Work machinery and tank modules

Abstract

To streamline tank replacement. [Solution] The work machine comprises a vehicle body, a hydrogen tank 21 mounted on the vehicle body, and an exterior cover 80 that covers at least the upper part of the hydrogen tank 21. The hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body of the work machine as a single unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work machine and a tank module. [Background Art]

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2024-31601 (Patent Document 1) discloses a construction machine including a positioning member that guides a detachable hydrogen tank unit to a predetermined installation position by contacting the unit when replacing the unit. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2024-31601 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] As a method of supplying hydrogen to a work machine including a hydrogen power source which is a power source using hydrogen, it is conceivable to remove an empty hydrogen tank and attach a new hydrogen tank. There is a demand for improving the efficiency of hydrogen tank replacement.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a work machine that enables improvement of tank replacement efficiency. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is proposed a work machine including a vehicle body, a tank mounted on the vehicle body for storing flammable fluid, and a cover member covering at least an upper portion of the tank. The tank and the cover member are integrally configured to be attachable to and detachable from the vehicle body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the work machine of the present disclosure, improvement of tank replacement efficiency can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view illustrating the general structure of the shovel. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the assembly configuration of the hydrogen tank and the outer cover. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the assembly with the outer cover removed. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the assembly with the fixing members further removed. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the assembly with the mounting plate further removed. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the assembly of the hydrogen tank and its outer cover. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along the line VII-VII. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the fixing member. [Figure 9] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along the line IX-IX. [Figure 10] This is a side view of the assembly from the right. [Figure 11] This is a front view of the assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated. In the drawings, some configurations may be omitted or simplified for the sake of explanation. It is also intended from the outset that any configuration may be extracted from the embodiments and combined in any way.

[0010] In the following description, the directions "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", and "right" are defined based on an operator seated in the driver's seat (seat) inside the cab. Therefore, in the following description, the front-rear direction refers to the direction in which the boom 16 extends between its base end and distal end in a top view. The left-right direction is the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction in a top view. The up-down direction is the direction orthogonal to a plane including the mutually orthogonal front-rear direction and left-right direction.

[0011] The direction from the base end to the distal end of the boom 16 is the front direction, and the direction from the distal end to the base end of the boom 16 is the rear direction. In a rear view, the right side and left side correspond to the right direction and left direction, respectively. In the up-down direction, the side where the ground is located is the downward direction, and the side where the sky is located is the upward direction. A top view means a viewpoint of looking at the excavator 1 from top to bottom. A side view means a viewpoint of looking at the revolving superstructure 13 from the left-right direction. A front view means a viewpoint of looking at the revolving superstructure 13 from front to rear. A rear view means a viewpoint of looking at the revolving superstructure 13 from rear to front.

[0012] In the drawings, the upward direction is indicated by an arrow Up, the downward direction is indicated by an arrow Dn, the front direction is indicated by an arrow Fr, and the rear direction is indicated by an arrow Rr in the drawings.

[0013] <Overall Structure of Excavator> FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of an excavator 1 as an example of a working machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The working machine of the present embodiment is, for example, an excavator 1 having a fuel cell.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the excavator 1 includes a main body 11 and a hydraulically operated working implement 12. The main body 11 corresponds to an example of a vehicle body of the excavator 1. The main body 11 includes a revolving superstructure 13 and a traveling undercarriage 15.

[0015] The traveling undercarriage 15 includes a pair of left and right crawler belts 15Cr and a traveling motor 15M. The excavator 1 can travel by rotation of the crawler belts 15Cr. The traveling motor 15M is provided as a drive source for the traveling undercarriage 15.

[0016] The revolving superstructure 13 is arranged on and supported by the traveling body 15. The revolving superstructure 13 is revolvable about the revolving axis RX relative to the traveling body 15 by a revolving motor (not shown in the figures). The revolving axis RX is an imaginary straight line serving as the revolving center of the revolving superstructure 13.

[0017] The revolving superstructure 13 includes a cab 14. A driver's seat 14S where an operator sits is provided in the cab 14. The operator can sit on the driver's seat 14S to perform operations of the work implement 12, a revolving operation of the revolving superstructure 13 relative to the traveling body 15, and a traveling operation of the excavator 1 by the traveling body 15.

[0018] The work implement 12 is supported by the revolving superstructure 13. The work implement 12 includes a boom 16, an arm 17, and a bucket 18. The work implement 12 further includes a boom cylinder 19a, an arm cylinder 19b, and a bucket cylinder 19c.

[0019] A base end portion of the boom 16 is pivotably connected to the revolving superstructure 13 with a boom foot pin BF as a fulcrum. A base end portion of the arm 17 is pivotably connected to a distal end portion of the boom 16 with a boom top pin BT as a fulcrum. A base end portion of the bucket 18 is pivotably connected to a distal end portion of the arm 17 with an arm top pin AT as a fulcrum.

[0020] The revolving superstructure 13 further includes an exterior panel OP surrounding a machine room 20, a hydrogen tank 21, and a fuel cell module 30. The hydrogen tank 21 and the fuel cell module 30 are mounted on the revolving superstructure 13 and arranged in the machine room 20 of the revolving superstructure 13. The periphery of the hydrogen tank 21, the fuel cell module 30 and the like is covered by the exterior panel OP. The machine room 20 is defined and formed inside the exterior panel OP. The exterior panel OP partitions the internal space of the machine room 20 from the outside of the machine room 20.

[0021] The fuel cell module 30 includes a fuel cell stack 31 and an auxiliary device 32 for the fuel cell stack 31.

[0022] The hydrogen tank 21 stores hydrogen. The hydrogen tank 21 stores hydrogen gas, which is a flammable fluid with a specific gravity lower than that of air. The hydrogen tank 21 is connected to the fuel cell stack 31. The hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 21 is depressurized by a pressure reducer and supplied to the fuel cell stack 31. The excavator 1 has, for example, two hydrogen tanks 21, but the number of hydrogen tanks 21 mounted on the excavator 1 is not limited to two. Each hydrogen tank 21 has a cylindrical outer shape and is arranged so that the cylindrical axial direction extends in the left-right direction.

[0023] The fuel cell stack 31 is constructed by stacking multiple fuel cell cells connected in series. The fuel cell stack 31 generates electricity (electrical energy) by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The generated electrical energy drives a hydraulic pump (not shown) via an electric motor. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump, driven by the hydraulic pump, operates each hydraulic actuator (swing motor, travel motor, and each hydraulic cylinder).

[0024] If electric motors are used instead of hydraulic actuators, the generated electrical energy is supplied directly to each electric motor. In this example, the excavator 1 has one fuel cell stack 31, but the number of fuel cell stacks 31 mounted on the excavator 1 is not limited to one, and may be multiple.

[0025] The auxiliary equipment 32 operates the fuel cell stack 31 as the main unit. The auxiliary equipment 32 includes a compressor, piping, a controller, a DC-DC converter, etc. (not shown). The compressor supplies air to the fuel cell stack 31. The controller controls the compressor and communicates with external equipment of the fuel cell module 30.

[0026] The exterior cover 80 constitutes part of the exterior of the excavator 1. The exterior cover 80 is positioned above the fuel cell module 30. The exterior cover 80 has an upper surface 81 that covers the top of the hydrogen tank 21, a rear side surface 82 that covers the rear of the hydrogen tank 21, and a front side surface 83 that covers the front of the hydrogen tank 21. The exterior cover 80 corresponds to an example of a cover member that covers at least the top of the hydrogen tank 21.

[0027] <Assembly configuration of hydrogen tank 21 and outer cover 80> Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 shown in Figure 2 with the outer cover 80 removed. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 3 with the fixing member 90 further removed. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 4 with the mounting plate 60 further removed, viewed from a different angle. Figure 6 is a plan view of the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80. Figure 6 shows the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 viewed from above along the direction of arrow VI shown in Figure 2.

[0028] The hydrogen tank 21 is supported by a support frame 40. The support frame 40 has a rectangular upper frame 41 and a rectangular lower frame 42. The upper frame 41 and the lower frame 42 are positioned apart in the vertical direction. The lower frame 42 is positioned directly below the upper frame 41. The upper frame 41 and the lower frame 42 are positioned so as to overlap when viewed from above. The support frame 40 has four columnar sections 43. The columnar sections 43 extend in the vertical direction. The columnar sections 43 have upper ends connected to the vertices of the rectangle formed by the upper frame 41 and lower ends connected to the vertices of the rectangle formed by the lower frame 42. The upper frame 41, the lower frame 42, and the columnar sections 43 form a support frame 40 with a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0029] The support frame 40 corresponds to an example of a tank support mechanism that supports the hydrogen tank 21. The hydrogen tank 21 is enclosed by an upper frame 41, a lower frame 42, and column 43. The hydrogen tank 21 is housed inside the support frame 40.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the hydrogen tank 21 is mounted on a pair of support plates 51. The support plates 51 are positioned to connect the two long sides of the rectangle formed by the lower frame 42, and in a top view, they extend parallel to the short sides of the rectangle formed by the lower frame 42. The hydrogen tank 21 is placed on the pair of support plates 51, and fasteners 52 are attached to each support plate 51, thereby supporting the hydrogen tank 21 by the support frame 40 via the support plates 51. The fasteners 52 may be, for example, U-bolts. By fastening both ends of the U-bolts to the support plates 51, the hydrogen tank 21 is attached to the support plates 51 and positioned relative to the support frame 40.

[0031] A base plate 46 is fixed to the upper frame 41 at the four vertices of the rectangle formed by the upper frame 41. A suspension part 45 is fixed to the base plate 46 so as to protrude upward from the base plate 46. The suspension part 45 is, for example, an eye bolt and has an annular shape above the base plate 46. The suspension part 45 is used to lift the support frame 40 and the hydrogen tank 21 supported by the support frame 40 as a single unit.

[0032] The hydrogen tank 21 and support frame 40 are surrounded by an outer cover 80. A hollow tank housing space is formed, partitioned by the top surface 81, rear side surface 82, and front side surface 83 of the outer cover 80, and the hydrogen tank 21 and support frame 40 are housed in the tank housing space. As shown in Figure 2.6, a recessed portion 84 is formed in the top surface 81 that covers the top of the hydrogen tank 21, where a portion of the top surface 81 is recessed. The recessed portion 84 is defined by an inclined surface 85. The inclined surface 85 has the shape of a frustoconical side, with its diameter decreasing as it goes downward from the top surface 81. A through hole 86 is formed at the bottom of the recessed portion 84, penetrating the outer cover 80 in the thickness direction. The suspension portion 45 is exposed upward through the through hole 86.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, four mounting seats 48 are fixed to each of the long sides of the rectangle formed by the upper frame 41. The mounting seats 48 are fixed to the upper surface of the upper frame 41. Mounting holes 49 are formed in the mounting seats 48 by recessing a portion of the upper surface of the mounting seat 48. The mounting holes 49 open upwards. The mounting holes 49 are, for example, threaded.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the fixing member 90 is fixed to the mounting seat 48 by fixing the fastener 98 to the mounting hole 49 of each mounting seat 48. The fastener 98 is, for example, a bolt, and the fastener 98 is fastened to the mounting hole 49, which is a female threaded hole, thereby fixing the fixing member 90 to the support frame 40. As will be described later, the fixing member 90 is molded integrally with the exterior cover 80. By fixing the fixing member 90 to the mounting seat 48, the exterior cover 80 is fixed to the support frame 40, and the support frame 40 and the exterior cover 80 become an integrated structure. The hydrogen tank 21 supported by the support frame 40 and the exterior cover 80 become an integrated structure. The hydrogen tank 21, the exterior cover 80 and the support frame 40 together constitute a module that can be attached to and detached from the body of the excavator 1.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, a fixing hole 88 is formed in the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80, penetrating the upper surface 81 in the thickness direction. The fixing hole 88 opens upward. In an assembly in which the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 are integrated into a single structure, the fixing hole 88 is located directly above the fastener 98. The fastener 98 is exposed upward through the fixing hole 88, and as shown in Figure 6, the fastener 98 is positioned so that it is visible from above. The configuration allows for the fastener 98 to be fixed to the mounting base 48 through the fixing hole 88. An operator can insert a tool through the fixing hole 88 and tighten the fastener 98, which is located below the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80, into the mounting hole 49 of the mounting base 48.

[0036] A mounting plate 60 is positioned below the support frame 40. A connecting member 62 connects the lower frame 42 of the support frame 40 to the mounting plate 60. The connecting member 62 is fixed to the vertex of the rectangle formed by the lower frame 42 by connecting bolts 63, and the connecting member 62 is fixed to the upper surface of the mounting plate 60 by connecting bolts 64. As a result, the hydrogen tank 21 is supported above the mounting plate 60, away from the mounting plate 60, and no external force acts on the hydrogen tank 21 when the mounting plate 60 is placed inside the machine room 20.

[0037] The pressure reducing valve unit 70 includes a pressure reducing valve that reduces the hydrogen gas flowing out of the hydrogen tank 21 and supplied to the fuel cell module 30, and piping through which the hydrogen gas flows. The pressure reducing valve and piping are mounted on the support frame 40 as a single unit. The pressure reducing valve unit 70 is mounted on the side of the support frame 40. The pressure reducing valve unit 70 is positioned between the hydrogen tank 21 and the front side 83 of the exterior cover 80. The pressure reducing valve unit 70 is attached to the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 and is configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as an integral part of the hydrogen tank 21.

[0038] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 along the line VII-VII shown in Figure 6. The suspension portion 45 is fixed to the base plate 46. The suspension portion 45 is fixed to the upper frame 41 of the support frame 40 via the base plate 46. A portion of the suspension portion 45 protrudes upward from the base plate 46. The portion of the suspension portion 45 located above the base plate 46 has an annular shape.

[0039] A recessed portion 84 is formed on the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80, where a part of the upper surface 81 is indented. A through hole 86 is formed at the bottom of the recessed portion 84, penetrating the outer cover 80 in the thickness direction. The suspension portion 45 has a part that is located inside the recessed portion 84. The annular portion of the suspension portion 45 is exposed upward from the outer cover 80. The upper end 45T of the suspension portion 45 is positioned below the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80. The suspension portion 45 is positioned so as not to protrude upward from the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80.

[0040] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the fixing member 90. The fixing member 90 has a pair of fin portions 91 and 92, a pair of wall portions 93 and 94, and a bottom portion 95. The pair of fin portions 91 and 92 are arranged on substantially the same plane. Each fin portion 91 and 92 has multiple through holes that penetrate the member in the thickness direction.

[0041] The wall portion 93 extends from the outer edge of the fin portion 91 facing the fin portion 92, in a direction perpendicular to the fin portion 91. The wall portion 94 extends from the outer edge of the fin portion 92 facing the fin portion 91, in a direction perpendicular to the fin portion 92. The wall portions 93 and 94 are arranged parallel to each other and face each other.

[0042] The bottom portion 95 connects the lower edge of the wall portion 93 and the lower edge of the wall portion 94. The bottom portion 95 is positioned parallel to the pair of fin portions 91 and 92. The wall portions 93 and 94 are interposed between the bottom portion 95 and the fin portions 91 and 92, and the bottom portion 95 is positioned away from the fin portions 91 and 92.

[0043] The fastener 98 penetrates the bottom portion 95 of the fixing member 90 and fixes the bottom portion 95 to the mounting seat 48 shown in Figure 4. The bottom portion 95 has a through hole formed therein for attaching the fastener 98.

[0044] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 along the line IX-IX shown in Figure 6. The outer cover 80 is made of resin. The fixing member 90 is made of metal and is insert-molded into the outer cover 80. Of the fixing member 90, a pair of fin portions 91 and 92 are embedded in the outer cover 80. As shown in Figure 8, multiple through holes are formed in each fin portion 91 and 92, and resin material is filled into these through holes during insert molding, thereby more firmly integrating the fixing member 90 and the outer cover 80.

[0045] The wall portions 93 and 94 of the fixing member 90 extend downward from the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80. The wall portions 93 and 94 extend downward from the edges of the fixing holes 88 formed in the upper surface 81.

[0046] The bottom portion 95, which connects the lower edge of the wall portion 93 and the lower edge of the wall portion 94, is positioned below the upper surface 81 of the exterior cover 80 and away from the upper surface 81. The bottom portion 95 is positioned directly below the fixing hole 88 formed in the upper surface 81 of the exterior cover 80. The fixing hole 88 is positioned directly above the through hole formed in the bottom portion 95. The configuration allows the fastener 98 to be screwed into the mounting hole 49 of the mounting base 48 through the fixing hole 88. The configuration allows the fixing member 90 to be fixed to the mounting base 48 from above the exterior cover 80, and therefore the exterior cover 80 to be fixed to the support frame 40.

[0047] Figure 10 is a side view of the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 from the right. Figure 11 is a front view of the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80. Figure 10 shows the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 viewed from the right in the direction of arrow X shown in Figures 2, 6, and 11. Figure 11 shows the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 viewed from the front in the direction of arrow XI shown in Figures 2, 6, and 10.

[0048] The centerline 21C shown in Figures 10 and 11 indicates the centerline of the hydrogen tank 21, which has a cylindrical outer shape. The rear side surface 82 covers the side of the hydrogen tank 21 from the rear. The lower edge of the rear side surface 82 is located below the centerline 21C of the hydrogen tank 21. The front side surface 83 covers the side of the hydrogen tank 21 from the front. The lower edge 83B of the front side surface 83 is located below the centerline 21C of the hydrogen tank 21.

[0049] As shown in Figure 11, the front side surface 83 of the outer cover 80 and the lower frame 42 of the support frame 40 cover the entire vertical surface of the hydrogen tank 21 when viewed from the side. The front side surface 83 and the lower frame 42 cover the hydrogen tank 21 so that it is not visible from the side. Specifically, in a front view, the hydrogen tank 21 is covered by the front side surface 83 and the lower frame 42, making it not visible.

[0050] <Mechanism of Action and Effects> The characteristic configuration and effects of this embodiment are summarized below.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2 and 9, the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 that covers the hydrogen tank 21 are configured to be detachable as a single unit from the body of the excavator 1. By having a structure that allows the hydrogen tank 21 together with the exterior cover 80 to be attached to and detached from the body, it is not necessary to sequentially attach and detach the exterior cover 80 and the hydrogen tank 21 when replacing the hydrogen tank 21. Since the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 can be attached to and detached from the body easily and quickly, the time required to replace the hydrogen tank 21 can be reduced, and the efficiency of hydrogen tank 21 replacement can be improved.

[0052] When transporting the hydrogen tank 21, it can be transported in a package that is covered by the outer cover 80. This eliminates the need to prepare a separate cover to conceal the hydrogen tank 21 during transport, and also eliminates the need to cover the hydrogen tank 21, thus improving the efficiency of hydrogen tank 21 transportation.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the exterior cover 80 may constitute part of the exterior of the excavator 1. When attaching and detaching the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 to the body of the excavator 1, other structures of the excavator 1 can be avoided from interfering with the attachment and detachment, thereby improving the efficiency of replacing the hydrogen tank 21.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the excavator 1 may further include a lifting section 45 used to lift the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 together. Since the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 can be lifted together using the lifting section 45, the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 can be easily attached to and detached from the vehicle body.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 9, the support frame 40 supporting the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 may be configured to be detachably attached to the body of the excavator 1 as a single unit. The assembly of the hydrogen tank 21, the support frame 40 supporting the hydrogen tank 21, and the exterior cover 80 covering the hydrogen tank 21 can be easily and quickly attached to and detached from the vehicle body.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the suspension section 45 may be attached to the support frame 40. If the suspension section 45 is to be attached to the outer cover 80, the outer cover 80 will need to be rigid, which would increase its weight and be disadvantageous. By attaching the suspension section 45 to the rigid support frame 40 that supports the hydrogen tank 21, and suspending the support frame 40, the outer cover 80 will be lifted together with the support frame 40 while resting on it. The load on the outer cover 80 during lifting is reduced, so the outer cover 80 does not need to be highly rigid. The outer cover 80 can be made into a simple structure, and an increase in the weight of the outer cover 80 can be avoided.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, a through-hole 86 is formed in the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80, penetrating the outer cover 80 in the thickness direction, and the suspension portion 45 attached to the support frame 40 may be exposed upward through the through-hole 86. By configuring the suspension portion 45 so that it is not covered from above by the outer cover 80, the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21, the support frame 40, and the outer cover 80 can be easily and integrally lifted using the suspension portion 45.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the upper end 45T of the lifting portion 45 may be positioned below the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80. By configuring the lifting portion 45 so that it does not protrude upward from the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80, the lifting portion 45 can be protected, and the aesthetic appearance of the shovel 1 can be improved. This also avoids increasing the height of the assembly between the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80, which is advantageous in that it makes it easier to comply with height restrictions during the transport of the shovel 1.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, a recessed portion 84 is formed on the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80, and the through hole 86 may be formed at the bottom of the recessed portion 84. In this way, it is easier to arrange the upper end 45T of the suspension portion 45 below the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, a fixing hole 88 may be formed directly above the fixing device 98 that integrally fixes the outer cover 80 and the support frame 40, penetrating the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80 in the thickness direction. The work of integrally fixing the outer cover 80 and the support frame 40 using the fixing device 98 can be performed from above the outer cover 80 through the fixing hole 88, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the fixing member 90 is insert-molded into the resin exterior cover 80, and the fastener 98 may fix the fixing member 90 to the support frame 40. The exterior cover 80 and the fixing member 90 are integrally structured, and by fixing the fixing member 90 to the support frame 40 using the fastener 98, the exterior cover 80, the support frame 40, and the hydrogen tank 21 supported by the support frame 40 can be integrated. The assembly of the hydrogen tank 21, the support frame 40 that supports the hydrogen tank 21, and the exterior cover 80 that covers the hydrogen tank 21 can be reliably attached to and detached as a single unit from the body of the excavator 1.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, the outer cover 80 may have a rear side surface 82 and a front side surface 83 that cover the sides of the hydrogen tank 21. Having the rear side surface 82 and the front side surface 83 in addition to the top surface 81 that covers the top of the hydrogen tank 21 makes the hydrogen tank 21 less visible from the outside during transport and storage. Since the outer cover 80 has a certain degree of rigidity, the hydrogen tank 21 can be protected by covering it with the outer cover 80. Since there is no need to prepare a separate cover to cover the hydrogen tank 21 during transport and storage, the efficiency of transporting and storing the hydrogen tank 21 can be improved.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10, the lower edge of the rear side 82 and the lower edge 83B of the front side 83 may be positioned below the centerline 21C of the hydrogen tank 21. Since the rear side 82 and the front side 83 cover at least the upper half of the hydrogen tank 21, and more of the hydrogen tank 21 is covered by the outer cover 80, the hydrogen tank 21 can be made less visible from the outside during transport and storage. The rear side 82 and the front side 83 may be extended further downward, so that the lower edge of the rear side 82 and the lower edge 83B of the front side 83 are positioned below the bottom end of the hydrogen tank 21, in which case the hydrogen tank 21 can be made completely invisible from the side.

[0064] As shown in Figure 11, the outer cover 80 and the support frame 40 may cover the entire vertical surface of the hydrogen tank 21 when viewed from the side. This ensures that the hydrogen tank 21 is not visible from the side during transport and storage.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the hydrogen tank 21 and the pressure reducing valve unit 70, which includes a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of hydrogen flowing out of the hydrogen tank 21, may be configured to be detachably attached to the body of the excavator 1. When replacing the hydrogen tank 21, the fuel cell module 30 mounted on the body of the excavator 1 and the hydrogen tank 21 removed from the body can be connected and disconnected at a single point downstream of the pressure reducing valve unit 70. Since the operation of connecting and disconnecting the hydrogen tank 21 and the fuel cell module 30 can be done easily and quickly, the time required to replace the hydrogen tank 21 can be reduced, and the efficiency of hydrogen tank 21 replacement can be improved.

[0066] In the description of the embodiment, an example was described in which suspension parts 45 are provided at the four corners of a rectangular support frame 40, but the invention is not limited to this example. The suspension parts 45 may be provided at the center of the support frame 40 when viewed from above. For example, additional frames extending diagonally from the rectangular upper frame 41 may be added, and the suspension parts 45 may be provided at the positions where these frames intersect. Alternatively, if the outer cover 80 has sufficient rigidity, the suspension parts 45 can be provided on the outer cover 80, and the outer cover 80 and the support frame 40 can be fixed together with bolts or the like.

[0067] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the hydrogen tank 21 is mounted on a support plate 51 and supported by a support frame 40. However, the support frame 40 may support the hydrogen tank 21 in any manner. Furthermore, the hydrogen tank 21 does not necessarily have to be supported by the support frame 40. The hydrogen tank 21 may be directly supported by the outer cover 80.

[0068] The working machines to which this disclosure applies are not limited to excavators, but may also be other types of working machines such as bulldozers, wheel loaders, motor graders, dump trucks, and forklifts that have fuel cells. Furthermore, the working machines to which this disclosure applies are not limited to those having fuel cells, but may be any machine that has a hydrogen power source, which is a power source that utilizes hydrogen. The hydrogen power source may be, for example, a hydrogen co-firing engine that burns hydrogen mixed with fossil fuels, or a hydrogen-only engine that burns only hydrogen without using fossil fuels.

[0069] The description of the embodiments describes an example in which hydrogen gas is stored in the hydrogen tank 21, but is not limited to this example. Liquid hydrogen may be stored in the hydrogen tank 21. The present disclosure may also be applied to work machines to which a tank for storing a flammable fluid is applied. The flammable fluid may have a specific gravity lower than that of air. The flammable fluid may be, for example, methane.

[0070] <Note> The above description includes the following features.

[0071] (Note 1) The car body and, A tank mounted on the vehicle body for storing a flammable fluid, The tank comprises a cover member that covers at least the upper part of the tank, A work machine in which the tank and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0072] (Note 2) The cover member is part of the exterior of the work machine as described in Appendix 1.

[0073] (Note 3) The work machine according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, further comprising a lifting section used for lifting the tank and the cover member together.

[0074] (Note 4) The tank further comprises a tank support mechanism that supports the aforementioned tank, The work machine described in Appendix 3, wherein the tank support mechanism and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0075] (Note 5) The aforementioned suspension part is attached to the tank support mechanism, as described in Appendix 4 of the work machine.

[0076] (Note 6) The cover member has an upper surface that covers the top of the tank, The upper surface has through holes formed that penetrate the cover member in the thickness direction. The aforementioned suspension portion is exposed upward through the through-hole, in the work machine described in Appendix 5.

[0077] (Note 7) The work machine as described in Appendix 6, wherein the suspension portion has an upper end positioned below the upper surface.

[0078] (Note 8) A recessed portion is formed on the upper surface, where a part of the upper surface is indented. The work machine according to Appendix 6 or Appendix 7, wherein the through hole is formed at the bottom of the recess.

[0079] (Note 9) The system further includes a fastener for integrally fixing the cover member and the tank support mechanism, The work machine according to any one of the appendices 6 to 8, wherein a fixing hole is formed on the upper surface that penetrates the upper surface in the thickness direction, directly above the fixing device.

[0080] (Note 10) The cover member is made of resin. The cover member further comprises a fixing member that is insert-molded into the cover member, The fixing device is the work machine described in Appendix 9, which fixes the fixing member to the tank support mechanism.

[0081] (Note 11) The cover member is a working machine according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, having a side surface that covers the side of the tank.

[0082] (Note 12) The work machine according to Appendix 11, wherein the side surface has a lower edge located below the center of the tank.

[0083] (Note 13) The cover member and the tank support mechanism are working machines described in any one of the appendices 4 to 10, which, when viewed from the side, cover the entire vertical surface of the tank.

[0084] (Note 14) The tank further comprises a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the flammable fluid flowing out of the tank, The work machine described in any one of the appendices 1 to 13, wherein the tank and the pressure reducing valve are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0085] (Note 15) A tank module mounted on the body of a work machine, A tank for storing flammable fluids, The tank comprises a cover member that covers at least the upper part of the tank, A tank module in which the tank and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0086] (Note 16) The cover member is a tank module as described in Appendix 15, which constitutes part of the exterior of the work machine.

[0087] (Note 17) The tank module according to Appendix 15 or Appendix 16, further comprising a lifting portion used for lifting the tank and the cover member together.

[0088] (Note 18) The tank further comprises a tank support mechanism that supports the aforementioned tank, The tank module described in Appendix 17, wherein the tank support mechanism and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0089] (Note 19) The tank module according to any one of appendices 15 to 18, wherein the cover member has a side surface that covers the side of the tank.

[0090] (Note 20) The tank further comprises a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the flammable fluid flowing out of the tank, The tank module described in any one of appendices 15 to 19, wherein the tank and the pressure reducing valve are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0091] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1 Shovel, 11 Main body, 12 Working equipment, 13 Slewing body, 20 Machine room, 21 Hydrogen tank, 21C Centerline, 30 Fuel cell module, 31 Fuel cell stack, 32 Auxiliary equipment, 40 Support frame, 41 Upper frame, 42 Lower frame, 43 Column section, 45 Lifting section, 45T Upper end, 46 Base plate, 48 Mounting seat, 49 Mounting hole, 51 Support plate, 52 Fastener, 60 Mounting plate, 62 Connecting member, 63,64 Connecting bolt, 70 Pressure reducing valve unit, 70, 80 Exterior cover, 81 Top surface, 82 Rear side, 83 Front side, 83B Lower edge, 84 Recessed section, 85 Inclined surface, 86 Through hole, 88 Fixing hole, 90 Fixing member, 91,92 Fin section, 93,94 Wall section, 95 Bottom section, 98 fasteners, OP exterior panel.

Claims

1. The car body and A tank mounted on the vehicle body for storing a flammable fluid, The tank comprises a cover member that covers at least the upper part of the tank, A work machine in which the tank and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the cover member constitutes a part of the exterior of the work machine.

3. The work machine according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting portion used for integrally lifting the tank and the cover member.

4. The tank further comprises a tank support mechanism that supports the aforementioned tank, The work machine according to claim 3, wherein the tank support mechanism and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

5. The work machine according to claim 4, wherein the suspension portion is attached to the tank support mechanism.

6. The cover member has an upper surface that covers the top of the tank, The upper surface has through holes formed that penetrate the cover member in the thickness direction. The work machine according to claim 5, wherein the suspension portion is exposed upward through the through hole.

7. The work machine according to claim 6, wherein the suspension portion has an upper end positioned below the upper surface.

8. A recessed portion is formed on the upper surface, where a part of the upper surface is indented. The work machine according to claim 6, wherein the through hole is formed at the bottom of the recess.

9. The system further includes a fastener for integrally fixing the cover member and the tank support mechanism, The work machine according to claim 6, wherein a fixing hole is formed on the upper surface that penetrates the upper surface in the thickness direction, directly above the fixing device.

10. The cover member is made of resin. The cover member further comprises a fixing member that is insert-molded into the cover member, The fixing device is used to fix the fixing member to the tank support mechanism, as described in claim 9 of the work machine.

11. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the cover member has a side surface that covers the side of the tank.

12. The work machine according to claim 11, wherein the side surface has a lower edge located below the center of the tank.

13. The work machine according to claim 4, wherein the cover member and the tank support mechanism cover the entire vertical surface of the tank when viewed from the side.

14. The tank further comprises a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the flammable fluid flowing out of the tank, The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the tank and the pressure reducing valve are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

15. A tank module mounted on the body of a work machine, A tank for storing flammable fluids, The tank comprises a cover member that covers at least the upper part of the tank, A tank module in which the tank and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

16. The tank module according to claim 15, wherein the cover member constitutes a part of the exterior of the work machine.

17. The tank module according to claim 15, further comprising a lifting portion used for integrally lifting the tank and the cover member.

18. The tank further comprises a tank support mechanism that supports the aforementioned tank, The tank module according to claim 17, wherein the tank support mechanism and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

19. The tank module according to claim 15, wherein the cover member has a side surface that covers the side of the tank.

20. The tank further comprises a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the flammable fluid flowing out of the tank, The tank module according to claim 15, wherein the tank and the pressure reducing valve are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

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