Automotive hydrogen storage tank supporting system

The hydrogen tank support system addresses the challenge of protecting hydrogen tanks in fuel cell vehicles by connecting a support frame to the vehicle's side sills, improving rigidity and collision performance through strategic deformation of the sills to safeguard the tank.

KR103043407B1Active Publication Date: 2026-11-05HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
KR1020210174904
Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-12-08
Publication Date
2026-11-05
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles face challenges in ensuring sufficient hydrogen tank capacity while maintaining adequate collision protection due to the potential for side collision damage, particularly in vehicles with high overall height and recessed steps that can deform and fail to absorb collision energy, risking damage to the hydrogen tank.

Method used

A hydrogen tank support system that includes a support frame with longitudinal and transverse members connected to the vehicle's side sills, dividing the sills into high-strength and low-strength regions to absorb collision energy and prevent deformation, thereby protecting the tank.

Benefits of technology

Enhances vehicle rigidity and collision performance, safely protecting the hydrogen tank by suppressing deformation of the side sills and preventing damage during collisions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure 112021142449922-PAT00001_ABST
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Abstract

The disclosed floor structure for a vehicle may include: a floor provided on the floor of a vehicle body; a plurality of tank mounting members attached to the lower surface of the floor; and a plurality of hydrogen tanks mounted on the plurality of tank mounting members. Each tank mounting member extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the plurality of tank mounting members are spaced apart along the width direction of the vehicle. Each tank mounting member has a plurality of lower grooves provided on its lower portion, and each lower groove of each tank mounting member may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the upper surface of each hydrogen tank.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle that can improve the collision performance of a vehicle and safely protect a hydrogen tank. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, as awareness of the crisis regarding the environment and the depletion of petroleum resources has increased, research and development of eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) has been gaining prominence. Electric vehicles include PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles), and FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles).

[0003] A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) includes a fuel cell stack that generates electricity using hydrogen, a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen, and a battery pack that stores electrical energy generated by regenerative braking.

[0004] Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles require large-capacity hydrogen tanks to increase their air-fuel efficiency (AER). To ensure a long AER for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the hydrogen tank has a cylindrical shape that extends along the width of the vehicle. However, if the length of the hydrogen tank is relatively long to secure the tank's capacity, the side collision space between each end of the tank and the corresponding side structure of the vehicle body may become relatively narrow, and consequently, the possibility of damage to the hydrogen tank during a side collision may increase.

[0005] Meanwhile, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are being applied to various vehicle types, including not only sedans and SUVs but also multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). Vehicle types such as MPVs have relatively high overall height and floor height, and steps are provided at each edge of the floor to facilitate the boarding and alighting of passengers and cargo. The steps are recessed downward from the floor, and the side sills are attached to the bottom of the steps. As such, because the side sills are spaced apart from the floor along the vehicle's height direction due to the height difference between the floor and the steps, in the event of a collision, the side sills may rotate toward the floor without deforming on their own due to the collision energy. Consequently, since the collision energy cannot be absorbed from the side of the vehicle, the vehicle's crash performance may not be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, to protect the hydrogen tank, the length of the hydrogen tank may need to be relatively short, which has the disadvantage of making it difficult to secure sufficient capacity.

[0006] The matters described in this background technology section are written to enhance understanding of the background of the invention and may include matters that are not prior art already known to those skilled in the art to which this technology belongs. The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle that can reinforce the rigidity and strength of the vehicle, improve the vehicle's crash performance, and safely protect the hydrogen tank in the event of a vehicle collision by directly connecting a support frame supporting the hydrogen tank to the vehicle's side sill. means of solving the problem

[0008] A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may include: a floor; a pair of side sills mounted on both edges of the floor; and a support frame mounted on the floor and configured to support a hydrogen tank. The support frame may include a pair of longitudinal members and a plurality of transverse members connecting the pair of longitudinal members. Among the plurality of transverse members, at least one transverse member may have a pair of extensions extending individually from both ends toward the pair of side sills. Each extension may be individually coupled to a corresponding side sill.

[0009] In this way, each extension of at least one transverse member of the support frame is connected to the corresponding side sill, thereby allowing the support frame to be firmly connected to a pair of side sills, and thereby the hydrogen tank can be firmly supported against the vehicle body. In particular, by having at least one transverse member firmly support a pair of side sills along the width direction of the vehicle, deformation of the side sills and deformation of the vehicle body can be suppressed, and since the side sills do not strike the hydrogen tank, damage to the hydrogen tank and the valves, piping, etc. connected thereto can be prevented.

[0010] Each side sill may include an inner side sill facing the interior of the vehicle and an outer side sill facing the exterior of the vehicle. Each of the above extensions may be coupled to the inner side sill.

[0011] Each extension can be connected to the inner side sill by fixing the first pipe nut to the inner side sill and screwing the first mounting bolt to the first pipe nut.

[0012] In this way, the extension of at least one transverse member is connected to the inner side sill of the side sill through mounting bolts and pipe nuts, thereby reinforcing the inner side sill's own strength and rigidity, and thus the inner side sill can be a high-strength region. Furthermore, since the outer side sill of the side sill is not directly connected to the extension of at least one transverse member, the outer side sill can be a low-strength region. That is, the side sill can be divided into a high-strength region and a low-strength region based on the first pipe nut. Accordingly, in the event of a side collision of the vehicle, the outer side sill corresponding to the low-strength region of the side sill can absorb the collision energy by being easily deformed by the collision energy, and the inner side sill corresponding to the high-strength region of the side sill can have its deformation suppressed as much as possible by being connected to the extension of the front transverse member, thereby preventing damage to the hydrogen tank.

[0013] The above side seal further includes a side seal reinforcement mounted in its inner cavity, and at least a portion of the first pipe nut may be embedded in the side seal reinforcement.

[0014] In this way, as the side sill reinforcement is embedded in the side sill reinforcement, the supporting rigidity of the first pipe nut can be significantly strengthened, so that each extension of at least one transverse member can be more firmly connected to the side sill.

[0015] It may include a pair of floor longitudinal members attached to the bottom surface of the floor and a plurality of floor cross members connecting the pair of floor longitudinal members. Each floor longitudinal member may extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the pair of longitudinal members may be located between the pair of floor longitudinal members, and the pair of floor longitudinal members may be located between the pair of side sills.

[0016] Each of the above-mentioned member members may further include a mounting bracket extending toward a corresponding floor member member, and the mounting bracket may be coupled to the floor member member.

[0017] The mounting bracket can be connected to the floor longitudinal member by mounting a second pipe nut in the inner cavity of the floor longitudinal member and screwing a second mounting bolt into the second pipe nut.

[0018] In this way, the longitudinal member of the support frame is firmly connected to the floor longitudinal member through a mounting bracket, thereby allowing the support frame to be firmly connected to the vehicle body. This enables the support rigidity of the hydrogen tank, as well as the rigidity and strength of the vehicle body.

[0019] It further includes a plurality of seat slide rails mounted on the upper surface of the floor, and each member can be aligned vertically with the seat slide rails.

[0021] The above pair of member members can be coupled to at least one floor cross member among the plurality of floor cross members.

[0022] It further includes a third pipe nut mounted in the inner cavity of at least one floor cross member, wherein an upper bolt penetrates the seat slide rail and the threaded portion of the upper bolt is screwed into the upper female threaded portion of the third pipe nut, and a lower bolt penetrates the longitudinal member and the at least one floor cross member and the threaded portion of the lower bolt is screwed into the lower female threaded portion of the third pipe nut.

[0023] In this way, the longitudinal member is mounted to the floor together with the seat slide rail through the floor cross member, the third pipe nut, and bolts, thereby allowing the support frame to be mounted very firmly to the vehicle body, and the rigidity of the vehicle body can be significantly strengthened.

[0024] The above floor may further include a pair of center pillars mounted on both edges, and at least one of the plurality of transverse members may be configured to be aligned with the pair of center pillars.

[0025] The hydrogen tank has a pair of mounting necks provided at both ends thereof, and each member has a support block that supports each end of the hydrogen tank, and the support block may have a cavity that accommodates each mounting neck of the hydrogen tank.

[0026] The plurality of transverse members may be connected to the pair of longitudinal members through a plurality of vertical members. Each vertical member may extend along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0027] Accordingly, multiple transverse members can be positioned below a pair of longitudinal members corresponding to the length of each vertical member.

[0028] The plurality of transverse members may include a first front transverse member closest to the front end of the vehicle, a second front transverse member spaced apart from the first front transverse member toward the rear of the vehicle, a first rear transverse member spaced apart from the second front transverse member toward the rear of the vehicle, and a second rear transverse member spaced apart from the first rear transverse member toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0029] The first front side transverse member may be configured to be connected to the pair of longitudinal members through a pair of first front side vertical members, the second front side transverse member may be connected to the pair of longitudinal members through a pair of second front side vertical members, the first rear side transverse member may be connected to the pair of longitudinal members through a pair of first rear side vertical members, and the second rear side transverse member may be connected to the pair of longitudinal members through a pair of second rear side vertical members. Effects of the invention

[0031] According to the present invention, by directly connecting a support frame that supports a hydrogen tank to the side sill of a vehicle, the rigidity and strength of the vehicle can be enhanced, the collision performance of the vehicle can be improved, and the hydrogen tank can be safely protected in the event of a vehicle collision. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] FIG. 1 is a bottom view illustrating a hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on the bottom surface of the floor of a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a hydrogen tank mounted on a support frame in a hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a drawing showing the hydrogen tank separated from the support frame in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 1. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a drawing along the CC line of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a drawing along the DD line of Figure 4. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a drawing according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the bottom surface of the vehicle body illustrated in Fig. 10. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0034] In describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a floor (1) disposed on the floor of a vehicle body and a support frame (10) mounted on the floor (1).

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the floor (1) may be a flat floor that is flat across the entire floor of the vehicle. A pair of floor longitudinal members (2) may be attached to the bottom surface of the floor (1) through fasteners, welding, etc., and the pair of floor longitudinal members (2) may be spaced apart along the width direction of the vehicle, and each floor longitudinal member (2) may be extended along the length direction of the vehicle. A plurality of floor cross members (4) may be attached to the bottom surface of the floor (1) through fasteners, welding, etc., and the plurality of floor cross members (4) may be spaced apart along the length direction of the vehicle, and each floor cross member (4) may be extended along the width direction of the vehicle. By individually connecting both ends of each floor cross member (4) to a pair of floor longitudinal members (2) through fasteners, welding, etc., a plurality of floor cross members (4) can connect a pair of floor longitudinal members (2), and through this, a pair of floor longitudinal members (2) and a plurality of floor cross members (4) can form a ladder frame.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a pair of side sills (6) may be attached to both edges of the floor (1), and each side sill (6) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A pair of floor longitudinal members (2) may be located between the pair of side sills (6).

[0038] Referring to FIG. 7, a step (3) can be mounted on each edge of each floor (1), and the step (3) can be recessed downward from each edge of the floor (1). The step (3) may have a vertical wall (3a), and the vertical wall (3a) of the step (3) may be fixed to each edge of the floor (1) through fasteners, welding, etc. Each side room (6) may be located below the step (3), and each side room (6) may be connected to the step (3) through a connecting member (7). That is, as the side room (6) is located below the step (3), the side room (6) may be located below the floor (1). The connecting member (7) may be extended vertically, and the interior side wall (61a) of the inner side room (61) of each side room (6) may be fixed to the lower part of the connecting member (7) through fasteners, welding, etc. A reinforcing member (8) may be configured to connect a connecting member (7) and a side sill (6), and the reinforcing member (8) may have a first flange (8a) attached to the connecting member (7) and a second flange (8b) attached to the side sill (6). The first flange (8a) may be extended vertically to conform to the connecting member (7), and the first flange (8a) may be fixed to the connecting member (7) through fasteners, welding, etc. The second flange (8b) may be extended horizontally to conform to the upper wall (61b) of the inner side sill (61) of the side sill (6), and the second flange (8b) may be fixed to the upper wall (61b) of the inner side sill (61) of the side sill (6) through fasteners, welding, etc.

[0039] A support frame (10) may be placed below a floor (1), and the support frame (10) may be configured to support one or more hydrogen tanks (5). Specifically, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the support frame (10) may include a pair of longitudinal members (11) and a plurality of transverse members (21, 22, 23, 24) connecting the pair of longitudinal members (11).

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, the hydrogen tank (5) may be cylindrical in shape extending along the width direction of the vehicle, and the hydrogen tank (5) may have a pair of mounting necks (5a) provided at both ends thereof. Each mounting neck (5a) may have a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of each mounting neck (5a) may be smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical part of the hydrogen tank (5).

[0041] Each member (11) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a pair of members (11) may be spaced apart along the width direction of the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 3, each member (11) may have a support block (16) that supports each end of each hydrogen tank (5), and a plurality of support blocks (16) may be provided to each member (11), and the plurality of support blocks (16) may be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of each member (11). Each support block (16) may protrude downward from the member (11), and each support block (16) may have a cavity (16a). The mounting neck (5a) of each hydrogen tank (5) may be received in the cavity (16a) of each support block (16), and in particular, the cavity (16a) may have a shape that corresponds to the mounting neck (5a). According to one example, the cavity (16a) may have an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the mounting neck (5a). For example, when the support frame (10) supports three hydrogen tanks (5), each member (11) may have three support blocks (16) to support each hydrogen tank (5).

[0042] Multiple transverse members (21, 22, 23, 24) may be configured in a number one greater than the number of hydrogen tanks (5). Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the support frame (10) supports three hydrogen tanks (5), the support frame (10) may have four transverse members (21, 22, 23, 24). Accordingly, each hydrogen tank (5) may be located between two adjacent transverse members (21, 22, 23, 24).

[0043] Multiple transverse members (21, 22, 23, 24) may be configured to be connected to a pair of longitudinal members (11) through multiple vertical members (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), and each vertical member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) may extend along the height direction of the vehicle. A pair of vertical members (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) may individually connect each transverse member (21, 22, 23, 24) to a pair of longitudinal members (11). Multiple transverse members (21, 22, 23, 24) may be located below a pair of longitudinal members (11) corresponding to the length of each vertical member (12).

[0044] Among the plurality of transverse members (21, 22, 23, 24), at least one transverse member (21, 22) may have a pair of extensions (21a, 22a) that are symmetrically extended toward a pair of side sills (6).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of transverse members (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a first front transverse member (21), a second front transverse member (22), a first rear transverse member (23), and a second rear transverse member (24). The first front transverse member (21) may be closest to the front end of the vehicle, and the second front transverse member (22) may be spaced apart from the first front transverse member (21) toward the rear of the vehicle. The first rear transverse member (23) may be spaced apart from the second front transverse member (22) toward the rear of the vehicle, and the second rear transverse member (24) may be spaced apart from the first rear transverse member (23) toward the rear of the vehicle. The second rear side transverse member (24) can be closest to the rear end of the vehicle.

[0046] A plurality of vertical members (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) may include a pair of first front vertical members (12a) connecting a first front side transverse member (21) and a pair of longitudinal members (11), a pair of second front vertical members (12b) connecting a second front side transverse member (22) and a pair of longitudinal members (11), a pair of first rear side vertical members (12c) connecting a first rear side transverse member (23) and a pair of longitudinal members (11), and a pair of second rear side vertical members (12d) connecting a second rear side transverse member (24) and a pair of longitudinal members (11).

[0047] A pair of first front vertical members (12a) may be spaced apart along the width direction of the vehicle to correspond to the spacing between a pair of longitudinal members (11), a pair of second front vertical members (12b) may be spaced apart along the width direction of the vehicle to correspond to the spacing between a pair of longitudinal members (11), a pair of first rear vertical members (12c) may be spaced apart along the width direction of the vehicle to correspond to the spacing between a pair of longitudinal members (11), and a pair of second rear vertical members (12d) may be spaced apart along the width direction of the vehicle to correspond to the spacing between a pair of longitudinal members (11).

[0048] The upper end of each first front vertical member (12a) can be directly fixed to the lower surface of the corresponding longitudinal member (11) through fasteners, welding, etc., and the lower end of each first front vertical member (12a) can be fixed to the upper surface of the corresponding first front transverse member (21) through fasteners, welding, etc. The first front transverse member (21) can be connected to a pair of longitudinal members (11) through a pair of first front vertical members (12a).

[0049] The upper end of each second front vertical member (12b) can be directly fixed to the lower surface of the corresponding longitudinal member (11) through fasteners, welding, etc., and the lower end of each second front vertical member (12b) can be fixed to the upper surface of the corresponding second front transverse member (22) through fasteners, welding, etc. The second front transverse member (22) can be connected to a pair of longitudinal members (11) through a pair of first front vertical members (12b).

[0050] The upper end of each first rear vertical member (12c) can be directly fixed to the lower surface of the corresponding longitudinal member (11) through fasteners, welding, etc., and the lower end of each first rear vertical member (12c) can be fixed to the upper surface of the corresponding first rear transverse member (23) through fasteners, welding, etc. The first rear transverse member (23) can be connected to a pair of longitudinal members (11) through a pair of first rear vertical members (12c).

[0051] The upper end of each second rear vertical member (12d) can be directly fixed to the lower surface of the corresponding longitudinal member (11) through fasteners, welding, etc., and the lower end of each second rear vertical member (12d) can be fixed to the upper surface of the corresponding second rear transverse member (24) through fasteners, welding, etc. The second rear transverse member (24) can be connected to a pair of longitudinal members (11) through a pair of first rear vertical members (12d).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first front side transverse member (21) may have a pair of first extensions (21a) extending from a pair of first front side vertical members (12a) toward a pair of side sills (6). Referring to FIG. 4, the end of each first extension (21a) may be fixed to the corresponding side sill (6) through fasteners, welding, etc.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the second front side transverse member (22) may have a pair of second extensions (22a) extending from a pair of second front side vertical members (12b) toward a pair of side sills (6). Referring to FIG. 4, the end of each second extension (22a) may be fixed to the corresponding side sill (6) through fasteners, welding, etc.

[0054] In this way, by connecting each extension (21a, 22a) of at least one transverse member (21, 22) to the corresponding side sill (6), the support frame (10) can be firmly connected to a pair of side sills (6), and thereby the hydrogen tank (5) can be firmly supported against the vehicle body. In particular, by having at least one transverse member (21, 22) firmly support a pair of side sills (6) along the width direction of the vehicle, deformation of the side sills (6) and deformation of the vehicle body can be suppressed, and since the side sills (6) do not strike the hydrogen tank (5), damage to the hydrogen tank (5) and the valves, pipes, etc. connected thereto can be prevented.

[0055] The first front side transverse member (21) and the second front side transverse member (22) can be located directly below the driver's seat of the passenger compartment of the vehicle as they are close to the front of the vehicle. Accordingly, the safety of the driver's seat can be greatly improved by combining the first extension (21a) of the first front side transverse member (21) and the second extension (22a) of the second front side transverse member (22) with a pair of side sills (6).

[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, when a fuel cell vehicle is applied to a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the height of each side sill (6) is relatively lower than the height of the floor (1). Therefore, when a collision load is applied to the side sill (6) during a side collision of the vehicle, the side sill (6) can rotate relative to each edge of the floor (1) due to the moment. Accordingly, the extensions (21a, 22a) of some transverse members (21, 22) of the support frame (10) are directly connected to the corresponding side sill (6), thereby stably supporting the side sill (6) along the width direction of the vehicle, and thereby reliably preventing damage to the hydrogen tank (5) and the valves, pipes, etc. connected thereto.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, a pair of first rear vertical members (12c) can be fixed to both ends of the first rear horizontal member (23), and a pair of second rear vertical members (12d) can be fixed to both ends of the second rear horizontal member (24).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the spacing between a pair of sub-members (11) may be relatively narrower than the spacing between a pair of floor sub-members (2), and thus a pair of sub-members (11) may be positioned between a pair of floor sub-members (2).

[0059] Referring to FIG. 7, the first pipe nut (63) can be fixedly mounted in the inner cavity of each side sill (6), and a mounting hole (65) can be provided at the end of each extension (21a, 22a), and the mounting hole (65) can be aligned with the threaded hole of the first pipe nut (63). The first mounting bolt (66) passes through the mounting hole (65) of each extension (21a, 22a) and the screw hole of the first pipe nut (63), and the external thread of the first mounting bolt (66) is screwed into the internal thread of the first pipe nut (63), so that each extension (21a, 22a) of each front side transverse member (21, 22) can be firmly connected to the side sill (6) through the first mounting bolt (66) and the first pipe nut (63).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, each side sill (6) may include an inner side sill (61) facing the interior of the vehicle and an outer side sill (62) facing the exterior of the vehicle. The inner side sill (61) and the outer side sill (62) may define an inner cavity.

[0061] The inner side sill (61) may include an interior side wall (61a) facing the interior of the vehicle, an upper wall (61b) facing upward, and a floor wall (61e) facing downward. The interior side wall (61a) may extend vertically, the upper wall (61b) may extend horizontally from the top of the interior side wall (61a) toward the exterior of the vehicle, and the floor wall (61e) may extend horizontally from the bottom of the interior side wall (61a) toward the exterior of the vehicle. An upper flange (61c) may extend vertically upward from the upper wall (61b), and a lower flange (61d) may extend vertically downward from the floor wall (61e).

[0062] The outer side sill (62) may include an outer side wall (62a) facing the exterior of the vehicle and a bottom wall (62b) facing downward. The outer side wall (62a) may extend vertically, and the bottom wall (62b) may extend horizontally from the bottom of the outer side wall (62a) toward the interior of the vehicle. An upper flange (62c) may extend vertically upward from the top of the outer side wall (62a), and a lower flange (62d) may extend vertically downward from the bottom wall (62b).

[0063] By connecting the lower flange (61d) of the inner side room (61) to the lower flange (62d) of the outer side room (62), the bottom wall (61e) of the inner side room (61) can be horizontally aligned with the bottom wall (62b) of the outer side room (62). By connecting the upper flange (61c) of the inner side room (61) to the upper flange (62c) of the outer side room (62), the upper wall (61b) of the inner side room (61) can cover the bottom wall (61e) of the inner side room (61) and the bottom wall (62b) of the outer side room (62).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 7, the first pipe nut (63) can be fixedly mounted to the inner side sill (61), and the first pipe nut (63) can be fixed to the bottom wall (61e) of the inner side sill (61). In particular, the first pipe nut (63) can be positioned adjacent to the lower flange (61d) of the inner side sill (61). By fixing the first pipe nut (63) to the inner side sill (61) of the side sill (6), the extensions (21a, 22a) of the front side transverse members (21, 22) can be coupled to the inner side sill (61) of the corresponding side sill (6) by the first mounting bolt (66) and the first pipe nut (63). In this way, the extensions (21a, 22a) of the front side transverse members (21, 22) are connected to the inner side sill (61) of the side sill (6), thereby strengthening the inner side sill (61) itself and increasing its strength and rigidity, so that the inner side sill (61) can be a high-strength area (a1). Also, since the outer side sill (62) of the side sill (6) is not directly connected to the extensions (21a, 22a) of the front side transverse members (21, 22), the outer side sill (62) can be a low-strength area (a2). That is, the side sill (6) can be divided into a high-strength area (a1) and a low-strength area (a2) based on the first pipe nut (63) or the lower flange (61d) of the inner side sill (61). Accordingly, when a side collision of the vehicle occurs, the outer side sill (62) corresponding to the low-strength region (a2) of the side sill (6) can absorb the collision energy by being easily deformed by the collision energy, and the inner side sill (61) corresponding to the high-strength region (a1) of the side sill (6) can have its deformation suppressed as much as possible by being connected to the extension (21a, 22a) of the front side transverse member (21, 22), thereby preventing damage to the hydrogen tank (5).

[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, the side sill (6) may further include a side sill reinforcement (68) mounted in its inner cavity. The side sill reinforcement (68) may be fixedly mounted in the inner cavity of each side sill (6) through a bracket (not shown), etc., and the side sill reinforcement (68) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the side sill (6). For example, the side sill reinforcement (68) may be an extruded material made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. At least a portion of the first pipe nut (63) may be embedded in the side sill reinforcement (68), and accordingly, the support rigidity of the first pipe nut (63) may be greatly strengthened, so that each extension (21a, 22a) of some of the transverse members (21, 22) may be more firmly connected to the side sill (6).

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each member (11) may further include a mounting bracket (17) extending from each member (11) toward each adjacent floor member (2), and the mounting bracket (17) may be coupled to each corresponding floor member (2). According to one example, the mounting bracket (17) and the member (11) may form a single unit.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of mounting brackets (17) may extend from each member (11) of the support frame (10) toward each adjacent floor member (2).

[0068] Referring to FIG. 7, the mounting bracket (17) may have a mounting hole (17a), and the second pipe nut (71) may be fixedly mounted in the inner cavity of the floor longitudinal member (2), and the mounting hole (17a) of the mounting bracket (17) may be aligned with the threaded hole of the second pipe nut (71). The second mounting bolt (72) passes through the mounting hole (17a) of the mounting bracket (17) and the second pipe nut (71), and the male threaded portion of the second mounting bolt (72) is screwed into the female threaded portion of the second pipe nut (71), thereby allowing the mounting bracket (17) of the longitudinal member (11) to be firmly connected to the corresponding floor longitudinal member (2).

[0069] In this way, the support frame (10) can be firmly connected to the vehicle body side by a pair of longitudinal members (11) being firmly connected to a pair of floor longitudinal members (2) through a plurality of mounting brackets (17). By doing so, the support rigidity of the hydrogen tank (5) and the rigidity and strength of the vehicle body can be reinforced.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 9, a plurality of seat slide rails (81) may be mounted on the upper surface of the floor (1), and the plurality of seat slide rails (81) may be configured to guide the movement of vehicle seats, thereby allowing the position of the vehicle seats to be adjusted. Each seat slide rail (81) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A pair of longitudinal members (11) may be individually aligned with two seat slide rails (81), and each longitudinal member (11) may be vertically aligned with the corresponding seat slide rail (81).

[0071] A pair of longitudinal members (11) can be connected to at least some of the floor cross members (4) among the plurality of floor cross members (4) through fasteners, welding, etc. Some of the floor cross members (4) may have a third pipe nut (83) fixedly mounted in its inner cavity. An upper bolt (82) can pass through each seat slide rail (81), and the threaded portion of the upper bolt (82) can be screwed into the upper female threaded portion of the third pipe nut (83). That is, each seat slide rail (81) can be connected to some of the floor cross members (4) through the upper bolt (82) and the third pipe nut (83). A lower bolt (84) can pass through the longitudinal member (11) and the floor cross member (4), and the threaded portion of the lower bolt (84) can be screwed into the lower female threaded portion of the third pipe nut (83). That is, each member (11) can be connected to some floor cross members (4) through lower bolts (84) and third pipe nuts (83). In particular, each member (11) of the support frame (10) can be aligned and connected to a corresponding seat slide rail (81) along the longitudinal axis of the third pipe nut (83).

[0072] In this way, the support frame (10) can be mounted very firmly to the vehicle body by mounting the member members (11) together with the seat slide rail (81) through the floor cross member (4), the third pipe nut (83), and bolts (82, 84), thereby greatly increasing the rigidity of the vehicle body.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a pair of center pillars (9) may extend along the height direction of the vehicle from both edges of the floor (1). Among a plurality of transverse members (21, 22, 23, 24), at least one transverse member may be aligned with a pair of center pillars (9). Specifically, a first front transverse member (21) may be configured to be aligned with a pair of center pillars (9), and a pair of first extensions (21a) may be individually connected to a pair of side sills (6), so that the end of each first extension (21a) may be aligned with the lower end of the corresponding center pillar (9). In this way, as the first front side transverse member (21) is aligned with a pair of center pillars (9), the floor cross member (4) aligned above the first front side transverse member (21) can also be aligned with a pair of center pillars (9). In this way, as the first front side transverse member (21) is aligned with a pair of center pillars (9), the support frame (10) can form a loop structure together with the center pillars (9) of the vehicle body, thereby strengthening the rigidity of the vehicle body.

[0074] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0075] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are intended to illustrate, not limit, the technical concept of the invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of this invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0076] 1: Floor 2: Floor member 3: Step 4: Floor Crossmember 5: Hydrogen Tank 5a: Mounted Neck 6: Side Seal 7: Connecting Member 8: Reinforcement 9: Center pillar 10: Support Frame 11: Subordinate Member 12a: 1st forward vertical member 12b: 2nd forward vertical member 12c: 1st rear vertical member 12d: 2nd rear vertical member 16: Support block 16a: Cavity 21: 1st forward transverse member 21a: 1st extension 22: Second forward transverse member 22a: Second extension 23: 1st rear transverse member 24: 2nd rear transverse member 61: Inner side sill 62: Outer side sill 63: 1st pipe nut 66: 1st mounting bolt 71: Second pipe nut 72: Second mounting bolt 81: Seat slide rail 83: Third pipe nut

Claims

Claim 1 Floor; a pair of side sills mounted on both edges of the floor; a support frame mounted on the floor and configured to support a hydrogen tank; a pair of floor longitudinal members attached to the bottom surface of the floor; a plurality of floor cross members connecting the pair of floor longitudinal members; A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle comprising: a plurality of seat slide rails mounted on the upper surface of the floor; wherein the support frame comprises a pair of longitudinal members and a plurality of transverse members connecting the pair of longitudinal members, and at least one of the plurality of transverse members has a pair of extensions individually extending from both ends toward the pair of side sills, each extension being individually coupled to a corresponding side sill, and the pair of longitudinal members are coupled to at least one of the plurality of floor cross members, and a pipe nut is mounted in the inner cavity of the at least one floor cross member, an upper bolt penetrates the seat slide rail and the threaded portion of the upper bolt is screwed into the upper female threaded portion of the pipe nut, and a lower bolt penetrates the longitudinal member and the at least one floor cross member and the threaded portion of the lower bolt is screwed into the lower female threaded portion of the pipe nut. Claim 2 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each side sill includes an inner side sill facing the interior of the vehicle and an outer side sill facing the exterior of the vehicle, and each extension is coupled to the inner side sill. Claim 3 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein a first pipe nut is fixed to the inner side sill of the side sill, and a first mounting bolt is screw-coupled to the first pipe nut, so that each extension is coupled to the inner side sill. Claim 4 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the side seal further comprises a side seal reinforcement mounted in its inner cavity, and at least a portion of the first pipe nut is embedded in the side seal reinforcement. Claim 5 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each floor longitudinal member extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, said pair of longitudinal members are located between said pair of floor longitudinal members, and said pair of floor longitudinal members are located between said pair of side sills. Claim 6 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each member further comprises a mounting bracket extending toward a corresponding floor member, and the mounting bracket is coupled to the floor member. Claim 7 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein a second pipe nut is mounted in the inner cavity of the floor longitudinal member, and a second mounting bolt is screw-coupled to the second pipe nut, thereby the mounting bracket is coupled to the floor longitudinal member. Claim 8 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of seat slide rails mounted on the upper surface of the floor, wherein each member is vertically aligned with the seat slide rails. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transverse members are individually aligned with respect to some of the floor cross members among the plurality of floor cross members. Claim 12 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of center pillars mounted on both edges of the floor, wherein at least one of the plurality of transverse members is configured to be aligned with the pair of center pillars. Claim 13 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen tank has a pair of mounting necks provided at both ends thereof, and each member has a support block that supports each end of the hydrogen tank, and the support block has a cavity that accommodates each mounting neck of the hydrogen tank. Claim 14 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transverse members are connected to the pair of longitudinal members through the plurality of vertical members, and each vertical member extends along the height direction of the vehicle. Claim 15 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transverse members comprises a first front transverse member closest to the front end of the vehicle, a second front transverse member spaced apart from the first front transverse member toward the rear of the vehicle, a first rear transverse member spaced apart from the second front transverse member toward the rear of the vehicle, and a second rear transverse member spaced apart from the first rear transverse member toward the rear of the vehicle. Claim 16 A hydrogen tank support system for a vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the first front side transverse member is connected to the pair of longitudinal members through a pair of first front side vertical members, the second front side transverse member is connected to the pair of longitudinal members through a pair of second front side vertical members, the first rear side transverse member is connected to the pair of longitudinal members through a pair of first rear side vertical members, and the second rear side transverse member is connected to the pair of longitudinal members through a pair of second rear side vertical members.

Citation Information

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