Cooling systems for vehicles

Abstract

This design ensures the mounting and cooling performance of the radiator positioned on the side of the vehicle, while also improving cooling performance both when the vehicle is in motion and when it is stationary. [Solution] This is a cooling device 1 for a vehicle equipped with a fuel tank 3 positioned outside the left and right side rails 7. The cooling device 1 comprises a radiator 4 installed along the fuel tank 3 on the outside of the fuel tank 3, a cooling fan 5 attached to the radiator 4, and a support portion 9 formed by a frame-shaped member disposed on the outside of the radiator 4 in an area that overlaps with the radiator 4 and the cooling fan 5 when viewed from the outside, for attaching the radiator 4 to the side rails 7. The support portion 9 has a front ventilation portion 13A that allows air to circulate between the outside and inside of the support portion 9 on the front side of the cooling fan 5, and a rear ventilation portion 13B that allows air to circulate between the outside and inside of the support portion 9 on the rear side of the cooling fan 5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cooling device for vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are vehicles that run on high-pressure gas as fuel. For example, vehicles (fuel cell vehicles) equipped with a fuel cell system that runs on electric power generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen gas, which is a high-pressure gas, and oxygen (air) are known. In recent years, from the perspective of reducing the environmental load, development of fuel cell vehicles has also been carried out 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] Therefore, in recent years, truck designs have been considered that place the radiator in locations other than under the cab due to layout constraints. However, in a structure where the radiator is located in a place other than under the cab, the airflow from the front of the vehicle will be less likely to reach the radiator compared to when the radiator is located under the cab, which may make it difficult to ensure heat exchange performance.

[0007] Specifically, the idea is to mount the radiator on the side of the vehicle. This layout offers relatively more flexibility in terms of mounting space, and it also makes it easier to draw in airflow from the vehicle while it is in motion, thus ensuring both mounting flexibility and cooling performance. On the other hand, when the vehicle is stationary, airflow cannot be drawn into the radiator, which may mean that sufficient cooling performance cannot be ensured when the vehicle is stationary.

[0008] This invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned issues, and aims to ensure the mounting and cooling performance of the radiator located on the side of the vehicle, as well as to improve cooling performance both when the vehicle is in motion and when it is stationary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This project was undertaken to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following forms or applications.

[0010] (1) The cooling device for a vehicle according to this application example is a cooling device for a vehicle equipped with a fuel tank located outside the left and right side rails that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The cooling device comprises a radiator installed along the fuel tank on the outside of the fuel tank, a cooling fan attached to the radiator, and a support portion formed by a frame-shaped member disposed on the outside of the radiator in an area that overlaps with the radiator and the cooling fan when viewed from the outside, for attaching the radiator to the side rails. The support portion has a front ventilation portion that allows air to circulate between the outside and the inside of the support portion on the front side in the longitudinal direction of the cooling fan, and a rear ventilation portion that allows air to circulate between the outside and the inside of the support portion on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the cooling fan.

[0011] In this application example, the radiator is mounted on the outside of the side rail (towards the side of the vehicle) via a support, thus ensuring the mounting of the radiator located on the side of the vehicle. Furthermore, since a front ventilation section and a rear ventilation section are provided at both the front and rear of the cooling fan, air can circulate between the outside and inside of the support section, facilitating airflow between the radiator and the fuel tank. Therefore, cooling performance can be improved both when the vehicle is running and when it is stationary. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the mounting and cooling performance of the radiator located on the side of the vehicle, and to improve cooling performance both when the vehicle is in motion and when it is stopped.

[0012] (2) In the vehicle cooling system according to this application example, the fuel tank comprises a cylindrical main body portion arranged in a position in which the cylindrical axis extends along the front-rear direction, and hemispherical dome portions provided at both the front and rear ends of the main body portion, the radiator is disposed opposite to the main body portion, and the front ventilation portion and the rear ventilation portion may each be disposed opposite to the boundary between the main body portion and the dome portion. With this configuration, air circulating through the front and rear ventilation sections flows easily along the hemispherical surface of the dome and the outer surface of the main body. Therefore, efficient airflow can be achieved between the radiator and the fuel tank. Thus, cooling performance can be further improved.

[0013] (3) In the vehicle cooling device according to this application example, the front ventilation section may have a first lip projecting diagonally outward and forward from the outer surface of the support section at the rear edge of the edge surrounding the front opening that connects the outside and the inside, and the rear ventilation section may have a second lip projecting diagonally outward and rearward from the outer surface of the support section at the front edge of the edge surrounding the rear opening that connects the outside and the inside. With this configuration, a first lip is provided in the front ventilation section, and a second lip is provided in the rear ventilation section. Therefore, the efficiency of ventilation through the front and rear ventilation sections can be increased by the first and second lips. Thus, cooling performance can be further improved.

[0014] (4) In addition, in the vehicle cooling system according to this application example, the front ventilation section may have a cylindrical front conduit surrounded by a first wall section extending inward and rearward from a front opening that connects the outside and the inside, and the rear ventilation section may have a cylindrical rear conduit surrounded by a second wall section extending inward and frontward from a rear opening that connects the outside and the inside. With this configuration, a front conduit is provided in the front ventilation section, and a rear conduit is provided in the rear ventilation section. This allows for proper guidance of airflow, improving the efficiency of ventilation through the front and rear ventilation sections. Therefore, cooling performance can be further improved.

[0015] (5) In the vehicle cooling system according to (4) above, the first wall portion forming the front conduit may include a portion that overlaps with the front opening when viewed from the outside, and the second wall portion forming the rear conduit may include a portion that overlaps with the rear opening when viewed from the outside. According to such a configuration, the first wall portion and the second wall portion can prevent foreign matters such as small stones and moisture from entering through the front opening and the rear opening.

[0016] (6) In the cooling device for a vehicle according to the present application example, the vehicle is a fuel cell vehicle that drives a motor for traveling with the power of a fuel cell, and the fuel tank may be a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell. According to such a configuration, in a fuel cell vehicle, it is possible to ensure the mountability and cooling performance of a radiator disposed on the side of the vehicle, and to improve the cooling performance both during traveling and stopping of the vehicle.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present case, it is possible to ensure the mountability and cooling performance of a radiator disposed on the side of the vehicle, and to improve the cooling performance both during traveling and stopping of the vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a top view schematically showing the lower structure of a vehicle to which a cooling device for a vehicle according to an embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] It is a side view of the cooling device on the left side of the vehicle in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the cooling device on the left side of the vehicle in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the air flow when the vehicle is stopped. [Figure 5] (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the air flow when the vehicle is traveling.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Referring to the drawings, embodiments (aspects, application examples) of the present invention will be described. The following embodiments are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly stated in these embodiments. Each configuration of the following embodiments can be implemented with various modifications without departing from their gist. Also, they can be selectively adopted as necessary, or appropriately combined.

[0020] [1. Configuration] [1-1. Vehicle] As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling device 1 for a vehicle according to this embodiment includes a radiator 4 installed outside a fuel tank 3 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "tank 3") mounted on a vehicle 2, and a cooling fan 5 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "fan 5") attached to the radiator 4. The vehicle 2 is, for example, a fuel cell truck (fuel cell vehicle), and has a chassis frame 6 with a ladder frame structure.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows the lower structure of the vehicle 2 including the tank 3 and the chassis frame 6, etc., and bodies, cabs, 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. 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.

[0022] <9000107>The chassis frame 6 has left and right side rails 7 extending in the front-rear direction D1, and a plurality of cross members 8 extending in the left-right direction D2. The left and right side rails 7 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction D2. Each side rail 7 has, for example, upper and lower flanges and a web connecting them, forming a channel shape. Each cross member 8 is disposed between the left and right side rails 7 and connects the side rails 7 to each other. Note that only two of the plurality of cross members 8 provided on the vehicle 2 are shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] Tank 3 is a container for holding high-pressure gas, which is the fuel for vehicle 2. Tank 3 mounted on a fuel cell vehicle contains, for example, hydrogen gas as the high-pressure gas fuel. The high-pressure 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 (dome portions) 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 front-rear direction D1.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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 from the tank 3 as a high-pressure gas, and oxygen (air).

[0027] 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. In Figure 1, an example configuration is shown in which two radiators 4 and two fans 5 are positioned on each side. The left and right radiators 4 and fans 5 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction D1.

[0028] Each radiator 4 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction D1 and the up-down direction D3, and is positioned outside the tank 3 in the left-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 coincided with the left-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. As shown in Figure 1, each fan 5 is positioned inside the radiator 4, that is, between the tank 3 and the radiator 4, and its respective axis of rotation intersects the cylindrical axis 33 of the tank 3.

[0029] [1-2. Cooling device] In addition to the radiator 4 and fan 5 described above, the cooling system 1 includes a subframe 9. This subframe 9 is positioned outside the radiator 4 in the left-right direction D2 and is a component (support) for attaching the radiator 4 (and fan 5) to the outside of the side rail 7. The radiator 4 is fixed to the inside of the subframe 9, for example, via a bracket (not shown). That is, in vehicle 2 of Figure 1, the subframe 9, radiator 4, fan 5, and tank 3 are arranged in this order from the outside to the inside in the left-right direction D2.

[0030] The cooling system 1 is mounted on both the left and right sides of the vehicle 2. The left and right cooling units 1 are configured to be approximately identical to each other. Unless otherwise specified, the following description will focus on one of the left or right cooling units 1. That is, in the following description of the cooling unit 1, each element of the cooling unit 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 cooling unit 1 of focus is located, unless otherwise specified. Also, in the following, the expression "outside" means "left side" for the left cooling unit 1 and "right side" for the right cooling unit 1.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the subframe 9 is formed as a frame-like member that is roughly rectangular when viewed from the outside in the left-right direction D2, and is positioned in the area that overlaps with the radiator 4 and fan 5 (shown by dashed lines in Figure 2). More specifically, the subframe 9 has an upper side portion 9A and a lower side portion 9B that extend along the front-rear direction D1, and a front side portion 9C and a rear side portion 9D that extend in the up-down direction D3, and these four side portions 9A to 9D form a rectangular shape. The dimensions of the subframe 9 in the longitudinal direction D1 and the vertical direction D3 are set to be larger than those of the radiator 4, fan 5, and tank 3 (shown by dashed lines in Figure 2). In other words, when viewed from the outside, the subframe 9 is positioned in an area that overlaps with the entirety of the radiator 4, fan 5, and tank 3.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, since the subframe 9 is a frame, the area enclosed by edges 9A to 9D forms an open area 9E that connects the inside and outside of the subframe 9. Viewed from the outside, the radiator 4, fan 5, and part of the tank 3 are arranged overlapping within this open area 9E. In addition, reinforcing members (not shown) may be added to the subframe 9 to reinforce it.

[0033] Here, we will explain the support structure for attaching the subframe 9 to the outside of the side rail 7. Note that "attaching to the outside of the side rail 7" here means attaching it to the outer surface (web) of the side rail 7 in the left-right direction D2. As shown in Figure 1, this support structure includes a base portion 10 fixed to the outside of the side rail 7, a first support portion 11 extending outward from the base portion 10, and a second support portion 12 attached to the outside of the first support portion 11.

[0034] These base portion 10, first support portion 11, and second support portion 12 (support structure) are arranged at the front end and rear end of the subframe 9, respectively. The front and rear support structures can be configured to be substantially identical to each other. The base portion 10 serves as a bracket for fixing the support structure 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).

[0035] The first support portion 11 and the second support portion 12 serve as brackets that support the subframe 9 at a distance from the side rail 7. The first support portion 11 is fixed to the base portion 10 at its inner end and extends outward in an arm-like shape when viewed from above. The second support portion 12 is attached to the outer end of the first support portion 11. The second support portion 12 is a bracket that attaches the subframe 9 to the outer end of the first support portion 11.

[0036] Since the radiator 4 (and fan 5) is attached to the subframe 9, the radiator 4 (and fan 5) is attached to the outside of the side rail 7 via the subframe 9 and the support structure described above. In other words, the cooling system 1 is equipped with a subframe 9 as a structure for attaching the radiator 4 (and fan 5) to the outside of the side rail 7 (i.e., to the side of the vehicle 2). The radiator 4, positioned on the side of the vehicle 2 via the subframe 9 as described above, is positioned overlapping the outward-facing surface (outer surface) of the tank 3, as shown in Figure 2. More specifically, the radiator 4 is provided facing the main body portion 31 (outer surface) of the tank 3. Of the space between the radiator 4 and the outer surface of the tank 3, the area on the outer side in the left-right direction D2 is partially covered by the radiator 4. Therefore, the cooling system 1 is provided with a structure to improve airflow between the radiator 4 and the outer surface of the tank 3, as described below.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the subframe 9 is provided with a front ventilation section 13A located in front of the fan 5 and a rear ventilation section 13B located behind the fan 5. The front ventilation section 13A is positioned further forward than the front fan 5A, which is one of the two fans 5 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction D1. Specifically, the front ventilation section 13A is provided opposite the boundary 34 between the main body 31 and the end (dome) section 32 at the front end of the tank 3. The rear ventilation section 13B is positioned further rear than the rear fan 5B, which is one of the two fans 5 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction D1. Specifically, the rear ventilation section 13B is provided opposite the boundary 34 between the main body 31 and the end (dome) section 32 at the rear end of the tank 3. Furthermore, "provided opposite the boundary 34" means that, when viewed from the outside, the front ventilation section 13A and the rear ventilation section 13B overlap the boundary 34 at least partially.

[0038] The front ventilation section 13A and the rear ventilation section 13B form air scoops for circulating air between the outside and inside of the subframe 9 in the left-right direction D2. Circulating air between the outside and inside means drawing in outside air from the outside to the inside of the subframe 9, or expelling air from the inside to the outside of the subframe 9. The front ventilation section 13A includes a front opening 14A that connects the outside and inside of the subframe 9, and a cylindrical front conduit 15A that extends inward and rearward from the front opening 14A. The rear ventilation section 13B includes a rear opening 14B that connects the outside and inside of the subframe 9, and a cylindrical rear conduit 15B that extends inward and forward from the rear opening 14B.

[0039] The front opening 14A and the rear opening 14B are openings that connect the outside and inside of the subframe 9, and as shown in Figure 2, they are surrounded by rectangular edges that extend in the front-rear direction D1 and the up-down direction D3.

[0040] The forward conduit 15A is a cylindrical space surrounded by a first wall portion 16A that is connected to the edge surrounding the forward opening 14A. This forward conduit 15A also has an opening at its end portion 17A (see Figure 1) located on the opposite side of the forward opening 14A. As shown in Figure 1, the end portion 17A of the forward conduit 15A is positioned facing the boundary 34 and directed toward the space between the radiator 4 and the tank 3.

[0041] The rear conduit 15B is a cylindrical space surrounded by a second wall portion 16B that is connected to the edge surrounding the rear opening 14B. This rear conduit 15B also has an opening at its end portion 17B, which is located on the opposite side of the rear opening 14B. As shown in Figure 1, the end portion 17B of the rear conduit 15B is positioned facing the boundary 34 and directed toward the space between the radiator 4 and the tank 3.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the first wall portion 16A forming the forward conduit 15A includes a portion that overlaps with the forward opening 14A when viewed from the outside. More specifically, when viewed from the outside, a part of the first wall portion 16A extends inside the forward opening 14A, and the portion inside the first wall portion 16A is shielded by the first wall portion 16A and is not exposed to the outside.

[0043] Furthermore, the second wall portion 16B, which forms the rear conduit 15B, includes a portion that overlaps with the rear opening 14B when viewed from the outside. More specifically, when viewed from the outside, a part of the second wall portion 16B extends inside the rear opening 14B, and the portion inside the second wall portion 16B is shielded by the second wall portion 16B and is not exposed to the outside.

[0044] Furthermore, the front ventilation section 13A has a first lip 19A on the rear edge 18A, which is located at the rear of the edge surrounding the front opening 14A, and the rear ventilation section 13B has a second lip 19B on the front edge 18B, which is located at the front of the edge surrounding the rear opening 14B. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the main part of the front ventilation section 13A. As shown in Figure 3, the first lip 19A is a plate-like portion that protrudes diagonally outward in the left-right direction D2 and forward in the front-rear direction D1 from the rear edge 18A. Here, if we refer to the diagonal direction in which the first lip 19A protrudes from the rear edge 18A in a top view as the "first inclination direction," then the first lip 19A is a plate-like piece that extends in the up-down direction D3 and in the first inclination direction.

[0045] The first lip 19A is a part that protrudes in a canopy-like manner from the rear edge 18A of the front opening 14A in the first inclined direction, and is intended to improve ventilation efficiency. The inclination angle and dimensions of the first lip 19A can be appropriately set to improve air intake and exhaust performance, and not to create resistance to the movement of the vehicle 2. The first lip 19A may be formed integrally with the subframe 9, or it may be formed by attaching a separate member to the subframe 9.

[0046] The second lip 19B of the rear ventilation section 13B is a plate-like portion that protrudes diagonally from the front edge 18B of the rear opening 14B outward in the left-right direction D2 and rearward in the front-rear direction D1. The second lip 19B can be configured in the same way as the first lip 19A, except for its position and the direction in which it protrudes. The second lip 19B may be formed integrally with the subframe 9, or it may be formed by attaching a separate component to the subframe 9.

[0047] Figures 4(A) and 4(B) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the airflow when vehicle 2 is stationary, and Figures 5(A) and 5(B) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the airflow when vehicle 2 is moving forward. Figures 4(A) and 5(A) show the case where fan 5 rotates from the outside to the inside, i.e., in the suction direction, drawing outside air towards tank 3, while Figures 4(B) and 5(B) show the case where fan 5 rotates from the inside to the outside, i.e., in the discharge direction, blowing air from tank 3 to the outside.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4(A), when the vehicle 2 is stationary and the fan 5 draws in air, the fan 5 drives in outside air from the open area 9E of the subframe 9, and the air between the radiator 4 and the tank 3 is discharged to the outside from the front ventilation section 13A and the rear ventilation section 13B, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(B), when the vehicle 2 is stationary and the fan 5 is exhausting air, the fan 5 drives the air inside the subframe 9 out through the open area 9E of the subframe 9, and also introduces outside air into the space between the radiator 4 and the tank 3 (inside) from the front ventilation section 13A and the rear ventilation section 13B, respectively. Therefore, in either case, the air between the radiator 4 and the tank 3 circulates efficiently between the outside and the inside.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5(A), when the vehicle 2 is running and the fan 5 is drawing in air, the fan 5 drives outside air inward from the open area 9E of the subframe 9, and the airflow from the vehicle is drawn in between the radiator 4 and the tank 3 from the front ventilation section 13A. The air between the radiator 4 and the tank 3 is then discharged to the outside from the rear ventilation section 13B. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(B), when the vehicle 2 is driving and the fan 5 is exhausting air, the fan 5 drives air from the open area 9E of the subframe 9 to the inside of the subframe 9, and the airflow from the front ventilation section 13A is drawn in between the radiator 4 and the tank 3. The air between the radiator 4 and the tank 3 is then discharged to the outside through the rear ventilation section 13B. Therefore, in either case, the air between the radiator 4 and the tank 3 circulates efficiently between the outside and the inside.

[0050] [2. Action and Effects] (1) In the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, the radiator 4 is mounted on the outside of the side rail 7 (on the side of the vehicle 2) via a subframe 9 which serves as a support, thus ensuring that the radiator 4, which is positioned on the side of the vehicle 2, can be mounted. Furthermore, since a front ventilation section 13A and a rear ventilation section 13B are provided at the front and rear of the cooling fan 5, air can circulate between the outside and inside of the subframe 9, facilitating airflow between the radiator 4 and the fuel tank 3. As a result, the cooling performance can be improved both when the vehicle 2 is in motion and when it is stationary. Therefore, the mounting and cooling performance of the radiator 4, which is positioned on the side of the vehicle 2, can be ensured, and the cooling performance can be improved both when the vehicle 2 is in motion and when it is stopped.

[0051] (2) In the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, the radiator 4 is arranged facing the main body 31, and the front ventilation section 13A and the rear ventilation section 13B are each arranged facing the boundary 34 between the main body 31 and the dome section 32. As a result, the air flowing through the front ventilation section 13A and the rear ventilation section 13B flows easily along the hemispherical surface of the dome section 32 and the outer surface of the main body 31, allowing for efficient ventilation between the radiator 4 and the fuel tank 3. Thus, the cooling performance can be further improved.

[0052] (3) In the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, a first lip 19A is provided in the front ventilation section 13A, and a second lip 19B is provided in the rear ventilation section 13B. Therefore, the efficiency of ventilation through the front ventilation section 13A and the rear ventilation section 13B can be increased by the first lip 19A and the second lip 19B. Thus, the cooling performance can be further improved.

[0053] (4) In the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, a front conduit 15A is provided in the front ventilation section 13A, and a rear conduit 15B is provided in the rear ventilation section 13B. This allows for proper guidance of the airflow and improves the efficiency of ventilation through the front ventilation section 13A and the rear ventilation section 13B. Therefore, the cooling performance can be further improved.

[0054] (5) In addition, in the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, the first wall portion 16A forming the front conduit 15A includes a portion that overlaps with the front opening 14A when viewed from the outside, and the second wall portion 16B forming the rear conduit 15B includes a portion that overlaps with the rear opening 14B when viewed from the outside. Therefore, the first wall portion 16A and the second wall portion 16B prevent foreign matter such as pebbles and moisture from entering through the front opening 14A and the rear opening 14B.

[0055] (6) In addition, in the cooling system 1 of this embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a fuel cell vehicle that drives a motor for driving with electricity from a fuel cell, and the fuel tank 3 is a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell. Therefore, in a fuel cell vehicle, the mounting capacity and cooling performance of the radiator 4 located on the side of the vehicle 2 can be ensured, and the cooling performance can be improved both when the vehicle 2 is running and when it is stopped. can.

[0056] [3. Others] The configuration of the cooling device 1 described above is just one example. For example, the front ventilation section 13A and the rear ventilation section 13B may have flat guide walls instead of cylindrical front conduits 15A and rear conduits 15B. Alternatively, the front ventilation section 13A and the rear ventilation section 13B may omit the front conduits 15A and rear conduits 15B and have only front openings 14A and rear openings 14B. Furthermore, the shape of the front openings 14A and rear openings 14B is not limited to rectangular shapes; any shape is acceptable as long as air can circulate. Furthermore, both or either of the first lip 19A of the front ventilation section 13A and the second lip 19B of the rear ventilation section 13B may be omitted.

[0057] 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. Furthermore, the placement of the fan 5 is not limited to between the radiator 4 and the tank 3, but may also be on the outside of the radiator 4. The shape, arrangement, and number of tanks 3 described above are merely examples. At least one tank 3 should be provided outside the left and right side rails 7 in the left-right direction D2. Furthermore, the shape of the tank 3 is not limited to the cylindrical body portion 31 and dome portion 32 described above, but may also be other shapes, such as a rectangular tube. Furthermore, the fuel contained in tank 3 is not limited to hydrogen gas. Moreover, the vehicle 2 to which the above-described cooling device 1 is applied is not limited to a fuel cell vehicle.

[0058] [4. Addendum] Further details regarding the above embodiments are disclosed.

[0059] (Note 1) A cooling system for a vehicle equipped with fuel tanks positioned outside the left and right side rails that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A radiator is installed on the outside of the fuel tank, along the fuel tank, A cooling fan attached to the radiator, The radiator is provided with a support portion for attaching the radiator to the side rail, which is formed by a frame-shaped member disposed on the outside of the radiator in an area that overlaps with the radiator and the cooling fan when viewed from the outside, The aforementioned support portion is A front ventilation section is provided, located in front of the cooling fan in the front-rear direction, which allows air to circulate between the outer side and the inner side in the left-right direction relative to the support portion. Located behind the cooling fan in the front-rear direction, it has a rear ventilation section that allows air to circulate between the outer and inner sides of the support section. A cooling device for vehicles characterized by the following features. (Note 2) The fuel tank comprises a cylindrical main body portion arranged in a position in which the cylindrical axis extends along the front-rear direction, and hemispherical dome portions provided at both the front and rear ends of the main body portion. The radiator is disposed opposite the main body, The front ventilation section and the rear ventilation section are each positioned opposite the boundary between the main body and the dome section. A cooling device for a vehicle as described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 3) The front ventilation portion has a first lip that protrudes diagonally outward and forward from the outer surface of the support portion at the rear edge of the edge portion surrounding the front opening that connects the outer and inner sides, which is located at the rear of the edge portion. The rear ventilation section has a second lip that protrudes diagonally outward and rearward from the outer surface of the support section at the front edge of the edge surrounding the rear opening that connects the outer and inner sides. A cooling device for a vehicle as described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 4) The aforementioned front ventilation section has a cylindrical front conduit surrounded by a first wall section that extends inward and backward from a front opening that connects the outside and the inside, The rear ventilation section has a cylindrical rear conduit surrounded by a second wall section that extends inward and forward from a rear opening that connects the outer and inner sides. A cooling device for a vehicle, characterized by the features described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3. (Note 5) The first wall portion forming the forward conduit includes a portion that overlaps with the forward opening when viewed from the outside. The second wall portion forming the rear conduit includes a portion that overlaps with the rear opening when viewed from the outside. A cooling device for a vehicle as described in Appendix 4, characterized by the features described herein. (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 cooling device for a vehicle as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, characterized by the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1 Cooling device 2 vehicles 3 Tanks (fuel tanks) 4. Radiator 5, 5A, 5B Fan (Cooling Fan) 6 Chassis Frame 7 Side rails 8 Cross Member 9. Subframe (support section) 9A Upper part 9B Lower edge 9C Front part 9D Posterior part 9E Open area 10 Base section 11 First support part 12 Second support part 13A Front ventilation section 13B Rear ventilation section 14A Front opening 14B Rear opening 15A front conduit 15B Rear conduit 16A First wall 16B Second wall section 17A End 17B End 18A Trailing edge 18B Front edge 19A First Lip 19B Second Lip 31 Main body 32 Dome section (end) 33 Cylinder shaft 34 Boundary 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 cooling system for a vehicle equipped with fuel tanks positioned outside the left and right side rails that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A radiator is installed on the outside of the fuel tank, along the fuel tank, A cooling fan attached to the radiator, The radiator is provided with a support portion for attaching the radiator to the side rail, which is formed by a frame-shaped member disposed on the outside of the radiator in an area that overlaps with the radiator and the cooling fan when viewed from the outside, The aforementioned support portion is A front ventilation section is provided, located in front of the cooling fan in the front-rear direction, which allows air to circulate between the outer side and the inner side in the left-right direction relative to the support portion. Located behind the cooling fan in the front-rear direction, it has a rear ventilation section that allows air to circulate between the outer and inner sides of the support section. A cooling device for vehicles characterized by the following features.

2. The fuel tank comprises a cylindrical main body portion arranged in a position in which the cylindrical axis extends along the front-rear direction, and hemispherical dome portions provided at both the front and rear ends of the main body portion. The radiator is disposed opposite the main body, The front ventilation section and the rear ventilation section are each positioned opposite the boundary between the main body and the dome section. A cooling device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle cooling device according to claim 1.

3. The front ventilation portion has a first lip that protrudes diagonally outward and forward from the outer surface of the support portion at the rear edge of the edge portion surrounding the front opening that connects the outer and inner sides, which is located at the rear of the edge portion. The rear ventilation section has a second lip that protrudes diagonally outward and rearward from the outer surface of the support section at the front edge of the edge surrounding the rear opening that connects the outer and inner sides. A cooling device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle cooling device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned front ventilation section has a cylindrical front conduit surrounded by a first wall section that extends inward and backward from a front opening that connects the outside and the inside, The rear ventilation section has a cylindrical rear conduit surrounded by a second wall section that extends inward and forward from a rear opening that connects the outer and inner sides. A cooling device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle cooling device according to claim 1.

5. The first wall portion forming the forward conduit includes a portion that overlaps with the forward opening when viewed from the outside. The second wall portion forming the rear conduit includes a portion that overlaps with the rear opening when viewed from the outside. A cooling device for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that it is a vehicle cooling device according to claim 4.

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 cooling device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle cooling device according to claim 1.

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