Fuel cell system

Abstract

To reduce the noise radiated from the discharge piping while ensuring ease of assembly of the discharge piping. [Solution] The discharge piping 25 is constructed by connecting an upstream metal pipe 31, an upstream elastic pipe 32, an intermediate metal pipe 33, a downstream elastic pipe 34, and a downstream metal pipe 35 in the order of the direction of airflow through the discharge piping 25. The upstream metal pipe 31 is inserted into the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32, the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 is inserted into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32, the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 is inserted into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34, and the downstream metal pipe 35 is inserted into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. At least one of the upstream elastic pipe 32, the intermediate metal pipe 33, and the downstream elastic pipe 34 is bent.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, an air compressor, and a discharge pipe. The air compressor supplies air to the fuel cell stack. Air discharged from the air compressor flows through the discharge pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the discharge pipe vibrates due to the pulsation of the air discharged from the air compressor into the discharge pipe. When the discharge pipe vibrates, radiated noise is generated from the discharge pipe. In particular, when the discharge pipe is an elastic pipe that can be elastically deformed, for example, formed of rubber or the like, vibrations caused by air pulsation are likely to occur, so that the radiated noise generated from the discharge pipe increases. Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the vibration caused by air pulsation in the discharge pipe by making the discharge pipe, for example, a metal pipe, compared with an elastic pipe. However, if the entire length of the discharge pipe is composed of a metal pipe, when assembling the discharge pipe, since the metal pipe cannot be bent, the assemblability of the discharge pipe may be reduced.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A fuel cell system that solves the above problems comprises a fuel cell stack, an air compressor that supplies air to the fuel cell stack, and a discharge pipe through which the air discharged from the air compressor flows, wherein the discharge pipe is configured such that an upstream metal pipe, an upstream elastic pipe, an intermediate metal pipe, a downstream elastic pipe, and a downstream metal pipe are connected in this order in the direction of airflow through the discharge pipe, the upstream metal pipe is inserted into the first end of the upstream elastic pipe, the first end of the intermediate metal pipe is inserted into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe, the second end of the intermediate metal pipe is inserted into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe, and the downstream metal pipe is inserted into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe, and at least one of the upstream elastic pipe, the intermediate metal pipe, and the downstream elastic pipe is bent.

[0006] According to this design, since an intermediate metal pipe is connected between the upstream and downstream elastic pipes, vibrations caused by air pulsation can be suppressed compared to the case where the connection between the upstream and downstream metal pipes is made by elastic pipes. Therefore, the radiated noise generated from the discharge pipe can be reduced. In addition, since the entire length of the discharge pipe is not made of metal pipes, but includes the upstream and downstream elastic pipes, problems such as reduced ease of assembly of the discharge pipe can be avoided.

[0007] Now, consider the case where the first end of the upstream elastic pipe, via the intermediate metal pipe, is aligned in a straight line to the second end of the downstream elastic pipe. In this case, for example, suppose the upstream metal pipe is inserted into the first end of the upstream elastic pipe, the first end of the intermediate metal pipe is inserted into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe, and the downstream metal pipe is inserted into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe. When trying to insert the second end of the intermediate metal pipe into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe, it is necessary to elastically deform and bend the upstream elastic pipe while inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe. In this case, for example, if the length of the upstream elastic pipe is made as short as possible, bending the upstream elastic pipe may cause interference between the upstream metal pipe and the first end of the intermediate metal pipe. If the upstream metal pipe and the first end of the intermediate metal pipe interfere, it becomes impossible to bend the upstream elastic pipe any further, making it difficult to insert the second end of the intermediate metal pipe into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe. However, increasing the length of the upstream elastic piping makes it easier for vibrations to occur in the upstream elastic piping due to air pulsation, which increases the amount of radiated noise generated from the discharge piping.

[0008] Therefore, the discharge piping was configured such that at least one of the upstream elastic piping, intermediate metal piping, and downstream elastic piping was bent. With this configuration, for example, when inserting the second end of the intermediate metal piping into the first end of the downstream elastic piping, it is not necessary to bend the upstream elastic piping. Thus, even if the length of the upstream elastic piping is made as short as possible, problems such as difficulty in inserting the second end of the intermediate metal piping into the first end of the downstream elastic piping can be avoided. As a result, it is possible to reduce the radiated noise generated from the discharge piping while ensuring the ease of assembly of the discharge piping.

[0009] In the fuel cell system described above, the discharge piping is preferably configured such that the upstream metal piping is inserted into the first end of the upstream elastic piping, the first end of the intermediate metal piping is inserted into the second end of the upstream elastic piping, and the downstream metal piping is inserted into the second end of the downstream elastic piping, and the intermediate metal piping is rotated around the axis of the first end of the upstream elastic piping as the pivot point, while inserting the second end of the intermediate metal piping into the first end of the downstream elastic piping.

[0010] According to this, when inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe, it is not necessary to bend the upstream elastic pipe. Therefore, for example, even if the length of the upstream elastic pipe is made as short as possible, problems such as difficulty in inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe can be avoided.

[0011] In the fuel cell system described above, the intermediate metal piping may be bent. Thus, a configuration in which the intermediate metal piping is bent is suitable for inserting the second end of the intermediate metal piping into the first end of the downstream elastic piping while rotating the intermediate metal piping around the axis of the first end of the upstream elastic piping as the pivot point.

[0012] In the fuel cell system described above, the upstream elastic piping may be bent. Thus, a configuration in which the upstream elastic piping is bent is suitable for inserting the second end of the intermediate metal piping into the first end of the downstream elastic piping while rotating the intermediate metal piping around the axis of the first end of the upstream elastic piping as the pivot point.

[0013] In the fuel cell system described above, the axis of the upstream elastic piping and the axis of the downstream elastic piping extend parallel to each other, and the intermediate metal piping is formed in a U-shape, with the axis of the first end of the intermediate metal piping and the axis of the second end of the intermediate metal piping extending parallel to each other.

[0014] According to this, for example, when inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe, there is no need to bend the upstream elastic pipe. Therefore, for example, even if the length of the upstream elastic pipe is made as short as possible, it is possible to avoid the problem that it becomes difficult to insert the second end of the intermediate metal pipe into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to this invention, it is possible to reduce the radiated noise generated from the discharge pipe while ensuring the assemblability of the discharge pipe.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a forklift in an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fuel cell system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the fuel cell system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view for explaining a discharge pipe. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a discharge pipe. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining a discharge pipe in a comparative example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the discharge pipe in a comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the discharge pipe in a comparative example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view for explaining a discharge pipe in a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a discharge pipe in a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view for explaining a discharge pipe in a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view for explaining a discharge pipe in a modified example.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a fuel cell system is embodied will be described. The fuel cell system of this embodiment is mounted on a forklift, which is an industrial vehicle. In the following description, front and rear, up and down, and left and right indicate the front and rear, up and down, and left and right when the operator driving the forklift faces the front (forward direction) of the forklift.

[0018] <Forklift> As shown in FIG. 1, the forklift 10 includes a vehicle body 11, a traveling motor 12, a cargo handling motor 13, and a fuel cell system 20. The forklift 10 also includes drive wheels 14 and a cargo handling device 15. The traveling motor 12 drives the drive wheels 14. The cargo handling motor 13 drives the cargo handling device 15. The fuel cell system 20 is housed inside the vehicle body 11.

[0019] <Fuel Cell System> As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell system 20 includes a fuel cell stack 21. The fuel cell stack 21 is composed of a plurality of battery cells stacked together. The battery cells are of the solid molecular type. The fuel cell stack 21 generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen as a fuel gas and oxygen in the air as an oxidant gas. The traveling motor 12 and the cargo handling motor 13 of the forklift 10 are driven by the electric power generated by the fuel cell stack 21. Also, the electric power generated by the fuel cell stack 21 is charged into a battery (not shown).

[0020] The fuel cell system 20 includes a housing 22. The fuel cell stack 21 is disposed inside the housing 22. Therefore, the housing 22 houses the fuel cell stack 21. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fuel cell system 20 includes an air cleaner 23, an air compressor 24, a discharge pipe 25, and an intercooler 26. The air cleaner 23 is located outside the housing 22. As shown in Figure 3, the air cleaner 23 is fixed to the outer surface of the housing 22 via a bracket 27. The air compressor 24 is located inside the housing 22. The air compressor 24 is connected to the air cleaner 23 via a connecting pipe 28. The intercooler 26 is located inside the housing 22. The intercooler 26 is connected to the air compressor 24 via a discharge pipe 25. As shown in Figure 2, the intercooler 26 is connected to the fuel cell stack 21 via a connecting pipe 29.

[0021] Air purified by the air cleaner 23 is drawn into the air compressor 24 via the connecting pipe 28. The air compressor 24 compresses the drawn-in air. The air compressed by the air compressor 24 is discharged into the discharge pipe 25. Therefore, air discharged from the air compressor 24 flows through the discharge pipe 25. The air flowing through the discharge pipe 25 is supplied to the intercooler 26 and cooled by the intercooler 26. The air cooled by the intercooler 26 is then supplied to the fuel cell stack 21 via the connecting pipe 29. In this way, the air compressor 24 supplies air to the fuel cell stack 21.

[0022] <Discharge piping> As shown in Figure 4, the discharge piping 25 includes an upstream metal pipe 31, an upstream elastic pipe 32, an intermediate metal pipe 33, a downstream elastic pipe 34, and a downstream metal pipe 35. The discharge piping 25 is constructed by connecting the upstream metal pipe 31, the upstream elastic pipe 32, the intermediate metal pipe 33, the downstream elastic pipe 34, and the downstream metal pipe 35 in this order in the direction of airflow through the discharge piping 25.

[0023] The upstream metal pipe 31, the intermediate metal pipe 33, and the downstream metal pipe 35 are made of, for example, aluminum. The upstream metal pipe 31, the intermediate metal pipe 33, and the downstream metal pipe 35 are cylindrical in shape.

[0024] The intermediate metal pipe 33 has a cylindrical first extension 36 and a cylindrical second extension 37. The first end of the first extension 36 is the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33. The second end of the first extension 36 is connected to the first end of the second extension 37. The second end of the second extension 37 is the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33. The axis L1 of the first extension 36 and the axis L2 of the second extension 37 intersect each other. The axis L1 of the first extension 36 is also the axis of the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33. The axis L2 of the second extension 37 is also the axis of the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33. Therefore, the axis of the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 and the axis of the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 intersect each other. The second extension 37 extends from the second end of the first extension 36 by bending. As shown above, the intermediate metal pipe 33 is bent.

[0025] The upstream elastic pipe 32 and the downstream elastic pipe 34 are made of rubber, for example. The upstream elastic pipe 32 and the downstream elastic pipe 34 are cylindrical in shape and extend straight. The upstream elastic pipe 32 and the downstream elastic pipe 34 are rubber hoses.

[0026] The first end of the upstream metal pipe 31 is connected to the air compressor 24. The second end of the upstream metal pipe 31 is connected to the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32. The upstream metal pipe 31 is inserted into the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32. The axis L10 of the second end of the upstream metal pipe 31 and the axis L10 of the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32 coincide with each other.

[0027] The second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32 is connected to the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33. The first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 is inserted into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32. The axis of the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32 and the axis of the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 coincide with each other. The axis L10 of the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32 coincides with the axis of the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32.

[0028] The second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 is connected to the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. The second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 is inserted into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. The axis of the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34 and the axis of the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 coincide with each other.

[0029] The second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34 is connected to the first end of the downstream metal pipe 35. The downstream metal pipe 35 is inserted into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. The axis of the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34 and the axis of the first end of the downstream metal pipe 35 coincide with each other. The second end of the downstream metal pipe 35 is connected to the intercooler 26.

[0030] <Method for assembling discharge piping> Next, we will explain how to assemble the discharge piping 25. As shown in Figure 5, when assembling the discharge piping 25, first insert the upstream metal pipe 31 into the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32, and insert the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32. Furthermore, insert the downstream metal pipe 35 into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. In this state, rotate the intermediate metal pipe 33 around the axis L10 of the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32 as the pivot point, and insert the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. The discharge piping 25 is assembled in this way.

[0031] Therefore, the discharge piping 25 is constructed by inserting the upstream metal piping 31 into the first end of the upstream elastic piping 32, inserting the first end of the intermediate metal piping 33 into the second end of the upstream elastic piping 32, and further inserting the downstream metal piping 35 into the second end of the downstream elastic piping 34, while rotating the intermediate metal piping 33 around the axis L10 of the first end of the upstream elastic piping 32 as the pivot point, and inserting the second end of the intermediate metal piping 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic piping 34.

[0032] [Effect of the Embodiment] Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described. Incidentally, the discharge pipe 25 vibrates due to the pulsation of the air discharged from the air compressor 24 to the discharge pipe 25. At this time, since the intermediate metal pipe 33 is connected between the upstream elastic pipe 32 and the downstream elastic pipe 34, the occurrence of vibration caused by air pulsation is suppressed compared to the case where the connection between the upstream metal pipe 31 and the downstream metal pipe 35 is made by elastic piping.

[0033] [Effects of the Embodiment] The above embodiment can be achieved to obtain the following effects. (1) The discharge piping 25 is constructed by connecting an upstream metal pipe 31, an upstream elastic pipe 32, an intermediate metal pipe 33, a downstream elastic pipe 34, and a downstream metal pipe 35 in the order of the direction of airflow through the discharge piping 25. The upstream metal pipe 31 is inserted into the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32, and the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 is inserted into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32. The second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 is inserted into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34, and the downstream metal pipe 35 is inserted into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. As a result, since the intermediate metal pipe 33 is connected between the upstream elastic pipe 32 and the downstream elastic pipe 34, the generation of vibrations caused by air pulsation can be suppressed compared to the case where the connection between the upstream metal pipe 31 and the downstream metal pipe 35 is made by elastic piping.Therefore, the radiated noise generated from the discharge piping 25 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the discharge piping 25 is not composed entirely of metal piping and includes the upstream elastic piping 32 and the downstream elastic piping 34, problems such as reduced ease of assembly of the discharge piping 25 can be avoided.

[0034] Figures 6, 7, and 8 show comparative examples. As shown in Figure 6, consider the case where the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32 is arranged in a straight line from the intermediate metal pipe 33 to the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. In this case, for example, suppose the upstream metal pipe 31 is inserted into the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32, the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 is inserted into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32, and the downstream metal pipe 35 is inserted into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. When trying to insert the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34, it is necessary to elastically deform and bend the upstream elastic pipe 32 while inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34.

[0035] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in this case, for example, if the length of the upstream elastic pipe 32 is made as short as possible, bending the upstream elastic pipe 32 may cause interference between the upstream metal pipe 31 and the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33. If the upstream metal pipe 31 and the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 interfere, the upstream elastic pipe 32 cannot be bent any further, making it difficult to insert the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. On the other hand, if the length of the upstream elastic pipe 32 is increased, vibrations of the upstream elastic pipe 32 due to air pulsation will occur more easily, and the radiated noise generated from the discharge pipe 25 will increase.

[0036] Therefore, the discharge pipe 25 is configured with a bent intermediate metal pipe 33. This eliminates the need to bend the upstream elastic pipe 32 when, for example, inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. Consequently, even if the length of the upstream elastic pipe 32 is made as short as possible, problems such as difficulty in inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34 can be avoided. As a result, it is possible to reduce the radiated noise generated from the discharge pipe 25 while ensuring the ease of assembly of the discharge pipe 25.

[0037] (2) The discharge piping 25 is constructed by inserting the upstream metal piping 31 into the first end of the upstream elastic piping 32, inserting the first end of the intermediate metal piping 33 into the second end of the upstream elastic piping 32, and further inserting the downstream metal piping 35 into the second end of the downstream elastic piping 34, while rotating the intermediate metal piping 33 around the axis L10 of the first end of the upstream elastic piping 32 as the pivot point, and inserting the second end of the intermediate metal piping 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic piping 34. With this configuration, there is no need to bend the upstream elastic piping 32 when inserting the second end of the intermediate metal piping 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic piping 34.Therefore, for example, even if the length of the upstream elastic piping 32 is made as short as possible, problems such as difficulty in inserting the second end of the intermediate metal piping 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic piping 34 can be avoided.

[0038] (3) The intermediate metal pipe 33 is bent. This configuration in which the intermediate metal pipe 33 is bent is suitable for inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34 while rotating the intermediate metal pipe 33 around the axis L10 of the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32 as the pivot point.

[0039] [Example of changes] The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0040] ○ As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the intermediate metal pipe 33 may not be bent, while the upstream elastic pipe 32 may be bent. As shown in Figure 10, when assembling the discharge pipe 25, first insert the upstream metal pipe 31 into the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32, and insert the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32. Furthermore, insert the downstream metal pipe 35 into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. In this state, rotate the intermediate metal pipe 33 integrally with the upstream elastic pipe 32, using the axis L10 of the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32 as the pivot point, and insert the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. The discharge pipe 25 is assembled in this way.

[0041] Thus, the configuration in which the upstream elastic pipe 32 is bent is suitable for inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34 while rotating the intermediate metal pipe 33 around the axis L10 of the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32 as the pivot point.

[0042] ○ As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the axis L20 of the upstream elastic pipe 32 and the axis L21 of the downstream elastic pipe 34 may extend parallel to each other. The intermediate metal pipe 33 may be formed in a U-shape, and the axis L22 of the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 and the axis L23 of the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 may extend parallel to each other. As shown in Figure 12, when assembling the discharge pipe 25, first insert the upstream metal pipe 31 into the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32, and insert the downstream metal pipe 35 into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. In this state, insert the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32, and insert the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. The discharge pipe 25 is assembled in this way.

[0043] According to this, for example, when inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34, it is not necessary to bend the upstream elastic pipe 32. Therefore, even if the length of the upstream elastic pipe 32 is made as short as possible, problems such as difficulty in inserting the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34 can be avoided.

[0044] Furthermore, since the insertion of the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32 and the insertion of the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34 can be performed simultaneously, the ease of assembly of the discharge pipe 25 can be further ensured.

[0045] ○ In this embodiment, the intermediate metal pipe 33 may not be bent, while the downstream elastic pipe 34 may be bent. In this case, when assembling the discharge pipe 25, first insert the upstream metal pipe 31 into the first end of the upstream elastic pipe 32. Then, insert the downstream metal pipe 35 into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34, and insert the second end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe 34. In this state, rotate the intermediate metal pipe 33 integrally with the downstream elastic pipe 34, using the axis of the second end of the downstream elastic pipe 34 as the pivot point, and insert the first end of the intermediate metal pipe 33 into the second end of the upstream elastic pipe 32. The discharge pipe 25 may be assembled in this manner.

[0046] ○ In this embodiment, in addition to the intermediate metal piping 33, the upstream elastic piping 32 may also be bent, for example. ○ In this embodiment, in addition to the intermediate metal pipe 33, the upstream elastic pipe 32 and the downstream elastic pipe 34 may also be bent. In short, it is sufficient that at least one of the upstream elastic pipe 32, the intermediate metal pipe 33, and the downstream elastic pipe 34 is bent.

[0047] ○ In this embodiment, the upstream elastic pipe 32 and the downstream elastic pipe 34 do not have to be made of rubber. In short, the upstream elastic pipe 32 and the downstream elastic pipe 34 can be made of any material that is elastically deformable.

[0048] ○ In this embodiment, the fuel cell system 20 was mounted on a forklift 10, but it is not limited to this, and may be mounted on, for example, a towing vehicle used for transporting goods, or an order picker used for picking operations. In short, the fuel cell system 20 may be mounted on industrial vehicles other than the forklift 10.

[0049] ○ In this embodiment, the fuel cell system 20 may be installed in a fuel cell vehicle other than an industrial vehicle. ○ In this embodiment, the fuel cell system 20 may be mounted on a stationary power generation device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 20...Fuel cell system, 21...Fuel cell stack, 24...Air compressor, 25...Discharge piping, 31...Upstream metal piping, 32...Upstream elastic piping, 33...Intermediate metal piping, 34...Downstream elastic piping, 35...Downstream metal piping.

Claims

1. Fuel cell stack and An air compressor that supplies air to the fuel cell stack, A fuel cell system comprising a discharge pipe through which air discharged from the air compressor flows, The discharge piping is configured such that an upstream metal pipe, an upstream elastic pipe, an intermediate metal pipe, a downstream elastic pipe, and a downstream metal pipe are connected in this order in the direction of airflow through the discharge piping. The first end of the upstream elastic pipe is inserted into the upstream metal pipe, and the second end of the upstream elastic pipe is inserted into the first end of the intermediate metal pipe. The second end of the intermediate metal pipe is inserted into the first end of the downstream elastic pipe, and the downstream metal pipe is inserted into the second end of the downstream elastic pipe. A fuel cell system characterized in that at least one of the upstream elastic piping, the intermediate metal piping, and the downstream elastic piping is bent.

2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge piping is configured such that the upstream metal piping is inserted into the first end of the upstream elastic piping, the first end of the intermediate metal piping is inserted into the second end of the upstream elastic piping, and the downstream metal piping is inserted into the second end of the downstream elastic piping, and the intermediate metal piping is rotated around the axis of the first end of the upstream elastic piping as the pivot point, while the second end of the intermediate metal piping is inserted into the first end of the downstream elastic piping.

3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, characterized in that the intermediate metal piping is bent.

4. The fuel cell system according to claim 2, characterized in that the upstream elastic piping is bent.

5. The axis of the upstream elastic pipe and the axis of the downstream elastic pipe extend parallel to each other. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate metal pipe is bent in a U-shape and the axis of the first end of the intermediate metal pipe and the axis of the second end of the intermediate metal pipe extend parallel to each other.

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