 51 toward the other side opposite to one side in the vehicle width direction. The first peripheral wall 52 forms an opening facing the first side wall 51. The first peripheral wall 52 includes a portion covering the front surface of the head tube 21, a portion covering the upper surface of the top tube 23 and the upper surfaces of the seat stays 25, a portion covering the lower surface of the down tube 24, and a portion covering the rear surface of the seat tube 22. Therefore, the first peripheral wall 52 faces each portion of the frame 20 outside the arrangement space A in multiple directions perpendicular to the vehicle width direction.

[0030] A groove 53 extending in the circumferential direction of the first peripheral wall 52 is formed on the tip end surface of the first peripheral wall 52 . The first segment 50 has a plurality of first bosses 54 that are connected to the second segment 60. The first segment 50 has, for example, six first bosses 54. The first bosses 54 protrude from the inner surface of the first side wall 51 toward the second segment 60. An internal thread is formed at the tip of each first boss 54. The multiple first bosses 54 include a first boss 54 located between the frame 20 and the first side wall 51 and a first boss 54 located in the arrangement space A. The amount by which the first bosses 54 protrude from the first side wall 51 is greater than the amount by which the first peripheral wall 52 protrudes from the first side wall 51.

[0031] The first segment 50 has multiple second bosses 55 to which pressing portions 70 (described later) are attached. The first segment 50 has, for example, three second bosses 55. The second bosses 55 protrude from the inner surface of the first side wall 51 toward the second segment 60. A female thread is formed at the tip of each second boss 55. The second bosses 55 are provided in positions facing the frame 20 in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, one second boss 55 is provided below the top tube 23, and two second bosses 55 are provided at the rear of the seat tube 22, spaced apart in the vertical direction. The amount by which the second bosses 55 protrude from the first side wall 51 is smaller than the amount by which the first circumferential wall 52 protrudes from the first side wall 51.

[0032] The second divided body 60 has a second side wall 61 and a second peripheral wall 62 that protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the second side wall 61 . The second side wall 61 faces the first side wall 51 in the vehicle width direction. The second side wall 61 covers the frame 20 from the other side in the vehicle width direction. More specifically, the second side wall 61 covers the entire head tube 21, the entire top tube 23, a portion of the seat tube 22 excluding the lower end, a portion of the down tube 24 excluding the lower end, and the front end portions of the seat stays 25.

[0033] The second peripheral wall 62 protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the second side wall 61 toward one side in the vehicle width direction around the entire periphery of the second side wall 61. The second peripheral wall 62 forms an opening facing the second side wall 61. The second peripheral wall 62 includes a portion covering the front surface of the head tube 21, a portion covering the upper surface of the top tube 23 and the upper surfaces of the seat stays 25, a portion covering the lower surface of the down tube 24, and a portion covering the rear surface of the seat tube 22. Therefore, outside the arrangement space A, the second peripheral wall 62 faces various portions of the frame 20 in multiple directions perpendicular to the vehicle width direction.

[0034] A protrusion 63 extending in the circumferential direction of the second peripheral wall 62 is formed on the tip end surface of the second peripheral wall 62. The protrusion 63 is inserted into the groove 53 of the first segment 50. The protrusion 63 is formed over the entire portion of the tip end surface of the second peripheral wall 62 that faces the groove 53. By inserting the protrusion 63 into the groove 53, the first peripheral wall 52 and the second peripheral wall 62 are engaged and in contact with each other in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] The second segment 60 has a plurality of cylindrical bulging portions 64. Each bulging portion 64 bulges toward the first segment 50 from a position on the second side wall 61 corresponding to the first boss 54. The bulging portion 64 opens onto the outer surface of the second side wall 61. The bulging portion 64 has an end wall 65 at the end opposite the opening of the bulging portion 64, with a through hole smaller than the opening formed therein. The amount by which the bulging portion 64 protrudes from the second side wall 61 is smaller than the amount by which the second peripheral wall 62 protrudes from the second side wall 61. The end wall 65 contacts the protruding end surface of the first boss 54 on a side closer to the opening of the bulging portion 64 than the center of the base portion 43 in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] A bolt B1 is housed inside the bulge portion 64. The bolt B1 is inserted into the through-hole of the end wall 65 and screwed into the first boss 54. The bolt B1 housed in each bulge portion 64 is screwed into each first boss 54, thereby connecting the first divided body 50 and the second divided body 60 to each other.

[0037] The first divided body 50 and the second divided body 60 form an accommodation space S inside the base portion 43 that accommodates a portion of the frame 20. The accommodation space S is a space defined by a first side wall 51, a first peripheral wall 52, a second side wall 61, and a second peripheral wall 62. The base portion 43 is attached to the frame 20 by connecting the first divided body 50 and the second divided body 60 to each other when the frame 20 is accommodated in the accommodation space S. When the base portion 43 is attached to the frame 20, a portion of the frame 20 penetrates the first peripheral wall 52 and the second peripheral wall 62.

[0038] The fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 are fixed to the first divided body 50 while being accommodated in the accommodation space S. Therefore, the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 are accommodated in the accommodation space S together with the frame 20.

[0039] In this embodiment, the entire equipment group G, including the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42, is fixed only to the first divided body 50. Therefore, the first divided body 50 functions as a housing that accommodates the equipment group G, and the second divided body 60, by being connected to the first divided body 50, functions as a cover that covers the equipment group G.

[0040] The base portion 43 has a plurality of pressing portions 70 that press against the frame 20. The pressing portions 70 extend from the first divided body 50 toward the second divided body 60. The pressing portions 70 press against the frame 20 from the side opposite to the first side wall 51 in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] The pressing portion 70 includes a bracket 71 , a pad 75 , and a pair of nuts 79 . The bracket 71 is attached to the first divided body 50. The bracket 71 is formed into a crank shape by, for example, bending a metal plate. The bracket 71 has a first extending portion 72, a second extending portion 73, and a third extending portion 74. The first extending portion 72 is attached to the second boss 55 and extends from the second boss 55 toward the frame 20. The second extending portion 73 extends from an end of the first extending portion 72 toward the second divided body 60 in the vehicle width direction. The third extending portion 74 extends from an end of the second extending portion 73 opposite the first extending portion 72 in the direction opposite to the extending direction of the first extending portion 72. The third extending portion 74 faces the frame 20 from the other side in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] The first extending portion 72 has a through hole into which a bolt B2 is inserted. The bolt B2 is inserted into the through hole of the bracket 71 and screwed into the second boss 55, thereby attaching the bracket 71 to the first divided body 50.

[0043] The third extending portion 74 has a through hole into which the pad 75 is inserted. Pad 75 is attached to bracket 71 and presses against frame 20. Pad 75 has a shaft portion 76, a disk-shaped pressure portion 77, and a circular sheet material 78. Shaft portion 76 is inserted into the through hole of third extension portion 74. A male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of shaft portion 76. Pressure portion 77 is formed integrally with the end of shaft portion 76 on the side where frame 20 is located. Sheet material 78 is attached to the outer surface of pressure portion 77 on the side opposite to shaft portion 76. Pressure portion 77 presses frame 20 toward first side wall 51 in the vehicle width direction via sheet material 78.

[0044] The pair of nuts 79 are attached to the shaft portion 76 with the third extending portion 74 sandwiched between them. By changing the position of the pair of nuts 79 relative to the shaft portion 76, the position of the pad 75 relative to the bracket 71 in the vehicle width direction can be changed. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of pressure that the pad 75 presses against the frame 20.

[0045] <Operation of this embodiment> With the frame 20 accommodated in the accommodation space S, the first divided body 50 and the second divided body 60 are connected to each other, thereby attaching the base portion 43 to the frame 20. Because the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 are fixed to the first divided body 50, the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 can be attached to the frame 20 by attaching the base portion 43 to the frame 20. This eliminates the need to attach the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 to the frame 20 separately.

[0046] <Effects of this embodiment> (1-1) The base portion 43 has a first divided body 50 and a second divided body 60 that form an accommodation space S therein for accommodating the frame 20. The fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 are fixed to the first divided body 50. The base portion 43 is attached to the frame 20 by connecting the first divided body 50 and the second divided body 60 to each other with the frame 20 accommodated in the accommodation space S.

[0047] According to the above configuration, it is not necessary to attach the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 to the frame 20 separately, and therefore the attachment work of the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0048] (1-2) The fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 are housed in the housing space S. According to the above configuration, the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 are housed in the housing space S together with the frame 20. This makes it difficult for the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 to be seen from outside the base portion 43. This prevents the appearance of the fuel cell unit 40, and therefore the appearance of the electrically assisted vehicle 10, from being impaired.

[0049] (1-3) The base portion 43 has a pressing portion 70 that extends from the first divided body 50 and presses the frame 20. According to the above configuration, the pressing portion 70 extending from the first divided body 50 presses the frame 20, and the frictional force generated between the pressing portion 70 and the frame 20 makes it difficult for the first divided body 50 to shift position relative to the frame 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the shifting of the position of the fuel cell unit 40 relative to the frame 20.

[0050] Furthermore, since the pressing portion 70 extends from the first divided body 50, the amount of pressing force of the pressing portion 70 can be adjusted before the first divided body 50 and the second divided body 60 are connected. (1-4) The bolt B1 for connecting the first divided body 50 and the second divided body 60 is housed inside the bulging portion 64.

[0051] According to the above configuration, the bolt B1 is housed inside the bulging portion 64, making it difficult for the bolt B1 to be seen from the outside. This prevents the appearance of the fuel cell unit 40, and ultimately the appearance of the electrically assisted vehicle 10, from being impaired.

[0052] (1-5) The end wall 65 of the bulging portion 64 contacts the protruding end surface of the first boss 54 on the side closer to the opening of the bulging portion 64 than the center of the base portion 43 in the vehicle width direction. According to the above configuration, the connecting portion between the bulge portion 64 and the first boss 54 is closer to the opening of the bulge portion 64 than to the center of the base portion 43 in the vehicle width direction. This allows the bolt B1 to be attached to and detached from the first boss 54 near the opening of the bulge portion 64. This makes it easy to attach and detach the first segment 50 and the second segment 60.

[0053] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the fuel cell unit mounting structure and the electrically assisted vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0054] In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and components corresponding to those in the first embodiment are marked with "1**", which is the reference numeral "**" in the first embodiment plus "100", to avoid redundant explanations.

[0055] 3, the fuel cell unit 140 provided in the electrically assisted vehicle 110 includes a fuel cell 41, a fuel tank 42, a base portion 143, and a plurality of mounting members 180. The entire base portion 143 is disposed within the arrangement space A.

[0056] 4, the base portion 143 is divided in the vehicle width direction into a first divided body 150 and a second divided body 160. The first divided body 150 and the second divided body 160 are formed of, for example, a resin material.

[0057] A fuel cell 41 and a fuel tank 42 are fixed to the first divided body 150. In this embodiment, all of the equipment group G is fixed to the first divided body 150 only. The first divided body 150 is box-shaped and has a storage recess 150a that stores the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42. The storage recess 150a is open to the other side in the vehicle width direction. The first divided body 150 has a first side wall 151 and a first peripheral wall 152 that protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the first side wall 151.

[0058] The first side wall 151 has a generally pentagonal shape that conforms to the head tube 21, the top tube 23, the seat tube 22, and the down tube 24. The first peripheral wall 152 protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the first side wall 151 around the entire periphery of the first side wall 151. The first peripheral wall 152 faces each portion of the frame 20 inside the arrangement space A in multiple directions perpendicular to the vehicle width direction.

[0059] The second division body 160 is plate-shaped and covers the accommodating recess 150a of the first division body 150. The second division body 160 is fastened with bolts at multiple locations to bosses (not shown) formed on the first division body 150. As shown in FIG. 3, multiple fastening portions 143a between the first division body 150 and the second division body 160 are provided at intervals along the periphery of the base portion 143.

[0060] In this embodiment, the equipment group G including the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 is fixed only to the first divided body 150. Therefore, the first divided body 150 functions as a housing that accommodates the equipment group G. In addition, the second divided body 160 is connected to the first divided body 150 and functions as a cover that covers the equipment group G.

[0061] The mounting members 180 are used to mount the base portion 143 to the frame 20. The mounting members 180 are separate from the base portion 143. The fuel cell unit 140 is equipped with five mounting members 180 in total: two mounting members 180 attached to the top tube 23, two mounting members 180 attached to the down tube 24, and one mounting member 180 attached to the seat tube 22.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting member 180 has a support portion 181 and a pair of fixing portions 182. The support portion 181 is U-shaped and opens toward the base portion 143. The support portion 181 is curved along the outer peripheral surface of the frame 20. The support portion 181 supports the frame 20 by sandwiching it from both sides in the vehicle width direction. The pair of fixing portions 182 protrude in opposite directions from both ends of the support portion 181 in the vehicle width direction. The fixing portion 182 has a recess 182a that opens on the side opposite the first peripheral wall 152 of the base portion 143. The recess 182a has an end wall 183 in which a through-hole is formed.

[0063] A bolt B3 is housed in the recess 182a. The bolt B3 is inserted into a through-hole in the end wall 183 and threaded into a female thread formed in the first peripheral wall 152. By threading the bolt B3 housed in the recess 182a into the first peripheral wall 152, the fixing portion 182 is fixed only to the first divided body 150 of the base portion 143. In this way, the base portion 143 is attached to the frame 20 via the mounting member 180.

[0064] <Operation of this embodiment> The support parts 181 sandwich and support the frame 20, and the fixing parts 182 are fixed to the base part 143, thereby attaching the base part 143 to the frame 20. Because the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 are fixed to the base part 143, attaching the base part 143 to the frame 20 makes it possible to attach the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 to the frame 20. This eliminates the need to attach the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 to the frame 20 separately.

[0065] <Effects of this embodiment> (2-1) The fuel cell unit 140 includes a base portion 143 to which the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 are fixed, and a mounting member 180 for mounting the base portion 143 to the frame 20. The mounting member 180 includes a support portion 181 that sandwiches and supports the frame 20, and a fixing portion 182 that is fixed to the base portion 143.

[0066] According to the above configuration, it is not necessary to attach the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 to the frame 20 separately, and therefore the attachment work of the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0067] (2-2) The base portion 143 has a first divided body 150 having an accommodating recess 150a that accommodates the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42, and a second divided body 160 that covers the accommodating recess 150a. The fixing portion 182 is fixed only to the first divided body 150 of the base portion 143.

[0068] According to the above configuration, the first divided body 150 is attached to the frame 20 via the mounting member 180, and therefore the second divided body 160 can be separated from the first divided body 150 while the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 remain attached to the frame 20. This makes it easy to perform maintenance, replacement, and other operations on the fuel cell 41 or the fuel tank 42 housed in the housing recess 150a.

[0069] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0070] In each embodiment, the electrically assisted vehicle is not limited to an electrically assisted bicycle, as long as it is a vehicle that can move by combining the human driving force of the rider with the assisted driving force of a motor. Examples of such vehicles include wheelchairs, kick scooters, and dollies for transporting luggage.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the mounting member 180 can be configured in various ways as long as it can sandwich and support the frame 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the mounting member 190 may include a pair of mounting plates 191 with an L-shaped cross section, arranged on opposite sides of the frame 20. Each mounting plate 191 has a fixing portion 192 fixed to the base portion 143 and a clamping portion 193 that stands up from the fixing portion 192 and contacts the frame 20 in the vehicle width direction. The fixing portion 192 is fixed to the base portion 143 by a bolt B4. A bolt B5 passes through the end of the clamping portion 193 opposite the fixing portion 192. A pair of bolts B5, which pass through the pair of clamping portions 193 respectively, are screwed into cylindrical bosses 200 connected to the frame 20 from opposite sides. As a result, the frame 20 is sandwiched and supported by the pair of clamping portions 193. The clamping force of the frame 20 by the pair of clamping portions 193 can be adjusted by adjusting the amount by which each bolt B5 is screwed into the boss 200. As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting member 190 may be configured such that the pair of clamping portions 193 are fastened together by one bolt B6 that passes through both of the pair of clamping portions 193 and a nut 194. Even in this case, the frame 20 is clamped and supported by the pair of clamping portions 193. The clamping force of the frame 20 by the pair of clamping portions 193 can be adjusted by adjusting the amount by which the bolt B6 is screwed into the nut 194.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the mounting member 180 may be fixed only to the second divided body 160. In this case, the second divided body 160 is preferably box-shaped like the first divided body 150.

[0073] In the second embodiment, the number and arrangement of the attachment members 180 can be changed as appropriate. In the second embodiment, the first divided body 150 does not have to have the accommodating recess 150a. That is, the first divided body 150 does not have to be box-shaped. In this case, for example, the second divided body 160 may be box-shaped with an opening, and the first divided body 150 may be plate-shaped and cover the opening of the second divided body 160.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the base portion 43 does not necessarily have to have the pressing portion 70. In the first embodiment, the fuel cell 41 may be accommodated in the accommodation space S together with the frame 20, and the fuel tank 42 may be accommodated in a tank accommodation space in the base portion 43 that does not share an internal space with the accommodation space S. In this case, the tank accommodation space may be open to the outer surface of the base portion 43, and the opening may be configured to be openable and closable by a lid member.

[0075] In the first embodiment, both the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 may be housed in a housing space separate from the housing space S in which the frame 20 is housed. In the first embodiment, at least one of the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 does not have to be housed in the housing space S as long as it is fixed to the base portion 43. In this case, at least one of the fuel cell 41 and the fuel tank 42 may be visible from outside the base portion 43.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the base portion 43 may be attached to the frame 20 with at least one of the head tube 21, seat tube 22, top tube 23, down tube 24, seat stays 25, and chain stays 26 housed in the housing space S.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the first divided body 50 may be bolted to the frame 20 at any location. In this case, the first divided body 50 is fixed to the frame 20 with the frame 20 housed inside the first divided body 50. This allows the second divided body 60 to be connected to the first divided body 50 fixed to the frame 20, making it easy to attach the frame 20 to the base portion 43.

[0078] <Additional Notes> Each of the above embodiments includes the configurations described in the following supplementary notes. [Appendix 1] A mounting structure for a fuel cell unit that is applied to an electrically assisted vehicle configured to be movable by adding an assisted driving force from a motor to the human driving force of an occupant, and that mounts a fuel cell unit on the frame of the electrically assisted vehicle, wherein the fuel cell unit comprises a fuel cell that supplies power to the motor, a fuel tank that supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell, and a base portion having a first divided body and a second divided body that form an accommodation space therein to accommodate the frame, the fuel cell and the fuel tank being fixed to the first divided body, and the base portion being mounted on the frame by connecting the first divided body and the second divided body to each other when the frame is accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0079] [Appendix 2] The fuel cell unit mounting structure according to [Appendix 1], wherein the fuel cell and the fuel tank are housed in the housing space. [Appendix 3] The fuel cell unit mounting structure according to [Appendix 1] or [Appendix 2], wherein the base portion extends from the first divided body and has a pressing portion that presses against the frame.

[0080] [Appendix 4] A mounting structure for a fuel cell unit that is applied to an electrically assisted vehicle configured to be movable by adding an assisted driving force from a motor to the human driving force of an occupant, and that mounts a fuel cell unit to the frame of the electrically assisted vehicle, wherein the fuel cell unit comprises a fuel cell that supplies power to the motor, a fuel tank that supplies fuel gas to the fuel cell, a base portion to which the fuel cell and the fuel tank are fixed, and a mounting member for mounting the base portion to the frame, and the mounting member includes a support portion that clamps and supports the frame, and a fixing portion that is fixed to the base portion.

[0081] [Appendix 5] The mounting structure for a fuel cell unit described in [Appendix 4], wherein the base portion has a first divided body having a storage recess for accommodating the fuel cell and the fuel tank, and a second divided body covering the storage recess, and the fixing portion is fixed only to the first divided body of the base portion.

[0082] [Appendix 6] [An electrically assisted vehicle equipped with the fuel cell unit mounting structure described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] A…Placement space B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6...Bolts G...Equipment group S...Storage space 10,110...electrically assisted vehicle 20...frame 21…Head tube 22…Seat tube 23…Top tube 24…Down tube 25…Seat stay 26…Chainstay 27...Front fork 28...Handle 29...Front wheel 30...rear wheel 31...Saddle 32...Drive unit 33...Crankshaft 34…Crank arm 35...Pedal 36...Motor 40,140...Fuel cell unit 41...fuel cell 42...Fuel tank 43,143...Base 50,150…first division field 51,151...First side wall 52,152…1st peripheral wall 53...Groove 54...First boss 55...Second boss 60,160…Second division field 61...Second side wall 62...Second peripheral wall 63...projection 64…bulge 65...End wall 70...Pressing part 71...Bracket 72...First extension part 73…Second extension part 74...Third extension part 75...Pad 76...Shaft 77...Pressure section 78...Sheet material 79...Nat 143a... Fastening part 150a...accommodating recess 180, 190...Mounting parts 181...Support part 182…Fixed part 182a...recess 183...End wall 191...Mounting plate 192...Fixed part 193...Holding part 194...Nat 200...Boss

Claims

1. A fuel cell unit mounting structure applied to an electrically assisted vehicle configured to be movable by adding an assisted driving force from a motor to a human driving force from a rider, the fuel cell unit being mounted on a frame of the electrically assisted vehicle, comprising: The fuel cell unit comprises: a fuel cell that supplies power to the motor; a fuel tank for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell; a base portion having a first divided body and a second divided body that form an accommodation space for accommodating the frame therein; the fuel cell and the fuel tank are fixed to the first divided body, the base portion is attached to the frame by connecting the first divided body and the second divided body to each other in a state where the frame is accommodated in the accommodation space. Fuel cell unit mounting structure.

2. the fuel cell and the fuel tank are accommodated in the accommodation space; The fuel cell unit mounting structure according to claim 1 .

3. The base portion has a pressing portion extending from the first divided body and pressing the frame. The fuel cell unit mounting structure according to claim 1 .

4. A fuel cell unit mounting structure applied to an electrically assisted vehicle configured to be movable by adding an assisted driving force from a motor to a human driving force from a rider, the fuel cell unit being mounted on a frame of the electrically assisted vehicle, comprising: The fuel cell unit comprises: a fuel cell that supplies power to the motor; a fuel tank for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell; a base portion to which the fuel cell and the fuel tank are fixed; a mounting member for mounting the base portion to the frame, The mounting member includes a support portion that sandwiches and supports the frame, and a fixing portion that is fixed to the base portion. Fuel cell unit mounting structure.

5. the base portion includes a first divided body having an accommodating recess for accommodating the fuel cell and the fuel tank, and a second divided body covering the accommodating recess, The fixing portion is fixed only to the first divided body of the base portion.

5. The fuel cell unit mounting structure according to claim 4.

6. An electrically assisted vehicle comprising the fuel cell unit mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images