tractor

Abstract

To form a unit with a fuel cell and a tank to enable easy attachment / detachment of the unit.SOLUTION: A work vehicle comprises: a vehicle body 2; a travel device 4 for supporting the vehicle body 2 and causing the vehicle body 2 to travel; a drive device 5 for driving the travel device 4; and a fuel cell unit 100 having a fuel cell 8 for supplying electric power to drive the drive device 5 and a tank 7 for storing a gas which generates electric power in the fuel cell 8. The fuel cell unit 100 may be attached to or detached from the vehicle body 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle driven using electric power generated by a fuel cell. tractor It relates to.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a tractor has a bonnet at the front of the vehicle body. Inside the bonnet, an engine, a radiator, a fuel tank, a battery, etc. are housed.

[0003] On the other hand, aiming to achieve decarbonization, the development of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) using hydrogen as fuel has been progressing. In this work vehicle, a tank (hydrogen tank) for storing (reserving) hydrogen gas and a fuel cell for generating electricity using the hydrogen gas in the tank are provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the conventional technology, the tank and the fuel cell have a non-removable structure.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle in which a fuel cell and a tank are unitized and can be easily attached and detached. tractor It aims to provide.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The technical means taken by the present invention to solve the above problems are characterized by the following points.

[0008] The tractorIt comprises a vehicle body and a running gear that supports and moves the vehicle body, A drive unit that drives the aforementioned traveling device, A cabin housing a driver's seat, located at the upper rear of the vehicle body, and a bonnet located in front of the cabin and at the upper front of the vehicle body, A fuel cell that supplies power to drive the drive device, and a tank that contains the gas used to generate electricity in the fuel cell, A casing that houses the fuel cell and the tank inside, A fuel cell unit having, The fuel cell unit is detachably mounted on the upper surface of the cabin, a battery is located below the driver's seat inside the cabin to store the electricity generated by the fuel cell unit and to supply power to the drive unit, and a power control unit having an electrical circuit to supply power to the drive unit is located inside the hood. The fuel cell unit, the battery, and the power control unit are arranged separately in three different locations: the top surface of the cabin, the interior of the cabin, and the interior of the hood. .

[0009] The vehicle is equipped with a running gear that supports and moves the vehicle body, the running gear having front wheels that support the front of the vehicle body and rear wheels that support the rear of the vehicle body, the front end of the cover is located in front of the front wheels in the front-rear direction and the rear end of the cover is located behind the rear wheels in the front-rear direction, a hollow housing is formed between the frame material and the cover, either the tank or the fuel cell is positioned in the housing so that its front-rear position coincides with the front wheels, and the other tank or fuel cell is positioned in the housing so that its front-rear position coincides with the rear wheels .

[0010] A drive motor that generates power to drive the drive unit is provided at a position lower than the height at which the cabin is installed in the vehicle body, and power is supplied to the drive motor via the power control unit. .

[0014] The fuel cell unit is equipped with a suspension member that supports the fuel cell unit in a suspended state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention tractor According to the specifications, the fuel cell and tank can be unitized and easily attached and detached. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the work vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the work vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the work vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the internal structure of the fuel cell unit. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the arrangement of mounting and suspension members for the fuel cell unit. [Figure 6] This figure shows the procedure for attaching and detaching the fuel cell unit in the work vehicle of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a side view of a work vehicle according to a reference embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of a work vehicle according to a reference embodiment. [Figure 9]It is a diagram showing the procedure for attaching and detaching the fuel cell unit in the work vehicle of the reference embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a preferred first embodiment of Tractor (work vehicle 1) the present invention will be described.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a Tractor ( perspective view of the work vehicle 1 )of of the first embodiment. The work vehicle 1 of the first embodiment is a fuel cell vehicle (FCV: Fuel Cell Vehicle) that generates electricity by causing an electrode reaction of hydrogen as fuel. The work vehicle 1 is provided with a tank 7 that stores hydrogen or the like as fuel, and a fuel cell 8 that generates electricity using fuel such as hydrogen gas stored in the tank 7.

[0019] Note that the "store" in the present invention includes not only storing liquefied hydrogen gas or the like but also storing in a metal compound or the like.

[0020] In addition, since methane or the like other than hydrogen may be used as fuel for the fuel cell vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle that generates electricity using fuel such as methane is also Tractor ( included in the work vehicle 1 ) of the present invention. In this case, fuel such as methane is stored in the tank 7, and the fuel cell 8 generates electricity using fuel such as methane.

[0022] In the following description, the direction indicated by the arrow A1 in FIGS. 2 and 3 (the forward direction of the work vehicle 1) is referred to as the front. The direction indicated by the arrow A2 in FIGS. 2 and 3 (the reverse direction of the work vehicle 1) is referred to as the rear. The direction indicated by the arrow A3 in FIGS. 2 and 3 is described as the front-rear direction. The directions indicated by the arrows A1 to A3 are appropriately illustrated in the drawings such as FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0023] Furthermore, the horizontal direction (left-right direction), which is perpendicular to the front-rear direction (indicated by arrow A3), will be described as the vehicle width direction K1 or width direction (see Figure 3). The vehicle width direction K1 is the width direction of the work vehicle 1. The direction from the center of the width direction of the work vehicle 1 to the right, or from the center to the left, will be described as the outward direction of the vehicle width direction K1 (outward in the width direction). In other words, the outward direction is the direction away from the center of the width direction of the work vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction K1. The direction opposite to the outward direction in the width direction will be described as the inward direction of the width direction K1 (inward in the width direction). In other words, the inward direction is the direction approaching the center of the width direction of the work vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction K1.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the work vehicle 1 comprises a body 2, a running gear 4, and a drive unit 5. The body 2 includes a cabin 3 and a bonnet 9. The body 2 is capable of being coupled with work equipment. The cabin 3 houses the driver's seat 10 provided in the body 2. The cabin 3 is located at the rear of the body 2. The bonnet 9 is located at the front of the body 2. The running gear 4 supports and moves the body 2. The drive unit 5 drives the running gear 4.

[0025] The following sections will describe the vehicle body 2, cabin 3, bonnet 9, running gear 4, and drive system 5 that make up the work vehicle 1.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, running gear 4 is provided at both ends of the vehicle body 2 in the width direction. A drive unit 5 is provided on the upper part of the vehicle body 2. A cabin 3 is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 2, and a bonnet 9 is provided at the front of the vehicle body 2. The cabin 3 and bonnet 9 are fixed to the vehicle body 2 while resting on top of it. In other words, the vehicle body 2 of the first embodiment is a member that supports the running gear 4, drive unit 5, cabin 3, and bonnet 9. A transmission case 29 that transmits power from the drive unit 5 to the running gear 4 is also provided at the rear of the vehicle body 2. The front part of the vehicle body 2 is formed to exhibit high rigidity by combining metal frame materials and the like.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cabin 3 is a box-shaped structure mounted on the upper rear of the vehicle body 2. A driver's seat 10 is located inside. The cabin 3 has front, rear, left, and right panels, and pillars positioned between adjacent panels. Specifically, the cabin 3 includes a front panel 11 positioned in front of the driver's seat 10, door panels 12L and 12R positioned to the left and right of the driver's seat 10, respectively, and a rear panel 13 positioned behind the driver's seat 10.

[0028] Furthermore, cabin 3 includes a left front pillar 14, a right front pillar 15, a left rear pillar 16, and a right rear pillar. The left front pillar 14 is located between the front panel 11 and the left door panel 12L. The right front pillar 15 is located between the front panel 11 and the right door panel 12R. The left rear pillar 16 is located between the rear panel 13 and the left door panel 12L. The right rear pillar is located between the rear panel 13 and the right door panel 12R.

[0029] The hood 9 is a cover mounted on the front of the vehicle body 2. The hood 9 is made of metal plates or the like and is formed in a shape that is open at the rear and bottom, while closed at the front, left, right, and top.

[0030] Furthermore, the work vehicle 1 has a housing section 62 inside the hood 9 that accommodates the fuel cell unit 100, power control unit 101, drive motor 6, etc. By providing such a housing section 62 inside the hood 9, the contents to be housed, such as the fuel cell 8, are covered by the hood 9, and the hood 9 can protect the fuel cell 8 and other components from wind, rain, mud, and dust while driving.

[0031] The running gear 4 supports the vehicle body 2 with respect to the road surface (ground) and allows it to move. In other words, the running gear 4 provides propulsion to the vehicle body 2. In the first embodiment, the running gear 4 consists of a left front wheel 18L, a right front wheel 18R, a left rear wheel 19L, and a right rear wheel 19R, all made of rubber tires or the like. The left rear wheel 19L and the right rear wheel 19R are made of larger diameter rubber tires than the left front wheel 18L and the right front wheel 18R, and support the large load applied to the rear of the vehicle body 2. In the running gear 4 of the present invention, power is transmitted from the drive unit 5 to any or all of the left front wheel 18L, right front wheel 18R, left rear wheel 19L, and right rear wheel 19R. Note that crawlers or the like may be used instead of rubber tires in the running gear 4.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the drive unit 5 of the present invention is installed on the vehicle body 2 and generates power to drive the running gear 4. In the first embodiment, the drive unit 5 uses electricity generated by a fuel cell. Specifically, the drive unit 5 includes a drive motor 6 that generates power to drive the running gear 4, a fuel cell 8 that supplies power to the drive motor 6, and a battery 20 that stores the electricity supplied from the fuel cell 8. The work vehicle 1 is also provided with a tank 7 that supplies hydrogen gas as fuel to the fuel cell 8.

[0033] The drive motor 6, fuel cell 8, battery 20, and tank 7, which constitute the drive unit 5, will be described below.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the drive motor 6 is, for example, a permanent magnet embedded DC or AC synchronous motor or a wound-field synchronous motor. One drive motor 6 is positioned slightly forward of the center in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body 2. The drive motor 6 has an output shaft that extends towards the rear, and it rotates the output shaft. The rear end of the output shaft is connected to the transmission case 29.

[0035] The transmission case 29 is equipped with a transmission, clutch, differential gear, etc., which changes the speed of the power transmitted to the output shaft of the drive motor. The transmission case 29 reduces or increases the speed of the power input from the output shaft and outputs the reduced or increased speed to the left front wheel 18L, right front wheel 18R, left rear wheel 19L, and / or right rear wheel 19R of the running gear 4. For example, if the work vehicle 1 is rear-wheel drive, the power is transmitted only to the left rear wheel 19L and the right rear wheel 19R. If the work vehicle 1 is four-wheel drive, the power is transmitted to all of the left front wheel 18L, right front wheel 18R, left rear wheel 19L, and right rear wheel 19R.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the drive motor 6 is located in only one place on the upper part of the vehicle body 2, and the power generated by this single drive motor 6 is distributed to the left front wheel 18L, the right front wheel 18R, the left rear wheel 19L, and / or the right rear wheel 19R. However, the drive motor built into the drive device 5 of the present invention The number of Ta6 units to be installed may be changed as appropriate.

[0037] In the work vehicle 1 of the first embodiment, the transmission case 29 not only transmits the decelerated or accelerated power to the running gear 4, but also transmits a portion of the power to the work device (not shown). Specifically, a PTO shaft (power take-off shaft) is provided at the rear of the work vehicle 1 (the rear end of the transmission case 29), and the power transmitted (input) to the transmission case 29 is output not only to the running gear 4 but also to the PTO shaft. In this way, it becomes possible to operate the work device (implement) using electricity generated by the fuel cell.

[0038] Furthermore, a coupling device (three-point linkage mechanism 102) may be provided at the rear of the work vehicle 1 in this embodiment (the rear end of the transmission case 29). By providing such a three-point linkage mechanism 102, it becomes possible to attach various implements (working devices) to the rear of the work vehicle 1, change its posture, and drive them, allowing the work vehicle 1 to perform a variety of tasks.

[0039] The work equipment includes implements such as tillers, rotary tillers, mulchers, hammer knife mowers, levee builders, transporters, seeders, harrows, or ridging machines.

[0040] It should be noted that the PTO shaft and the three-point linkage mechanism 102 mentioned above are not always installed. In agricultural machinery such as combine harvesters and rice transplanters, or in construction machinery such as work vehicles 1, they may not be installed. In addition, a hydraulic pump driven by the power output of the drive motor 6, or a separate electric motor, may be provided in addition to the drive motor 6, and the work implement may be operated hydraulically or electrically.

[0041] Now, regarding the present invention Tractor ( Work vehicle 1 ) The system is characterized by having a fuel cell unit 100. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the fuel cell unit 100 is a unitized and integrated unit of the fuel cell unit 100 and the tank 7. The fuel cell unit 100 has a casing 103. The casing 103 houses the fuel cell 8 and the tank 7. The casing 103 is also equipped with a valve unit 33 that mixes the hydrogen gas when supplying it from the tank 7 to the fuel cell 8. In other words, the fuel cell unit 100 generates electricity using the hydrogen gas contained in the tank 7 in the fuel cell 8. This allows it to generate electricity autonomously on its own.

[0042] Furthermore, the fuel cell unit 100 is detachable from the vehicle body 2. This allows the fuel cell unit 100 to be replaced. The fuel cell unit 100 is positioned in a location within the work vehicle 1 that is easily detachable. Possible mounting locations for the fuel cell unit 100 include the upper part of the cabin 3 as shown in the first embodiment, or the inside of the bonnet 9 as shown in the second embodiment.

[0043] The mounting surface for the fuel cell unit 100 is provided with a mounting member 104 for detachably attaching the fuel cell unit 100. BookIn this embodiment, the mounting member 104 is located on the upper part of the cabin 3. 。

[0044] Next, the casing 103, fuel cell 8, tank 7, valve unit 33, and mounting member 104 of the fuel cell unit 100 will be described.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the casing 103 provided in the fuel cell unit 100 of the first embodiment is arranged to cover the periphery of the fuel cell unit 100 (in six directions: front, rear, left, right, up, and down). Inside the casing 103, a unit housing section 105 is formed that can accommodate multiple tanks 7, fuel cells 8, and valve units 33. The casing 103 is made of thick steel or the like that can thermally and physically protect the tanks 7 from the outside. By housing the fuel cells 8 and / or tanks 7 inside the casing 103 as described above, the fuel cells 8 and / or tanks 7 can be attached to and detached integrally with the casing 103.

[0046] The fuel cell 8 supplies the power to drive the drive unit 5. The fuel cell 8 generates electricity by reacting hydrogen, the fuel, with oxygen at the electrodes. The hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell 8 is stored in the tank 7. The fuel cell 8 contains electrodes stacked in multiple layers. The hydrogen gas from the tank 7 is supplied to the fuel cell 8 via the valve unit 33, and the electrode reaction takes place within the fuel cell 8. The electrode reaction in the fuel cell 8 does not emit carbon dioxide, which is inevitably emitted in combustion reactions of internal combustion engines. Therefore, the present invention, which is driven using the electricity generated by the fuel cell, Tractor ( Work vehicle 1 ) This is promising for achieving decarbonization.

[0047] Specifically, the fuel cell 8 has multiple single cells, each equipped with two types of electrodes, a positive electrode and a negative electrode, stacked inside a box-shaped battery casing. The positive and negative electrodes are formed in a sheet or film shape using positive electrode material and negative electrode material, respectively. Each single cell contains one positive electrode and one negative electrode, and adjacent single cells are separated by separators. Hydrogen gas from tank 7 is supplied to the positive electrode, and compressed oxygen gas (oxidizing gas) from a compressor or the like is supplied to the negative electrode, and a battery reaction (power generation) takes place in each single cell. The fuel cell 8 generates power with a voltage and current sufficient to drive the drive unit 5 by aggregating the power generated in each single cell.

[0048] The fuel cell 8 is designed so that the temperature of the electrodes located inside can be adjusted to a temperature that maximizes power generation efficiency (approximately 70°C in the case of a hydrogen fuel cell). Hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell 8 from the tank 7 through the gas piping 23. Multiple tanks 7 (four in the illustrated example) are arranged on the side of the fuel cell 8 inside the casing 103.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the tank 7 contains the gas used to generate electricity in the fuel cell 8. The tank 7 is a long, cylindrical cylinder made of a rigid synthetic resin reinforced with carbon fiber or glass fiber. In the first embodiment, all of the tanks 7 (cylinders) are arranged so that their axes face in the width direction of the vehicle body, and four of them are housed in a row in the front-to-back direction within the casing 103.

[0050] A neck 7a is formed at the front end of the tank 7. A gas pipe 23 is connected to the neck 7a of the tank 7 via a safety valve (solenoid valve) (not shown).

[0051] The gas piping 23 is installed at each of the multiple tanks 7, and guides the hydrogen gas from each tank 7 to the valve unit 33. The gas piping 23 uses composite material hoses that combine synthetic resin capable of preventing hydrogen gas permeation with flexible metal wires.

[0052] The valve unit 33 is equipped with solenoid valves and the like that can adjust the pressure and flow rate of hydrogen gas, and adjusts the pressure and flow rate of hydrogen gas to a level suitable for generating electricity in the fuel cell 8 before supplying it to the fuel cell 8.

[0053] The mounting member 104 of the present invention is a member for attaching the fuel cell unit 100 to a desired position in the work vehicle 1. In the first embodiment, the mounting member 104 is provided in the cabin 3.

[0054] Specifically, the mounting member 104 of the first embodiment has a plurality of brackets 107 on the upper part of the cabin 3. The brackets 107 are fittings for fixing the fuel cell unit 100, and in the first embodiment, L-shaped metal stays are used.

[0055] One end of the L-shaped bracket 107 has a first through-hole 109 through which a first fastener 108 is inserted. The other end of the L-shaped bracket 107 has a second through-hole 111 through which a second fastener 110 is inserted. The first fastener 108 fixes the bracket 107 to the side of the casing 103 by passing through the first through-hole 109. The second fastener 110 fixes the bracket 107 to the upper part (top surface) of the cabin 3 by passing through the second through-hole 111. Using such a bracket 107 (mounting member 104), the fuel cell unit 100 can be securely and firmly attached to the upper part (top surface) of the cabin 3. Furthermore, by loosening at least one of the first fastener 108 or the second fastener 110, the fuel cell unit 100 can be removed from the upper part (top surface) of the cabin 3. Therefore, by using the bracket 107 (mounting member 104) described above, the fuel cell unit 100 can be attached to and detached from the upper part (top surface) of the cabin 3.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the fuel cell unit 100 is equipped with a suspension member 112 that supports the fuel cell unit 100 in a suspended state. In the first embodiment, eye bolts attached to the four corners of the upper surface of the casing 103 are used as the suspension member 112. Using such a suspension member 112, the fuel cell unit 100 can be suspended. The unit can be freely raised and lowered using a lever or similar device. As a result, it becomes easy to remove the fuel cell unit 100 with the bracket 107 (mounting member 104) removed, or to load a new fuel cell unit 100 into the upper part of the cabin 3.

[0057] The fuel cell unit 100 has an output connector 106. The output connector 106 is a wiring component that outputs the power generated by the fuel cell 8 to the outside. An input connector 113 is detachably attached to the output connector 106. By connecting the input connector 113 to the output connector 106, electrical conductivity becomes possible. The wiring extending from the input connector 113 is fixed to the vehicle body 2 and connected to an electrical circuit (power control unit 101) that supplies power to the drive unit 5, inputting the power generated by the fuel cell 8 to the drive unit 5. A "power harness" or "power extraction harness" can be used for the output connector 106 and input connector 113 described above.

[0058] Furthermore, it is preferable that the output connector 106 and input connector 113 be located in a waterproof location. In the first embodiment, a wiring storage box 115 is provided on the side of the casing 103 of the fuel cell unit 100. By housing the output connector 106 and input connector 113 in the wiring storage box 115, the waterproofness of the output connector 106 and input connector 113 can be improved.

[0059] In the first embodiment, a power control unit 101 is used in the electrical circuit that supplies power to the drive unit 5 described above. The power control unit 101 in the first embodiment is located inside the bonnet 9. The power control unit 101 adjusts the power generated by the fuel cell 8 to a voltage suitable for operating the drive unit 5, battery 20, or other electrical components. The power control unit 101 is equipped with boost and buck circuits by combining an inverter and power transistors.

[0060] For example, the boost circuit in the power control unit 101 boosts the power generated by the fuel cell 8 to secure the voltage necessary to start the drive motor 6. The buck circuit, on the other hand, reduces the voltage of the boosted power to operate electrical components that operate at even lower voltages than the drive motor 6 (low-voltage electrical components). The buck circuit is equipped with two DC-DC converters. Examples of electrical components that operate at low voltages include the first radiator 22, the second radiator 24, and the battery 20.

[0061] The battery 20 stores electricity generated by the fuel cell 8 via the power control unit 101. In the work vehicle 1 of the first embodiment, the battery 20 is located below the driver's seat 10. By placing the battery 20 below the driver's seat 10, the heavy battery 20 is positioned lower within the vehicle, lowering the center of gravity of the work vehicle 1 and stabilizing its driving performance.

[0062] Next, a method for attaching and detaching the fuel cell unit 100 of the first embodiment (method for attaching and detaching the fuel cell unit 100) will be described.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, when removing the fuel cell unit 100 from the top of the cabin 3, first attach the sling belt 114 to the eye bolts attached to the four corners of the top surface of the casing 103. Next, open the wiring storage box 115 provided on the side of the casing 103 of the fuel cell unit 100 and disconnect the input connector 113 from the output connector 106.

[0064] As shown in the upper part of Figure 6, the first fastener 108 attached to the side of the casing 103 is removed. Once the first insertion hole 109 or the first fastener 108 is removed, the bracket 107, which was fixed by the first fastener 108, can be removed from the casing 103.

[0065] As shown in the lower part of Figure 6, the sling belt 114, which is fixed to the fuel cell unit 100 via an eyebolt, is raised by a crane. This makes it possible to remove the fuel cell unit 100 from the top of the cabin 3.

[0066] To install the fuel cell unit 100 on top of the cabin 3, perform the operation in the reverse order of the procedure described above. This will allow you to install the fuel cell unit 100 on top of the cabin 3. [ reference [Embodiment] next, reference The work vehicle 1 of the embodiment will be described below.

[0067] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, reference The work vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a fuel cell unit 100 similar to that of the first embodiment. reference The configuration of the fuel cell unit 100 provided in the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. reference The fuel cell unit 100 of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in its mounting position and the structure of the mounting portion.

[0068] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the fuel cell unit 100 was mounted on the upper part of the cabin 3, reference Fuel cell unit 100 of the embodiment teeth It is installed inside the hood.

[0069] reference A power control unit 101 is provided on the bonnet 9 of the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment. The power control unit 101 is positioned in front of the drive motor 6. A support frame 116 for supporting the fuel cell unit 100 is provided on top of the power control unit 101.

[0070] The support frame 116 is provided to support the fuel cell unit 100 within the bonnet 9. The support frame 116 is fixed to the vehicle body 2 and is capable of supporting the weight of the fuel cell unit 100. Mounting members 104 are provided on the upper surface of the support frame 116. Mounting members 104 have a plurality of brackets 107. The brackets 107 are metal fittings for fixing the fuel cell unit 100, and are L-shaped metal stays similar to those in the first embodiment. The brackets 107 have a first insertion hole 109 for inserting a first fastener 108 and a second insertion hole 111 for inserting a second fastener 110. By inserting the first fastener 108 and the second fastener 110 into the respective insertion holes, the fuel cell unit 100 is fixed to the upper part (upper surface) of the support frame 116 via the brackets 107.

[0071] next, reference A method for attaching and detaching the fuel cell unit 100 of this embodiment (method for attaching and detaching the fuel cell unit 100) will be described below.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, to remove the fuel cell unit 100 from the upper part of the support frame 116 (inside the bonnet 9), the bonnet 9 must first be opened. In the example shown, the bonnet 9 can be swung with its front end as the pivot point and its rear end in an upward direction. Note that the method for opening the bonnet 9 varies from vehicle to vehicle, so it is acceptable to open the bonnet 9 using other methods.

[0073] Once the hood 9 is opened, the sling belts 114 are attached to the eye bolts mounted on the four corners of the top surface of the casing 103. Next, the wiring storage box 115 located on the side of the casing 103 of the fuel cell unit 100 is opened, and the input connector 113 is disconnected from the output connector 106.

[0074] As shown in the lower part of Figure 6, the first fastener 108 attached to the side of the casing 103 is removed. Once the first insertion hole 109 or the first fastener 108 is removed, the bracket 107, which was fixed by the first fastener 108, can be removed from the casing 103.

[0075] As shown in the lower part of Figure 9, the sling belt 114, which is fixed to the fuel cell unit 100 via an eyebolt, is raised by a crane. This makes it possible to remove the fuel cell unit 100 from the top of the cabin 3.

[0076] To install the fuel cell unit 100 on top of the cabin 3, perform the operation in the reverse order of the procedure described above. This will allow you to install the fuel cell unit 100 on top of the cabin 3.

[0077] This invention Tractor ( Work vehicle 1 ) The vehicle comprises a vehicle body 2, a running gear 4 that supports and moves the vehicle body 2, a drive unit 5 that drives the running gear 4, a fuel cell 8 that supplies power to drive the drive unit 5, and a tank 7 that contains the gas generated by the fuel cell 8. The fuel cell unit 100 is detachably attached to the vehicle body 2.

[0078] According to this, the fuel cell 8 and the tank 7 can be removed from the vehicle body 2 at the same time, and the fuel Maintenance of the battery 8 and tank 7 can be easily performed. For example, by removing the fuel cell unit 100, replacing parts related to the tank 7, or replacing parts of the fuel cell 8, and then attaching the modified fuel cell 8 and tank 7 to the vehicle body 2, parts replacement can be easily carried out.

[0079] The vehicle body 2 includes a cabin 3 that houses a driver's seat 10 provided in the vehicle body 2, and a bonnet 9 positioned in front of the cabin 3. The bonnet 9 and / or the cabin 3 are equipped with mounting members 104 that detachably support the fuel cell unit 100.

[0080] In this way, by detachably arranging the fuel cell unit 100 via the mounting member 104, the fuel cell unit 100, which includes the tank 7 and the fuel cell 8, can be easily removed and both can be easily maintained. For example, after replacing parts related to the tank 7 or parts of the fuel cell 8 with the fuel cell unit 100 removed, the fuel cell unit 100 with the replaced parts can be easily attached to the vehicle body 2 by attaching it to the mounting member 104.

[0081] The fuel cell unit 100 has an output connector 106 that outputs the power generated by the fuel cell 8 to the outside, and the mounting member 104 has a bracket 107 that fixes the fuel cell unit 100 and an input connector 113 that is connected to an electrical circuit that supplies power to the drive unit 5 and is connected to the output connector 106 and receives the power generated by the fuel cell 8, and the output connector 106 and the input connector 113 are detachable.

[0082] Since the output connector 106 and the input connector 113 are detachable from each other in this manner, the fuel cell unit 100 can be easily removed from the vehicle body 2 after the input connector 113 is removed from the output connector 106, and after the fuel cell unit 100 is installed on the vehicle body 2, the fuel cell unit 100 can be easily installed by connecting the input connector 113 to the output connector 106.

[0083] This invention Tractor ( Work vehicle 1 ) The mounting member 104 is positioned on the upper part of the cabin 3. 。

[0084] By installing the mounting member 104 on the top of the cabin 3 or inside the bonnet 9, the fuel cell unit 100 can be mounted away from the driver's seat 10, thus protecting the operator from heat and other elements.

[0085] The fuel cell unit 100 includes a casing 103 that houses a fuel cell 8 and / or a tank 7, and the fuel cell 8 and / or tank 7 can be attached to and detached integrally with the casing 103.

[0086] If the fuel cell 8 and the tank 7 are housed inside the casing 103, these components can be attached and detached together with the casing 103 at the same time.

[0087] The fuel cell unit 100 is equipped with a suspension member 112 that supports the fuel cell unit 100 in a suspended state.

[0088] By providing such a suspension member 112, the fuel cell unit 100 can be easily moved in and out using a crane or the like.

[0089] In the embodiments described above, an example was explained in which the fuel cell unit 100, which integrates the fuel cell 8 and the tank 7, is detachably attached to the upper part of the cabin 3 or inside the bonnet 9. However, the fuel cell unit 100 may be detachably attached to locations other than those shown in the embodiments, and is not limited to these embodiments.

[0090] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1. Work vehicles 2 car bodies 3 Cabins 4. Traveling device 5. Drive unit 7 tanks 8 fuel cell 9. Hood 10. Driver's seat 100 fuel cell units 103 Casing 104 Mounting components 106 Output Connector 107 Bracket 112 Suspension member 113 Input Connector

Claims

1. The car body and, A running device that supports and moves the aforementioned vehicle body, A drive unit that drives the aforementioned traveling device, A cabin housing the driver's seat is located at the upper rear of the vehicle body, A bonnet located in front of the cabin and above the front of the vehicle body, A fuel cell unit comprising a fuel cell that supplies power to drive the drive device, a tank that contains gas to be used to generate electricity in the fuel cell, and a casing that houses the fuel cell and the tank inside, The fuel cell unit is detachably mounted on the upper surface of the cabin. A battery is located beneath the driver's seat inside the cabin, which stores the electricity generated by the fuel cell unit and supplies power to the drive unit. Inside the hood is a power control unit having an electrical circuit that supplies power to the drive unit. A tractor in which the fuel cell unit, the battery, and the power control unit are arranged separately in three different locations: the top surface of the cabin, the interior of the cabin, and the interior of the hood.

2. A mounting member is provided having a bracket for detachably fixing the fuel cell unit to the upper surface of the cabin, The bracket is formed by bending it into an L-shape, with a first insertion hole formed in one of the bent ends of the bracket for inserting a first fastener, and a second insertion hole formed in the other bent end of the bracket for inserting a second fastener. The bracket is fixed to the side surface of the casing by inserting the first fastener through the first insertion hole, and the bracket is fixed to the upper surface of the cabin by inserting the second fastener through the second insertion hole. The tractor according to claim 1.

3. A drive motor that generates power to drive the drive device is provided at a position lower than the height at which the cabin is provided on the vehicle body, The drive motor is supplied with power via the power control unit. The tractor according to claim 1.

4. The tractor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel cell unit is provided with a suspension member that supports the fuel cell unit in a suspended state.

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