Mobile device and mobile method

Abstract

According to the present invention, in order to provide a moving device that can guide, by moving, an airflow to a tank that stores a first gas, the moving device according to the present invention includes an accommodating unit that accommodates the tank that stores the first gas, a moving unit that moves while holding the accommodating unit and an introducing unit that guides an airflow, due to movement of the moving unit, toward the tank.　

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile device, and more particularly to a mobile device provided with a storage unit for storing a tank in which a first gas is stored.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been known to supply hydrogen from a hydrogen tank to a fuel cell and move a moving body by the electric power generated by this fuel cell. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses that by providing communication portions at the bottom and the lid portion of a case for storing a hydrogen tank, when hydrogen leakage occurs, the hydrogen is discharged to the outside of the moving body using these communication portions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 discharged hydrogen by making the flow resistance of the lid portion smaller than the flow resistance of the bottom portion. Therefore, there was still room for improvement in the hydrogen discharge of Patent Document 1.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile device capable of guiding an airflow due to movement to a tank for storing a first gas.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The mobile device of the present invention includes a storage unit for storing a tank in which a first gas is stored, a moving unit that holds and moves the storage unit, and an introduction unit that guides an airflow due to the movement of the moving unit toward the tank. A leak sensor for detecting the leakage of the first gas, and a prohibition device that, when the leak sensor detects the leakage of the first gas, prohibits the movement of the movable part into a closed space that closes the space above the storage part, and is provided with.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, since the introduction section guides the airflow caused by the movement of the moving section into the tank, even if the first gas leaks from the tank, the leaked first gas can be easily discharged to the outside of the moving device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the mobile device representing the first embodiment, with the storage section shown as a partial cross-sectional view. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the main parts of the mobile device of this first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart executed by a control device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the mobile device representing the second embodiment, with the storage section shown as a partial cross-sectional view. Figure 4(a) shows the first introduction plate in a closed state, and Figure 4(b) shows the first introduction plate in an open state. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of the main parts of the mobile device of this second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the mobile device representing the third embodiment, with the storage section shown as a partial cross-sectional view. Figure 6(a) shows the second introduction plate in a closed state, and Figure 6(b) shows the second introduction plate in an open state. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the mobile device representing the fourth embodiment, with the storage section shown as a partial cross-sectional view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention's mobile device based on the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For convenience, in the following description, the vertical direction will be referred to as the Z direction, and the two orthogonal axes in the horizontal plane will be referred to as the X and Y directions.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the mobile device 1 representing the first embodiment, with the storage section 14 shown as a partial cross-sectional view. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the main parts of the mobile device 1 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the mobile device 1 will be described below using Figures 1 and 2. The mobile device 1 may be an automated driving type, a remote driving type, or a manned driving type. Furthermore, the mobile device 1 can be applied to various mobile vehicles such as trucks, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, and forklifts.

[0011] The mobile device 1 includes a cabin 2, a frame 3, wheels 4, a leak sensor 5, a display device 6, a fuel cell unit 10, a drive device 20, a communication device 30, a memory 40, and a control device 50.

[0012] Cabin 2 forms a seating space for a person. When the mobility device 1 is operated by a person, Cabin 2 is equipped with operating components for the mobility device 1, such as a steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes. When the mobility device 1 is operated automatically or remotely, it becomes the aforementioned seating space, but operating components for the mobility device 1 may still be provided, and a person does not necessarily have to be in Cabin 2.

[0013] Frame 3 is connected to the cabin 2 and wheels 4, and carries the fuel cell unit 10. In addition to the fuel cell unit 10, frame 3 can carry various cargo, materials, excavated materials, etc., and its shape can be arbitrarily configured.

[0014] In this first embodiment, the leak sensor 5 detects the leakage of hydrogen stored in the tank 13 (described later) and is a device for detecting the hydrogen concentration in the atmosphere. The leak sensor 5 can be arbitrarily selected from sensors based on well-known methods for detecting hydrogen concentration, such as semiconductor type, catalytic combustion type, and hot-wire semiconductor type. The leak sensor 5 is connected to the control device 50 and inputs a detection signal related to the hydrogen concentration to the control device 50. Note that the leak sensor 5 can be omitted.

[0015] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the display device 6 is provided inside the cabin 2 and is a liquid crystal display for displaying various information. In the first embodiment, the display device 6 gives a display to prompt attention or generates a warning sound when hydrogen leakage occurs.

[0016] In the first embodiment, the fuel cell unit 10 generates electricity using hydrogen and supplies electric power to the drive device 20. The fuel cell unit 10 includes a fuel cell 11, a valve 12, a tank 13, and a storage section 14.

[0017] In the first embodiment, the fuel cell 11 is a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell and is configured by stacking a plurality of single cells. The fuel cell 11 generates an electromotive force by causing an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and compressed air. Note that the fuel cell 11 can be fixedly provided to the frame 3, may be provided below the cabin 2, or may be provided below the tank support portion 16 described later.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the valve 12 sets the supply conditions of the hydrogen stored in the tank 13 to the fuel cell 11, and includes a pressure regulating valve for adjusting the pressure of the supplied hydrogen and a flow regulating valve for adjusting the flow rate of the supplied hydrogen.

[0019] In the first embodiment, the tank 13 stores hydrogen at high pressure. Although three tanks 13 are shown in FIG. 1, the number of tanks 13 can be arbitrarily set. Also, in FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction of the tank 13 is shown along the vehicle length direction (X direction) of the moving device 1, but the tank 13 may be provided to the moving device 1 such that the longitudinal direction of the tank 13 is along the vehicle width direction (Y direction) of the moving device 1. Note that a hydrogen supply pipe (not shown) for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell 11 and a hydrogen filling pipe (not shown) for filling hydrogen from the outside of the moving device 1 are connected to the tank 13.

[0020] The storage section 14 houses the tank 13 inside and is held by the frame 3. In this first embodiment, the storage section 14 has a housing 15 and a tank support section 16.

[0021] In this first embodiment, the housing 15 is rectangular in shape, with a communication section 15s provided on the side facing the cabin 2 (-X side) and a communication section 15u provided on the top surface. The communication sections 15u and 15s allow air to pass through and have multiple openings, which can be made of, for example, mesh. By reducing the size of the multiple openings or increasing the mesh size, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the housing 15.

[0022] The connecting sections 15u and 15s may be provided across the entire surface or partially. By making the height of the housing 15 greater than the height of the cabin 2, the airflow generated by the movement of the mobile device 1 (see arrow in Figure 1) is not obstructed, and the airflow entering from the connecting section 15s can be used to discharge the hydrogen leaking from the tank 13 upward (+Z direction) from the connecting section 15u. In the case of an unmanned mobile device 1, the height of the cabin 2 can be made lower or omitted compared to the case of a manned vehicle, so the airflow is less likely to be obstructed by the cabin 2.

[0023] If the airflow generated by the movement of the mobile device 1 is obstructed by the cabin 2, a gap D may be provided in the X direction between the cabin 2 and the housing 15, or the cabin 2 and the housing 15 may be offset in the Y direction (depth direction) of the paper, so that the airflow is not obstructed by the cabin 2. An example of a gap D is several tens of centimeters to about 1 meter. Alternatively, the fuel cell 11 may be installed in this gap D. Note that a gap D is not necessarily required, and if a gap D is not provided, the side connecting section 15s may be omitted in the part where the airflow is obstructed by the cabin 2.

[0024] Alternatively, a cover may be provided to cover the communication sections 15u and 15s. When no hydrogen leak occurs, the cover will cover the communication sections 15u and 15s to maintain the airtightness of the housing. When the leak sensor 5 detects a hydrogen leak, the cover may be retracted or slid by a motor (not shown) to open the communication sections 15u and 15s. In addition, by providing a cover to cover the communication sections 15u and 15s, it is possible to prevent rain or snow from entering the housing 15.

[0025] The tank support portion 16 is a metal support member that supports the tank 13. The tank support portion 16 may also be provided with a fixing member for securing the tank 13.

[0026] The drive unit 20 uses electricity generated by the fuel cell 11 to move the mobile device 1 in a horizontal plane. In this first embodiment, the drive unit 20 has a travel motor 21 that moves the mobile device 1 in a horizontal plane. The motor (not shown) that drives the aforementioned cover may also be driven using electricity generated by the fuel cell 11.

[0027] The communication device 30 is a wireless communication unit that has a transmitter, a receiver, various circuits, and an antenna (not shown), and accesses a wide-area network such as the Internet, and communicates with a host computer located remotely from the mobile device 1. In this first embodiment, when a hydrogen leak occurs, the communication device 30 can communicate with the host computer and transmit information about the hydrogen leak along with location information detected by a GPS (not shown).

[0028] Memory 40 is a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory) and stores various data and programs for driving each element of the mobile device 1, as well as various data and programs for automatically operating the mobile device 1.

[0029] The control device 50 is equipped with a CPU and controls the entire mobile device 1, as well as taking action in the event of a hydrogen leak from the tank 13.

[0030] (flowchart) Figure 3 is a flowchart executed by the control device 50, and the control procedure in the event of a hydrogen leak will be explained below using Figure 3. Note that the flowchart in Figure 3 is performed when the mobile device 1 is moved.

[0031] The control device 50 determines whether a hydrogen leak has occurred (step S1). Based on the detection result of the leak sensor 5, the control device 50 determines whether a hydrogen leak has occurred from the tank 13. Here, assuming that a hydrogen leak has occurred, the control device 50 determines Yes in step S1 and proceeds to step S2.

[0032] The control device 50 notifies the people in cabin 2 that a hydrogen leak has occurred by displaying a message on the display device 6 and emitting a warning sound (step S2). However, if there are no people in cabin 2, the control device 50 may not perform step S2.

[0033] The control device 50 communicates with a host computer (not shown) using the communication device 30 (step S3). In addition to the fact that a hydrogen leak has occurred, the control device 50 transmits to the host computer the location information of the mobile device 1, the detection result of the leak sensor 5, and the remaining amount in the tank 13. Note that the order of steps S2 and S3 may be reversed.

[0034] The control device 50 determines whether there has been an instruction from the host computer (step S4). In this first embodiment, instructions from the host computer include instructions to move to a nearby hydrogen station or hydrogen-related maintenance plant, instructions to move to a place with little traffic, instructions to prohibit driving on highways, instructions to prohibit moving to a closed space that closes off the space above the storage unit 14, such as a tunnel or indoor parking lot (including underground parking lot), instructions to prohibit moving to a facility that handles firearms, and instructions to stop at a stoppable location.

[0035] In addition to the instructions, the host computer may also transmit relevant information to the control device 50 via the communication device 30, such as the remaining driving distance if the leak continues, and that there are no problems with hydrogen emission from the communication sections 15u and 15s.

[0036] If the control device 50 receives instructions from the host computer within a predetermined time (for example, within a few minutes), it proceeds to step S5; otherwise, it terminates this flowchart. Here, it is assumed that the control device 50 receives instructions and proceeds to step S5.

[0037] The control device 50 executes instructions from the host computer (step S5). Here, we assume that the instructions from the host computer are instructions to move to the maintenance factory. In the case of manned operation, the control device 50 may display the instructions from the host computer on the display device 6 or provide voice guidance. If the display device 6 is equipped with a navigation system, the control device 50 may change the destination to the maintenance factory.

[0038] In the case of unmanned operation, the control device 50 sets the navigation system to the maintenance factory instructed by the host computer as the destination.

[0039] The control device 50 determines whether the instructions from the host computer have been executed (step S6). In this first embodiment, the control device 50 repeats steps S5 and S6 until it arrives at the maintenance factory, at which point this flowchart ends. Alternatively, the control device 50 may determine that the decision in step S6 has been executed when it has started moving toward the maintenance factory.

[0040] According to this first embodiment, even if hydrogen leaks from the tank 13, the leaked hydrogen can be discharged upwards from the mobile device 1 using the airflow generated by the movement of the mobile device 1 and the connecting parts 15u and 15s, so as not to affect surrounding mobile devices or equipment handling firearms.

[0041] Furthermore, according to this first embodiment, the mobile device 1 changes its destination or stops based on instructions from the host computer, thus enabling safer responses to hydrogen leaks. In addition, in the flowchart of Figure 3, the instructions to be implemented (movement instruction, driving prohibition instruction, stop instruction) may be determined by the control device 50 instead of the host computer.

[0042] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted or simplified. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the airflow generated by the movement of the mobile device 1 is taken in from below (-Z side) of the storage section 14 and discharged together with the hydrogen leaked from the communication section 15u.

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the mobile device 1 representing the second embodiment, showing the storage section 14 as a partial cross-sectional view. Figure 4(a) shows the first introduction plate 17 in a closed state, and Figure 4(b) shows the first introduction plate 17 in an open state. Figure 5 is a block diagram of the main parts of the mobile device 1 of the second embodiment. The configuration of the mobile device 1 representing the second embodiment will be described below using Figures 4 and 5.

[0044] In this second embodiment, a communication portion 15b is formed on the lower surface of the housing 15. The communication portion 15b allows air to pass through and, like the communication portions 15u and 15s, has multiple openings and can be made of, for example, a mesh.

[0045] The first introduction plate 17 is a plate-shaped member provided on the lower surface of the frame 3, and is positioned by the drive motor 22 (described later) to either a position where the airflow generated by the movement of the mobile device 1 is taken in from below the storage section 14, or a position where the airflow generated by the movement of the mobile device 1 is not taken in from below the storage section 14.

[0046] The opening 18 is an opening provided in the frame 3, and is positioned according to the position of the first introduction plate 17. In other words, the opening 18 is an opening for guiding the airflow taken in by the first introduction plate 17 to the storage section 14.

[0047] The drive motor 22 is a motor that uses electricity generated by the fuel cell 11 to drive the first introduction plate 17 between the closed position shown in Figure 4(a) and the open position shown in Figure 4(b). In this second embodiment, the drive motor 22 constitutes a part of the drive device 20.

[0048] In this second embodiment, the housing 15 is provided adjacent to the cabin 2 in the X direction. The communication portion 15s on the side of the housing 15 is provided in a position where the airflow is not obstructed by the cabin 2. The communication portion 15s may be formed in the same way as in the first embodiment, or it may be omitted. Also, since the housing 15 is adjacent to the cabin 2 in the X direction, the hydrogen supply port for supplying hydrogen to the tank 13 can be routed so that it is on the near side of the page.

[0049] When the leak sensor 5 detects a hydrogen leak from the tank 13, the control device 50 uses the drive motor 22 to drive the first introduction plate 17 from the closed position shown in Figure 4(a) to the open position shown in Figure 4(b). At this time, the control device 50 may also display on the display device 6 that the first introduction plate 17 is directing the airflow toward the bottom surface of the storage section 14, or provide voice guidance.

[0050] As a result, the airflow from the first introduction plate 17 is guided to the communication section 15b via the opening 18. The airflow guided to the communication section 15b is discharged upward from the communication section 15u along with the leaked hydrogen. In addition, the airflow that enters the housing 15 from the communication section 15s is also discharged upward from the communication section 15u along with the leaked hydrogen. Thus, according to this second embodiment, the airflow from the first introduction plate 17 can be used to discharge the hydrogen leaked from the tank 13 upward from the mobile device 1. In the second embodiment, the leak sensor 5 may be omitted, and the first introduction plate 17 may be fixed in a position where airflow can be taken in from below the storage section 14. In this case, the drive motor 22 can also be omitted, so leaked hydrogen can be discharged with a simple configuration.

[0051] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 6. Components identical to those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted or simplified. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that it includes a second introduction plate 19.

[0052] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the mobile device 1 representing the third embodiment, showing the storage section 14 as a partial cross-sectional view. Figure 6(a) shows the second introduction plate 19 in a closed state, and Figure 6(b) shows the second introduction plate 19 in an open state.

[0053] The second introduction plate 19 is a plate-shaped member provided on the side of the communication section 15s, and is driven by the drive motor 22 to guide the airflow generated by the movement of the mobile device 1 downwards to the housing 15. The communication section 15s is also provided in a position facing the cabin 2, similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, the airflow guided downwards to the housing 15 by the second introduction plate 19 enters the housing 15 from the communication section 15s facing the cabin 2, and is discharged upwards to the mobile device 1 from the communication section 15u along with the hydrogen leaked from the tank 13.

[0054] According to this third embodiment, the second introduction plate 19 guides the airflow generated by the movement of the mobile device 1 downwards to the housing 15. Therefore, even if there is no large gap between the cabin 2 and the housing 15, hydrogen leaked from the tank 13 can be discharged upwards to the mobile device 1 from the communication section 15u using the communication section 15s facing the cabin 2.

[0055] The drive motor 22 may be provided separately for the first introduction plate 17 and the second introduction plate 19, or it may be configured to serve both purposes. In a third embodiment, the leak sensor 5 may be omitted, and the first introduction plate 17 may be fixed in a position where airflow can be taken in from below the storage section 14, while the second introduction plate 19 may be fixed in a position where airflow can be taken in from the communication section 15s facing the cabin 2. In this case, the drive motor 22 can also be omitted, so leaked hydrogen can be discharged with a simple configuration.

[0056] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 7. Components identical to those in the first to third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted or simplified. In the fourth embodiment, the tank 13 is installed in the housing 15 such that its longitudinal direction aligns with the vehicle width direction (Y direction) of the mobile device 1. In this fourth embodiment, six tanks 13 are installed in the housing 15, but the number of tanks 13 is not limited to this.

[0057] In this fourth embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the tank 13 is aligned with the vehicle width direction (Y direction) of the mobile device 1, so the front end of the tank 13 is located on the front side of the page in Figure 7. Therefore, the front end of the tank 13 and the hydrogen filling pipe (not shown) are easily accessible, improving the ease of hydrogen filling and maintenance.

[0058] Furthermore, since hydrogen leaks often occur from the front of the tank 13, the communication section 15s does not need to be provided along the entire side of the housing 15, but only on the side closer to the viewer.

[0059] In this fourth embodiment, a second introduction plate 19 for guiding airflow is provided below the communication section 15s, but the second introduction plate 19 may be omitted. Also, in this fourth embodiment, the communication section 15b, the first introduction plate 17, and the opening 18 may be provided on the lower surface of the housing 15.

[0060] According to this fourth embodiment, the airflow generated by the movement of the mobile device 1 and the communication parts 15u and 15s can be used to discharge leaked hydrogen upwards from the mobile device 1. Furthermore, since the tip of the tank 13 is located towards the front of the page in Figure 7, the hydrogen supply port is also located towards the front of the page, which improves the ease of hydrogen refueling and maintenance.

[0061] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative examples for illustrating the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the tank 13 may store ammonia instead of hydrogen. In this case, an ammonia engine may be used as the drive unit 20.

[0062] Furthermore, the display device 6 may be installed on the outside of the cabin 2 (for example, on the top surface of the housing 15) to notify drivers of surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, etc., that a hydrogen leak is occurring using displays and sounds.

[0063] Furthermore, the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, in the first to third embodiments, the longitudinal direction of the tank 13 may be aligned with the vehicle width direction (Y direction) of the mobile device 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 Mobile device 2 Cabin 10 Fuel cell unit 11 Fuel cell 13 Tank 14 Storage compartment 15s Connecting section 15u Connecting section 15b Connecting section 17 First introduction plate 19 Second introduction plate 20 Drive unit

Claims

1. A storage section that houses the tank containing the first gas, A movable part that holds and moves the aforementioned storage unit, An introduction section that guides the airflow caused by the movement of the aforementioned moving section toward the tank, A leak sensor for detecting the leakage of the first gas, A moving device comprising: a prohibition device that, when the leak sensor detects a leak of the first gas, prohibits the movement of the moving part into a closed space that closes the space above the storage part.

2. The mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the introduction section is formed on the side surface of the storage section and comprises a first communication section that communicates the airflow.

3. The mobile device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the height of the storage compartment is greater than the height of the cabin that forms the seating space.

4. The mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the introduction section comprises an introduction plate that guides the airflow toward the bottom surface of the storage section, and a second communication section formed on at least one of the side surface and the top surface of the storage section and the bottom surface, which communicates the airflow.

5. The moving device according to claim 4, comprising a drive unit for driving the introduction plate to a first position that guides the airflow toward the bottom surface of the storage compartment and a second position that does not guide the airflow toward the bottom surface of the storage compartment.

6. The system includes a leak sensor for detecting the leakage of the first gas, The moving device according to claim 5, wherein the drive unit drives the introduction plate based on the detection result of the leak sensor.

7. The mobile device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a display device that indicates that the introduction plate is in a state of guiding the airflow toward the bottom surface of the storage compartment.

8. The aforementioned prohibition device is a movement device according to claim 1, which prohibits movement to at least one of a tunnel and an indoor parking lot.

9. A cover that covers the first communication portion, The mobile device according to claim 2, further comprising: a motor that drives the cover to cover the first communication portion when no leakage of the first gas is occurring, and a motor that drives the cover to open the first communication portion when the leak sensor detects a leakage of the first gas.

10. A storage section that houses the tank containing the first gas, A movable part that holds and moves the aforementioned storage unit, It comprises a first wheel close to the cabin that forms the seating space and a second wheel further away from the cabin, and an introduction section provided between them that guides the airflow caused by the movement of the moving part toward the bottom surface of the storage section, The introduction section is provided on the lower surface of the frame that holds the storage section and is a mobile device having an opening that guides the airflow into the storage section.

11. The aforementioned introduction section is, The mobile device according to claim 10, further comprising a second introduction plate positioned on the side of the storage compartment and guiding the airflow to the bottom surface of the storage compartment.

12. A process of holding and moving a storage unit that houses a tank containing the first gas, A process of guiding the airflow caused by the aforementioned movement toward the tank, A method of movement that includes, when a leak of the first gas is detected, a process of prohibiting movement to a closed space that closes the space above the storage unit.

13. The method of movement according to claim 12, wherein the process of prohibiting movement prohibits movement to at least one of the tunnel and the indoor parking lot.

Images