Mobile vehicle tank mounting structure

Abstract

This improves the reliability of tank mounting by suppressing vibrations in the tanks that are mounted on mobile vehicles. [Solution] A tank mounting structure 20 for mounting a tank 10 for storing fluid on a mobile body 1 comprises a substantially box-shaped frame 40 for housing the tank 10 and an auxiliary member 50 for assisting in the support of the frame 40. At least a portion of the frame 40 is located vertically above the frame 2 of the mobile body 1, and its lower part is attached to the frame 2. The auxiliary member 50 has its lower end 51 connected to the frame 2 and its upper end 52 connected to the frame 40 at a position offset from the lower end 51 in the front-rear and left-right directions of the mobile body, thereby assisting in the support of the frame 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank mounting structure for a moving body such as a vehicle, for mounting a tank such as a fuel tank on the moving body.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a moving body such as a truck, there is one that has a tank between the cab and the loading platform. Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a plurality of hydrogen tanks are mounted between the cab and the cargo compartment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a tank mounted on a moving body such as a truck and its mounting structure may receive vibrations during travel, for example. In this case, depending on the natural frequency of the tank or the mounting structure, for example, resonance vibrations may be induced during the movement of the moving body, and it is conceivable that the tank may sway beyond the allowable range. In particular, in order to mount the tanks in a space-efficient manner, if the tanks are arranged vertically side by side, for example, the weight increases, and if the rigidity of the tank mounting structure is low, it becomes easier to induce low-frequency resonance vibrations and the sway is likely to increase.

[0005] The present invention was devised by paying attention to such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a tank mounting structure for a moving body that can improve the mounting reliability of the tank by suppressing the vibration of the tank mounted on the moving body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This project was undertaken to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following forms or applications. (1) The tank mounting structure for a mobile body according to this application example is a tank mounting structure for mounting a tank for storing fluid on a mobile body, comprising a substantially box-shaped frame for housing the tank and an auxiliary member for assisting in the support of the frame, wherein at least a portion of the frame is located vertically above the frame of the mobile body, and its lower part is attached to the frame, and the auxiliary member has its lower end connected to the frame and its upper end connected to the frame at a position offset from the lower end in the front-rear and left-right directions of the mobile body, thereby assisting in the support of the frame.

[0007] In this application example, the roughly box-shaped frame housing the tank is positioned at least partially vertically above the frame of the mobile body, with its lower part attached to the frame. As a result, the frame is subjected to vibrations as the mobile body moves. The frame housing a heavy tank may be susceptible to relatively low-frequency resonant vibrations in the longitudinal or lateral directions due to this vibration input. However, an auxiliary member assisting in the support of the frame is connected to the frame at its lower end and to the frame at its upper end at a position offset from the lower end in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the mobile body, thereby assisting in the support of the frame. This increases the support rigidity of the frame and raises its natural frequency. Consequently, the occurrence of resonant vibrations can be suppressed, improving the reliability of tank mounting.

[0008] (2) The frame preferably has a pair of left and right side rails, and the lower part of the skeletal part and the lower end of the auxiliary member are attached to the left and right side rails via a common bracket. In this way, since the lower part of the frame and the lower end of the auxiliary members are attached via a common bracket, the increase in the number of parts can be kept to a minimum.

[0009] (3) The skeletal portion preferably has corner skeletal members arranged vertically at the four corners in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and the auxiliary members are preferably attached between each of the corner skeletal members and the frame. In this way, by attaching auxiliary members between each corner skeletal member and the frame, the support rigidity of the skeletal structure is effectively increased, and the occurrence of resonant vibrations can be suppressed. (4) The frame has a pair of left and right side rails, and a widened section in which the distance between the left and right side rails increases as it moves forward of the moving body, and preferably the lower end of the auxiliary member is attached to the flat section of the widened section. In this way, by attaching the lower ends of the auxiliary members to the pair of side rails on the left and right sides in a wide manner, the distance between the lower ends of the left and right auxiliary members is also increased, making it easier to increase the support rigidity in the lateral direction and to suppress the occurrence of resonant vibrations. (5) Preferably, the frame is formed in a U-shape in cross-section, having a web portion and flanges protruding in the same direction from the upper and lower edges of the web portion, and the auxiliary member is attached to the web portion of the frame. Because the web portion of the frame has flanges protruding from its upper and lower edges, it has higher rigidity and less fluctuation than the flanges. Therefore, when auxiliary members are attached to the web portion in this way, it becomes easier to increase the support rigidity of the skeletal structure and to suppress the occurrence of resonant vibrations. (6) Preferably the auxiliary member is attached below the center in the height direction of the skeletal part. In this way, by attaching the auxiliary member below the center in the height direction of the frame, even if the mounting area of ​​the lower end of the auxiliary member is narrow, the inclination angle of the auxiliary member in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions (inclination angle relative to the vertical direction) can be increased. This allows for a reduction in the length of the auxiliary member, a reduction in the increase in structural weight, satisfaction of the required strength of the auxiliary member itself, efficient enhancement of support rigidity, and suppression of resonant vibration.

[0010] (7) Preferably the auxiliary member is attached to the frame via a ball joint. In this way, by attaching the auxiliary member to the frame via a ball joint, it is possible to avoid localized load concentration at the attachment point due to the ball joint, thereby improving the durability of the structure.

[0011] (8) The moving body is preferably a truck. Even when vibrations generated during truck operation are applied to the frame, the resulting resonant vibrations can be suppressed.

[0012] (9) Preferably the truck has a driver's cab and a cargo compartment, and the tank is located between the driver's cab and the cargo compartment. Because space is limited between the driver's cab and the cargo compartment of a truck, if a tank is placed there, there is a risk that the frame will interfere with the driver's cab or cargo compartment if the vibration of the frame becomes large. However, even if vibrations generated during truck operation are applied to the frame, the resulting resonant vibrations can be suppressed, thus reducing this risk. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this invention, it is possible to suppress vibrations of tanks mounted on mobile vehicles, thereby improving the reliability of tank mounting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the main parts, focusing on the frame portion of a mobile body equipped with a tank mounting structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the tank mounting structure of the mobile body according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a rear view of the tank mounting structure of the mobile body according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the tank mounting structure of the mobile body according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]This is a top view of the left side of the tank mounting structure of the mobile body according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a view showing the plate-shaped auxiliary member of the tank mounting structure of the mobile body according to the embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a front view. [Figure 7] This is a side view of the main part of a vehicle (truck) as a mobile body according to the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Referring to the drawings, the embodiments of the present case will be described. The following embodiments are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly stated in this embodiment. Each configuration of the following embodiments can be implemented with various modifications without departing from their gist. Also, they can be selected as needed, or appropriately combined.

[0016] Note that the mobile body according to the embodiment described below is a vehicle, specifically a truck, and more specifically, a fuel cell electric truck equipped with a fuel cell. However, the mobile body according to the present case is not limited to a vehicle, and can be applied to any mobile body equipped with a tank. Also, even if it is a vehicle, it is not limited to an electric truck, and can be widely applied to electric vehicles and non-electric vehicles.

[0017] The tank according to the embodiment is a hydrogen tank (H2 tank) that stores hydrogen gas, which is the fuel of the fuel cell. In this case, the fuel cell corresponds to a fuel-using device for generating the mobile body. However, the tank according to the present case is not limited to a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen gas. For example, it can be widely applied to tanks that store fluids (such as gaseous fuels like natural gas, and liquid fuels like gasoline, light oil, and liquid hydrogen) for fuel-using devices such as engines for generating the mobile body, as long as they are tanks mounted on the mobile body and store or fill fluids. Also, the hydrogen in the H2 tank can be used not only as the fuel gas of the fuel cell but also as the fuel gas of a running engine (internal combustion engine) that operates using hydrogen as fuel.

[0018] Furthermore, in Figures 1 to 7, which are referenced, the vehicle is assumed to be on a horizontal plane, and the front of the vehicle is labeled "FR," the rear of the vehicle "RR," the right side in the vehicle width direction "RH," the left side in the vehicle width direction "LH," the vertically upward direction "UP," and the vertically downward direction "DW," and these are indicated by arrows. The front-to-back direction of the vehicle is also called the "vehicle length direction," the vehicle width direction is called the "left-to-right direction," and the vertical up-and-down direction is called the "up-and-down direction."

[0019] [1. Overall Structure] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the main part of the truck according to this embodiment, focusing on the frame portion, and Figure 7 is a side view of the main part of this truck. As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the truck 1 according to this embodiment includes a frame 2 having a pair of left and right side rails 3L, 3R and a plurality of cross members 4 provided between these side rails 3L, 3R. The side rails 3L, 3R of the frame 2 are formed in a U-shape in cross-section, having a web portion 3a and flanges 3b, 3c that project in one direction (inward in the vehicle width direction) from the upper and lower edges of the web portion 3a.

[0020] A cab (driver's compartment) 5 is installed above the front of frame 2, and a cargo compartment 6 is installed above frame 2 behind cab 5. Below cab 5 (below the front of frame 2), the left and right front wheels 7 are supported by frame 2. Below the rear of frame 2, the left and right rear wheels 8 are supported by frame 2.

[0021] As described above, truck (vehicle) 1 is a fuel cell electric vehicle powered by hydrogen gas, and specifically, it is a fuel cell electric truck. Therefore, vehicle 1 comprises a fuel cell system that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, a drive motor that operates using the electricity generated by the fuel cell system to rotate the drive wheels (for example, the rear wheels 8), and a hydrogen tank (H2 tank, also simply called "tank") 10 for storing the hydrogen used in the fuel cell system. Note that in Figure 7, the description of components other than the hydrogen tank 10 is omitted.

[0022] In this embodiment, multiple hydrogen tanks 10 (four in this example) are arranged vertically between the cab 5 and the cargo compartment 6. These hydrogen tanks 10 are mounted on mounting members 30 of the tank mounting structure 20. The tank mounting structure 20 will be described later. Hydrogen tank 10 has a main body made of aluminum alloy, and the outside of the tank body is reinforced with CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic).

[0023] The hydrogen tank 10 has a cylindrical intermediate section (cylindrical section) 10a connected to convex curved ends 10b, such as a disc or a roughly hemispherical shape, and is formed to be elongated along the central axis direction of the cylindrical section 10a. The hydrogen tank 10 is positioned in the tank mounting structure 20 so that its central axis direction is aligned with the vehicle width direction and is supported by the side rails 3L and 3R via the tank mounting structure.

[0024] [2. Tank mounting structure] The tank mounting structure 20 includes mounting members 30 for mounting the hydrogen tank 10. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the mounting member 30 comprises a roughly box-shaped frame 40 that houses the tank, brackets 47 and 48 that fix the frame 40 to the frame 2, auxiliary stays (auxiliary members) 50 that assist in supporting the frame 40, diagonal bracing members (deformation suppressing members) 60 that suppress deformation of the frame 40, and plate-shaped auxiliary members 70 that suppress deformation of the mounting member 30 (especially the frame 40). Here, the brackets 47 and 48 are made of cast iron, but the brackets 47 and 48 may be made of other materials such as sheet metal. The main parts of these mounted components 30 will be described below.

[0025] [2.1. Skeletal Part] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the skeletal section 40 is formed as a whole in the shape of a thin rectangular parallelepiped in the front-rear direction, and almost the entire (at least a part of it) is located vertically above the frame 2, with its lower part attached to the frame 2. In Figures 2 and 3, the hydrogen tank 10 is shown in gray for ease of identification. The skeletal section 40 comprises first skeletal members (corner skeletal members) 41 extending vertically from the four corners, second skeletal members 42 connecting the left and right first skeletal members 41, 41 to each other, third skeletal members 43 connecting the front and rear first skeletal members 41, 41 to each other, and fourth skeletal members 44 located on the left and right sides at the very bottom, connecting the lower ends of the front and rear first skeletal members 41, 41 to each other.

[0026] The first structural member 41 is made of hollow or solid columnar steel, the second structural member 42 is made of angle steel, the third structural member 43 is made of hollow or solid columnar steel, and the fourth structural member 44 is made of casting. However, these may be configured in any way as long as they have the function of a frame.

[0027] Multiple second and third skeletal members (four of each type, in this case) are arranged parallel to each other vertically. The tanks 10 are stored in the space between the fourth skeletal member 44 and the lowest second and third skeletal members 42 and 43, and in the spaces above that space between the upper and lower second and third skeletal members 42 and 43. In this embodiment, four tanks 10 are stored vertically, and four second and four third skeletal members 42 are also arranged vertically.

[0028] The tank 10 has bosses (not shown) protruding from both ends, and these bosses are fixed to the frame 40 by support brackets (not shown). However, the tank 10 may also be mounted on brackets that extend in the left-right direction attached to, for example, the front and rear first frame members 41, and then the bosses at both ends may be fixed.

[0029] Furthermore, the lowermost fourth skeletal members 44, 44 of the skeletal section 40 are fixed to the respective side rails 3L, 3R of the frame 2 via the front bracket 47 and the rear bracket 48. Specifically, the fourth structural member 44 consists of a longitudinal portion 44a located on the outside in the vehicle width direction and extending in the longitudinal direction, and a width-direction portion 44b extending inward in the vehicle width direction at the front and rear ends of the longitudinal portion 44a, forming a U-shape when viewed from above. The front end of the longitudinal portion 44a of the fourth structural member 44 is fixed to each side rail 3L, 3R of the frame 2 via a front bracket 47, and the rear end of the longitudinal portion 44a of the fourth structural member 44 is fixed to each side rail 3L, 3R of the frame 2 via a rear bracket 48. The base of the first structural member 41 is connected to the front and rear ends of the longitudinal portion 44a of the fourth structural member 44.

[0030] In this embodiment, the front portion of the side rails 3L and 3R has a widened portion 3d that has a flat surface (planar part) where the distance between the left and right side rails 3L and 3R increases as it goes forward, and the front bracket 47 is positioned on the flat surface of this widened portion 3d. The upper outer stiffener 45 and the lower outer stiffener 46 are attached to the portion of the side rails 3L and 3R to which the front bracket 47 and the rear bracket 48 are attached.

[0031] The upper outer stiffener 45 is attached and fixed to the outer surface of the web portion 3a of the side rails 3L and 3R and the upper flange 3b that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from its upper edge, while the lower outer stiffener 46 is attached and fixed to the outer surface of the web portion 3a of the side rails 3L and 3R and the lower flange 3c that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from its lower edge. The front bracket 47 and the rear bracket 48 are mainly attached to the web portion 3a of the side rails 3L and 3R via their outer stiffeners 45 and 46.

[0032] [2.2. Auxiliary stays (auxiliary components)] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the auxiliary stay 50 has its lower end 51 connected to the side rails 3L and 3R of the frame 2, and its upper end 52 connected to the frame 40 at a position offset from the lower end 51 in the front-rear and left-right directions, thereby assisting in the support of the frame 40. Specifically, the auxiliary stay 50 located in front of the frame 40 is inclined towards the rear and side of the vehicle, and the auxiliary stay 50 located behind the frame 40 is inclined towards the front and side of the vehicle. The auxiliary stays 50 are arranged front to back on each of the side rails 3L and 3R, and are provided at each of the four corners in a plan view of the frame 40, for a total of four stays.

[0033] The lower end 51 of each auxiliary stay 50 is fixed to the front bracket 47 and rear bracket 48 of each side rail 3L, 3R, respectively, via a ball joint 53. Furthermore, the upper end 52 of each auxiliary stay 50 is fixed via a ball joint 53 to a bracket 54 attached to each first skeletal member 41 of the skeletal structure 40. In this embodiment, an outer stiffener 49 is attached to the location where the bracket 54 is attached to the first skeletal member 41.

[0034] However, these ball joints 53 are not mandatory, and may be interposed only at either the lower end 51 or the upper end 52 of each auxiliary stay 50. In this case, since the side rails 3L and 3R to which the ball joints are attached have higher rigidity than the frame 40 to which they are attached, it is preferable to interpose the ball joints 53 only at the lower end 51 of each auxiliary stay 50.

[0035] Furthermore, the upper end 52 of each auxiliary stay 50 is attached to the frame 40 below the center in the height direction. In this embodiment, the upper end 52 of each auxiliary stay 50 is positioned at the lowest of the four upper and lower second frame members 42 and third frame members 43 (near the boundary between the lowest tank 10 and the tank 10 adjacent to it above it).

[0036] [2.3. Bracing members (deformation suppression members)] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the bracing member (deformation suppressing member) 60 is attached to the rear surface of the skeletal part 40. The diagonal bracing member 60 suppresses deformation of the skeletal structure 40 and performs a function almost identical to that of a building's "bracing."

[0037] The bracing member 60 includes a first member 61 that connects the left upper end portion 40a of the skeletal portion 40 to the right portion of the frame 2 (right side rail 3R) on the rear side of the skeletal portion 40, and a second member 62 that connects the right upper end portion 40b of the skeletal portion 40 to the left portion of the frame 2 (left side rail 3L).

[0038] Here, the upper end of the first member 61 is attached to the left upper end portion 40a of the frame portion 40 via a bracket 63 using fasteners such as bolts, and the lower end of the first member 61 is attached to the rear bracket 48 attached to the right side rail 3R using fasteners such as bolts (not shown). Furthermore, the upper end of the second member 62 is attached to the upper right end portion 40b of the frame portion 40 via a bracket 64 using fasteners such as bolts, and the lower end of the second member 62 is attached to the rear bracket 48 attached to the left side rail 3L using fasteners such as bolts (not shown).

[0039] Furthermore, the first member 61 and the second member 62 intersect on the same plane. Here, the first member 61 is composed of a single piece, while the second member 62 is composed of two pieces, an upper member 62a and a lower member 62b, at the intersection 65 with the first member 61. The lower end of the upper member 62a and the upper end of the lower member 62b (shown as lines in Figure 3) are joined to the first member 61 at the intersection 65 by welding or the like. In addition, a plate-shaped reinforcing member 66, which connects and reinforces the lower end of the upper member 62a and the upper end of the lower member 62b, is attached to the first member 61 with fasteners such as bolts (not shown). The first member 61 and the second member 62 are hollow members, and both are formed in the shape of hollow pipes with a long, narrow rectangular cross-section.

[0040] [2.4. Plate-shaped auxiliary members] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 is a plate-shaped member that suppresses deformation of the frame portion 40 of the mounted member 30. Its ends are connected to the fourth frame member 44 (a pair of supported parts), which is the part to which the frame portion 40 of the mounted member 30 is attached and supported by the left and right side rails 3L and 3R of the frame 2.

[0041] This plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 extends in the width direction (left-right direction) and the vertical direction, and is formed to be longer in the width direction, as shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the middle portion 71 of the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 is located below the fourth skeletal member 44 (a pair of supported parts), and has a shape that is convex downward when viewed from the front. Two sets of plate-shaped auxiliary members 70, each consisting of two plates arranged parallel to each other, are attached to the front and rear of the skeletal part 40, side by side.

[0042] Of the two plate-shaped auxiliary members 70 that make up the set, the set located in front of the frame 40 has both ends 72 fastened and fixed to the front bracket 47 and the front vehicle width direction portion 44b of the fourth frame member 44. In addition, both ends 72 of the two plate-shaped auxiliary members 70 are attached so as to sandwich the vehicle width direction portion 44b between them.

[0043] Of the two plate-shaped auxiliary members 70 that make up the set, the set located behind the frame 40 is similarly fastened and secured at both ends 72 to the rear bracket 48 and the rear vehicle width direction portion 44b of the fourth frame member 44. Furthermore, the ends 72 of the two plate-shaped auxiliary members 70 are attached so as to sandwich the vehicle width direction portion 44b between them.

[0044] Although not shown in the diagram, the hydrogen tank 10 is equipped with supply piping for supplying fuel from the hydrogen tank 10 to the receiving equipment (in this case, a fuel cell), a filling port for filling (replenishing) fuel into the hydrogen tank 10, and discharge piping for discharging fuel from the tank under specific conditions.

[0045] [3. Action and Effects] Since the tank mounting structure of the mobile body according to this embodiment is configured as described above, the following functions and effects can be obtained.

[0046] [3.1. Function and Effects of Auxiliary Stays (Auxiliary Members)] According to this tank mounting structure 20, the roughly box-shaped frame 40 is positioned almost entirely vertically above the frame 2 (side rails 3L, 3R) of the track 1, and its lower part is attached to the side rails 3L, 3R of the frame 2. Therefore, the frame 40 is subjected to vibrations as the track 1 moves. The frame 40, which houses the heavy hydrogen tank 10, is at risk of inducing relatively low-frequency resonant vibrations in the longitudinal or lateral direction due to this vibration input.

[0047] In contrast, an auxiliary stay 50, which assists in supporting the frame 40, has its lower end 51 connected to the frame 2, and its upper end 52 connected to the frame 40 at a position offset from the lower end 51 in the front-rear and left-right directions, thereby assisting in supporting the frame 40. As a result, the support rigidity of the frame 40 is increased in both the front-rear and left-right directions, and the natural frequency of the frame 40 is increased. Consequently, the occurrence of resonant vibrations can be suppressed, and the mounting reliability of the hydrogen tank 10 can be improved.

[0048] Furthermore, since the lower ends of the fourth skeletal member 44 and the auxiliary stay 50 at the bottom of the skeletal section 40 are attached to the left and right side rails 3L and 3R respectively via a common front bracket 47 or rear bracket 48, the number of parts can be kept to a minimum, thereby suppressing cost increases.

[0049] Since the auxiliary stays 50 are attached between each of the first skeletal members (corner skeletal members) 41 and the side rails 3L and 3R of the frame 2, the support rigidity of the skeletal part 40 can be effectively increased, and the occurrence of resonant vibrations can be suppressed.

[0050] Since the lower end 51 of the front auxiliary stay 50 is attached to the widened section 3d, where the distance between the side rails 3L and 3R is increased, via the front bracket 47, the distance between the lower ends 51 of the left and right auxiliary stays 50 is also increased, making it easier to increase the support rigidity in the left-right direction and to suppress the occurrence of resonant vibrations.

[0051] The auxiliary stay 50 is mainly attached to the web portion 3a of the side rails 3L and 3R. However, flanges 3b and 3c protrude from the upper and lower edges of the web portion 3a, and these function as stiffeners, resulting in higher rigidity than the flanges 3b and 3c. Therefore, it is easier to increase the support rigidity of the frame portion 40 and to suppress the occurrence of resonant vibrations.

[0052] Since the auxiliary stay 50 is mounted below the center in the height direction of the frame 40, the mounting area of ​​the lower end 51 of the auxiliary stay 50 is narrow, and the amount of displacement in the front-rear and left-right directions between the lower end 51 and the upper end 52 of the auxiliary stay 50 cannot be large. However, the inclination angle of the auxiliary stay 50 in the front-rear and left-right directions (inclination angle relative to the vertical direction) can be made relatively large, and while keeping the length of the auxiliary stay 50 down and suppressing the increase in weight of the tank mounting structure 20, the support rigidity can be efficiently increased and the occurrence of resonant vibration can be suppressed.

[0053] Since the auxiliary stay 50 is attached to the frame 2 or skeletal part 40 via ball joints 53 at its lower end 51 and upper end 52, the ball joints 53 prevent localized load concentration at the mounting points, thereby improving the durability of the tank mounting structure 20.

[0054] As in this embodiment, when the moving body is a track 1, even if vibrations generated when the track 1 is running are applied to the frame 40, the auxiliary stay 50 can suppress the occurrence of resonant vibrations associated with them.

[0055] When the frame 40 of the mounting member 30 is placed between the driver's cab 5 and the cargo compartment 6 of truck 1, the space between the driver's cab 5 and the cargo compartment 6 is limited. Therefore, if the vibration of the frame 40 becomes large, there is a risk that the frame 40 may interfere with the driver's cab 5 or the cargo compartment 6. However, even if vibrations generated when truck 1 is running are applied to the frame 40, the resulting resonant vibrations can be suppressed by the auxiliary stay 50 as described above, thus reducing this risk.

[0056] [3.2. Function and Effects of Bracing Members (Deformation-Inhibiting Members)] The bracing member (deformation suppressing member) 60 that suppresses deformation of the frame 40 comprises a first member 61 and a second member 62 arranged to intersect in a substantially X shape on one side of the frame 40, either at the rear or front (in this embodiment, the rear). As a result, the bracing member 60 performs the function of a so-called "bracing" used in buildings. This increases the rigidity of the frame 40 and raises its natural frequency. Therefore, the occurrence of resonant vibrations can be suppressed, and the mounting reliability of the hydrogen tank 10 can be improved.

[0057] When the first member 61 and the second member 62 intersect, the size (thickness) of the bracing member 60 tends to increase in the front-to-back direction at the intersection 65. However, since the first member 61 and the second member 62 intersect on the same plane, the size (thickness) in the front-to-back direction can be suppressed, and the bracing member 60 can be added without hindrance even when installed in a location where the front-to-back space of the track 1 is limited.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plate-shaped reinforcing member 66 is attached to the second member 62, sandwiching the first member 61, to connect and reinforce the lower end of the upper member 62a and the upper end of the lower member 62b of the second member 62. This improves the strength at the intersection portion 65 of the bracing member 60. However, the reinforcing member 66 may be attached only as needed.

[0059] The first member 61 and the second member 62 are attached to the frame 2 via brackets 48, which makes it easier to ensure the rigidity and strength of the mounting points and also improves the ease of installation.

[0060] Furthermore, since the first member 61 and the second member 62 are made of hollow material, they contribute to reducing the weight of the tank mounting structure 20.

[0061] As in this embodiment, when the moving body is a track 1, even if vibrations generated when the track 1 is running are applied to the frame 40, the bracing member 60 can suppress the occurrence of resonant vibrations associated with them.

[0062] When the frame 40 of the mounting member 30 is placed between the driver's cab 5 and the cargo compartment 6 of truck 1, the space between the driver's cab 5 and the cargo compartment 6 is limited. Therefore, if the vibration of the frame 40 becomes large, there is a risk that the frame 40 may interfere with the driver's cab 5 or the cargo compartment 6. However, even if vibrations generated when truck 1 is running are applied to the frame 40, the resulting resonant vibrations can be suppressed by the bracing member 60 as described above, thus reducing this risk.

[0063] [3.3. Function and Effects of Plate-Shaped Auxiliary Members] Since the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 is fastened and fixed at both ends 72 to the front bracket 47 or the rear bracket 48 and to the vehicle width direction portion 44b of the fourth skeletal member 44 (supported portion), the rigidity of the skeletal portion 40 is increased, and the natural frequency increases. Therefore, the occurrence of resonant vibration can be suppressed, and the mounting reliability of the hydrogen tank 10 can be improved.

[0064] Furthermore, because the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 is elongated and plate-like, and its intermediate portion 71 is located below the fourth skeletal member 44 (a pair of supported parts), the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 itself can undergo a certain degree of twisting and curvature. For example, since the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 is elongated, it may twist around an axis along its longitudinal direction (see the white arrow in Figure 6(a)), as shown by arrow A1, or it may curve in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70. Furthermore, since the intermediate portion 71 of the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 is located below the fourth skeletal member 44 (a pair of supported parts), it may curve within the plate surface of the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70, as shown by arrow A2 in Figure 6(b). Therefore, this contributes to suppressing the occurrence of resonant vibrations while suppressing the increase in rigidity related to torsion of frame 2. By suppressing the increase in rigidity related to torsion of frame 2, a good rigidity balance for the entire track 1 can be maintained.

[0065] Furthermore, since multiple plate-shaped auxiliary members 70 are arranged parallel to each other, it becomes easier to suppress the occurrence of resonant vibrations while suppressing an increase in the rigidity related to torsion of the frame 2.

[0066] Since the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 is attached by sandwiching a part of the fourth skeletal member 44, it can be securely attached, suppressing the increase in rigidity related to torsion and longitudinal deformation of the frame 2, while suppressing the occurrence of resonant vibrations, thereby improving the reliability of mounting the hydrogen tank 10.

[0067] Furthermore, since the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 has a shape that is convex downwards, it is easier to suppress the increase in rigidity related to torsion and longitudinal deformation of the frame 2, and it is easier to maintain a good rigidity balance for the entire track 1.

[0068] As in this embodiment, when the moving body is a track 1, even if vibrations generated when the track 1 is running are applied to the frame 40, the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 can suppress the occurrence of resonant vibrations associated with them.

[0069] When the frame 40 of the mounting member 30 is placed between the driver's cab 5 and the cargo compartment 6 of truck 1, the space between the driver's cab 5 and the cargo compartment 6 is limited. Therefore, if the vibration of the frame 40 becomes large, there is a risk that the frame 40 may interfere with the driver's cab 5 or the cargo compartment 6. However, even if vibrations generated when truck 1 is running are applied to the frame 40, the resulting resonant vibrations can be suppressed by the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 as described above, thus reducing this risk.

[0070] [4. Others] The configuration of the above embodiment is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the tank mounting structure for a mobile body according to the above embodiment, a truck 1 was used as an example of the mobile body, and an example was described in which all of the auxiliary stays (auxiliary members) 50, bracing members (deformation suppressing members) 60, and plate-shaped auxiliary members 70 are equipped. However, the mobile body is not limited to vehicles such as the truck 1, and even equipping only a part of each of the members 50, 60, and 70 can yield considerable results. Of course, the type of tank and the arrangement of each of the members 50, 60, and 70, as well as piping (not shown), can be appropriately changed without departing from the purpose. Furthermore, the assembly position of the auxiliary member 50 in the height direction according to the above embodiment may be set to the center or the upper part. Furthermore, the tank of the mobile body according to the above embodiment may be, for example, a tank to which UNR134 (Unified Regulations for Approval of Automobiles and Their Components relating to Safety-Related Performance of Hydrogen Fuel Vehicles) applies.

[0071] [5. Addendum] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above. (Note 1) A tank mounting structure for mounting a fluid storage tank on a mobile body, A roughly box-shaped frame that houses the aforementioned tank, It comprises an auxiliary member that assists in supporting the aforementioned skeletal part, At least a portion of the skeletal part is located vertically above the frame of the moving body, and its lower part is attached to the frame. The auxiliary member has its lower end connected to the frame and its upper end connected to the skeletal structure at a position offset from the lower end in the front-rear and left-right directions of the moving body, thereby assisting in supporting the skeletal structure. A tank mounting structure for a mobile vehicle, characterized by the following features.

[0072] (Note 2) The aforementioned frame has a pair of left and right side rails, The lower part of the frame and the lower end of the auxiliary member are attached to the left and right side rails via a common bracket. A tank mounting structure for the mobile body described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described above.

[0073] (Note 3) The aforementioned skeletal portion has corner skeletal members arranged vertically at the four corners in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, The auxiliary members are attached between each of the corner skeletal members and the frame. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized by the above.

[0074] (Note 4) The frame has a pair of left and right side rails, and has a widening section where the distance between the left and right side rails increases as it moves forward of the moving body. The lower end of the auxiliary member is attached to the flat portion of the widened section. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body as described in Appendix 3, characterized by the features described above.

[0075] (Note 5) The frame is formed in a U-shape in cross-section, having a web portion and flanges that protrude in the same direction from the upper and lower edges of the web portion. The auxiliary member is attached to the web portion of the frame. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

[0076] (Note 6) The auxiliary member is attached to the frame below the center in the height direction. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

[0077] (Note 7) The auxiliary member is attached to the frame via a ball joint. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

[0078] (Note 8) The moving object is a truck. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized by the above.

[0079] (Note 9) The aforementioned truck is equipped with a driver's cab and a cargo compartment. The tank is located between the driver's cab and the cargo compartment. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body as described in Appendix 8, characterized by the features described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1. Trucks (vehicles) as mobile devices 2 frames 3L, 3R side rails 3a Web Department 3b, 3c flange 3D side rail 3L, 3R widened section 4 Cross Members 5. Cab (driver's cabin) 6. Cargo area 7 Front wheels 8 Rear wheels 10 tanks (hydrogen tanks) 10a Middle section (cylindrical section) of hydrogen tank 10 10b Both ends of hydrogen tank 10 20 Tank-mounted structure 40 Skeletal parts 40a Upper left end portion of the skeletal part 40 40b Right upper end portion of skeletal part 40 41 First skeletal member (corner skeletal member) of the skeletal section 40 42 Second skeletal member of skeletal section 40 43 Third skeletal member of skeletal section 40 44 Fourth skeletal member (supported part) of the skeletal structure 40 44a Front-rear portion of the fourth skeletal member 44 44b Vehicle width direction portion of the fourth skeletal member 44 45 Upper Outer Stiffener 46 Lower Outer Stifle 47 Front bracket 48 Rear bracket 49 Outtastifna 50 Auxiliary stay (auxiliary component) 51 Lower end of auxiliary stay 50 52 Upper end of auxiliary stay 50 53 Ball joint 54 Brackets 60. Bracing member (deformation suppressing member) 61 First member of the bracing member 60 62 Second member of the bracing member 60 63,64 brackets 65 Intersection 66 Reinforcement members 70 Plate-shaped auxiliary member 71 Intermediate part of plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 72 Both ends of the plate-shaped auxiliary member 70 Front of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle RR (rear of the vehicle) RH (Right side in the vehicle width direction) LH (Left side in the vehicle width direction) UP vertically upward DW Vertically downwards

Claims

1. A tank mounting structure for mounting a fluid storage tank on a mobile body, A roughly box-shaped frame that houses the aforementioned tank, It comprises an auxiliary member that assists in supporting the aforementioned skeletal part, At least a portion of the skeletal part is located vertically above the frame of the moving body, and its lower part is attached to the frame. The auxiliary member has its lower end connected to the frame and its upper end connected to the skeletal structure at a position offset from the lower end in the front-rear and left-right directions of the moving body, thereby assisting in supporting the skeletal structure. A tank mounting structure for a mobile vehicle, characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned frame has a pair of left and right side rails, The lower part of the frame and the lower end of the auxiliary member are attached to the left and right side rails via a common bracket. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The aforementioned skeletal portion has corner skeletal members arranged vertically at the four corners in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, The auxiliary members are attached between each of the corner skeletal members and the frame. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body according to claim 1, characterized in that

4. The frame has a pair of left and right side rails, and has a widening section where the distance between the left and right side rails increases as it moves forward of the moving body. The lower end of the auxiliary member is attached to the flat portion of the widened section. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body according to claim 3, characterized in that it is a mobile body according to claim 3.

5. The frame is formed in a U-shape in cross-section, having a web portion and flanges that protrude in the same direction from the upper and lower edges of the web portion. The auxiliary member is attached to the web portion of the frame. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body according to claim 1, characterized in that

6. The auxiliary member is attached to the frame below the center in the height direction. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body according to claim 1, characterized in that

7. The auxiliary member is attached to the frame via a ball joint. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body according to claim 1, characterized in that

8. The moving object is a truck. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body according to claim 1, characterized in that

9. The aforementioned truck is equipped with a driver's cab and a cargo compartment. The tank is located between the driver's cab and the cargo compartment. A tank mounting structure for a mobile body according to claim 8, characterized in that

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