vehicle

Abstract

To secure a mounting space of an exhaust emission control device.SOLUTION: A vehicle 100 has: a pair of a first side member 110 and a second side member 120 which are separated from one another in a vehicle width direction and extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a propeller shaft 30 arranged between the first side member 110 and the second side member 120; a first gas fuel tank 91 and a second gas fuel tank 92 which are arranged between the first side member 110 and the second side member 120 and are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction across the propeller shaft 30; and an SCR catalyst 72 which is arranged outside in the vehicle width direction of the one side member of the first side member 110 and the second side member 120.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] The vehicle described in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of side members that are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A propeller shaft is disposed between the pair of side members. Further, a plurality of gaseous fuel tanks arranged in the vehicle width direction with the propeller shaft interposed therebetween are disposed between the pair of side members. Further, an exhaust gas purification device for purifying exhaust gas is disposed between the pair of side members.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of gaseous fuel tanks and an exhaust gas purification device are disposed between a pair of side members. Therefore, if an attempt is made to increase the capacity of the gaseous fuel tank, there is a risk that the mounting space for the exhaust gas purification device will be insufficient.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The vehicle for solving the above problems includes a pair of side members that are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a propeller shaft disposed between the pair of side members, a plurality of gaseous fuel tanks disposed between the pair of side members and arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction with the propeller shaft interposed therebetween, and an exhaust gas purification device disposed outside the vehicle width direction of one of the pair of side members.

[0006] According to this configuration, the exhaust purification device is located on the outer side of the side member in the vehicle width direction, and is not located between the pair of side members. Therefore, even if the capacity of the gaseous fuel tank is increased, space for mounting the exhaust purification device can be secured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a top view of a vehicle in one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the vehicle according to the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] An embodiment of the vehicle will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In Figures 1 and 2, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, and arrow RR indicates the rear of the vehicle. Also, in Figure 1, arrow W indicates the width direction of the vehicle. In Figure 2, arrow TOP indicates the top of the vehicle, and arrow DOWN indicates the bottom of the vehicle.

[0009] <Regarding the vehicle configuration> As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 includes a pair of side members, a first side member 110 and a second side member 120, which are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100.

[0010] An internal combustion engine 10 and a transmission 15 are positioned between a pair of side members at the front of the vehicle 100, specifically between the first side member 110 and the second side member 120. The internal combustion engine 10 is an engine that uses hydrogen gas, which is a gas, as fuel.

[0011] A propeller shaft 30 is connected to the transmission 15. The propeller shaft 30 is located between the first side member 110 and the second side member 120. More specifically, the propeller shaft 30 is located in the center in the vehicle width direction and extends from the transmission 15 toward the rear of the vehicle. The propeller shaft 30 is connected to a differential gear 40 located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0012] The differential gear 40 is connected to the drive shaft 50. The drive shaft 50 is connected to the rear wheels 55, which are the drive wheels. The vehicle 100 is equipped with multiple gaseous fuel tanks for storing gaseous fuel for the internal combustion engine 10. As an example, the vehicle 100 in this embodiment is equipped with a first gaseous fuel tank 91, a second gaseous fuel tank 92, and a third gaseous fuel tank 93. In this embodiment, the first gaseous fuel tank 91, the second gaseous fuel tank 92, and the third gaseous fuel tank 93 are cylindrical, but they may be of other shapes.

[0013] The first gaseous fuel tank 91 and the second gaseous fuel tank 92 are positioned between a pair of side members, the first side member 110 and the second side member 120. Furthermore, the first gaseous fuel tank 91 and the second gaseous fuel tank 92 are positioned side-by-side in the vehicle width direction, with the propeller shaft 30 in between.

[0014] More specifically, the first gaseous fuel tank 91 is located between the propeller shaft 30 and the first side member 110. The second gaseous fuel tank 92 is located between the propeller shaft 30 and the second side member 120.

[0015] The overall length L1 of the first gaseous fuel tank 91 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction is shorter than the overall length L2 of the second gaseous fuel tank 92 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The third gaseous fuel tank 93 is positioned behind the drive shaft 50 and in front of the main muffler 82, which will be described later.

[0016] An exhaust passage 60 is connected to the exhaust port of the internal combustion engine 10. When the direction in which exhaust gas flows through the exhaust passage 60 is defined as the exhaust direction, the exhaust passage 60 is equipped with, in order from upstream of the exhaust gas, an oxidation catalyst 71, a selective reduction catalyst (hereinafter referred to as an SCR catalyst) 72, a sub-muffler 81, and a main muffler 82.

[0017] The oxidation catalyst 71 is the first exhaust gas purification device. This oxidation catalyst 71 is a device that raises the temperature of the exhaust gas by supplying an oxidizing agent such as fuel. The oxidation catalyst 71 is disposed between the first side member 110 and the second side member 120. More specifically, it is disposed on the side where the first gaseous fuel tank 91 is arranged with respect to the propeller shaft 30, and more specifically, it is disposed in front of the first gaseous fuel tank 91.

[0018] The SCR catalyst 72 is the second exhaust gas purification device. This SCR catalyst 72 is a device that reduces and purifies NOx in the exhaust gas using a reducing agent. The SCR catalyst 72 is disposed on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the first side member 110, which is one of the pair of side members. More specifically, the SCR catalyst 72 is disposed so as not to overlap with the first side member 110 in a top view of the vehicle 100.

[0019] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the SCR catalyst 72 is disposed below the first side member 110 in a side view of the vehicle 100. The sub-muffler 81 is the first muffler that reduces exhaust noise. The sub-muffler 81 is disposed on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the first side member 110.

[0020] The main muffler 82 is the second muffler that reduces exhaust noise. The main muffler 82 has a larger capacity than the sub-muffler 81. The main muffler 82 is disposed at the rear of the vehicle and approximately at the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0021] The vehicle 100 includes an aqueous urea tank 20 that stores aqueous urea to be added to the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine 10. This aqueous urea is added to the exhaust gas from a site upstream of the SCR catalyst 72 in the exhaust passage 60. Ammonia is generated from the aqueous urea added to the exhaust gas. By using the ammonia as a reducing agent, the SCR catalyst 72 reduces and purifies NOx. The aqueous urea tank 20 is disposed on the side where the second gaseous fuel tank 92 is arranged with respect to the propeller shaft 30, and more specifically, it is disposed in front of the second gaseous fuel tank 92.

[0022] <Function and Effect> The function and effect of this embodiment will be described. (1) The vehicle 100 includes a plurality of gaseous fuel tanks between a pair of side members. Here, the SCR catalyst 72 of this embodiment is disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the first side member 110 and is not disposed between the pair of side members. Therefore, even if the capacity of the gaseous fuel tank is increased, a mounting space for the SCR catalyst 72 can be secured.

[0023] (2) If the SCR catalyst 72 is disposed between a pair of side members, there is a risk that the SCR catalyst 72 may be adjacent to the gaseous fuel tank. In this case, the gaseous fuel tank may be damaged by heat from the SCR catalyst 72. In this regard, in this embodiment, the SCR catalyst 72 as a heat source is disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the first side member 110. Therefore, the SCR catalyst 72 is disposed at a position away from the gaseous fuel tank. Thus, heat damage to the gaseous fuel tank caused by the SCR catalyst 72 can be suppressed.

[0024] (3) A passenger compartment is often provided above the side members of the vehicle 100. Here, when the side member and the SCR catalyst 72 overlap in the top view of the vehicle 100, that is, when the SCR catalyst 72 is disposed above the side member, there is a risk that heat of the SCR catalyst 72 may be transmitted to the passenger compartment. In this regard, in this embodiment, the SCR catalyst 72 and the first side member 110 are disposed so as not to overlap in the top view of the vehicle 100, and the SCR catalyst 72 is not disposed above the first side member 110. More specifically, the SCR catalyst 72 is disposed below the first side member 110 in the side view of the vehicle 100. Therefore, heat transmission of the SCR catalyst 72 to the passenger compartment can be suppressed.

[0025] (4) The internal combustion engine 10 and the oxidation catalyst 71 are positioned between a pair of side members. Therefore, compared to the case where the oxidation catalyst 71 is positioned on the outside of the side member in the vehicle width direction, the oxidation catalyst 71 is positioned closer to the internal combustion engine 10. Consequently, the exhaust passage connecting the internal combustion engine 10 and the oxidation catalyst 71 is shortened, which improves the warm-up performance of the oxidation catalyst 71.

[0026] (5) Multiple mufflers, such as a sub-muffler 81 and a main muffler 82, are provided in the exhaust passage 60. Therefore, compared to the case where only one muffler is provided, it is possible to improve noise reduction performance and reduce exhaust pressure loss. Here, the sub-muffler 81 is positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the first side member 110. Therefore, interference between the sub-muffler 81 and the first gaseous fuel tank 91 can be avoided. Accordingly, the capacity of the sub-muffler 81 can be secured without reducing the capacity of the first gaseous fuel tank 91.

[0027] (6) If the third gas fuel tank 93 is located behind the main muffler 82, the air heated by the heat emitted from the main muffler 82 may be blown towards the rear of the vehicle by the airflow, potentially causing the third gas fuel tank 93 to overheat. In this embodiment, however, the third gas fuel tank 93 is located in front of the main muffler 82, thus suppressing such overheating of the third gas fuel tank 93.

[0028] (7) If the oxidation catalyst 71 and the urea water tank 20 are placed together on the side of the propeller shaft 30 where the first gaseous fuel tank 91 is located, the space available for mounting the first gaseous fuel tank 91 will be reduced. Similarly, if the oxidation catalyst 71 and the urea water tank 20 are placed together on the side of the propeller shaft 30 where the second gaseous fuel tank 92 is located, the space available for mounting the second gaseous fuel tank 92 will be reduced.

[0029] In this regard, according to this embodiment, the oxidation catalyst 71 is positioned on the side of the propeller shaft 30 where the first gaseous fuel tank 91 is located, and the urea water tank 20 is positioned on the side of the propeller shaft 30 where the second gaseous fuel tank 92 is located. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the reduction in the mounting space for the gaseous fuel tanks.

[0030] (8) The first gaseous fuel tank 91, located between the first side member 110 and the propeller shaft 30, is shorter in overall length than the second gaseous fuel tank 92, located between the second side member 120 and the propeller shaft 30. Therefore, compared to the case where the overall lengths of these gaseous fuel tanks are the same, the mounting space for the oxidation catalyst 71 located between the first side member 110 and the propeller shaft 30 can be increased.

[0031] <Example of changes> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0032] The first side member 110 and the SCR catalyst 72 may be arranged so as to overlap when viewed from above the vehicle 100. In this case as well, effects and benefits other than those described in (3) above can be obtained.

[0033] The oxidation catalyst 71 may be placed on the outer side of the side member in the vehicle width direction. In this case as well, effects and benefits other than those described in (4) above can be obtained. The sub-muffler 81 may be placed between the pair of side members. In this case as well, effects and benefits other than those described in (5) above can be obtained.

[0034] The third gaseous fuel tank 93 may be positioned behind the main muffler 82 of the vehicle. In this case as well, effects and benefits other than those described in (6) above can be obtained. The oxidation catalyst 71 and the urea water tank 20 may be positioned together on the side of the propeller shaft 30 where the first gaseous fuel tank 91 is located. Alternatively, the oxidation catalyst 71 and the urea water tank 20 may be positioned together on the side of the propeller shaft 30 where the second gaseous fuel tank 92 is located. In this case as well, effects and benefits other than those described in (7) above can be obtained.

[0035] The total lengths of the first gas fuel tank 91 and the second gas fuel tank 92 may be the same. In this case as well, effects and benefits other than those described in (8) above can be obtained. The third gaseous fuel tank 93 may be omitted.

[0036] • The gaseous fuel used was hydrogen gas, but other gaseous fuels, such as compressed natural gas, may also be used. The number of exhaust purification devices and silencers installed on vehicle 100 may be changed as appropriate. • The first exhaust gas purification device was an oxidation catalyst, but other exhaust gas purification devices may also be used.

[0037] • The second exhaust gas purification device was an SCR catalyst, but other exhaust gas purification devices may also be used. <Related technical ideas> The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples are described below.

[0038] (Note 1) A vehicle comprising: a pair of side members spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction; a propeller shaft positioned between the pair of side members; a plurality of gaseous fuel tanks positioned between the pair of side members and arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction with the propeller shaft in between; and an exhaust gas purification device positioned on the vehicle width direction outer of one of the pair of side members.

[0039] (Note 2) The vehicle described in Appendix 1, wherein the exhaust purification device, which is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of one of the aforementioned side members, and the side member are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from above the vehicle.

[0040] (Note 3) The exhaust purification device, which is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of one of the side members, is located below the side member in a side view of the vehicle, as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0041] (Note 4) A vehicle according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, comprising an internal combustion engine positioned between a pair of side members, wherein the exhaust purification device is a second exhaust purification device, and when the exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine is defined as the exhaust direction in which exhaust flows, a first exhaust purification device is connected upstream of the second exhaust purification device in the exhaust direction in the exhaust passage, and the first exhaust purification device is positioned between the pair of side members.

[0042] (Note 5) The vehicle described in Appendix 4, wherein a first silencer and a second silencer are connected to the exhaust passage, the first silencer is located on the outside in the vehicle width direction of one of the side members, and the second silencer is located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0043] (Note 6) The vehicle described in Appendix 5, wherein a different gaseous fuel tank is located in front of the vehicle where the second silencer is located.

[0044] (Note 7) The vehicle according to appendices 4 to 6, which is equipped with a urea water tank for storing urea water to be added to the exhaust of the internal combustion engine, wherein the gaseous fuel tank located between one of a pair of side members and the propeller shaft is designated as the first gaseous fuel tank, and the gaseous fuel tank located between the other of a pair of side members and the propeller shaft is designated as the second gaseous fuel tank, the first exhaust purification device is located on the side of the propeller shaft where the first gaseous fuel tank is located, and the urea water tank is located on the side of the propeller shaft where the second gaseous fuel tank is located.

[0045] (Note 8) The vehicle described in Appendix 7, wherein the first gaseous fuel tank has a shorter overall length in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle compared to the second gaseous fuel tank. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10... Internal combustion engine 15…Transmission 20... Urea solution tank 30…Propeller shaft 40... Differential gear 50…Drive shaft 55... Rear wheel 60... Exhaust passage 71… Oxidation catalyst 72... Selective reduction catalyst (SCR catalyst) 81... Sub-muffler 82... Main muffler 91... No. 1 gaseous fuel tank 92... Second gaseous fuel tank 93... Third gaseous fuel tank 100...vehicles 110...First side member 120...Second side member

Claims

1. A pair of side members spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle and extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, A propeller shaft positioned between a pair of the aforementioned side members, A plurality of gaseous fuel tanks are arranged between a pair of the aforementioned side members and aligned in the vehicle width direction with the propeller shaft in between, An exhaust purification device is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of one of the pair of side members, An internal combustion engine positioned between a pair of the aforementioned side members, It has, A first silencer and a second silencer are connected to the exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine. The first silencer is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of one of the side members. The second silencer is located at the rear of the vehicle. A separate gaseous fuel tank, different from the aforementioned gaseous fuel tank, is located in front of the vehicle where the second silencer is located. vehicle.

2. The exhaust purification device, which is located on the outer side of one of the side members in the vehicle width direction, and the side member are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed from above the vehicle. The vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The exhaust purification device, which is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of one of the aforementioned side members, is positioned below the side member when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The vehicle according to claim 1.

4. When the exhaust purification device is a second exhaust purification device, and the direction in which the exhaust flows through the exhaust passage is the exhaust direction, In the exhaust passage, the first exhaust purification device is connected upstream of the second exhaust purification device in the exhaust direction. The first exhaust gas purification device is positioned between a pair of side members. The vehicle according to claim 1.

5. The system is equipped with a urea solution tank for storing urea solution to be added to the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, When the gaseous fuel tank positioned between one of the pair of side members and the propeller shaft is designated as the first gaseous fuel tank, and the gaseous fuel tank positioned between the other of the pair of side members and the propeller shaft is designated as the second gaseous fuel tank, The first exhaust gas purification device is positioned on the side of the propeller shaft where the first gaseous fuel tank is located. The urea water tank is located on the side of the propeller shaft where the second gaseous fuel tank is located. The vehicle according to claim 4.

6. The first gaseous fuel tank has a shorter overall length in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle compared to the second gaseous fuel tank. The vehicle according to claim 5.

7. A pair of side members spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle and extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, A propeller shaft positioned between a pair of the aforementioned side members, A plurality of gaseous fuel tanks are arranged between a pair of the aforementioned side members and aligned in the vehicle width direction with the propeller shaft in between, for storing hydrogen gas, which is the gaseous fuel of the internal combustion engine, An SCR catalyst is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of one of the pair of side members, and uses a reducing agent to reduce and purify NOx in the exhaust gas. A urea water tank is positioned between one of the pair of side members and the propeller shaft, and stores urea water to be added to the exhaust of the internal combustion engine. A vehicle that possesses the following characteristics.

8. A pair of side members spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle and extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, A propeller shaft positioned between a pair of the aforementioned side members, A plurality of gaseous fuel tanks are arranged between a pair of the aforementioned side members and aligned in the vehicle width direction with the propeller shaft in between, for storing hydrogen gas, which is the gaseous fuel of the internal combustion engine, An SCR catalyst is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of one of the pair of side members, and uses a reducing agent to reduce and purify NOx in the exhaust gas. A urea water tank is positioned between the other side member of the pair of side members and the propeller shaft, and stores urea water to be added to the exhaust of the internal combustion engine. A vehicle that possesses the following characteristics.

9. A pair of side members spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle and extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, A propeller shaft positioned between a pair of the aforementioned side members, A plurality of gaseous fuel tanks are arranged between a pair of the aforementioned side members and aligned in the vehicle width direction with the propeller shaft in between, for storing hydrogen gas, which is the gaseous fuel of the internal combustion engine, An exhaust purification device is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of one of the pair of side members, It has, The upper surface of the exhaust purification device, which is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of one of the aforementioned side members, is located below the lower surface of the side member when viewed from the side of the vehicle. vehicle.

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