Work vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a work vehicle capable of providing a rear detection device at the rear end of a vehicle body without impairing the operability of a draw pin. The work vehicle has a vehicle body, a counterweight that divides the rear end of the vehicle body, a draw pin that is held in a draw pin holding hole provided in the counterweight in a state in which the draw pin can be pulled upward and that is used to secure a towing tool for towing another vehicle, and a rear detection device that detects an object present at the rear of the vehicle body. The rear detection device has a bracket that is positioned above the draw pin held in the draw pin holding hole and that is supported by the counterweight, a support plate that is supported by the bracket, and an object detection device that is supported by the support plate. The support plate is configured to be able to retreat from the direction in which the draw pin is operated when the draw pin is operated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a work vehicle with a towing pin and a rear detection device. Background Technology

[0002] For work vehicles used on uneven ground, there are sometimes situations where it is necessary to tow other vehicles. Therefore, it is known that a work vehicle has a towing pin supported at the rear of the vehicle body and detachably supported at the center in the vehicle width direction for cable locking for towing other vehicles (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, to allow operators in the cab to check the situation behind the vehicle, there are also work vehicles equipped with cameras that capture images of the rear of the vehicle. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a wide-angle camera is mounted at an angle downwards on the upper part of the rear of the vehicle, thereby capturing a wide range from the rear end of the vehicle (near distance) to the rear of the vehicle (far distance). As a detection device for detecting the situation behind the vehicle, in addition to the camera described in Patent Document 1, millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), etc., which detect the presence of objects (e.g., obstacles, operators, other vehicles) behind the vehicle are sometimes used.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-184600 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Considering the ease of acquisition and cost of the detection device, in order to detect the range from the rear of the vehicle (near distance) to the rear of the vehicle (far distance) with a single detection device when there is no corresponding detection device with a large detection range (shooting range), it is preferable to place the detection device at the rear of the vehicle, i.e., on the counterweight, and set the detection direction to be approximately horizontal. However, since the counterweight has a towing pin, if a rear detection device is to be installed within the limited vehicle size, there is a risk that the rear detection device may obstruct the insertion and removal of the towing pin.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and its purpose is to provide a work vehicle in which a rear detection device can be installed at the rear of the vehicle body without compromising the workability of the towing pin.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention comprises: a vehicle body; a counterweight dividing the rear end of the vehicle body; and a towing pin held in a towing pin retaining hole provided on the counterweight in a state that can be pulled upwards, and for locking into a towing tool used for towing other vehicles. The working vehicle is characterized by having a rear detection device for detecting objects present behind the vehicle body. The rear detection device comprises: a bracket located above the towing pin held in the towing pin retaining hole and supported by the counterweight; a support plate supported by the bracket; and an object detection device supported by the support plate. The support plate is configured to retract from the operating direction of the towing pin when the towing pin is operated.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the present invention, a work vehicle in which a rear detection device can be installed at the rear end of the vehicle body can be obtained without compromising the workability of the towing pin. Furthermore, issues, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become clear through the following description of the embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a side view of the wheel loader according to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the main parts of a wheel loader from the rear.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the counterweight viewed from the front.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a rear view of a wheel loader.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the rear detection device as seen from the rear side.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the rear detection device as seen from the front.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, a wheel loader 10, which is an example of a work vehicle of the present invention, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the front, back, left, and right angles in this specification are based on the viewpoint of the operator riding in and operating the wheel loader 10. In addition, specific examples of work vehicles are not limited to the wheel loader 10, but may also include dump trucks, hydraulic excavators, cranes, etc.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a side view of the wheel loader 10 according to this embodiment. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, the wheel loader 10 has a chassis consisting of a front frame 11 and a rear frame 12. The front frame 11 and the rear frame 12 are connected by a central pin 13 in a manner that allows rotation in the left and right directions. Furthermore, the front frame 11 and the rear frame 12 are connected by a pair of left and right steering hydraulic cylinders 14L and 14R. The pair of steering hydraulic cylinders 14L and 14R extend and retract by receiving a supply of working oil from a hydraulic pump (not shown).

[0021] By extending one of a pair of steering hydraulic cylinders 14L and 14R and shortening the other, the front frame 11 bends relative to the rear frame 12 in the left-right direction around the central pin 13. This changes the relative mounting angle between the front frame 11 and the rear frame 12, causing the vehicle body to bend and steer. In other words, this wheel loader 10 is an articulated type where the front frame 11 and rear frame 12 bend around the central pin 13.

[0022] The front frame 11 supports a pair of front wheels 15L and 15R on the left and right sides and the front work machine 16. The front work machine 16 has a lifting arm 17, a bucket 18, a pair of lifting arm hydraulic cylinders 19, a bucket hydraulic cylinder 20, and a bell crank 21.

[0023] The lifting arm 17 extends in the front-to-back direction. More specifically, the front end of the lifting arm 17 is rotatably connected to the bucket 18, and the rear end is rotatably connected to the front frame 11. Furthermore, the lifting arm 17 rotates in the vertical direction (pitch motion) by the extension and retraction of a pair of lifting arm hydraulic cylinders 19.

[0024] The bucket 18 has a concave-shaped space capable of accommodating cargo (soil, sand, etc.). Furthermore, the bucket 18 is rotatably (tilting or unloading) supported in the front end of the lifting arm 17. More specifically, the bucket 18 rotates in the vertical direction by rotating the bell-shaped crank 21 in conjunction with the extension and retraction of the bucket hydraulic cylinder 20.

[0025] The rear frame 12 supports a pair of rear wheels 22L and 22R on the left and right sides, a cab 23 (cab), an engine structure 24 (structure), and a counterweight 30.

[0026] The compartment 23 forms an interior space for the operator of the wheel loader 10. Inside the compartment 23, there is a seat (not shown) for the operator to sit on and an operating device (not shown) for the operator to operate while seated on the seat. The operator in the compartment 23 operates the operating device, thereby moving the wheel loader 10 and moving the front workpiece 16.

[0027] The engine structure 24 is located at the rear of the compartment 23 and at the front compared to the rearmost end of the counterweight 30, and is supported on the rear frame 12. The engine structure 24 has internal space to accommodate the components used to drive the wheel loader 10 (e.g., engine 25, radiator 26, and cooling fan 27).

[0028] Engine 25 generates driving force to operate wheel loader 10. The driving force of engine 25 is transmitted to rotate the front wheels 15L and 15R and the rear wheels 22L and 22R. Thus, wheel loader 10 moves. Radiator 26 supplies cooling water to engine 25, allowing the cooling water discharged from engine 25 to exchange heat with cooling air, and then the cooled water returns to engine 25 after heat exchange. Cooling fan 27 supplies cooling air to radiator 26.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the main parts of the wheel loader 10 from the rear. (See image below.) Figure 2 As shown, a rear grille 28 is provided on the rear of the engine structure 24. The rear grille 28 allows air to circulate between the exterior of the wheel loader 10 and the interior space of the engine structure 24. More specifically, the rear grille 28 has a center post 29a, a plurality of left side crossbeams 29b, a plurality of right side crossbeams 29c, and a plurality of inclined crossbeams 29d. Furthermore, the rear grille 28 allows air to circulate through the gaps between the center post 29a, the plurality of left side crossbeams 29b, the plurality of right side crossbeams 29c, and the plurality of inclined crossbeams 29d.

[0030] The center pillar 29a extends vertically from the center of the vehicle body in the width direction (left-right direction). Multiple left-side crossbeams 29b extend from the left side of the center pillar 29a at intervals along the vertical direction. Multiple right-side crossbeams 29c extend from the right side of the center pillar 29a at intervals along the vertical direction. An inclined crossbeam 29d extends diagonally downwards to the left from the lowest left-side crossbeam 29b. Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the rear grille 28 may also have an inclined crossbeam 29d extending diagonally downwards to the right from the lowest right-side crossbeam 29c.

[0031] The counterweight 30 is an example of a dividing component that divides the rear end of the wheel loader 10 (rear frame 12). In this embodiment, the dividing component is a counterweight 30 (weight) used to balance the weight of the front work machine 16.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the counterweight 30 as seen from the front side. Figure 4 This is a rear view of the wheel loader 10. (As shown) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rear end of the counterweight 30 is located at the very rear of the components of the wheel loader 10. Additionally, as... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the counterweight 30 is provided over the entire width direction of the rear frame 12. Furthermore, the counterweight 30 is located below the rear grille 28 in the width direction of the rear frame 12 where at least the rear grille 28 is provided. Moreover, as... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the counterweight 30 mainly consists of a support platform 31 and a bumper 32.

[0033] The support platform 31 is positioned at the center of the counterweight 30 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the support platform 31 is located below the bumper 32 and positioned in front of the rear end of the bumper 32. A traction pin retaining hole 33 with an upward opening is provided on the upper surface of the support platform 31. The traction pin retaining hole 33 retains the traction pin 35 (described later) in a position where it can be inserted and removed in the vertical direction.

[0034] The bumper 32 extends laterally across the entire width of the counterweight 30. Furthermore, the bumper 32 is positioned above and rearward of the support platform 31. Moreover, the rear end of the bumper 32 is located at the very rear of the counterweight 30 (i.e., a component of the wheel loader 10), ensuring that objects from the rear will collide with it first.

[0035] A vertical gap is formed between the support platform 31 and the bumper 32. Furthermore, the gap between the support platform 31 and the bumper 32 protrudes towards the rear of the wheel loader 10. A cable (towing tool) secured to the towing pin 35, which is held within the towing pin retaining hole 33, extends through this gap towards the rear of the wheel loader 10.

[0036] And, as Figure 3 As shown, the bumper 32 has a through-hole 34 extending vertically. The through-hole 34 and the retaining hole 33 are formed at the same position when viewed vertically. That is, the towing pin 35 passes through the through-hole 34 and can be inserted and removed vertically relative to the retaining hole 33.

[0037] The towing pin 35 is used for securing the cable to other vehicles when the wheel loader 10 is towing them. For example... Figure 5 (B) and Figure 6 As shown in (B), the traction pin 35 consists of a cylindrical pin body 36 and a gripping portion 37 mounted on the upper end of the pin body 36. Furthermore, with one side of the gripping portion 37 facing upwards, the traction pin 35 passes through the traction pin insertion hole 34 and is inserted into or removed from the traction pin holding hole 33.

[0038] First, if the operator holding the grip 37 presses the tow pin 35 into the tow pin insertion hole 34, the lower end of the tow pin 35 inserts into the tow pin retaining hole 33. Thus, the tow pin 35 is supported on the support platform 31. At this time, a portion of the pin body 36 passes through the vertical gap between the support platform 31 and the bumper 32, protruding towards the rear of the wheel loader 10. Furthermore, the grip 37 is located below the upper end of the bumper 32 and is housed within the tow pin insertion hole 34.

[0039] On the other hand, if the operator holding the grip 37 lifts the traction pin 35 within the traction pin insertion hole 34, the lower end of the traction pin 35 is pulled out from the traction pin holding hole 33. This creates a vertical gap between the support platform 31 and the lower end of the traction pin 35. The operator can then pass the cable through this gap and engage (hook) it with the pin body 36. Furthermore, by pressing the traction pin 35 again, the operator supports the cable-engaged traction pin 35 on the support platform 31. In the operation of engaging the cable with the traction pin 35, it is not necessary to lift the traction pin 35 until it is completely pulled out of the traction pin insertion hole 34; simply lifting it upwards creates a gap between the support platform 31 and the lower end of the traction pin 35 that allows the cable to pass through.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the wheel loader 10 of this embodiment also includes a rear detection device 40. The rear detection device 40 detects objects (e.g., obstacles, operators, other vehicles) located behind the wheel loader 10 and transmits a detection signal indicating the detection result via wiring 43 (see reference). Figure 3 The signal is output to the controller (not shown). The controller, for example, informs the operator in compartment 23 of the presence of the object based on the detection signal output from the rear detection device 40.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the rear detection device 40 is located in front of the rear end of the counterweight 30, and rearward compared to the other components of the wheel loader 10 (including the engine structure 24). More specifically, as... Figure 5 (A) and Figure 6 As shown in (A), when the support plate 42 described later is in a detectable state, the rear end of the millimeter-wave radar 41 described later is located in front of the rear end of the counterweight 30, and is positioned behind the engine structure 24. Furthermore, as... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the counterweight 30 is located at the center of the vehicle width direction, behind the towing pin insertion hole 34, and supported on the upper surface of the bumper 32.

[0042] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown, when the wheel loader 10 is viewed from the rear, the rear detection device 40 is configured to overlap with a portion of the rear grille 28. More specifically, the outline of the rear detection device 40 (the bracket 44 described later) overlaps with a portion of the plurality of crossbeams 29b to 29d of the rear grille 28 (more specifically, the left and right inclined crossbeams 29d).

[0043] Moreover, such as Figure 4 As shown, the rear detection device 40 is positioned in the width direction of the wheel loader 10 at the same position as the towing pin 35 held in the towing pin retaining hole 33 (that is, at the center of the wheel loader 10 in the width direction). On the other hand, in the height direction (vertical direction) of the wheel loader 10, the rear detection device 40 is positioned above the towing pin 35 held in the towing pin retaining hole 33 (more specifically, the gap between the support platform 31 and the bumper 32 where the towing pin 35 is exposed).

[0044] In other words, even with the rear detection device 40 installed, the cable and the traction pin 35 can still be locked in place. On the other hand, in the presence of... Figure 4 The rear detection device 40, due to its position, can hinder the insertion and removal of the towing pin 35 relative to the towing pin retaining hole 33. This issue is particularly significant for small wheel loaders where the spacing between the rear grille 28 and the rear detection device 40 must be shortened.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the rear detection device 40 as seen from the rear side. Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the rear detection device 40 as seen from the front side. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism 46. (Example) Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the rear detection device 40 mainly includes a millimeter-wave radar 41, a support plate 42, wiring 43, a bracket 44, a wiring holding part 45, and a locking mechanism 46.

[0046] Millimeter-wave radar 41 is an object detection device (sensor) that detects objects located behind the wheel loader 10. Millimeter-wave radar 41 outputs millimeter waves to the rear and receives millimeter waves reflected by objects. However, specific examples of object detection devices are not limited to millimeter-wave radar 41; they could also be cameras, stereo cameras, LiDAR, etc.

[0047] The support plate 42 is a plate-shaped component that supports the millimeter-wave radar 41. Furthermore, the support plate 42 has a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 50 of the bracket 44 (described later). The support plate 42 is rotatably (movably, changeably) supported on the bracket 44. Moreover, a support plate operation hole 47 is formed in the support plate 42 at a position different from the support position of the millimeter-wave radar 41, extending through the thickness direction. The support plate operation hole 47 is a portion for the operator to insert their fingers when the support plate 42 is rotated.

[0048] The millimeter-wave radar 41 is mounted at the center of the support plate 42 on the back side of the support plate 42 (facing the rear of the wheel loader 10 when in a detectable state). Furthermore, when the support plate 42 is in a detectable state ( Figure 5 When (A) is in operation, the surface of the millimeter-wave radar 41, which outputs and receives millimeter waves, is exposed to the rear side of the wheel loader 10. The wiring 43 passes through the through hole 48 in the support plate 42 along the thickness direction and is led out to the front side of the wheel loader 10.

[0049] The bracket 44 is positioned above and behind the towing pin 35 held in the towing pin retaining hole 33, and is supported by the counterweight 30. In this embodiment, the bracket 44 is fixed (tightened) to the upper surface of the bumper 32 by bolts 49a and 49b on both sides of the towing pin insertion hole 34 in the width direction of the wheel loader 10. In addition, the bracket 44 supports the support plate 42 that supports the millimeter-wave radar 41 so that it can... Figure 5 (A) and Figure 6 The detectable state shown in (A) and Figure 5 (B) and Figure 6 The support rotates (moves, changes) between the retreat states shown in (B).

[0050] The bracket 44 is a trapezoidal frame formed by two parallel upper sides 44a and lower sides 44b, a left side 44c connecting the left ends of the upper sides 44a and lower sides 44b, and a right side 44d connecting the right ends of the upper sides 44a and lower sides 44b. Furthermore, in the width direction of the wheel loader 10, the dimension of the upper side 44a is set shorter than the dimension of the lower side 44b. Additionally, when the wheel loader 10 is viewed from the rear, the bracket 44 is supported on the bumper 32 such that the left side 44c and right side 44d coincide with the left and right inclined crossbeams 29d. Moreover, as... Figure 3 As shown, the surface of the bracket 44 that is fixed (fastened) to the upper surface of the bumper 32 by bolts 49a and 49b is cut out to open the top of the traction pin retaining hole 33 and the traction pin insertion hole 34.

[0051] Furthermore, an opening 50 is formed in the bracket 44, extending through the thickness direction (the longitudinal direction of the wheel loader 10). The opening 50 is a trapezoidal space surrounded by the upper side 44a, the lower side 44b, the left side 44c, and the right side 44d. The bracket 44 supports the support plate 42 on which the millimeter-wave radar 41 is supported via a hinge 51 fixed to the lower end of the upper side 44a. In other words, the support plate 42 supporting the millimeter-wave radar 41 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the width direction of the wheel loader 10 via the hinge 51.

[0052] A cable holding portion 45 is provided on the bracket 44. In this embodiment, the cable holding portion 45 is provided on the front surface side of the right side 44d (that is, the position that avoids the center of the opening 50). In addition, the cable holding portion 45 is located approximately at the center in the vertical direction of the right side 44d. Moreover, the cable holding portion 45 has a through hole through the right side 44d for fixing a cable holding member (e.g., a cable tie). The cable 43 is supported on the bracket 44 in the position that avoids the center of the opening 50 by fastening it to the cable holding member fixed to the cable holding portion 45. Moreover, the cable holding member fixed to the cable holding portion 45 holds the cable 43 with a fastening force that allows it to move in the front-rear direction as the support plate 42 supporting the millimeter-wave radar 41 rotates.

[0053] like Figure 5 (A) and Figure 6 As shown in (A), when the support plate 42 is in a detectable state, the opening 50 of the bracket 44 is blocked by the support plate 42. In other words, the detectable state of the support plate 42 means that the opening 50 is blocked (in other words, preventing the operator from operating the towing pin 35 through the opening 50). Furthermore, the millimeter-wave radar 41 supported on the support plate 42 in the detectable state is configured to output millimeter waves to the rear of the wheel loader 10 and centered in the horizontal direction, and to receive millimeter waves reflected from objects, with its surface (antenna surface) facing rearward and horizontally. In other words, the detectable state of the support plate 42 means that the millimeter-wave radar 41 is configured to detect objects present behind the wheel loader 10. Alternatively, the detectable state of the support plate 42 is that the support plate 42 can prevent the operation of the towing pin 35 and the millimeter-wave radar 41 can detect the position of the object (detectable position).

[0054] Then, the operator who wants to operate the traction pin 35 inserts their finger into it. Figure 5 (A) and Figure 6 The support plate 42 is lifted backward and upward by the operating hole 47 of (A). This results in the support plate 42 being able to... Figure 5 (A) and Figure 6 The detectable state shown in (A) is towards Figure 5 (B) and Figure 6 The device rotates backward and upward in the manner shown in (B) as it is in a retreating state. At this time, wiring 43 follows the support plate 42 and extends backward.

[0055] Therefore, as Figure 5 (B) and Figure 6 As shown in (B), when the support plate 42 is in the retracted state, the opening 50 is open. That is, the retracted state of the support plate 42 means that the opening 50 is open (in other words, the operation of the towing pin held within the towing pin retaining hole 33 is allowed). Furthermore, the support plate 42 in the retracted state supports the millimeter-wave radar 41 with its surface (antenna surface) facing upwards. That is, the retracted state of the support plate 42 means that the millimeter-wave radar 41 is set so that it cannot detect objects present behind the wheel loader 10. However, the retracted state of the support plate 42 can also be a state in which objects behind can be detected based on the millimeter-wave radar 41, as long as the opening 50 is open to allow the operation of the towing pin 35. In other words, the retracted state of the support plate 42 is the position where the operator can operate the towing pin 35 from behind the wheel loader 10 through the opening 50 of the bracket 44 (retracted position).

[0056] Then, with the support plate 42 in the retracted position, the operator lifts it upward through the opening 50 by grasping the grip 37. The operator then winds the cable through the gap between the support platform 31 and the lower end of the traction pin 35 onto the traction pin 35. The operator then presses the cable downward through the opening 50 by grasping the grip 37. This holds the traction pin 35 in the traction pin retaining hole 33, securing the cable. Furthermore, if the operator releases the support plate 42, the support plate 42 automatically returns to a detectable state under gravity. This series of operations can be performed by one operator or by multiple operators.

[0057] The locking mechanism 46 is a mechanism that locks the support plate 42, on which the millimeter-wave radar 41 is mounted, into a detectable state. The locking mechanism 46 is mounted on the front surface of the support plate 42 (the surface facing forward of the wheel loader 10 when in the detectable state) and is positioned corresponding to the lower side 44b opposite to the upper side 44a on which the hinge 51 is fixed. Figure 7 As shown, the locking mechanism 46 consists of a fixed block 52, a support shaft 53, a locking arm 54, spring fixing shafts 55 and 56, and a coil spring 57 (force-applying component).

[0058] The fixing block 52 is located below the millimeter-wave radar 41 and is fixed to the front surface of the support plate 42 (the side opposite to the support surface of the millimeter-wave radar 41). The support shaft 53 is fixed to the side of the fixing block 52 in a state where it extends along the width direction of the wheel loader 10. The locking arm 54 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 53. The spring fixing shaft 55 is fixed to the side of the fixing block 52 on which the support shaft 53 is fixed. The spring fixing shaft 56 is fixed to the locking arm 54. In this embodiment, when viewed from the extension direction of the support shaft 53, the spring fixing shaft 56 is positioned closer to the support shaft 53 than the spring fixing shaft 55. One end of the coil spring 57 is fixed to the spring fixing shaft 55, and the other end is fixed to the spring fixing shaft 56.

[0059] Additionally, the locking arm 54 has a locking plate 58 and an engaging pawl 59. Furthermore, the locking arm 54 is capable of rotating around the support shaft 53. Figure 7 The unlocked posture shown in (A) is similar to Figure 7 The locking arm 54 rotates between the locking positions shown in (B). The unlocked position is when the rotation trajectory of the locking piece 58 is above (inner) of the locking plate 60 located at the lower edge 44b, and the rotation trajectory of the engaging pawl 59 is below (outer) of the locking plate 60. The locking position is when the rotation trajectory of the locking piece 58 is below (outer) of the locking plate 60, and the rotation trajectory of the engaging pawl 59 is above (inner) of the locking plate 60.

[0060] Furthermore, the coil spring 57, in accordance with its positional relationship with the support shaft 53, applies force to the locking arm 54 in either the unlocked or locked position. In other words, the direction of the force applied to the locking arm 54 by the coil spring 57 changes according to the rotation of the locking arm 54, as explained below. Additionally, when viewed from the extension direction of the support shaft 53, the closer the coil spring 57 is to the support shaft 53, the greater the force applied by the coil spring 57 becomes (that is, the coil spring 57 elongates).

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown in (A), when the support plate 42 is positioned between the detectable state and the retracted state, the coil spring 57 applies force to the locking arm 54 toward the unlocked position. That is, when viewed from the extension direction of the support shaft 53, if the coil spring 57 causes the support shaft 53 to move in the first direction (… Figure 7 In the example, if the clockwise rotation passes through, the coil spring 57 will apply force to the locking arm 54 toward the unlocked position.

[0062] If the support plate 42 is moved from Figure 7 As state (A) approaches the detectable state, locking arm 54 engages locking claw 59 with the back of locking plate 60, thereby counteracting the force applied by coil spring 57 in the second direction. Figure 7In the example, (counterclockwise rotation). Furthermore, when viewed from the extension direction of the support shaft 53, if the coil spring 57 causes the support shaft 53 to rotate counterclockwise, the coil spring 57 applies force to the locking arm 54 toward the locking posture (that is, the direction of the force applied by the coil spring 57 is switched). Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown in (B), when the support plate 42 becomes detectable, the locking arm 54 enters a locked position. As a result, the support plate 42 abuts against the back of the locking plate 60, and the locking piece 58 abuts against the front surface of the locking plate 60, locking the support plate 42 into a detectable state.

[0063] Furthermore, so that the support plate 42 is from Figure 7 The support plate 42 is subjected to an external force in a manner that approaches the retracted state from state (B). More specifically, if the operator inserts their finger into the operating hole 47 of the support plate and pulls the support plate 42 toward the rear, the locking arm 54 rotates clockwise against the force applied by the coil spring 57 by the reaction force received from the locking plate 60 via the locking piece 58. Furthermore, if the coil spring 57 causes the support shaft 53 to pass clockwise, the coil spring 57 applies force to the locking arm 54 toward the unlocked position (that is, the direction of the force applied by the coil spring 57 is switched). As a result, the rotation trajectory of the locking piece 58 moves upward relative to the locking plate 60, and the lock based on the locking mechanism 46 is released. As a result, the operator can rotate the support plate 42 toward the retracted state.

[0064] According to the above embodiment, the support plate 42 supporting the millimeter-wave radar 41 is configured to be in a detectable state and a retractable state. This allows for rearward monitoring during the operation of the wheel loader 10 (during travel, during operations performed by the front work machine 16), and prevents the rearward detection device 40 from obstructing the operator's work of inserting or removing the towing pin 35. As a result, a wheel loader 10 can be obtained in which the rearward detection device 40 can be installed at the rear of the vehicle without compromising the workability of the towing pin 35.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by locking the support plate 42 in a detectable state using the locking mechanism 46, it is possible to prevent the support plate 42 from unintentionally rotating into a retractable state due to vibrations or other factors that occur during the operation of the wheel loader 10. Additionally, by employing... Figure 7 The locking mechanism 46, as it is configured, simplifies the locking and unlocking operations of the millimeter-wave radar 41. However, the specific configuration of the locking mechanism 46 is not limited to, as long as the support plate 42 can be locked into a detectable state. Figure 7 Example.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the rear detection device 40 is positioned at the rear compared to all other components of the wheel loader 10 except for the counterweight 30. This allows the rear of the rear detection device 40 to be open, ensuring a large rear monitoring area covered by the rear detection device 40. (In other words, the millimeter wave is not blocked by the vehicle body components.) Additionally, when the rear of the vehicle comes into contact with an object located behind it, it will come into contact with the bumper 32, which protrudes rearward compared to the millimeter wave radar 41. This reduces the load on the millimeter wave radar 41 and prevents malfunctions of the rear detection device 40. Moreover, the millimeter wave radar 41 can be positioned appropriately for rear monitoring without changing the front-to-rear length of the vehicle body.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the upper side 44a of the bracket 44 that coincides with the airflow direction of the cooling fan 27 (front-rear direction of the vehicle body) is shorter than the lower side 44b of the bracket 44 that does not coincide with the airflow direction of the cooling fan 27 (front-rear direction of the vehicle body). The bracket 44 is formed such that its left side 44c and right side 44d coincide with the inclined crossbeam 29d. This reduces the airflow resistance of the cooling fan 27 caused by the rear detection device 40 being positioned behind the cooling fan 27. Additionally, by making the lower side 44b of the bracket 44 longer, the spacing between the bolts 49a and 49b can be increased, thus enabling stable support of the rear detection device 40 relative to the bumper 32. Moreover, by installing the millimeter-wave radar 41 at a position close to the ground, it is easier to wipe away dust adhering to the millimeter-wave radar 41 compared to installing it on the upper part of the engine structure 24.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the wiring 43 is held in a position that avoids the center of the opening 50, thereby ensuring a large area of ​​the opening 50 provided on the bracket 44 for the operation of inserting and removing the traction pin 35 relative to the traction pin holding hole 33 without removing the wiring 43 from the millimeter-wave radar 41.

[0069] Furthermore, the above embodiment describes an example of rotating the millimeter-wave radar 41 with the upper edge 44a of the bracket 44 as the rotation base, but the method of moving the support plate 42 between the detectable state and the retracted state is not limited to the above example. As another example, the millimeter-wave radar 41 can be configured to rotate via hinges mounted on the lower edge 44b, left side 44c, or right side 44d. As yet another example, the millimeter-wave radar 41 can slide relative to the bracket 44 in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0070] Furthermore, the above embodiments illustrate an example where the support plate 42 can be changed to a detectable state and a retracted state, but the configuration for switching between the ability to perform rear monitoring by the rear detection device 40 and the ability to operate the towing pin 35 is not limited to the above examples. As another example, the rear detection device 40 can be configured to be detachable from the vehicle body (more specifically, the counterweight 30). That is, the support plate 42 can simply be configured to retract from the operating direction of the towing pin 35 (in this embodiment, rearward and upward) when the towing pin 35 is operated.

[0071] The above embodiments are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art can implement the invention in various other ways without departing from its spirit.

[0072] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0073] 10-wheel loader (operating vehicle)

[0074] 11. Front frame (body)

[0075] 12 Rear frame (body)

[0076] 13 Central Sales

[0077] 14L and 14R steering hydraulic cylinders

[0078] 15L, 15R front wheels

[0079] 16 front-end machine

[0080] 22L, 22R rear wheels

[0081] Cabin 23

[0082] 24 engine structures

[0083] 25 engine

[0084] 26 radiator

[0085] 27 Cooling Fan

[0086] 28 rear grille

[0087] 30 counterweights

[0088] 31 support platform

[0089] 32 bumper

[0090] 33 Traction Pin Retaining Hole

[0091] 34 Traction Pin Insertion Holes

[0092] 35 traction pin

[0093] 36 sales entities

[0094] 37 grip section

[0095] 40 rear detection device

[0096] 41mm wave radar (object detection device)

[0097] 42 support plate

[0098] 43 wiring

[0099] 44 brackets

[0100] 45 Wiring retention section

[0101] 46 Locking Mechanism

[0102] 47 Support plate operating holes

[0103] 48 through holes

[0104] 49a and 49b bolts

[0105] 50 opening

[0106] 51 hinge

[0107] 52 fixed blocks

[0108] 53 Support Shaft

[0109] 54 locking arm

[0110] 55, 56 Spring fixed shaft

[0111] 57 coil spring

[0112] 58 Locked Film

[0113] 59-card claw

[0114] 60 locking plate.

Claims

1. A working vehicle, comprising: Body; Counterweights, which divide the rear end of the vehicle body; and The towing pin, which is held in a towing pin retaining hole on the counterweight in a state where it can be pulled upwards, is used to lock the towing tool for towing other vehicles. The characteristic of the operating vehicle is that... It has a rear detection device for detecting objects located behind the vehicle body. The rear detection device has the following features: A bracket located above and supported by the counterweight compared to the traction pin held in the traction pin retaining hole; The support plate supported by the bracket; and An object detection device supported on the support plate. The support plate is configured to switch between a detectable state and a retractable state, wherein... In the detectable state, the operation of the tow pin is prevented, and the object detection device is able to detect objects located behind the vehicle body. In the retractable state, the operation of the tow pin is permitted. The rear detection device has a locking mechanism that fixes the support plate in the detectable state. A locking plate is provided on the bracket. When the support plate is in the detectable state, it abuts against one side of the locking plate. The locking mechanism includes: a fixing block fixed to the support plate; a support shaft supported on the fixing block; a locking arm rotatably supported on the support shaft; and a force-applying component that applies force to the locking arm in either an unlocked or locked position. The locking posture of the locking arm is such that the locking arm abuts against the other side of the locking plate, thereby locking the support plate into the detectable state. The unlocked position of the locking arm is the position in which the support plate is released from the lock to the detectable state. When the support plate is in the detectable state, the force-applying component applies force to the locking arm toward the locking posture; when an external force is applied to the support plate to make the support plate approach the retracted state from the detectable state, the locking arm applies force toward the unlocked posture.

2. The working vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, An opening for operating the traction pin is formed on the bracket. The support plate is configured such that, The opening is sealed while the device is in a detectable state. The opening is opened when the retreating state is in effect.

3. The operating vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a structure located in front of the rear end of the counterweight and supported on the vehicle body. When the support plate is in the detectable state, the rear end of the object detection device is located in front of the rear end of the counterweight and rearward compared to the structure.

4. The operating vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, At the rear of the structure, there is a rear grille that allows air to circulate through the gaps between a plurality of spaced-apart crossbeams. Viewed from the front and rear, the outline of the bracket coincides with a portion of the multiple crossbeams of the rear grille.

5. The working vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The width dimension of the upper part of the bracket is shorter than the width dimension of the lower part of the bracket supported by the counterweight.

6. The operating vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: A controller that receives the signal output by the object detection device; and The wiring connecting the object detection device to the controller. The bracket has a wiring holding portion for holding the wiring.

Images