JP7767084B2 - Transport vehicle - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a transport vehicle.

Fuel cell vehicles such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 are known.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-043662

In fuel cells, the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen produces electricity to drive the vehicle as the main product and water as a by-product. There is a demand for technology that can effectively utilize the water produced by the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

The present disclosure aims to utilize water produced by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a transport vehicle is provided that includes a dump body, a chassis that supports the dump body, a traveling device that supports the chassis, a power unit that generates power for driving the traveling device by reacting hydrogen and oxygen, a water storage tank that stores water produced by the power unit, and a sprinkler device that sprays water stored in the water storage tank to sprinkle water over at least a portion of the periphery of the chassis.

According to this disclosure, water produced by the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is used to water work sites.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a work site of a transport vehicle according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a work site management system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the transporter vehicle according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a transporter vehicle according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a water sprinkler system according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a watering area according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control method for the water sprinkler system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for driving the water sprinkler system according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a transporter vehicle according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a transporter vehicle according to another embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a transporter vehicle according to another embodiment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[Worksite]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a work site 1 for a transport vehicle 2 according to an embodiment. The work site 1 is exemplified by a mine or a quarry. A mine refers to a place or business where minerals are mined. A quarry refers to a place or business where stone is mined. A plurality of transport vehicles 2 operate at the work site 1.

The transport vehicle 2 is a dump truck that travels through the work site 1 and transports cargo. An example of the cargo transported by the transport vehicle 2 is excavated material excavated at the work site 1.

The transport vehicle 2 may be an unmanned dump truck that operates without being driven by a driver, or a manned dump truck that operates based on driving operations by a driver. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 2 is a manned dump truck.

In this embodiment, the work site 1 is a mine. Examples of mines include a metal mine where metals are mined, a non-metal mine where limestone is mined, or a coal mine where coal is mined.

A travel area 4 is set at the work site 1. The travel area 4 refers to an area in which the transport vehicle 2 can travel. The travel area 4 includes a loading area 5, a dumping area 6, a parking area 7, a fueling station 8, a travel route 9, and an intersection 10.

The loading area 5 refers to an area where loading work is carried out to load cargo onto the transport vehicle 2. A loader 11 operates at the loading area 5. An example of the loader 11 is a hydraulic excavator.

The soil unloading area 6 refers to the area where soil unloading work is carried out, in which cargo is unloaded from the transport vehicle 2. A crusher 12 is provided at the soil unloading area 6.

Parking area 7 refers to the area where transport vehicles 2 are parked.

The fuel station 8 refers to the area where the transport vehicle 2 is refueled.

The travel path 9 refers to the area on which the transport vehicle 2 travels when heading toward at least one of the loading area 5, the dumping area 6, the parking area 7, and the fuel station 8. The travel path 9 is provided to connect at least the loading area 5 and the dumping area 6. In the embodiment, the travel path 9 connects to each of the loading area 5, the dumping area 6, the parking area 7, and the fuel station 8.

An intersection 10 refers to an area where multiple travel lanes 9 intersect or an area where one travel lanes 9 branches into multiple travel lanes 9.

[Management system]
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a management system 13 of the work site 1 according to the embodiment.

The management system 13 includes a management device 14 and a communication system 15. The management device 14 is installed in a control facility 16 at the work site 1. The management device 14 includes a computer system. The transport vehicle 2 has a control device 3. The control device 3 includes a computer system. The communication system 15 includes a wireless communication device 15A connected to the management device 14 and a wireless communication device 15B connected to the control device 3. The management device 14 and the control device 3 of the transport vehicle 2 communicate wirelessly via the communication system 15.

[Transport vehicle]
3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the transport vehicle 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the transport vehicle 2 includes a vessel 21, a vehicle body 22, a traveling device 23, a power unit 24, a water storage tank 25, a water sprayer 26, a wireless communication device 15B, and a control device 3.

The vessel (dump body) 21 is a member on which cargo is loaded. At least a portion of the vessel 21 is positioned above the vehicle body 22. The vessel 21 performs dumping and lowering operations. Through the dumping and lowering operations, the vessel 21 is adjusted to a dump position and a loaded position. The dump position refers to a position in which the vessel 21 is raised. The loaded position refers to a position in which the vessel 21 is lowered.

The dumping operation refers to the operation of moving the vessel 21 away from the vehicle body 22 and tilting it in the dumping direction. The dumping direction is toward the rear of the vehicle body 22. In this embodiment, the dumping operation includes lifting the front end of the vessel 21 and tilting the vessel 21 rearward. The dumping operation causes the loading surface of the vessel 21 to tilt downward toward the rear.

The lowering operation refers to the operation of bringing the vessel 21 closer to the vehicle body 22. In this embodiment, the lowering operation includes lowering the front end of the vessel 21.

When soil removal work is performed, the vessel 21 performs a dumping operation to change from a loaded position to a dumping position. If the vessel 21 is loaded with cargo, the cargo is discharged rearward from the rear end of the vessel 21 through the dumping operation. When loading work is performed, the vessel 21 is adjusted to the loaded position.

The vehicle body 22 includes a vehicle body frame. The vehicle body 22 supports the vessel 21. The vehicle body 22 is supported by the traveling device 23. The power unit 24, water storage tank 25, water sprayer 26, wireless communication device 15B, and control device 3 are each mounted on the vehicle body 22.

The traveling device 23 supports the vehicle body 22. The traveling device 23 causes the transport vehicle 2 to travel. The traveling device 23 causes the transport vehicle 2 to move forward or backward. At least a portion of the traveling device 23 is positioned below the vehicle body 22. The traveling device 23 has wheels 27 and tires 28.

The tires 28 are mounted on the wheels 27. The wheels 27 include front wheels 27F and rear wheels 27R. The tires 28 include front tires 28F mounted on the front wheels 27F and rear tires 28R mounted on the rear wheels 27R. The front wheels 27F are steered wheels. The rear wheels 27R are driven wheels.

The power unit 24 generates power to drive the traveling device 23 by reacting hydrogen and oxygen. Driving the traveling device 23 includes rotating the rear wheel 27R, which is the driving wheel.

In this embodiment, the power unit 24 includes a fuel cell 29 that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, a condenser 30 that condenses water vapor produced in the fuel cell 29, and a travel drive motor 31 that generates power to drive the travel unit 23 based on the electricity generated by the fuel cell 29. An outside air inlet 32 is provided at the front of the vehicle body 22. The fuel cell 29 of the power unit 24 generates electricity using oxygen contained in the air introduced through the outside air inlet 32.

The water storage tank 25 stores the water produced in the power unit 24. In the fuel cell 29, hydrogen and oxygen undergo an electrochemical reaction to produce water vapor, and in the condenser 30, the water vapor produced in the fuel cell 29 is condensed to produce water. The water produced in the condenser 30 is stored in the water storage tank 25.

The water sprayer 26 is a water sprinkler device that sprays water stored in the water tank 25 to spray water over at least a portion of the periphery of the vehicle body 22. The water sprayer 26 is located at the front of the vehicle body 22. The water sprayer 26 sprays water forward in the direction of travel of the vehicle body 22.

In this embodiment, at least three water sprayers 26 are provided. The three water sprayers 26 include water sprayer 26C, water sprayer 26L, and water sprayer 26R, which are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body 22. Water sprayer 26C is arranged in the center of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body 22. Water sprayer 26L is arranged to the left of water sprayer 26C. Water sprayer 26R is arranged to the right of water sprayer 26C. Note that the number of water sprayers 26 is not limited to three in this embodiment. There may be one, two, or four or more water sprayers 26. Furthermore, the locations at which the water sprayers 26 are arranged are not particularly limited, and they can be installed in various locations on the vehicle body 22.

In the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body 22, the water spray 26C and at least a portion of the outside air inlet 32 are located at the same position. The water spray 26C sprays water in front of the outside air inlet 32.

In the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body 22, the water sprayer 26L and at least a portion of the left front wheel 27F are located in the same position. The water sprayer 26L sprays water in front of the left front wheel 27F.

In the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body 22, the water sprayer 26R and at least a portion of the right front wheel 27F are located in the same position. The water sprayer 26R sprays water in front of the right front wheel 27F.

When the transport vehicle 2 moves forward, the water sprayers 26 spray water in front of the travelling device 23. The water sprayer 26L sprays water in front of the left front wheel 27F, and the water sprayer 26R sprays water in front of the right front wheel 27F. This wets the road surface in front of the travelling device 23, preventing the spread of dust or sand when the transport vehicle 2 moves.

Fuel cell 29 also has an electrolyte membrane that allows ionic conduction between hydrogen and oxygen. It is said that electrolyte membranes require an appropriate level of humidity. The water spray 26C sprays water in front of the outside air inlet 32. This allows highly humid air to be supplied to fuel cell 29 from the outside air inlet 32. Furthermore, a humidifier can be simplified or eliminated from the fuel cell 29.

Figure 4 is a configuration diagram showing a transport vehicle 2 according to an embodiment. The transport vehicle 2 includes a monitor 54, an input unit 55, an accelerator/brake pedal 56, a shift lever 57, a lift lever 58, an energy supply system 17, a vehicle drive system 18, a watering system 19, and a control device 3.

The monitor 54, input unit 55, accelerator/brake pedal 56, shift lever 57, and lift lever 58 are all located in the driver's cab of the transport vehicle 2. The monitor 54 displays display data. The input unit 55 generates an input signal when operated by the driver. When the driver operates the accelerator/brake pedal 56, the traveling device 23 accelerates or decelerates. When the driver operates the shift lever 57, the speed stage of the traveling device 23 is changed or the traveling device 23 is switched between forward and reverse. When the driver operates the lift lever 58, the vessel 21 is dumped or lowered.

The energy supply system 17 includes a hydrogen tank 33, a hydrogen supply device 34, a fuel cell 29, a battery 35, a voltage converter 36, and a condenser 30. The hydrogen supply device 34 supplies hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 33 to the fuel cell 29. Air is supplied to the fuel cell 29 through an outside air inlet 32. The fuel cell 29 generates electricity by causing an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The battery 35 stores the electricity generated in the fuel cell 29. The voltage converter 36 boosts the voltage of the fuel cell 29 or the battery 35. The condenser 30 condenses the water vapor produced in the fuel cell 29 to produce water.

The vehicle drive system 18 includes an inverter 37, a pump drive motor 38, a hydraulic pump 39, a control valve 40, a hoist cylinder 41, an inverter 42, a travel drive motor 31, a reduction gear mechanism 43, and wheels 27. The inverter 37 converts DC current from the voltage converter 36 into three-phase AC current and supplies it to the pump drive motor 38. The pump drive motor 38 drives the hydraulic pump 39. Hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 39 is supplied to the hoist cylinder 41 via the control valve 40. The hoist cylinder 41 is actuated by the hydraulic oil being supplied to the hoist cylinder 41. The hoist cylinder 41 performs a dumping or lowering operation on the vessel 21. The inverter 42 converts DC current from the voltage converter 36 into three-phase AC current and supplies it to the travel drive motor 31. The rotational force generated by the travel drive motor 31 is transmitted to the wheels 27 via the reduction gear mechanism 43. The wheels 27 rotate, causing the running device 23 to move.

The sprinkler system 19 includes a water storage tank 25, a sprinkler spray 26, a sprinkler pump 44 that supplies water stored in the water storage tank 25 to the sprinkler spray 26, a pipe 45 that connects the water storage tank 25 to the sprinkler pump 44, and a pipe 46 that connects the sprinkler pump 44 to the sprinkler spray 26. Water generated in the condenser 30 is stored in the water storage tank 25. When the sprinkler pump 44 is driven, the water stored in the water storage tank 25 is supplied to the sprinkler spray 26 via the pipe 45, the sprinkler pump 44, and the pipe 46. The sprinkler spray 26 sprays the water supplied from the water storage tank 25.

The control device 3 has an energy control unit 47, a vehicle operation control unit 48, a water sprinkler control unit 49, a host vehicle information storage unit 50, a terrain information storage unit 51, a controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52, and a monitor control unit 53. The energy control unit 47 controls the energy supply system 17. The vehicle operation control unit 48 controls the vehicle drive system 18. The water sprinkler control unit 49 controls the water sprinkler system 19. In this embodiment, when the input unit 55 is operated by the driver, the input unit 55 generates a water sprinkler command signal as an input signal. In manual mode, the water sprinkler control unit 49 outputs a control command to spray water from the water sprinkler sprayer 26 based on the water sprinkler command signal from the input unit 55. The host vehicle information storage unit 50 stores information related to the host transport vehicle 2 (host vehicle) on which the host vehicle information storage unit 50 is installed. The terrain information storage unit 51 stores terrain information of the work site. The terrain information of the work site includes, for example, the inclination angle (gradient) of the road surface of the travel path 9. The controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52 stores information transmitted from the management device 14. The controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52 also stores information transmitted from other transport vehicles 2 (other vehicles). The monitor control unit 53 controls the monitor 54.

[Watering system]
5 is a functional block diagram showing a water sprinkling system 59 according to an embodiment. The water sprinkling system 59 includes a management device 14, an energy control unit 47, a vehicle operation control unit 48, a water sprinkling control unit 49, a host vehicle information storage unit 50, a topographical information storage unit 51, a controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52, a monitor control unit 53, and a water sprinkling determination sensor 60.

The water sprinkler determination sensor 60 includes a position sensor 61, a water volume sensor 62, a dust sensor 63, a tilt angle sensor 64, a slip sensor 65, a weather sensor 66, a temperature sensor 67, and a humidity sensor 68. The detection signal (water sprinkler determination detection signal) of the water sprinkler determination sensor 60 is stored in the host vehicle information storage unit 50. The detection signal (water sprinkler determination detection signal) of the water sprinkler determination sensor 60 is used to determine whether or not water is needed from the water sprinkler spray 26 and to control the amount of water sprayed from the water sprinkler spray 26. Note that the water sprinkler determination sensor 60 does not need to include all of the position sensor 61, water volume sensor 62, dust sensor 63, tilt angle sensor 64, slip sensor 65, weather sensor 66, temperature sensor 67, and humidity sensor 68; it is sufficient if it includes the sensors necessary for the control performed by the water sprinkler system 59.

The position sensor 61 detects the position of the transport vehicle 2 on which it is mounted. In this embodiment, the position sensor 61 detects the position of the transport vehicle 2 using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The position sensor 61 includes a GNSS receiver.

The water volume sensor 62 detects the amount of water in the water storage tank 25. Examples of the water volume sensor 62 include a water level sensor or a weight sensor.

The dust sensor 63 detects dust at the work site 1. The dust at the work site 1 includes sand and dust. Examples of the dust sensor 63 include a laser sensor (LIDAR: Light Detection and Ranging) or a radar sensor (RADAR: Radio Detection and Ranging). The dust sensor 63 may also include a camera.

The inclination angle sensor 64 detects the inclination angle of the road surface at the work site 1. The inclination angle sensor 64 detects the inclination angle of the road surface at the work site 1 by detecting the inclination angle of the transport vehicle 2. Examples of the inclination angle sensor 64 include an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

The slip sensor 65 detects the amount of slip of the rear tire 28R mounted on the rear wheel 27R, which is the drive wheel of the travel device 23. Examples of the slip sensor 65 include an encoder or a resolver. The slip sensor 65 may also be disposed in the vehicle drivetrain 18, and the amount of slip may be calculated by calculation processing in the vehicle operation control unit 48.

The weather sensor 66 detects the weather at the work site 1. An example of the weather sensor 66 is a rain gauge.

The temperature sensor 67 detects the temperature of the work site 1. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 67 detects the temperature of the road surface at the work site 1. The temperature sensor 67 may be disposed in the energy supply system 17, and the temperature of the work site 1 may be calculated by calculation processing of the energy control unit 47.

The humidity sensor 68 detects the humidity at the work site 1. The humidity sensor 68 may also be disposed in the energy supply system 17, and the temperature at the work site 1 may be calculated by calculation processing in the energy control unit 47.

The sprinkler control unit 49 outputs a control command to the sprinkler system 19 so that the sprinkler spray 26 sprays water on a sprinkler area set at the work site 1. The sprinkler area is a divided area obtained by dividing the entire area of the work site 1 into a square, rectangular, circular, or regular hexagonal shape. In this embodiment, the sprinkler area is referred to as a sprinkler area, but it does not need to include range information. In other words, the sprinkler area may be referred to as a sprinkler location that includes information on the location of the target to be sprinkled with water. Information related to the sprinkler area is transmitted from the management device 14 to the controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52. The controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52 stores the information related to the sprinkler area at the work site 1 transmitted from the management device 14.

The water sprinkler control unit 49 outputs a control command to the water sprinkler sprayer 26 to spray water on the water sprinkler area based on the detection signal from the position sensor 61 and the position of the water sprinkler area stored in the controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a watering area according to an embodiment. A watering tolerance level is set for each of multiple watering areas. A watering area with a watering tolerance level of 1 is an area where watering is permitted at all times. Examples of watering areas with a watering tolerance level of 1 include locations with drainage ditches or parking areas 7. A watering area with a watering tolerance level of 2 is an area where a watering tolerance rate is set. Examples of watering areas with a watering tolerance level of 2 are road surfaces with an inclination angle of less than a predetermined value, the surface of a normal road 9, and areas where dust generation needs to be suppressed. In this embodiment, for watering areas with a watering tolerance level of 2, an area-specific watering tolerance rate is set in accordance with the management and operation policy of the work site 1. The allowable watering rate is planned based on, for example, the number and operating rate of fuel cell-equipped transport vehicles 2 present at the work site 1, seasonal and weather information, etc. A watering area with a watering tolerance level of 3 is an area where watering is not permitted. Examples of watering areas with a "Watering Allowable Level 3" include road surfaces with steep slopes, road surfaces that turn to mud when wet, road surfaces that are slippery due to steel plate laying, loading areas 5, soil disposal areas 6, and areas where the impact of watering on the natural environment is strictly limited. The watering allowable level is set in advance according to the conditions of the work site 1. The watering control unit 49 controls the amount of water sprayed from the watering sprays 26 based on the watering allowable level.

In the following description, the watering tolerance levels set for each of the multiple watering areas will be referred to as the watering tolerance level map.

In this embodiment, the water spray control unit 49 controls the amount of water sprayed from the water spray 26 based not only on the water spray amount tolerance level map, but also on water spray history information indicating the areas and amounts of water sprayed that have already been watered, and the detection signal from the water spray determination sensor 60.

The management device 14 transmits a water spray amount tolerance level map to the controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52. The controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52 stores not only the water spray amount tolerance level map transmitted from the management device 14, but also water spray history information indicating the areas and amounts of water sprayed by other transport vehicles 2. The water spray history information may be transmitted from other transport vehicles 2 to the transport vehicle 2, or may be transmitted from other transport vehicles 2 to the transport vehicle 2 via the management device 14.

As shown in FIG. 5, the water sprinkler control unit 49 includes an information integration unit 71, a contribution application unit 72, a water sprinkler amount tolerance level map correction unit 73, a water sprinkler permission signal generation unit 74, and a water sprinkler device drive command unit 75.

The information integration unit 71 calculates the required amount of water to be sprayed based on pre-set calculation rules using the topographical information of the work site 1 stored in the topographical information storage unit 51, the water spray amount tolerance level map stored in the controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52, the water spraying history information of other transport vehicles 2 stored in the controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52, and the detection signal of the water spraying judgment sensor 60 stored in the host vehicle information storage unit 50, and integrates this information into comparative judgment. An example of a calculation rule is to reduce the amount of water to be sprayed if it is determined that the road surface inclination angle is high based on the topographical information of the work site 1 stored in the topographical information storage unit 51 or the detection signal of the inclination angle sensor 64, and to increase the amount of water to be sprayed if it is determined that the road surface inclination angle is low. Furthermore, if it is determined that other transport vehicles 2 have already sprayed a large amount of water based on the water spraying history information of other transport vehicles 2 stored in the controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52, it reduces the amount of water to be sprayed, and if it is determined that other transport vehicles 2 have not sprayed water, it increases the amount of water to be sprayed. Furthermore, if the detection signal from the water volume sensor 62 determines that the water volume in the water storage tank 25 is low, the amount of water sprinkled is reduced; if the detection signal from the dust sensor 63 determines that the amount of dust at the work site 1 is low, the amount of water sprinkled is reduced; if the detection signal from the dust sensor 63 determines that the amount of dust at the work site 1 is high, the amount of water sprinkled is increased. Furthermore, if the detection signal from the slip sensor 65 determines that the amount of slip of the rear tire 28R is high, the amount of water sprinkled is reduced; if the detection signal from the weather sensor 66 determines that it is raining, the amount of water sprinkled is reduced; if the detection signal from the temperature sensor 67 determines that the road surface temperature is low, the amount of water sprinkled is reduced; if the detection signal from the humidity sensor 68 determines that the humidity is high, the amount of water sprinkled is reduced; if the detection signal from the humidity sensor 68 determines that the humidity is low, the amount of water sprinkled is increased.

The contribution degree application unit 72 applies the contribution degree related to the necessity of watering from the water sprayer 26 and the amount of water sprayed from the water sprayer 26 to the requested amount of watering integrated by the information integration unit 71. As an example of the contribution degree, the contribution degree of the requested amount of watering based on information related to the safety of the work site 1, such as the detection signal from the tilt angle sensor 64 or the slip sensor 65, is set high. Furthermore, if a long time has elapsed since the timing of data acquisition of the watering performance information of other transport vehicles 2 stored in the controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52, the contribution degree is set low, and if the elapsed time is short, the contribution degree is set high. If the contribution degree is low, the correlation between the requested amount of watering calculated by the information integration unit 71 and the allowable amount of watering is weakened. If the contribution degree is high, the correlation between the requested amount of watering calculated by the information integration unit 71 and the allowable amount of watering is strengthened.

The watering amount tolerance level map correction unit 73 corrects the watering amount tolerance level map based on the contribution applied by the contribution application unit 72. For example, the watering amount tolerance level map correction unit 73 increases the allowable watering amount for watering areas with a watering amount tolerance level of 2 that require a large amount of watering, or reduces or sets to zero the allowable watering amount for watering areas with a watering amount tolerance level of 2 that do not require watering.

The water sprinkler permission signal generator 74 estimates the predicted vehicle passage position based on the topographical information stored in the topographical information storage unit 51, the position sensor 61, and the vehicle speed information stored in the vehicle operation control unit 48, and generates a water sprinkler permission signal to the water sprinkler drive command unit 75 based on the revised water sprinkler amount tolerance level map and the water sprinkler amount tolerance level map from the controlled vehicle information storage unit 52.

The revised watering amount tolerance level map and cumulative watering amount are stored in the vehicle information storage unit 50. The monitor control unit 53 displays the revised watering amount tolerance level map on the monitor 54. The vehicle information storage unit 50 transmits the revised watering amount tolerance level map and cumulative watering amount to the management device 14.

[Method for controlling a water sprinkler system]
7 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the water sprinkling system 59 according to the embodiment. The water sprinkling permission signal generating unit 74 calculates a predicted vehicle passage position, which is a position where water will be sprinkled, based on the information stored in the topographical information storage unit 51, the position sensor 61, and the vehicle speed information of the transport vehicle 2 (step SA1).

The reference position on the water spray tolerance level map is determined based on the predicted vehicle passage position. There is a possibility that the position of the transport vehicle 2 and the position where the water is sprayed may differ due to travel. The water spray position can be calculated with high accuracy from information from the topographical information storage unit 51, the position sensor 61, and the vehicle speed information of the transport vehicle 2. The predicted vehicle passage position may also be calculated from information from the topographical information storage unit 51 and the position sensor 61.

The controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52 receives the water spray amount tolerance level map from the management device 14 (step SA2). The water spray permission signal generation unit 74 receives the revised water spray amount tolerance level map from the water spray amount tolerance level map correction unit 73 and the water spray amount tolerance level map from the controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52.

The water spray permission signal generation unit 74 determines whether the vehicle's predicted passing position is in a water spray area with a water spray tolerance level of [Water Spray Permit Level 1] using the corrected water spray tolerance level map from the water spray tolerance level map correction unit 73 and the water spray tolerance level map from the controlled other vehicle information storage unit 52 (step SA3).

If it is determined in step SA3 that the predicted vehicle passage position is in a watering area with a watering allowance level of 1 (step SA3: Yes), the watering permission signal generator 74 calculates the water tank capacity, which indicates the amount of water stored in the water tank 25, based on the detection signal from the water volume sensor 62 (step SA4).

The watering permission signal generator 74 determines whether the water tank capacity is greater than or equal to the threshold value (step SA5).

If it is determined in step SA5 that the water storage tank capacity is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step SA5: Yes), the water sprinkling permission signal generator 74 transmits a water sprinkling permission signal. Furthermore, the monitor control unit 53 causes the monitor 54 to display display data indicating that water sprinkling is permitted (step SA6).

The watering permission signal generator 74 calculates the cumulative watering amount (step SA7).

The watering permission signal generation unit 74 calculates the current vehicle position based on information from the host vehicle information storage unit 50 and vehicle speed information from the vehicle operation control unit 48 (step SA8).

The watering permission signal generator 74 checks the terrain information in the terrain information storage unit 51 and the position sensor 61 to see if the watering area has changed (step SA9).

If it is determined in step SA9 that the watering area has not changed (step SA9: Yes), processing returns to step SA4.

If it is determined in step SA3 that the predicted vehicle passage position is not located in a watering area with a watering tolerance level of 1 (step SA3: No), the watering permission signal generator 74 determines whether the predicted vehicle passage position is located in a watering area with a watering tolerance level of 2 (step SA10).

If it is determined in step SA10 that the predicted vehicle passage position is in a watering area with watering allowance level 2 (step SA10: Yes), the watering permission signal generator 74 calculates the water tank capacity based on the detection signal from the water volume sensor 62. The initial value of the water tank capacity is latched to calculate the cumulative watering amount (step SA11).

The watering permission signal generator 74 determines whether the water tank capacity is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step SA12).

If it is determined in step SA12 that the water tank capacity is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step SA12: Yes), the watering permission signal generation unit 74 determines whether the cumulative watering amount is equal to or less than the allowable watering amount (step SA13).

If it is determined in step SA13 that the cumulative water spray amount is equal to or less than the allowable water spray amount (step SA13: Yes), the water spray permission signal generator 74 transmits a water spray permission signal. Furthermore, the monitor control unit 53 causes the monitor 54 to display display data indicating that water spraying is permitted (step SA14).

The watering permission signal generator 74 calculates the cumulative watering amount (step SA15).

The watering permission signal generation unit 74 calculates the current vehicle position based on information from the host vehicle information storage unit 50 and vehicle speed information from the vehicle operation control unit 48 (step SA16).

The watering permission signal generation unit 74 checks the terrain information in the terrain information storage unit 51 and the position sensor 61 to see if the watering area has changed (step SA17).

If it is determined in step SA17 that the watering area has not changed (step SA17: Yes), processing returns to step SA11.

If it is determined in step SA5 that the water tank capacity is not greater than the threshold value (step SA5: No), if it is determined in step SA10 that the predicted vehicle passage position is not located in a watering area with "Watering Allowable Level 2" (step SA10: No), if it is determined in step SA12 that the water tank capacity is not greater than the threshold value (step SA12: No), or if it is determined in step SA13 that the cumulative watering amount is not less than the allowable watering amount (step S13: No), the watering permission signal generator 74 stops the watering permission signal. Furthermore, the monitor control unit 53 causes the monitor 54 to display display data indicating that watering is not permitted (step SA18).

The watering permission signal generation unit 74 transmits the cumulative amount of watering for the watering area to the vehicle information storage unit 50 (step SA19).

[Method of driving the water sprinkler system]
8 is a flowchart showing a method for driving the sprinkler system 59 according to the embodiment. The sprinkler drive command unit 75 determines whether the sprinkler permission signal generation unit 74 is transmitting a sprinkler permission signal (step SB1).

If it is determined in step SB1 that a sprinkler permission signal has been transmitted (step SB1: Yes), the sprinkler drive command unit 75 determines whether the sprinkler command mode is auto (step SB2).

If it is determined in step SB2 that the sprinkler command mode is not automatic (step SB2: No), the sprinkler drive command unit 75 determines whether the sprinkler command switch of the input unit 55 is ON (step SB3).

If it is determined in step SB2 that the water sprinkler command mode is automatic (step SB2: Yes), or if it is determined in step SB3 that the water sprinkler command switch is ON (step SB3: Yes), the water sprinkler drive command unit 75 adjusts the opening and closing of the valve of the water sprinkler spray 26 (step SB4).

The sprinkler system drive command unit 75 also drives the sprinkler pump 44 and adjusts the capacity of the sprinkler pump 44 (step SB5), and then returns to processing in step SB1.

If it is determined in step SB1 that a sprinkler permission signal has not been transmitted (step SB1: No), or if it is determined in step SB3 that the sprinkler command switch is not ON (step SB3: No), the sprinkler device drive command unit 75 stops the sprinkler pump 44 (step SB6).

The sprinkler drive command unit 75 also closes the valve of the sprinkler spray 26 (step SB7).

The water spray 26 sprays water onto the watering area based on the control of the watering device drive command unit 75.

The water sprayer 26 may spray water in automatic mode based on a water spray permission signal from the water spray permission signal generation unit 74. The water sprayer 26 may spray water in manual mode based on a water spray permission signal from the water spray permission signal generation unit 74 and an input signal from the input unit 55.

[Computer System]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a computer system 1000 according to an embodiment. The management device 14 and the control device 3 described above each include a computer system 1000. The computer system 1000 includes a processor 1001 such as a central processing unit (CPU), a main memory 1002 including a nonvolatile memory such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a storage device 1003, and an interface 1004 including an input/output circuit. The functions of the management device 14 and the control device 3 described above are stored in the storage device 1003 as computer programs. The processor 1001 reads the computer programs from the storage device 1003, loads them into the main memory 1002, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the computer programs. The computer programs may be distributed to the computer system 1000 via a network.

In accordance with the above-described embodiment, the computer program or computer system 1000 can perform the following operations: electrochemically reacting hydrogen and oxygen to generate power for driving the traveling device 23 of the transport vehicle 2; setting up a watering area at the work site 1; and spraying water produced in the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the watering spray 26 so that the watering area is watered.

Furthermore, the computer program or computer system 1000 can detect the position of the transport vehicle 2 and spray water from the water sprayer 26 based on the position of the transport vehicle 2 and the position of the watering area, in accordance with the above-described embodiment.

Furthermore, the computer program or computer system 1000 can execute the following steps in accordance with the above-described embodiment: set an acceptable level of water spray amount for each of a plurality of water spray areas, and control the amount of water sprayed from the water sprayer 26 based on the acceptable level.

Furthermore, in accordance with the above-described embodiment, the computer program or computer system 1000 can control the amount of water sprayed from the water sprayer 26 based on watering history information indicating at least one of the areas already watered and the amount of water sprayed, and the detection signal from the watering judgment sensor 60.

The computer program or computer system 1000 can also execute the above-described embodiment to display the watering area on the monitor 54 mounted on the transport vehicle 2.

Furthermore, the computer program or computer system 1000 can execute the above-described embodiment, spraying water from the water sprayer 26 based on an input signal from the input unit 55 mounted on the transport vehicle 2.

[effect]
As described above, according to the embodiment, the transport vehicle 2 comprises a vessel 21, a body 22 that supports the vessel 21, a running device 23 that supports the body 22, a power unit 24 that generates power to drive the running device 23 by reacting hydrogen and oxygen, a water storage tank 25 that stores water produced in the power unit 24, and a water sprayer 26 that sprays the water stored in the water storage tank 25 to spray water over at least a portion of the periphery of the body 22.

As a result, the water generated by the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is used to water the work site 1. Furthermore, by spraying water in a predetermined watering area at the work site 1, the spread of dust or sand particles at the work site 1 is suppressed.

The water sprayer 26 is positioned at the front of the vehicle body 22. The water sprayer 26 sprays water in front of the vehicle body 22.

An outside air inlet 32 is provided at the front of the vehicle body 22, and the power unit 24 generates power using oxygen introduced through the outside air inlet 32. By spraying water in front of the outside air inlet 32, highly humid air is supplied from the outside air inlet 32 to the fuel cell 29. The fuel cell 29 has an electrolyte membrane that allows ionic conduction between hydrogen and oxygen. It is said that an appropriate level of humidity is required for the electrolyte membrane. Because highly humid air is supplied to the fuel cell 29 from the outside air inlet 32, a decrease in the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell 29 is suppressed. Furthermore, a humidifier can be simplified or eliminated in the fuel cell 29.

The water sprayers 26 spray water ahead in the direction of travel of the traveling device 23. The water sprayer 26L sprays water ahead of the left front wheel 27F, and the water sprayer 26R sprays water ahead of the right front wheel 27F. This wets the road surface ahead of the traveling device 23, preventing the spread of dust or sand when the traveling device 23 is traveling.

[Other embodiments]
Fig. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a transport vehicle 2 according to another embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the power unit 24 of the transport vehicle 2 includes a fuel cell 29. As shown in Fig. 10, the power unit 24 (energy supply system 17B) of the transport vehicle 2 may include a hydrogen engine 81. The hydrogen engine 81 generates power by causing a combustion reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

The hydrogen engine 81 has a cylinder block and pistons. Hydrogen and air containing oxygen are supplied to the combustion chamber defined by the cylinder block and pistons. The hydrogen is stored in a hydrogen tank 33 and supplied to the hydrogen engine 81 by a hydrogen supply device 34. Air is supplied to the hydrogen engine 81 through an outside air inlet 32.

The water vapor generated in the hydrogen engine 81 is condensed by the condenser 30. The water generated in the condenser 30 is stored in the water storage tank 25.

The energy supply system 17B shown in Figure 10 has a generator 83 that generates electric power based on the power generated by the hydrogen engine 81. The generator 83 is connected to a field adjustment device 82. The electric power generated by the generator 83 is supplied to the vehicle drive system 18B via a rectifier 84. As in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle drive system 18B has an inverter 42, a travel drive motor 31, a reduction gear mechanism 43, and wheels 27. The travel drive motor 31 generates power based on the electric power generated by the generator 83.

Figure 11 is a structural diagram showing a transport vehicle 2 according to another embodiment. As with the example shown in Figure 10, the energy supply system 17C includes a hydrogen engine 81. The vehicle drive system 18C has a power distribution mechanism 85 and a power transmission mechanism 86. The power distribution mechanism 85 is connected to the hydrogen engine 81. The power generated by the hydrogen engine 81 is distributed to the hydraulic pump 39 and the power transmission mechanism 86. The power distributed to the power transmission mechanism 86 is transmitted to the wheels 27 via a reduction gear mechanism 43. As shown in Figure 11, the energy supply system 17C does not have to include a generator.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a transport vehicle 2 according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the water spray 26 may be provided at the rear of the vehicle body 22. If the power unit 24 and the water storage tank 25 are located at the front of the vehicle body 22, the water storage tank 87 may be located at a position different from the water storage tank 25. The water storage tank 87 is located behind the water storage tank 25 on the vehicle body 22.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the transport vehicle 2 is equipped with a first water sprinkler pump 88 that supplies water stored in the water storage tank 25 to the water sprinkler tank 87, and a second water sprinkler pump 89 that supplies water stored in the water sprinkler tank 87 to the water sprinkler sprays 26. The water storage tank 25 and the first water sprinkler pump 88 are connected via pipe 90A. The first water sprinkler pump 88 and the water sprinkler tank 87 are connected via pipe 90B. The water sprinkler tank 87 and the second water sprinkler pump 89 are connected via pipe 91A. The second water sprinkler pump 89 and the water sprinkler sprays 26 are connected via pipe 91B. The water sprinkler sprays 26 spray water supplied from the water storage tank 25 to the water sprinkler tank 87.

A water inlet 87A may also be connected to the water spray tank 87. Water is supplied to the water inlet 87A from outside the vehicle body 22. If the amount of water in the water spray tank 87 is low, water may be refilled into the water spray tank 87 through the water inlet 87A. Similarly, a water inlet 25A, through which water is supplied from outside the vehicle body 22, may be connected to the water storage tank 25.

Furthermore, in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body 22, the water sprayer 26L and at least a portion of the rear wheel 27R, which is a drive wheel, are positioned in the same position. The water sprayer 26L may spray water in front of the left rear wheel 27R. Further, in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body 22, the water sprayer 26R and at least a portion of the rear wheel 27R, which is a drive wheel, are positioned in the same position. The water sprayer 26L may spray water in front of the right rear wheel 27R.

In addition, when the vehicle body 22 turns, the water spray 26 may change the angle between the water spray direction of the water spray 26 and the forward direction of the transport vehicle 2 as needed, based on left and right wheel rotation speed information from the steering input device or the traveling device 23.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the sprinkler device is a water spray 26. In other embodiments, the sprinkler device may be another device with a water sprinkler function.

1...Work site, 2...Transport vehicle, 3...Control device, 4...Travel area, 5...Loading area, 6...Soil discharge area, 7...Parking area, 8...Fuel station, 9...Travel path, 10...Intersection, 11...Loader, 12...Crusher, 13...Management system, 14...Management device, 15...Communication system, 15A...Radio communication device, 15B...Radio communication device, 16...Control facility, 17...Energy supply system, 17B...Energy supply system, 17C...Energy supply system, 18...Vehicle drive system, 18B...Vehicle drive system, 18C...Vehicle drive system, 19...Watering system, 21...Vessel, 22...Vehicle body, 23...Travel gear, 24...Power unit, 25... Water storage tank, 25A...water receiving inlet, 26...water spray, 26C...water spray, 26L...water spray, 26R...water spray, 27...wheel, 27F...front wheel, 27R...rear wheel, 28...tire, 28F...front tire, 28R...rear tire, 29...fuel cell, 30...condenser, 31...travel drive motor, 32...fresh air intake port, 33...hydrogen tank, 34...hydrogen supply device, 35...battery, 36...voltage conversion device, 37...inverter, 38...pump drive motor, 39...hydraulic pump, 40...control valve, 41...hoist cylinder, 42...inverter, 43...reduction mechanism, 44... Sprinkler pump, 45...pipe, 46...pipe, 47...energy control unit, 48...vehicle operation control unit, 49...sprinkler control unit, 50...own vehicle information storage unit, 51...terrain information storage unit, 52...controlled other vehicle information storage unit, 53...monitor control unit, 54...monitor, 55...input unit, 56...accelerator brake pedal, 57...shift lever, 58...lift lever, 59...sprinkler system, 60...sensor for determining sprinkler status, 61...position sensor, 62...water volume sensor, 63...dust sensor, 64...inclination angle sensor, 65...slip sensor, 66...weather sensor, 67...temperature sensor, 68...humidity sensor, 71...information integration unit, 72...contribution application unit, 73...watering amount tolerance level map correction unit, 74...watering permission signal generation unit, 75...watering device drive command unit, 81...hydrogen engine, 82...field adjustment device, 83...generator, 84...rectifier, 85...power distribution mechanism, 86...power transmission mechanism, 87...watering tank, 87A...water inlet, 88...first watering pump, 89...second watering pump, 90A...pipe, 90B...pipe, 91A...pipe, 91B...pipe, 1000...computer system, 1001...processor, 1002...main memory, 1003...storage, 1004...interface.

Claims (15)

Dump body and
a vehicle body supporting the dump body;
a traveling device that supports the vehicle body;
a power unit that generates power for driving the traveling device by reacting hydrogen and oxygen;
a water storage tank for storing water produced by the power plant;
a water sprinkler device that sprays water stored in the water storage tank to sprinkle water over at least a portion of the periphery of the vehicle body ,
The sprinkler device is disposed at the front of the vehicle body,
An outside air intake port is provided at the front of the vehicle body,
the power unit generates power using oxygen introduced through the outside air inlet,
The sprinkler device and at least a portion of the outside air inlet are located at the same position in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body.
Transport vehicle. The sprinkler device sprinkles water forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle body.
The transport vehicle of claim 1 . The sprinkler device sprinkles water forward in the traveling direction of the traveling device.
The transport vehicle of claim 1 . The traveling device has a drive wheel,
The sprinkler device sprinkles water in front of the drive wheels.
The transport vehicle of claim 1 . The sprinkler device sprinkles water in front of the traveling device when the traveling device moves forward.
A transport vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4 . The traveling device has front wheels and rear wheels,
The sprinkler device sprinkles water in front of the front wheels.
A transport vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 5 . In the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body, the position of the sprinkler device is the same as that of at least a portion of the front wheel.
7. A transport vehicle according to claim 6 . The dump body performs a dumping operation so as to tilt backward.
A transporter vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 7 . The power unit is
a fuel cell that generates electricity by electrochemically reacting hydrogen and oxygen;
a condenser for condensing water vapor generated in the fuel cell;
a travel drive motor that generates the power based on the electric power generated by the fuel cell,
The water produced in the condenser is stored in the water storage tank.
A transport vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . The power unit is
a hydrogen engine that generates the power by causing a combustion reaction between hydrogen and oxygen;
a condenser that condenses water vapor generated in the hydrogen engine,
The water produced in the condenser is stored in the water storage tank.
A transport vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . The power unit is
a hydrogen engine that causes a combustion reaction between hydrogen and oxygen;
a generator that generates electric power based on the power generated by the hydrogen engine;
a travel drive motor that generates the power based on the electric power generated by the generator;
a condenser that condenses water vapor generated in the hydrogen engine,
The water produced in the condenser is stored in the water storage tank.
A transport vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . A sprinkler pump is provided to supply the water stored in the water storage tank to the sprinkler device.
A transport vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . A pipe is provided to connect the sprinkler pump and the sprinkler device.
13. A transport vehicle according to claim 12 . a watering tank disposed at a position different from the water storage tank;
a first sprinkler pump that supplies water stored in the water storage tank to the sprinkler tank;
a second sprinkler pump that supplies water stored in the sprinkler tank to the sprinkler device;
The sprinkler device sprinkles water supplied from the water storage tank to the sprinkler tank.
A transport vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . A water inlet is connected to the water storage tank or the watering tank and receives water from outside the vehicle body.
15. A transport vehicle according to claim 14 .