Fuel cell unit

Abstract

To minimize the impact on surrounding electrical components inside the enclosure while suppressing water exposure to the connector. [Solution] The cover member 70 covers at least the portion of the connector 51 located on the radiator fan 60 side. Therefore, the cover member 70 prevents water that has entered the inside of the housing 22 via the radiator fan 60 from getting on the connector 51. The cover member 70 is a sheet that is attached to the current sensor 40. This avoids problems such as the cover member 70 interfering with surrounding components inside the housing 22 and affecting the area around the current sensor 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell unit.

Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell unit includes a fuel cell stack, a housing, and electrical components. The housing houses the fuel cell stack. The electrical components are arranged inside the housing. The electrical components may have connectors. A mating connector is connected to the connector. Also, for example, as in Patent Document 1, the housing may be provided with a radiator fan. The radiator fan communicates the inside and outside of the housing. And by driving the radiator fan to generate an air flow inside the housing, heat exchange between the electrical components and the air is performed. Thereby, the electrical components are cooled by the air.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, water may enter the housing from the outside of the housing through the radiator fan. Then, the water that has entered the housing may reach the connector of the electrical components. Thus, if the connector gets wet, it may adversely affect the performance of the connector. Therefore, it is desired to suppress water ingress into the connector while minimizing the impact on the surroundings of the electrical components inside the housing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A fuel cell unit that solves the above problems comprises a fuel cell stack, a housing that houses the fuel cell stack, an electrical component disposed inside the housing and having a connector to which a mating connector is connected, and a radiator fan provided in the housing that communicates the inside and outside of the housing, wherein airflow is generated inside the housing by the driving of the radiator fan, and the unit comprises a sheet-like cover member attached to the electrical component, the cover member covering at least the portion of the connector located on the radiator fan side.

[0006] According to this design, since the cover member covers at least the portion of the connector located on the radiator fan side, the cover member can prevent water that has entered the interior of the enclosure via the radiator fan from getting onto the connector. Furthermore, consider the case where the cover member is attached to the electrical component by bolts. In this case, the bolts may protrude and interfere with surrounding components inside the enclosure, or require extra space, thus affecting the area around the electrical component inside the enclosure. Therefore, the cover member is in the form of a sheet that is attached to the electrical component. This avoids the problem of the cover member interfering with surrounding components inside the enclosure and affecting the area around the electrical component inside the enclosure. Thus, it is possible to minimize the impact on the area around the electrical component inside the enclosure while suppressing water exposure to the connector.

[0007] In the fuel cell unit described above, the mating connector is connected to the connector from the side opposite to the radiator fan, and the cover member is preferably open on the side opposite to the radiator fan.

[0008] According to this design, since the cover member is open on the side opposite the radiator fan, even if the cover member is attached to an electrical component, insertion and removal of the connector at the mating connector can be easily performed.

[0009] In the fuel cell unit described above, the cover member has a first wall portion that covers at least the portion of the connector located on the radiator fan side, and a second wall portion that extends from the first wall portion toward the connector and extends beyond the connector, wherein the second wall portion preferably has a window portion that can be opened and closed between a closed position that covers the connector and an open position that opens the connector.

[0010] According to this design, the first wall of the cover member covers at least the portion of the connector located on the radiator fan side, thus preventing water that has entered the housing from splashing onto the connector. Furthermore, since the second wall of the cover member extends from the first wall to a position beyond the connector, the second wall also prevents water that has entered the housing from splashing onto the connector. The second wall has a window that can be opened and closed, with a closed position that covers the connector and an open position that leaves the connector exposed. According to this design, by switching the window to the closed position, water that has entered the housing from splashing onto the connector can be prevented by the second wall. On the other hand, when inserting or removing the connector from the mating connector, the window is switched to the open position. According to this, the connector is exposed, making it easier to insert or remove the connector from the mating connector.

[0011] In the fuel cell unit described above, the electrical component may have a block-shaped component body, the connector may protrude from the component body, and the cover member may be bent along the outer surface of the component body.

[0012] According to this design, the cover member is attached to the electrical component in a folded state that follows the outer surface of the component body. Therefore, it becomes easier to avoid problems such as the cover member interfering with surrounding components inside the housing and thus affecting the electrical component inside the housing.

[0013] In the fuel cell unit described above, the cover member is preferably attached to the outer surface of the main body of the component. According to this, the mounting state of the cover member to the electrical components can be made more stable compared to, for example, when the cover member is attached to the outer surface of the connector.

[0014] In the fuel cell unit described above, the cover member preferably has a fold and is bent along the fold. This makes it easier to bend the cover member along the outer surface of the component body. Therefore, the process of attaching the cover member to the electrical component can be easily performed.

[0015] In the fuel cell unit described above, the cover member is preferably attached to the electrical component with adhesive tape. Adhesive tape is suitable for attaching sheet-like cover members to electrical components. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this invention, it is possible to minimize the impact on the surrounding electrical components inside the housing while suppressing water exposure to the connector. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view showing a forklift in an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the fuel cell unit. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the fuel cell unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the fuel cell unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the fuel cell unit. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a part of the fuel cell unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a development view of the cover member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state where the cover member is attached to the current sensor. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state where the cover member is attached to the current sensor.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the fuel cell unit is embodied will be described according to FIGS. 1 to 9. The fuel cell unit of the present embodiment is mounted on a forklift which is an industrial vehicle. In the following description, front and rear, up and down, and left and right indicate front and rear, up and down, and left and right when the operator driving the forklift faces the front (forward direction) of the forklift.

[0019] <Forklift> As shown in FIG. 1, the forklift 10 includes a vehicle body 11, a traveling motor 12, a handling motor 13, and a fuel cell unit 20. The forklift 10 also includes drive wheels 14 and a handling device 15. The traveling motor 12 drives the drive wheels 14. The handling motor 13 drives the handling device 15. The fuel cell unit 20 is housed inside the vehicle body 11.

[0020] <Fuel Cell Unit> As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell unit 20 includes a fuel cell stack 21. The fuel cell stack 21 is composed of a plurality of battery cells stacked. The battery cells are of the solid molecular type. The fuel cell stack 21 generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen as a fuel gas and oxygen in air as an oxidant gas. The traveling motor 12 and the handling motor 13 of the forklift 10 are driven by the electric power generated by the fuel cell stack 21. Further, the electric power generated by the fuel cell stack 21 is charged to a battery (not shown).

[0021] The fuel cell unit 20 comprises a housing 22. The housing 22 has a bottom wall 23, a first side wall 24, a second side wall 25, a third side wall 26, a fourth side wall 27, and a top wall 28. The bottom wall 23 is a rectangular flat plate. The first side wall 24, the second side wall 25, the third side wall 26, and the fourth side wall 27 rise from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 23, respectively. The direction in which the first side wall 24, the second side wall 25, the third side wall 26, and the fourth side wall 27 rise from the bottom wall 23 coincides with the thickness direction of the bottom wall 23. The first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25 extend parallel to each other. The thickness direction of the first side wall 24 and the thickness direction of the second side wall 25 coincide with each other. The third side wall 26 and the fourth side wall 27 extend parallel to each other. The thickness direction of the third side wall 26 and the thickness direction of the fourth side wall 27 coincide with each other. The first side wall 24, the second side wall 25, the third side wall 26, and the fourth side wall 27 form peripheral walls that extend in a rectangular cylindrical shape from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 23.

[0022] The top wall 28 connects the ends of the first side wall 24, second side wall 25, third side wall 26, and fourth side wall 27 that are opposite to the bottom wall 23. The thickness direction of the top wall 28 coincides with the thickness direction of the bottom wall 23. The top wall 28 closes the rectangular tubular opening 29 formed by the ends of the first side wall 24, second side wall 25, third side wall 26, and fourth side wall 27 that are opposite to the bottom wall 23. The housing space 30 is then partitioned by the bottom wall 23, first side wall 24, second side wall 25, third side wall 26, fourth side wall 27, and top wall 28. The fuel cell stack 21 is placed in the housing space 30. Therefore, the housing 22 houses the fuel cell stack 21.

[0023] The fuel cell unit 20 is equipped with a DC / DC converter 31. The DC / DC converter 31 is located inside the housing 22. The DC / DC converter 31 converts the output voltage of the fuel cell stack 21.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fuel cell unit 20 is equipped with a busbar 32. The busbar 32 is located inside the housing 22. The first end of the busbar 32 is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown). The second end of the busbar 32 is electrically connected to a DC / DC converter 31. Current from the power supply is supplied to the DC / DC converter 31 via the busbar 32. The busbar 32 is fixed to the DC / DC converter 31 via bolts 33.

[0025] The fuel cell unit 20 is equipped with a current sensor 40 as an electrical component. The current sensor 40 is located inside the housing 22. The current sensor 40 has a component body 41. The component body 41 is in the shape of a rectangular block.

[0026] The component body 41 has a first surface 42, a second surface 43, a third surface 44, a fourth surface 45, a fifth surface 46, and a sixth surface 47. The first surface 42, the second surface 43, the third surface 44, the fourth surface 45, the fifth surface 46, and the sixth surface 47 are the outer surfaces of the component body 41. The first surface 42 and the second surface 43 are located on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the component body 41. The first surface 42 and the second surface 43 are parallel to each other. The third surface 44 and the fourth surface 45 are parallel to each other. The fifth surface 46 and the sixth surface 47 are parallel to each other.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the component body 41 is positioned inside the housing 22 with its first surface 42 resting on the bottom wall 23 of the housing 22. The second surface 43 is located on the side of the top wall 28 of the housing 22. The third surface 44 is located on the side of the first side wall 24 of the housing 22. The fourth surface 45 is located on the side of the second side wall 25 of the housing 22. The fifth surface 46 is located on the side of the third side wall 26 of the housing 22. The sixth surface 47 is located on the side of the fourth side wall 27 of the housing 22.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the component body 41 has a through hole 48. The first end of the through hole 48 opens onto the third surface 44 of the component body 41. The second end of the through hole 48 opens onto the fourth surface 45 of the component body 41. The bus bar 32 passes through the through hole 48. The current sensor 40 is configured to detect the current flowing through the bus bar 32.

[0029] The current sensor 40 has a boss portion 49. The boss portion 49 protrudes from the third surface 44 of the component body 41. The boss portion 49 is fixed to the bus bar 32 by a bolt 50. In this way, the current sensor 40 is attached to the bus bar 32 by the boss portion 49 being fixed to the bus bar 32 by a bolt 50.

[0030] The current sensor 40 has a connector 51. The connector 51 protrudes from the fifth surface 46 of the component body 41. More specifically, the connector 51 protrudes from the portion of the fifth surface 46 of the component body 41 that is closer to the first surface 42. Thus, the connector 51 protrudes from the component body 41. The connection port 52 of the connector 51 is located on the second side wall 25 side.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fuel cell unit 20 is equipped with a radiator fan 60. The radiator fan 60 is provided on the first side wall 24. Therefore, the radiator fan 60 is provided on the housing 22. The radiator fan 60 has a rotating shaft 61 and a plurality of blades 62. The plurality of blades 62 are arranged around the rotating shaft 61 at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 61. The plurality of blades 62 rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 61. The inside and outside of the housing 22 are in communication through the gaps between adjacent blades 62 in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 61. Therefore, the radiator fan 60 communicates the inside and outside of the housing 22.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the second side wall 25 is provided with multiple vents 63. These vents 63 connect the inside and outside of the housing 22. When the radiator fan 60 is driven, the multiple blades 62 rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 61, drawing air from the outside of the housing 22 into the housing 22 through the multiple vents 63. The air drawn into the housing 22 through the multiple vents 63 flows through the inside of the housing 22 from the second side wall 25 towards the first side wall 24. In this way, the fuel cell unit 20 generates airflow inside the housing 22 when the radiator fan 60 is driven. This airflow inside the housing 22 allows for heat exchange between the DC / DC converter 31, the current sensor 40, and the busbar 32 and the air. As a result, the DC / DC converter 31, the current sensor 40, and the busbar 32 are cooled by the air.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the mating connector 53 is connected to connector 51. The mating connector 53 is connected to connector 51 from the opposite side of the radiator fan 60. The mating connector 53 is electrically connected to the power supply. The mating connector 53 is also electrically connected to a higher-level ECU (not shown). Power is supplied from the power supply to the current sensor 40 via the mating connector 53. Information regarding the current detected by the current sensor 40 is transmitted to the higher-level ECU via the mating connector 53.

[0034] <Cover component> As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the fuel cell unit 20 is equipped with a cover member 70. The cover member 70 is in the form of a sheet. The cover member 70 is made of a water-resistant resin. For example, the cover member 70 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The cover member 70 is transparent. The cover member 70 is formed by folding a single sheet 71. The cover member 70 is attached to the outer surface of the component body 41 while the sheet 71 is folded along the outer surface of the component body 41.

[0035] The cover member 70 has a first wall portion 72, a second wall portion 73, a third wall portion 74, and a fourth wall portion 75. The first wall portion 72 extends along the third surface 44 of the component body 41. The first wall portion 72 is in contact with the third surface 44 of the component body 41. A portion of the first wall portion 72 protrudes from the third surface 44 of the component body 41 toward the fifth surface 46. The portion of the first wall portion 72 that protrudes from the third surface 44 of the component body 41 toward the fifth surface 46 covers the portion of the connector 51 located toward the radiator fan 60. Therefore, the first wall portion 72 covers at least the portion of the connector 51 located toward the radiator fan 60. In this way, the cover member 70 covers at least the portion of the connector 51 located toward the radiator fan 60.

[0036] The second wall portion 73 extends along the fifth surface 46 of the component body 41. The second wall portion 73 extends from the end of the first wall portion 72 located on the fifth surface 46 side of the component body 41 toward the connector 51 side. Thus, the second wall portion 73 extends from the first wall portion 72 toward the connector 51 side. The second wall portion 73 is spaced apart from the fifth surface 46 of the component body 41. The second wall portion 73 faces the fifth surface 46 of the component body 41 and the connector 51. The second wall portion 73 is spaced apart from the connector 51. A portion of the second wall portion 73 protrudes from the fifth surface 46 of the component body 41 toward the fourth surface 45 side. The second wall portion 73 extends from the first wall portion 72 to a position beyond the connector 51.

[0037] The third wall portion 74 is interposed between the first surface 42 of the component body 41 and the bottom wall 23 of the housing 22. The third wall portion 74 extends along the first surface 42 of the component body 41. The third wall portion 74 extends from the end of the second wall portion 73 located on the first surface 42 side of the component body 41 toward the sixth surface 47. The third wall portion 74 is continuous with the end of the first wall portion 72 located on the first surface 42 side of the component body 41. The lengths of the third wall portion 74 and the second wall portion 73 extending from each end of the first wall portion 72 are the same. Therefore, a portion of the third wall portion 74 protrudes from the first surface 42 of the component body 41 toward the fourth surface 45 side to the same position as the second wall portion 73. The length of the third wall portion 74 extending from the end of the second wall portion 73 is longer than the length of the second wall portion 73 extending from the end of the first wall portion 72.

[0038] The fourth wall portion 75 extends along the second surface 43 of the component body 41. The fourth wall portion 75 extends parallel to the third wall portion 74. The fourth wall portion 75 extends from the end of the second wall portion 73 located on the second surface 43 side of the component body 41 toward the sixth surface 47. The fourth wall portion 75 is continuous with the end of the first wall portion 72 located on the second surface 43 side of the component body 41. The length of the fourth wall portion 75 extending from the end of the first wall portion 72 is the same as the length of the second wall portion 73 extending from the end of the first wall portion 72. Therefore, a portion of the fourth wall portion 75 protrudes from the second surface 43 of the component body 41 toward the fourth surface 45 side to the same position as the second wall portion 73. The ends of the second wall portion 73, the third wall portion 74, and the fourth wall portion 75 located opposite the first wall portion 72 are located on the same plane. Furthermore, the length of the fourth wall portion 75 extending from the end of the second wall portion 73 is longer than the length of the first wall portion 72 extending from the end of the second wall portion 73. The lengths of the fourth wall portion 75 and the third wall portion 74 extending from each end of the second wall portion 73 are the same.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the cover member 70 has a cover opening 76. The cover opening 76 is defined by the ends of the second wall portion 73, the third wall portion 74, and the fourth wall portion 75, each located on the side opposite to the first wall portion 72. In this way, the cover member 70 is open on the side opposite to the radiator fan 60.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, a first notch 77 is formed at the boundary between the second wall portion 73 and the third wall portion 74. The first notch 77 extends from the cover opening 76 to a position at least beyond the connection port 52 of the connector 51. A second notch 78 is formed in the second wall portion 73. The second notch 78 is parallel to the first notch 77. The second notch 78 extends from the cover opening 76 to a position at least beyond the connection port 52 of the connector 51. The length of the first notch 77 from the cover opening 76 is the same as the length of the second notch 78 from the cover opening 76. The first notch 77 and the second notch 78 form a window portion 79. The window portion 79 is configured to bend from the portion facing the connector 51 as a base point, so that it can be opened and closed into a closed position that covers the connector 51 and an open position that leaves the connector 51 open. Thus, the second wall portion 73 has a window portion 79 that can be opened and closed, with a closed position that covers the connector 51 and an open position that opens the connector 51.

[0041] Figure 7 shows the state of a single sheet 71 constituting the cover member 70 before it is folded. Therefore, Figure 7 shows the state in which the cover member 70 is unfolded. As shown in Figure 7, the sheet 71 has a first sheet portion 80 and a second sheet portion 81.

[0042] The first sheet portion 80 is in the shape of a rectangular sheet. The first sheet portion 80 has a first short side edge 80a, a second short side edge 80b, a long side edge 80c, a first connecting edge 80d, and a second connecting edge 80e. The first short side edge 80a and the second short side edge 80b are edges located on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the first sheet portion 80, respectively. The first short side edge 80a and the second short side edge 80b extend parallel to each other. The lengths of the first short side edge 80a and the second short side edge 80b are the same. The long side edge 80c extends in the longitudinal direction of the first sheet portion 80. The long side edge 80c connects the ends of the first short side edge 80a and the second short side edge 80b. The first connecting edge 80d is connected to the first short side edge 80a. The second connecting edge 80e is connected to the second short side edge 80b. The lengths of the first connecting edge 80d and the second connecting edge 80e are the same. The first notch 77 and the second notch 78 are formed in the first sheet portion 80. The first notch 77 extends parallel to the first short side edge 80a and the second short side edge 80b from the long side edge 80c.

[0043] The second sheet portion 81 is rectangular in shape. The second sheet portion 81 has a first short side edge 81a, a second short side edge 81b, and a long side edge 81c. The first short side edge 81a and the second short side edge 81b are edges located on both sides of the second sheet portion 81 in the longitudinal direction. The first short side edge 81a and the second short side edge 81b extend parallel to each other. The lengths of the first short side edge 81a and the second short side edge 81b are the same. The long side edge 81c extends in the longitudinal direction of the second sheet portion 81. The long side edge 81c connects the ends of the first short side edge 81a and the second short side edge 81b. The first short side edge 81a is connected to the first connecting edge 80d. The second short side edge 81b is connected to the second connecting edge 80e.

[0044] Sheet 71 has a first fold 82, a second fold 83, and a third fold 84. The first fold 82 is formed on the extension of the first cut 77. The first fold 82 extends from the first cut 77 to the long side edge 81c of the second sheet portion 81. The second fold 83 extends parallel to the first fold 82. The second fold 83 extends from the long side edge 80c of the first sheet portion 80 to the long side edge 81c of the second sheet portion 81. The length from the first short side edge 80a of the first sheet portion 80 to the first fold 82 is the same as the length from the second short side edge 80b of the first sheet portion 80 to the second fold 83. The length from the first short side edge 81a of the second sheet portion 81 to the first fold 82 is the same as the length from the second short side edge 81b of the second sheet portion 81 to the second fold 83.

[0045] The third fold 84 is formed on the extension of the first connecting edge 80d and the second connecting edge 80e. The sheet 71 has a third cut 85 and a fourth cut 86. The third cut 85 extends from the first connecting edge 80d to the first fold 82. The fourth cut 86 extends from the second connecting edge 80e to the second fold 83. The third fold 84 connects the third cut 85 and the fourth cut 86.

[0046] The cover member 70 is provided with a first adhesive tape 91, a second adhesive tape 92, and a third adhesive tape 93. In Figure 7, the first adhesive tape 91, the second adhesive tape 92, and the third adhesive tape 93 are indicated by hatching. The first adhesive tape 91, the second adhesive tape 92, and the third adhesive tape 93 are all double-sided tapes. The first adhesive tape 91 is in the shape of a long, narrow strip. The first adhesive tape 91 is attached to the second sheet portion 81 such that its outer edge overlaps the long side edge 81c of the second sheet portion 81, and overlaps the portions of the first short side edge 81a and the second short side edge 81b that are closer to the long side edge 81c.

[0047] The second adhesive tape 92 is in the shape of a long, narrow strip. The second adhesive tape 92 is attached to the first sheet portion 80 such that its outer edge overlaps with the first short side edge 80a of the first sheet portion 80 and also overlaps with the portion of the first connecting edge 80d that is closer to the first short side edge 80a. The second adhesive tape 92 is attached to the portion of the first sheet portion 80 that is opposite to the second fold 83 from the first fold 82.

[0048] The third adhesive tape 93 is in the shape of a long, narrow strip. The third adhesive tape 93 is attached to the first sheet portion 80 such that its outer edge overlaps with the second short side edge 80b of the first sheet portion 80 and also overlaps with the portion of the second connecting edge 80e that is closer to the second short side edge 80b. The third adhesive tape 93 is attached to the portion of the first sheet portion 80 that is opposite to the first fold 82 from the second fold 83.

[0049] The edge of the second adhesive tape 92 located on the long side edge 80c of the first sheet portion 80 and the edge of the third adhesive tape 93 located on the long side edge 80c of the first sheet portion 80 are connected by a virtual straight line 94 that extends along the long side edge 80c of the first sheet portion 80. The virtual straight line 94 is a straight line that passes through the end of the first cut 77 opposite to the long side edge 80c of the first sheet portion 80 and the end of the second cut 78 opposite to the long side edge 80c of the first sheet portion 80.

[0050] A first release paper 91a is pre-attached to the first adhesive tape 91. A portion of the first release paper 91a extends beyond the long side edge 81c of the second sheet portion 81, forming a first overhang 91b. A second release paper 92a is pre-attached to the second adhesive tape 92. A portion of the second release paper 92a extends beyond the first short side edge 80a of the first sheet portion 80, forming a second overhang 92b. A third release paper 93a is pre-attached to the third adhesive tape 93. A portion of the third release paper 93a extends beyond the second short side edge 80b of the first sheet portion 80, forming a third overhang 93b. In Figure 8, the first release paper 91a, the second release paper 92a, and the third release paper 93a are shown with dot hatching.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, the attachment of the cover member 70 to the main component 41 is performed when the current sensor 40 is attached to the bus bar 32 by bolts 50 and before the bus bar 32 is fixed to the DC / DC converter 31.

[0052] When attaching the cover member 70 to the main body of the component 41, first, the portion of the second sheet portion 81 between the first fold 82 and the second fold 83, and to which the first adhesive tape 91 is attached, is placed on the third surface 44 of the main body of the component 41. Then, the first release paper 91a is peeled off the first adhesive tape 91. At this time, a portion of the first release paper 91a protrudes from the long side edge 80c of the second sheet portion 81, forming a first overhang 91b, making it easier to grasp the first overhang 91b and peel the first release paper 91a off the first adhesive tape 91. Then, the portion of the first adhesive tape 91 between the first fold 82 and the second fold 83 is attached to the third surface 44 of the main body of the component 41. As a result, the portion of the second sheet portion 81 between the first fold 82 and the second fold 83 is attached to the third surface 44 of the main body of the component 41 by the first adhesive tape 91.

[0053] Next, the portion of the second sheet portion 81 opposite to the second fold 83 from the first fold 82 is folded along the first fold 82 so that it aligns with the first surface 42 of the component body 41. At this time, the third cut 85 makes it possible to fold the portion of the second sheet portion 81 opposite to the second fold 83 from the first fold 82 along the first fold 82 so that it aligns with the first surface 42 of the component body 41. Then, the portion of the first adhesive tape 91 opposite to the second fold 83 from the first fold 82 is attached to the first surface 42 of the component body 41 by the first adhesive tape 91.

[0054] Next, the portion of the second sheet portion 81 opposite to the first fold 82 from the second fold 83 is folded along the second fold 83 so that it aligns with the second surface 43 of the component body 41. At this time, the fourth notch 86 makes it possible to fold the portion of the second sheet portion 81 opposite to the first fold 82 from the second fold 83 so that it aligns with the second surface 43 of the component body 41. Then, the portion of the first adhesive tape 91 opposite to the first fold 82 from the second fold 83 is attached to the second surface 43 of the component body 41. As a result, the portion of the second sheet portion 81 opposite to the first fold 82 from the second fold 83 is attached to the second surface 43 of the component body 41 by the first adhesive tape 91.

[0055] As shown in Figure 9, the first sheet portion 80 is then folded relative to the second sheet portion 81 along the third fold 84. Furthermore, the portion of the first sheet portion 80 opposite to the second fold 83 from the first fold 82 is folded along the first fold 82 so that it aligns with the first surface 42 of the component body 41. Then, the second release paper 92a is peeled off the second adhesive tape 92. At this time, a portion of the second release paper 92a protrudes from the first short side edge 80a of the first sheet portion 80, forming a second overhang 92b, making it easier to grasp the second overhang 92b and peel the second release paper 92a from the second adhesive tape 92. Then, the second adhesive tape 92 is attached to the first surface 42 of the component body 41. As a result, the portion of the first sheet portion 80 opposite to the second fold 83 from the first fold 82 is attached to the first surface 42 of the component body 41 by the second adhesive tape 92.

[0056] Furthermore, the portion of the first sheet portion 80 opposite to the first fold 82 from the second fold 83 is folded along the second fold 83 so that it aligns with the second surface 43 of the component body 41. Then, the third release paper 93a is peeled off the third adhesive tape 93. At this time, a portion of the third release paper 93a protrudes from the second short side edge 80b of the first sheet portion 80, forming a third overhang 93b, making it easier to grasp the third overhang 93b and peel the third release paper 93a off the third adhesive tape 93. Then, the third adhesive tape 93 is attached to the second surface 43 of the component body 41. As a result, the portion of the first sheet portion 80 opposite to the first fold 82 from the second fold 83 is attached to the second surface 43 of the component body 41 by the third adhesive tape 93. In this way, the cover member 70 is attached to the outer surface of the component body 41. Therefore, the cover member 70 is attached to the current sensor 40.

[0057] The cover member 70 is folded along a first fold 82, a second fold 83, and a third fold 84. Thus, the cover member 70 has a first fold 82, a second fold 83, and a third fold 84 as folds. The cover member 70 is then attached to the current sensor 40 by adhesive tapes, a first adhesive tape 91, a second adhesive tape 92, and a third adhesive tape 93.

[0058] The cover member 70 is made of resin and is designed to resist the adhesive forces of the first adhesive tape 91, the second adhesive tape 92, and the third adhesive tape 93, preventing it from returning to its original shape before bending. In this way, the cover member 70 is configured to maintain a bent state along the outer surface of the main body 41.

[0059] Once the attachment of the cover member 70 to the current sensor 40 is complete, the busbar 32 is fixed to the DC / DC converter 31 with bolts 33. Subsequently, the connection of the mating connector 53 to the connector 51 is performed through the cover opening 76.

[0060] [Effect of the Embodiment] Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described. Incidentally, water may enter the inside of the housing 22 from the outside of the housing 22 via the radiator fan 60. Specifically, water from the outside of the housing 22 may adhere to the blades 62 before the radiator fan 60 is driven. Then, when the radiator fan 60 is driven with water adhering to the blades 62, the blades 62 rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 61, and the water adhering to the blades 62 may be scattered into the inside of the housing 22, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 3.

[0061] In this configuration, the cover member 70 covers at least the portion of the connector 51 that is located on the radiator fan 60 side. Specifically, the first wall portion 72 of the cover member 70 covers at least the portion of the connector 51 that is located on the radiator fan 60 side. As a result, the first wall portion 72 prevents water that has entered the housing 22 from splashing onto the connector 51.

[0062] Furthermore, the second wall portion 73 of the cover member 70 extends from the first wall portion 72 to a position beyond the connector 51. Therefore, the second wall portion 73 also prevents water that has entered the inside of the housing 22 from splashing onto the connector 51. A portion of the end of the second wall portion 73 opposite to the first wall portion 72 bends from the point facing the connector 51, forming a window portion 79 that can be opened and closed between a closed position that covers the connector 51 and an open position that leaves the connector 51 exposed. Therefore, by switching the window portion 79 to the closed position, the second wall portion 73 prevents water that has entered the inside of the housing 22 from splashing onto the connector 51. On the other hand, when inserting or removing the connector 51 from the mating connector 53, the window portion 79 is switched to the open position. Therefore, the connector 51 is opened, making it easier to insert or remove the connector 51 from the mating connector 53.

[0063] [Effects of the Embodiment] The above embodiment can be achieved to obtain the following effects. (1) The cover member 70 covers at least the portion of the connector 51 located on the radiator fan 60 side. This prevents water that has entered the housing 22 via the radiator fan 60 from splashing onto the connector 51. Also consider the case where the cover member 70 is attached to the current sensor 40 by bolts. In this case, the bolts may protrude and interfere with surrounding components of the current sensor 40 inside the housing 22, or require extra space, thus affecting the area around the current sensor 40 inside the housing 22. Therefore, the cover member 70 is in the form of a sheet that is attached to the current sensor 40. This avoids the problem of the cover member 70 interfering with surrounding components of the current sensor 40 inside the housing 22 and affecting the area around the current sensor 40 inside the housing 22. As a result, it is possible to suppress water splashing onto the connector 51 while minimizing the impact on the area around the current sensor 40 inside the housing 22.

[0064] (2) The cover member 70 is open on the side opposite to the radiator fan 60. Therefore, even when the cover member 70 is attached to the current sensor 40, insertion and removal of the connector 53 from the connector 51 can be easily performed.

[0065] (3) The first wall portion 72 of the cover member 70 covers at least the portion of the connector 51 that is located on the radiator fan 60 side. This prevents water that has entered the inside of the housing 22 from splashing onto the connector 51. Furthermore, the second wall portion 73 of the cover member 70 extends from the first wall portion 72 to a position beyond the connector 51. Therefore, the second wall portion 73 also prevents water that has entered the inside of the housing 22 from splashing onto the connector 51. The second wall portion 73 has a window portion 79 that can be opened and closed, with a closed position that covers the connector 51 and an open position that leaves the connector 51 open. This prevents water that has entered the inside of the housing 22 from splashing onto the connector 51 by switching the window portion 79 to the closed position. On the other hand, when inserting or removing the connector 51 from the mating connector 53, the window portion 79 is switched to the open position. According to this, since connector 51 is opened, it becomes easier to insert and remove connector 51 from the mating connector 53.

[0066] (4) The cover member 70 is attached to the current sensor 40 in a state where it is bent along the outer surface of the component body 41. Therefore, it is possible to further avoid problems such as the cover member 70 interfering with components surrounding the current sensor 40 inside the housing 22 and affecting the area around the current sensor 40 inside the housing 22.

[0067] (5) The cover member 70 is attached to the outer surface of the component body 41. This makes the mounting state of the cover member 70 to the current sensor 40 more stable compared to the case where the cover member 70 is attached to the outer surface of the connector 51, for example.

[0068] (6) The cover member 70 has a first fold 82, a second fold 83, and a third fold 84, and is bent along the first fold 82, the second fold 83, and the third fold 84. This makes it easy to bend the cover member 70 along the outer surface of the current sensor 40. Therefore, the process of attaching the cover member 70 to the current sensor 40 can be easily performed.

[0069] (7) The cover member 70 is attached to the current sensor 40 by the first adhesive tape 91, the second adhesive tape 92, and the third adhesive tape 93. The first adhesive tape 91, the second adhesive tape 92, and the third adhesive tape 93 are suitable for attaching the sheet-like cover member 70 to the current sensor 40.

[0070] (8) After the current sensor 40 has been attached to the cover member 70, the bus bar 32 is fixed to the DC / DC converter 31 with bolts 33. Since the cover member 70 is a sheet that is attached to the current sensor 40, it is less likely to interfere with the surrounding components of the current sensor 40 inside the housing 22. Therefore, even with the current sensor 40 attached to the cover member 70, the work of fixing the bus bar 32 to the DC / DC converter 31 with bolts 33 can be easily performed.

[0071] (9) The cover member 70 is transparent. This allows the connection status between the connector 51 and the mating connector 53 to be easily seen from the outside of the cover member 70. Therefore, the reliability of the fuel cell unit 20 can be improved.

[0072] [Example of changes] The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0073] ○ In this embodiment, the cover member 70 may be configured such that the portion on the side opposite to the radiator fan 60 is closed. In this case, when inserting or removing the connector 51 from the mating connector 53, the portion of the cover member 70 on the side opposite to the radiator fan 60 is configured to be openable.

[0074] ○ In this embodiment, the second wall portion 73 does not need to have a window portion 79. ○ In this embodiment, the cover member 70 may be attached, for example, to the outer surface of the connector 51. In short, the cover member 70 only needs to be attached to the current sensor 40 so as to cover at least the portion of the connector 51 located on the radiator fan 60 side.

[0075] ○ In this embodiment, the cover member 70 may be configured not to have a first fold 82, a second fold 83, and a third fold 84. ○ In this embodiment, the cover member 70 is not attached to the current sensor 40 by the first adhesive tape 91, the second adhesive tape 92, and the third adhesive tape 93, but may be attached to the current sensor 40 by, for example, an adhesive.

[0076] ○ In this embodiment, the cover member 70 does not have to be formed by folding a single sheet 71, but may be, for example, a sheet-shaped resin member that has been pre-formed along the outer surface of the component body 41.

[0077] ○ In this embodiment, the cover member 70 does not have to be transparent. ○ In this embodiment, the material of the cover member 70 is not particularly limited. ○ In this embodiment, the shape of the component body 41 of the current sensor 40 is not particularly limited.

[0078] ○ In this embodiment, the cover member 70 covered the connector 51 of the current sensor 40, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may also cover the connector 51 of an electrical component other than the current sensor 40. In short, the electrical component is not limited to the current sensor 40. Therefore, the electrical component is not particularly limited as long as it is a component that is arranged inside the housing 22 and has a connector 51 to which the mating connector 53 is connected.

[0079] ○ In this embodiment, the fuel cell unit 20 is mounted on a forklift 10, but it is not limited to this, and may be mounted on, for example, a towing vehicle used for transporting goods, or an order picker used for picking operations. In short, the fuel cell unit 20 may be mounted on industrial vehicles other than the forklift 10.

[0080] [Note] The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples are described below. <Note 1> Fuel cell stack and A housing for the fuel cell stack, An electrical component having a connector that is arranged inside the housing and to which the mating connector is connected, The enclosure is provided with a radiator fan that communicates the inside and outside of the enclosure, A fuel cell unit in which airflow is generated inside the housing by driving the radiator fan, The electrical component is equipped with a sheet-like cover member that is attached to the aforementioned electrical component, The fuel cell unit is characterized in that the cover member covers at least the portion of the connector located on the radiator fan side.

[0081] <Note 2> The aforementioned mating connector is connected to the connector from the opposite side of the radiator fan. The fuel cell unit according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the cover member has an open portion on the side opposite to the radiator fan.

[0082] <Note 3> The cover member is A first wall portion that covers at least the portion of the connector located on the radiator fan side, It has a second wall portion that extends from the first wall portion toward the connector and extends from the first wall portion to a position beyond the connector, The fuel cell unit according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized in that the second wall portion has a window portion that can be opened and closed between a closed position that covers the connector and an open position that opens the connector.

[0083] <Note 4> The aforementioned electrical component has a block-shaped component body, The connector protrudes from the main body of the component, The fuel cell unit according to any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 3>, characterized in that the cover member is bent along the outer surface of the main body of the component.

[0084] <Note 5> The fuel cell unit according to Appendix 4, characterized in that the cover member is attached to the outer surface of the main body of the component.

[0085] <Note 6> The fuel cell unit according to Appendix 4 or Appendix 5, characterized in that the cover member has a fold and is bent along the fold.

[0086] <Note 7> The fuel cell unit according to any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 6>, characterized in that the cover member is attached to the electrical component by adhesive tape. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 20...Fuel cell unit, 21...Fuel cell stack, 22...Housing, 40...Current sensor as an electrical component, 41...Component body, 51...Connector, 53...Mating connector, 60...Radiator fan, 70...Cover member, 72...First wall section, 73...Second wall section, 79...Window section, 82...First fold as a crease, 83...Second fold as a crease, 84...Third fold as a crease, 91...First adhesive tape which is an adhesive tape, 92...Second adhesive tape which is an adhesive tape, 93...Third adhesive tape which is an adhesive tape.

Claims

1. Fuel cell stack and A housing for the fuel cell stack, An electrical component having a connector that is arranged inside the housing and to which the mating connector is connected, The enclosure is provided with a radiator fan that communicates the inside and outside of the enclosure, A fuel cell unit in which airflow is generated inside the housing by driving the radiator fan, The electrical component is equipped with a sheet-like cover member that is attached to the aforementioned electrical component, The fuel cell unit is characterized in that the cover member covers at least the portion of the connector located on the radiator fan side.

2. The aforementioned mating connector is connected to the connector from the opposite side of the radiator fan. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover member has an open portion located on the side opposite to the radiator fan.

3. The cover member is A first wall portion that covers at least the portion of the connector located on the radiator fan side, It has a second wall portion that extends from the first wall portion toward the connector and extends from the first wall portion to a position beyond the connector, The fuel cell unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second wall portion has a window portion that can be opened and closed between a closed position that covers the connector and an open position that opens the connector.

4. The aforementioned electrical component has a block-shaped component body, The connector protrudes from the main body of the component, The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover member is bent along the outer surface of the main body of the component.

5. The fuel cell unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover member is attached to the outer surface of the main body of the component.

6. The fuel cell unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the cover member has a fold and is bent along the fold.

7. The fuel cell unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover member is attached to the electrical component by adhesive tape.

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