JP7741772B2 - Energy support system for agricultural machinery and energy support method for agricultural machinery - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to, for example, an energy support system for agricultural machinery and an energy support method for agricultural machinery.

Conventionally, the agricultural machine described in Patent Document 1 is known as an agricultural machine equipped with a battery. The agricultural machine described in Patent Document 1 can travel using an electric motor driven by battery power.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-60664

Agricultural machinery such as that shown in Patent Document 1 has attracted attention as an environmentally friendly agricultural machinery because it does not emit exhaust gases, compared to agricultural machinery powered by diesel engines. However, the agricultural machinery in Patent Document 1 has the problem that it is difficult to run for long periods of time because it relies on batteries for its running energy. In particular, when using the agricultural machinery to perform agricultural work, it has been difficult to drive the agricultural machinery sufficiently to perform the work.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an energy support system and an energy support method for agricultural machinery that allow agricultural machinery to continue smoothly performing agricultural work in fields.

The technical means of the present invention to solve this technical problem is characterized by the following points:

The energy support system for agricultural machinery is an energy support system for agricultural machinery that has a detachable package filled with energy and is powered by the energy stored in the package. It includes a management device that calculates the energy consumed by the agricultural machinery when it performs the agricultural work, and calculates the number of packages required to cover the consumed energy based on the consumed energy.

The management device transmits the number of packages and field information regarding the field to which the packages are to be delivered to either the transport vehicle transporting the packages, the terminal of the driver driving the transport vehicle, or the terminal of the distribution center to which the packages are delivered.

The management device calculates the energy consumption of the agricultural machinery when it performs the agricultural work based on the content of the agricultural work performed in the field.

The management device calculates the energy consumption for each of the multiple fields that the agricultural machine will consume when performing the agricultural work, based on the content of the agricultural work in each of the multiple fields, and calculates the number of packages for each of the multiple fields based on the calculated energy consumption for each of the multiple fields.

The management device searches for fields among the plurality of fields where the agricultural work will be carried out during a specified period, and extracts the fields extracted by the search and the number of packages used in the extracted fields.

The management device transmits the packages for each searched field and information about each field to either the transport vehicle transporting the packages, the terminal of the driver driving the transport vehicle, or the terminal of the distribution center that delivers the packages.

The management device issues delivery instructions for the package to either the transport vehicle transporting the package, the terminal of the driver driving the transport vehicle, or the terminal of the distribution center that delivers the package.

When the energy of the attached package falls below a threshold, the agricultural machine travels toward the package delivered within or around the field.

The management device issues instructions to collect the package to either the transport vehicle transporting the package, the terminal of the driver driving the transport vehicle, or the terminal of the distribution center that delivers the package.

This is an energy support method for agricultural machinery to which energy-filled packages are detachably attached. Before the agricultural machinery performs agricultural work in a field, the method calculates the energy consumption of the agricultural machinery when performing the agricultural work, and calculates the number of packages required to cover the consumed energy based on the consumed energy.

This invention allows agricultural machinery to continue farming work smoothly in the field.

1 is an overall view showing an energy support system for an agricultural machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of electronic devices of the agricultural machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lifting device provided in the agricultural machine. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a battery mounting section provided in an agricultural machine and diagrams for explaining an operation when replacing a battery. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an external terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a field contour H10 (field map MP2) is determined from a travel trajectory K1. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the contour H10 of the field (field map MP2) is determined from the inflection points of the travel trajectory K1. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a contour H10 (field map MP2) is determined from switch operations while traveling. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen M11. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen M12. This is a diagram showing a unit task section A3 created in a task area A2. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a unit task section A3 different from that shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the creation of a planned driving route L1. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen M1. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the tractor moving from a barn to a field and returning from the field to the barn. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the first package body is delivered to the field H1. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the second package body 6B is collected. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work plan. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between agricultural work and energy consumption per unit area. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the model number of a package body for each machine and energy information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation from the work plan to the calculation of the number of packages. FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of delivering a first package body in a delivery plan. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery plan. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of collecting the second package body in the collection plan. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a collection plan. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery history. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the remaining amount of energy, the amount of charge, the number of charge times, and a coefficient. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the deterioration level of a package body. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between package model numbers and shipping fees. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen M15. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when setting a relay location. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the edges that indicate the contours of a farm field and relay locations. This is a screen displaying a message instructing the first package to be placed at a relay point during delivery. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a message indicating that the second package body placed at the relay point during collection is to be collected. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a farm field map on the screen M31 of the agricultural terminal. This is a diagram showing a farm field map including a supply position PH on a screen M31 of an agricultural terminal. This is a diagram showing a farm field map on which relay points and supply positions PH are set, with a message about package delivery added. This is a diagram showing a farm field map on which relay points and supply positions PH are set, with a message for collecting the package added. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the tractor moves toward a replenishment position. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the delivery of the first package body and materials to the field H1. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the operation of a transport vehicle T loaded with a first package body and materials. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transport vehicle moving from a relay point A5 toward a tractor. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the first package body and the empty container are delivered to the field H1. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the operation of a transport vehicle T loaded with a first package body and an empty container of materials. FIG. 10 is an overall view showing an energy support system for an agricultural machine according to a second embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of electronic devices of the agricultural machine. The figure shows a first tractor and a second tractor working in a field H1. 10 shows the operation when the second tractor hands over the filled package to the first tractor. FIG. 1 shows an example of a filled package. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a charging package. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a second tractor hands over a filled package to a first tractor in a field or a road (farm road). FIG. FIG. 1 is an overall view of a tractor.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 shows an energy support system for agricultural machinery. This energy support system for agricultural machinery includes a management device 100. The management device 100 is a stationary computer such as a server, or a portable computer such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The agricultural machine 101 is an implement such as a tractor, combine, or rice transplanter. In this embodiment, the description will proceed assuming that the agricultural machine 101 is a tractor and the management device 100 is a server.

<Agricultural machinery>
42 is a side view showing a tractor 101a, which is one of the agricultural machines 101, and an implement 101b attached to the tractor 101a. In the following description, the front side of the driver seated in the driver's seat 10 of the tractor 101a will be referred to as the front, the rear side of the driver as the rear, the left side of the driver as the left side, and the right side of the driver as the right side. In addition, the horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction of the tractor 101a, will be referred to as the vehicle body width direction.

As shown in FIG. 42, the tractor 101a (agricultural machine 101a) comprises a body 3, a prime mover 4, a transmission 5, and a package 6. The body 3 has a traveling device 7 and is capable of traveling. The traveling device 7 has front wheels 7F and rear wheels 7R. The front wheels 7F may be tire-type or crawler-type. The rear wheels 7R may also be tire-type or crawler-type. The prime mover 4 is an electric motor. The prime mover 4 is driven by electrical energy (energy source) supplied from the package 6. The transmission 5 can change the propulsion force of the traveling device 7 by changing gears, and can also switch the traveling device 7 between forward and reverse. A driver's seat 10 is provided at the rear of the body 3. The driver's seat 10 is installed in a cabin 9 provided in the body 3. A steering wheel 30 is provided in front of the driver's seat 10.

The package 6 is a package filled with energy, such as a battery filled with electrical energy, a hydrogen tank filled with hydrogen, or an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tank. When a hydrogen tank is installed, for example, a fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen and oxygen in the air can be installed in the tractor 101a, and hydrogen from the tank can be supplied to the fuel cell. The electricity generated by the fuel cell can then be supplied to the prime mover 4 to drive the prime mover 4. When an LPG tank is installed, for example, a generator that generates electricity using a gas engine can be installed in the tractor 101a, and gas from the tank can be supplied to the gas engine. Electricity can then be supplied to the prime mover 4 to drive the prime mover 4. For ease of explanation, in this embodiment, the package 6 is assumed to be a battery, and the prime mover 4 is assumed to be an electric motor driven by the battery's power.

The package body 6 is detachable from the vehicle body 3. For example, the engine 4 and package body 6 are located at the front of the vehicle body 3, but the location is not limited thereto.

A connecting section formed of a three-point link mechanism or the like is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 3. The connecting section is a lifting device 8 that allows the work implement 101b to be attached and detached and that allows the work implement 101b to travel. By connecting the implement 101b to the lifting device 8, the vehicle body 3 can tow the implement 101b. Note that the connecting section may also be a towing device that does not raise and lower the implement 101b. The implement 101b may be a tilling device that tills, a ridge forming device that forms ridges, a planting device that plants crops, a fertilizer spreading device that spreads fertilizer, a pesticide spreading device that spreads pesticides, a harvesting device that harvests, a reaping device that cuts grass, etc., a spreading device that spreads grass, etc., a grass collecting device that collects grass, etc., a shaping device that shapes grass, etc., etc.

As shown in Figure 2, the transmission 5 receives power from the prime mover 4 and transmits power for the propulsion system and the working system. The transmission 5 includes a main shaft (propeller shaft) 5a, a main transmission unit 5b, an auxiliary transmission unit 5c, a shuttle unit 5d, a PTO power transmission unit 5e, and a front transmission unit 5f. The propeller shaft 5a is rotatably supported in the housing case (transmission case) of the transmission 5, and power is transmitted to the propeller shaft 5a from the crankshaft of the prime mover 4. The main transmission unit 5b has multiple gears and a shifter that changes the connection of these gears. The main transmission unit 5b changes and outputs (shifts) the rotation input from the propeller shaft 5a by appropriately changing the connection (mesh) of the multiple gears using the shifter.

Like the main transmission unit 5b, the sub-transmission unit 5c has multiple gears and a shifter that changes the connection of those gears. The sub-transmission unit 5c changes and outputs (shifts) the rotation input from the main transmission unit 5b by appropriately changing the connection (meshing) of the multiple gears using the shifter. The shuttle unit 5d has a shuttle shaft 12 and a forward/reverse switching unit 13. The power output from the sub-transmission unit 5c is transmitted to the shuttle shaft 12 via gears or the like. The forward/reverse switching unit 13 is composed of, for example, a hydraulic clutch, and switches the rotation direction of the shuttle shaft 12, i.e., the forward and reverse movement of the tractor 101a, by engaging and disengaging the hydraulic clutch. The shuttle shaft 12 is connected to the rear wheel differential unit 20R. The rear wheel differential unit 20R rotatably supports the rear axle 21R, to which the rear wheels 7R are attached.

The PTO power transmission unit 5e has a PTO propeller shaft 14 and a PTO clutch 15. The PTO propeller shaft 14 is rotatably supported and can transmit power from the propeller shaft 5a. The PTO propeller shaft 14 is connected to the PTO shaft 16 via gears or the like. The PTO clutch 15 is composed of, for example, a hydraulic clutch, and by engaging and disengaging the hydraulic clutch, the state switches between transmitting the power of the propeller shaft 5a to the PTO propeller shaft 14 and not transmitting the power of the propeller shaft 5a to the PTO propeller shaft 14.

The front transmission unit 5f has a first clutch 17 and a second clutch 18. The first clutch 17 and the second clutch 18 can transmit power from the propeller shaft 5a; for example, the power of the shuttle 12 is transmitted via gears and a transmission shaft. The power from the first clutch 17 and the second clutch 18 can be transmitted to the front axle 21F via the front transmission shaft 22. Specifically, the front transmission shaft 22 is connected to the front wheel differential device 20F, and the front wheel differential device 20F rotatably supports the front axle 21F, to which the front wheels 7F are attached.

The first clutch 17 and the second clutch 18 are composed of hydraulic clutches or the like. An oil line is connected to the first clutch 17, and this oil line is connected to a first operating valve 25, which is supplied with hydraulic oil discharged from a hydraulic pump. The first clutch 17 is switched between an engaged state and a disengaged state depending on the opening degree of the first operating valve 25. An oil line is connected to the second clutch 18, and this oil line is connected to a second operating valve 26. The second clutch 18 is switched between an engaged state and a disengaged state depending on the opening degree of the second operating valve 26. The first operating valve 25 and the second operating valve 26 are, for example, two-position switching valves with solenoid valves, and are switched between an engaged state and a disengaged state by energizing or deenergizing the solenoid of the solenoid valve.

When the first clutch 17 is disengaged and the second clutch 18 is engaged, the power of the shuttle shaft 12 is transmitted to the front wheels 7F via the second clutch 18. As a result, the front wheels 7F and rear wheels 7R are driven by power, resulting in four-wheel drive (4WD), and the rotational speeds of the front wheels 7F and rear wheels 7R are approximately the same (4WD constant speed state). On the other hand, when the first clutch 17 is engaged and the second clutch 18 is disengaged, the vehicle is in four-wheel drive, and the rotational speed of the front wheels 7F is faster than the rotational speed of the rear wheels 7R (4WD acceleration state). Furthermore, when the first clutch 17 and the second clutch 18 are disengaged, the power of the shuttle shaft 12 is not transmitted to the front wheels 7F, resulting in two-wheel drive (2WD) in which the rear wheels 7R are driven by power.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lifting device 8 has a lift arm 8a, a lower link 8b, a top link 8c, a lift rod 8d, and a lift cylinder 8e. The front end of the lift arm 8a is supported on the upper rear part of the case (transmission case) that houses the transmission 5 so that it can swing upward or downward. The lift arm 8a swings (lifts and lowers) by driving the lift cylinder 8e. The lift cylinder 8e is composed of a hydraulic cylinder. The lift cylinder 8e is connected to a hydraulic pump via a control valve 27. The lift cylinder 8e is switched between a connected state and a disconnected state depending on the opening of the control valve 27. The control valve 27 is, for example, a two-position switching valve with a solenoid valve, and is switched between a connected state and a disconnected state by energizing or deenergizing the solenoid of the solenoid valve. When the control valve 27 is in the connected state, the lift cylinder 8e is driven (extends and retracts) by the hydraulic pump. When the control valve 27 is in the disconnected state, the drive of the lift cylinder 8e is restricted (locked).

The front end of the lower link 8b is supported on the rear lower part of the transmission 5 so that it can swing upward or downward. The front end of the top link 8c is supported on the rear part of the transmission 5, above the lower link 8b, so that it can swing upward or downward. The lift rod 8d connects the lift arm 8a to the lower link 8b. The implement 101b is connected to the rear of the lower link 8b and the rear of the top link 8c. When the lift cylinder 8e is driven (extends and retracts), the lift arm 8a rises and lowers, and the lower link 8b, which is connected to the lift arm 8a via the lift rod 8d, rises and lowers. As a result, the implement 101b swings upward or downward (lifts and lowers) around the front part of the lower link 8b as a fulcrum. When the drive of the lift cylinder 8e is restricted, the lifting and lowering of the implement 101b is also locked.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the package 6 includes a battery pack and an electrical unit (relays, fuses, etc.) inside a roughly rectangular casing. The battery pack is composed of multiple battery modules. The battery modules are composed of multiple cells. The package 6 configured in this manner is a battery capable of charging and discharging electrical energy, specifically a lithium-ion battery. The package 6 is held from the outside of the casing by a holder 6a1, and a grip 6b1 is provided at the front end of the holder 6a1. The mounting section 19 of the vehicle body 3 includes a storage section 19a that is a space capable of housing the entire package 6, an opening 19b provided on the front side of the storage section 19a in the vehicle width direction, and a flap-type lid 19c that can close the opening 19b. Normally, the package 6 is housed in the storage section 19a, and the opening 19b is closed by the lid 19c, allowing power to be supplied from the package 6 to the tractor 101a.

When replacing the package 6, the lid 19c is opened to expose the opening 19b. While grasping the gripping portion 6b1 of the currently installed package 6, the holder 6a1 is pulled toward the user, sliding the package 6 toward the front in the vehicle width direction and removing it from the storage portion 19a. The rear end of a new replacement package 6 is inserted into the now empty storage portion 19a through the opening 19b. Next, while grasping the gripping portion 6b1 of the new replacement package 6, the holder 6a1 is pushed toward the rear, sliding the new replacement package 6 toward the rear in the vehicle width direction. After the new replacement package 6 is entirely housed in the storage portion 19a, the lid 19c is closed to close the opening 19b. The package 6 is replaced in the manner described above. The configuration of the package 6 and the mounting portion 19 is merely an example; any configuration may be used as long as it allows the package 6 to be attached to and detached from the mounting portion 19.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tractor 101a is equipped with a steering device 29. The steering device 29 has a steering wheel 30, a rotating shaft (steering shaft) 31 that rotates in conjunction with rotation of the steering wheel 30, and an assist mechanism (power steering mechanism) 32 that assists in steering the steering wheel 30. The assist mechanism 32 includes a hydraulic pump 33, a control valve 34 to which hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 33 is supplied, and a steering cylinder 35 operated by the control valve 34. The control valve 34 is an electromagnetic valve that operates based on a control signal. The control valve 34 is, for example, a three-position switching valve that can be switched by moving a spool or the like. The control valve 34 can also be switched by steering the steering shaft 31. The steering cylinder 35 is connected to an arm (knuckle arm) that changes the direction of the front wheels 7F.

Therefore, when the steering wheel 30 is operated, the switching position and opening of the control valve 34 are changed in response to the steering wheel 30, and the steering cylinder 35 extends or contracts to the left or right in response to the switching position and opening of the control valve 34, thereby changing the steering direction of the front wheels 7F. Note that the steering device 29 described above is an example and is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tractor 101a is equipped with a positioning device 40A. The positioning device 40A can detect its own position (positioning information including latitude and longitude) using a satellite positioning system (positioning satellite) such as D-GPS, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, or Michibiki. That is, the positioning device 40A receives satellite signals (position of the positioning satellite, transmission time, correction information, etc.) transmitted from the positioning satellites and detects its position (e.g., latitude and longitude) based on the satellite signals. The positioning device 40A includes a receiving device 41 and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 42. The receiving device 41 has an antenna and other components that receive satellite signals transmitted from the positioning satellites, and is attached to the vehicle body 3 separately from the IMU 42. In this embodiment, the receiving device 41 is attached to the cabin 9 provided on the vehicle body 3. Note that the attachment location of the receiving device 41 is not limited to this embodiment.

The inertial measurement unit 42 includes an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration, a gyro sensor that detects angular velocity, and the like. The inertial measurement unit 42 is installed in the vehicle body 3, for example, below the driver's seat 10, and can detect the roll angle, pitch angle, yaw angle, etc. of the vehicle body 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tractor 101a is equipped with a communication device 45A. The communication device 45A is connected to the positioning device 40A, the control device 60, operating members (levers, switches, dials, etc.), and sensors via the in-vehicle communication network N1, and receives electrical signals. The communication device 45A is capable of communication with an external network (external) different from the in-vehicle communication network N1. The communication device 45A can perform wireless communication using, for example, the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards, such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity, registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), and LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network). The communication device 45A can also perform wireless communication using, for example, a mobile phone communication network or a data communication network. The communication device 45A transmits the vehicle position (the position of the tractor 101a) detected by the positioning device 40A to the management device 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tractor 101a is equipped with a control device 60. The control device 60 includes a calculation unit (e.g., a CPU) and a storage unit (memory), and executes predetermined control based on programs stored in the storage unit. More specifically, the control device 60 controls the driving and working systems of the tractor 101a based on operation signals received when operating operating members (levers, switches, dials, etc.) installed around the driver's seat 10, and detection signals from various sensors mounted on the vehicle body 3.

When the shuttle lever 43a, which switches the vehicle body 3 between forward and reverse, is operated to forward, the control device 60 switches the forward/reverse switching unit 13 to forward, causing the vehicle body 3 to move forward. Furthermore, when the shuttle lever 43a is operated to reverse, the control device 60 switches the forward/reverse switching unit 13 to reverse, causing the vehicle body 3 to move backward.

When the ignition switch 43b is turned ON, the control device 60 performs a predetermined process to start the prime mover 4, and when the ignition switch 43b is turned OFF, it stops the operation of the prime mover 4.

When the PTO switch 43c is operated while the prime mover 4 is running, the control device 60 switches the position of the PTO clutch 15 between the neutral position, the ON position, and the OFF position, thereby turning the drive of the PTO shaft 16 on and off. When the PTO shift lever 43d is operated, the control device 60 changes the rotation speed of the PTO shaft 16 (referred to as PTO rotation speed) by switching the PTO shift gear built into the transmission 5.

When the transmission changeover switch 43e is switched to automatic transmission, the control device 60 automatically switches between the main transmission unit 5b and the sub-transmission unit 5c depending on the state of the tractor 101a, and automatically changes the gear stage (speed change level) of the transmission 5 to a predetermined gear stage (speed change level). When the transmission changeover switch 43e is switched to manual transmission, the control device 60 automatically switches between the main transmission unit 5b and the sub-transmission unit 5c depending on the gear stage (speed change level) set by the shift lever 43f, and changes the gear stage of the transmission 5.

When the accelerator lever 43g is operated, the control device 60 changes the vehicle speed (velocity) of the vehicle body 3 by changing the rotation speed of the prime mover 4 (referred to as prime mover rotation speed) in accordance with the amount of operation of the accelerator lever 43g.

When the hydraulic lever 43h is operated in the upward direction (upward side) while the prime mover 4 is in operation, the control device 60 controls the control valve 27 to extend the lift cylinder 8e and raise the rear end of the lift arm 8a (the end on the implement 101b side). When the hydraulic lever 43h is operated in the downward direction (downward side) while the prime mover 4 is in operation, the control device 60 controls the control valve 27 to contract the lift cylinder 8e and lower the rear end of the lift arm 8a (the end on the implement 101b side).

When the operation selector switch 43i is turned ON, the control device 60 is set to automatic operation mode, and when the operation selector switch 43i is turned OFF, the control device 60 is set to manual operation mode. When set to automatic operation mode, the control device 60 performs automatic operation of the tractor 101a. Under automatic operation conditions, the control device 60 automatically changes the rotation angle of the steering shaft (rotating shaft) 31 based on the deviation between the detected vehicle body position and the set planned driving route. The control device 60 also automatically changes the gear position of the transmission 5, the rotation speed of the prime mover 4, etc. so that the current vehicle speed matches the vehicle speed corresponding to the planned driving route. This enables the vehicle body 3 to be driven automatically along the planned driving route.

The control device 60 acquires the remaining charge of the installed package 6 based on the potential detected by the measurement sensor 43j of the package 6, the rotation speed of the motor 4, the vehicle speed of the vehicle body 3, etc. If the control device 60 determines that the installed package 6 needs to be replaced based on the acquired remaining charge of the package 6, it controls the communication device 45A to send the battery monitoring release signal to the management device 100. Furthermore, if the control device 60 determines that the installed package 6 has been replaced with a replacement package 6 based on the potential detected by the measurement sensor 43j of the package 6, it controls the communication device 45A to send the battery monitoring signal to the management device 100. Specific aspects of the transmission of the battery monitoring signal and battery monitoring release signal based on the measurement sensor 43j will be described later.

As shown in Figure 2, the tractor 101a is equipped with a display device 50. The display device 50 is composed of a CPU, electrical and electronic circuits, a panel (liquid crystal panel, touch panel, or other panel), etc.

The display device 50 registers the contour of a specified field, for example, a position corresponding to the contour of a specified field. As shown in Figure 5, when a specified operation is performed on the display device 50, screen M10 is displayed on the panel of the display device 50.

Screen M10 displays a map MP1 including the field, the tractor 1's vehicle position VP1, and field identification information such as the field name and field management number. Map MP1 is associated with location information such as latitude and longitude in addition to image data showing the field. When the tractor 1 enters the field and circles around it, screen M10 displays the current vehicle position VP1 detected by the positioning device 40A as the tractor 1 circled. When the tractor 1 has finished circling the field and the registration button 55 displayed on screen M10 is selected, as shown in FIG. 6A, the display device 50 sets the travel trajectory K1 obtained from the multiple vehicle positions of the tractor 1 as the tractor 1 circled as the field outline (outline) H10, and registers the field map MP2 represented by this outline H10 along with the field identification information.

As shown in Figure 6B, the display device 50 may calculate inflection points from the travel trajectory indicated by the vehicle position VP1 and register the contour K2 connecting the inflection points as the field contour H10 (field map MP2). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6C, the driver or other person may specify the ends of the field using a switch or the like provided on the tractor 1 as the tractor 1 makes a circuit, and the contour K3 connecting the specified ends may be registered as the contour H10 (field map MP2). The above-mentioned field registration method is one example and is not limiting. The field contour, i.e., the field map MP2, may be data represented by position (latitude, longitude), data represented in a coordinate system (X-axis, Y-axis), or data represented in some other way.

The display device 50 stores a field map MP2 showing the contours (external shapes). That is, the display device 50 stores the field map MP2 and data showing the contours of the field (data for representing a specified field).

The display device 50 sets the work area A2. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the worker (driver) performs a predetermined operation on the display device, the display device 50 displays screen M11. Screen M11 has a field input section 80 and a field display section 81. The field input section 80 allows the input of field identification information such as the field name and field management number. The field display section 81 displays a field map MP2 that shows the specified field corresponding to the field identification information input into the field input section 80.

When the swing width W1 is entered in the swing width input section 82 on screen M11 and the swing setting button 83 is selected, the display device 50 displays the work area A2 excluding the swing area A1 on the field map MP2 displayed on the field display section 81. For example, the display device 50 sets the area surrounded by the outline H11 formed by offsetting the outline H10 of the field map MP2 inward by the swing width W1 as the work area A2. Note that the work area A2 may also be set on the field map MP2 on screen M11 by specifying the position of the outline of the work area A2 on the field map MP2 displayed on the field display section 81 using a pointer or the like.

The display device 50 stores data on the field map MP2 in which the work area A2 is set and data indicating the position of the work area A2 (field map). The display device 50 also transmits the field map to the management device 100 via the communication device 45A. Upon receiving the field map, the management device 100 stores the received field map.

The display device 50 can create a driving route (planned driving route) L1 for the traveling vehicle body 3 on the field map MP2. As shown in Figure 7B, when the worker (driver) performs a predetermined operation on the display device, the display device 50 displays screen M12. Screen M12 allows the planned driving route L1 to be set in at least the work area A2 in the field. Screen M12 includes a route display section 85 that displays the planned driving route L1, and a width input section 86. The working width W2 of the work device 2 is the width (work execution width) over which the work device 2 performs work on the ground, such as a field, and in the case of a work device 2 that spreads materials on the field, it is the spreading width over which the materials are supplied. For example, if the work device 2 is a fertilizer applicator, the working width W2 is the fertilization width; if it is a chemical sprayer, the working width W2 is the chemical spraying width; if it is a seedling transplanter, the working width W2 is the planting width that allows seedlings to be planted in the field in one operation; and if it is a seed sowing device, the working width W2 is the sowing width. Note that ground work refers to agricultural work performed on the field and the crops planted in the field, such as planting seedlings, irrigation, chemical spraying, fertilizer spraying (fertilizing), seed spraying (seeding), compaction, covering soil, ridge formation, plowing, and furrow formation.

Once the display device 50 acquires the working width W2, it creates multiple unit work sections A3 within the work area A2, where work will be performed by the work device 2, by dividing the work area A2 vertically or horizontally by the working width W2, as shown in FIG. 8A. That is, the display device 50 creates multiple unit work sections A3 within the work area A2, each with the same width as the working width W2. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8B, the display device 50 may also create multiple unit work sections A3 within the work area A2, each with a width W4, calculated by subtracting the overlap width W3 from the working width W2. The overlap width W3 can be entered on screen M12. That is, when the traveling vehicle body 3 to which the work device 2 is coupled is traveling, the display device 50 sets the smallest unit area in the field where work will be performed by the work device 2 as the unit work section A3.

As shown in Figure 8C, the display device 50 creates a straight section (straight route) L1a along which the traveling vehicle body 3 moves straight for each unit work section A3 on the field map MP2. That is, the display device 50 creates, for example, a straight, straight route L1a in the widthwise center of the unit work section A3, connecting both longitudinal ends of the unit work section A3. The display device 50 creates a turning section (turning route) L1b along which the traveling vehicle body 3 turns in the turning area A1.

The display device 50 is capable of associating the planned driving route L1 with the vehicle speed (travel speed) of the tractor 1 (driving body 3). For example, suppose that the screen M12 is provided with a vehicle speed input section for inputting the vehicle speed, and the vehicle speed is input into the vehicle speed input section. The display device 50 associates the straight route L1a with the vehicle speed input into the vehicle speed input section. The display device 50 stores the planned driving route L1 (straight route L1a and turning route L1b).

<Contents of farm work (work plan)>
As shown in FIG. 1 , the energy support system for agricultural machinery includes a management device 100. The management device 100 can be connected to a communication device 45A or an external terminal 120. The external terminal 120 is a terminal such as a portable computer (notebook computer), a fixed computer (personal computer), a PDA, a smartphone, or a tablet. The management device 100 performs a predetermined operation when it receives a predetermined command from the external terminal 120. For ease of explanation, the external terminal 120 owned or operated by a manager who manages agriculture will be referred to as a manager terminal 120A, and the external terminal 120 owned or operated by a worker who performs farm work, etc. will be referred to as a worker terminal 120B.

The management device 100 comprises a job creation unit 110 and a job memory unit 111. The job creation unit 110 is composed of electronic and electrical circuits provided in the management device 100, and programs stored in a processing unit such as a CPU of the management device 100. The job memory unit 111 is composed of non-volatile memory, etc.

The task creation unit 110 creates agricultural task details (task plans) that include at least the tasks, planned execution dates, and fields. When the manager terminal 120A connects to the management device 100 and issues a specified command to the management device 100, the task creation unit 110 displays screen M1 on the manager terminal 120A, as shown in FIG. 9. Screen M1 includes a task setting unit 131, a date setting unit 132, a field setting unit 133, and a time setting unit 134. The task setting unit 131 is used to set tasks, and allows a user to set a specific task by selecting it from pre-registered tasks. Tasks are tasks performed to cultivate crops, such as bed soil preparation, ridge filling, plowing, sowing, planting, plowing, ditching, weeding, fertilizing, and harvesting.

The date setting unit 132 is a unit for setting the planned date for carrying out the work set in the work setting unit 131, and the planned date can be set by inputting the year, month, day, etc. The field setting unit 133 is a unit for setting the field on which the work will be carried out, and for example, multiple fields are displayed on a pre-registered field map, and a specific field selected from the multiple fields is set as the field on which the work will be carried out. The time setting unit 134 is a unit for setting the time period during which the work will be carried out, and the time period can be set by inputting the time.

Screen M1 may include a worker setting section 135 for setting the worker who will perform the work, a machine setting section 136 for setting the machine that will perform the work, a scattering material setting section 137 for setting the name of the scattering material if the work involves scattering a scattering material, and a spray amount setting section 138 for setting the amount of scattering material. Machine information such as the type and model number of the agricultural machine can be entered in the machine setting section 136.

When the registration button 139 shown on screen M1 is selected, the task creation unit 110 creates the agricultural task content (task plan) from the information (content) set in the task setting unit 131, date setting unit 132, field setting unit 133, time setting unit 134, worker setting unit 135, machine setting unit 136, spray material setting unit 137, and spray amount setting unit 138. The task memory unit 111 stores the task plan (task, planned date of execution, field, time period, worker, machine, name of spray material, and spray amount) created by the task creation unit 110. The task plan in the above-described embodiment is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the task is not limited to rice farming, but may include field crop work or other tasks. In this way, the details of the agricultural work (work plan) created by the work creation unit 110 of the management device 100 can be displayed on the manager terminal 120A and worker terminal 120B, and can be checked by the manager, worker, etc.

<About farm work>
When performing agricultural work, the worker or the like refers to the work plan displayed on the worker terminal 120B. As shown in FIG. 10 , the worker or the like manually drives the tractor 101a from a storage location H2, such as a barn, toward a field H1 (e.g., field A) indicated in the work plan. When the tractor 101a arrives at the field H1 (field A), the worker or the like performs agricultural work by running the tractor 101a within the field H1 (field A). When the agricultural work in the field H1 (field A) is completed, the worker moves the tractor 101a to a field H1 (e.g., field B) different from the field H1 (field A) where the agricultural work was completed, and after arriving at the field H1 (field B), the worker or the like performs agricultural work by running the tractor 101a within the field H1 (field B). In this way, when performing agricultural work, the tractor 101a is moved sequentially through the fields H1 (field A, field B, ... field F) according to the work plan, so that the tractor 101a can perform agricultural work in each field H1. When the agricultural work in the field H1 indicated by a predetermined period (e.g., one day) in the work plan is completed, the worker moves the tractor 101a to the storage location H2 and parks the tractor 101a at the storage location H2. Note that in the above-described embodiment, the tractor 101a is manually driven to move from the storage location H2 to the field H1, move between the fields H1, and return from the field H1 to the storage location H2. However, the movement of the tractor 101a may be automatically driven, and is not limited to this. Furthermore, automatic and manual driving may be combined, such as automatically driving within the field H1 and manually driving the field H1. In addition, the automatic driving of the tractor 101a is performed by depicting a route (planned driving route) along which the tractor 101a will travel during automatic driving on a field map that indicates latitude, longitude, etc., in the same manner as the planned driving route L1 in the field, and the tractor 101a travels along the depicted route (planned driving route) under the control of the control device 60. In the above-described automatic driving, an example has been given in which the tractor 101a moves along the planned driving route, but the direction of automatic driving is not limited to this.

<Calculating energy consumption/number of battery packs>
For example, before the tractor 101a performs agricultural work in the field H1, the management device 100 calculates the energy consumption of the tractor 101a when the tractor 101a performs the agricultural work. The management device 100 refers to the work plan and calculates the energy consumption of the tractor 101a based on the content of the agricultural work indicated in the work plan.

Figure 12 shows an example of a work plan. As shown in Figure 12, the management device 100 references, for example, the work plan for April 8th. The work plan shows multiple fields H1 (field A, field B, field C, field F). The management device 100 calculates the energy consumption by the tractor 101a for each of the multiple fields H1 (field A, field B, field C, field F) based on the content of the agricultural work in each of the multiple fields H1 (field A, field B, field C, field F). The management device 100 extracts the agricultural work (work content) for each of the multiple fields H1 (field A, field B, field C, field F) and, as shown in FIG. 13, calculates the energy consumption (first energy consumption) to be consumed by the agricultural work in field H1 from the extracted agricultural work, the energy consumption per unit area for the agricultural work, and the field area pre-registered in the management device 100. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, in the work plan for April 8, the work content is plowing and the area of field A is 60a. As shown in FIG. 13, the energy consumption per unit area is 1 kWh, so the energy consumption in field A is 60 kWh.

The management device 100 also calculates the distance (field-to-field travel distance) traveled from the storage location H2 where the tractor 101a is stored, via each field H1 (field A, field B, field C, field F), to the return to storage location H2, and calculates the energy consumed by the tractor 101a in travel (second energy consumption). The total energy consumption, calculated by adding the first energy consumption and the second energy consumption, is regarded as the energy consumption required for agricultural work.

In the above-described embodiment, energy consumption is calculated based on the agricultural work and the amount of energy consumed per unit area. However, the management device 100 may also determine energy consumption by referencing the machine information (model and model number of the tractor 101a) indicated in the work plan and multiplying it by a coefficient determined according to the model and model number.

Next, once the energy consumption required for the agricultural work is determined, the management device 100 calculates the number of packages 6 required to cover the energy consumption. As shown in FIG. 14, the management device 100 references the machine information indicated in the work plan, identifies the package 6 attached to the tractor 101a based on the referenced machine information, and extracts the maximum energy amount (maximum energy amount) of the identified package 6.

As shown in FIG. 14, the management device 100 refers to a database of machine information and identification information, such as a model number, that identifies the package 6, and identifies the package 6 attached to the tractor 101a. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, in the work plan for April 8, the machine used for agricultural work in each of multiple fields H1 (fields A, B, C, and F) is "machine A." Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the management device 100 identifies that the package 6 attached to "machine A" is "model number A." The management device 100 calculates the number of packages 6 by dividing the maximum energy amount of "model number A," which is the package 6 attached to "machine A," by the total energy consumption (the sum of the first energy consumption and the second energy consumption) of each of the multiple fields H1 (fields A, B, C, and F), and rounding up the divided value. For example, the energy consumption in field A is 70 kWh, and work in field A is carried out using a tractor 101a equipped with model A. Therefore, the management device 100 calculates that the number of packages 6 required for agricultural work in field A is two by dividing 50 kWh, which is the energy capacity of model A, from 70 kWh.

The management device 100 stores the date, field H1, agricultural work, work time, machine information, number of packages, and package model number (identification information) as energy information. The energy information includes work plans such as the date, field H1, agricultural work, work time, and machine information.

In the above-described embodiment, the number of packages 6 was determined by dividing the maximum energy amount of a package 6 by the total energy consumption in field H1. However, instead of the maximum energy amount of a package 6, a predetermined energy amount (80% of the energy amount when the maximum energy amount is expressed as 100%) may be used. In this case, the number of packages 6 (rounded up to the nearest whole number) = energy consumption in field H1 / predetermined energy amount of the package. For example, when applied to field A on April 8th described above, the number of packages 6 in field A is two, calculated by dividing the energy consumption in field A (70 kWh) by the predetermined energy amount of the package (40 kWh: 80% of the maximum energy of 50 kWh).

<Operation of the energy support system>
The operation of the energy support system for agricultural machinery will be described. As shown in Fig. 15A, when the manager terminal 120A connects to the management device 100 and sends a command to create a work plan to the management device 100 (step S1), the management device 100 displays a screen M1 on the manager terminal 120A (step S2). When the manager terminal 120A is operated and a work plan is sent to the management device 100 (step S3), the work plan is stored in the management device 100 (step S4). At least the day before the date specified in the work plan or the date and time specified in the work plan, the management device 100 executes a process (first process) to calculate the total energy consumption by the tractor 101a for each field H1 and to calculate the number of packages 6 from the total energy consumption (step S5). In the first process, the management device 100 refers to the work plan and calculates the total energy consumption when the tractor 101a performs work for each field specified in the work plan, and then calculates the number of packages 6 from the calculated total energy consumption, either the maximum energy amount of the packages 6 mounted on the tractor 101a or the specified energy amount of the packages 6. That is, in the first process, the management device 100 determines the number of packages 6 using the method described above. After the first process, the management device 100 stores energy information (date, field H1, farm work, machine information, number of packages, and package identification information) (step S6).

When a work plan is requested from the worker terminal 120B, or when the current date and time reaches a predetermined date and time, the management device 100 transmits the work plan to the worker terminal 120B (step S7). When energy information is requested from the worker terminal 120B, the management device 100 transmits the energy information to the worker terminal 120B (step S8). Furthermore, when energy information is requested from the administrator terminal 120A, the management device 100 transmits the energy information to the administrator terminal 120A (step S9).

As described above, before performing agricultural work with the tractor 101a, the worker or manager can determine the number of packages 6 required for the agricultural work in the field H1 where the tractor 101a will be used.

<Package delivery/collection>
As described above, when agricultural work is performed while the tractor 101a is traveling, the energy of the package 6 is consumed. The energy support system for agricultural machinery supports the delivery of the package 6 to the field H1 and the collection of the package 6 placed in the field H1.

As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, replacement packages 6A (referred to as first packages 6A) and used packages 6B (referred to as second packages 6B) are stored at distribution center H3. The second packages 6B are charged with energy using charging equipment installed at distribution center H3, and once charging is complete, they are stored in a storage location as first packages 6A. Delivery of first packages 6A and collection of second packages 6B are carried out by a transport vehicle T such as a truck. The first packages 6A are sufficiently charged with energy; for example, if the maximum energy charge amount of a package 6 is 100%, then the charge amount is 80% or more. Note that this charge amount is just an example and is not limited to 80% or more.

Figure 11A shows the delivery of the first package 6A to the field H1, the delivery destination of the package 6A, by a transport vehicle T. Figure 11B shows the collection of the package 6B by a transport vehicle T.

The transport vehicle T delivers the package 6A to the destination field H1 in accordance with energy information, a delivery plan, or a request from the tractor 101a to deliver the first package 6A. The transport vehicle T also collects the package 6B in accordance with energy information, a collection plan, or a request from the tractor 101a to collect the package 6B. The transport vehicle T can move to the destination field H1 by manual or automatic driving.

The following explains the delivery of package 6A and the collection of package 6B.

1 , a communication device 45B is provided in the transport vehicle T. Like the communication device 45A, the communication device 45B can be connected to the management device 100 and can acquire various information transmitted from the management device 100. In addition, an external terminal (driver terminal) 120C of the driver who drives the transport vehicle T can be connected to the management device 100 and can acquire various information transmitted from the management device 100.
The delivery center H3 is provided with an external terminal (center terminal) 120D. The center terminal 120D can be connected to the management device 100 and can acquire various information transmitted from the management device 100.

<Energy Information>
When the current time reaches a predetermined time, the management device 100 transmits energy information including the number of first packages 6A and field information regarding the field to which the packages 6A are to be delivered to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), the driver terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D. As shown in FIG. 14 , the management device 100 transmits the energy information for April 8 to one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), the driver terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D. That is, before agricultural work starts, the management device 100 transmits the energy information to one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), the driver terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D. When the energy information is received by the transport vehicle T, the driver can check the energy information received by the transport vehicle T on a display device mounted on the transport vehicle T. When the energy information is received by the driver terminal 120C, the driver can check the energy information received by the driver terminal 120C on the screen of the driver terminal 120C. When the energy information is received by the center terminal 120D, the worker at the delivery center can check the energy information received by the center terminal 120D on the screen of the center terminal 120D.

As shown in Figure 14, referring to the energy information for April 8th, it can be seen that two "Model A" package bodies 6 are required for agricultural work in fields A and B. In other words, in fields A and B, the "Model A" package body 6 loaded on the tractor 101a needs to be replaced in the middle of agricultural work. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11A, at least two "Model A" first package bodies 6A are loaded onto the transport vehicle T, and the driver drives the transport vehicle T to move it from distribution center H3 to field A. When the transport vehicle T arrives at field A, the driver places at least one first package body 6A in field A and then drives the transport vehicle T toward field B, and when the transport vehicle T arrives at field B, the driver places at least one first package body 6A in field B and then returns the transport vehicle T to the delivery center H3. In other words, the driver calculates which of the multiple fields H1 (field A, field B, field C, field F) has a shortage of packages 6 and the number of packages 6 that are lacking in that field H1, and drives the transport vehicle T to deliver the packages 6 to the field H1 that has a shortage of packages 6. Meanwhile, the operator driving the tractor 101a replaces the first package 6A with the package 6 (second package 6B) mounted on the tractor 101a in each of fields A and B. The operator places the second package 6B around fields A and B.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11B, the driver can determine from the energy information that after delivering the first package body 6A to field A and field B, the second package body 6B will be placed around field A and field B. After April 8th, the driver will move the transport vehicle T to each of field A and field B and collect the second package body 6B that has been placed around field A and field B.

<Delivery plan, collection plan>
In the above-described embodiment, delivery and collection of the package body 6 were carried out by transmitting energy information to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), the driver terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D, but delivery and collection of the package body 6 may also be carried out based on a delivery plan and a collection plan.

Figure 15B shows the operation of delivering the first package body 6A in the delivery plan. The management device 100 references the agricultural work plan when the current time reaches a predetermined time (step S20). For example, as shown in Figure 14, the management device 100 references the energy information for April 8th, which includes the work plan. The management device 100 sets a delivery plan based on the work plan (step S21). As shown in Figure 16, the management device 100 sets the delivery destination, delivery date and time, number of packages 6 to be delivered, and model number as the delivery plan. In the delivery plan for April 8th, the management device 100 sets the delivery destination to the field indicated in the work plan for April 8th. In the delivery plan for April 8th, the management device 100 sets the delivery date and time to the date and time (start time) when agricultural work starts in field H1, or a time before the start date and time. Furthermore, in the delivery plan for April 8, the management device 100 sets the number of packages 6 required for each field H1 divided by one as the number of deliveries. The management device 100 references the energy information, identifies that the package 6 mounted on the tractor 101a is "Model A," and reflects the identified "Model A" in the identification information of the delivery plan. Note that in Figure 16, a delivery count of zero indicates that no delivery will be made.

As shown in FIG. 15B, once the management device 100 has set the delivery plan, it sends a command (delivery command) to deliver the first package body 6A to field H1 a predetermined time before the delivery date and time, i.e., a delivery instruction, to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), driver terminal 120C, and center terminal 120D (step S22). The delivery command includes delivery location information including the location of the delivery destination, delivery date and time, number of items to be delivered, and identification information. The management device 100 sends a delivery command to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), driver terminal 120C, and center terminal 120D to deliver one first package body 6A of "model number A" to each of field A and field B.

As described above, the management device 100 calculates a delivery plan from the work plan and sends delivery commands (delivery instructions) based on the delivery plan to the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), driver terminal 120C, and center terminal 120D, thereby easily delivering the first package body 6A.

Figure 17 shows the collection operation of the second package body 6B in the collection plan. The management device 100 references the agricultural work plan when the current time reaches a predetermined time (step S30). For example, as shown in Figure 14, the management device 100 references the energy information for April 8, which includes the work plan. The management device 100 sets the collection plan based on the work plan (step S31). As shown in Figure 18, the management device 100 sets the collection destination, collection date and time, collection quantity, and model number as the collection plan. In the collection plan for April 8, the management device 100 sets the collection destination to the field indicated in the work plan for April 8. In the collection plan for April 8, the management device 100 sets the collection date and time to the date and time (end time) when agricultural work in field H1 ends, or a time before or after the end time. In addition, in the collection plan for April 8, the management device 100 sets the number of packages 6 required for each field H1 divided by one as the number to be collected. The management device 100 references the energy information, identifies that the package 6 mounted on the tractor 101a is "Model Number A," and reflects the identified "Model Number A" in the collection plan identification information. Note that in Figure 18, if the number of collection items is zero, this indicates that collection will not be carried out.

As shown in FIG. 17, once the management device 100 sets the collection plan, it sends a command (collection command) to collect the second package body 6B from field H1 a predetermined time before the collection date and time, i.e., a collection instruction, to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), driver terminal 120C, and center terminal 120D (step S32). The collection command includes collection location information including the location of the collection destination, collection date and time, number of items to be collected, and identification information. The management device 100 sends a collection command to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), driver terminal 120C, and center terminal 120D to collect one second package body 6B each from field A and field B.

As described above, the management device 100 calculates a collection plan from the work plan and transmits a collection command (collection instruction) based on the collection plan to the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), driver terminal 120C, and center terminal 120D, thereby easily collecting the second package body 6B.

<Delivery request, collection request>
In the above-described embodiment, the management device 100 delivered and collected the package body 6 by sending delivery instructions and collection instructions to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), the driver terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D, but the delivery and collection of the package body 6 may also be performed in response to a request from the tractor 101a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tractor 101a is provided with an operating switch 130. The operating switch 130 is located around the driver's seat 10 and can be operated by the driver. When a specific operation is performed, the operating switch 130 requests at least one of delivery of the first package 6A (delivery request) and collection of the second package 6B that has already been delivered (collection request). When a delivery request is made, the communication device 45A of the tractor 101a transmits the vehicle position detected by the positioning device 40A and information indicating the request for delivery of the first package 6A to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), driver terminal 120C, and center terminal 120D. Upon receiving the delivery request, the transport vehicle T, driver terminal 120C, and center terminal 120D each display the identification information of the package 6 loaded on the tractor 101a, the vehicle position, and the delivery request.

When a collection request is made, the communication device 45A of the tractor 101a transmits the vehicle position detected by the positioning device 40A and information indicating a request for collection of the second package body 6B to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), the driver's terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D. Upon receiving the collection request, each of the transport vehicle T, the driver's terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D displays the identification information of the package body 6 loaded on the tractor 101a, the vehicle position, and a request for collection of the second package body 6B.

As described above, delivery and collection of the package 6 can be easily performed in response to a delivery or collection request from the tractor 101a.

In the above-described embodiment, a delivery request or collection request was made by operating the operation switch 130 provided on the tractor 101a. However, at least one of a delivery request and a collection request may be made automatically when the remaining energy of the package 6 attached to the tractor 101a falls below a threshold. The control device 60 or communication device 45A of the tractor 101a monitors the remaining energy of the attached package 6 based on the potential detected by the measurement sensor 43j, etc. When the control device 60 is monitoring the remaining energy, if the remaining energy falls below a threshold, the control device 60 instructs the communication device 45A to send a delivery request and a collection request. In response to the instruction, the communication device 45A transmits the delivery request and the collection request to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), the driver terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D. When the communication device 45A is monitoring the remaining energy amount, if the remaining energy amount falls below a threshold, the communication device 45A will send a delivery request and a collection request to at least one of the transport vehicle T (communication device 45B), the driver terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D, regardless of commands from the control device 60.

If the transport vehicle T is an automatically driven vehicle, it may move automatically toward the field H1 when it receives a command to deliver the package (delivery instruction, delivery request). If the transport vehicle T is an automatically driven vehicle, it may move automatically toward the field H1 when it receives a command to collect the package 6 (recovery instruction, recovery request).

<Package deterioration/fee calculation>
At the delivery center H3, the first package 6A specified in the delivery instruction or delivery request is selected from the plurality of first package 6A stored at the delivery base H3, and the selected first package 6A is loaded onto the transport vehicle T. The management device 100 calculates the deterioration of the first package 6A from the delivery history of the plurality of first package 6A stored at the delivery base H3 (delivery source), and selects the first package 6A to be delivered from the plurality of first package 6A based on the calculated deterioration of the first package 6A.

At distribution center H3, the energy of the first package 6A is measured before delivery, and as shown in FIG. 19, this is recorded in a database on external terminal 120D as delivery history together with the package 6's identification information and delivery date and time. Furthermore, when the collected second package 6B arrives at distribution center H3, the remaining energy of the second package 6B at the time of collection is measured, and as shown in FIG. 19, this remaining energy at the time of collection is recorded in a database as delivery history together with the delivery date and collection date and time. Energy is charged into the collected second package 6B using an energy charging device, and the collected second package 6B is stored in a storage location as the first package 6A.

The external terminal 120D calculates the deterioration level of each package 6 based on the amount of energy charged, the remaining amount, and the number of times it is charged. As shown in FIG. 20, the external terminal 120D sets coefficients according to the remaining amount, amount of energy charged, and number of times it is charged of the package 6, calculates the deterioration level per charge by multiplying these coefficients, and calculates the overall deterioration level by accumulating the deterioration levels per charge. Note that the calculation of the deterioration level is an example and is not limiting.

Figure 21 shows the degree of deterioration for each package 6 stored in the center terminal 120D. As shown in Figure 21, if four packages 6 of "Model Number A" are stored as first packages 6A and two first packages 6A need to be delivered, "Model Number A-169908" and "Model Number A-169909," which have the least degree of deterioration, are selected as the first packages 6A to be delivered. When the center terminal 120D selects the first packages 6A, the identification number, storage location, etc. of the selected first packages 6A are notified to either the transport vehicle T, the driver's terminal 120C, or the center terminal 120D.

In the above-described embodiment, the management device 100 may determine the delivery fee based on the size (maximum energy capacity) of the first package 6A to be delivered. As shown in FIG. 22, the management device 100 stores fee data indicating the relationship between the model number (identification information) of the first package 6A and the delivery fee per unit. The fee data sets a higher delivery fee per unit as the maximum energy capacity increases. The management device 100 calculates the delivery fee for each field by multiplying the number of first packages 6A by the delivery fee per unit, and transmits the calculated delivery fee data to the administrator terminal 120A. This makes it possible to easily calculate the delivery fee according to the size of the first package 6A and bill the administrator, etc.

In the above-described embodiment, the number of packages 6 for each field H1 is determined by automatically referencing the work plan. However, as shown in FIG. 23, a predetermined period may be entered on screen M15, a search may be performed for the fields H1 where agricultural work will be performed during the entered period, and the number of packages 6 required to perform the agricultural work in the fields H1 extracted by the search may be determined. When a request to calculate the number of packages 6 is made to the management device 100 by performing a predetermined operation on the administrator terminal 120A, the management device 100 displays screen M15 on the administrator terminal 120A. Screen M15 includes a period input unit 140 for inputting a period. When a predetermined period is entered in the period input unit 140, the management device 100 refers to the work plan for the predetermined period, calculates the number of packages 6 based on the referenced work plan, and creates energy information for the predetermined period. Screen M15 includes an information display unit 141 for displaying energy information, and the energy information for the predetermined period is displayed on the information display unit 141. The energy information displayed on screen M15 of the administrator terminal 120A is transmitted to at least one of the transport vehicle T, the driver terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D. This allows the delivery center H3 to easily grasp energy information for a specified period of time. In the above-described embodiment, screen M15 was displayed on the administrator terminal 120A, but it may also be displayed on one of the transport vehicle T, the driver terminal 120C, and the center terminal 120D, and the energy information may be displayed on the screen by operating one of the transport vehicle T, the driver terminal 120C, and the center terminal.

<Relay location>
In the above-described embodiment, when delivering the first package body 6A, the delivered first package body 6A is placed around the field H1, but if a relay point A5 is set to be passed through during the agricultural work, the driver may be advised to place the first package body 6A at the relay point A5.

The relay location A5 can be set using the display device 50, the administrator terminal 120A, and the worker terminal 120B. After setting the work area A2 on the display device 50, a predetermined operation can be performed to set the relay location A5. The display device 50 can set the relay location A5 after setting the planned driving route L1 on screen M12 as shown in FIG. 7B, or after setting the work area A2 on screen M11 as shown in FIG. 7A. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, when a predetermined operation is performed while screen M12 is displayed, the display device 50 enters relay location A5 setting mode, and a pointer 95 is displayed on screen M12. When an area outside the work area A2 (external area), i.e., the turning area A1, is selected using the pointer 95, the selected turning area A1 is set as the relay location A5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25 , assume that the work area A2 is composed of multiple sides Gi (i = 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . i), and the turning area A1 is divided into multiple areas Ji (i = 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . i) that are adjacent to the multiple sides Gi. In this case, the area Ji selected by the pointer unit 95 from the multiple areas Ji is set as the relay location A5. For example, if the work area A2 is composed of four sides G1, G2, G3, and G4, the turning area A1 will be divided into four areas J1, J2, J3, and J4. Here, if area J3 is selected from the four areas J1, J2, J3, and J4, as shown in FIG. 24 , the display device 50 sets area J3 as the relay location A5, and displays the relay location A5 set outside the work area A2. In this way, the relay location A5 can be set to an area Ji outside the work area A2, for example, adjacent to a farm road, depending on the shape of the field, i.e., the shape of the work area A2.

As described above, when relay location A5 is set on display device 50, data on field map MP2 including work area A2 and relay location A5, and a field map including data indicating the locations of work area A2 and relay location A5 are stored in display device 50. The field map including relay location A5 is transmitted to management device 100 via communication device 45A, and the field map including relay location A5 is stored in management device 100. When relay location A5 is set on manager terminal 120A or worker terminal 120B, a field map without relay location A5 set is read from management device 100, and the read field map is displayed on the screen of manager terminal 120A or worker terminal 120B. Like display device 50, manager terminal 120A or worker terminal 120B has the function of setting relay location A5, and, like display device 50, relay location A5 can be set by setting area Ji using pointer unit 95. Even when relay location A5 is set on manager terminal 120A or worker terminal 120B, data on field map MP2 including work area A2 and relay location A5, and a field map including data indicating the positions of work area A2 and relay location A5 are stored in manager terminal 120A or worker terminal 120B and transmitted to management device 100, and the field map including relay location A5 is stored in management device 100.

As described above, when relay location A5 is set, the management device 100 transmits a field map including relay location A5 to either the transport vehicle T, the driver's terminal 120C, or the center terminal 120D when delivering the first package body 6A or collecting the second package body 6B, and displays the field map including relay location A5 on the screen (referred to as the terminal screen) M30 of either the transport vehicle T, the driver's terminal 120C, or the center terminal 120D, as shown in Figures 26A and 26B.

As shown in FIG. 26A, when delivering the first package 6A, the management device 100 displays a message on the terminal screen M30 indicating that the first package 6A will be placed at the relay location A5. As shown in FIG. 26B, when collecting the second package 6B, the management device 100 displays a message on the terminal screen M30 indicating that the second package 6B placed at the relay location A5 will be collected. In other words, the management device 100 guides the user to deliver at least a different first package 6A, different from the package 6 attached to the tractor 101a, to the relay location A5 in order to continue farm work by the tractor 101a in the field H1.

When the administrator terminal 120A or the worker terminal 120B is connected to the management device 100 and a request is made to display relay location A5, a field map including relay location A5 can also be displayed on the administrator terminal 120A or the worker terminal 120B, as in Figures 26A and 26B. Furthermore, when relay location A5 is displayed on the administrator terminal 120A or the worker terminal 120B, if it has been decided that the first package 6A will be delivered or the second package 6B will be collected, the management device 100 will display a message indicating that the first package 6A will be placed at relay location A5, or a message indicating that the second package 6B placed at relay location A5 will be collected.

The management device 100 can set relay location A5 as a location for placing materials such as fertilizer, pesticides, seedlings, and seeds. Relay location A5 can be set using either the administrator terminal 120A, the worker terminal 120B, or the display device 50. For ease of explanation, the administrator terminal 120A, the worker terminal 120B, and the display device 50 will hereinafter be referred to as the "agricultural terminals."

Specifically, when the agricultural terminal is operated to enter material setting mode, the agricultural terminal and management device 100 are connected. In material setting mode, as shown in FIG. 27A, an input section for inputting a field is displayed on screen M31 of the agricultural terminal. When field identification information such as a field name is entered into the input section of screen M31, the management device 100 extracts field H1 linked to the field identification information and displays a field map including the extracted field H1 on screen M31. If relay location A5 has already been set on the field map displayed on screen M31 of the agricultural terminal, the management device 100 displays a message on screen M31 of the agricultural terminal indicating that a location for placing materials should be set. When the pointer 95 displayed on the screen M31 of the agricultural terminal is moved to a predetermined position and a predetermined operation is performed while the pointer 95 is within the range of the relay location A5, the management device 100 sets the position of the pointer 95 as the supply location PH, as shown in FIG. 27B. That is, the management device 100 sets the supply location PH on the field map displayed on the screen M31. The field map with the set supply location PH is stored in the management device 100 and the agricultural terminal. Note that if the relay location A5 has not been set, the relay location A5 can be set on the agricultural terminal (administrator terminal 120A, worker terminal 120B, display device 50) as described above.

As described above, when the supply position PH is set on the agricultural terminal, data on the field map MP2 including the work area A2, relay location A5, and supply position PH, and a field map including data indicating the positions of the work area A2, relay location A5, and supply position PH are stored in the agricultural terminal and transmitted to the management device 100, and the field map including the relay location A5 and supply position PH is stored in the management device 100.

In this way, when a supply location PH is set in addition to the relay location A5, when a first package 6A is delivered, the management device 100 displays a field map including the supply location PH and the relay location A5 on the terminal screen M30 as shown in FIG. 28A, and displays a message indicating that materials will be supplied at the supply location PH and that the first package 6A will be placed at the relay location A5. When a second package 6B is collected, the management device 100 displays a field map including the supply location PH and the relay location A5 on the terminal screen M30 as shown in FIG. 28B, and displays a message indicating that materials will be supplied at the supply location PH and that the second package 6B will be collected at the relay location A5. Furthermore, when delivering the first package 6A or collecting the second package 6B, the management device 100 can also display a screen similar to the terminal screen M30 shown in Figures 28A and 28B on the agricultural terminal (administrator terminal 120A, worker terminal 120B, display device 50). Therefore, when materials are transported to the field H1, the worker can place the transported materials at the supply position PH by checking the field map including the supply position PH displayed on the agricultural terminal.

<Agricultural work (materials)>
When the tractor 101a performs agricultural work that consumes materials such as fertilizer, pesticides, seedlings, and seeds, if the display device 50 stores a field map that includes the supply position PH and the relay location A5, the field map is displayed on the display device 50, and the current vehicle position is also displayed on the field map. If the display device 50 does not store a field map that includes the supply position PH and the relay location A5, the current vehicle position is transmitted from the communication device 45A to the management device 100. The management device 100 searches for the field H1 from the vehicle position, and if the management device 100 stores a field map in which the supply position PH and the relay location A5 are set for the searched field H1, the management device 100 transmits the field map to the communication device 45A of the tractor 101a, and the display device 50 displays the field map that includes the supply position PH and the relay location A5 transmitted from the management device 100.

The tractor 101a has a measurement sensor 43k that detects the amount of materials loaded on the work device 2. The measurement sensor 43k monitors the amount of materials while the work device 2 is operating. During automatic operation, the control device 60 automatically moves to a supply position PH at a relay location A5 if the amount of materials falls below a threshold. As shown in FIG. 29, if the amount of materials falls below a threshold at point P10, the tractor 101a temporarily stops work using the work device 2 at point P10, automatically moves to the supply position PH closest to its current position, and stops at the supply position PH. Here, when the tractor 101a reaches the supply position PH to replenish materials, the alarm device 44 mounted on the tractor 101a issues an alarm urging the tractor to replace the first package body 6A. That is, when the communication device 45A of the tractor 101a is connected to the management device 100 and receives from the management device 100 a notification that the first package 6A will be delivered, or when the field map displayed on the display device 50 indicates that the first package 6A will be placed at the relay location A5, the notification device 44 determines that the first package 6A will be delivered to the relay location A5 and issues a notification urging the tractor to replace the first package 6A. The notification device 44 may be a device that generates voice or sound, or a device that displays text, etc. In the above-described embodiment, the tractor 101a moves to the relay location A5 when the amount of material falls below a threshold. However, when the remaining amount of the attached package 6 falls below a threshold, the tractor 101a may travel within the field (relay location A5) or around the field toward the delivered package 6.

In the embodiment described above, when the first package body 6A is delivered to the field H1, the first package body 6A is transported by the transport vehicle T. However, in addition to this, the transport vehicle T may transport not only the first package body 6A but also materials to the field H1. Figure 30 shows the delivery of the first package body and materials to the field H1. As shown in Figure 30, the transport vehicle T carrying the first package body 6A stops at a storage location H2 such as a barn, loads the materials at storage location H2, and then moves from storage location H2 to the field H1. When the transport vehicle T arrives at the field H1, as shown in Figure 32, the transport vehicle T moves to a relay location A5 and waits. The movement of the transport vehicle T may be automatic or manual.

Figure 31 shows the operation of the transport vehicle T loaded with the first package body 6A and materials. As shown in Figure 31, the transport vehicle T arrives at the relay location A5 and stops there (S40). The transport vehicle T connects to the management device 100 or the tractor 101a via the communication device 45B and inquires whether a supply position PH has been set in the field H1 where the transport vehicle T is located (S41). If a supply position PH has been set in the field H1 (S41, Yes), the screen of the transport vehicle T displays a message instructing the transport vehicle T to place the materials at the supply position PH and to deliver the first package body 6A to the relay location (S42). If a supply position PH has not been set in the field H1 (S41, No), the transport vehicle T is set to delivery mode (S43). The transport vehicle T also notifies the tractor 101a via the communication device 45B that it has entered delivery mode (S44). When the tractor 101a starts agricultural work, the measurement sensor 43k monitors the materials (S45). If the amount of materials falls below a threshold (S46, Yes), the tractor 101a stops (S47) and notifies the tractor 101a that the materials are running low or that the materials need to be moved to the tractor 101a (S48). When the transporter T is notified that the materials are running low or that the materials need to be moved to the tractor 101a, the transporter T automatically moves toward the tractor 101a, as shown in FIG. 32 (S49). Note that if the transporter T is manually driven, the driver of the transporter T may notify a terminal (agricultural terminal, driver terminal 120C) owned by the driver of the transporter that the materials are running low or that the materials need to be moved to the tractor 101a, and the driver may drive the transporter T toward the tractor 101a. When the transport vehicle T reaches the tractor 101a, a notification is sent to the transport vehicle T or the tractor 101a urging them to replenish materials and replace the package 6 (S50). For example, a message urging them to replenish materials and replace the package 6 is displayed on the screen of the transport vehicle T or on the display device 50.

<Farm work (harvesting)>
In the above-described embodiment, the relay point is a place where materials such as fertilizer, pesticides, seedlings, seeds, etc. are supplied and where the packages 6 are stored when they are delivered and collected, but instead, the relay point may be a place where a transport vehicle that receives harvested products temporarily waits and where the packages 6 are stored when they are delivered and collected. In this case, the supply position PH becomes a waiting position for the transport vehicle that receives the harvested products, so by replacing the above-described supply position with the waiting position, the waiting position can be set by the management device 100, the agricultural terminal, etc.

In the following description, the relay point is assumed to be a location where the transport vehicle waits. Note that the setting of the relay point, the display of messages when delivering and collecting the package 6, the setting of the waiting position, etc. are the same as those described above, and therefore will not be described here.
The management device 100 can create a relay location where a transport vehicle is waiting to receive the harvested product harvested by the work device 2 of the tractor 101a, and can guide the user to install the first package body 6A at the relay location.

Now, when tractor 101a is performing harvesting work, if the display device 50 has stored a field map including waiting position PH and relay location A5, the field map is displayed on the display device 50, and the current vehicle position is also displayed on the field map. If the display device 50 does not have stored a field map including waiting position PH and relay location A5, the current vehicle position is transmitted from the communication device 45A to the management device 100. If the management device 100 searches for field H1 from the vehicle position and has stored a field map in which waiting position PH and relay location A5 are set for the searched field H1, the management device 100 transmits the field map to the communication device 45A of tractor 101a, and the display device 50 displays the field map including waiting position PH and relay location A5 transmitted from the management device 100.

The tractor 101a has a measurement sensor 43l that detects the amount of harvested crop. The measurement sensor 43l monitors the amount of harvested crop while the work device 2 is operating. During automatic operation, if the amount of harvested crop exceeds a threshold, the control device 60 automatically moves to a standby position PH at the relay location A5. When the amount of harvested crop exceeds the threshold, the tractor 101a temporarily stops work using the work device 2, automatically moves to the nearest standby position PH from its current position, and stops at the standby position PH. Here, when the tractor 101a reaches the transporter's temporary standby position PH, the alarm device 44 mounted on the tractor 101a issues an alarm urging the replacement of the first package body 6A. That is, when the communication device 45A of the tractor 101a is connected to the management device 100 and receives information from the management device 100 that the first package 6A will be delivered, or when the field map displayed on the display device 50 indicates that the first package 6A will be placed at relay location A5, the notification device 44 determines that the first package 6A will be delivered to relay location A5 and issues a notification urging the replacement of the first package 6A.

In the embodiment described above, when the first package 6A is delivered to the field H1, the first package 6A is transported by the transport vehicle T. However, in addition to this, the transport vehicle T may also load not only the first package 6A but also harvested produce at the field H1. Figure 33 shows the transport of the first package 6A and a container empty of harvested produce to the field H1. As shown in Figure 33, the transport vehicle T carrying the first package 6A stops at a storage location H2 such as a barn, loads the container, and then moves from the storage location H2 to the field H1. When the transport vehicle T arrives at the field H1, it moves to a relay location A5 and waits. The movement of the transport vehicle T may be automatic or manual.

Figure 34 shows the operation of the transport vehicle T when placing the first package body 6A and the harvested crop into the container. As shown in Figure 34, the transport vehicle T arrives at the relay location A5 and stops there (S60). The transport vehicle T connects to the management device 100 or the tractor 101a via the communication device 45B and inquires whether a waiting position PH has been set in the field H1 where the transport vehicle T is located (S61). If a waiting position PH has been set in the field H1 (S61, Yes), the screen of the transport vehicle T displays a message to wait near the supply position PH and to deliver the first package body 6A to the relay location (S62). If a waiting position PH has not been set in the field H1 (S61, No), the transport vehicle T is set to delivery mode (S63). The transport vehicle T also notifies the tractor 101a via the communication device 45B that it has entered delivery mode (S64). When the tractor 101a starts farm work, the measurement sensor 431 monitors the amount of harvested product by the tractor 101a (S65). If the amount of harvested product exceeds a threshold (S66, Yes), the tractor 101a stops (S67) and notifies the transporter T that the container for storing the harvested product is full (S68). When the transporter T is notified that the container for storing the harvested product is full, the transporter T automatically moves toward the tractor 101a (S69), as in FIG. 32. Note that if the transporter T is manually operated, the driver of the transporter may notify a terminal (agricultural terminal, driver terminal 120C) owned by the driver of the transporter that the container for storing the harvested product is full, and the driver may drive the transporter T toward the tractor 101a. When the transport vehicle T reaches the tractor 101a, a notification is sent to the transport vehicle T or the tractor 101a urging them to discharge the harvested product to the transport vehicle T (transfer the harvested product harvested by the tractor 101a to the transport vehicle T) and to replace the package 6 (S70). For example, a message urging them to discharge the harvested product to the transport vehicle T and replace the package 6 is displayed on the screen of the transport vehicle T or on the display device 50.

<Summary>
The energy support system for an agricultural machine (tractor 101a) has a detachable package 6 filled with energy and is driven by the energy stored in the package 6. The system includes a management device 100 that calculates the energy consumed by the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) when the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) performs agricultural work, and calculates the number of packages 6 required to cover the consumed energy based on the consumed energy. This makes it possible to grasp the number of packages 6 required when the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) performs agricultural work. In other words, the energy required to perform agricultural work in the field H1 can be secured by the packages 6, allowing agricultural work in the field H1 to continue smoothly.

The management device 100 transmits the number of packages 6 and field information regarding the field H1 to which the packages 6 are to be delivered to either the transport vehicle T that transports the packages 6, the terminal 120C of the driver of the transport vehicle T, or the terminal 120D of the distribution center H3 that delivers the packages 6. This makes it easy to deliver the packages 6 needed for agricultural work to the field H1.

The management device 100 calculates the energy consumption of the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) when the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) performs agricultural work based on the content of the agricultural work performed in the field H1. This makes it easy to determine the number of packages 6 corresponding to the load of the agricultural work.

The management device 100 calculates the energy consumption by the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) when performing agricultural work for each of the multiple fields H1, based on the content of the agricultural work in each of the multiple fields H1, and calculates the number of packages 6 for each of the multiple fields H1 based on the calculated energy consumption for each of the multiple fields H1. This makes it possible to prevent agricultural work from being interrupted midway due to energy depletion in the packages 6, even when the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) performs agricultural work in multiple fields H1 in sequence.

The management device 100 searches for fields H1 among multiple fields H1 where agricultural work will be carried out during a specified period, and extracts the fields H1 extracted through the search and the number of packages 6 to be used in the extracted fields H1. This makes it easy to prepare the packages 6 required for agricultural work during a specified period (e.g., one day), allowing agricultural work to be carried out smoothly during the specified period.

The management device 100 transmits the packages 6 for each searched field H1 and information about each field H1 to either the transport vehicle T that transports the packages 6, the terminal 120C of the driver driving the transport vehicle T, or the terminal 120D of the distribution center H3 that delivers the packages 6. This makes it easy to deliver to the field H1 the packages 6 needed for agricultural work over a specified period (e.g., one day).

The management device 100 issues delivery instructions for the package 6 to either the transport vehicle T transporting the package 6, the terminal 120C of the driver driving the transport vehicle T, or the terminal 120D of the delivery center H3 that delivers the package 6. This allows the worker delivering the package 6 to easily grasp the information needed to deliver the package 6 to the field H1 by looking at the transport vehicle T and the terminals 120C and 120D.

When the energy of the attached package 6 falls below a threshold, the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) travels toward the package 6 delivered within or around field H1. This makes it easier for the package 6 mounted on the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) to reach the field H1 or the surrounding area where a new package 6 is located before the energy of the package 6 is depleted, making it easy to replace the package 6 within or around field H1.

The management device 100 issues instructions to collect the package 6 to either the transport vehicle T transporting the package 6, the terminal 120C of the driver driving the transport vehicle T, or the terminal 120D of the delivery center H3 that delivers the package 6. This makes it easy to collect the package 6 that has been removed from the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) and placed in a designated location for replacement.

This is an energy support method for agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) to which a package 6 filled with energy is detachably attached. Before the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) performs agricultural work in a field H1, the energy consumption of the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) when the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) performs the agricultural work is calculated, and the number of packages 6 required to cover the energy consumption is calculated based on the energy consumption. This makes it possible to determine the number of packages 6 required when the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) performs agricultural work. In other words, the energy required to perform agricultural work in the field H1 can be secured by the packages 6, allowing agricultural work in the field H1 to continue smoothly.

This energy support system for agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) has a detachable energy-charged package 6 and is powered by the energy stored in the package 6. It includes a management device 100 that acquires either a work plan for agricultural work to be performed in a field H1 by the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) or a request from the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a). Based on the work plan or request, the management device 100 issues a command to deliver the package 6 to the field H1 to either the transport vehicle T, the terminal 120C of the driver driving the transport vehicle T, or the terminal 120D of the distribution center H3 that delivers the package 6. This allows those involved in delivering the package 6, i.e., the driver of the transport vehicle, the manager and workers managing the package 6 at the distribution center H3, to understand that the package 6 should be delivered to the field H1 in accordance with the work plan, and that the package 6 should be delivered to the field H1 in response to a request from the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a). That is, the package 6 required for agricultural work can be smoothly delivered to the field H1 according to the work plan or agricultural machine (tractor 101a). In other words, the package 6 can be delivered when the agricultural work is to be performed and to the place (field) where the agricultural work is to be performed.

The management device 100 acquires either a work plan for the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) to perform in the field H1 or a request from the agricultural machine (tractor 101a). Then, according to the collection plan or request established based on the work plan, it issues a command to collect the package 6 to either the transport vehicle T, the terminal 120C of the driver driving the transport vehicle T, or the terminal 120D of the distribution center H3 that delivers the package 6. This allows the parties involved in collecting the package 6, i.e., the driver driving the transport vehicle, the manager and workers managing the package 6 at the distribution center H3, to understand that the package 6 should be collected in accordance with the work plan for the agricultural work, or in response to a request from the agricultural machine (tractor 101a). In other words, the package 6 can be collected smoothly according to the work plan or the agricultural machine (tractor 101a).

The agricultural machine (tractor 101a) is equipped with an operation switch 130 that can be used to request at least delivery of the package 6 or collection of the package 6. This allows the driver operating the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) or the farmworker performing the farm work to easily request delivery or collection of the package 6 by simply operating the operation switch 130 as needed.

The agricultural machine (tractor 101a) is equipped with a communication device 45A that requests at least one of delivery of the package 6 and collection of the package 6 when the energy of the package 6 attached to the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) falls below a threshold. This makes it easy to automatically request delivery or collection of the package 6 when the energy of the package 6 attached to the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) falls below a threshold.

When the transport vehicle T receives a command to deliver the package 6, it automatically drives toward the field H1. This allows the package 6 to be brought into the field H1 without the need to manually drive the transport vehicle T.

When the transport vehicle T receives a command to collect the package 6, it moves automatically toward the field H1. This allows the transport vehicle T to reach the field H1 to collect the package 6 without having to be manually driven.

The management device 100 calculates the deterioration of multiple packages 6 stored at the delivery source from the delivery history of the multiple packages 6, and selects the packages 6 to deliver from among the multiple packages 6 based on the calculated deterioration of the packages 6. This prevents multiple packages 6 stored at the delivery source from deteriorating excessively in a short period of time.

The management device 100 determines the delivery fee based on the size of the package 6 being delivered. This makes it possible to determine a delivery fee that is appropriate for the amount of energy, even if there are many packages 6 of different sizes.

This energy support system for agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) has a detachable package 6 filled with energy and is powered by the energy stored in the package 6. It includes a management device 100 that guides the delivery of a package 6, different from the package 6 attached to the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a), to a relay point passed by during agricultural work so that the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) can continue agricultural work in field H1. This allows the package 6 to be delivered to a point passed by the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) during agricultural work. This allows for smooth work to replace the package 6 after agricultural work. In other words, because the package 6 is delivered to a relay point passed by the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a) during agricultural work, energy can be quickly replenished to the agricultural machinery (tractor 101a), improving the efficiency of agricultural work.

The management device 100 creates a relay location where materials to be replenished to the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) are placed, and guides the user to place another package 6 at that relay location. This allows materials to be replenished and the package 6 to be replaced simultaneously.

When the amount of materials loaded on the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) during agricultural work falls below a threshold, the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) moves toward a relay point. This allows the package 6 to be replaced in time to replenish the materials at the relay point.

When the amount of materials loaded on an agricultural machine (tractor 101a) during agricultural work falls below a threshold, a transport vehicle T carrying materials from a relay location and another package 6 is moved from the relay location toward the agricultural machine (tractor 101a). This allows not only the materials but also the package 6 to be quickly brought near the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) when it is time to replenish the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) with materials, and this can be done at the same time as replenishment of materials at the location where the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) is located.

When the transport vehicle T reaches the agricultural machine (tractor 101a), a notification is sent to the transport vehicle T or the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) urging it to replace the package 6. This allows the driver of the transport vehicle T or the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) to easily be notified that the package 6 can be replaced.

The management device 100 creates a relay location where a transport vehicle T waits to receive the harvested produce harvested by the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) and provides guidance on placing another package 6 at the relay location. This allows the package 6 to be replaced in time with the harvested produce being transferred to the transport vehicle T at the relay location.

When the amount of harvested produce by the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) during farm work exceeds a threshold, the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) moves toward a relay location. This allows the package 6 to be replaced in time with the transfer of the harvested produce to another transport vehicle or the like at the relay location.

When the amount of harvested produce by the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) during agricultural work is equal to or greater than a threshold value and the transport vehicle T is equipped with a separate battery, the transport vehicle T is moved from the relay location toward the agricultural machine (tractor 101a). This allows not only the harvested produce but also the package body 6 to be quickly brought near the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) at the same time as the harvested produce is discharged from the location where the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) is located.

The agricultural machine (tractor 101a) comprises a vehicle body 2 to which a package body 6 filled with energy can be attached and detached, a prime mover 4 driven by the energy stored in the package body 6, and a working device 3. When materials need to be replenished to the working device 3 or when the harvested crops by the working device 3 need to be discharged, the vehicle body 2 moves to a relay location where a different package body 6 from the package body 6 attached to the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) is placed. This allows the package body 6 to be replaced at relay location A5 when the working device 3 needs to be replenished with materials or when the harvested crops by the working device 3 need to be discharged.

In the first embodiment, the number of package bodies 6 mounted on the tractor 101a is not limited. For example, the tractor 101a may be equipped with multiple package bodies 6, at least one of which may be replaceable, while the other package bodies 6 may be fixed and not replaceable. Alternatively, the tractor 101a may be equipped with multiple package bodies 6, and all of the multiple package bodies 6 may be replaceable.

Second Embodiment
35 is an overall view showing an energy support system for an agricultural machine in the second embodiment. The agricultural machine 101 in the second embodiment is also an implement such as a tractor, a combine harvester, or a rice transplanter. In the second embodiment, a description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted. In addition, the second embodiment will be described using a tractor as an example. The description will proceed assuming that the package is a battery.

As shown in Figure 35, the tractor 101a is equipped with multiple package bodies 6. Of the multiple package bodies 6, at least one package body 6 is replaceable. As shown in Figure 36, the multiple package bodies 6 are connected to a regulator 160. The regulator 160 switches between discharge mode and regeneration mode based on a control signal from the control device 60. In discharge mode, the regulator 160 receives power from the multiple package bodies 6. The regulator 160 adjusts the proportion of power received by each of the multiple package bodies 6 based on a control signal from the control device 60. The power received by the regulator 160 is sent to the prime mover 4 (electric motor).

The agricultural machinery energy support system of the second embodiment is a system in which, when the energy amount of the package 6 mounted on each of multiple tractors 101a is equal to or greater than a threshold, the package 6 with the energy amount equal to or greater than the threshold is transferred between the tractors 101a. For ease of explanation, we will assume that there are two tractors 101a, and will refer to the first tractor 101a1 and the second tractor as the second tractor 101a2.

Figure 37 shows the first tractor 101a1 and the second tractor 101a2 working in field H1. As shown in Figure 37, the first tractor 101a1 is continuing agricultural work in, for example, field A, while the second tractor 101a2 has finished agricultural work in field B. If the agricultural work for the day has finished, the second tractor 101a2 is scheduled to return to storage location H2. If the agricultural work for the day has not finished, the second tractor 101a2 will move to another field H1 (for example, field C).

When the second tractor 101a2 is scheduled to return to storage location H2, and the energy of the multiple packages 6 carried by the second tractor 101a2 is sufficient for the second tractor 101a2 to return to storage location H2, the second tractor 101a2 will, for example, distribute to the first tractor 101a1, another tractor 101a, at least one package 6 (referred to as a filled package 6) whose energy is equal to or exceeds a threshold value. On its way back from field B to storage location H2, the second tractor 101a2 heads toward relay point A5 within field A where the first tractor 101a1 is performing farm work, or toward the periphery of field A, and stops at relay point A5 within field A or near field A. A worker working in field A or a worker riding on the second tractor 101a2 places the filled package 6 on the second tractor 101a2 at relay point A5 within field A or around field A. Once the work of placing the filled package 6 at relay point A5 within field A or around field A is completed, the second tractor 101a2 moves toward storage location H2.

Figure 38 shows the operation of the second tractor 101a2 handing over the filled package 6 to the first tractor 101a1. As shown in Figure 38, after work in field B is completed, the control device 60 or display device 50 of the second tractor 101a2 determines whether work for a predetermined period (e.g., one day) has been completed (S80). Specifically, the control device 60 or display device 50 extracts the work plan by connecting to the management device 100 via the communication device 45A or by referring to a storage device such as the non-volatile memory of the display device 50. After extracting the work plan, the control device 60 or display device 50 refers to the work results (e.g., vehicle position) from the start of the work to the present, and if the work results indicate that work has been performed in all of the fields specified in the work plan, determines that the work has been completed (S80, Yes). For example, if the work plan indicates that agricultural work will be carried out in fields B and C, and the agricultural work performance (vehicle position) of the second tractor 101a2 indicates that work is being carried out while moving within fields B and C, the control device 60 or display device 50 of the second tractor 101a2 will determine that work for the specified period (one day) has ended.

On the other hand, if the agricultural work results do not indicate that agricultural work has been performed in all fields indicated in the work plan for the specified period, the control device 60 or display device 50 determines that work for the specified period has not been completed (S80, No). In the above-described embodiment, vehicle position was used as an example of agricultural work results, but agricultural work results are not limited to vehicle position and can be any results that can be used to determine whether agricultural work has been performed on a field H1 basis.

If the control device 60 of the second tractor 101a2 determines that the work for the specified period has not been completed (S80, No), it controls the driving to move from the current field to field H1 where the next agricultural work will be performed by automatic driving (S81). For example, as shown in FIG. 37, after work in field B is completed, the control device 60 of the second tractor 101a2 automatically drives the tractor to exit field B onto a farm road (road), head toward field C, and enter field C.

When the work for the specified period has ended (S80, Yes), the control device 60 of the second tractor 101a2 determines whether there are any packages (referred to as filled packages) whose energy is above a threshold value (S82). As shown in FIG. 39, the control device 60 of the second tractor 101a2 measures the energy of multiple packages 6 using the measurement sensor 43j, and extracts from the multiple packages 6 those packages 6 whose energy is above a threshold value (e.g., 80% or more) as filled packages.

If a filled package 6 is present (S82, Yes), the control device 50 of the second tractor 101a2 transmits a signal (handover signal) to the other agricultural machine 101 (body 3) via the communication device 45A indicating that the package 6 can be handed over (S83). For example, the second tractor 101a2 transmits a signal to the first tractor 101a1 indicating that the package 6 can be handed over (S84). When the first tractor 101a1 (control device 60) receives the package 6 handover signal (S84), the control device 60 of the first tractor 101a1 measures the energy of multiple packages 6 using the measurement sensor 43j and determines whether any packages 6 whose energy is below a threshold (e.g., below 20%) (referred to as depleted packages) are present (S85).

If a depleted package 6 is present (S85, Yes), the first tractor 101a1 (control device 60) sends a request (request signal) to the second tractor 101a2 that has sent the yield signal, requesting that the package 6 be brought, along with the current vehicle position of the first tractor 101a1 (S86).

When a request (request signal) to bring a package 6 is received, the control device 60 of the second tractor 101a2 creates a planned driving route from the current vehicle position to field A where the first tractor 101a1 is located (S87), and automatically drives toward field A (S88). The control device 60 of the first tractor 101a2 stops at relay point A5 within field A or near field A (S89). As shown in FIG. 40, the display device 50 of the second tractor 101a2 displays information indicating which of the multiple packages 6 are filled packages 6 (packages 6 that may be handed over to the first tractor 101a1) (S90). Note that information indicating which packages 6 are filled (packages 6 that may be handed over to the first tractor 101a1) may also be displayed on the agricultural terminal.

When the filled package 6 is placed at relay point A5 within field A or in the vicinity of field A, that is, when information indicating that the filled package 6 has been placed is entered into the display device 50 of the second tractor 101a2 (the Complete button in Figure 40 is selected) (S91, Yes), the control device 60 of the second tractor 101a2 controls the tractor to travel from its current position to storage location H2 (S92).

As shown in Figure 39, if there are multiple filled packages 6 in the second tractor 101a2, the control device 60 selects from the multiple filled packages 6 a filled package 6 that can be handed over to the first tractor 101a1.

The total amount of energy of the remaining packages 6, excluding the filled package 6, is calculated from among the multiple packages 6, and this total amount of energy is used to calculate whether the second tractor 101a2 can return from field A to storage location H2. If return is possible, all filled packages 6 of the second tractor 101a2 are selected as filled packages 6 that can be handed over to the first tractor 101a1.

On the other hand, if the total amount of energy of the other packages 6 excluding the filled package 6 does not allow the second tractor 101a2 to return from field A to storage location H2, the control device 60 selects at least one of the multiple filled packages 6 as the return package. The control device 60 then calculates the total amount of energy of the return package and the other packages 6, and if the total amount of energy allows the tractor 101a2 to return from field A to storage location H2, selects one of the multiple filled packages 6 excluding the return package 6 as the filled package 6 that can be handed over to the first tractor 101a1. Information about the selected filled package 6 is displayed on the display device 50, as described above.

Figure 41 shows a first tractor 101a1 and a second tractor 101a2 traveling on a road (farm road). As shown in Figure 41, the first tractor 101a1 and the second tractor 101a2 are each controlled by a control device 60 and are moving by automatic driving. For example, during automatic driving, the control device 60 of the first tractor 101a1 determines whether a depleted package 6 is present. If a depleted package 6 is present, the communication device 45A of the first tractor 101a1 transmits a request signal to the second tractor 101a2. Meanwhile, during automatic driving, when the communication device 45A of the second tractor 101a2 receives the request signal, the control device 60 of the second tractor 101a2 determines whether a filled package 6 is present. If a filled package 6 is present, the communication device 45A of the second tractor 101a2 transmits a yield signal to the first tractor 101a1. When the first tractor 101a1 receives the yield signal, the first tractor 101a1 and the second tractor 101a2 communicate with each other via communication device 45A, transmitting their respective vehicle positions. The control devices 60 of the first tractor 101a1 and the second tractor 101a2 calculate the distance between them based on their respective vehicle positions. When the distance between the first tractor 101a1 and the second tractor 101a2 falls below a threshold (several meters), the tractors stop in area A30, for example. In other words, the control device 60 of the first tractor 101a1 stops automatic driving in area A30, and the control device 60 of the second tractor 101a2 also stops automatic driving. In area A30, the charged package 6 of the second tractor 101a2 is replaced with the depleted battery 6 of the first tractor 101a1.

Note that communication between the communication device 45A of the first tractor 101a1 and the communication device 45A of the second tractor 101a2 is not limited to direct or indirect communication. In other words, the transmission and reception of the yield signal and request signal may be performed directly by the communication device 45A, or via a mobile phone communication network such as a base station, satellite communication, etc.

<Summary>
The agricultural machine (tractor 101a) comprises a prime mover 4, a plurality of package bodies 6 filled with energy for driving at least either the work device 3 or the prime mover 4, a vehicle body 3 on which at least the plurality of package bodies 6 are mounted, and a control device 60 for controlling the travel of the vehicle body 3, and when there is at least one package body 6 among the plurality of package bodies 6 whose energy is above a threshold value, the control device 60 controls the travel of the vehicle body 3 to move towards the other vehicle bodies 3.

The agricultural machine (tractor 101a) comprises a prime mover 4, multiple package bodies 6 filled with energy for driving at least either the work implement 3 or the prime mover 4, a vehicle body 3 on which at least multiple package bodies 6 are mounted, and a communication device 45A; if there is at least one package body 6 whose energy is above a threshold, the communication device 45A transmits a signal indicating that the package body 6 can be passed to another vehicle body 3.

This allows a package 6 whose energy is above a threshold to be given over (handed over) to another vehicle 3. In other words, the other vehicle 3 can replenish energy without having to travel to a predetermined package 3 exchange location or charging location.

The agricultural machine (tractor 101a) is equipped with a communication device 45A that transmits a signal indicating that the package 6 can be handed over to another vehicle 3 if there is at least one package 6 whose energy is above the threshold. This allows the other vehicle 3 to easily understand that the package 6 whose energy is above the threshold can be handed over.

When the communication device 45 of the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) receives a request from another vehicle body 3 to bring the package 6, the control device 60 controls the vehicle's movement toward the other vehicle body 3. This allows the other vehicle 3 to receive the package 6 from the agricultural machine (tractor 101a) simply by making a request.

The control device 60 extracts filled packages 6 from the multiple packages 6, which are packages 6 with energy levels above a threshold value, and if there are multiple extracted filled packages 6, selects from the multiple filled packages 6 a filled package 6 that can be passed on to another vehicle 3. In this way, only the selected filled package 6 from the multiple filled packages 6 can be passed on to the other vehicle 3.

The control device 60 stops the vehicle body 3 when the distance between the vehicle body 3 and another vehicle body 3 falls below a threshold. This allows an agricultural machine (tractor 101a) equipped with a package body 6 whose energy is above the threshold and which can be handed over to another vehicle 3 to be stopped at a position close to the other vehicle body 3, making it easy to replace the package body 6 near the stopping position.

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, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications that are equivalent in meaning to and within the scope of the claims.

1: Tractor 2: Work equipment 3: Traveling vehicle body (vehicle body)
4: Prime mover 5: Transmission 5a: Propulsion shaft 5b: Main transmission section 5c: Sub-transmission section 5d: Shuttle section 5e: PTO power transmission section 5f: Front transmission section 6: Package body 6A: First package body 6B: Second package body 6a1: Holder 6b1: Grip section 7: Traveling device 7F: Front wheel 7R: Rear wheel 8: Lifting device 8a: Lift arm 8b: Lower link 8c: Top link 8d: Lift rod 8e: Lift cylinder 9: Cabin 10: Driver's seat 12: Shuttle shaft 13: Forward/reverse switching section 14: PTO propulsion shaft 15: PTO clutch 16: PTO shaft 17: First clutch 18: Second clutch 19: Mounting section 19a: Storage section 19b: Opening 19c: Lift section 20F : Front wheel differential device 20R : Rear wheel differential device 21F : Front axle 21R : Rear axle 22 : Front transmission shaft 25 : First operating valve 26 : Second operating valve 27 : Control valve 29 : Steering device 30 : Handle 31 : Steering shaft 32 : Auxiliary mechanism 33 : Hydraulic pump 34 : Control valve 35 : Steering cylinder 40A : Positioning device 41 : Receiving device 42 : Inertial measurement unit 43a : Shuttle lever 43b : Ignition switch 43c : PTO switch 43d : PTO shift lever 43e : Shift switch 43f : Shift lever 43g : Accelerator lever 43h : Hydraulic lever 43i : Operation switch 43j : Measurement sensor 43k : Measurement sensor 43l : Measurement sensor 44 : Notification device 45A : Communication device 45B : Communication device 50 : Display device 55 : Registration button 60 : Control device 80 : Field input section 81 : Field display section 82 : Swing width input section 83 : Swing setting button 85 : Route display section 86 : Width input section 95 : Pointer section 100 : Management device 101 : Agricultural machine 101a : Tractor 101b : Implement 110 : Work creation section 111 : Work memory section 120 : External terminal 120A : Manager terminal 120B : Worker terminal 120C : Driver terminal 120D : Center terminal 130 : Operation switch 131 : Work setting section 132 : Date setting section 133 : Field setting section 134 : Time setting section 135 : Worker setting section 136 : Machine setting section 137 : Spray setting section 138 : Spray amount setting section 139 : Registration button 140 : Period input section 141 : Information display section A1 : Turning area A2 : Work area A3 : Unit work section A5 : Relay location G1 : Side G2 : Side G3 : Side G4 : Side Gi : Side H1 : Field H10 : Contour H11 : Contour H2 : Storage location H3 : Distribution center (distribution base)
J1: Area J2: Area J3: Area J4: Area Ji: Area K1: Travel trajectory K2: Contour K3: Contour L1: Planned travel route L1a: Straight route L1b: Turning route M1: Screen M10: Screen M11: Screen M12: Screen M15: Screen M30: Screen (terminal screen)
M31: Screen MP1: Map MP2: Field map N1: In-vehicle communication network P10: Point PH: Replenishment position (standby position)
VP1: Vehicle position W1: Swing width W2: Working width W3: Overlap width

Claims (10)

An energy support system for an agricultural machine, which is capable of attaching and detaching a package body charged with energy and is driven by the energy stored in the package body,
a management device that calculates energy consumption by the agricultural machine when the agricultural machine performs agricultural work, and calculates the number of packages necessary to cover the consumed energy based on the consumed energy ,
The management device transmits the number of packages and field information regarding the field to which the packages are to be delivered to either a transport vehicle that transports the packages, a terminal of a driver that drives the transport vehicle, or a terminal at a distribution center that delivers the packages . The energy support system for agricultural machinery described in claim 1, wherein the management device calculates the energy consumption of the agricultural machinery when performing the agricultural work based on the content of the agricultural work performed in the field. An energy support system for an agricultural machine, which is capable of attaching and detaching a package body charged with energy and is driven by the energy stored in the package body,
a management device that calculates energy consumption by the agricultural machine when the agricultural machine performs agricultural work, and calculates the number of packages necessary to cover the consumed energy based on the consumed energy,
the management device calculates, for each of a plurality of fields, an amount of energy consumed by the agricultural machine when the agricultural machine performs the agricultural work, based on the content of the agricultural work in each of the plurality of fields; and calculates the number of the packages for each of the plurality of fields, based on the calculated amount of energy consumed for each of the plurality of fields;
the management device searches for fields among the plurality of fields where the agricultural work will be performed during a predetermined period, and extracts the fields extracted by the search and the number of the packages to be used in the extracted fields;
The management device transmits the package for each searched field and information about each field to either a transport vehicle that transports the package, a terminal of a driver that drives the transport vehicle, or a terminal at a distribution center that delivers the package . An energy support system for an agricultural machine, which is capable of attaching and detaching a package body charged with energy and is driven by the energy stored in the package body,
a management device that calculates energy consumption by the agricultural machine when the agricultural machine performs agricultural work, and calculates the number of packages necessary to cover the consumed energy based on the consumed energy,
The management device is an energy support system for agricultural machinery that issues delivery instructions for the package body to either a transport vehicle that transports the package body, a terminal of a driver that drives the transport vehicle, or a terminal of a distribution center that delivers the package body. The energy support system for agricultural machinery described in claim 1, wherein the agricultural machinery travels toward a package delivered within or around the field when the energy of the attached package falls below a threshold value. An energy support system for an agricultural machine, which is capable of attaching and detaching a package body charged with energy and is driven by the energy stored in the package body,
a management device that calculates energy consumption by the agricultural machine when the agricultural machine performs agricultural work, and calculates the number of packages necessary to cover the consumed energy based on the consumed energy,
The management device is an energy support system for agricultural machinery that issues instructions to collect the package body to either a transport vehicle that transports the package body, a terminal of a driver that drives the transport vehicle, or a terminal of a distribution center that delivers the package body. 1. An energy support method for an agricultural machine to which an energy-filled package body is detachably attached, comprising:
calculating, before the agricultural machine performs agricultural work in a field, an amount of energy that the agricultural machine will consume when performing the agricultural work, and calculating, based on the consumed energy, the number of packages necessary to cover the consumed energy;
An energy support method for agricultural machinery, in which the number of packages and field information regarding the field to which the packages are to be delivered are transmitted to either a transport vehicle that transports the packages, a terminal of a driver that drives the transport vehicle, or a terminal of a distribution center that delivers the packages. 1. An energy support method for an agricultural machine to which an energy-filled package body is detachably attached, comprising:
calculating, before the agricultural machine performs agricultural work in a field, an amount of energy that the agricultural machine will consume when performing the agricultural work, and calculating, based on the consumed energy, the number of packages necessary to cover the consumed energy;
calculating, for each of the plurality of fields, the energy consumption that the agricultural machine will consume when performing the agricultural work, based on the content of the agricultural work in each of the plurality of fields; and calculating the number of the packages for each of the plurality of fields, based on the calculated energy consumption for each of the plurality of fields;
searching for fields among the plurality of fields in which the agricultural work will be performed during a predetermined period, and extracting the fields extracted by the search and the number of the packages to be used in the extracted fields;
An energy support method for agricultural machinery, in which the package for each searched field and information about each field are transmitted to either a transport vehicle that transports the package, a terminal of a driver that drives the transport vehicle, or a terminal of a distribution center that delivers the package. 1. An energy support method for an agricultural machine to which an energy-filled package body is detachably attached, comprising:
calculating, before the agricultural machine performs agricultural work in a field, an amount of energy that the agricultural machine will consume when performing the agricultural work, and calculating, based on the consumed energy, the number of packages necessary to cover the consumed energy;
An energy support method for agricultural machinery, in which delivery instructions for the package body are given to one of a transport vehicle that transports the package body, a terminal of a driver that drives the transport vehicle, and a terminal of a distribution center that delivers the package body. 1. An energy support method for an agricultural machine to which an energy-filled package body is detachably attached, comprising:
calculating, before the agricultural machine performs agricultural work in a field, an amount of energy that the agricultural machine will consume when performing the agricultural work, and calculating, based on the consumed energy, the number of packages necessary to cover the consumed energy;
An energy support method for agricultural machinery, which issues an instruction to collect a package to one of a transport vehicle that transports the package, a terminal of a driver that drives the transport vehicle, and a terminal of a distribution center that delivers the package.