Work machine and tank module

Abstract

The present invention makes tank replacement more efficient. A work machine comprises a vehicle body, a hydrogen tank (21) mounted on the vehicle body, and an exterior cover (80) covering at least an upper portion of the hydrogen tank (21). The hydrogen tank (21) and the exterior cover (80) are configured to be detachable from the vehicle body of the work machine as a single unit.

Description

Work Machine and Tank Module

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

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

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-31601

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

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a work machine that enables efficient tank replacement.

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

[0007] According to the work machine of the present disclosure, efficient tank replacement can be achieved.

[0008] This is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the excavator. This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the hydrogen tank and outer cover assembly. This is a perspective view with the outer cover removed from the assembly. This is a perspective view with the fixing members further removed from the assembly. This is a perspective view with the mounting plate further removed from the assembly. This is a plan view of the hydrogen tank and outer cover assembly. This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along the line VII-VII shown in Figure 6. This is a perspective view of the fixing members. This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along the line IX-IX shown in Figure 6. This is a side view of the assembly from the right. This is a front view of the assembly. This is a diagram showing the outer cover viewed from below. This is a cross-sectional view of the outer cover along the line XIII-XIII shown in Figure 12. This is a cross-sectional view of the outer cover along the line XIV-XIV shown in Figure 12.

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

[0010] In the following explanation, "up," "down," "front," "rear," "left," and "right" refer to directions relative to the operator seated in the cab (driver's compartment). Therefore, the front-rear direction refers to the direction in which the boom 16 extends between its base and tip when viewed from above. The left-right direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction when viewed from above. The up-down direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the plane that includes the mutually perpendicular front-rear and left-right directions.

[0011] The direction from the base to the tip of the boom 16 is the forward direction, and the direction from the tip to the base of the boom 16 is the rear direction. In a rear view, the right and left sides are the right and left directions, respectively. In the vertical direction, the side with the ground is the downward direction, and the side with the sky is the upward direction. A top view means a viewpoint from which the shovel 1 is viewed from above and below. A side view means a viewpoint from which the slewing body 13 is viewed from the left and right directions. A front view means a viewpoint from which the slewing body 13 is viewed from the front to the rear. A rear view means a viewpoint from which the slewing body 13 is viewed from the rear to the front.

[0012] In the drawing, the upward direction is indicated by the arrow Up, the downward direction by the arrow Dn, the forward direction by the arrow Fr, and the backward direction by the arrow Rr.

[0013] <Overall Structure of the Shovel> Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a shovel 1 as an example of a work machine in one embodiment of the present disclosure. The work machine in this embodiment is, for example, a shovel 1 having a fuel cell.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the shovel 1 comprises a main body 11 and a hydraulically operated work implement 12. The main body 11 corresponds to an example of the vehicle body of the shovel 1. The main body 11 includes a slewing body 13 and a traveling body 15.

[0015] The vehicle 15 has a pair of left and right tracks 15Cr and a drive motor 15M. The shovel 1 can move by the rotation of the tracks 15Cr. The drive motor 15M is provided as the drive source for the vehicle 15.

[0016] The slewing body 13 is positioned on and supported by the traveling body 15. The slewing body 13 is capable of rotating relative to the traveling body 15 about a pivot axis RX by a slewing motor (not shown). The pivot axis RX is a hypothetical straight line that serves as the pivot center of the slewing body 13.

[0017] The slewing body 13 has a cab 14. Inside the cab 14 is a driver's seat 14S where the operator sits. The operator can sit in the driver's seat 14S and operate the work implement 12, rotate the slewing body 13 relative to the traveling body 15, and move the shovel 1 using the traveling body 15.

[0018] The work implement 12 is supported by a slewing body 13. The work implement 12 has a boom 16, an arm 17, and a bucket 18. The work implement 12 further has a boom cylinder 19a, an arm cylinder 19b, and a bucket cylinder 19c.

[0019] The base end of the boom 16 is rotatably connected to the slewing body 13 with the boom foot pin BF as the pivot point. The base end of the arm 17 is rotatably connected to the tip of the boom 16 with the boom top pin BT as the pivot point. The base end of the bucket 18 is rotatably connected to the tip of the arm 17 with the arm top pin AT as the pivot point.

[0020] The rotating body 13 further comprises an exterior panel OP surrounding the machine room 20, a hydrogen tank 21, and a fuel cell module 30. The hydrogen tank 21 and the fuel cell module 30 are mounted on the rotating body 13 and are located within the machine room 20 of the rotating body 13. The hydrogen tank 21, fuel cell module 30, etc., are covered by the exterior panel OP. The machine room 20 is partitioned inside the exterior panel OP. The exterior panel OP separates the internal space of the machine room 20 from the outside of the machine room 20.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0032] The hydrogen tank 21 and support frame 40 are surrounded by an outer cover 80. A hollow tank housing space is formed by partitions on the top surface 81, rear side surface 82, and front side surface 83 of the outer cover 80, and the hydrogen tank 21 and support frame 40 are housed in the tank housing space. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, a recessed portion 84 is formed on the top surface 81 that covers the top of the hydrogen tank 21, where a part of the top surface 81 is recessed. The recessed portion 84 is defined by an inclined surface 85. The inclined surface 85 has the shape of a frustoconical side, with the diameter decreasing as it goes downward from the top surface 81. A through hole 86 is formed at the bottom of the recessed portion 84, penetrating the outer cover 80 in the thickness direction. The suspension portion 45 is exposed upward through the through hole 86.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0040] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fixing member 90. The fixing member 90 includes a pair of fin portions 91 and 92, a pair of wall surface portions 93 and 94, and a bottom surface portion 95. The pair of fin portions 91 and 92 are arranged on substantially the same plane. Each of the fin portions 91 and 92 is formed with a plurality of through holes penetrating the member in the thickness direction.

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

[0042] The bottom surface portion 95 connects the lower edge of the wall surface portion 93 and the lower edge of the wall surface portion 94. The bottom surface portion 95 is arranged in parallel with the pair of fin portions 91 and 92. The wall surface portions 93 and 94 are interposed between the bottom surface portion 95 and the fin portions 91 and 92, and the bottom surface portion 95 is arranged away from the fin portions 91 and 92. A hollow ventilation space 96 surrounded by the wall surface portions 93, 94 and the bottom surface portion 95 is formed. Referring also to FIG. 3, both ends of the ventilation space 96 are open.

[0043] The fixture 98 penetrates the bottom surface portion 95 of the fixing member 90, and fixes the bottom surface portion 95 to the mounting seat 48 shown in FIG. 4. A through hole for mounting the fixture 98 is formed in the bottom surface portion 95.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 taken along the line IX-IX shown in FIG. 6. The exterior cover 80 is made of resin. The fixing member 90 is made of metal and is insert-molded in the exterior cover 80. In the fixing member 90, the pair of fin portions 91 and 92 are embedded in the exterior cover 80. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of through holes are formed in each of the fin portions 91 and 92, and when insert molding is performed, the resin material is also filled into the through holes, whereby the fixing member 90 and the exterior cover 80 are more firmly integrated.

[0045] The hydrogen tank 21 is housed in a tank housing space 89. An upper surface 81 of the exterior cover 80 has a facing surface 81S that faces the hydrogen tank 21. The facing surface 81S is a downward-facing surface of the outer surface of the upper surface 81.

[0046] Wall portions 93 and 94 of the fixing member 90 extend downward from the upper surface 81 of the exterior cover 80. The wall portions 93 and 94 extend downward from the edge of a fixing hole 88 formed in the upper surface 81. The wall portion 93 is disposed between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21 in a top view. In top view, the hydrogen tank 21 is disposed at a position offset from the fixing hole 88.

[0047] A bottom surface portion 95 connecting the lower edge of the wall portion 93 and the lower edge of the wall portion 94 is disposed below and spaced apart from the upper surface 81 of the exterior cover 80. The bottom surface portion 95 is disposed directly below the fixing hole 88 formed in the upper surface 81 of the exterior cover 80. The fixing hole 88 is disposed directly above a through-hole formed in the bottom surface portion 95. The configuration allows the work of screwing a fixing tool 98 into a mounting hole 49 of a mounting seat 48 through the fixing hole 88. The configuration is such that the fixing member 90 can be fixed to the mounting seat 48 from above the exterior cover 80, and thus the work of fixing the exterior cover 80 to a support frame 40 can be performed.

[0048] A ventilation space 96 surrounded by the wall portions 93, 94 and the bottom surface portion 95 communicates with the fixing hole 88, and communicates with an external space above the exterior cover 80 through the fixing hole 88. The ventilation space 96 is open at both ends in the left-right direction of the revolving structure 13 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 8, see also FIG. 3). The tank housing space 89 in which the hydrogen tank 21 is housed communicates with the ventilation space 96. The tank housing space 89 communicates with the external space above the exterior cover 80 through the ventilation space 96 and the fixing hole 88.

[0049] A portion of the fixing member 90, specifically the wall portion 93 and the bottom portion 95, constitutes an intervening member that is positioned between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21. In a top view, the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21 are positioned so as not to overlap with each other, and because the intervening member is positioned between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21, the hydrogen tank 21 cannot be seen from outside the outer cover 80.

[0050] Figure 10 is a side view of the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 from the right. Figure 11 is a front view of the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80. Figure 10 shows the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 viewed from the right in the direction of arrow X shown in Figures 2, 6 and 11. Figure 11 shows the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 viewed from the front in the direction of arrow XI shown in Figures 2, 6 and 10.

[0051] The centerline 21C shown in Figures 10 and 11 indicates the centerline of the hydrogen tank 21, which has a cylindrical outer shape. The rear side surface 82 covers the side of the hydrogen tank 21 from the rear. The lower edge of the rear side surface 82 is located below the centerline 21C of the hydrogen tank 21. The front side surface 83 covers the side of the hydrogen tank 21 from the front. The lower edge 83B of the front side surface 83 is located below the centerline 21C of the hydrogen tank 21.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, the front side surface 83 of the outer cover 80 and the lower frame 42 of the support frame 40 cover the entire hydrogen tank 21 in the vertical direction when viewed from the side. The front side surface 83 and the lower frame 42 cover the hydrogen tank 21 so that it is not visible from the side. Specifically, in a front view, the hydrogen tank 21 is covered by the front side surface 83 and the lower frame 42 and is not visible.

[0053] Figure 12 shows the exterior cover 80 viewed from below. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior cover 80 along the line XIII-XIII shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior cover 80 along the line XIV-XIV shown in Figure 12.

[0054] The downward-facing opposing surface 81S of the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80 has a rib that protrudes downward from the opposing surface 81S. The rigidity of the outer cover 80 is increased by the provision of the rib. The rib has a first rib portion 81R1 that extends in the front-rear direction of the slewing body 13 and a second rib portion 81R2 that extends in the left-right direction of the slewing body 13. The first rib portion 81R1 and the second rib portion 81R2 extend intersectingly with each other.

[0055] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the opposing surface 81S of the outer cover 80 has a portion in front of the second rib portion 81R2 and a portion behind the second rib portion 81R2. The portion in front of the second rib portion 81R2 and the portion behind the second rib portion 81R2 are separated by the second rib portion 81R2. Fixing holes 88 are formed in the portion in front of the second rib portion 81R2. Fixing holes 88 are formed in the portion behind the second rib portion 81R2. Fixing holes 88 are formed in both the portion in front of the second rib portion 81R2 and the portion behind the second rib portion 81R2.

[0056] As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the opposing surface 81S of the outer cover 80 has multiple sections separated by the first rib portion 81R1. Fixing holes 88 are formed in each of these multiple sections. Fixing holes 88 are formed in each of the multiple sections separated by the first rib portion 81R1 and the second rib portion 81R2, which extend in a manner that intersects with each other.

[0057] <Function and Effects> The characteristic configuration and effects of this embodiment are summarized below.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2 and 9, the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 that covers the hydrogen tank 21 are configured to be detachably attached to the body of the excavator 1 as a single unit. By having a structure that allows the hydrogen tank 21 together with the outer cover 80 to be attached to and detached from the body, it is not necessary to sequentially attach and detach the outer cover 80 and the hydrogen tank 21 when replacing the hydrogen tank 21. Since the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80 can be attached to and detached from the body easily and quickly, the time required to replace the hydrogen tank 21 can be reduced, and the efficiency of hydrogen tank 21 replacement can be improved.

[0059] When transporting the hydrogen tank 21, it can be transported in a package that is covered by the outer cover 80. This eliminates the need to prepare a separate cover to conceal the hydrogen tank 21 during transport, and also eliminates the need to cover the hydrogen tank 21, thus improving the efficiency of hydrogen tank 21 transportation.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, the exterior cover 80 may constitute part of the exterior of the excavator 1. When attaching and detaching the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 to the body of the excavator 1, other structures of the excavator 1 can be prevented from interfering with the attachment and detachment, thereby improving the efficiency of replacing the hydrogen tank 21.

[0061] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the shovel 1 may further include a lifting section 45 used to lift the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 together. Since the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 can be lifted together using the lifting section 45, the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 can be easily attached to and detached from the vehicle body.

[0062] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 9, the support frame 40 supporting the hydrogen tank 21 and the exterior cover 80 may be configured to be detachably attached to the body of the excavator 1 as a single unit. The assembly of the hydrogen tank 21, the support frame 40 supporting the hydrogen tank 21, and the exterior cover 80 covering the hydrogen tank 21 can be easily and quickly attached to and detached from the vehicle body.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the suspension part 45 may be attached to the support frame 40. If the suspension part 45 is to be attached to the outer cover 80, the outer cover 80 will need to be rigid, which would increase its weight and be disadvantageous. By attaching the suspension part 45 to the rigid support frame 40 that supports the hydrogen tank 21, and suspending the support frame 40, the outer cover 80 will be lifted together with the support frame 40 while resting on it. The load on the outer cover 80 during lifting is reduced, so the outer cover 80 does not need to be highly rigid. The outer cover 80 can be made into a simple structure, and an increase in the weight of the outer cover 80 can be avoided.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, a through-hole 86 is formed in the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80, penetrating the outer cover 80 in the thickness direction, and the suspension portion 45 attached to the support frame 40 may be exposed upward through the through-hole 86. By configuring the suspension portion 45 so that it is not covered from above by the outer cover 80, the assembly of the hydrogen tank 21, the support frame 40, and the outer cover 80 can be easily and integrally lifted using the suspension portion 45.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, the upper end 45T of the lifting portion 45 may be positioned below the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80. By configuring the lifting portion 45 so that it does not protrude upward from the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80, the lifting portion 45 can be protected, and the aesthetic appearance of the shovel 1 can be improved. This also avoids increasing the height of the assembly between the hydrogen tank 21 and the outer cover 80, which is advantageous in that it makes it easier to comply with height restrictions when transporting the shovel 1.

[0066] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, a recessed portion 84 is formed on the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80, and the through hole 86 may be formed at the bottom of the recessed portion 84. In this way, it is easier to arrange the upper end 45T of the suspension portion 45 below the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80.

[0067] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, a fixing hole 88 may be formed directly above the fixing device 98 that integrally fixes the outer cover 80 and the support frame 40, penetrating the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80 in the thickness direction. The work of integrally fixing the outer cover 80 and the support frame 40 using the fixing device 98 can be performed from above the outer cover 80 through the fixing hole 88, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0068] As shown in Figure 9, the fixing member 90 is insert-molded into the resin exterior cover 80, and the fastener 98 may fix the fixing member 90 to the support frame 40. The exterior cover 80 and the fixing member 90 are integrally structured, and by fixing the fixing member 90 to the support frame 40 using the fastener 98, the exterior cover 80, the support frame 40, and the hydrogen tank 21 supported by the support frame 40 can be integrated. The assembly of the hydrogen tank 21, the support frame 40 that supports the hydrogen tank 21, and the exterior cover 80 that covers the hydrogen tank 21 can be reliably attached to and detached as a single unit from the body of the excavator 1.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, the outer cover 80 may have a rear side surface 82 and a front side surface 83 that cover the sides of the hydrogen tank 21. Having the rear side surface 82 and the front side surface 83 in addition to the top surface 81 that covers the top of the hydrogen tank 21 makes the hydrogen tank 21 less visible from the outside during transport and storage. Since the outer cover 80 has a certain degree of rigidity, the hydrogen tank 21 can be protected by covering it with the outer cover 80. Since there is no need to prepare a separate cover to cover the hydrogen tank 21 during transport and storage, the efficiency of transporting and storing the hydrogen tank 21 can be improved.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, the lower edge of the rear side 82 and the lower edge 83B of the front side 83 may be positioned below the centerline 21C of the hydrogen tank 21. Since the rear side 82 and the front side 83 cover at least the upper half of the hydrogen tank 21, and more of the hydrogen tank 21 is covered by the outer cover 80, the hydrogen tank 21 can be made less visible from the outside during transport and storage. The rear side 82 and the front side 83 may be extended further downward, so that the lower edge of the rear side 82 and the lower edge 83B of the front side 83 are positioned below the bottom end of the hydrogen tank 21, in which case the hydrogen tank 21 can be made completely invisible from the side.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11, the outer cover 80 and the support frame 40 may cover the entire hydrogen tank 21 in the vertical direction when viewed from the side. This ensures that the hydrogen tank 21 is not visible from the side during transport and storage.

[0072] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the hydrogen tank 21 and the pressure reducing valve unit 70, which includes a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of hydrogen flowing out of the hydrogen tank 21, may be configured to be detachably attached to the body of the excavator 1. When replacing the hydrogen tank 21, the fuel cell module 30 mounted on the body of the excavator 1 and the hydrogen tank 21 removed from the body can be connected and disconnected at a single point downstream of the pressure reducing valve unit 70. Since the operation of connecting and disconnecting the hydrogen tank 21 and the fuel cell module 30 can be done easily and quickly, the time required to replace the hydrogen tank 21 can be reduced, and the efficiency of hydrogen tank 21 replacement can be improved.

[0073] As shown in Figures 2, 6, 9, 12-14, the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80 has fixing holes 88 that penetrate the upper surface 81 in the thickness direction. If the flammable fluid stored in the hydrogen tank 21 leaks out of the hydrogen tank 21 or the piping connecting the hydrogen tank 21 and the fuel cell module 30, the leaked flammable fluid can be allowed to flow out into the outside space by passing through the fixing holes 88. Therefore, the accumulation of flammable fluid can be prevented.

[0074] As shown in Figure 9, the wall portion 93 and bottom portion 95 of the fixing member 90 are interposed between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21. When sunlight shines through the fixing hole 88, which is open upwards, the wall portion 93 and bottom portion 95 of the fixing member 90 block the sunlight, preventing direct sunlight from hitting the hydrogen tank 21. Therefore, heating of the hydrogen tank 21 can be suppressed.

[0075] As shown in Figure 9, the bottom portion 95 of the fixing member 90, which is positioned directly below the fixing hole 88, may be interposed between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21. The bottom portion 95 positioned directly below the fixing hole 88 can block sunlight that shines through the fixing hole 88, preventing direct sunlight from hitting the hydrogen tank 21.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, the bottom portion 95 may be positioned below the top surface 81 of the outer cover 80, but away from the top surface 81. A hollow ventilation space 96 is formed between the top surface 81 of the outer cover 80 and the bottom portion 95, allowing leaked flammable fluid to flow out to the outside space through the fixing hole 88 via the ventilation space 96.

[0077] As shown in Figure 9, the wall portion 93 of the fixing member 90 extending downward from the edge of the fixing hole 88 may be interposed between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21. The wall portion 93 extending downward from the edge of the fixing hole 88 can block sunlight entering through the fixing hole 88, preventing direct sunlight from hitting the hydrogen tank 21.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, the wall portion 93 may be positioned between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21 in a top view. By positioning the wall portion 93 in this way, the wall portion 93 can be reliably interposed between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21.

[0079] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, a fixing hole 88 may be formed directly above the fixing device 98 that integrally fixes the outer cover 80 and the support frame 40 that supports the hydrogen tank 21. The work of integrally fixing the outer cover 80 and the support frame 40 using the fixing device 98 can be performed from above the outer cover 80 through the fixing hole 88, thus improving work efficiency. The flammable fluid can be allowed to flow out into the outside space by passing through the fixing hole 88, and it is not necessary to form any other holes in the outer cover 80 besides the fixing hole 88, thus reducing the number of holes and lowering the manufacturing cost of the outer cover 80.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, the fixing member 90 is insert-molded into the resin outer cover 80, and the fixing device 98 may be used to fix the fixing member 90 to the support frame 40. The outer cover 80 and the fixing member 90 are integrally structured, and by fixing the fixing member 90 to the support frame 40 using the fixing device 98, the outer cover 80, the support frame 40, and the hydrogen tank 21 supported by the support frame 40 can be integrated.

[0081] As shown in Figure 9, the bottom portion 95 and the wall portion 93, which are part of the fixing member 90, may be interposed between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21. The fixing member 90, used to fix the outer cover 80, the hydrogen tank 21 and the support frame 40, has the function of preventing direct sunlight from hitting the hydrogen tank 21. Since there is no need to provide a separate member for interposing between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21 from the fixing member 90, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0082] As shown in Figures 9, 12 to 14, the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80 has a facing surface 81S that faces the hydrogen tank 21 and ribs that protrude downward from the facing surface 81S. Fixing holes 88 may be formed in both the portion of the facing surface 81S separated by the ribs. When a flammable fluid reaches the space separated by the ribs that protrude downward from the downward-facing facing surface 81S, the flammable fluid can be allowed to flow out to the outside space by passing through the fixing holes 88, thereby preventing the flammable fluid from accumulating.

[0083] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the ribs protruding downward from the opposing surface 81S may have a first rib portion 81R1 and a second rib portion 81R2 that intersect each other. Fixing holes 88 are formed in each of the portions partitioned vertically and horizontally by the first rib portion 81R1 and the second rib portion 81R2, allowing the flammable fluid to pass through the fixing holes 88 and flow out into the external space, thereby preventing the flammable fluid from accumulating.

[0084] The flammable fluid stored in the hydrogen tank 21 may have a specific gravity lower than that of air. If the flammable fluid with a specific gravity lower than that of air leaks out, it will flow toward the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80 that covers the top of the hydrogen tank 21. Since fixing holes 88 are formed in the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80, the leaked flammable fluid can be allowed to flow out into the outside space by passing through the fixing holes 88, thereby preventing the flammable fluid from accumulating.

[0085] The flammable fluid stored in the hydrogen tank 21 may be hydrogen. If hydrogen leaks out, it is possible to prevent hydrogen from accumulating inside the outer cover 80, thereby suppressing the hydrogen concentration in the air from falling into the combustion range of 4 volume percent to 75 volume percent.

[0086] In the description of the embodiment, an example was described in which suspension parts 45 are provided at the four corners of a rectangular support frame 40, but the invention is not limited to this example. The suspension parts 45 may be provided at the center of the support frame 40 when viewed from above. For example, additional frames extending diagonally from the rectangular upper frame 41 may be added, and the suspension parts 45 may be provided at the positions where these frames intersect. Alternatively, if the outer cover 80 has sufficient rigidity, the suspension parts 45 can be provided on the outer cover 80, and the outer cover 80 and the support frame 40 can be fixed together with bolts or the like.

[0087] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the hydrogen tank 21 is mounted on a support plate 51 and supported by a support frame 40. However, the support frame 40 may support the hydrogen tank 21 in any manner. Furthermore, the hydrogen tank 21 does not necessarily have to be supported by the support frame 40. The hydrogen tank 21 may be directly supported by the outer cover 80.

[0088] In the description of the embodiment, an example was described in which the wall portion 93 and the bottom portion 95 of the fixing member 90 are interposed between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21, but the invention is not limited to this example. For example, if the bottom portion 95 that covers the fixing hole 88 from below is large enough to be interposed between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21, the interposing member does not need to include the wall portion 93. An interposing member may be provided as a separate member from the fixing member 90, interposed between the fixing hole 88 and the hydrogen tank 21. In this case, the interposing member may be composed of a wall portion that extends downward from the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80 and extends along the edge of the fixing hole 88, and the interposing member does not need to include the bottom portion. The hole that penetrates the upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80 may be a hole formed separately from the fixing hole 88.

[0089] The outer cover 80 does not necessarily have to have ribs protruding from the opposing surface 81S. The thickness of the outer cover 80 can be increased to provide sufficient rigidity, in which case it is not necessary to form ribs for reinforcement.

[0090] The working machines to which this disclosure applies are not limited to excavators, but may also be other types of working machines such as bulldozers, wheel loaders, motor graders, dump trucks, and forklifts that have fuel cells. Furthermore, the working machines to which this disclosure applies are not limited to those having fuel cells, but may be any machine that has a hydrogen power source, which is a power source that utilizes hydrogen. The hydrogen power source may be, for example, a hydrogen co-firing engine that burns hydrogen mixed with fossil fuels, or a hydrogen-only engine that burns only hydrogen without using fossil fuels.

[0091] The description of the embodiments describes an example in which hydrogen gas is stored in the hydrogen tank 21, but the invention is not limited to this example. Liquid hydrogen may be stored in the hydrogen tank 21. The present disclosure may also be applied to work machines to which a tank for storing a flammable fluid is applied. The flammable fluid may have a specific gravity lower than that of air. The flammable fluid may be, for example, methane.

[0092] <Note> The above description includes the following features.

[0093] (Note 1) A work machine comprising a vehicle body, a tank mounted on the vehicle body for storing a flammable fluid, and a cover member covering at least the upper part of the tank, wherein the tank and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0094] (Note 2) The cover member is part of the exterior of the work machine as described in Note 1.

[0095] (Note 3) The work machine according to Note 1 or Note 2, further comprising a lifting section used for lifting the tank and the cover member together.

[0096] (Note 4) The work machine according to Note 3, further comprising a tank support mechanism for supporting the tank, wherein the tank support mechanism and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0097] (Note 5) The lifting portion is attached to the tank support mechanism, as described in Note 4.

[0098] (Note 6) The work machine as described in Note 5, wherein the cover member has an upper surface that covers the top of the tank, a through hole is formed in the upper surface that penetrates the cover member in the thickness direction, and the suspension portion is exposed upward through the through hole.

[0099] (Note 7) The work machine as described in Note 6, wherein the suspension portion has an upper end that is positioned below the upper surface.

[0100] (Note 8) The work machine according to Note 6 or Note 7, wherein a recess is formed on the upper surface, and the through hole is formed at the bottom of the recess.

[0101] (Note 9) The work machine according to any one of Notes 6 to 8, further comprising a fixing device for integrally fixing the cover member and the tank support mechanism, wherein a fixing hole penetrating the upper surface in the thickness direction is formed directly above the fixing device on the upper surface.

[0102] (Note 10) The work machine according to Note 9, wherein the cover member is made of resin, and further comprises a fixing member insert-molded into the cover member, and the fixing device fixes the fixing member to the tank support mechanism.

[0103] (Note 11) The work machine described in any one of Notes 1 to 10, wherein the cover member has a side surface that covers the side of the tank.

[0104] (Note 12) The work machine according to Note 11, wherein the side surface has a lower edge located below the center of the tank.

[0105] (Note 13) The cover member and the tank support mechanism are the work machine described in any one of Notes 4 to 10, which, when viewed from the side, cover the entire vertical surface of the tank.

[0106] (Note 14) The work machine according to any one of Notes 1 to 13, further comprising a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of a flammable fluid flowing out of the tank, wherein the tank and the pressure reducing valve are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0107] (Note 15) A tank module mounted on the body of a work machine, comprising a tank for storing a flammable fluid and a cover member covering at least the upper part of the tank, wherein the tank and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the body as a single unit.

[0108] (Note 16) The cover member is the tank module described in Note 15, which constitutes part of the exterior of the work machine.

[0109] (Note 17) The tank module according to Note 15 or Note 16, further comprising a lifting portion used for lifting the tank and the cover member together.

[0110] (Note 18) The tank module according to Note 17, further comprising a tank support mechanism for supporting the tank, wherein the tank support mechanism and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0111] (Note 19) The tank module according to any one of Notes 15 to 18, wherein the cover member has a side surface that covers the side of the tank.

[0112] (Note 20) The tank module according to any one of Notes 15 to 19, further comprising a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of a flammable fluid flowing out of the tank, wherein the tank and the pressure reducing valve are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

[0113] International Publication 2022 / 137688 discloses a construction machine comprising a hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen and a fuel cell supplied with hydrogen from the hydrogen tank.

[0114] In work machinery equipped with a tank for storing flammable fluids, it is necessary to have a structure that prevents leaked flammable fluid from accumulating in the work machinery if it leaks.

[0115] This disclosure proposes a work machine capable of preventing the accumulation of flammable fluid. (Note 21) A work machine comprising: a vehicle body; a tank mounted on the vehicle body for storing flammable fluid; a cover member having a hole penetrating in the thickness direction and covering the upper part of the tank; and an intervening member interposed between the hole and the tank.

[0116] The upper surface 81 of the outer cover 80 corresponds to an example of a cover member that covers the top of the hydrogen tank 21.

[0117] (Note 22) The working machine as described in Note 21, wherein the intervening member includes a bottom surface portion positioned directly below the hole.

[0118] (Note 23) The work machine as described in Note 22, wherein the bottom portion is located below the cover member and separated from the cover member.

[0119] (Note 24) The intervening member includes a wall portion extending downward from the edge of the hole, as described in any one of Notes 21 to 23.

[0120] (Note 25) The wall portion is the working machine described in Note 24, which is positioned between the hole and the tank in a top view.

[0121] (Note 26) The work machine according to any one of Notes 21 to 25, further comprising a tank support mechanism for supporting the tank, and a fastener for integrally fixing the cover member and the tank support mechanism, wherein the hole is formed directly above the fastener.

[0122] (Note 27) The work machine according to Note 26, wherein the cover member is made of resin, and further comprises a fixing member inserted into the cover member, and the fixing device fixes the fixing member to the tank support mechanism.

[0123] (Note 28) The work machine described in Note 27, wherein a part of the fixing member constitutes the intervening member.

[0124] (Note 29) The work machine according to any one of Notes 21 to 28, wherein the cover member has a facing surface that faces the tank and a rib that protrudes downward from the facing surface, the facing surface has a first part and a second part separated by the rib, and the hole is formed in both the first part and the second part.

[0125] (Note 30) The working machine according to Note 29, wherein the rib has a first rib portion and a second rib portion that intersect each other.

[0126] (Note 31) The flammable fluid has a specific gravity lower than that of air, and the work machine is as described in any one of Notes 21 to 30.

[0127] (Note 32) The work machine described in Note 31, wherein the flammable fluid is hydrogen.

[0128] (Note 33) The work machine according to any one of Notes 21 to 32, wherein the intervening member is positioned to block sunlight that shines through the hole and to prevent direct sunlight from hitting the tank.

[0129] (Note 34) A tank module mounted on the body of a work machine, comprising: a tank for storing a flammable fluid; a cover member having a hole penetrating in the thickness direction and covering the upper part of the tank; and an intervening member interposed between the hole and the tank.

[0130] (Note 35) The tank module according to Note 34, wherein the intervening member includes a bottom portion positioned directly below the hole.

[0131] (Note 36) The bottom portion is located below the cover member and separated from the cover member, as described in Note 35, for the tank module.

[0132] (Note 37) The tank module according to any one of Notes 34 to 36, wherein the intervening member includes a wall portion extending downward from the edge of the hole.

[0133] (Note 38) The tank module according to any one of Notes 34 to 37, further comprising a tank support mechanism for supporting the tank and a fastener for integrally fixing the cover member and the tank support mechanism, wherein the hole is formed directly above the fastener.

[0134] (Note 39) The tank module according to any one of Notes 34 to 38, wherein the cover member has a facing surface that faces the tank and a rib that protrudes downward from the facing surface, the facing surface has a first portion and a second portion separated by the rib, and the hole is formed in both the first portion and the second portion.

[0135] (Note 40) The tank module according to any one of Notes 34 to 39, wherein the intervening member is positioned to block sunlight that shines through the hole and to prevent direct sunlight from hitting the tank.

[0136] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended.

[0137] 1 Shovel, 11 Main body, 12 Working equipment, 13 Slewing body, 20 Machine room, 21 Hydrogen tank, 21C Centerline, 30 Fuel cell module, 31 Fuel cell stack, 32 Auxiliary equipment, 40 Support frame, 41 Upper frame, 42 Lower frame, 43 Column section, 45 Lifting section, 45T Upper end, 46 Base plate, 48 Mounting seat, 49 Mounting hole, 51 Support plate, 52 Fastener, 60 Mounting plate, 62 Connecting member, 63, 64 Connecting bolt, 70 Pressure reducing valve unit, 80 Exterior cover, 81 Top surface, 81R1 First rib section, 81R2 Second rib section, 81S Opposing surface, 82 Rear side, 83 Front side, 83B Lower edge, 84 Recessed section, 85 Inclined surface, 86 Through hole, 88 Fixing hole, 89 Tank housing space, 90 Fixing member, 91, 92 Fin section, 93, 94 Wall section, 95 Bottom section, 96 Ventilation space, 98 Fixing device, OP Exterior panel.

Claims

1. A work machine comprising a vehicle body, a tank mounted on the vehicle body for storing a flammable fluid, and a cover member covering at least the upper part of the tank, wherein the tank and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle body as a single unit.

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

3. The work machine according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting section used for lifting the tank and the cover member together as a single unit.

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

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

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

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

8. The work machine according to claim 6, wherein a recess is formed on the upper surface, and the through hole is formed at the bottom of the recess.

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

10. The work machine according to claim 9, wherein the cover member is made of resin, and further comprises a fixing member insert-molded into the cover member, and the fixing device fixes the fixing member to the tank support mechanism.

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

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

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

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

15. A tank module mounted on the body of a work machine, comprising a tank for storing a flammable fluid and a cover member covering at least the upper part of the tank, wherein the tank and the cover member are configured to be detachably attached to the body as a single unit.

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

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

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

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

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

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