Work vehicle

Abstract

To provide a work vehicle which is driven by a fuel battery and enables an operator to grasp a filling state of a fuel tank at the work vehicle side.SOLUTION: A work vehicle comprises: a fuel battery 24; a hydrogen tank 13 that accommodates hydrogen to be supplied to the fuel battery; a sensor 82 that detects a state of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 13; and a notification device 71 that provides notification of information corresponding to a detection value from the sensor 82.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work vehicle driven by a fuel cell.

Background Art

[0002] In work vehicles such as tractors, from the perspective of global environmental protection, instead of using an internal combustion engine that uses fossil fuels, a fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen gas is used, and a traveling device and a working device are operated by an electric motor driven by the generated electricity. have been proposed (see Patent Document 1). In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell and a gas tank, and a gas station equipped with a gas filling system. In this technology, the control device on the gas station side fills the gas tank with gas based on the information received from the control device on the vehicle side and the filling protocol incorporated in advance in the control device of the gas station, thereby enabling appropriate filling of the gas tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 2 fills the gas tank according to the filling protocol on the gas station side, so an appropriate amount of gas can be filled into the gas tank in a short time without the vehicle side grasping the filling state. However, since communication between the vehicle and the gas station is required, it cannot be applied to vehicles or gas stations without a communication function. In particular, in a work vehicle as described in Patent Document 1, unlike a passenger car traveling on a public road, it is considered that it is often filled at a simple gas station installed in a field or the like rather than at a well-equipped gas station, and there is a high possibility that communication between the vehicle and the gas station cannot be established.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle capable of grasping the filling state of a fuel tank on the work vehicle side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The work vehicle of the present disclosure includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell, a sensor that detects the state of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank, and a notification device that notifies information according to the detection value of the sensor.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in a work vehicle driven by a fuel cell, the filling state of the fuel tank can be grasped on the work vehicle side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] <Outline of Embodiment of the Present Disclosure> The outline of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be listed and described below. (1) The work vehicle according to this embodiment includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell, a sensor that detects the state of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank, and a notification device that notifies information according to the detection value of the sensor.

[0010] When hydrogen is filled into the hydrogen tank, the state of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank, such as temperature and pressure, fluctuates. Therefore, it is possible to grasp abnormalities in filling based on the state of hydrogen. According to the work vehicle according to the above embodiment, the state of hydrogen when hydrogen is being filled into the hydrogen tank is detected by a sensor, and information corresponding to the detection value is notified by the notification device, so that the filling state can be grasped on the work vehicle side even without communication with the gas station.

[0011] (2) The work vehicle described in (1) above includes a filling port for filling hydrogen into the hydrogen tank, and the notification device is arranged near the filling port. According to this configuration, a person near the filling port, such as a person (filler) filling hydrogen through the filling port, can easily confirm the notification content of the notification device.

[0012] (3) The work vehicle according to (1) or (2) above is provided with a filling port for filling hydrogen into the hydrogen tank, the notification device is a display device, and is arranged within a range included in its field of view when the filling port is viewed from a predetermined direction. According to this configuration, a person near the filling port such as a filler can easily confirm the notification content displayed on the display device.

[0013] (4) The work vehicle according to any one of (1) to (3) above is provided with a driver's seat, the notification device is arranged outside the driver's seat. According to this configuration, a person outside the driver's seat such as a filler can easily confirm the notification content of the notification device.

[0014] (5) The work vehicle according to (4) above is provided with a cabin surrounding the driver's seat, the notification device is arranged outside the cabin.

[0015] According to this configuration, a person outside the cabin such as a person (filler) filling hydrogen into the filling port can easily confirm the notification content of the notification device.

[0016] (6) In the work vehicle according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the notification device notifies whether there is an abnormality in filling based on the detected value.

[0017] According to this configuration, it is possible to directly know whether there is an abnormality in hydrogen filling by the notification device.

[0018] (7) The work vehicle according to (6) above is provided with a control device that determines whether there is an abnormality in filling based on the detected value of the sensor.

[0019] (8) In the work vehicle according to (7) above, the control device determines that there is an abnormality when the detected value of the sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0020] (9) In the work vehicle according to (7) or (8) above, the control device stops the filling of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank based on the determination of the abnormality.

[0021] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems associated with abnormal filling.

[0022] (10) In the work vehicle according to any one of (1) to (9) above, the notification device notifies the detected value. According to the above configuration, it is possible to directly know the state of hydrogen.

[0023] (11) In the work vehicle according to any one of (1) to (10) above, the sensor is a temperature sensor. With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp information according to the temperature during hydrogen filling. For example, when the temperature of hydrogen rises excessively during hydrogen filling, it is possible to take measures such as stopping filling before exceeding the allowable temperature of the hydrogen tank. In particular, the temperature inside the hydrogen tank cannot be grasped at a hydrogen gas supply station such as a gas station, and even if communication with the hydrogen gas supply station is possible, it is not possible to grasp abnormalities related to temperature only by that. In this regard, the configuration of the embodiment (11) above is more effective.

[0024] <Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the details of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. [Overall Structure of Work Vehicle] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the work vehicle. FIG. 2 is a front view of the work vehicle. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the work vehicle. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the work vehicle. FIG. 5 is a left side view of the work vehicle. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the work vehicle. In this specification, the direction in which the work vehicle 1 moves forward is defined as the front, the direction in which the work vehicle 1 moves backward is defined as the rear, the left side when the work vehicle 1 faces forward is defined as the left, and the right side when the work vehicle 1 faces forward is defined as the right. In FIGS. 1 to 7, the directions of front, rear, left, right, up, and down are indicated by arrows X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, and Z2, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the work vehicle 1 is a vehicle used for agricultural work, specifically a tractor. However, the work vehicle 1 is not limited to a tractor and may be a moving body such as an agricultural machine, a construction machine, and a utility vehicle.

[0025] The work vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 11, a traveling device 12 that supports the vehicle body 11, a driver's seat 15, a cabin 16, and the like. The vehicle body 11 includes a chassis 41, a bonnet 34, a cover 111, a cabin 16, a fender 47 for the rear wheel 12B, and the like. Specifically, on the chassis 41 of the vehicle body 11, a bonnet 34 and a cover 111 are mounted in order from the front to the rear, and a cabin 16 is disposed behind the cover 111.

[0026] The work vehicle 1 further includes a tank unit 21 having a plurality of tanks 13 (see FIG. 2) for storing fuel, and a drive device 14 driven by the stored fuel. The tank unit 21 includes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped case 21A whose vertical length (height) is smaller than the length in the front-rear and left-right directions, and the plurality of tanks 13 are arranged and housed in the case 21A. The tank unit 21 includes various valves 74 to 78 (see FIG. 9). The tank unit 21 is disposed above the driver's seat 15 and the cabin 16 by a mounting frame 17.

[0027] The fuel is hydrogen, and the plurality of tanks 13 are hydrogen tanks for storing hydrogen gas respectively. Therefore, the work vehicle 1 is a fuel cell vehicle (FCV: Fuel Cell Vehicle), and travels using the electric power generated by the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell 24 as an energy source. The fuel cell 24 is also called a "hydrogen cell".

[0028] The drive device 14 includes a fuel cell 24, a battery unit 30, and an electric motor 31 (see FIG. 4: hereinafter also referred to as "motor 31"). The battery unit 30 incorporates at least one battery pack 30A (see FIG. 9) for storing the output power of the fuel cell 24.

[0029] The work vehicle 1 has a hydrogen gas pipe 22 and a filling unit 25. The filling unit 25 has a filling port (receptacle) 26 for connecting a filling nozzle 401 of a hydrogen gas supply device 400 (see FIG. 9) such as a gas station that is separate from the work vehicle 1. Hydrogen gas is supplied from the filling port 26 and supplied to the tank 13 through the pipe 22. The hydrogen gas in the tank 13 is supplied to the fuel cell 24 through the pipe 22. The specific configurations of the filling unit 25 and the pipe 22 will be described later.

[0030] The cabin 16 is a partitioned driver's cab having front pillars, rear pillars, and a roof, and surrounds the driver's seat 15. The driver's seat 15 includes a seat 15A and a control device 15B. The control device 15B includes a steering wheel, levers, instruments, etc. The front pillars of the cabin 16 are arranged on the left and right sides in front of the driver's seat 15, and the rear pillars are arranged on the left and right sides behind the driver's seat 15. The cabin 16 includes a front panel 165 (see FIG. 2) between the left and right front pillars, a rear panel 161 (see FIG. 3) between the left and right rear pillars, and side panels 166 between the front pillars and the rear pillars. The side panel 166 includes an openable door. The front panel 165, the rear panel 161, and the side panel 166 are formed of a transparent material such as glass or a synthetic resin material, and it is possible to visually recognize from the inside to the outside and from the outside to the inside of the cabin 16. Instead of the cabin 16, the work vehicle 1 may have a canopy or a rollover protective structure (ROPS).

[0031] The traveling device 12 is composed of front wheels 12A and rear wheels 12B. Both of these are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vehicle body 11. One or both of the front wheels 12A and the rear wheels 12B rotate by the power of the motor 31. One or both of the wheels 12A and 12B (drive wheels) that rotate by the power of the motor 31 may be crawlers (endless tracks). The upper and front sides of the rear wheels 12B are covered by a fender 47.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the portion of the chassis 41 corresponding to the front wheels 12A, a first radiator 48, a fuel cell 24, and a second radiator 49 are mounted in order from the front side to the rear side. The first radiator 48 and the fuel cell 24 are covered by the bonnet 34, and the second radiator 49 is covered by a cover 111.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the upper surface 111a of the cover 111 is higher than the uppermost end of the bonnet 34, but lower than the uppermost end of the steering wheel 15B of the driver's seat 15. Also, the rear end portion of the bonnet 34 is at a position lower than the cover 111, and the upper surface 34a of the bonnet 34 is formed in a tapered shape that gradually becomes lower from the rear end portion toward the front end portion. For this reason, the structure is such that it is difficult to obstruct the forward view from the operator sitting in the driver's seat 15.

[0034] [Internal Structure of the Work Vehicle] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the work vehicle. As shown in FIG. 7, the chassis 41 constituting the vehicle body 11 is made of a steel frame that is long in the front-rear direction and has a front frame 32 and a transmission case 33. The transmission case 33 is connected to the rear portion of the front frame 32, and the skeleton of the vehicle body 11 is formed by the transmission case 33 and the front frame 32.

[0035] A mounting frame 17 for arranging the tank unit 21 above the cabin 16 is connected to the chassis 41. The mounting frame 17 includes a substantially rectangular ceiling frame 17A whose front-rear direction is longer than the left-right direction, a plurality of pillars 17B that support the ceiling frame 17A from below, and a pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17C connected to the front end portion of the ceiling frame 17A. Also, the mounting frame 17 includes a base frame 17D to which the lower ends of the left and right pillars 17B on the rear side are connected, and a pair of left and right lower frames 17E extending downward from the base frame. The base frame 17D is arranged substantially horizontally and extends in the left-right direction.

[0036] The tank unit 21 is connected to the ceiling frame 17A in a horizontally placed state. As shown in FIG. 3, the ceiling frame 17A is located at a position higher than the roof of the cabin 16. Therefore, the tank unit 21 is arranged above the roof of the cabin 16.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, the reinforcing frame 17C is a reinforcing diagonal member that inclines downward from the front end of the ceiling frame 17A to the front frame 32. Therefore, the front-back rigidity of the mounting frame 17 is enhanced compared to the case where the ceiling frame 17A and the tank unit 21 are supported only by the pillar 17B.

[0038] A support frame 37 for supporting the battery unit 30 on the vehicle body 11 is connected to the chassis 41 of the work vehicle 1. Specifically, a motor 31 is mounted on the front frame 32 of the chassis 41, and the support frame 37 is attached to the portion of the front frame 32 corresponding to the motor 31. The support frame 37 is composed of, for example, a metal frame member and is attached in a cantilever state so as to protrude to the right from the front frame 32.

[0039] The transmission case 33 located behind the motor 31 has a power transmission mechanism inside. The power transmission mechanism includes a transmission, a clutch, and a differential gear, and decelerates or accelerates the rotation of the output shaft of the motor 31 and transmits it to the traveling device 12. The power transmission mechanism inside the transmission case 33 includes a branch mechanism that outputs a part of the power of the motor 31 to the PTO shaft 334 (see FIG. 9). The PTO shaft 334 is an output shaft that protrudes rearward from the transmission case 33.

[0040] A connecting device 44 (see FIG. 6), which is constituted by, for example, a three-point link mechanism, for connecting a work device 335 (see FIG. 9, also referred to as an "implement") for performing a desired agricultural work to the rear of the vehicle body 11 is attached to the transmission case 33. The work device 335 is, for example, a tiller and a baler.

[0041] The rotational movement of the PTO shaft 334 is transmitted to the input shaft of the working device 335 connected to the connecting device 44, for example, during the driving of the traveling device 12. Therefore, the work vehicle 1 can drive the working device 335 by the power of the motor 31 while traveling in a field or the like.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the filling port of the work vehicle. The filling section 25 has a housing 28 that houses the filling port 26. The housing 28 has a case 28a and a lid 28b. The case 28a has front, rear, left, and right walls and is open at the rear. The lid 28b is openable and closable and can close the opening of the case 28a. The filling port 26 is provided in the housing 28 so as to open to the rear or side of the vehicle. The pipe 22A is connected to the filling section 25 (filling port 26) from the front of the housing 28.

[0043] With this configuration, the filling port 26 is protected by the housing 28. The pipe 22A is connected to the filling section 25 from the space formed between the housing 28 and the rear part of the vehicle body 11. The connection part 29 between the pipe 22A and the housing 28 is not exposed to the wide space at the rear of the vehicle, and the connection part 29 is protected.

[0044] In the case of this embodiment, the filling section 25 (filling port 26) is located behind the cabin 16 and between the rear wheels 12B on both sides in the vehicle width direction. The filling section 25 (filling port 26) is protected from the left and right directions by the rear wheels 12B and from the front by the cabin 16.

[0045] The filling section 25 (filling port 26) is disposed below the base frame 17D of the mounting frame 17. The filling section 25 (filling port 26) is supported by the base frame 17D via a bracket 27. The filling section 25 (filling port 26) is protected from above by the base frame 17D. The filling section 25 (filling port 26) is disposed between the left and right lower frames 17E.

[0046] The base frame 17D is provided with a notification device 71. As will be described later, the notification device 71 notifies information according to the state of hydrogen in the tank 13. The notification device 71 is disposed below the base frame 17D. The notification device 71 is disposed adjacent to the filling unit 25 (filling port 26). The notification device 71 is disposed adjacent to the filling unit 25 in the left-right direction. Therefore, when the work vehicle 1 is viewed from behind, the filling unit 25 and the notification device 71 come into the field of view. Therefore, a person (filler) performing the hydrogen gas filling operation through the filling port 26 can easily confirm the notification device 71. The notification device 71 is disposed outside the driver's seat 15, specifically, outside the cabin 16. Therefore, a person outside the cabin 16 can easily confirm the notification device 71.

[0047] The notification device 71 of the present embodiment is a display device. The display device is a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel that displays characters and figures. The display surface of the notification device 71 faces rearward. The notification device 71 is not limited to the display device, and may be constituted by a lamp such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits light, a speaker or a buzzer that emits sound or an effect sound, etc. When the notification device 71 is a speaker or a buzzer, a person away from the notification device 71 can also confirm the notification. The notification device 71 may be constituted by two or more of the display panel, the lamp, the speaker, and the buzzer.

[0048] The notification device 71 is controlled by a control device 70 described later. The notification device 71 notifies information according to the state of the hydrogen gas in the tank 13 under the control of the control device 70. In particular, the notification device 71 notifies information according to the state of the hydrogen gas being filled in the tank 13. The control of the control device 70 and the notification device 71 will be described later.

[0049] [Functional Configuration of Work Vehicle] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the work vehicle. As shown in FIG. 9, the functional systems of the work vehicle 1 include a fuel system FS, a power system PS, and a temperature control system TS.

[0050] The components of the fuel system FS include at least one tank 13, valves 74 to 78, and sensors 81, 82, etc. The components of the temperature control system TS include a plurality of radiators 48, 49, and an air conditioner 50, etc. The components of the power system PS include a fuel cell 24, a boost circuit 61, an inverter 62, a motor 31, a transmission case 33, DC / DC converters 64, 65, and a battery unit 30, etc.

[0051] The work vehicle 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of tanks 13, for example, three tanks 13. Each tank 13 is connected to pipes 22A, 22B. The pipe 22A is a gas pipe that connects the filling port 26 and each tank 13. The filling port 26 has hydrogen gas introduced from a hydrogen gas supply device 400 such as a gas station. The pipe 22A guides the hydrogen gas introduced into the filling port 26 to each tank 13.

[0052] The pipe 22A is provided with an on-off valve 74. The on-off valve 74 switches between the introduction of hydrogen gas and the stop (cut-off) of the introduction. The on-off valve 74 can open, for example, when it detects that hydrogen gas is introduced into the filling port 26, and close when it detects that hydrogen gas is not introduced. The detection of the introduction of hydrogen gas from the filling nozzle 401 to the filling port 26 can be performed, for example, by detecting the filling nozzle 401 connected to the filling port 26 with a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor. Alternatively, it can be performed by detecting a change in pressure at the filling port 26.

[0053] The pipe 22A branches into a plurality on the downstream side, and each branch portion 22A1 is connected to a tank 13 respectively. A check valve 75 is provided at each branch portion 22A1 of the pipe 22A. Each check valve 75 suppresses the backflow of hydrogen gas from each tank 13 to the filling port 26 side.

[0054] The pipe 22B is a gas pipe connecting the fuel cell 24 and the tank 13. The pipe 22B guides the hydrogen gas stored in each tank 13 to the fuel cell 24. The pipe 22B branches into a plurality of parts on the upstream side, and each branch part 22B1 is connected to the tank 13 respectively. An on-off valve 76 is provided at each branch part 22B1 of the pipe 22B. Each on-off valve 76 switches between the release of the hydrogen gas in each tank 13 and the stop (cut-off) of the release.

[0055] A pressure reducing valve 77 and a main on-off valve 78 are provided at the confluence part 22B2 of the pipe 22B. The pressure reducing valve 77 reduces the pressure of the hydrogen gas released from the tank 13. The pressure of the hydrogen gas in the tank 13 is, for example, 35 megapascals or more, while the pressure of the hydrogen gas after being reduced by the pressure reducing valve 77 is, for example, about 2 atmospheres. The main on-off valve 78 switches between the supply of the hydrogen gas reduced by the pressure reducing valve 77 to the fuel cell 24 and the stop (cut-off) of the supply. The on-off valves 74, 76, 78 are composed of solenoid-operated electromagnetic valves, motor-operated electric valves, etc.

[0056] A pressure sensor 81 is provided between the plurality of on-off valves 76 and the pressure reducing valve 77. The pressure sensor 81 is provided at the confluence part 22B2 of the pipe 22B. The pressure sensor 81 detects the pressure of the hydrogen gas released from the plurality of tanks 13. The pressure detected by the pressure sensor 81 corresponds to the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the tank 13 from which the hydrogen gas is being released through the on-off valve 76. Also, a temperature sensor 82 is provided in the tank 13. The temperature sensor 82 detects the temperature of the hydrogen gas in the tank 13.

[0057] The hydrogen gas released from the tank 13 and flowing through the pipe 22B is supplied to the fuel cell 24. The fuel cell 24 is, for example, a battery module configured by arranging a plurality of single cells having a positive electrode and a negative electrode in a stacked state. The fuel cell 24 aggregates the electric power generated by each single cell to generate the electric power required for driving the electric motor 31.

[0058] The fuel cell 24 is connected to the second radiator 49 through the cooling flow path H2. The electrodes of the fuel cell 24 are adjusted to a predetermined temperature by the coolant circulated from the second radiator 49. Thereby, the fuel cell 24 can maintain high power generation efficiency.

[0059] The fuel cell 24 is electrically connected to the input side of the boost circuit 61, and the output side of the boost circuit 61 is electrically connected to the DC side of the inverter 62. The boost circuit 61 raises the voltage input from the fuel cell 24 and outputs it to the inverter 62 and the battery unit 30.

[0060] The inverter 62 is electrically connected to the motor 31. The inverter 62 converts the DC input from the boost circuit 61 into three-phase AC and outputs it to the motor 31. Therefore, the power generated by the fuel cell 24 is stepped up and converted into AC and transmitted to the motor 31.

[0061] The motor 31 has a rotor and a stator having a plurality of coils, and drives the output shaft at a predetermined torque and rotational speed. For example, only one motor 31 is mounted on the work vehicle 1, and the output shaft of the motor 31 is coupled to the transmission case 33. A plurality of motors 31 may be mounted. For example, when two types of motors 31 for the front wheels 12A and the rear wheels 12B are provided, the power of each motor 31 may be output to the front wheels 12A and the rear wheels 12B, respectively.

[0062] The power transmission mechanism of the transmission case 33 outputs all or part of the power of the motor 31 to the traveling device 12. Further, when operating the work device 335, the power transmission mechanism also outputs the power of the motor 31 to the PTO shaft 334.

[0063] The battery unit 30 is a power storage device that absorbs the load fluctuations of the fuel cell 24. Specifically, the battery unit 30 temporarily charges the power supplied from the boost circuit 61 and discharges it during high load to supply drive power to the motor 31 to the inverter 62. The battery unit 30 includes a battery pack 30A and a monitoring unit 30B. The battery pack 30A includes at least one cell. The cell is a charge-discharge type such as a lithium-ion battery cell, for example. The output voltage of the battery unit 30 is, for example, 24V.

[0064] The monitoring unit 30B includes a processor that performs switching control of the operation (charging or discharging) of the battery pack 30A and measurement of the state of charge (e.g., SOC).

[0065] The work vehicle 1 has a plurality of electrical components that operate at a voltage lower than that of the motor 31. For these electrical components, DC power stepped down by a step-down circuit is supplied. The plurality of electrical components include, for example, an auxiliary battery 63, radiators 48, 49, and an air conditioner 50. The step-down circuit is, for example, a plurality of DC / DC converters 64, 65 with different output voltages (hereinafter also referred to as the "first converter 64" and the "second converter 65").

[0066] The first converter 64 steps down the DC voltage input from the boost circuit 61 to a first voltage (e.g., 12 volts) and supplies it to the auxiliary battery 63, the air conditioner 50, etc. The second converter 65 steps down the DC voltage input from the boost circuit 61 to a second voltage (e.g., 24 volts) and supplies it to the radiators 48, 49. The inverter 62 and both converters 64, 65 are arranged in a portion of the chassis 41 corresponding to the driver's seat 15. Note that the second voltage of the second converter 65 may be supplied to the battery unit 30.

[0067] As described above, the first radiator 48 is arranged in front of the fuel cell 24, and the second radiator 49 is arranged behind the fuel cell 24 (see Figure 2). These radiators 48, 49 constitute a cooling system that cools electrical components such as the fuel cell 24, the boost circuit 61, the inverter 62, the motor 31, the first and second converters 64, 65, etc. with a coolant (refrigerant).

[0068] A cooling flow path H1 through which a coolant is circulated by a pump 66 is connected to the first radiator 48, and the coolant is cooled by heat exchange with outside air. The first radiator 48 has a first fan 35 for promoting heat exchange with outside air. The components to be cooled by the cooling flow path H1 of the first radiator 48 are electrical components (heat generating components) such as, for example, a boost circuit 61, an inverter 62, a motor 31, and first and second converters 64, 65.

[0069] A cooling flow path H2 through which a coolant is circulated by a pump 67 is connected to the second radiator 49, and the coolant is cooled by heat exchange with outside air. The second radiator 49 has a second fan 36 for promoting heat exchange with outside air. The components to be cooled by the cooling flow path H2 of the second radiator 49 are electrical components such as, for example, a fuel cell 24.

[0070] The auxiliary battery 63 is a power storage device that supplies power to a display, communication devices, etc. mounted on the driver's seat 15. The auxiliary battery 63 is, for example, a charge-discharge type lead-acid battery. The output voltage of the auxiliary battery (second battery) 63 is, for example, 12V, which is lower than the output voltage (for example, 24V) of the battery unit (first battery) 30. The auxiliary battery 63 can also be used as an auxiliary power source that supplies power to a control device 70, which will be described later, when the fuel cell 24 is stopped.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, the work vehicle 1 further includes a control device 70. The control device 70 can be constituted by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that communicates with various electrical components by a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network), for example. For example, the control device 70 includes an ECU that comprehensively controls the operation of the entire system from the filling of hydrogen gas into the tank 13 to the output of power from the power generation by the fuel cell 24, and an ECU related to the individual control of the tank unit 21 including the tank 13, valves 74 to 78, and sensors 81 and 82. Therefore, the control device 70 performs the opening / closing control of the valves 74 to 78 included in the tank unit 21, the acquisition of the detection values of the pressure sensor 81 and the temperature sensor 82, and the processing of the acquired detection values, etc.

[0072] The control device 70 executes filling monitoring control for monitoring the filling state of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas supply device 400 into the tank 13, for example. Specifically, the control device 70 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the filling state of hydrogen gas. Hereinafter, the content of the filling monitoring control will be described.

[0073] [Filling Monitoring Control] The control device 70 acquires the detection value of the temperature sensor 82 for filling monitoring control. When hydrogen gas is filled into the tank 13, the temperature inside the tank 13 rises. For example, the faster the filling rate of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas supply device 400 into the tank 13, the more rapidly the temperature inside the tank 13 rises. An allowable temperature of hydrogen gas is set in the tank 13. For example, the allowable temperature is set to 85°C. The tank 13 employs a structure that forcibly leaks hydrogen gas when the temperature of the internal hydrogen gas rises above the allowable temperature.

[0074] The control device 70 monitors whether the temperature of the hydrogen gas in the tank 13 detected by the temperature sensor 82 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value is a value equal to or lower than the allowable temperature of the tank 13. When the allowable temperature of the tank 13 is 85°C, the threshold value is set to, for example, 80°C. The control device 70 acquires the detected value from the temperature sensor 82, compares the detected value with the predetermined threshold value, and determines whether there is an abnormality in the temperature of the hydrogen gas.

[0075] When the control device 70 determines that there is an abnormality in the temperature of the hydrogen gas, it controls and operates the notification device 71. The notification device 71 can notify information indicating "abnormality". For example, when the notification device 71 is a display device, information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the filling of the hydrogen gas, information indicating that the temperature of the hydrogen gas is rising, information indicating that it is necessary to stop the filling, etc., information on the state of the hydrogen gas and the filling state, information prompting attention, etc. can be displayed in characters. When the notification device 71 is a speaker, these information can be emitted as sound. Also, when the notification device 71 is a lamp, the occurrence of an abnormality or the calling of attention can be notified by the lighting or flashing of the lamp. The notification device (display device) 71 can display the detected value detected by the temperature sensor 82 as it is. The user can take measures to eliminate the abnormality, such as stopping the filling of the hydrogen gas, based on the notification of the notification device 71.

[0076] When the control device 70 determines that there is an abnormality in the temperature of the hydrogen gas, it can close the on-off valve 74 to stop the filling. Thereby, even if an abnormality occurs, the filling of the hydrogen gas into the tank 13 can be prevented from continuing, and the further rise in the temperature of the hydrogen gas can be suppressed. The control device 70 may notify the notification device 71 that the filling has been stopped.

[0077] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the filling monitoring control. The procedure for abnormality determination and notification in the above filling monitoring control will be described with reference to the flowchart of Figure 10. In step S1, the control device 70 determines whether the hydrogen gas tank 13 is filled with hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas supply 400. For example, it determines whether the filling nozzle 401 of the hydrogen gas supply 400 is inserted into the filling port 26. When the control device 70 determines that the hydrogen gas is filled, in step S2, it acquires the detection value from the temperature sensor 82.

[0078] Next, in step S3, the control device 70 determines whether the detected value T exceeds a predetermined threshold value Tth. If the detected value T exceeds the threshold value Tth, the process proceeds to step S4; otherwise, the process returns to step S1. In step S4, the control device 70 controls the notification device 71 to notify an abnormality. Next, the control device 70 closes the on-off valve 74 to stop the introduction of hydrogen gas from the filling port 26 into the tank 13.

[0079] [Arrangement Example of Filling Port and Notification Device] In the above-described embodiment (see FIGS. 3 and 8), the filling unit 25 (filling port 26) and the notification device 71 were arranged at the rear (rear surface) of the work vehicle 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 can be arranged on the side surface, upper surface, or front surface of the work vehicle 1. In any case, the notification device 71 is arranged in the vicinity of the filling port 26 so that a person (filler) filling hydrogen gas into the filling port 26 can easily confirm it. Here, the vicinity of the filling port 26 means, for example, a range within a radius of 1 m from the filling port 26. Alternatively, the notification device 71 is arranged on the surface common to the surface of the work vehicle 1 on which the filling port 26 is arranged.

[0080] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, an arrangement example of the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 will be described. In FIGS. 2 to 6, the arrangement example of the filling port 26 is indicated by reference sign Q, and the arrangement example of the notification device 71 is indicated by reference sign H.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the filling port 26 can be provided on the side surface (Q1) of the bonnet 34, the side surface (Q2) of the cover 111, the side surfaces (Q3, Q4) of the fender 47, etc. Further, the notification device 71 can be arranged on the side surface (H1) of the bonnet 34, the side surface (H2) of the cover 111, the side surfaces (H3, H4) of the cabin 16, the side surface (H5) of the tank unit 21, etc.

[0082] By adopting the above arrangements, when the work vehicle 1 is viewed from the side in the left - right direction, both the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 can be included within the visual field. When the notification device 71 is arranged on the side surface (H5) of the tank unit 21, since it is at a relatively high position, the notification device 71 can be easily confirmed even from a distant location.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 2, the filling port 26 can be arranged on the front surface (Q5) of the bonnet 34, etc. Similarly, the notification device 71 can also be arranged on the front surface (H6) of the bonnet 34, etc. Further, the notification device 71 can also be arranged on the front surface (H7) of the cabin 16, the front surface (H8) of the tank unit 21, etc.

[0084] By adopting the above arrangements, when the work vehicle 1 is viewed from the front, both the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 can be included within the visual field. When the notification device 71 is arranged on the front surface (H8) of the tank unit 21, since it is at a relatively high position, the notification device 71 can be easily confirmed even from a distant location.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 6, the filling port 26 can be arranged on the upper surface (Q6) of the bonnet 34, the upper surface (Q7) of the cover 111, the upper surface (Q8) of the fender 47, etc. The notification device 71 can also be arranged on the upper surface (H9) of the bonnet 34, the upper surface (H10) of the cover 111, the upper surface (H11) of the fender 47, etc. By adopting the above arrangements, when the work vehicle 1 is viewed from above, both the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 can be included within the visual field.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 3, the filling port 26 can be arranged at the rear surface (Q8) of the fender 47. The notification device 71 can be arranged at the rear surface (H11) of the fender 47, the rear surface (H12) of the cabin 16, the rear surface (H13) of the tank unit 21, etc. When the notification device 71 is arranged at the rear surface (H13) of the tank unit 21, since it is at a relatively high position, it becomes easier to check the notification device 71 even from a distant location.

[0087] In addition to the above, for example, by arranging one of the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 at the rear surface of the work vehicle 1 and the other at the side surface of the work vehicle 1, when the work vehicle 1 is viewed from the rear diagonal side, both the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 can be included within the visual field. Alternatively, by arranging one of the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 at the front surface of the work vehicle 1 and the other at the side surface of the work vehicle 1, when the work vehicle 1 is viewed from the front diagonal side, both the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 can be included within the visual field. Alternatively, by arranging one of the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 at the upper surface of the work vehicle 1 and the other at the side surface of the work vehicle 1, when the work vehicle 1 is viewed from the upper diagonal side, both the filling port 26 and the notification device 71 can be included in the visual field.

[0088] When the notification device 71 is a display device, it can be arranged not only outside the cabin 16 but also inside, and the display surface can be directed outside the cabin 16. In this case, the display content of the notification device 71 can be confirmed even from outside the cabin 16.

[0089] [Other Modification Examples] The embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes all modifications within the scope equivalent to the configurations described in the claims.

[0090] When it is determined that there is an abnormality in the filling of hydrogen gas, the control device 70 may only perform notification by the notification device 71 (step S4 in FIG. 10) without stopping the filling of hydrogen gas (step S5 in FIG. 10). In this case, the notification device 71 can continue to notify until the filler stops the filling. Further, when the filling of hydrogen gas is stopped, the notification device 71 can notify information indicating that the filling of hydrogen gas has been stopped.

[0091] The notification device 71 may include a control device (ECU). In this case, the notification device 71 can acquire the detection value of the temperature sensor 82, determine the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the detection value, and notify information according to the detection value such as the determination result by the notification device 71.

[0092] The notification device 71 may be arranged inside the driver's seat 15 or inside the cabin 16. In this case, the driver in the driver's seat 15 can easily confirm the notification content. When the notification device 71 is a display device, each or all of the hood, cover, cabin, etc. of the work vehicle 1 can be used as a display panel.

[0093] The notification device 71 may notify information according to the detection value of the pressure sensor 81. In this case, the control device 70 can acquire the detection value of the pressure sensor 81, determine the presence or absence of an abnormality in filling based on the detection value, and notify information according to the detection value such as the determination result by the notification device 71.

[0094] Although the work vehicle 1 of the above embodiment includes a plurality of tanks 13, it may include one tank 13.

[0095] The work vehicle 1 may have a communication function for communicating with the hydrogen gas supply machine 400 side.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1: Work vehicle 13: Tank 15: Driver's seat 16: Cabin 70: Control device 71: Notification device 82: Temperature sensor

Claims

1. A fuel cell, a hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell, a sensor for detecting the state of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank, and a notification device for notifying information according to the detection value of the sensor, a work vehicle.

2. Comprising a filling port for filling hydrogen into the hydrogen tank, The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the notification device is disposed in the vicinity of the filling port.

3. Comprising a filling port for filling hydrogen into the hydrogen tank, The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the notification device is a display device and is disposed within a range included in its field of view when the filling port is viewed from a predetermined direction.

4. Comprising a driver's seat, The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the notification device is disposed outside the driver's seat.

5. Comprising a cabin surrounding the driver's seat, The work vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the notification device is disposed outside the cabin.

6. The work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notification device notifies the presence or absence of filling abnormality obtained from the detection value.

7. The work vehicle according to claim 6, comprising a control device for determining the presence or absence of filling abnormality based on the detection value of the sensor.

8. The work vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the control device determines that there is an abnormality when the detection value of the sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

9. The work vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the control device stops the filling of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank based on the determination of the presence of an abnormality.

10. The work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notification device notifies the detection value.

11. The work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor.

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