JP2017185986A - Saddle-riding type vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a saddle-riding type vehicle capable of providing more efficient ventilation using a fuel cell.SOLUTION: A saddle-riding type vehicle 11 comprises an air-cooling fuel cell unit 36 which is disposed on a vehicle frame 12 behind a head pipe 15 and ahead a pivot frame 17, and which uses an outside air for supplying oxygen and for cooling devices. The fuel cell unit 36 comprises: an outside air inlet port 38 under the head pipe 15 opened directed forward; and an outlet port 53 above a pivot 23 opened directed rearward. A seat frame 31 has a monocoque structure which is mounted onto a main frame 16, and which also has a shape of as an exhaust duct for guiding an exhaust gas from the fuel cell unit 36 to the rear of a rider seat 29.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a fuel cell.

  A saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a fuel cell is generally known. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a fuel cell that generates electric power based on a chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere. An air-cooled cooling device is combined with the fuel cell. The cooling device discharges exhaust gas from an air discharge port that opens on the lower surface of the fuel cell inclined upward.

JP 2009-78622 A

  In the saddle-ride type vehicle described in Patent Document 1, exhaust air from the exhaust port on the lower surface hits a lower part, and efficient ventilation is not realized. As a result, a large amount of power is required for the cooling fan in the cooling device when taking air from the intake port.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-ride type vehicle that can realize more efficient ventilation when using a fuel cell.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the left and right main frames extending from the head pipe that supports the front fork to be steerable to a pair of left and right pivot frames that support the rear wheel unit so as to be swingable around the pivot, A vehicle body frame including a seat frame for supporting an occupant seat extending rearward on the upper side of the rear wheel, and mounted on the vehicle body frame behind the head pipe and in front of the pivot frame. A saddle-ride type vehicle is provided that includes an air-cooled fuel cell unit that uses outside air to supply oxygen and cool equipment. The fuel cell unit has a discharge port opened rearward above the pivot, and the seat frame is attached to the main frame, and the cylinder body guides exhaust from the fuel cell unit to the rear of the occupant seat. Become.

  According to the second aspect, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the saddle-ride type vehicle continuously extends rearward from the fuel cell unit, and is stored in the cylinder and stores the high-pressure hydrogen stored therein. A fuel tank is provided to the unit.

  According to the third aspect, in addition to the configuration of the second side, the seat frame receives the entire load applied to the seat frame, receives the load from the lower body supporting the fuel tank, the occupant seat, and the fuel An upper body that covers the upper side of the tank and is detachable from the lower body in a completed vehicle state.

  According to the fourth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the second or third side surface, the seat frame is configured by a conductive member.

  According to the fifth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the second to fourth aspects, the seat frame is located above a pressure regulating valve provided in a fuel supply path that connects the fuel cell unit and the fuel tank. Has an opening / closing part.

  According to the sixth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fifth side surfaces, the front end of the exhaust duct is fitted into a frame body that defines the exhaust port.

  According to the seventh aspect, in addition to the configuration of the sixth side face, a seal member is sandwiched between the frame body and the exhaust duct.

  According to the eighth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the sixth or seventh side face, the seat frame has an attachment portion provided outside the front end of the exhaust duct and attached to the left and right main frames.

  According to the first aspect, since a straight ventilation path is established from the fuel cell unit to the exhaust port of the rear cylinder body, an efficient ventilation structure is realized in discharging outside air. In addition, since the cylinder that guides the exhaust supports the occupant seat, a member such as a seat rail unique to the occupant seat can be omitted, and the saddle-ride type vehicle can be reduced in weight.

  According to the second aspect, while the fuel cell unit is in operation, the fuel tank is cooled by adiabatic expansion, but the cooling effect is mitigated by the exhaust heat of the fuel cell unit.

  According to the third aspect, a small fuel tank can be assembled on the lower body of the seat frame, and maintenance can be easily realized in a completed vehicle state.

  According to the fourth aspect, since the electric potential is scattered from the seat frame through the main frame (ground effect), generation of static electricity in the vicinity of the fuel tank can be suppressed.

  According to the fifth aspect, even if fuel (for example, gaseous fuel such as hydrogen) leaks, the fuel can be discharged out of the vehicle by opening the opening / closing part.

  According to the sixth aspect, the exhaust of the fuel cell unit surely flows into the exhaust duct of the seat frame.

  According to the seventh aspect, since hot air leakage is prevented between the fuel cell unit and the exhaust duct, it contributes to an improvement in the merchantability. In addition, the vibration of the seat frame can be absorbed by the seal member, and the vibration transmitted from the seat frame to the fuel cell unit can be suppressed.

  According to the eighth aspect, the exhaust exhausted backward from the fuel cell unit is smoothly guided to the rear of the vehicle, and the rigidity is improved by attaching the seat frame to the left and right vehicle body frames. The seat frame can act as a cross frame.

1 is a side view schematically showing an overall configuration of a saddle-ride type vehicle, that is, a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing an entire image of a motorcycle with a vehicle body cover removed. It is a disassembled perspective view of a vehicle body frame. FIG. 4 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. Fig. 2 is a side view schematically showing a ventilation path in a motorcycle. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the fitting relationship of a fuel cell unit and a seat frame.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a saddle-ride type vehicle, that is, a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle) 11 includes a body frame 12 and a body cover 13 attached to the body frame 12. The vehicle body frame 12 includes a head pipe 15 that supports the front fork 14 so as to be steerable, a pair of left and right main frames 16, 16 that extend rearwardly downward from the head pipe 15 at a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane, A pair of left and right pivot frames 17, 17 coupled to the rear ends of the main frames 16, 16 at the connection point 17 a and extending downward from the rear ends of the main frames 16, 16, and the first from the head pipe 15 to the horizontal plane. A pair of left and right down frames 18, 18 extending downward at a second angle greater than the angle, and a pivot frame at a second connection point 17b extending from the rear end of the down frame 18 and below the first connection point 17a 17 and a pair of left and right lower frames 19, 19 connected to 17. A front wheel WF is supported on the front fork 14 so as to be rotatable around the axle 21.

  The motorcycle 11 includes a rear wheel unit 22. The rear wheel unit 22 is connected to the pivot frame 17 via a pivot 23 extending in the horizontal direction. The rear wheel unit 22 is supported by the pivot frame 17 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction around the pivot 23. A rear wheel WR is supported at a free end of the rear wheel unit 22 so as to be rotatable around an axle 24 parallel to the pivot 23. A rear cushion 25 is installed between the vehicle body frame 12 and the rear wheel unit 22. One end of the rear cushion 25 is coupled to the pivot frame 17 at a third connection point 17 c provided above the pivot 23. The rear cushion 25 restricts the swing of the rear wheel unit 22 with respect to the vehicle body frame 12, so that transmission of vibration from the rear wheel WR to the vehicle body frame 12 is suppressed. The rear wheel unit 22 includes an electric motor 26 that is connected to the rear wheel WR and drives the rear wheel WR based on supplied power.

  The motorcycle 11 includes a fuel supply assembly 28. The fuel supply assembly 28 is connected to the main frame 16 above the pivot frame 17. The fuel supply assembly 28 includes a seat frame 31 that extends rearward from the main frame 16 above the rear wheel WR and supports the passenger seat 29. As will be described later, the seat frame 31 includes a cylindrical body that guides exhaust from the fuel cell unit to the rear of the occupant seat 29. The cylinder has a monocoque structure that also serves as an exhaust duct.

  The seat frame 31 includes an upper body 31a and a lower body 31b. The upper body 31a and the lower body 31b are formed from a conductive material such as carbon. The upper body 31a and the lower body 31b are coupled to each other. The coupling surfaces 31c of the upper body 31a and the lower body 31b are provided on both side surfaces from the main frame 16 side toward the rear end. An occupant seat 29 is mounted on the upper body 31a. The occupant straddles the occupant seat 29. The upper body 31 a of the seat frame 31 receives a load from the occupant seat 29. The lower body 31 b of the seat frame 31 receives the entire load applied to the seat frame 31. The upper body 31a is detachably coupled to the lower body 31b in the finished vehicle state. A fastener such as a screw 58 is used for coupling. The upper body 31a has a mounting portion 59 that is coupled to the main frame 16 in front of the first connection point 17a. Fasteners such as screws are used for coupling. The lower body 31b includes an attachment portion 61 that is coupled to the main frame 16 between the first connection point 17a and the attachment portion 59. Fasteners such as screws are used for coupling.

  Openings 62a and 62b are formed in the vehicle width direction outermost part of the upper body 31a and the lower body 31b behind the occupant seat 29. The openings 62a and 62b connect the inside and outside of the exhaust duct. For example, when the motorcycle 11 is placed horizontally, the light gas in the exhaust duct can be quickly discharged to the outside through the openings 62a and 62b. Even if hydrogen leaks, it can be quickly discharged out of the vehicle.

  The vehicle body cover 13 is coupled to the upper cover 32 commonly coupled to the upper side of the left and right main frames 16, the side cover 33 coupled to each main frame 16 on the lower side of the main frame 16, and the side cover 33. And a rear cover 35 that covers the seat frame 31 behind the occupant seat 29. The upper cover 32 is coupled to the main frame 16 across the two main frames 16 from above. The rear cover 35 forms an exhaust port 54 b at the rear end of the seat frame 31.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell unit 36 is mounted on the vehicle body frame 12. The fuel cell unit 36 is supported by an upper hanger plate 46, which will be described later, from above and behind the head pipe 15, and is supported by a pair of left and right lower frames 19 from below. Thus, the fuel cell unit 36 is mounted on the vehicle body frame 12 behind the head pipe 15 and in front of the pivot frame 17. The down frame 18 extends in front of the fuel cell unit 36. The fuel cell unit 36 has an outside air intake 38 arranged along a forward virtual plane 37 that is perpendicular to the ground surface and extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The fuel cell unit 36 generates electric power based on a chemical reaction between hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen. The fuel cell unit 36 uses the air flowing from the intake port 38 for supplying and cooling oxygen.

  A frame cover 39 is connected to the vehicle body frame 12. The frame cover 39 includes a front wall 39a and side walls 39b that extend from the left and right edges of the front wall 39a toward the rear of the vehicle. An intake port 41 is defined in the side wall 39b.

  A cylindrical fuel tank 42 is mounted on the body frame 12. The fuel tank 42 extends rearward from the pressure regulating valve 43 connected to the fuel cell unit 36. The fuel tank 42 stores high-pressure hydrogen. The lower body 31b of the seat frame 31 supports the fuel tank 42 from below. The fuel tank 42 is accommodated in the seat frame 31.

  A control device 44 is mounted on the body frame 12. The control device 44 is disposed below the fuel tank 42 and in front of the rear wheel WR. The control device 44 supplies the electric power supplied from the fuel cell unit 36 to the electric motor 26.

  A secondary battery 45 is mounted on the body frame 12. The secondary battery 45 is arranged below the fuel cell unit 36 and in front of the control device 44. The secondary battery 45 performs charging and discharging of electric power according to the control of the control device 44.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle body frame 12 further includes an upper hanger plate 46 and a lower hanger plate 65. The upper hanger plate 46 is connected to the left and right main frames 16 across the upper side of the fuel cell unit 36. A fastener such as a screw 63 is used for connection. An upper end of the fuel cell unit 36 is coupled to the upper hanger plate 46. A fastener such as a screw 64 is used for coupling. The upper hanger plate 46 connects the fuel cell unit 36 to the main frame 16.

  The lower hanger plate 65 is connected to the left and right lower frames 19 below the fuel cell unit 36. For connection, a pair of front and rear cross bars 66 are fixed to the left and right lower frames 19. Each cross bar 66 extends horizontally from the lower frame 19 to the left and right. The lower hanger plate 65 is screwed to the cross bar 66. At this time, an elastic member such as a rubber bush is sandwiched between the cross bar 66 and the lower hanger plate 65. The lower end of the fuel cell unit 36 is coupled to the lower hanger plate 65. For coupling, a screw 67 is screwed into the lower hanger plate 65 from below. The lower hanger plate 65 couples the fuel cell unit 36 to the main frame 16.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the frame cover 39 blocks the front of the intake port 38 while defining an intake space 48 in front of the intake port 38. The intake port 41 opens rearward while communicating with the intake space 48. In forming the air inlet 41, a shielding plate 49 is disposed at the opening of the side wall 39b so as to move away from a virtual plane including the side wall 39b as it goes rearward. An intake port 41 is formed between the rear end of the shielding plate 49 and the side wall 39b.

  The air guide plate 34 is coupled to the frame cover 39 behind the air inlet 41. The air guide plate 34 opens to the front so as to form an introduction space 51 for introducing traveling wind from the front at a position facing the air intake 41, and covers the sides of the air intake 41 and the shielding plate 49. Provided.

  The fuel cell unit 36 has a discharge port 53 disposed so as to open rearward along a virtual plane 52 that is perpendicular to the ground surface and extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle. In this manner, the fuel cell unit 36 opens the outside air intake 38 toward the front of the vehicle behind and below the upper end of the head pipe 15, and the discharge port 53 toward the rear above and above the pivot 23. Open. In the fuel cell unit 36, the air current flows through the housing from the intake port 38 toward the discharge port 53 by the function of the built-in fan unit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the seat frame 31 constitutes an exhaust duct. The exhaust duct defines a ventilation path 54 between the upper body 31a and the lower body 31b. The ventilation path 54 opens at the front end introduction port 54a and extends to the exhaust port 54b of the rear cover 35 at the rear end. The fuel tank 42 is accommodated in the exhaust duct.

  Hydrogen sensors 67 are installed inside the upper cover 32, in the vicinity of the exhaust duct inlet 54 a (inside an opening / closing portion 68 described later), and in the vicinity of the exhaust duct 54 b (inside the rear cover 35). The hydrogen sensor 67 is disposed in the uppermost region of the cavity. When hydrogen exceeding a predetermined concentration is detected by any one of the hydrogen sensors 67, an indicator (not shown) is turned on to notify the driver, and control for closing the pressure regulating valve 43 is performed.

  The seat frame 31 has an opening / closing part 68 above the pressure regulating valve 43. The opening / closing part 68 has a door that opens and closes an opening that connects the inside and outside of the exhaust duct. When the opening / closing part 68 is opened, the gas in the exhaust duct can be released to the outside. Even if hydrogen accumulates in front of the exhaust duct, it can be quickly discharged out of the vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the inlet 54 a at the front end of the exhaust duct is fitted into a frame 55 that defines the outlet 53 of the fuel cell unit 36. A seal member 56 is sandwiched between the frame body 55 and the seat frame (exhaust duct) 31. The seal member 56 is formed from, for example, a flexible rubber material.

  The fuel cell unit 36 mounted on the vehicle body frame 12 opens an intake port 38 for the outside air toward the front of the vehicle behind and below the upper end of the head pipe 15, and a discharge port toward the rear above and above the pivot 23. 53 is opened. The seat frame 31 has a monocoque structure that also serves as the shape of an exhaust duct that guides exhaust from the fuel cell unit 36 to the rear of the passenger seat 29. As shown in FIG. 5, since a straight ventilation path is established in the vehicle front-rear direction from the intake port 38 of the fuel cell unit 36 to the exhaust port 54b of the exhaust duct, an efficient ventilation structure for introducing outside air is provided. Realized. In addition, since the seat frame 31 that forms the cylinder for guiding the exhaust supports the occupant seat 29, members such as a metal seat rail unique to the occupant seat 29 can be omitted, and the motorcycle 11 can be reduced in weight. can do.

  In the motorcycle 11, the fuel tank 42 extends rearward from the fuel cell unit and is accommodated in the exhaust duct. While the fuel cell unit 36 is in operation, the fuel tank 42 is cooled by adiabatic expansion, but the cooling effect is mitigated by the exhaust heat of the fuel cell unit 36.

  The seat frame 31, that is, the front end of the exhaust duct is fitted into the frame 55 of the discharge port 53. Therefore, the exhaust of the fuel cell unit 36 surely flows into the exhaust duct of the seat frame 31. In addition, a seal member 56 is sandwiched between the frame body 55 and the seat frame 31 (exhaust duct). Air leakage is prevented between the fuel cell unit 36 and the exhaust duct. In addition, the vibration of the seat frame 31 can be absorbed by the seal member 56, and the vibration transmitted from the seat frame 31 to the fuel cell unit 36 can be suppressed.

  As described above, the seat frame 31 includes the lower body 31b and the upper body 31a. The upper body 31a can be separated from the lower body 13b in a completed vehicle state. Therefore, a small assembly of the fuel tank 42 is possible on the lower body 31b of the seat frame 31, and maintenance can be easily realized in a completed vehicle state.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... saddle riding type vehicle (motorcycle), 12 ... body frame, 15 ... head pipe, 16 ... main frame, 17 ... pivot frame, 23 ... pivot, 29 ... passenger seat, 31 ... seat frame, 31a ... upper body, 31b ... Lower body, 36 ... Fuel cell unit, 38 ... Intake port, 42 ... Fuel tank, 43 ... Pressure regulating valve, 53 ... Discharge port, 55 ... Frame body, 56 ... Seal member, 59 ... Mounting portion, 61 ... Mounting portion, WR ... Rear wheel.

Claims (8)

Left and right extending from the head pipe (15) supporting the front fork (14) so as to be steerable to a pair of left and right pivot frames (17) supporting the rear wheel unit (22) so as to be swingable around the pivot (23) A vehicle body frame (12) including a main frame (16), and a seat frame (31) that supports a passenger seat (29) that extends rearwardly and extends over the rear wheel (WR).
An air-cooled fuel cell unit that is mounted on the vehicle body frame (12) behind the head pipe (15) and in front of the pivot frame (17), and uses the taken outside air to supply oxygen and cool equipment. (36)
The fuel cell unit (36) opens a discharge port (53) toward the rear above the pivot (23),
The seat frame (31) is attached to the main frame (16) and includes a cylindrical body that guides exhaust from the fuel cell unit (36) to the rear of the passenger seat (29). A saddle-ride type vehicle.   The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the high-pressure hydrogen stored in the cylinder and stored in the cylinder is supplied to the fuel cell unit (36). A straddle-type vehicle comprising a fuel tank (42).   The saddle riding type vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the seat frame (31) receives a whole load applied to the seat frame (31) and supports the fuel tank (42), and the occupant. A saddle riding type characterized by comprising an upper body (31a) that receives a load from a seat (29), covers the upper part of the fuel tank (42), and is detachable from the lower body (31b) in a completed vehicle state vehicle.   The saddle riding type vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the seat frame (31) is formed of a conductive member.   The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the seat frame (31) is provided in a fuel supply path that connects the fuel cell unit (36) and the fuel tank (42). A saddle-ride type vehicle having an opening / closing part above the pressure regulating valve (43).   The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a front end of the exhaust duct is fitted into a frame body (55) that defines the discharge port (53). Ride type vehicle.   The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein a seal member (56) is sandwiched between the frame (55) and the exhaust duct.   The saddle riding type vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the seat frame (31) is provided outside the front end of the exhaust duct and is attached to the left and right main frames (16). 61). A saddle-ride type vehicle characterized by comprising:

Images