Support construction

Abstract

This prevents damage to the fuel tank when the vehicle is struck from the side. [Solution] A support structure 1 for attaching a fuel tank 3 positioned outside the left and right side rails 7, a radiator 4 positioned outside the fuel tank 3, and a cooling fan 5 integrally attached to the radiator 4 to the side rails 7, comprising a base portion 10 fixed to the outside of the side rails 7, a tank support portion 11 extending outward from the base portion 10 to support the fuel tank 3, and a radiator support portion 12 attached to the outside of the tank support portion 11 to support the radiator 4 outside the fuel tank 3. The radiator support portion 12 has a first fastening portion 12U that supports one of the upper and lower parts of the radiator 4, and a second fastening portion 12D that supports the other of the upper and lower parts of the radiator 4, wherein the second fastening portion 12D is more vulnerable than the first fastening portion 12U to impacts applied to the radiator 4 from the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a support structure for a fuel tank, a radiator, and a cooling fan mounted on a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are vehicles that run on high-pressure gas as fuel. For example, gas engine vehicles using gas fuels such as compressed natural gas and LPG are known. Such vehicles are equipped with a high-pressure gas tank (fuel tank) for storing gas fuel. Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a cylindrical fuel tank is arranged on the side of a vehicle, a radiator is provided outside the fuel tank, and a cooling fan is arranged between the fuel tank and the radiator. According to Patent Document 1, it is said that the degree of freedom in vehicle layout can be increased and an increase in the internal pressure of the fuel tank due to a temperature rise can be prevented.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the structure of Patent Document 1, in order to efficiently blow air from the cooling fan to the fuel tank, the cooling fan is arranged in a posture where its rotation axis intersects the cylinder axis of the cylindrical fuel tank and at a height that coincides with the cylinder axis. In this case, when the vehicle is collided (side-collided) by another vehicle from the side surface (outer side in the left-right direction) of the vehicle, if the cooling fan moves toward the fuel tank side (inner side in the left-right direction) due to the impact of the collision, its rotation axis is likely to interfere with the fuel tank. Due to this interference, there is a risk that the fuel tank may be damaged.

[0005] This invention was devised in light of the above-mentioned issues, and one of its purposes is to prevent damage to the fuel tank when the vehicle is struck from the side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This project was undertaken to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following forms or applications.

[0007] (1) The support structure according to this application example is a support structure for attaching to the side rails a cylindrical fuel tank, which is positioned on the left and right sides of the vehicle extending in the longitudinal direction, with its cylindrical shaft aligned with the longitudinal direction; a radiator positioned on the outside of the fuel tank; and a cooling fan, which is positioned between the fuel tank and the radiator with the axis of rotation intersecting the cylindrical shaft and integrally attached to the radiator. The support structure comprises a base portion fixed to the outside of the side rail; a tank support portion extending outward from the base portion and supporting the fuel tank on the outside of the side rail; and a radiator support portion attached to the outside of the tank support portion and supporting the radiator on the outside of the fuel tank. The radiator support portion is provided on one side of the upper and lower parts of the radiator and includes a first fastening portion that supports one of the upper and lower parts, and a second fastening portion that is provided on the other side of the upper and lower parts of the radiator and supports the other, wherein the second fastening portion is more vulnerable to impacts applied to the radiator from the outside than the first fastening portion.

[0008] According to this application example, by providing a second fastening part that is weaker than the first fastening part against impacts applied to the radiator from the outside, the radiator support part becomes more susceptible to breakage due to impacts applied from the outside. When another vehicle collides with the radiator from the side (side collision), if the second fastening part breaks due to the impact of the side collision, the support of the radiator by the second fastening part is released, while the first fastening part maintains support for the radiator. As a result, the radiator tilts. This causes the rotation axis of the cooling fan attached to the radiator to shift from its position intersecting the cylindrical axis of the fuel tank, so even if the cooling fan moves towards the fuel tank, the rotation axis of the cooling fan is less likely to interfere with the fuel tank. Therefore, damage to the fuel tank when the vehicle is hit from the side can be prevented.

[0009] (2) In the support structure according to this example, the second fastening portion may be provided with a vulnerable portion that is formed to be vulnerable to the impact. With this configuration, the second fastening part can be broken at a weak point, allowing the point of breakage of the second fastening part to be appropriately determined. Therefore, damage to the fuel tank can be prevented more effectively.

[0010] (3) In the support structure according to this application example, the fragile portion has pins that support the other of the upper and lower parts, and the pins may be formed to have a small diameter that can break in response to the impact. With this configuration, the pin can break during a side impact, causing the second fastening part to fracture, thus simplifying the structure of the vulnerable part. (4) In addition, in the support structure according to this application example, the fragile portion has a pin that supports the other of the upper and lower parts, and a keyhole through which the end of the pin is inserted, and the keyhole may have a first hole through which the end of the pin is inserted, and an elongated second hole connected to the first hole, through which the end of the pin can slide out of the first hole. In this configuration, during a side impact, the pin slides (moves) from the first hole to the second hole, releasing the support of the radiator by the second fastening part, causing the radiator to tilt. In this case, the structure of the vulnerable part is simple because it consists only of a pin and a keyhole.

[0011] (5) In the support structure according to this example, the first fastening portion may be provided with an impact absorbing portion that absorbs the impact. With this configuration, since an impact absorbing section is provided at the first fastening section, the impact of a side collision can be absorbed by the impact absorbing section while the second fastening section can be broken. Therefore, the performance in preventing damage to the fuel tank can be further enhanced. (6) In the support structure according to this application example, the shock-absorbing part may be composed of a ball joint that supports one of the upper and lower parts via a metal pillow ball. With this configuration, when the second fastening part breaks due to a side impact, the radiator oscillates and tilts around the ball joint (spherical member) of the first fastening part. This oscillating motion enhances the shock absorption performance, thereby further improving the ability to prevent damage to the fuel tank.

[0012] (7) In the support structure according to this application example, the first fastening portion may be provided on the upper part of the radiator, and the second fastening portion may be provided on the lower part of the radiator. The lower part of the radiator is more susceptible to impact than the upper part when another vehicle collides with it. Therefore, with this configuration, the second fastening point is more likely to break when another vehicle collides with it. Thus, the performance in preventing damage to the fuel tank can be further enhanced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this case, it is possible to prevent damage to the fuel tank when the vehicle is struck from the side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic top view showing the understructure of a vehicle to which a support structure according to one embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a rear view showing the left support structure of the vehicle in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view illustrating a detailed example of the second fastening portion in Figure 2. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged view for explaining a detailed configuration example of the first fastening portion in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory view showing a state where the radiator is inclined. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory view showing a modification example regarding the weak portion of the second fastening portion.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Referring to the drawings, embodiments (aspects, application examples) of the present case will be described. The following embodiments are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly shown in these embodiments. Each configuration of the following embodiments can be variously modified and implemented without departing from their gist. Also, they can be selectively used as necessary, or appropriately combined.

[0016] [1. Configuration] [1-1. Vehicle] As shown in FIG. 1, the support structure 1 according to the present embodiment is a structure for supporting a fuel tank 3 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "tank 3") mounted on a vehicle 2, a radiator 4, and a cooling fan 5 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "fan 5"). The vehicle 2 is, for example, a fuel cell truck (fuel cell vehicle) and includes a chassis frame 6 having a ladder frame structure.

[0017] In FIG. 1, the lower structure of the vehicle 2 including the tank 3 and the chassis frame 6 etc. is shown, and the body, cab, etc. provided on the chassis frame 6 are omitted. Hereinafter, the front-rear direction D1, left-right direction D2, and up-down direction D3 of the vehicle 2 are also referred to as the vehicle length direction D1, vehicle width direction D2, and vehicle height direction D3, respectively. In the drawings, the front, right, left, and upper sides of the vehicle 2 are indicated by Fr, Rh, Lh, and Up, respectively. Note that in this specification, "right side" means the right side when facing the front of the vehicle 2, and "left side" means the left side when facing the front of the vehicle 2.

[0018] The chassis frame 6 has left and right side rails 7 extending in the longitudinal direction D1, and a plurality of cross members 8 extending in the lateral direction D2. The left and right side rails 7 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction D2. Each side rail 7 has a channel shape, for example, with upper and lower flanges and a web connecting them. Each cross member 8 is positioned between the left and right side rails 7 and connects the side rails 7 to each other. Note that Figure 1 shows only two of the plurality of cross members 8 provided on the vehicle 2.

[0019] Tank 3 is a container for holding high-pressure gas, which serves as fuel for vehicle 2. Tank 3 mounted on a fuel cell vehicle contains, for example, hydrogen gas as fuel. The hydrogen gas in tank 3 may be used as fuel for driving vehicle 2. Here, we illustrate a tank 3 having a cylindrical body 31 and hemispherical ends 32 that close both ends of the body 31. Tank 3 is mounted in a position where the axis (cylindrical shaft) 33 of the body 31 extends along the longitudinal direction D1.

[0020] The tanks 3 are positioned outside the left and right side rails 7 in the left-right direction D2. More specifically, the tanks 3 are positioned to the left of the left side rail 7 and to the right of the right side rail 7. In the vehicle 2 of this embodiment, the left and right tanks 3 are positioned adjacent to each of the left and right side rails 7. Each tank 3 is located, for example, between the front and rear wheels (not shown) of the vehicle 2.

[0021] The left and right tanks 3 are formed equally and arranged symmetrically. That is, the left and right tanks 3 have equal weight and are positioned equally relative to the adjacent side rails 7. In this embodiment, the lower end of each tank 3 is located below the chassis frame 6 (side rails 7 and cross member 8) (see Figure 2, described later).

[0022] Various devices, such as a battery (not shown) that stores power for the vehicle 2 to run, are arranged between the side rails 7. In the vehicle 2 of this embodiment, the battery may store electricity generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen gas, which is supplied as fuel from the tank 3, and oxygen (air).

[0023] To the left and right of the tanks 3, in the left-right direction D2, are positioned cooling units 40 responsible for cooling the equipment mounted on the vehicle 2. More specifically, the cooling units 40 include radiators 4 and fans 5. The radiators 4 and fans 5 that make up each cooling unit 40 are positioned to the left of the left tank 3 and to the right of the right tank 3, respectively. Figure 1 shows an example configuration in which two radiators 4 and two fans 5 are positioned on each side.

[0024] Each radiator 4 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the front-to-back direction D1 and the up-to-down direction D3, and is positioned outside the tank 3 in the left-to-right direction D2. Specifically, the radiators 4 are positioned to the left of the left tank 3 and to the right of the right tank 3. A fan 5 is integrally attached to each radiator 4. More specifically, each radiator 4 is positioned such that the normal of the air-receiving surface (the surface with the largest area) is approximately aligned with the left-to-right direction D2, in other words, with that surface facing the outer circumference of the tank 3, and the fan 5 is attached to that surface. Furthermore, fans 5 are arranged in parallel with the radiator 4, with a gap between them on the inside in the vehicle width direction D2. Each fan 5 is positioned between the tank 3 and the radiator 4 such that its axis 5b, which is the center of its rotation axis 5a, intersects with the cylindrical shaft 33 of the tank 3. Here, the axis 5b of the rotation axis 5a is positioned along the radial direction of the tank 3. In this embodiment, the axis 5b of the rotation axis 5a is set to the same height as the cylindrical shaft 33 (see Figure 2 described later).

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a subframe 13 is positioned on the outside of the radiator 4 in the left-right direction D2. The subframe 13 is a frame that forms the base for attaching the radiator 4 and fan 5 to the side rail 7 (more specifically, the radiator support part 12, which will be described later). The subframe 13 consists of a rectangular frame that, for example, surrounds the radiator 4 above, below, and in the front and rear when viewed from the outside in the left-right direction D2. The radiator 4 is fixed to the inside of the subframe 13, for example, via a bracket (not shown). That is, in the vehicle 2 of Figure 1, the subframe 13, radiator 4, fan 5, and tank 3 are arranged in this order from the outside to the inside in the left-right direction D2.

[0026] [1-2. Support structure] Support structure 1 is a structure for attaching the tank 3, radiator 4, and fan 5 to the side rail 7. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 2 is provided with support structure 1 on each of the left and right side rails 7. The left and right support structures 1 are constructed to be approximately identical to each other. Unless otherwise specified, the following explanation will focus on one of the left and right support structures 1 (for example, the left side). That is, in the following explanation of the support structures 1, each element of the support structure 1, as well as devices such as the side rails 7, tank 3, radiator 4, and fan 5, will refer to the side on which the support structure 1 of focus is located, unless otherwise specified. Also, in the following, the expression "outside" means "left side" for the left support structure 1 and "right side" for the right support structure 1.

[0027] Figure 2 is a rear view of the support structure 1 on the left side, viewed from the rear, with a portion of the vehicle 2 omitted. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support structure 1 includes a base portion 10 fixed to the outside of the side rail 7, a tank support portion 11 extending outward from the base portion 10 and supporting the tank 3 outside the side rail 7, and a radiator support portion 12 attached to the outside of the tank support portion 11 and supporting the radiator 4 outside the tank 3. The base portion 10 serves as a bracket for fixing the support structure 1 to the side rail 7. The base portion 10 is fastened, for example, on its inner surface in the left-right direction D2 to the outer surface (web) of the side rail 7 in the left-right direction D2 by bolts and nuts (not shown).

[0028] The tank support section 11 serves as a bracket for supporting the tank 3 on the side rail 7. As shown in Figure 1, each support structure 1 is provided with a plurality (in this case, three) of tank support sections 11A, 11B, and 11C that are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction D1. The front tank support section 11A is located at the front end 32 of the tank 3 and supports the front end of the tank 3. The rear tank support section 11B is located at the rear end of the tank 3 and supports the rear end of the tank 3. The other tank support section 11C is located between the tank support sections 11A and 11B (in this case, approximately midway between the tank support section 11A and the tank support section 11B) and supports the area between the front end and the rear end of the tank 3 (in this case, approximately midway in the longitudinal direction D1 of the tank 3).

[0029] The tank support section 11B shown in Figure 2 consists of a rectangular frame when viewed from the front-rear direction D1, and supports the rear end 32 of the tank 3 via a bracket 11D attached to the lower edge of the tank support section 11B. The front tank support section 11A is constructed in substantially the same manner as the tank support section 11B. The tank support section 11C may also be constructed in substantially the same manner as the tank support sections 11A and 11B, or, for reasons such as ease of mounting the tank 3, it may be an arm-shaped member extending in the left-right direction D2 above the tank 3 instead of a rectangular frame. In other words, each tank support section 11 can have any structure as long as it supports the tank 3 outside the side rails 7. Although not shown in the figure, reinforcing members to reinforce the support force of the tank 3 may be installed diagonally between the front and rear tank support sections 11A and 11B and the side rails 7 in the support structure 1.

[0030] The radiator support section 12 serves as a bracket for supporting the radiator 4 on the side rail 7. As shown in Figure 1, the radiator support section 12 is provided at two locations corresponding to the outer ends of the tank support sections 11A and 11B on both the front and rear sides. Note that in Figure 1, the radiator support section 12 is not provided at the location corresponding to the outer end of the tank support section 11C.

[0031] The radiator support section 12 is configured to support the upper and lower parts of the radiator 4 at two locations corresponding to the outer ends of the tank support sections 11A and 11B. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the radiator support section 12 includes a first fastening section 12U provided on the upper part of the radiator 4 (one side of the upper and lower parts) to support the upper part of the radiator 4, and a second fastening section 12D provided on the lower part of the radiator 4 (the other side of the upper and lower parts) to support the lower part of the radiator 4.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the first fastening portion 12U includes a tank-side bracket 14U attached to the outer upper part of the tank support portion 11B, a subframe bracket 15U attached to the upper part of the subframe 13, and an upper connecting portion 16U that connects the tank-side bracket 14U and the subframe bracket 15U. The second fastening portion 12D includes a tank-side bracket 14D attached to the lower outside of the tank support portion 11B, a subframe bracket 15D attached to the lower part of the subframe 13, and a lower connecting portion 16D that connects the tank-side bracket 14D and the subframe bracket 15D.

[0033] The tank-side bracket 14U and subframe bracket 15U of the first fastening portion 12U and the tank-side bracket 14D and subframe bracket 15D of the second fastening portion 12D can be configured to be substantially the same, except that they are arranged symmetrically vertically. The tank-side brackets 14U and 14D are fixed to the tank support portion 11B, for example, with bolts and nuts (not shown), and have extension portions 17U and 17D (see Figures 3 and 4) that extend outward from the tank support portion 11B. The subframe brackets 15U and 15D are brackets that extend inward from the subframe 13 and are provided opposite to the extension portions 17U and 17D of the tank-side brackets 14U and 14D. The radiator support section 12 shown in Figures 1 and 2 can also be described as the part where the radiator 4 and fan 5 are attached to the tank support section 11 via the subframe 13.

[0034] The upper connecting portion 16U of the first fastening portion 12U and the lower connecting portion 16D of the second fastening portion 12D are positioned between the extension portions 17U, 17D of the tank-side brackets 14U, 14D and the subframe brackets 15U, 15D, respectively, and are the parts that connect the tank-side brackets 14U, 14D and the subframe brackets 15U, 15D. The upper connecting portion 16U and the lower connecting portion 16D share the common function of connecting the tank-side brackets 14U, 14D and the subframe brackets 15U, 15D, but have different configurations in terms of vulnerability to external impacts.

[0035] Specifically, the second fastening portion 12D (lower connecting portion 16D) is configured to be more vulnerable than the first fastening portion 12U (upper connecting portion 16U) to impacts from the outside in the left-right direction D2 relative to the radiator 4 (subframe 13). In other words, the second fastening portion 12D is provided with a vulnerable portion that is formed to be vulnerable to external impacts. The first fastening portion 12U is provided with an impact-absorbing portion that absorbs external impacts. The impact-absorbing portion is a part that is not vulnerable to external impacts and is formed to absorb such impacts. More specifically, the lower connecting section 16D is configured as a vulnerable section, and the upper connecting section 16U is configured as an impact-absorbing section. Hereafter, the lower connecting section 16D will also be referred to as the "vulnerable section 16D," and the upper connecting section 16U will also be referred to as the "impact-absorbing section 16U."

[0036] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of a detailed configuration example of the second fastening portion 12D, and Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of a detailed configuration example of the first fastening portion 12U. In Figures 3 and 4, parts of the first fastening portion 12U and the second fastening portion 12D are shown in cross-section. In the second fastening portion 12D shown in Figure 3, the weak portion 16D includes a rubber 18D and a pin 19, which are positioned between the extension portion 17D of the tank-side bracket 14D and the subframe bracket 15D. The rubber 18D is a rubber barrier member that suppresses the downward compressive force applied to the second fastening portion 12D.

[0037] Pin 19 is a rod-shaped member that supports the lower part of the radiator 4 at the second fastening portion 12D. More specifically, pin 19 is a member that connects the tank-side bracket 14D and the subframe bracket 15D in a state that is vulnerable to impact from the outside in the left-right direction D2, and is disposed between the tank-side bracket 14D and the subframe bracket 15D along the vertical direction D3. The pin 19 is fixed to the extension 17D at its lower end, passes through the rubber 18D, and is inserted at its upper end into a hole (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the subframe bracket 15D. As shown in Figure 3, the pin 19 is provided with upper and lower flanges 19U and 19D that contact the upper and lower surfaces of the extension 17D in order to fix the pin 19 to the extension 17D.

[0038] Pin 19 is formed with a small diameter that can break in the event of an impact from the outside in the left-right direction D2. Here, the small diameter that can break in the event of an impact is a diameter that, under normal circumstances when no impact is applied, can support the lower part of the radiator 4 while connecting the tank-side bracket 14D and the subframe bracket 15D without breaking, but breaks easily when the impact is applied. The specific dimensions of the small diameter can be appropriately determined by simulation or experiment.

[0039] In the first fastening portion 12U shown in Figure 4, the shock absorbing portion 16U includes a rubber 18U positioned between the extension portion 17U of the tank-side bracket 14U and the subframe bracket 15U, and a ball joint 20. The rubber 18U is a rubber vibration damping member that suppresses vibrations acting on the first fastening portion 12U in the vertical direction D3.

[0040] The ball joint 20 is a component that connects the tank-side bracket 14U and the subframe bracket 15U in a manner that can absorb impacts from the outside in the left-right direction D2. The ball joint 20 includes a pillow ball 20A and a pillow ball nut 20B attached to the extension 17U of the tank-side bracket 14U, a bolt 20C inserted through the subframe bracket 15U and rubber 18U and attached to the pillow ball nut 20B, and a nut 20D attached to the lower end of the bolt 20C.

[0041] The pillow ball 20A is a metal sphere. The pillow ball nut 20B is embedded so as to pass through the center of the pillow ball 20A. The ball joint 20 connects the tank-side bracket 14U and the subframe bracket 15U by fastening a bolt 20C, which is inserted through the subframe bracket 15U, rubber 18U, and pillow ball nut 20B, with a nut 20D at its lower end. In other words, this ball joint 20 is a structure that supports the upper part of the radiator 4 via a pillow ball 20A, and is a structure that can swing around the pillow ball 20A when an impact is applied from the outside in the left-right direction D2.

[0042] Although Figures 2 to 4 illustrate a detailed configuration example of the radiator support section 12 provided in correspondence with the tank support section 11B, the radiator support section 12 provided in correspondence with the tank support section 11A may have the same configuration. Furthermore, the radiator support portion 12 provided on the right-side support structure 1 may have the same configuration as the radiator support portion 12 provided on the left-side support structure 1, except that it is provided symmetrically.

[0043] [2. Action and Effects] (1) In the radiator support portion 12 of the support structure 1 of this embodiment, the second fastening portion 12D, which supports the lower part of the radiator 4 (the other part of the upper and lower sections), is more vulnerable to impacts applied to the radiator 4 from the outside in the left-right direction D2 than the first fastening portion 12U, which supports the upper part of the radiator 4 (one of the upper and lower sections). Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, if an impact F1 is applied to the outside of the radiator 4 (subframe 13) due to a side collision by another vehicle, for example, the impact F1 received by the radiator 4 is transmitted to the second fastening part 12D, causing the second fastening part 12D to break. Specifically, the pin 19 provided at the weak point 16D of the second fastening part 12D breaks into two parts 19A and 19B between the tank-side bracket 14D and the subframe bracket 15D.

[0044] When the second fastening part 12D breaks due to the impact F1 of a side collision, the support of the lower part of the radiator 4 by the second fastening part 12D is released, while the first fastening part 12U maintains support of the upper part of the radiator 4. As a result, the posture of the radiator 4 tilts so that the lower part is inclined inward compared to the upper part when viewed from the front-rear direction D1, as shown in Figure 5. Consequently, the axis 5b of the rotation axis 5a of the cooling fan 5 is shifted from a posture that intersects the cylindrical axis 33 of the tank 3. Therefore, even if the cooling fan 5 moves toward the tank 3, the rotation axis 5a of the cooling fan 5 will not collide with the tank 3, or the rotation axis 5a will slide over the tank 3, making it less likely for the rotation axis 5a of the cooling fan 5 to impact the tank 3. Thus, damage to the tank 3 when subjected to an impact F1 from the side of the vehicle 2 can be prevented.

[0045] (2) Furthermore, the second fastening portion 12D is provided with a weak portion 16D that is formed to be vulnerable to impact F1. Therefore, it can be broken at the location of the weak portion 16D, so the location of breakage of the second fastening portion 12D can be appropriately set. Thus, damage to the tank 3 can be prevented more effectively. (3) The weak point 16D described above has a small diameter in which the pin 19 supporting the lower part of the radiator 4 is formed to break upon impact F1. Therefore, when a side impact occurs, the pin 19 breaks, causing the second fastening part 12D to break. For this reason, the structure of the weak point 16D is simple.

[0046] (4) Furthermore, since the first fastening portion 12U is provided with an impact absorbing portion 16U that absorbs the impact F1, the impact F1 of the side collision can be absorbed by the impact absorbing portion 16U while the second fastening portion 12D can be broken. Thus, the performance in preventing damage to the tank 3 can be further enhanced. (5) The shock-absorbing section 16U described above is composed of a ball joint 20 that supports the upper part of the radiator 4 via a spherical metal member (pillow ball) 20A. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, when the second fastening section 12D breaks due to a side impact F1, the radiator 4 swings and tilts around the ball joint 20 (pillow ball 20A) of the first fastening section 12U. This swinging motion enhances the shock absorption performance, thereby further improving the ability to prevent damage to the tank 3.

[0047] (6) In addition, in the support structure 1 described above, the first fastening part 12U is provided on the upper part of the radiator 4, and the second fastening part 12D is provided on the lower part of the radiator 4. The lower part of the radiator 4 is more susceptible to impact F1 when another vehicle collides with it from the side. Therefore, the impact F1 makes it easier to break the second fastening part 12D. Thus, the performance in preventing damage to the tank 3 can be further enhanced.

[0048] [3. Others] The configuration of support structure 1 described above is just one example. For example, the weak point 16D is not limited to a configuration consisting of a pin 19 formed to a small diameter that can break upon impact, as described above. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of a modified weak point 16D'. The weak point 16D' is characterized by the shape of the keyhole 21 provided on the lower surface of the subframe bracket 15D. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the keyhole 21 viewed from the lower side of the subframe bracket 15D, with the pin 19' indicated by a dashed line.

[0049] This vulnerable portion 16D' consists of a pin 19' that supports the lower part of the radiator 4 and a keyhole 21 that forms an opening through which the end of the pin 19' can be inserted. Pin 19' differs from pin 19 described above in that it is not formed to a small diameter that would break upon impact, but it is arranged in the same way as pin 19 described above. Specifically, pin 19' is fixed at its lower end to the extension 17D (see Figure 3) of the tank-side bracket 14D (see Figure 3), passes through the rubber 18D (see Figure 3), and is inserted at its upper end into the keyhole 21 on the lower surface of the subframe bracket 15D (see Figure 3).

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the keyhole 21 has a first hole 21A through which the upper end of the pin 19' is inserted, and a second hole 21B connected to the first hole 21A. The first hole 21A is the part through which the upper end of the pin 19' is inserted when no collision occurs. The second hole 21B is an elongated hole-shaped portion into which the upper end of the pin 19' can slide from the first hole 21A, and extends outward (to the left in this case) along the left-right direction D2 relative to the first hole 21A.

[0051] Due to this vulnerable portion 16D', the upper end of the pin 19' can enter and slide from the first hole 21A to the second hole 21B. Therefore, when the impact from a side collision is transmitted to the subframe bracket 15D (see Figure 3), the subframe bracket 15D (see Figure 3) can move relative to the tank-side bracket 14D (see Figure 3) in the left-right direction D2 inward (to the right). In other words, when the subframe bracket 15D (see Figure 3) moves inward (to the right) in the left-right direction D2 due to a side collision, the keyhole 21 on the lower surface of the subframe bracket 15D (see Figure 3) moves to the right relative to the upper end of the pin 19'. To put it another way, the upper end of the pin 19' moves to the left relative to the keyhole 21. As a result, the upper end of the pin 19', which was inserted through the first hole 21A before the side collision (under normal conditions), enters and slides into the second hole 21B, which extends to the left from the first hole 21A, in response to the side collision. As a result, as described above with reference to Figure 5, the radiator 4 is tilted so that its lower part is inclined inward compared to its upper part when viewed from the front-rear direction D1, and the rotation axis 5a of the fan 5 is shifted from the position where it intersects the cylindrical axis 33 of the tank 3. Therefore, even if the fan 5 moves toward the tank 3, the rotation axis 5a of the fan 5 is less likely to interfere with the tank 3, thus preventing damage to the tank 3. In this case, the pin 19' and the keyhole 21 can form the weak point 16D', resulting in a simple structure for the weak point 16D'. The keyhole 21 may also be provided on the upper surface of the extension 17D of the tank-side bracket 14D.

[0052] The shock-absorbing portion 16U of the first fastening portion 12U is not limited to a ball joint 20, but may be composed of, for example, only rubber 18U. Furthermore, the radiator support section 12 may be configured with a first fastening section at the bottom of the radiator 4 and a second fastening section at the top of the radiator 4. In this case, the second fastening section may break due to impact from a side collision, releasing support for the top of the radiator 4, while the first fastening section maintains support for the bottom of the radiator 4. As a result, the radiator 4 will be in a position where the top is tilted inward more than the bottom. Therefore, even in this case, the rotation axis 5a of the fan 5 is less likely to interfere with the tank 3, and damage to the tank 3 can be prevented.

[0053] Furthermore, the shape, arrangement, and number of the radiator support parts 12 described above are merely examples. Also, the radiator support parts 12 may be structured to attach the radiator 4 to the side rail 7 side (tank support part 11) without using the subframe 13. The shape, arrangement, and number of radiators 4 and fans 5 are examples only. For example, the radiator 4 is not limited to a flat plate extending in the front-to-back direction D1 and the up-to-down direction D3, but may also have a shape bent in a "V" shape when viewed from the front-to-back direction D1. The shape, arrangement, and number of tanks 3 described above are examples only. At least one tank 3 should be provided outside the left and right side rails 7 in the left-right direction D2. Furthermore, the fuel contained in the tanks 3 is not limited to hydrogen gas. Moreover, the vehicle 2 to which the above-described support structure 1 is applied is not limited to a fuel cell vehicle.

[0054] [4. Addendum] Further details regarding the above embodiments are disclosed.

[0055] (Note 1) A support structure for attaching a cylindrical fuel tank, whose cylindrical shaft is positioned along the longitudinal direction, to the side rails, located outside the left and right side rails that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a radiator located outside the fuel tank; and a cooling fan, which is positioned between the fuel tank and the radiator with the axis of rotation intersecting the cylindrical shaft and integrally attached to the radiator, to the side rails, The base portion fixed to the outside of the side rail, A tank support portion extends outward from the base portion and supports the fuel tank beyond the side rail, The system includes a radiator support portion which is attached to the outside of the tank support portion and supports the radiator further out than the fuel tank, The aforementioned radiator support section is, A first fastening portion is provided on one side of the upper and lower parts of the radiator, and supports one of the upper and lower parts. The radiator has a second fastening portion provided on the other side of the upper and lower parts, which supports the other side of the upper and lower parts, The support structure is characterized in that the second fastening portion is more vulnerable to impacts applied to the radiator from the outside than the first fastening portion. (Note 2) The second fastening portion is provided with a vulnerable portion that is formed to be weak against impact. The support structure described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 3) The weak portion has pins that support the other of the upper and lower parts. The pin is formed to have a small diameter that can break upon impact. The support structure described in Appendix 2, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 4) The vulnerable portion has a pin that supports the upper and lower parts of the other, and a keyhole through which the end of the pin is inserted. The keyhole has a first hole through which the end of the pin is inserted, and a second elongated hole connected to the first hole, through which the end of the pin can slide out of the first hole. The support structure described in Appendix 2, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 5) The first fastening portion is provided with an impact absorbing portion that absorbs the impact. A support structure as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized by the above. (Note 6) The shock-absorbing section is composed of a ball joint that supports one of the upper and lower parts via a metal pillow ball. The support structure described in Appendix 5, characterized by the above. (Note 7) The first fastening portion is provided on the upper part of the radiator, The second fastening portion is provided at the lower part of the radiator. A support structure as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, characterized by the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1 Support structure 2 vehicles 3 tanks (fuel tanks) 4. Radiator 5. Fan (cooling fan) 5a Rotation axis 5b Axis center 6 Chassis Frame 7 Side rails 8 Cross Member 10 Base section 11, 11A~11C Tank support section 11D Bracket 12 Radiator support section 12U First fastening section 12D Second fastening part 13 Subframe 14U, 14D Tank-side bracket 15U, 15D Subframe Bracket 16D,16D′ Lower connecting part (weak part) 16U Upper connecting section (shock absorption section) 17U,17D extension part 18U, 18D Rubber 19,19′ pin 19U, 19D upper and lower flanges 20 Ball joints 20A Pillow Ball 20B Pillow Ball Nut 20C Bolt 20D Nut 21 Keyholes 21A First hole 21B Second hole 31 Main body 32 End 33 Cylinder shaft 40 Cooling Units F1 Shock D1 Vehicle length direction (front / rear direction) D2 Vehicle width direction (left-right direction) D3 Vehicle height direction (vertical direction)

Claims

1. A support structure for attaching a cylindrical fuel tank, whose cylindrical shaft is positioned along the longitudinal direction, to the side rails, located outside the left and right side rails that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a radiator located outside the fuel tank; and a cooling fan, which is positioned between the fuel tank and the radiator with the axis of rotation intersecting the cylindrical shaft and integrally attached to the radiator, to the side rails, The base portion fixed to the outside of the side rail, A tank support portion extends outward from the base portion and supports the fuel tank beyond the side rail, The system includes a radiator support portion which is attached to the outside of the tank support portion and supports the radiator further out than the fuel tank, The aforementioned radiator support section is, A first fastening portion is provided on one side of the upper and lower parts of the radiator, and supports one of the upper and lower parts. The radiator has a second fastening portion provided on the other side of the upper and lower parts, which supports the other side of the upper and lower parts, The support structure is characterized in that the second fastening portion is more vulnerable to impacts applied to the radiator from the outside than the first fastening portion.

2. The second fastening portion is provided with a vulnerable portion that is formed to be weak against impact. The support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The weak portion has pins that support the other of the upper and lower parts. The pin is formed to have a small diameter that can break upon impact. The support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that it is the support structure according to claim 2.

4. The vulnerable portion has a pin that supports the upper and lower parts of the other, and a keyhole through which the end of the pin is inserted. The keyhole has a first hole through which the end of the pin is inserted, and a second elongated hole connected to the first hole, through which the end of the pin can slide out of the first hole. The support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that it is the support structure according to claim 2.

5. The first fastening portion is provided with an impact absorbing portion that absorbs the impact. The support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that

6. The shock-absorbing section is composed of a ball joint that supports one of the upper and lower parts via a metal pillow ball. The support structure according to claim 5, characterized in that

7. The first fastening portion is provided on the upper part of the radiator, The second fastening portion is provided at the lower part of the radiator. The support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that

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