Work vehicles

Abstract

For conventional work vehicles such as rice transplanters, achieving a component layout with good body balance characteristics is not always easy. More specifically, achieving a component layout with good body balance characteristics for relatively heavy units such as hydrogen tanks and fuel cells is not always easy. [Solution] The rice transplanter is equipped with a hydrogen tank mounting section 30 to which a hydrogen tank 31 for storing hydrogen is detachably attached, and a fuel cell 40 that generates electricity using the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 31, and the hydrogen tank mounting section 30 and the fuel cell 40 are arranged together in the front or central part of the vehicle body 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work vehicle such as a rice transplanter.

Background Art

[0002] A work vehicle including a vehicle body to which a working device can be connected, a cabin that houses a driver's seat provided on the vehicle body, a traveling device that supports and travels the vehicle body, a driving device that drives the traveling device, and a tank that stores gas for driving the driving device, and the tank is arranged below the cabin is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the inventor has noticed that it is not always easy to achieve a component layout of a unit with good vehicle body balance characteristics for a conventional work vehicle such as a rice transplanter.

[0005] More specifically, the inventor has noticed that it is not always easy to perform a component layout of a relatively heavy unit such as a hydrogen tank and a fuel cell with good vehicle body balance characteristics.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle that can perform a component layout of a relatively heavy unit such as a hydrogen tank and a fuel cell with good vehicle body balance characteristics in consideration of the above-described conventional problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention is a hydrogen tank mounting section to which a hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen is detachably attached, A fuel cell that generates electricity using the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank, It is equipped with, The work vehicle is characterized in that the hydrogen tank mounting section and the fuel cell are arranged together in the front or central part of the vehicle body.

[0008] The second aspect of the present invention includes a radiator that dissipates heat to cool the fuel cell, The first work vehicle of the present invention is characterized in that the radiator is located behind the fuel cell.

[0009] The third invention comprises a fertilization unit having a fertilization blower for fertilizing, The second work vehicle of the present invention is characterized in that the exhaust hot air from the radiator is blown out towards the rear and sucked into the fertilizer blower.

[0010] The fourth aspect of the present invention is a work vehicle according to the third aspect of the present invention, characterized by comprising a fuel cell wastewater storage unit for storing fuel cell wastewater from the fuel cell.

[0011] The fifth aspect of the present invention is that the fuel cell wastewater storage unit comprises a first storage tank for storing the fuel cell wastewater, a second storage tank for storing the fuel cell wastewater, and a connecting pipe for connecting the first storage tank to the second storage tank. The first storage tank is positioned in front of the second storage tank. The fourth work vehicle of the present invention is characterized in that the fuel cell wastewater stored in the first storage tank and the second storage tank is movable between the first storage tank and the second storage tank through the connecting pipe.

[0012] The sixth aspect of the present invention is a spare seedling weight sensor that detects the weight of spare seedlings placed in a spare seedling placement section. The fifth work vehicle of the present invention is characterized in that, based on the detection results of the reserve seedling weight sensor, the fuel cell wastewater from the first storage tank and the second storage tank is moved between the first storage tank and the second storage tank so as to reduce the weight imbalance in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0013] The seventh aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle body tilt sensor that detects the degree of inclination of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, A fifth work vehicle of the present invention is characterized in that, based on the detection results of the vehicle body tilt sensor, the fuel cell wastewater from the first storage tank and the second storage tank is moved between the first storage tank and the second storage tank so as to reduce the tilt of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0014] The eighth aspect of the present invention is that the longitudinal direction of the first storage tank and the second storage tank in a plan view is in the direction of the left-right direction of the vehicle body, The sixth or seventh work vehicle of the present invention is characterized in that the first storage tank and the second storage tank are mounted to the vehicle body tilted to the same side such that one end of the tank on the left side of the vehicle body and the other end of the tank on the right side of the vehicle body are lower than the other end of the tank.

[0015] The ninth aspect of the present invention is a work vehicle according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, characterized in that the connecting pipe connects one tank end of the first storage tank to one tank end of the second storage tank.

[0016] The tenth aspect of the present invention is a work vehicle according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, characterized in that the center of gravity of the fertilizer application unit in a plan view is biased toward the other of the left and right sides of the vehicle body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] This invention makes it possible to arrange the components of relatively heavy units, such as hydrogen tanks and fuel cells, with good vehicle body balance characteristics.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] (a) Schematic plan view (part 1) of the rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention, (b) Schematic left side view (part 1) of the rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] (a) Schematic plan view (part 2) of the rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention, (b) Schematic left side view (part 2) of the rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 3] (a) Schematic plan view (part 1) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, (b) Schematic left side view (part 1) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention [Figure 4] (a) Schematic plan view (part 2) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, (b) Schematic left side view (part 2) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention [Figure 5] (a) Schematic plan view (part 3) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, (b) Schematic left side view (part 3) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention [Figure 6] (a) Schematic plan view (part 4) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, (b) Schematic left side view (part 4) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention [Figure 7] (a) Schematic plan view (part 5) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, (b) Schematic left side view (part 5) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention [Figure 8] (a) Schematic plan view (part 6) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, (b) Schematic left side view (part 6) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention [Figure 9] (a) Schematic plan view (part 7) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, (b) Schematic left side view (part 7) of the rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention [Figure 10](a) A schematic plan view of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention (No. 8), (b) A schematic left side view of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention (No. 8) [Figure 11] (a) A schematic plan view of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention (Part 9), (b) A schematic left side view of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention (Part 9), (c) A schematic front view of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention (Part 1) [Figure 12] (a) A schematic plan view of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention (No. 10), (b) A schematic left side view of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention (No. 10), (c) A schematic front view of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention (No. 2) [Figure 13] (a) Explanatory diagram of a rice transplanter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention (part 1), (b) Explanatory diagram of a rice transplanter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention (part 2) [Figure 14] Diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a rice transplanter according to the present invention (part three) [Figure 15] (a) Explanatory diagram of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter according to the present invention (part 4), (b) Explanatory diagram of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter according to the present invention (part 5), (c) Explanatory diagram of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter according to the present invention (part 6) [Figure 16] Diagram (7) illustrating yet another embodiment of a rice transplanter according to the present invention. [Figure 17] Diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a rice transplanter according to the present invention (No. 8) [Figure 18] Diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter according to the present invention (part nine) [Figure 19] (a) Explanatory diagram of a rice transplanter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention (No. 10), (b) Explanatory diagram of a rice transplanter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention (No. 11) [Figure 20] (a) Explanatory diagram of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter according to the present invention (part 12), (b) Explanatory diagram of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter according to the present invention (part 13) [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] The same applies below, however, some components may not be shown in the drawings, or they may be shown in perspective or in an abbreviated form.

[0021] While describing the operation of the rice transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling the operation of a work vehicle related to the present invention, which is realized by a controller or the like, will also be described.

[0022] The rice transplanter in the embodiment of the present invention is a specific example of a work vehicle in the present invention.

[0023] (1) First, the configuration and operation of the rice transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to Figures 1(a) and 1(b) and 2(a) and 2(b).

[0024] Herein, Figure 1(a) is a schematic plan view (part 1) of the rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1(b) is a schematic left side view (part 1) of the rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2(a) is a schematic plan view (part 2) of the rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2(b) is a schematic left side view (part 2) of the rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The hydrogen tank mounting section 30 is a mounting section to which a hydrogen tank 31 for storing hydrogen is detachably attached. The fuel cell 40 is a battery that generates electricity using the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 31. The hydrogen tank mounting section 30 and the fuel cell 40 are located together in the front or central part of the vehicle body 10.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), for example, the hydrogen tank mounting section 30 and the fuel cell 40 may be arranged together at the front of the vehicle body 10.

[0027] In an electric, remotely monitored rice transplanter equipped with a fuel cell 40, this arrangement of components achieves a user-friendly component layout with good vehicle balance characteristics.

[0028] The fuel cell 40, which has an FC stack, and the hydrogen tank 31 are positioned in front of the front axle 107. This allows for a lower overall vehicle height, resulting in improved driving stability.

[0029] Two hydrogen tank mounting sections 30 are positioned in front of the fuel cell 40 as hydrogen tank insertion points, and two hydrogen tanks 31 are inserted from both sides in the left-right direction of the vehicle body. Because the distance between the fuel cell 40 and the hydrogen tanks 31 can be shortened, the hydrogen piping can be made with an extremely short piping distance. The hydrogen tank 31 can be easily replaced. A sufficient driving range can be ensured with two hydrogen tanks 31.

[0030] The radiator 50 is a radiator that dissipates heat to cool at least the fuel cell 40. The radiator 50 is located behind the fuel cell 40.

[0031] A radiator 50 is positioned behind the fuel cell 40, and heat is discharged toward the rear of the vehicle body 10.

[0032] The fertilization unit 20 is a unit that has a fertilization blower 21 for applying fertilizer.

[0033] The exhaust air from the radiator 50 is blown out towards the rear and drawn into the fertilizer blower 21.

[0034] For example, a fertilizer blower 21 is positioned in the center of the vehicle body 10 behind the radiator 50. Since the fertilizer blower 21 can draw in the exhaust heat from the radiator 50, the drying of the fertilizer is promoted, which can suppress clogging of the fertilizer device, such as the fertilizer hose 104 of the fertilizer unit 20.

[0035] The fertilizer hopper 103 is positioned in front of the rear wheel axle 108, taking into consideration the vehicle's balance characteristics.

[0036] A fuel cell wastewater spraying device 109 is positioned above the rear of the vehicle body 10.

[0037] The fuel cell wastewater discharged from the fuel cell 40 is supplied to the fuel cell wastewater spraying device 109, which then sprays water onto the seedlings placed on the seedling transport device 101. This suppresses the phenomenon of seedlings placed from the seedling supply unit 106 at the front of the vehicle body 10 drying out over time. By absorbing water into the seedlings, the water improves their sliding ability in the seedling placement unit 105, also known as the seedling tank.

[0038] The fuel cell drainage pipe 102, which is drawn out from the bottom of the fuel cell 40, is arranged to pass through a low position where it is submerged in the water of the field. The steam or high-temperature water discharged from the fuel cell 40 can be cooled, and the temperature of the fuel cell drainage can be adjusted to a temperature suitable for watering seedlings.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), for example, the hydrogen tank mounting section 30 and the fuel cell 40 may be arranged together in the central part of the vehicle body 10.

[0040] The fuel cell 40 and hydrogen tank 31 are located in the central part of the vehicle body 10, where a unit for the operator's seat and other components can be installed.

[0041] The hydrogen tank mounting section 30 is positioned above the fuel cell 40. As described above, the distance between the fuel cell 40 and the hydrogen tank 31 can be shortened, allowing for extremely short hydrogen piping distances. Replacing the hydrogen tank 31 is easy. Two hydrogen tanks 31 provide sufficient cruising range.

[0042] The intake port of the fertilizer blower 21 is positioned behind the radiator 50. As described above, the fertilizer blower 21 can draw in the exhaust heat from the radiator 50, which promotes the drying of the fertilizer and suppresses clogging of the fertilizer device in the fertilizer hose 104 of the fertilizer unit 20.

[0043] (2) Next, the configuration and operation of the rice transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail, mainly with reference to Figures 3(a) and 3(b) and 4(a) and 4(b).

[0044] Herein, Figure 3(a) is a schematic plan view (part 1) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3(b) is a schematic left side view (part 1) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4(a) is a schematic plan view (part 2) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4(b) is a schematic left side view (part 2) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] The fuel cell wastewater storage unit 60 is a unit that stores fuel cell wastewater from the fuel cell 40.

[0046] In a rice transplanter equipped with a fuel cell 40, which is similar to a hydrogen engine in that it does not generate carbon dioxide in the process of generating power, a first storage tank 61 is provided as the main tank at the front of the vehicle body 10, in positions that are almost symmetrical on both sides, for storing fuel cell wastewater discharged from the fuel cell 40.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5(a), a schematic plan view (third) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5(b), a schematic left side view (third) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a spare seedling weight sensor 70 is provided in the spare seedling tray section of the spare seedling storage section 71, and a fuel cell drainage sensor 201 and an electric fuel cell drain cock 202 are provided in the first storage tank 61, so that the discharge amount of the first storage tank 61 can be adjusted according to the number of spare seedling mats loaded. In other words, the fuel cell drain cock 202 is open when the spare seedlings are fully loaded, and the opening of the fuel cell drain cock 202 is reduced as the spare seedlings are consumed. This maintains a constant front-to-rear balance of the vehicle body 10, and stabilizes the driving posture and seedling planting accuracy.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6(a), a schematic plan view (fourth) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6(b), a schematic left side view (fourth) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body tilt sensor 80 is provided approximately in the center of the vehicle body 10, and the discharge volume of the first storage tank 61 can be adjusted according to the tilt of the vehicle body 10. The average tilt amount during driving is measured, and the fuel cell drain cock 202 is opened when the vehicle is tilted forward, and closed when the vehicle is tilted backward.

[0049] The fuel cell wastewater storage unit 60 includes a first storage tank 61 for storing fuel cell wastewater, a second storage tank 62 for storing fuel cell wastewater, and a connecting pipe 63 that connects the first storage tank 61 to the second storage tank 62. The first storage tank 61 is positioned in front of the second storage tank 62. The fuel cell wastewater stored in the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 is movable between the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 through the connecting pipe 63.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7(a), a schematic plan view (fifth) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7(b), a schematic left side view (fifth) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a second storage tank 62 is provided as a sub-tank, almost symmetrically located near the center of gravity of the vehicle body 10.

[0051] Furthermore, in order to reduce the weight imbalance in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the fuel cell wastewater from the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 may be moved between the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 based on the detection results of the spare seedling weight sensor 70, which detects the weight of the spare seedlings placed on the spare seedling placement section 71.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8(a), a schematic plan view (sixth) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8(b), a schematic left side view (sixth) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell drainage pump 203 is provided in the fuel cell drainage piping 102, and the storage amounts in the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 can be adjusted according to the number of spare seedling mats that are loaded. In other words, when the spare seedlings are fully loaded, the fuel cell drainage is moved from the first storage tank 61 to the second storage tank 62, and as the spare seedlings are consumed, the fuel cell drainage is moved from the second storage tank 62 to the first storage tank 61.

[0053] Furthermore, in order to reduce the inclination of the vehicle body 10 in the longitudinal direction, the fuel cell wastewater from the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 may be moved between the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 based on the detection results of a vehicle body inclination sensor 80 that detects the inclination of the vehicle body 10 in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 9(a), a schematic plan view (seventh) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 9(b), a schematic left side view (seventh) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the storage amounts in the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 can be adjusted according to the inclination of the vehicle body 10. In other words, the average inclination during travel is measured, and when the vehicle is tilted forward, the fuel cell wastewater is moved from the first storage tank 61 to the second storage tank 62, and when the vehicle is tilted backward, the fuel cell wastewater is moved from the second storage tank 62 to the first storage tank 61.

[0055] The longitudinal direction of the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 in a plan view is the left-right direction of the vehicle body 10. The first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 are mounted to the vehicle body 10 at an angle to the same side such that one end of the tank on the left side of the vehicle body and the other end of the tank on the right side of the vehicle body are lower than the other end of the tank.

[0056] As shown in Figure 10(a), a schematic plan view (No. 8) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10(b), a schematic left side view (No. 8) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell drainage pipe 102 is provided on the frame-fixed side of the robust transmission case. Maintenance work involving disassembly of the transmission case is facilitated. This is because, for example, since specifications are often adopted in which the right half of the transmission case is removed for maintenance work, the fuel cell drainage pipe 102 passes through the left half of the transmission case on the frame-fixed side, improving work efficiency.

[0057] The connecting pipe 63 connects one end of the first storage tank 61 to one end of the second storage tank 62.

[0058] As shown in Figure 11(a), a schematic plan view (nine) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11(b), a schematic left side view (nine) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 11(c), a schematic front view (one) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, both the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 are not only inclined toward the fuel cell drainage pipe 102, but are also connected by a connecting pipe 63 at the lower tank ends. Excellent fuel cell drainage adjustment function is ensured even with a small amount of fuel cell drainage stored, thus improving the accuracy of fuel cell drainage transport.

[0059] The center of gravity of the fertilizer application unit 20, when viewed from above, is biased towards the other of the left and right sides of the vehicle body.

[0060] As shown in Figure 12(a), a schematic plan view (10) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12(b), a schematic left side view (10) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12(c), a schematic front view (2) of a rice transplanter according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first storage tank 61 and the second storage tank 62 are tilted to the side with less load in the left-right direction of the vehicle body. By storing the fuel cell wastewater on the side of the vehicle body 10 with less load in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, the balance in the left-right direction of the vehicle body is stabilized. This is because, for example, if the HST device 204 and the fertilizer blower 21 are located on the left side of the vehicle, or even if such relatively heavy units are not necessarily biased to the left side of the vehicle, but the center of gravity of the fertilizer unit 20 is consequently biased to the left side of the vehicle due to the piping configuration, the fuel cell wastewater flowing into the connecting pipe 63 located on the right side of the vehicle has the effect of reducing the weight imbalance in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0061] (3) Next, the configuration and operation of the rice transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0062] (3-1) The electric seedling planting unit equipped with a fuel cell 40 will be explained.

[0063] As shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), which are explanatory diagrams (I and II) of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter in the present invention, in the seedling planting unit, which is driven by a motor, the electric seedling planting rod 303, the seedling tank lateral feeding mechanism of the seedling mounting unit 105, and the seedling vertical feeding belt, the FC stack of the fuel cell 40, the left and right hydrogen tanks 31, and the ECU device 301 are arranged on the seedling mounting unit frame 302, also called the seedling tank frame. Since the power mechanism and control mechanism are independently configured in the seedling planting unit alone, it can be used in conjunction with any driving unit.

[0064] The fuel cell FC stack of the seedling mounting frame 302 is placed in the center, the ECU device 301 is placed above the FC stack, and the two hydrogen tanks 31 are placed below it. Placing the relatively heavier units at the bottom improves stability.

[0065] Two hydrogen tank mounting sections 30 are positioned below the FC stack of the fuel cell 40, serving as hydrogen tank insertion points. Even if one of the two hydrogen tanks 31 is consumed and becomes empty, power generation can continue through the continuous use of the other tank.

[0066] (3-2) We will now describe a futuristic type of rice transplanter equipped with a fuel cell 40.

[0067] As shown in Figure 14, an explanatory diagram (third) of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter in the present invention, the overall appearance of the work vehicle is advanced. Since it is capable of automatic autonomous driving, there is no operator's seat. Because it is unmanned, there is flexibility in the mounting of the fuel cell 40 FC stack unit and the hydrogen tank 31. In this way, an advanced fuel cell vehicle is realized. It often demonstrates excellent effects in addressing environmental protection and other issues. It is expected to contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture along with labor saving. The aim is to free the operator from the rice transplanting work that requires concentration.

[0068] As shown in Figures 15(a) to 15(c), which are explanatory diagrams (four to six) of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter in the present invention, the overall appearance of the work vehicle is stylish. The FC stack power unit of the fuel cell 40, which is the power source, is located between the front wheels 107 at the front of the vehicle body 10. A hydrogen tank 31 is located in the center of the vehicle body 10. All wheels, the front wheels 107 and the rear wheels 108, are driven. The front wheels 107 are steered to turn. A futuristic robotic rice transplanter, achieved through a long development of transplanters, is realized. The overall configuration of the vehicle body 10, which has excellent weight balance and visual balance, visually expresses high performance such as stable driving. Since there is no need for an operator to ride, steps and the like are not necessary on the vehicle body 10, and the exterior can be simplified and designed to be lightweight.

[0069] As shown in Figure 16, which is an explanatory diagram (number seven) of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter in the present invention, the seedling loading capacity, which is important in actual rice planting work, is excellent. The entire upper surface of the vehicle body 10 is used as a spare seedling storage section 71, also called a spare seedling storage section. The spare seedlings in the spare seedling storage section 71 are automatically transported and supplied to a seedling storage section 105, also called a seedling tank, by a belt conveyor system. A user-friendly robotic rice transplanter, achieved through a long period of rice transplanter development, is realized. In automating work, the time during which work can be performed without replenishing seedlings is important. With unmanned operation, the entire upper surface of the vehicle body 10 can be used as a spare seedling storage section 71.

[0070] As shown in Figure 17, which is an explanatory diagram (number eight) of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter in the present invention, spare seedlings are loaded into the spare seedling loading section 71 from the front of the vehicle body 10. The operator can easily replenish spare seedlings from the ridges or other locations. Since the spare seedlings loaded into the spare seedling loading section 71 are automatically sent toward the back, the replenishment of spare seedlings can be easily done from the front side, which is the ridge side.

[0071] As shown in Figure 18, an explanatory diagram (nine) of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter in the present invention, the external features are expressed to the maximum extent with minimal exterior cover. The hydrogen tank 31 is iconicly positioned to create a strong impression from any viewing angle. A pilot lamp 401, such as an LED light source, is positioned at the front of the vehicle body 10. The pilot lamp 401 indicates the operating status with its light color and light pattern. The highly appealing rice transplanter design, achieved through extensive rice transplanter development, is realized. An advanced impression and the features of the vehicle body 10 are realized at low cost.

[0072] (3-3) Further explanation will be given regarding the rice transplanter equipped with the fuel cell 40.

[0073] As shown in Figures 19(a) and 19(b) and 20(a) and 20(b), which are explanatory diagrams (10 to 13) of yet another embodiment of the rice transplanter in the present invention, a component layout is adopted in which the FC stack of the fuel cell 40, the radiator 50, and the air-cooling fan 506 of the radiator 50 are placed in the space below the seat 501. By utilizing the space where the engine is mounted in a mid-engine machine, no major changes from the component layout of a general-purpose engine machine are required, and efficient development based on accumulated know-how can be expected.

[0074] A radiator 50 and an air-cooling fan 506 are positioned behind the FC stack of the fuel cell 40. Minimal changes are required from the component layout of the mid-engine aircraft for hot-air fertilization.

[0075] As shown in Figures 19(a) and 19(b), the hydrogen tanks 31 on both the left and right sides are positioned below the spare seedling frames on both sides of the spare seedling storage section 71. By positioning the relatively heavy hydrogen tanks 31 at the front of the vehicle body 10, the weight balance characteristics are improved, and the so-called front weight can be omitted, which is expected to contribute to cost reduction.

[0076] Hydrogen tank mounting sections 30 are positioned at two locations below the spare seedling frames on both the left and right sides of the spare seedling placement section 71, serving as hydrogen tank insertion points, and a hydrogen tank 31 is inserted from above. The hydrogen tank 31, inserted from above into the hydrogen tank mounting section 30, is supported from below by the hydrogen tank mounting section 30, and by attaching the end of the hydrogen hose 504 to the hydrogen tank mounting section 30, the hydrogen outlet to the hydrogen hose 504 can be positioned at the bottom of the hydrogen tank 31, thus allowing for a simpler piping configuration for the hydrogen hose 504.

[0077] As shown in Figures 20(a) and 20(b), hydrogen tank mounting sections 30 are positioned at two locations on the lower rear of the left and right side steps, serving as hydrogen tank insertion points, and a specification is adopted in which the hydrogen tank 31 is inserted from the front. This specification differs from the specification described above in which the hydrogen tank 31 is inserted from above. Because the relatively heavy hydrogen tank 31 is positioned near the center of the vehicle body 10, there is almost no change in weight balance characteristics accompanied by a deviation in the center of gravity. The side steps also function as guards to prevent the hydrogen tank 31 from coming into contact with obstacles. Furthermore, since the hydrogen tank 31 is positioned close to the FC stack of the fuel cell 40, the piping of the hydrogen hose 504 can be done with a simple routing.

[0078] When the robot operation begins, the seat portion of the seat 501 automatically tilts forward, and the cooling fan 505 also starts operating. Since the upper side of the operating cooling fan 505 is not closed by the seat 501, an improvement in the cooling efficiency of the cooling fan 505 is expected.

[0079] A motion sensor 503 capable of detecting people in an area with a radius of several meters around the rice transplanter is installed near the GNSS antenna. The motion sensor 503 detects whether an operator is on the rice transplanter. If a person enters a predetermined area around the rice transplanter, the heat exhaust fan 505 is stopped. A safety function is implemented to prevent accidents caused by the operation of the heat exhaust fan 505.

[0080] A seating sensor 502 is installed below the seat 501. When the seating sensor 502 detects that the seat 501, which was tilted forward, has returned to its normal position, the cooling fan 505 is stopped. Further safety features are implemented to prevent accidents caused by the operation of the cooling fan 505.

[0081] Furthermore, the program of the invention related to the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute all or part of the steps (or processes, operations, and actions, etc.) of the work vehicle operation control method of the invention related to the present invention described above, and is a program that operates in cooperation with the computer.

[0082] Furthermore, the recording medium of the invention related to the present invention is a recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute all or part of the steps (or processes, operations, and actions, etc.) of the work vehicle operation control method of the invention related to the present invention described above, and is a computer-readable recording medium in which the read program is used in cooperation with the computer.

[0083] Furthermore, the "some steps (or processes, actions, and functions, etc.)" mentioned above refers to one or more of those steps.

[0084] Furthermore, the "actions of the steps (or processes, movements, and actions, etc.)" mentioned above refer to all or part of the actions of the steps mentioned above.

[0085] Furthermore, one form of use of the program of the invention related to the present invention may be that it is transmitted through a transmission medium such as the internet, light, radio waves, or sound waves, read by a computer, and operates in cooperation with the computer.

[0086] Furthermore, recording media include ROM (Read Only Memory), among others.

[0087] Furthermore, a computer is not limited to pure hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also include firmware, an OS (Operating System), and even peripheral devices.

[0088] As mentioned above, the configuration of the present invention may be implemented in software or in hardware. [Industrial applicability]

[0089] The work vehicle in this invention can accommodate the layout of relatively heavy units, such as hydrogen tanks and fuel cells, with good body balance characteristics, making it useful for use in work vehicles such as rice transplanters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 car bodies 20 fertilization units 21 Fertilizer blower 30 Hydrogen tank mounting section 31 Hydrogen tanks 40 Fuel Cell 50 radiator 60 Fuel cell wastewater storage unit 61 First storage tank 62 Second storage tank 63 Connecting pipes 70. Spare seedling weight sensor 71 Reserve seedling storage section 80. Vehicle tilt sensor 101 Seedling transport device 102 Fuel cell drainage piping 103 Fertilizer hopper 104 Fertilizer hose 105 Seedling placement part 106 Seedling Supply Department 107 Front Wheel 108 Rear Wheel 109 Fuel cell wastewater dispersion equipment 201 Fuel cell wastewater sensor 202 Fuel cell drain cock 203 Fuel cell drainage pump 204 HST equipment 301 ECU device 302 Seedling mounting frame 303 Seedling planting pole 401 Pilot Lamp 501 seats 502 Seat Occupancy Sensor 503 Motion Sensor 504 Hydrogen Hose 505 Cooling Fan 506 Air Cooling Fan

Claims

1. A hydrogen tank mounting section to which a hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen can be detachably attached, A fuel cell that generates electricity using the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank, It is equipped with, A work vehicle characterized in that the hydrogen tank mounting section and the fuel cell are arranged together in the front or central part of the vehicle body.

2. It is equipped with at least a radiator for dissipating heat to cool the fuel cell, The work vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the radiator is located behind the fuel cell.

3. It is equipped with a fertilization unit that has a fertilization blower for fertilizing, The work vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the exhaust hot air from the radiator is blown out towards the rear and drawn into the fertilizer blower.

4. The work vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising a fuel cell wastewater storage unit for storing fuel cell wastewater from the aforementioned fuel cell.

5. The fuel cell wastewater storage unit includes a first storage tank for storing the fuel cell wastewater, a second storage tank for storing the fuel cell wastewater, and a connecting pipe that connects the first storage tank to the second storage tank. The first storage tank is positioned in front of the second storage tank. The work vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the fuel cell wastewater stored in the first storage tank and the second storage tank is movable between the first storage tank and the second storage tank through the connecting pipe.

6. It is equipped with a spare seedling weight sensor that detects the weight of spare seedlings placed in the spare seedling placement section. The work vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, based on the detection results of the spare seedling weight sensor, the fuel cell wastewater from the first storage tank and the second storage tank is moved between the first storage tank and the second storage tank so as to reduce the weight imbalance in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

7. It is equipped with a vehicle body tilt sensor that detects the degree of tilt of the vehicle body in the front-rear direction, The work vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, based on the detection result of the vehicle body tilt sensor, the fuel cell wastewater from the first storage tank and the second storage tank is moved between the first storage tank and the second storage tank so as to reduce the tilt of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

8. The longitudinal direction of the first storage tank and the second storage tank in a plan view is the left-right direction of the vehicle body. The work vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first storage tank and the second storage tank are mounted to the vehicle body tilted to the same side such that one of the tank ends on the left side of the vehicle body and the other on the right side of the vehicle body is lower than the other tank end.

9. The work vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting pipe connects one tank end of the first storage tank to one tank end of the second storage tank.

10. The work vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the center of gravity of the fertilizer application unit in a plan view is biased towards the other of the left and right sides of the vehicle body.

Images