In-vehicle fuel cell system

The in-vehicle fuel cell system addresses the issue of disassembly during frontal collisions by using a split power generation structure case with a fixed power generation structure to the side faces of the front member, effectively reducing the risk of disassembly and maintaining system integrity.

JP7683336B2Active Publication Date: 2025-05-27NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021096052
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-06-08
Publication Date
2025-05-27
Estimated Expiration
2041-06-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing in-vehicle fuel cell systems are prone to disassembly during a frontal collision, as the force from the impact is transmitted to both the stack case and the accessory case, potentially causing the system to decompose.

Method used

The in-vehicle fuel cell system incorporates a power generation structure case with a split structure, comprising a front member and a rear member, where the power generation structure is fixed only to the side faces of the front member, creating a gap between the front face and the power generation structure, thereby reducing the likelihood of disassembly during a collision.

Benefits of technology

This design effectively suppresses the possibility of the fuel cell system disassembling during a frontal collision, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the system by distributing the impact force and maintaining structural integrity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an on-vehicle fuel cell system which can reduce a possibility that the on-vehicle fuel battery system is disassembled even when the vehicle collides head on.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle fuel cell system includes a power generation structure in which a fuel cell stack and an auxiliary machine structure, including auxiliary machines which deliver / receive a gas to / from the fuel cell stack, are connected to be integrated. The on-vehicle fuel cell system further includes a power generation structure case which houses the power generation structure. The power generation structure case comprises: a front member at the front side as seen in a vehicle body anteroposterior direction; and a rear member at the rear side as seen in the vehicle body anteroposterior direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle fuel cell system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell system mounted in a motor room at the front of a vehicle, in which a stack case housing a fuel cell stack and an accessory case housing accessories of the fuel cell system are connected in a side-by-side state in the vehicle body left-right direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a vehicle collides with an object such as another vehicle from the front, a force is input to the fuel cell system from the front of the vehicle body. In this case, in the fuel cell system described in the above document, each of the stack case and the accessory case receives the force, and as a result, the fuel cell system may be disassembled.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle fuel cell system that can suppress the possibility of disassembly even when the vehicle collides from the front.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an in-vehicle fuel cell system including a power generation structure in which a fuel cell stack and an accessory structure including accessories that exchange gases with the fuel cell stack are connected and integrated. This in-vehicle fuel cell system includes a power generation structure case that houses the power generation structure, and the power generation structure case is composed of a front member on the front side in the vehicle body front-rear direction and a rear member on the rear side in the vehicle body front-rear direction.The member has a box shape composed of a front face that becomes the front end portion in the vehicle body front-rear direction in the in-vehicle state, two side faces that extend rearward from both sides in the vehicle body left-right direction of the front face, and an upper face and a lower face that extend rearward from both sides in the vehicle body up-down direction of the front face. The power generation structure is fixed only to the two side faces, and there is a gap between the front face and the power generation structure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the in-vehicle fuel cell system of the above aspect, even when the vehicle collides from the front, the possibility of decomposition can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an in-vehicle fuel cell system (hereinafter, also referred to as "fuel cell system") 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of the fuel cell system 1 as seen from the left side in the vehicle body left-right direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a front member 5 described later as seen obliquely from the rear in the vehicle body front-rear direction.

[0011] The fuel cell system 1 of the present embodiment is mounted on an electric vehicle that travels by a drive motor 21 (see FIG. 4). Further, in the present embodiment, a solid oxide type fuel cell is assumed.

[0012] The fuel cell system 1 includes a power generation structure A and a power generation structure case B that houses the power generation structure A.

[0013] The power generation structure A has an auxiliary structure 3 disposed between the first fuel cell stack 2A and the second fuel cell stack 2B, and has a stacked structure in which the second fuel cell stack 2B, the auxiliary structure 3, and the first fuel cell stack 2A are stacked in this order from the bottom. The auxiliary structure 3 is a housing that includes auxiliary devices (such as a heat exchanger and a combustor) that exchange gas with the first fuel cell stack 2A and the second fuel cell stack 2B. In the following description, when there is no particular need for distinction, the first fuel cell stack 2A and the second fuel cell stack 2B are collectively referred to as the fuel cell stack 2.

[0014] On the left side surface of the auxiliary structure 3 in the vehicle body left-right direction, openings of flow paths to which an air supply pipe 34 (see FIG. 5), a fuel supply pipe (not shown), a combustion fuel supply pipe (not shown), and a bypass air supply pipe (not shown) are respectively connected via a second bracket 9A described later are formed. The air supply pipe 34 is a pipe for supplying air from the outside to a heat exchanger as an auxiliary device. The air supplied from the air supply pipe 34 is heated by the heat exchanger and then supplied to the fuel cell stack 2. The fuel supply pipe is a pipe for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell stack 2. The combustion fuel supply pipe is a pipe for supplying fuel gas to a combustor as an auxiliary device at the start of the fuel cell system 1. The bypass air supply pipe is a pipe for supplying air that is supplied to the fuel cell stack without passing through a heat exchanger as an auxiliary device.

[0015] Also, on the rear side surface of the auxiliary structure 3 in the vehicle body front-rear direction, an opening 3A of an exhaust passage to which an exhaust pipe 13 is connected is provided.

[0016] The power generation structure case B has a split structure composed of a front member 5 disposed on the front side in the vehicle body front-rear direction and a rear member 6 disposed on the rear side in the vehicle body front-rear direction. The front member 5 is formed by, for example, metal casting, and the rear member 6 is formed by, for example, pressing a steel plate.

[0017] The front member 5 has a box shape composed of a front surface 5A that becomes the tip end portion in the vehicle body front-rear direction in the mounted state, two side surfaces 5B that extend rearward from both sides in the vehicle body left-right direction of the front surface 5A, an upper surface 5C and a lower surface 5D that extend rearward from both sides in the vehicle body up-down direction of the front surface 5A. And the power generation structure A is fixed only to the side surface 5B of the front member 5 by bolts (not shown) via the first brackets 10A and 10B provided on the first fuel cell stack 2A, the second brackets 9A and 9B provided on the auxiliary structure 3, and the third brackets 11A and 11B provided on the second fuel cell stack 2B. Note that the third bracket 11B on the right side in the vehicle body left-right direction is not shown.

[0018] In the second bracket 9A on the left side in the vehicle body left-right direction, passages are provided that communicate with the respective openings of the auxiliary structure 3 described above, an air supply pipe 34, a fuel supply pipe (not shown), a combustion fuel supply pipe (not shown), and a bypass air supply pipe (not shown).

[0019] The side surface 5B has a reinforcing portion 14 that surrounds the portion where the second brackets 9A and 9B are attached from the front side in the vehicle body front-rear direction, the upper side in the vehicle body up-down direction, and the lower side in the vehicle body up-down direction. This reinforcing portion 14 protrudes from other parts of the side surface 5B toward the inside of the front member 5. Note that the reinforcing portion 14 may be formed integrally with the front member 5, or a separately formed member may be attached to the front member 5.

[0020] A heat insulating material 12 is attached to the inside of the front surface 5A. And a gap is provided between the front surface 5A and the power generation structure A in a state where the power generation structure A is fixed to the front member 5. Note that the heat insulating material 12 may be a sheet-like material attached or a liquid material applied.

[0021] The upper surface 5C becomes lower as it goes forward in the vehicle body front direction in the mounted state.

[0022] The rear member 6 has a sealing surface 6A having an opening 8 through which a wiring 4 connecting the power generation structure A and the electrical unit 7 outside the power generation structure case B passes, and a sealing portion 8A surrounding the opening 8. The electrical unit 7 includes a controller, a converter, and the like. The sealing surface 6A is reinforced to have higher surface rigidity than other surfaces. As a reinforcement method, various methods can be adopted, such as making the plate thickness of the sealing surface 6A thicker than other parts, or attaching a reinforcing member on the frame surrounding the opening 8.

[0023] The opening 8 opens rearward in the vehicle body front-rear direction, and is closed when the electrical unit 7 is attached to the sealing portion 8A. Further, the rear member 6 includes a visor-shaped protruding portion 7B extending rearward in the vehicle body front-rear direction below the portion where the electrical unit 7 is attached.

[0024] The front member 5 and the rear member 6 are integrated by connecting the mating surface (front mating surface) 5E of the front member 5 and the mating surface (rear mating surface) 6C of the rear member 6. Both the front mating surface 5E and the rear mating surface 6C are flat surfaces. That is, the connecting portion of the front member 5 and the rear member 6 is flat. This plane is along the vehicle body left-right direction, and the upper end is located on the rear side in the vehicle body front-rear direction compared to the lower end (that is, it is tilted backward with reference to the vehicle body up-down direction).

[0025] When comparing the front member 5 and the rear member 6, the volume for accommodating the power generation structure A is larger in the front member 5 than in the rear member 6. As shown in FIG. 2, most of the power generation structure A is accommodated in the front member 5.

[0026] The front member 5 has higher strength and rigidity against inputs from the front of the vehicle body than the rear member 6. This is achieved by changing the materials, structures, etc. used. Also, in the rear member 6 alone, the lower portion (lower part) in the vehicle body up-down direction from the portion facing the front motor mount 28 described later is more easily deformed than the upper portion (upper part) in the vehicle body up-down direction.

[0027] [In-vehicle state] FIG. 4 is a view of the fuel cell system 1 mounted on a vehicle as seen from the left side of the vehicle body. FIG. 5 is a view of the fuel cell system 1 mounted on a vehicle as seen from the front of the vehicle body.

[0028] The power generation structure case B housing the power generation structure A is disposed in the engine room 32 provided at the front part of the vehicle body. In the engine room 32, there are provided a partition wall 26 for isolating the passenger compartment 33, and a pair of side members 24 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and arranged so as to sandwich the engine room 32 from the left and right directions of the vehicle body. Further, the engine room 32 is also provided with a sub-frame 25 on which a drive motor 21, a steering mechanism 22, etc. are mounted.

[0029] The power generation structure case B is fixed to the vehicle body via a vehicle body fixing bracket 31. More specifically, the vehicle body fixing bracket 31 is fixed to a vehicle body side bracket 30 provided on the side member 24 by bolts or the like. The vehicle body fixing bracket 31 is fixed to a reinforcing portion 14 of the power generation structure case B by bolts or the like.

[0030] The power generation structure case B, the steering mechanism 22, and the drive motor 21 are arranged in this order from the front of the vehicle body as the power generation structure case B, the steering mechanism 22, and the drive motor 21.

[0031] The drive motor 21 is supported by the sub-frame 25 via a front motor mount 28. Further, cooling components such as a radiator 20 are arranged at the front part of the power generation structure case B, components such as a VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) actuator 23 are arranged at the rear part, and an air box 29 or the like is arranged at the side part.

[0032] Further, the vehicle body fixing bracket 31 also functions as a support portion for an air supply compressor 35. And, in order to avoid interference with the air box 29 while the vehicle body fixing bracket 31 functions as a support portion for the compressor 35, it has a shape passing between the lower surface of the air box 29 and the compressor 35.

[0033] The engine room 32 is covered by the hood 27 on its upper surface. The height of the hood 27 from the ground becomes lower as it goes forward in the vehicle body, and the height of the upper surface of the power generation structure case B from the ground also becomes lower as it goes forward in the vehicle body as described above.

[0034] [Function of the power generation structure case B] First, the reason for housing the power generation structure A in the power generation structure case B will be explained.

[0035] Since the solid oxide fuel cell has a power generation temperature of 500°C or higher, it is necessary to maintain the power generation structure A at 500°C or higher during system operation. On the other hand, other auxiliary machines and in-vehicle parts housed in the engine room 32 do not have resistance to such high temperatures. Therefore, heat insulation for suppressing temperature decrease due to heat dissipation and heat shielding for protecting other auxiliary machines, etc. are required.

[0036] In addition, the power generation structure A generates high voltage, but it cannot generate and cut off the generated voltage alone. Furthermore, it is difficult for the power generation structure A to ensure impact resistance, vibration resistance, water resistance, etc. alone.

[0037] For the above reasons, in this embodiment, the power generation structure A is housed in the power generation structure case B and mounted on the vehicle.

[0038] The power generation structure A is fixed to the front member 5 by the brackets 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B. Among these, reinforcing portions 14 are provided at the attachment portions of the second brackets 9A, 9B. This reinforcing portion 14 not only reinforces the attachment portion but also functions as a guide rail and a positioning function when housing the power generation structure A in the power generation structure case B. This facilitates the assembly work.

[0039] In addition, the reinforcing portion 14 is also the attachment portion of the vehicle body fixing bracket 31. By having the reinforcing portion 14 serve as both the reinforcement of the attachment portions of the second brackets 9A, 9B and the attachment portion of the vehicle body fixing bracket 31, while ensuring the strength and rigidity of each attachment portion, an increase in weight can be suppressed compared to the case of providing individual reinforcing members.

[0040] Considering the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle, it is desirable that the hood 27 becomes lower as it goes forward in the vehicle body. In this case, the height of the engine room 32 becomes lower as it goes forward in the vehicle body. In this regard, since the upper surface of the power generation structure case B of the present embodiment becomes lower in height from the ground as it goes forward in the vehicle body as described above, the space in the engine room 32 can be effectively utilized. Further, since interference with the hood 27 can be avoided, the degree of freedom in vehicle body styling is increased.

[0041] Further, in the case of a so-called FF vehicle in which a drive motor 21 is mounted in the engine room 32 at the front part of the vehicle body like the vehicle of the present embodiment and the front wheels (not shown) are driven, due to restrictions such as the rotation of the drive shaft (not shown), the drive motor 21 and the speed reducer (not shown) are arranged closer to the rear in the engine room 32. For this reason, as described above, the power generation structure case B, the steering mechanism 22, and the drive motor 21 are arranged in this order from the front of the vehicle body, and the power generation structure case B needs to avoid interference with the steering mechanism 22 and the drive motor 21. Further, the front member 5 needs to secure a volume for accommodating the power generation structure A. In other words, it is necessary to secure the dimensions in the vehicle body front-rear direction. Further, considering the work of attaching the power generation structure A, it is desirable that the opening of the front member 5 is wider. And in order to ensure the watertightness and airtightness of the connection part between the front member 5 and the rear member 6 as described later, it is desirable that the connection part is a plane. In this regard, the power generation structure case B of the present embodiment has a plane at the connection part between the front member 5 and the rear member 6 and inclines the plane rearward with respect to the vehicle body vertical direction, so that these requirements can be satisfied.

[0042] By the way, when the power generation structure case B is mounted in the engine room 32 at the front part of the vehicle body as described above, when the vehicle collides with another vehicle or the like from the front (hereinafter, also referred to as "front collision"), a force is applied to the power generation structure case B from the front of the vehicle body as the vehicle body deforms.

[0043] At this time, if an input is received by different members of the power generation structure case B with the split structure, the power generation structure case B may disassemble, and furthermore, the power generation structure A may be exposed. In this regard, the power generation structure case B of the present embodiment receives the input due to a frontal collision only at the front surface 5A of the front member 5. Therefore, it is difficult for the power generation structure case B to disassemble.

[0044] The power generation structure A is fixed only to the side surface 5B of the power generation structure case B, and there is a gap between it and the front surface 5A. Therefore, even when the front surface 5A is deformed by an input, it is less likely to be affected. That is, damage due to a collision can be reduced.

[0045] Also, the strength and rigidity of the front member 5 against an input from the front of the vehicle body are higher than those of the rear member 6. That is, impact resistance can be ensured by increasing the strength and rigidity of the front member 5 that receives the input. And, the rear member 6 contacts other components after the power generation structure case B retreats as a whole due to an input, and the input is attenuated by the deformation of the front member 5, the vehicle body fixing bracket 31, etc. until the rear member 6 contacts other components. Therefore, the functions required for the rear member 6 are mainly heat insulation, heat shielding, and airtightness. As a result, the manufacturing cost can be reduced compared to the case where the strength and rigidity of the rear member 6 are also increased, and weight reduction can also be achieved.

[0046] By the way, when the power generation structure case B retreats, the movement is restricted by the front motor mount 28 facing the lower part of the power generation structure case B. If the rear member 6 does not deform, the power generation structure case B will retreat while tilting backward with the front motor mount 28 as a fulcrum, and there is a risk of interfering with components such as the VDC actuator 23 arranged on the partition wall 26. As a result, there is a risk that the partition wall 26 is pushed into the passenger compartment 33 side via the VDC actuator 23 or the like. In this regard, since the lower part of the rear member 6 of the present embodiment is more likely to deform than the upper part as described above, the deformation of the lower part suppresses the retreat amount of the upper part, and the retreat amount of the partition wall 26 toward the passenger compartment 33 side can be suppressed.

[0047] Further, there is a sealing surface 6A having an opening 8 in the upper portion of the rear member 6, and the opening 8 is closed by the electrical component unit 7. When the upper portion is deformed due to the power generation structure case B moving backward and interfering with the VDC actuator 23 or the like, the sealing performance of the opening 8 may deteriorate. However, since the sealing surface 6A of the rear member 6 of the present embodiment is reinforced, a decrease in the sealing performance can be suppressed.

[0048] Note that most of the input to the engine room 32 due to a collision comes from the front of the vehicle body, but it is not necessarily input from directly in front. In this regard, in the power generation structure case B of the present embodiment, the connection portion between the front member 5 and the rear member 6 is along the vehicle body left - right direction, the front member 5 has a larger volume for accommodating the power generation structure A than the rear member 6, and most of the power generation structure A is accommodated in the front member 5. Therefore, the power generation structure A can be protected regardless of which surface except the rear surface the input comes from.

[0049] Since the power generation structure case B has a split structure composed of the front member 5 and the rear member 6, it is necessary to ensure the watertightness and airtightness of the connection portion between the front member 5 and the rear member 6. For this reason, a gasket is used to seal the connection portion. At this time, if the connection portion is composed of a curved surface or a plurality of surfaces or has irregularities, the pressure applied to the gasket will not be uniform, so it is difficult to ensure watertightness and airtightness. In this regard, in the present embodiment, since the connection portion is a flat surface, the pressure applied to the gasket is uniform, and watertightness and airtightness can be easily ensured.

[0050] Also, there is a gap between the front surface 5A of the front member 5 and the power generation structure A. That is, direct heat exchange does not occur between the power generation structure A and the front surface 5A. Further, a heat insulating material 12 is provided inside the front surface 5A (the surface facing the power generation structure A). Thereby, heat dissipation from the power generation structure A and cooling of the power generation structure A by the traveling wind can be suppressed.

[0051] Also, as described above, the opening 8 of the rear member 6 is blocked by the electrical component unit 7. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the exhaust pipe 13 passes directly below the electrical component unit 7. Therefore, in this embodiment, a roof-shaped protrusion 7B is provided below the portion of the rear member 6 where the electrical component unit 7 is attached. Since this protrusion 7B functions as a heat shield between the electrical component unit 7 and the exhaust pipe 13, an increase in the temperature of the electrical component unit 7 can be suppressed.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, an in-vehicle fuel cell system 1 is provided that includes a power generation structure A in which a fuel cell stack 2 and an auxiliary structure 3 including auxiliary devices that exchange gases with the fuel cell stack 2 are connected and integrated. This in-vehicle fuel cell system 1 includes a power generation structure case B that houses the power generation structure A, and the power generation structure case B is characterized by including a front member 5 on the front side in the vehicle body longitudinal direction and a rear member 6 on the rear side in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Thereby, the input during a frontal collision is received only by the front member 5, making it more difficult to disassemble compared to a structure in which the input is received by a plurality of members. That is, the possibility of the inside of the power generation structure case B being exposed and opened can be reduced.

[0053] In this embodiment, the front member 5 has higher strength and rigidity against inputs from the front of the vehicle body than the rear member 6. That is, while ensuring the strength and rigidity of the front member 5 that receives the input during a frontal collision, the functions required of the rear member 6 are mainly limited to heat insulation, heat shielding, and airtightness. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and weight.

[0054] In this embodiment, the front member 5 has a larger volume for accommodating the power generation structure A than the rear member 6. In other words, the front member 5 has larger dimensions in the vehicle body front-rear direction than the rear member 6. Further, in this embodiment, the plane that is the connection portion between the front member 5 and the rear member 6 extends along the left-right direction of the vehicle body. Thereby, since most of the power generation structure A can be accommodated in the front member 5, an input from the side of the vehicle body can be received by the side surface 5B of the front member 5. That is, the input from all directions except the rear can be received only by the front member 5. As a result, as described above, the functions required of the rear member 6 can be restricted, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the weight can be reduced.

[0055] In this embodiment, the connection portion between the front member 5 and the rear member 6 is a plane (front mating surface 5E and rear mating surface 6C). Thereby, the assembly process of the fuel cell system 1 can be facilitated, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and watertightness and airtightness can be ensured.

[0056] In this embodiment, the plane of the connection portion between the front member 5 and the rear member 6 has an upper end located on the rear side in the vehicle body front-rear direction compared to the lower end. In other words, the plane is tilted backward with respect to the vehicle body up-down direction. Thereby, while making the connection portion a plane that is easy to ensure sealing performance, the opening area of the connection portion can be made larger.

[0057] In this embodiment, the front member 5 has a box shape including a front surface 5A that is the front end portion in the vehicle body front-rear direction in the in-vehicle state, two side surfaces 5B that extend rearward from both sides in the vehicle body left-right direction of the front surface 5A, and an upper surface 5C and a lower surface 5D that extend rearward from both sides in the vehicle body up-down direction of the front surface 5A. And the power generation structure A is fixed only to the two side surfaces 5B, and there is a gap between the front surface 5A and the power generation structure A. Thereby, when there is an input to the front surface 5A due to a front collision, no force is directly applied to the power generation structure A. Further, heat radiation from the power generation structure A to the front surface 5A can be suppressed.

[0058] In this embodiment, a heat insulating material 12 is provided on the front surface 5A. Thereby, heat dissipation from the power generation structure A to the front surface 5A can be further suppressed. Also, even when the front surface 5A receives oncoming air, a decrease in the temperature of the power generation structure A can be suppressed.

[0059] In this embodiment, at least one location on each of both side portions in the vehicle body left - right direction of the power generation structure A is fixed to the side surface 5B of the front member 5 via second brackets (case - fixing brackets) 9A and 9B. And the side surface 5B has a reinforcing portion 14 that surrounds the portions to which the second brackets 9A and 9B are attached from the front side in the vehicle body front - rear direction, the upper side in the vehicle body up - down direction, and the lower side in the vehicle body up - down direction. The reinforcing portion 14 protrudes from other parts of the side surface 5B toward the inside of the front member. Thereby, the attachment strength and attachment rigidity of the accommodated power generation structure A can be ensured. Also, since the reinforcing portion 14 functions as a guide rail and a positioning means for the second brackets 9A and 9B, the assembly process is facilitated. Furthermore, a reinforcing effect on the entire power generation structure case B can also be expected.

[0060] In this embodiment, the power generation structure case B is fixed to the vehicle body via a vehicle - body fixing bracket 31, and the vehicle - body fixing bracket 31 is attached to the reinforcing portion 14. Thereby, the attachment strength of the vehicle - body fixing bracket 31 can be ensured. Also, by using the reinforcing portion 14 that also reinforces the attachment portions of the second brackets 9A and 9B, an increase in weight can be suppressed compared to using individual reinforcing members. Furthermore, since the attachment portion of the vehicle - body fixing bracket 31 is close to the location where the power generation structure A is fixed to the power generation structure case B, the attachment rigidity of the power generation structure A can be ensured.

[0061] In this embodiment, the rear member 6 has a seal surface 6A having an opening 8 through which a wiring 4 connecting the power generation structure A and an electrical component unit 7 outside the power generation structure case B passes, and a seal portion 8A surrounding the opening 8, and the seal surface 6A is reinforced to enhance surface rigidity. Thereby, even when the rear member 6 is deformed, the sealing performance of the opening 8 can be ensured.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the rear member 6 has a structure in which the lower part aligned with the mount (front motor mount) 28 of the drive unit (a unit composed of a drive motor 21 and a speed reducer etc. not shown) in the vehicle-mounted state is more likely to deform than the upper part above the lower part in the vehicle vertical direction. Thereby, when the power generation structure case B retreats due to a frontal collision, the lower part deforms, so that it is possible to suppress the power generation structure case B from pushing the partition wall 26 toward the passenger compartment 33 side via components such as the VDC actuator 23. Since the rear member 6 is formed of a steel plate or the like as described above, even if it deforms, it is unlikely to have holes or tears. Therefore, even if the rear member 6 deforms, the airtightness and watertightness of the rear member 6 are ensured.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the upper surface 5C of the power generation structure case B is lower in height from the ground as it goes forward in the vehicle-mounted state. Thereby, while securing the volume of the power generation structure case B, the space in the prime mover chamber 32 can be effectively utilized. Also, since interference with the hood 27 can be avoided, the degree of freedom in vehicle body styling is increased. Furthermore, since the height of the hood 27 can be suppressed, the aerodynamic performance can also be enhanced.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the opening 8 opens rearward in the vehicle body front-rear direction and is closed by attaching the electrical component unit 7 to the seal portion 8A. Thereby, the watertightness and airtightness of the portion where the wiring 4 is taken out can be ensured.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the rear member 6 includes a roof-shaped protruding portion 6B extending rearward in the vehicle body front-rear direction below the portion where the electrical component unit 7 is attached. Thereby, since the protruding portion 7B functions as a heat shield between the electrical component unit 7 and the exhaust pipe 13, the temperature rise of the electrical component unit 7 can be suppressed.

[0066] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1 In-vehicle fuel cell system, 2 Fuel cell stack, 3 Auxiliary structure, 4 Wiring, 5 Front member, 6 Rear member, 7 Electrical equipment unit, 13 Exhaust pipe, 14 Reinforcement part, 21 Drive motor, 22 Steering mechanism, 24 Side member, 25 Subframe, 28 Front motor mount, 31 Body fixing bracket, 32 Compressor

Claims

1. In a vehicle-mounted fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack and an auxiliary structure including an auxiliary machine that exchanges gas with the fuel cell stack, the two being connected and integrated, it includes a power generation structure case that houses the power generation structure, the power generation structure case is composed of a front member on the front side in the vehicle body longitudinal direction and a rear member on the rear side in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, the front member has a box shape composed of a front surface that is the tip in the vehicle body longitudinal direction in the vehicle-mounted state, two side surfaces that extend rearward from both sides in the vehicle body lateral direction of the front surface, and an upper surface and a lower surface that extend rearward from both sides in the vehicle body vertical direction of the front surface, the power generation structure is fixed only to the two side surfaces, and there is a gap between the front surface and the power generation structure. A vehicle-mounted fuel cell system characterized by this.

2. In the vehicle-mounted fuel cell system according to Claim 1, the front member has higher strength and rigidity against input from the front of the vehicle body than the rear member. A vehicle-mounted fuel cell system.

3. In the vehicle-mounted fuel cell system according to Claim 1 or 2, the front member has a larger volume for housing the power generation structure than the rear member. A vehicle-mounted fuel cell system.

4. In the vehicle-mounted fuel cell system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, a vehicle-mounted fuel cell system in which the connection portion between the front member and the rear member is a flat surface.

5. In the vehicle-mounted fuel cell system according to Claim 4, a vehicle-mounted fuel cell system in which the flat surface extends along the vehicle body lateral direction.

6. In the vehicle-mounted fuel cell system according to Claim 4 or 5, a vehicle-mounted fuel cell system in which the upper end of the flat surface is located on the rear side in the vehicle body longitudinal direction compared to the lower end.

7. In the vehicle-mounted fuel cell system according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, a heat insulating material is provided on the front surface. A vehicle-mounted fuel cell system.

8. In the vehicle-mounted fuel cell system according to Claim 7, at least one location on each of the both side portions in the vehicle body lateral direction of the power generation structure is fixed to the side surface of the front member via a case fixing bracket, the side surface has a reinforcing portion that surrounds the portion where the case fixing bracket is attached from the front side in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, the upper side in the vehicle body vertical direction, and the lower side in the vehicle body vertical direction, and the reinforcing portion protrudes from the other part of the side surface toward the inside of the front member. A vehicle-mounted fuel cell system.

9. In the in - vehicle fuel cell system according to Claim 8, the power generation structure case is fixed to the vehicle body via a vehicle - body fixing bracket, and the vehicle - body fixing bracket is attached to the reinforcing portion. An in - vehicle fuel cell system.

10. In the in - vehicle fuel cell system according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, the rear member has a sealing surface having an opening through which wiring connecting the power generation structure and an electrical component unit outside the power generation structure case passes and a sealing portion surrounding the opening, and reinforcement for enhancing surface rigidity is applied to the sealing surface. An in - vehicle fuel cell system.

11. In the in - vehicle fuel cell system according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, the rear member has a structure in which a lower portion aligned with the mount of the drive unit in the vehicle - mounted state in the vehicle body front - rear direction is more easily deformed than an upper portion above the lower portion in the vehicle body up - down direction. An in - vehicle fuel cell system.

12. In the in - vehicle fuel cell system according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, the upper surface of the power generation structure case has a height that decreases from the ground as it goes forward in the vehicle body in the vehicle - mounted state. An in - vehicle fuel cell system.

13. In the in - vehicle fuel cell system according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, the opening through which the wiring connecting the power generation structure and an electrical component unit outside the power generation structure case passes opens rearward in the vehicle body front - rear direction, and the electrical component unit is attached to a sealing portion surrounding the opening to be closed. An in - vehicle fuel cell system.

14. In the in - vehicle fuel cell system according to Claim 13, the rear member is provided with a roof - shaped protruding portion extending rearward in the vehicle body front - rear direction below the portion where the electrical component unit is attached. An in - vehicle fuel cell system.

Citation Information

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