Harvesting work vehicles

Abstract

In harvesting vehicles, when fuel cells are used as power sources and the gas tank is located inside the vehicle, the structure should be designed to allow for the sharing of configurations with internal combustion engine specifications. [Solution] The system uses fuel cells as a power source and has a configuration in which gas tanks for storing hydrogen are distributed. The first gas tank is located below the grain tank, which temporarily stores the harvested grain, in an inclined area for collecting the grain, while the second gas tank is located inside so as not to be affected by the rotation of the threshing drum.

Description

Technical Field

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[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a harvesting work vehicle powered by a fuel cell.

Background Art

[0002] There is a work vehicle with a gas tank arranged under the operator's seat. (Patent Document 1)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art, there is a technique that uses a fuel cell equipped with a gas tank under the cabin that houses the driver's seat to achieve weight balance.

[0005] However, in order to arrange a plurality of gas tanks side by side above the upper part of the rear wheel axle, the cabin including the operator's seat is configured to rise upward. In the configuration of a harvesting machine using this invention technology, for example, a combine for rice work, an engine is installed below the cabin. If a gas tank is installed in this part, there will be no space for installing a fuel cell, resulting in a configuration that is inconvenient to use.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle that effectively utilizes the space of the work vehicle and can be arranged compactly by arranging the gas tank using the space in the gap of the grain tank behind the operator's seat. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a work vehicle that eliminates the sense of discomfort in operation by setting the height and front-rear positional relationship of the operator's seat to the same position as that of an engine vehicle or an electric vehicle using a liquid battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The first invention is solved by the following technical means.

[0008] The system uses fuel cells as its power source and has a configuration in which gas tanks for storing fuel are distributed. The first gas tank is located below the grain tank, which temporarily stores harvested grain, and is positioned in a sloping area for collecting grain.

[0009] The second invention is solved by the following technical means.

[0010] The system uses a fuel cell as its power source and has a configuration in which gas tanks for storing fuel are distributed. The second gas tank and the threshing drum 41 are supported by individual bearings, and the second gas tank, which penetrates the interior, is positioned inside so as not to be affected by the rotation of the threshing drum 41.

[0011] The third invention is solved by the following technical means.

[0012] The device uses a fuel cell as its power source, with the fuel cell 200 positioned below the control unit 120, and the electric motor 230 positioned further below it. Cooling devices are provided on the vertical sides of the fuel cell 200 and the electric motor 230.

[0013] The fourth invention is solved by the following technical means.

[0014] A spare hydrogen tank 280 is provided below the inclined rack 36 that collects grain on the second spiral of the threshing unit 30 of the work vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] Based on the first invention, in an electric combine harvester powered by a fuel cell, a configuration in which hydrogen tanks are distributed allows the first hydrogen tank to be mounted in the current location of the grain tank, and the gas tank can be placed near the fuel cell.

[0016] The second invention makes it possible to install a second hydrogen tank inside the hoisting drum, allowing for a more compact design by effectively utilizing areas not used in internal combustion engines.

[0017] From the third invention, the structure becomes one that is easy to exhaust heat.

[0018] From the fourth invention, a spare gas tank can be provided so that fuel shortage does not occur.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] Right front perspective view of the work vehicle of the present invention [Figure 2] Right side view of the work vehicle of the present invention [Figure 3] Front view of the grain tank part and threshing part of the work vehicle of the present invention [Figure 4] Right lower perspective view of the grain tank part and threshing part of the work vehicle of the present invention [Figure 5] Perspective view of the handling cylinder part of the work vehicle of the present invention [Figure 6] Cross-sectional perspective view of the handling cylinder part of the work vehicle of the present invention [Figure 7] Right front cross-sectional perspective view of the work vehicle of the present invention [Figure 8] Cross-sectional perspective view of the operator's seat part of the present invention [Figure 9] Layout view of the spare tank of the present invention [Figure 10] Right front cross-sectional perspective view of the work vehicle in the engine specification of the present invention [Figure 11] Three-sided layout view of the hydrogen tank in the self-threshing combine of the present invention [Figure 12] Three-sided layout view when the hydrogen tank is provided throughout the grain tank part of the present invention

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0021] The work vehicle shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 shows an example of the present embodiment.

[0022] In agricultural and construction machinery, work vehicles that utilize high-powered engines for extended periods emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, which is not an environmentally desirable specification.

[0023] This invention proposes a work vehicle that utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell, and by arranging the vehicle's configuration in a similar way to an internal combustion engine, it aims to avoid any unfamiliarity with the operator's feel. Furthermore, by sharing interchangeable exterior parts and other components, it is possible to utilize the same specifications as an internal combustion engine, thereby improving productivity. In particular, even if unmanned operation is possible, human operation is required when loading the vehicle or during initial teaching operations, so ease of operation is essential, and a configuration that does not compromise the operator's seat is desirable.

[0024] The configuration of a work vehicle powered by the fuel cell of the present invention will be described. Although this embodiment is described using a general-purpose combine harvester, the vehicle configuration is the same and applicable to self-propelled combine harvesters as well.

[0025] Furthermore, the gas tank uses hydrogen as fuel and is referred to as a hydrogen tank in the embodiments of this invention. However, it is not limited by the type of gas that enters it, but rather refers to any tank that holds gas.

[0026] In this invention, the directions are described in the left, right, up, and down directions, as viewed from the perspective of a person seated in the operator's seat of a work vehicle, with respect to the direction of travel.

[0027] The work vehicle of the present invention will be described.

[0028] The work vehicle in the embodiment illustrating the present invention is a work vehicle for harvesting grains such as rice, wheat, buckwheat, and soybeans. This harvesting work vehicle is equipped with a harvesting unit at the front of the vehicle, and the area behind the harvesting unit is divided into left and right sections. In the present invention, the direction is indicated with respect to the direction of travel of the work vehicle, with the operator's seat as the reference point.

[0029] The control unit 120 is located on the right side relative to the direction of travel, as shown in Figure 1. The crops harvested in the harvesting section are moved to the left side and flow into the threshing section at the rear. To protect against wind, rain, and dust, the control unit 120 is configured as a cabin, with an operating seat unit enclosed on all four sides by glass, similar to that of an automobile. In this invention, an embodiment without a cabin will be described.

[0030] The work vehicle 100 is a combine harvester, and there are self-propelled and general-purpose configurations. The external views in Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a general-purpose combine harvester that feeds the entire stalk, which is an embodiment of work vehicle 100. In this work vehicle 100, grain stalks (crop stems) of rice, wheat, rapeseed, etc., that are standing in the field are cut while the vehicle is self-propelled, fed into the handling chamber, and threshed.

[0031] The work vehicle 100, which is equipped with a pair of left and right crawler tracks 2, has a pre-harvesting processing unit 9 on its front side, which consists of a raking reel 5 equipped with raking tines 4 that rake crop stalks separated by a grass-separating tool 3 to the rear, a clipper-type horizontal cutting blade device 6 that cuts the stalks after raking, and a raking auger 8 that raks the harvested grain stalks onto a table 7.

[0032] Inside the feeder house 10, which is installed from the left side to the rear of the pre-harvesting processing unit 9, there is a feed conveyor that receives crop stalks from the pre-harvesting processing unit 9, lifts and transports them upward and to the rear, and supplies them into the threshing unit 30.

[0033] On the right side of the feeder house 10 is an operating area 120 consisting of an operating seat 121 and operating devices 122, and a grain tank 60 for temporarily storing harvested crops is installed behind the operating area.

[0034] Below the grain tank section 60 is a grain collection spiral section 64. The grain is transported to the rear in the direction of travel, then transported upwards by a vertical spiral within the grain lifting cylinder 52, passes through the horizontal conveying cylinder 51, and is discharged from the discharge port 53. These transport cylinders function as a discharge auger 50, which is responsible for the discharge from the grain tank section 60.

[0035] Figure 4 shows the arrangement of components centered on the grain tank section 60, and the threshing section 60 is shown in a simplified form, including the exterior cover and internal structure.

[0036] The grain tank 61 is a box-shaped structure whose longitudinal dimension is oriented in the direction of travel of the work vehicle 100, but the bottom of the tank is sloped so that the grain is collected in the grain collection spiral section 64 located at the bottom. In the grain tank 61, the left-side sloped section 62 and the right-side sloped section 63 in the direction of travel of the work vehicle gradually collect the grain in the grain collection spiral section 64. The left-side sloped section 62 and the right-side sloped section 63 have a triangular cross-sectional area and occupy about 70% of the total length of the work vehicle, but this area becomes dead space. In the case of an internal combustion engine specification, there is also a configuration in which it is deployed as a liquid fuel tank, but as shown in the diagram, the vertical height is not very large and it is long in the horizontal direction, so the flow of liquid fuel is poor and it was difficult to make the most of the total length of the grain tank 61 as a tank. In contrast, with a gas tank, since the gas is in a gaseous state, it is easy to guide the gas towards the opening of a valve as long as the pressure is above a certain level. For example, with hydrogen, if the gas tank is filled with a certain pressure, it is possible to easily control the flow rate by opening and closing the valve and extract hydrogen from the gas tank.

[0037] In Figure 4, the hydrogen tank 150 is positioned along the longitudinal direction of the grain tank 61, utilizing the area of ​​the left-side inclined section 62. Figure 3 is a view of the grain tank section 60 from the front. The left end 151 of the hydrogen tank 150 is located inside the extension of the line of the left side wall 65 of the grain tank 61. This prevents interference with the second spiral grain lifting cylinder 70, and also allows for opening and closing the grain tank 61 as a whole to improve maintenance.

[0038] The cross-sectional shape of the hydrogen tank 150 does not have to be circular; it may be an elliptical shape, such as the cross-sectional shape 155 shown by the dashed line. As long as the surface is not flat, it can withstand the internal pressure sufficiently, so it may be made to match the area of ​​the left-side inclined section 62.

[0039] Furthermore, depending on the angle of inclination, a hydrogen tank can also be placed on the right-side inclined section 63 of the grain tank 61, and hydrogen tanks may be provided on both the left and right sides.

[0040] The first invention is a configuration in which a fuel cell is used as a power source and gas tanks for storing fuel are distributed, with the gas tanks positioned below the grain tank for temporary storage of harvested grain, and in a sloping area for collecting grain. As explained above, in this embodiment, the fuel is hydrogen, and the gas tank is described as a hydrogen tank. Note that the hydrogen tank 150 below the grain tank is the first gas tank.

[0041] Figures 5 and 6 show the hydrogen tank 180, which is a gas tank located inside the threshing drum 40 within the threshing section 30. The hydrogen tank 180 is positioned to penetrate the inside of the threshing drum 41, the rotating body of the threshing drum 40. The threshing drum 41 is hollow inside, and in order to transmit the force without twisting through internal reinforcement and rotation of this rotating body, a shaft is passed through the inside and this shaft is connected to an internal reinforcing plate to transmit rotational power to the threshing drum 41.

[0042] The threshing cylinder 41 uses its rotational peripheral speed to strike the crop with its threshing teeth 42 at a constant speed, thereby separating the grain from the harvested rice ears—a process known as threshing. Therefore, the diameter of the rotating body needs to be of a certain size.

[0043] The key feature of this invention is the use of the hollow region of the threshing drum 41, which is hollow inside, to house the hydrogen tank 180, which is a gas tank. The function of transmitting power through the threshing drum 41 is transmitted to the outer circumference of the hydrogen tank, and the cantilever structure remains the same.

[0044] Shaft 181 extends from the center of the rear end of the hydrogen tank 180, is held by bearing 182, and is not affected by the rotation of the threshing drum 41. Shaft 183 also extends from the center of the rear end of the threshing drum 41, is held by bearing 184, and does not affect the rotation of the hydrogen tank 180.

[0045] This structure also extends to the front section of the hydrogen tank 180, with shaft 185 extending from the center of the front end of the hydrogen tank 180, supported by bearing 186, and unaffected by the rotation of the threshing drum 41. Additionally, shaft 187 extends from the center of the front end of the threshing drum 41, supported by bearing 188, and unaffected by the rotation of the hydrogen tank 180.

[0046] With a double bearing structure at the front and rear, even when the threshing drum 41 rotates at high speed, the hydrogen tank 180 inside remains idle and does not rotate. Furthermore, the shaft 185 of the hydrogen tank 180 and the shaft 187 of the threshing drum 41 are hollow, and the gas pipe 190 of the hydrogen tank 180 passes through them. Hydrogen gas can be supplied to the hydrogen tank 180 through the gas pipe 190, or conversely, discharged from the hydrogen tank 180 toward the fuel cell 200 (FC stack).

[0047] In this embodiment, the bearing is a bearing, but a hard bushing may also be used, as long as it has a structure that can separate the rotation of the inside and outside.

[0048] The second invention is a configuration in which a fuel cell is used as the power source and gas tanks for storing fuel are arranged in a distributed manner. The second gas tank and the threshing drum 41 are supported by individual bearings, and the second gas tank, which penetrates the interior, is positioned inside so as not to be affected by the rotation of the threshing drum 41. As described above, in this embodiment, the fuel is hydrogen, and the gas tank is the hydrogen tank 180. Note that the hydrogen tank 180 is referred to as the second gas tank.

[0049] Figures 4 and 6 illustrate the flow in the gas pipe.

[0050] In the present invention, a structure that utilizes an empty area of ​​the work vehicle 100 that has sufficient dimensions in the longitudinal direction relative to the direction of travel includes the inclined sections 62 and 63 of the grain tank 61 and the area of ​​the threshing section 30. When hydrogen tanks are placed in different locations in this way, gas pipes are required to connect the tanks.

[0051] A valve 160 is installed in front of the hydrogen tank 150. The valve 160 has the function of controlling the flow rate of the gas passing through it, while regulating and controlling the flow in both directions so that hydrogen can be filled into the hydrogen tank 150 and supplied from the hydrogen tank 150 to the fuel cell 200.

[0052] By detecting the pressure difference before and after the piping, it is possible to measure the gas flow and the filling rate of the hydrogen tank. It also has a function to switch between hydrogen tank 150 and hydrogen tank 180. This configuration is for when hydrogen tank 150 and hydrogen tank 180 are arranged in parallel, and the gas pipe 190 passes through the hollow part of the shaft 187 of the threshing drum 41 and the center of the threshing drum transmission case 43. The gas pipe 190 passes through the gap between the threshing drum section 30 and the grain tank section 60 and is connected to a valve 160 located in front of hydrogen tank 150, enabling the control described above.

[0053] Figure 7 shows the interior of the work vehicle 100, with only the parts necessary for explanation in this invention remaining. In the threshing section 30 and the operating section 120, only the necessary parts are shown. The gas pipe 190 extending forward from the aforementioned valve 160 extends further forward and is connected to the fuel cell 200 located below the operating section 120.

[0054] Figure 8 illustrates the overview of the fuel cell 200. Inside the casing of the fuel cell 200 is a layer of electrolyte 201 in the center. The fuel electrode 202, located outside of the electrolyte, is filled with hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen tank 150. Hydrogen gas consists of hydrogen molecules in which protons and electrons are bonded. However, for these hydrogen molecules to pass through the electrolyte 201 layer, the protons and electrons are separated, leaving only the electrons in the fuel electrode 202, while the protons move to the air electrode 203. The air electrode 203 is opposite the fuel electrode 202, separated by the electrolyte 201. Oxygen from the atmosphere is taken in through the intake port of the air electrode 203, takes in the protons that have passed through the electrolyte 201, and is converted into water within the air electrode 203, which is then discharged as water through the drain port.

[0055] The fuel electrode 202 and the air electrode 203 are connected by a power line, and the electrons separated by the fuel electrode 202 flow into the power line, making it possible to extract electricity.

[0056] In this embodiment, the electrolyte 201, fuel electrode 202, and air electrode 203 are represented in a simplified diagram with large divisions. However, to further increase efficiency, these layers can be made into thin layers, and a cooling water layer 204 can be inserted between them to reduce the heat generated between the layers.

[0057] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, there is a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer between the electrolyte layer 201 and the fuel electrode 202, which enhance the effect of separating protons and electrons from hydrogen. These configurations achieve similar effects even when the layers are thin.

[0058] Thus, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the electrolyte 201, fuel electrode 202, and air electrode 203 are stacked in multiple thin layers, with cooling water or cooling air layers placed between them, thereby enhancing the cooling effect of the heat generated by the chemical reaction between the electrolyte 201 and the fuel electrode 202. In this case, each layer is in the form of a sheet or thin film.

[0059] Technically, the aforementioned fuel electrode 202 and air electrode 203 are connected by fine wires, and the connected electrodes are linked together to form a power transmission line that can supply electricity, consolidating the electrical energy and charging the battery 250.

[0060] Similarly, in the case of a thin film, the supply of hydrogen gas to the fuel electrode 202 and the supply of oxygen to the air electrode 203 are carried out separately for each layer, requiring a supply pressure. In particular, some configurations utilize a compressor for supplying oxygen from the atmosphere.

[0061] The hydrogen gas is supplied into separator 97, while oxygen from the atmosphere is taken in through separator 98.

[0062] In this way, fuel cells generate heat and water through chemical reactions between electrodes, but they do not produce carbon dioxide like internal combustion engines.

[0063] Battery 250 is a lithium-ion battery designed for high voltage applications. Its charging and discharging are managed by a Battery Management System (BMS) 251, which controls and manages the battery. It also works in conjunction with a DC / DC converter 253 to supply high or low voltage.

[0064] In this embodiment, the power supply for the VCU (Battery Control Unit) 252, BMS 251, and DC / DC converter 253 is directly from the high-voltage power supply of the battery 250. However, there is also a configuration in which a low-voltage battery section is connected to the battery 250 and used as the power supply for the VCU 252, BMS 251, and DC / DC converter 253, serving as an auxiliary battery for the equipment.

[0065] Alternatively, if a low-voltage battery such as a lead-acid battery is provided separately, the BMS may manage the charging from the high-voltage battery, and it may be used as an auxiliary battery for low-voltage equipment.

[0066] Both serve the function of secondary batteries, temporarily storing the power generated by the fuel cell 200.

[0067] The hydraulic system cooling radiator 130 is also used for raising and lowering the work equipment of the work vehicle and for power output, and is connected to the hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic system motor. The hydraulic tank 260 is located below the aforementioned battery 250, which is below the foot plate 123 of the operating unit 120. This part is behind the lifting step 261, but it is in a position where the oil level can be checked through the gap in the step 261 if a person squats down during inspection. With this configuration, the hydraulic tank 260 is exposed to the outside air and can be air-cooled, and is also cooled by the hydraulic system cooling radiator 130.

[0068] In this embodiment of the present invention, the cooling water that cools the electrolyte 201, fuel electrode 202, and air electrode 203 of the fuel cell 200 is circulated by the cooling fins and cooling fan of the radiator in the radiator section 270, releasing heat to the outside. At the same time, heat from the electric motor 230 is also discharged. The electric motor may also be cooled by circulating the cooling water in the radiator section 270.

[0069] The placement of the fuel cell 200 beneath the operator's seat 121 of the control unit 120 facilitates inspection. By lowering the operator's seat 121, the fuel cell can be easily inspected. Although the machine operates unmanned in the field, it is operated by a person sitting in it when moving it in and out of the barn or loading it onto a truck. Therefore, there is always space for a person to enter and exit on the operator's seat 121 side, and it is necessary to place the fuel cell on the operator's seat side to take advantage of this benefit.

[0070] Similarly, the battery 250 also needs inspection, but since the battery 250 may need to be removed and charged, it is advantageous to place it under the leg plate 123 of the control unit 120, which allows a person to stand on the ground and lift the battery 250.

[0071] Figure 10 shows the engine configuration, illustrating the area occupied by the engine 300. This arrangement assumes that the output shafts of the electric motor 230 and the engine are in the same position. While the diameters of the engine's flywheel and the electric motor are not exact approximations, they are within a range where they can be substituted for each other.

[0072] In many cases, engines have a configuration above the flywheel that converts the explosion of fuel gas into rotational motion, resulting in a rectangular cross-section that is elongated vertically rather than circular. Therefore, to utilize the space occupied by the engine, the area above the electric motor may become free, and it is possible to place the electric motor and fuel cell in this area. The battery is also used in the engine specification, and although its capacity and shape differ from that of the fuel cell, sharing its location improves battery protection and ease of inspection, making it possible to share components. This sharing technology is made possible by deploying the electric motor and fuel cell in the conventional engine-occupied space. In this way, it is possible to share engine and fuel cell specifications from both a cooling and placement perspective.

[0073] The third invention uses a fuel cell as a power source, places the fuel cell 200 below the operating unit 120, places the electric motor 230 further below, and provides cooling devices on the vertical sides of the fuel cell 200 and electric motor 230, thereby achieving the aforementioned cooling and placement effects.

[0074] This section describes the placement of hydrogen tanks other than the hydrogen tank 150 in the inclined section of the grain tank and the hydrogen tank 180 in the threshing section. Shorter piping from the hydrogen tanks results in better flow, but having a backup tank allows for a response in case of fuel depletion.

[0075] Figure 9 shows a configuration in which a hydrogen tank 280 is installed at the rear lower end of the threshing unit 30 of the work vehicle. Below the threshing unit 30, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, there is a receiving net 30, and below that, a rocking sorting device 33 separates the grain from the straw. The separated straw and other debris are discharged outside the machine by a dust discharge body 32 at the rear.

[0076] The sorted grains are then collected on inclined shelves for transport by the first spiral 34 and the second spiral 35. The second spiral 35 is used for collection, and the inclined shelves 36 are positioned within this inclined area to accommodate the hydrogen tank 280.

[0077] Further behind the threshing section 30 is a chopper section 20 for cutting the discarded straw. The chopper section 20 does not process the straw into short pieces like the cutter of a self-propelled combine harvester, but it cuts the straw into appropriate lengths, and there is not much fine dust, so there is no problem in locating the hydrogen tank 280 below it.

[0078] The hydrogen tank 270, which has similar conditions, is positioned behind the second spiral grain lifting cylinder. As mentioned above, the grain from the threshing section 30 is collected in the second spiral, so this area is also empty, making it a good position for the hydrogen tank.

[0079] The fourth invention is a configuration in which a spare hydrogen tank 280 is provided below the inclined rack 36 that collects grain on the second spiral of the threshing unit 30 of the work vehicle. By locating the spare hydrogen tank in the unused area of ​​the work vehicle, the system can cope with hydrogen gas shortages.

[0080] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0081] Figure 10 shows the equivalent relationship between the engine and hydrogen tank positions in the case of a hydrogen engine. The hydrogen engine 300A is located below the operator's seat 120. This position is the same as that of a conventional engine. The difference is that the fuel is diesel fuel, and a diesel fuel tank is installed in the case of a diesel engine, but in the case of the hydrogen engine 300A, the fuel is hydrogen gas.

[0082] The hydrogen tank for storing this hydrogen gas can utilize the location of the hydrogen tank in the fuel cell of the present invention. While there are differences in the continuous operating time using the hydrogen tank between the hydrogen engine and the fuel cell, the arrangement can be shared, and considering the configuration of the work vehicle, the arrangement of the hydrogen tank of the present invention can be deemed useful even in the case of a hydrogen engine.

[0083] In this embodiment, a general-purpose combine harvester was used as an example, but since the fuel cell and hydrogen tank components of the present invention are part of the drive unit, and the drive unit of the self-propelled combine harvester 400 has similar functions, the invention can also be applied to the self-propelled combine harvester 400.

[0084] In Figure 11, the cutter section 410 is positioned with hydrogen tanks 420 arranged vertically behind the cutter section. A cover 430 is positioned at an angle above the hydrogen tanks 420, and the straw shredded by the cutter section 410 flows down the cover 430 and is discharged to the rear of the hydrogen tanks 420.

[0085] The work vehicle 500 is configured to enable continuous operation over long periods of time. As shown in Figure 12, the entire area of ​​the conventional grain tank is used as a hydrogen tank. In this case, since there is no tank to store the harvested grain, a grain transport vehicle 600 is positioned at the rear.

[0086] The grain transport vehicle 600 may be a trolley configuration with a flexible conveyor on top, or a vehicle enclosed in a container, and is configured to move in accordance with the work vehicle 500. It may be configured to acquire the position information of the work vehicle 500 and operate autonomously, or it may be configured to be coupled to and towed by the work vehicle 500.

[0087] In the work vehicle 500, the fuel cell 520 also needs to be enlarged, and it is more efficient to distribute the electric motors to each function. The electric motor 550 will be used to drive the harvesting unit and the HST for travel. The electric motor 540 will be dedicated to the threshing unit and the cutter unit. The electric motor 530 will be used to drive the discharge grain lifting cylinder and the first and second spirals for threshing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 30 Threshing section 36 Slanted shelves 41. 60 Grain Tank Section 62 Left side slope 100 work vehicles 120 Operation section 150 hydrogen tanks 160 valve 180 hydrogen tanks 190 gas pipe 200 Fuel Cell 230 Electric Motor 250 batteries 280 hydrogen tanks

Claims

1. A harvesting vehicle powered by a fuel cell, with gas tanks for storing fuel distributed amongst them. The first gas tank is positioned below the grain tank for temporary storage of harvested grain, in a sloping area for collecting the grain.

2. A harvesting vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a fuel cell is used as the power source, and gas tanks for storing fuel are arranged in a distributed configuration, with a second gas tank and a threshing drum (41) supported by individual bearings, and the second gas tank, which penetrates the interior, is arranged inside so as not to be affected by the rotation of the threshing drum (41).

3. The fuel cell is used as the power source, with the fuel cell (200) positioned below the control unit (120), and the electric motor (230) positioned further below. A work vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein cooling devices are provided on the vertical sides of the fuel cell (200) and the electric motor (230).

4. The work vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the threshing section (30) of the work vehicle is equipped with a spare hydrogen tank (280) below the inclined rack (36) for collecting grain on the second spiral.

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