Radiator mounting structure

The radiator mounting structure addresses space and cooling challenges by positioning the radiator outside the fuel tank with an elastic support mechanism, ensuring effective mounting and cooling performance while preventing deformation from chassis frame twisting.

JP2026069194APending Publication Date: 2026-04-23DAIMLER TRUCK AG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
DAIMLER TRUCK AG
Filing Date
2024-10-11
Publication Date
2026-04-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional radiator mounting techniques for large commercial vehicles, particularly those with fuel cell systems, face challenges in securing sufficient space and ensuring cooling performance when positioned under the cab, and mounting radiators on the side of the vehicle leads to potential deformation or damage from chassis frame twisting.

Method used

A radiator mounting structure that positions the radiator outside the fuel tank, using a subframe supported by a mounting mechanism with a third support portion made of an elastic member to prevent deformation and damage from chassis frame twisting, while ensuring mounting and cooling performance.

Benefits of technology

The structure ensures the mountability and cooling performance of radiators on the side of the vehicle, preventing deformation and damage caused by chassis frame twisting, and supports both the radiator and fuel tank with a single mechanism.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To ensure the mounting and cooling performance of the radiator, while preventing deformation and damage. [Solution] A mounting structure 1 for a radiator 4, comprising a subframe 13 positioned outside the radiator 4 and to which the radiator 4 is attached, and a mounting mechanism 9 for attaching the subframe 13 to a side rail 7, wherein the mounting mechanism 9 comprises a first support portion 9A that supports the front end portion 13A of the subframe 13, a second support portion 9B that supports the rear end portion 13B of the subframe 13, and a third support portion 9C that supports the subframe 13 between the front end portion 13A and the rear end portion 13B. The third support portion 9C has a base portion 17 fixed to the side rail 7, and an arm portion 11 made of an elastic member that extends outward from the base portion 17 above the fuel tank 3, which is rotatably supported by the base portion 17 at one end 11A and applies an upward biasing force to the upper part of the subframe 13 at the other end 11B.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the mounting structure of a radiator for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are vehicles that run on high-pressure gas as fuel. For example, vehicles equipped with a fuel cell system (fuel cell vehicles) that run on electric power generated by the chemical reaction of hydrogen gas as fuel and oxygen (air) are known. In recent years, from the perspective of reducing the environmental load, fuel cell vehicles have also been developed in the field of commercial vehicles such as trucks equipped with a cab and a chassis frame.

[0003] Fuel cell systems applied to large commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks tend to be large-sized because a large output corresponding to the weight of the commercial vehicle is required. Along with this, radiators for cooling fuel cells also tend to be large-sized because high cooling performance is required. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for ensuring the cooling capacity for a high-output fuel cell by using a plurality of radiators in a fuel cell truck. In this technique, the plurality of radiators are arranged below the cab together with the fuel cell.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the space below the cab generally houses not only the fuel cell but also the steering system and other components, it is difficult to secure a large enough space for the radiator, and it is particularly difficult to install a large radiator with sufficient cooling performance. For this reason, conventional techniques that place the radiator below the cab, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, have been insufficient in terms of both radiator mounting capacity and cooling performance.

[0006] Incidentally, in recent years, due to layout considerations, trucks have been exploring designs that place the radiator in locations other than under the cab. Specifically, they are considering placing the radiator on the side of the vehicle. This layout offers more flexibility in terms of mounting space, and it is also easier to draw in airflow from the vehicle while driving, thus ensuring both mounting flexibility and cooling performance. On the other hand, when the radiator is mounted on the side of the vehicle, it is attached to the chassis frame, so it was necessary to consider preventing deformation or damage to the radiator caused by twisting in the chassis frame. In other words, when the radiator is mounted on the side of the vehicle, there was room for improvement in preventing deformation or damage to the radiator caused by twisting in the chassis frame.

[0007] This invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned issues, and aims to ensure the mounting and cooling performance of radiators positioned on the side of the vehicle, as well as to prevent deformation and damage to the radiators caused by twisting in the chassis frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This project was undertaken to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following forms or applications.

[0009] (1) The radiator mounting structure in this application example is a radiator mounting structure in which a radiator is positioned on the outside of a cylindrical fuel tank, which is positioned outside the left and right side rails that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with the cylindrical axis aligned with the longitudinal direction. This mounting structure is positioned outside the radiator and comprises a subframe that supports the radiator and a mounting mechanism for attaching the subframe to the side rail. The mounting mechanism comprises a first support portion that extends outward from the side rail at a position corresponding to the front end of the subframe and supports the front end of the subframe, a second support portion that extends outward from the side rail at a position corresponding to the rear end of the subframe and supports the rear end of the subframe, and a third support portion that extends outward from the side rail between the first support portion and the second support portion and supports the subframe between the front end and the rear end. The third support portion comprises a base portion fixed to the side rail and an elastic member disposed above the fuel tank and extending outward from the base portion, with one end rotatably supported by the base portion and the other end attached to the upper part of the subframe in an upward biasing force.

[0010] The radiator mounting structure in this application example includes a mounting mechanism that attaches the radiator to the outside of the side rail (to the side of the vehicle) via a subframe, thus ensuring the mountability and cooling performance of the radiator positioned to the side of the vehicle. Furthermore, the mounting mechanism supporting the subframe is provided with a third support portion having an arm made of an elastic material, and the elasticity of this third support portion (arm portion) makes it less likely for twisting generated in the chassis frame to act on the radiator. Therefore, deformation and damage to the radiator caused by twisting generated in the chassis frame can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the mounting and cooling performance of the radiator located on the side of the vehicle, as well as prevent deformation and damage to the radiator caused by twisting in the chassis frame.

[0011] (2) In the radiator mounting structure according to this application example, the base portion may have a first restricting portion that restricts the upward rotation position of the arm portion. With this configuration, the first restricting part can restrict the upward rotation position of the arm, so the third support part can support the subframe with the arm set to an appropriate rotation position. (3) In the radiator mounting structure according to this application example, the base portion may have a second restricting portion that restricts the downward rotation position of the arm portion. With this configuration, the second restricting part can restrict the downward rotation position of the arm, so the third support part can support the subframe with the arm set to an appropriate rotation position.

[0012] (4) In the radiator mounting structure according to this application example, the first support portion and the second support portion may support the fuel tank. With this configuration, both the radiator and the fuel tank can be supported together by a single mounting mechanism, thus improving the ease of mounting devices located on the side of the vehicle, such as the radiator and fuel tank.

[0013] (5) In the radiator mounting structure according to this application example, the arm portion may be formed of a leaf spring. With this configuration, a simple structure using leaf springs can secure the elastic force of the third support section (arm section) and the support force for the subframe. (6) In the radiator mounting structure according to this application example, the vehicle may be a fuel cell vehicle that drives a motor for driving with electricity from a fuel cell, and the fuel tank may be a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell. With this configuration, it is possible to ensure the mounting and cooling performance of the radiator located on the side of the vehicle in a fuel cell vehicle, and to prevent deformation or damage to the radiator caused by twisting in the chassis frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure the mountability and cooling performance of a radiator disposed on the side of a vehicle, and to prevent deformation and breakage of the radiator caused by torsion generated in the chassis frame. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a top view schematically showing a lower structure of a vehicle to which a mounting structure of a radiator according to an embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] It is a rear view of the left mounting structure in the vehicle of FIG. 1 viewed from line A-A. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 viewed from line B-B. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged view showing a main part of a third support portion in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the third support portion in FIG. 4 viewed from line C-C. [Figure 6] (A) and (B) are explanatory views of an unfastened state and a fastened state of an arm portion. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0016] Referring to the drawings, embodiments (aspects, application examples) of the present invention 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 implemented with various modifications without departing from their gist. Also, they can be selected as necessary, or appropriately combined.

[0017] [1. Configuration] [1-1. Vehicle] As shown in Figure 1, the radiator mounting structure 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "mounting structure 1") is a structure for mounting a radiator 4 that is positioned outside the fuel tank 3 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "tank 3") mounted on a vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 is, for example, a fuel cell truck (fuel cell vehicle) and is equipped with a chassis frame 6 that has a ladder frame structure.

[0018] Figure 1 shows the understructure of vehicle 2, including the tank 3 and chassis frame 6, while the body and cab mounted on the chassis frame 6 are omitted. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction D1, lateral direction D2, and vertical direction D3 of 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 top of vehicle 2 are indicated as Fr, Rh, Lh, and Up, respectively. Furthermore, the terms "outside" and "inside" in the lateral direction D2 refer to the outside and inside of vehicle 2, respectively. In this specification, "right" refers to the right side when facing forward of vehicle 2, and "left" refers to the left side when facing forward of vehicle 2.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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).

[0023] 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).

[0024] To the left and right of the tanks 3, in a left-right direction D2, are cooling units 40, which are responsible for cooling the equipment mounted on the vehicle 2. More specifically, the cooling units 40 include radiators 4 and cooling fans 5 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "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. In detail, each radiator 4 is positioned with its air-receiving surface (the surface with the largest surface area) facing the outer circumference of the tank 3, and each fan 5 is attached to that surface.

[0025] [1-2. Mounting Structure] Mounting structure 1 is a structure for mounting a radiator 4 on the vehicle 2, and more specifically, it 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 mounting structure 1 on each of the left and right side rails 7. The left and right mounting structures 1 are constructed to be approximately identical to each other. Unless otherwise specified, the following explanation will focus on one of the left or right mounting structures 1 (for example, the left side). That is, in the following explanation of the mounting structure 1, each element of the mounting structure 1, as well as devices such as the side rails 7, tanks 3, radiators 4, and fans 5, will refer to the side on which the mounting structure 1 of focus is located, unless otherwise specified. Also, in the following, the expression "outside" means "left side" for the left mounting structure 1 and "right side" for the right mounting structure 1.

[0026] The mounting structure 1 includes a subframe 13 positioned outside the radiator 4 in the left-right direction D2, and a mounting mechanism 9 for attaching the subframe 13 to the side rail 7. The subframe 13 is a frame that forms the base for attaching the radiator 4 and fan 5 to the side rail 7 (specifically the subframe support section 12, which will be described later). The subframe 13 consists of a rectangular frame that, when viewed from the outside in the left-right direction D2, surrounds the radiator 4 both above and below and in the front and rear directions. That is, in the top view shown in Figure 1, the subframe 13 extends along the front-rear direction D1 on the outside of the radiator 4 and fan 5. The radiator 4 is fixed to the inside of the subframe 13, for example, via a bracket (not shown).

[0027] The mounting mechanism 9 is provided with a first support section 9A, a second support section 9B, and a third support section 9C. The first support section 9A, the second support section 9B, and the third support section 9C are support members for attaching the subframe 13 to the outside of the side rail 7. The first support portion 9A extends outward from the side rail 7 at a forward position corresponding to the front end portion 13A of the subframe 13, and is a member that supports the front end portion 13A of the subframe 13. The second support portion 9B extends outward from the side rail 7 at a rearward position corresponding to the rear end portion 13B of the subframe 13, and is a member that supports the rear end portion 13B of the subframe 13. The third support portion 9C extends outward from the side rail 7 between the first support portion 9A and the second support portion 9B, and is a member that supports the subframe 13 between the front end portion 13A and the rear end portion 13B. In Figure 1, the third support portion 9C is located approximately midway between the first support portion 9A and the second support portion 9B, and supports approximately midway in the longitudinal direction D1 of the subframe 13.

[0028] Figure 2 is a rear view of the mounting structure 1 on the left side, viewed from the rear (line AA), with a portion of the vehicle 2 omitted. Here, the shape of the radiator 4 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. The radiator 4 in this embodiment has a shape that is bent in a "V" shape when viewed from the front-to-back direction D1. With this shape, the area of ​​the radiator 4 can be made larger while suppressing the dimension in the vertical direction D3. The fans 5 are provided corresponding to the diagonally upward-facing surface and the diagonally downward-facing surface of the radiator 4, respectively.

[0029] In the left and right mounting structures 1 shown in Figure 1, two radiators 4 are arranged side-by-side in the front-to-back direction D1 for each tank 3. Additionally, two fans 5 are arranged side-by-side in the front-to-back direction D1 on the diagonally upward-facing surface of each radiator 4. Although not shown in Figure 1, two more fans 5 are also arranged side-by-side in the front-to-back direction D1 on the diagonally downward-facing surface of each radiator 4. Therefore, each mounting structure 1 is equipped with two radiators 4 and eight fans 5.

[0030] Referring to Figure 2, the configuration of the second support part 9B will be explained. The second support part 9B consists of a rectangular metal frame when viewed from the front-rear direction D1, and extends outward from a base part 10 fixed to the outside of the side rail 7. The base part 10 serves as a bracket for fixing the second support part 9B to the side rail 7. The base part 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).

[0031] Subframe support sections 12 are provided above and below the second support section 9B on its outer surface, respectively, to support the subframe 13. The subframe support sections 12 can also be said to support the radiator 4 and the fan 5 via the subframe 13. Each upper and lower subframe support section 12 includes a tank-side bracket 14 attached to the second support section 9B, a subframe bracket 15 attached to the subframe 13, and a connecting section 16 that connects the tank-side bracket 14 and the subframe bracket 15. Each upper and lower subframe support section 12 can be configured substantially identically, except that they are arranged symmetrically.

[0032] The tank-side bracket 14 is fixed to the second support portion 9B, for example, with bolts and nuts (not shown), and has an extension portion 21 that extends outward from the second support portion 9B. The subframe bracket 15 is a bracket that extends inward from the subframe 13 and is provided opposite the extension portion 21 of the tank-side bracket 14.

[0033] The connecting portion 16 is the part that connects the extension portion 21 of the tank-side bracket 14 and the subframe bracket 15, and is composed of, for example, a rubber bush that can suppress vibration. The rear end portion 13B of the subframe 13 is attached to the second support portion 9B via the subframe support portion 12, which includes the tank-side bracket 14, the subframe bracket 15, and the connecting portion 16.

[0034] The first support portion 9A can be configured to be substantially the same as the second support portion 9B, except that it supports the front end portion 13A of the subframe 13. In this embodiment, the first support portion 9A and the second support portion 9B not only support the front end portion 13A and the rear end portion 13B of the subframe 13, but also support the front and rear ends 32 of the tank 3. Specifically, the first support portion 9A supports the front end portion 32 of the tank 3 via a bracket (not shown) attached to its lower edge, and the second support portion 9B supports the rear end portion 32 of the tank 3 via a bracket 9D (see Figure 2) attached to its lower edge.

[0035] The first support section 9A and the second support section 9B, respectively, use metal frames to rigidly support the subframe 13 and the tank 3. In contrast, the third support section 9C has a structure that supports the subframe 13 with an elastic member.

[0036] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB in Figure 1, and shows in detail the configuration of the third support section 9C of the mounting structure 1. Note that some elements, such as the first support section 9A, are omitted in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the third support portion 9C is provided with a base portion 17 fixed to the side rail 7 and an arm portion 11 made of an elastic member disposed above the tank 3 and extending outward from the base portion 17. The arm portion 11 is formed, for example, from a leaf spring. The base portion 17 serves as a bracket for fixing the third support portion 9C to the side rail 7. The base portion 17 is fastened to the outer surface (web) of the side rail 7, for example, by bolts and nuts, on its inner surface in the left-right direction D2.

[0037] The arm portion 11 is a support member for supporting the subframe 13 while applying an upward biasing force. The arm portion 11 is rotatably supported by the base portion 17 at its inner end (one end 11A) in the left-right direction D2. The arm portion 11 is also attached to the upper part of the subframe 13 at its outer end (the other end 11B) in the left-right direction D2 while applying an upward biasing force.

[0038] The other end 11B of the arm portion 11 extends outward from the tank 3 and is fixed to a bracket 18 attached to the subframe 13 via a connecting portion 19, for example, by bolts and nuts (not shown). Bracket 18 is a bracket that extends inward from the upper part of the subframe 13 and is provided opposite the other end 11B of the arm portion 11. The connecting portion 19 is the part that connects the other end 11B of the arm portion 11 and the bracket 18, and is composed of, for example, a rubber bush that can suppress vibration.

[0039] Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing the base portion 17 of the third support portion 9C. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of Figure 4. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base portion 17 is a bracket with a roughly U-shaped cross-section, and has vertical portions 17A erected facing each other on both sides in the front-rear direction D1, and a lower portion 17B connected to the lower end of the vertical portions 17A.

[0040] Each vertical surface 17A is provided with a pin 20 that rotatably supports one end 11A of the arm portion 11. A pair of wall surfaces 11C are formed on the end 11A, which are substantially parallel to each vertical surface 17A, and the pin 20 is inserted through each wall surface 11C. Because one end 11A of the arm portion 11 is supported by the pin 20, the stress acting on the arm portion 11 due to rotation is easily reduced. The pin 20 is the center of rotation of the arm portion 11, and also serves as a component that locks the arm portion 11 to the base portion 17. As shown in Figure 3, when the other end 11B of the arm portion 11 is connected to the bracket 18, an upward force acts on one end 11A of the arm portion 11, but the upward rotational position of the arm portion 11 is restricted by the pin 20. In other words, the pin 20 functions as a first restricting part that restricts the upward rotational position of the arm portion 11.

[0041] The lower surface 17B of the base portion 17 forms a contact surface that the arm portion 11 contacts when it is pushed downward. This lower surface 17B is formed as a highly rigid surface that resists the downward pressure of the arm portion 11. For example, the entire base portion 17 may be formed from a highly rigid metal material. The downward rotation position of the arm portion 11 is restricted when the arm portion 11 comes into contact with the lower surface portion 17B of the base portion 17. In other words, the lower surface portion 17B functions as a second restricting portion that restricts the downward rotation position of the arm portion 11.

[0042] [2. Action and Effects] Figure 6(A) shows the state in which the other end 11B of the arm portion 11 of the third support portion 9C is not connected to the bracket 18 (unfastened state). The other end 11B of the arm portion 11 is not fixed and is in a free state, and the arm portion 11 can rotate up and down around the pin 20. When the other end 11B is connected to the bracket 18 (fastened state), as shown in Figure 6(B), the elasticity (rebound force) of the arm portion 11 causes an upward biasing force to act on the connection point between the other end 11B and the bracket 18. This upward biasing force reinforces the support of the subframe 13, making it easier to secure the support force to support the cooling unit 40, which is a heavy object including the radiator 4 and numerous fans 5. Here, one end 11A of the arm portion 11 is pushed downward, but its downward rotation is restricted by contact with the lower surface 17B of the base portion 17. Also, an upward force acts on the pin 20 at the end 11A of the arm portion 11, but the pin 20 restricts its upward rotation. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the connecting portion 16 that connects the extension portion 21 of the tank-side bracket 14 of the first support portion 9A and the second support portion 9B to the subframe bracket 15 is configured to include a vibration-suppressing rubber bushing, so that the twisting generated in the chassis frame 6 is less likely to act in front of and behind the radiator 4.

[0043] (1) According to the mounting structure 1 of this embodiment, a mounting mechanism 9 is provided to attach the radiator 4 to the outside of the side rail 7 (to the side of the vehicle 2) via the subframe 13, so that the mounting and cooling performance of the radiator 4 which is located to the side of the vehicle 2 can be ensured. Furthermore, the mounting mechanism 9 that supports the subframe 13 is provided with a third support portion 9C having an arm portion 11 made of an elastic material. Due to the elasticity of this third support portion 9C (arm portion 11), twisting that occurs in the chassis frame 6, such as the side rails 7, is less likely to act on the radiator 4. As a result, deformation and damage to the radiator 4 caused by twisting in the chassis frame 6 can be prevented. Therefore, the mounting and cooling performance of the radiator 4, which is positioned on the side of the vehicle 2, can be ensured, and deformation or damage to the radiator 4 caused by twisting in the chassis frame 6 can be prevented.

[0044] (2) In the above-described mounting structure 1, the base portion 17 has a first restricting portion (pin 20) that restricts the upward rotation position of the arm portion 11. Therefore, the upward rotation position of the arm portion 11 can be restricted, and the third support portion 9C can support the subframe 13 with the arm portion 11 set to an appropriate rotation position. (3) In the above-described mounting structure 1, the base portion 17 has a second restricting portion (lower surface portion 17B) that restricts the downward rotation position of the arm portion 11. Therefore, the downward rotation position of the arm portion 11 can be restricted, and the third support portion 9C can support the subframe 13 with the arm portion 11 set to an appropriate rotation position.

[0045] (4) In the above-described mounting structure 1, the first support part 9A and the second support part 9B support the tank 3. Therefore, the tank 3 can be supported together with the radiator 4 by a single mounting mechanism 9, which further improves the mountability of devices located on the side of the vehicle 2, such as the radiator 4 and the tank 3.

[0046] (5) In the above-described mounting structure 1, the arm portion 11 is formed of a leaf spring. Therefore, with a simple configuration using a leaf spring, the elastic force of the third support portion 9C (arm portion 11) and the support force for supporting the subframe 13 can be secured. (6) In the above-described mounting structure 1, the vehicle 2 is a fuel cell vehicle that drives a motor for traction with electricity from the fuel cell, and the fuel tank 3 is a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell. This configuration ensures the mounting and cooling performance of the radiator 4, which is located on the side of the vehicle 2, in a fuel cell vehicle, and also prevents deformation or damage to the radiator 4 caused by twisting in the chassis frame 6.

[0047] [3. Others] The configuration of the above mounting structure 1 is just one example. For example, the arm portion 11 is not limited to a leaf spring, but may be any suitable elastic member. Also, the structure for rotatably supporting the arm portion 11 and the shape of the base portion 17 are examples and are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, the first support section 9A and the second support section 9B may be configured not to support the tank 3. Furthermore, the shape, arrangement, and number of the third support parts 9C are merely examples. For example, multiple third support parts 9C may be provided along the front-rear direction D1.

[0048] The shape, arrangement, and number of the radiator 4 and fan 5 are examples. For example, the radiator 4 may be formed in a flat plate shape extending in the front-to-back direction D1 and the up-to-down direction D3. 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 mounting structure 1 is applied is not limited to a fuel cell vehicle.

[0049] [4. Addendum] Further details regarding the above embodiments are disclosed.

[0050] (Note 1) A mounting structure for a radiator positioned on the outside of a cylindrical fuel tank, the fuel tank having its cylindrical shaft aligned with the longitudinal direction, located outside the left and right side rails that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A subframe is positioned outside the radiator and supports the radiator, The subframe is provided with a mounting mechanism for attaching it to the side rail, The aforementioned mounting mechanism is A first support portion extends outward from the side rail at a position corresponding to the front end of the subframe and supports the front end of the subframe, A second support portion extends outward from the side rail at a position corresponding to the rear end of the subframe and supports the rear end of the subframe, A third support portion extends outward from the side rail between the first support portion and the second support portion, and supports the subframe between the front end and the rear end portion, The third support portion is, A base portion fixed to the aforementioned side rail, It comprises an elastic member disposed above the fuel tank and extending outward from the base portion, with an arm portion that is rotatably supported at one end by the base portion and attached at the other end to the upper part of the subframe with an upward biasing force. A radiator mounting structure characterized by the following. (Note 2) The base portion has a first restricting portion that restricts the upward rotational position of the arm portion. A radiator mounting structure as described in Appendix 1, characterized by the above. (Note 3) The base portion has a second restricting portion that restricts the downward rotation position of the arm portion. A radiator mounting structure as described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the above. (Note 4) The first support portion and the second support portion support the fuel tank. A radiator mounting structure characterized by any one of the appendices 1 to 3. (Note 5) The aforementioned arm portion is formed from a leaf spring. A radiator mounting structure characterized by any one of the appendices 1 to 4. (Note 6) The aforementioned vehicle is a fuel cell vehicle that drives a motor for propulsion using electricity from a fuel cell, The fuel tank is a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell. A radiator mounting structure as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, characterized by the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1. Mounting Structure 2 vehicles 3 tanks (fuel tanks) 4. Radiator 5. Fan (cooling fan) 6 Chassis Frame 7 Side rails 8 Cross Member 9. Mounting mechanism 9A First support part 9B Second support part 9C Third support part 9D Bracket 10 Base section 11 Arm section 11A One end 11B Other end 11C Wall 12 Subframe support section 13 Subframe 13A Front end 13B Rear end 14 Tank-side bracket 15 Subframe bracket 16 Connecting part 17 Base section 17A Elevation 17B Bottom part (second regulation part) 18 brackets 19 Connecting part 20 pins (first regulatory section) 21 Extension 31 Main body 32 End 40 Cooling Units D1 Vehicle length direction (front / rear direction) D2 Vehicle width direction (left-right direction) D3 Vehicle height direction (vertical direction)

Claims

1. A mounting structure for a radiator positioned on the outside of a cylindrical fuel tank, the fuel tank having its cylindrical shaft aligned with the longitudinal direction, located outside the left and right side rails that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A subframe is positioned outside the radiator and supports the radiator, The subframe is provided with a mounting mechanism for attaching it to the side rail, The aforementioned mounting mechanism is A first support portion extends outward from the side rail at a position corresponding to the front end of the subframe and supports the front end of the subframe, A second support portion extends outward from the side rail at a position corresponding to the rear end of the subframe and supports the rear end of the subframe, A third support portion extends outward from the side rail between the first support portion and the second support portion, and supports the subframe between the front end and the rear end portion, The third support portion is, A base portion fixed to the aforementioned side rail, It comprises an elastic member disposed above the fuel tank and extending outward from the base portion, with an arm portion that is rotatably supported at one end by the base portion and attached at the other end to the upper part of the subframe with an upward biasing force. A radiator mounting structure characterized by the following.

2. The base portion has a first restricting portion that restricts the upward rotational position of the arm portion. A radiator mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a radiator mounting structure according to claim 1.

3. The base portion has a second restricting portion that restricts the downward rotation position of the arm portion. A radiator mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a radiator mounting structure according to claim 1.

4. The first support portion and the second support portion support the fuel tank. A radiator mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a radiator mounting structure according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned arm portion is formed from a leaf spring. A radiator mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a radiator mounting structure according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned vehicle is a fuel cell vehicle that drives a motor for propulsion using electricity from a fuel cell, The fuel tank is a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell. A radiator mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a radiator mounting structure according to claim 1.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Fuel cell freight car

    JP2020059299A