Dumper

Abstract

This dump truck is provided with a dump truck body which is rotatably coupled to a truck body frame and on which a load is mounted, and with an ultrasonic device which emits ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic device being provided to the dump truck body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to dump trucks.

[0002] The present invention claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-211765 filed on December 28, 2022, and incorporates its content herein. Background Art

[0003] Towards carbon neutrality, zero-emission of mining machinery and construction machinery is an urgent task. As a powerful solution for achieving zero-emission, there are battery-powered trolleybuses and fuel cell vehicles. In existing dump trucks, the waste heat of the engine exhaust gas is used to heat the unloading body. Thereby, freezing of transported sand and soil in cold regions is prevented, or highly viscous sand and soil are dried to improve the soil discharge property. However, in battery-powered trolleybuses and fuel cell vehicles, the temperature of the waste heat is lower than that of engine vehicles. Therefore, in battery-powered trolleybuses and fuel cell vehicles, in order to improve the soil discharge property, a structure that replaces the heating of the unloading body using waste heat is required.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dump truck having a car body heating unit that heats the car body. The car body heating unit includes heating wires provided on the car body. For example, in the case of an electric drive dump truck having a resistor that converts the power generated by the braking operation of the speed reducer into heat energy, the heating wires are constituted by a part of the resistor. For example, in the case of a dump truck equipped with a battery and a control unit, power is supplied from the battery to the heating wires by the control unit. For example, in the case of a trackless dump truck having a current collector that obtains power from an overhead wire, the power obtained from the overhead wire through the current collector is supplied to the heating wires.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-183900 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, since the heating wires transfer heat locally, depending on the installation method of the heating wires in the car body, it is necessary to supply excessive power to the heating wires. Therefore, there is room for improvement in reducing power consumption.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a dump truck that can improve the soil discharge property and reduce power consumption.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] One embodiment of the dump truck of the present invention includes a dump body that is rotatably coupled to a vehicle body frame and carries a load. An ultrasonic device that emits ultrasonic waves is provided on the dump body.

[0013] Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the above method, the soil discharging property can be improved and the power consumption can be reduced. Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 It is a side view of the dump truck of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram of the installation location of the ultrasonic device in the dump body of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram of the installation location of the vibrator in the inner bottom of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram of the flow of electricity during driving in the fuel cell system of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of the flow of electricity during regeneration in the fuel cell system of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a side view of the dump truck of the second embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, as a work vehicle constituting a fuel cell system, a dump truck, which is a transport vehicle that travels at a work site such as a mine and transports goods, will be described.

[0022] <First Embodiment>

[0023] <Dump Truck>

[0024] Figure 1 It is a side view of the dump truck 2 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram of the installation location of the ultrasonic device 40 in the dump body 12 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram of the installation location of the vibrator 42 in the inner bottom 63 of the first embodiment.

[0025] Refer to together Figures 1 to 3, the dump truck 2 includes: a body frame 10 equipped with a drive source 30 using hydrogen as fuel, a tipping body 12 (equivalent to a dump body) that is rotatably coupled to the body frame 10 via a rotating part 11 and carries a load, and a traveling device 13 that supports the body frame 10.

[0026] In this embodiment, the dump truck 2 does not have an internal combustion engine. In the dump truck 2, no exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is generated. For example, the dump truck 2 can be an unmanned dump truck that is driven in an unmanned manner without relying on the driver's driving operation, or a manned dump truck that is driven based on the driver's driving operation.

[0027] Hereinafter, the forward direction (front of the vehicle body), the backward direction (rear of the vehicle body), and the vehicle width direction (left and right directions of the vehicle body) of the dump truck 2 are referred to as "vehicle front (one side of the vehicle longitudinal direction)", "vehicle rear (the other side of the vehicle longitudinal direction)", and "vehicle width direction". The vehicle width direction is sometimes also referred to as "left side (one side of the vehicle width direction)" or "right side (the other side of the vehicle width direction)". The right hand is called the right side with respect to the direction in which the dump truck 2 advances, and the left hand is called the left side with respect to the advancing direction of the dump truck 2. The vehicle up and down direction (up and down direction of the vehicle body), the vehicle upper side (upper side of the vehicle body), and the vehicle lower side (lower side of the vehicle body) of the dump truck 2 are simply referred to as "up and down direction", "upper side", and "lower side". In the example of the figure, the dump truck 2 is arranged on a horizontal plane (horizontal ground). The vehicle up and down direction (up and down direction of the vehicle body), the vehicle upper side (upper side of the vehicle body), and the vehicle lower side (lower side of the vehicle body) of the dump truck 2 coincide with the up and down direction (vertical direction), the vertically upper side, and the vertically lower side in the state where the dump truck 2 is arranged on the horizontal plane, respectively.

[0028] The body frame 10 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The body frame 10 supports the tipping body 12 via the rotating part 11 so as to be rotatable. The rotating part 11 is a part including a shaft portion (equivalent to the rotation center axis of the tipping body 12) that extends in the vehicle width direction on the body frame 10. The body frame 10 is supported by the traveling device 13.

[0029] The tipping body 12 is rotatably coupled to the body frame 10 via the rotating part 11. The tipping body 12 is a member for loading goods (equivalent to a cargo box). At least a part of the tipping body 12 is arranged at a position higher than the body frame 10. The tipping body 12 can perform a tipping action and a lowering action.

[0030] The tipping action is an action of separating the tipping body 12 from the body frame 10 and tilting it in the tipping direction. The tipping direction is the rear of the body frame 10. In the embodiment, the tipping action includes raising the front end portion of the tipping body 12 and tilting the tipping body 12 backward. By the tipping action, the loading surface of the tipping body 12 faces backward and tilts downward.

[0031] The lowering operation refers to the operation of bringing the unloading vehicle body 12 closer to the vehicle body frame 10. The lowering operation is an operation in the opposite direction to the unloading operation. In the embodiment, the lowering operation includes lowering the front end portion of the unloading vehicle body 12.

[0032] Through the unloading operation and the lowering operation, the unloading vehicle body 12 is adjusted to the unloading posture and the loading posture. The unloading posture refers to the posture in which the unloading vehicle body 12 rises. The loading posture refers to the posture in which the unloading vehicle body 12 descends. In Figure 1 the example, the unloading vehicle body 12 in the loading posture is represented by a solid line, and the unloading vehicle body 12 in the unloading posture is represented by a double-dot dash line.

[0033] For example, in the case of performing the soil discharging operation, the unloading vehicle body 12 performs the unloading operation in such a manner as to change from the loading posture to the unloading posture. When the unloading vehicle body 12 is loaded with goods, the goods are discharged rearward from the rear end portion of the unloading vehicle body 12 through the unloading operation. On the other hand, in the case of performing the loading operation, the unloading vehicle body 12 is adjusted to the loading posture.

[0034] The unloading vehicle body 12 is provided with a protection device 16 that protects the cab 15 from above. The protection device 16 is arranged so as to cover the cab 15 from above when the unloading vehicle body 12 is in the loading posture. The protection device 16 is provided on the front end side of the unloading vehicle body 12. The protection device 16 is arranged at a position above the cab 15. The protection device 16 extends in the vehicle width direction. For example, the cab 15 is arranged at a position on the left side of the vehicle relative to the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] The cab 15 is supported by a platform 17. The platform 17 is provided above the front portion of the vehicle body frame 10. The platform 17 is provided to ensure a footrest when the operator gets on and off the cab 15. The platform 17 is provided to ensure a footrest when performing maintenance on the mounted equipment of the dump truck 2. The platform 17 is arranged at a position below the protection device 16. The platform 17 is arranged at a position above the wheels 21, 22. The platform 17 extends in the vehicle width direction. The platform 17 is formed in a plate shape parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction.

[0036] The traveling device 13 supports the vehicle body frame 10. The traveling device 13 enables the dump truck 2 to travel. The traveling device 13 enables the dump truck 2 to move forward or backward. At least a part of the traveling device 13 is arranged at a position below the vehicle body frame 10. The traveling device 13 includes a plurality of wheels 21, 22. The plurality of wheels 21, 22 include front wheels 21 and rear wheels 22 arranged behind the front wheels 21.

[0037] The front wheels 21 are steering wheels that steer to change the traveling direction of the dump truck 2. A pair of left and right front wheels 21 are provided. The pair of left and right front wheels 21 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction via the front part of the vehicle body frame 10. One front wheel 21 is provided on each of the left and right sides (two in total).

[0038] The rear wheels 22 are drive wheels driven by a drive source 30. A pair of left and right rear wheels 22 are provided. The pair of left and right rear wheels 22 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction via the rear part of the vehicle body frame 10. Two rear wheels 22 are provided on each of the left and right sides (four in total).

[0039] <Ultrasonic device>

[0040] The dump truck 2 is equipped with an ultrasonic device 40 that emits ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic device 40 is provided on the unloading vehicle body 12. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic device 40 is provided at the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body 12. Compared with the rear part of the unloading vehicle body 12, the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body 12 in contact with the cargo is likely to adhere to cargo such as sand and gravel (illustration omitted).

[0041] In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic device 40 operates according to an instruction from the operator. For example, the operator can also make the ultrasonic device 40 operate before the sand is frozen in cold regions. For example, the operator can also make the ultrasonic device 40 operate before the highly viscous sand adheres. For example, the operating timing of the ultrasonic device 40 is not limited to the above cases and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0042] The ultrasonic device 40 includes: an oscillator 41 that converts electric power into an electric signal; and a vibrator 42 that changes the electric signal converted by the oscillator 41 into ultrasonic vibration. The oscillator 41 is provided on the vehicle body frame 10. The vibrator 42 is provided on the unloading vehicle body 12.

[0043] The oscillator 41 and the vibrator 42 are energized in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body 12. The seated state of the unloading vehicle body 12 refers to the state in which the unloading vehicle body 12 is in the loading posture (the posture in which the unloading vehicle body 12 descends). In Figure 1 the example, the seated state of the unloading vehicle body 12 is shown by a solid line.

[0044] The oscillator 41 is provided between the front wheels 21 and the rear wheels 22. The oscillator 41 is provided on the outer side portion of the vehicle body frame 10 in the vehicle width direction. For example, a support member (such as a bracket, etc.) for supporting the oscillator 41 can also be provided on the outer side portion of the vehicle body frame 10.

[0045] The vibrator 42 is provided at the outer corner portion 60 of the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body 12. The outer corner portion 60 corresponds to the outer corner portion of the unloading vehicle body 12 in the vehicle width direction. In Figure 2In the example, two vibrators 42 are respectively provided at two outer corner portions 60 at the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body 12. It should be noted that the number of the vibrators 42 is not limited to the above situation. For example, the number of the vibrators 42 can also be one or more than three. For example, the number of the vibrators 42 can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0046] The unloading vehicle body 12 includes: an inner wall 61 which is provided inside the unloading vehicle body 12 and on which a load is carried; and an outer wall 62 which is provided outside the unloading vehicle body 12 relative to the inner wall 61. The vibrator 42 is provided between the inner wall 61 and the outer wall 62. In Figure 3 the illustration of the outer wall 62 is omitted.

[0047] The inner wall 61 has an inner bottom portion 63 which is bent or folded downward in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body 12. In Figure 3 the example, the inner bottom portion 63 is bent in an arc shape toward the lower front side. The vibrator 42 is provided on a surface 64 (hereinafter also referred to as "bottom lower surface 64") of the inner bottom portion 63 on the side opposite to the portion where the load is carried.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the oscillator 41 and the vibrator 42 are connected to each other through a wiring 50 (equivalent to an electric wire). The wiring 50 includes a first portion 51 provided on the vehicle body frame 10 and a second portion 52 provided on the unloading vehicle body 12.

[0049] The upstream end of the first portion 51 is connected to the oscillator 41. For example, the first portion 51 extends from the oscillator 41 to the vicinity of the rotating portion 11. For example, at the portion where the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are joined in the vicinity of the rotating portion 11, a member that can be bent or stretched freely may be provided separately from the wiring 50 itself.

[0050] The downstream end of the second portion 52 is connected to the vibrator 42. For example, the second portion 52 extends from the vicinity of the rotating portion 11 to the vibrator 42. For example, at least a part of the second portion 52 may be provided between the inner wall 61 and the outer wall 62.

[0051] The unloading vehicle body 12 has a rib 65 along one surface of the unloading vehicle body 12. For example, the rib 65 functions as a reinforcing member of the unloading vehicle body 12. For example, at least a part of the second portion 52 may be provided along the rib 65. For example, the rib 65 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. For example, at least a part of the second portion 52 may be disposed in the internal space of the rib 65.

[0052] The unloading vehicle body 12 has a cross beam 66 for strengthening the unloading vehicle body 12. The cross beam 66 extends in the vehicle width direction. For example, the cross beam 66 is formed in a U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The cross beam 66 is provided on the bottom lower surface 64. For example, the cross beam 66 is joined to the bottom lower surface 64 by welding or the like.

[0053] The cross beam 66 is combined with a plurality of ribs 65. In Figure 3 the example, the cross beam 66 is combined with the upper front end side of a plurality of ribs 65 extending in the front-rear direction along the lower surface of the unloading vehicle body 12 (an example on one side of the unloading vehicle body 12). The cross beam 66 is also combined with the lower end of a rib 65 extending in the vertical direction along the front surface of the unloading vehicle body 12 (an example on one side of the unloading vehicle body 12).

[0054] For example, the vibrator 42 can also be provided on the outer side portion of the cross beam 66 on the bottom lower surface 64. The outer side portion of the cross beam 66 corresponds to the portion of the bottom lower surface 64 facing the outer space of the cross beam 66. Hereinafter, the vibrator 42A provided on the outer side portion of the cross beam 66 is also referred to as the "beam outer vibrator 42A". In Figure 3 the example, one beam outer vibrator 42A is shown. It should be noted that the number of the beam outer vibrators 42A is not limited to the above situation, and may be two or more. For example, the number of the beam outer vibrators 42A can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0055] For example, the vibrator 42 can also be provided on the inner side portion of the cross beam 66 on the bottom lower surface 64. The inner side portion of the cross beam 66 corresponds to the portion of the bottom lower surface 64 facing the inner space of the cross beam 66. Hereinafter, the vibrator 42B provided on the inner side portion of the cross beam 66 is also referred to as the "beam inner vibrator 42B". In Figure 3 the example, one beam inner vibrator 42B is shown. It should be noted that the number of the beam inner vibrators 42B is not limited to the above situation, and may be two or more. For example, the number of the beam inner vibrators 42B can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0056] <Fuel cell system>

[0057] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of electricity or the like during driving in the fuel cell system 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of electricity or the like during regeneration in the fuel cell system 1 of the first embodiment. In the figure, the solid arrows indicate the flow of electricity, the dashed arrows indicate the flow of hydrogen, and the dash-dot arrows indicate the flow of generated water (water).

[0058] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 together. The fuel cell system 1 (an example of the system) includes a drive source 30 (corresponding to the FC stack), a hydrogen tank 31, a traveling motor 35, a storage battery 36, and an ultrasonic device 40. For example, the components of the fuel cell system 1 are mounted on the vehicle body frame 10 except for the vibrator 42 etc. of the ultrasonic device 40 (including the second part 52 of the wiring 50).

[0059] The drive source 30 is a fuel cell (FC) that generates electricity by chemically reacting hydrogen as a fuel gas with oxygen as an oxidizing gas. For example, the fuel cell has a stack structure formed by laminating a plurality of unit cells. For example, the fuel cell generates electricity using oxygen contained in external air. It should be noted that the fuel cell can also be supplied with oxygen-containing air through an oxidizing gas supply device (not shown).

[0060] The hydrogen tank 31 is a tank for storing hydrogen. For example, the hydrogen tank 31 preferably has a cylindrical shape. In the example of the figure, one hydrogen tank 31 is shown. It should be noted that the shape and number of the hydrogen tank 31 are not limited to the above. For example, the hydrogen tank 31 can also be a flat shape. For example, the number of the hydrogen tank 31 can also be two or more. For example, the shape and number of the hydrogen tank 31 can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0061] The traveling motor 35 is a motor for driving the dump truck 2. The traveling motor 35 is electrically connected to the drive source 30. The traveling motor 35 is connected to the rear wheels 22 of the traveling device 13. The rotational force generated by the traveling motor 35 is transmitted to the rear wheels 22 of the traveling device 13.

[0062] For example, the storage battery 36 is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion storage battery. The storage battery 36 is electrically connected to the traveling motor 35. For example, the power charged into the storage battery 36 is used as the driving energy when the dump truck 2 is powered. The storage battery 36 stores the regenerative power of the traveling motor 35 generated when the dump truck 2 goes downhill or decelerates. It should be noted that the storage battery 36 can also store the power generated by the drive source 30.

[0063] The ultrasonic device 40 emits ultrasonic waves using electricity. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device 40 vibrate the moisture contained in the load carried on the unloading vehicle body 12. For example, clayey soil (an example of the load) also contains moisture. Therefore, by vibrating the moisture using ultrasonic waves, it helps to improve the soil discharge property. In the present embodiment, in order to improve the soil discharge property, ultrasonic waves are used instead of heating the unloading vehicle body 12 using the waste heat of the exhaust gas of an engine (internal combustion engine).

[0064] The ultrasonic device 40 is electrically connected to the traveling motor 35. The ultrasonic device 40 operates using the surplus power generated by the dump truck 2. For example, the ultrasonic device 40 uses the regenerative power of the traveling motor 35 generated when the dump truck 2 goes downhill or decelerates as power. The ultrasonic device 40 uses the surplus power that is not charged into the storage battery 36 among the regenerative power generated by the traveling motor 35 as power.

[0065] For example, information related to the electric power capable of charging the storage battery 36 (hereinafter also referred to as "storage battery capacity") and the regenerative electric power generated by the traveling motor 35 (hereinafter also referred to as "motor generated power") can also be input to a controller (not shown). For example, when the motor generated power exceeds the storage battery capacity, the controller may determine that the regenerative electric power generated by the traveling motor 35 is not used to charge the storage battery 36. For example, the controller may calculate the amount obtained by subtracting the storage battery capacity (specifically, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 36) from the motor generated power as the remaining power.

[0066] <Flow of electricity during travel>

[0067] Next, an example of the flow of electricity during the travel of the dump truck 2 will be described with reference to Figure 4 etc.

[0068] Hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 31 is supplied to the drive source 30. The drive source 30 generates electricity by chemically reacting hydrogen as a fuel gas with oxygen as an oxidizing gas. The drive source 30 generates electricity using oxygen contained in the external air. The generated water generated from the drive source 30 is drained (for example, discharged to the outside).

[0069] The electric power generated by the drive source 30 (hereinafter also referred to as "FC output") is used as the driving energy of the traveling motor 35. By driving the traveling motor 35, the rear wheels 22 as drive wheels rotate. As a result, the dump truck 2 travels. The electric power charged into the storage battery 36 is used as the driving energy of the traveling motor 35 when the dump truck 2 is in power operation (for example, when fully loaded and traveling uphill). The shortage of the FC output is supplemented by discharging the storage battery 36.

[0070] <Flow of electricity during regeneration>

[0071] Next, an example of the flow of electricity during the regeneration of the dump truck 2 (for example, during downhill or deceleration) will be described with reference to Figure 5 etc.

[0072] The storage battery 36 is charged with the regenerative electric power of the traveling motor 35 generated when the dump truck 2 is going downhill or decelerating. The remaining power of the regenerative electric power generated by the traveling motor 35 that is not charged into the storage battery 36 is used as the electric power for the ultrasonic device 40.

[0073] In the ultrasonic device 40, the oscillator 41 and the vibrator 42 are energized by the remaining power. The oscillator 41 converts the remaining power into an electrical signal. The vibrator 42 changes the electrical signal converted by the oscillator 41 into ultrasonic vibrations. Due to the ultrasonic vibrations of the oscillator 41 (relative to the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device 40), the moisture contained in the load carried on the unloading vehicle body 12 vibrates. As a result, the ultrasonic device 40 is used as a means for improving the soil discharge property.

[0074] <Effect>

[0075] As described above, the dump truck 2 of the present embodiment includes a dump body 12 that is rotatably coupled to the vehicle body frame 10 and carries a load. The dump truck 2 includes an ultrasonic device 40 that emits ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic device 40 is provided on the dump body 12.

[0076] According to this structure, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device 40 vibrate the moisture contained in the load carried on the dump body 12, thereby improving the soil discharge property. In addition, compared with the case where a heating wire is provided in the carriage, it is not necessary to supply excessive power. Therefore, the soil discharge property can be improved and the power consumption can be reduced.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic device 40 is provided at the lower front side of the dump body 12.

[0078] Compared with the rear part of the dump body 12, the lower front side of the dump body 12 is more likely to be attached with goods such as sand, gravel, etc. Therefore, compared with the case where the ultrasonic device 40 is provided at the rear part of the dump body 12, the soil discharge property can be improved more effectively and the power consumption can be reduced.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the dump truck 2 does not have an internal combustion engine.

[0080] According to this structure, no exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine is generated. Therefore, zero emissions towards carbon neutrality can be achieved. For example, when using the waste heat of the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine to heat the dump body 12, there is a high possibility of problems such as the accumulation of soot caused by exhaust gas and the painting burn caused by heat. In contrast, according to this structure, the dump body 12 is heated by ultrasonic waves instead of the waste heat of the exhaust gas, so the above problems will not occur. Therefore, painting burns, etc. can be prevented, which helps to improve the appearance quality.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the dump truck 2 has a drive source 30 that uses hydrogen as fuel.

[0082] According to this structure, driving using hydrogen as fuel can be performed, so zero emissions towards carbon neutrality can be achieved.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic device 40 operates according to an instruction from an operator.

[0084] According to this structure, the ultrasonic device 40 can be made to operate at an arbitrary timing. Therefore, compared with the case where the ultrasonic device 40 operates all the time, the power consumption can be reduced.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic device 40 operates using the surplus power generated by the dump truck 2.

[0086] According to this structure, the surplus power generated in the dump truck 2 can be effectively utilized as the power for operating the ultrasonic device 40. Therefore, the loss of surplus power can be suppressed.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic device 40 includes: an oscillator 41 that converts power into an electrical signal; and an oscillator 42 that changes the electrical signal converted by the oscillator 41 into ultrasonic vibration. The oscillator 41 is provided on the vehicle body frame 10. The oscillator 42 is provided on the unloading vehicle body 12.

[0088] According to this structure, the oscillator 41 and the oscillator 42 can be respectively provided with respect to the vehicle body frame 10 and the unloading vehicle body 12, so that the degree of freedom in the layout of the oscillator 41 and the oscillator 42 can be improved. For example, compared with the case where the ultrasonic device 40 in which the oscillator 41 and the oscillator 42 are integrated is provided on the unloading vehicle body 12, the ineffective space of the unloading vehicle body 12 can be used to arrange the oscillator 42.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the oscillator 41 and the oscillator 42 are energized in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body 12.

[0090] According to this structure, the ultrasonic device 40 can be operated in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body 12. Therefore, compared with the case where the ultrasonic device 40 is always operated (for example, in both the seated state and the unloading state), the power consumption can be reduced. It should be noted that the unloading state refers to the state in which the unloading vehicle body 12 is in the unloading posture (the posture in which the unloading vehicle body 12 rises) (corresponding to the case of discharging soil).

[0091] In the present embodiment, the oscillator 42 is provided at the outer corner 60 of the lower part of the front side of the unloading vehicle body 12.

[0092] According to this structure, ultrasonic vibration is applied from the outer corner 60 of the lower part of the front side of the unloading vehicle body 12 by the oscillator 42. The outer corner 60 of the lower part of the front side of the unloading vehicle body 12 is particularly likely to adhere to goods such as sand and gravel in the lower part of the front side of the unloading vehicle body 12. Therefore, compared with the case where the oscillator 42 is provided at the center of the lower part of the front side of the unloading vehicle body 12 (the center in the vehicle width direction), the soil discharging property can be improved more effectively and the power consumption can be reduced.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the unloading vehicle body 12 includes: an inner wall 61 provided on the inner side of the unloading vehicle body 12 for carrying the load; and an outer wall 62 provided on the outer side of the unloading vehicle body 12 with respect to the inner wall 61. The oscillator 42 is provided between the inner wall 61 and the outer wall 62.

[0094] According to this structure, the oscillator 42 can be protected by the inner wall 61 and the outer wall 62 of the unloading vehicle body 12. Therefore, external factors (such as flying stones) can be prevented from affecting the oscillator 42.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the inner wall 61 has an inner bottom 63 that bends or folds downward in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body 12. The vibrator 42 is provided on a surface 64 of the inner bottom 63 on the side opposite to the portion for carrying the load.

[0096] The inner bottom 63 of the unloading vehicle body 12 is particularly likely to adhere to goods such as sand and gravel on the inner wall 61 of the unloading vehicle body 12. Therefore, by applying ultrasonic vibration from the surface 64 of the inner bottom 63 on the side opposite to the portion for carrying the load using the vibrator 42, the soil discharge property can be more effectively improved and the power consumption can be reduced.

[0097] <Second Embodiment>

[0098] Figure 6 is a side view of the dump truck 2 of the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, an example in which the oscillator 41 and the vibrator 42 are connected to each other by the wiring 50 is described (see Figure 1 ). In the second embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, it is different from the first embodiment in that the oscillator 241 and the vibrator 242 are connected to each other by terminals 241T and 242T (an example of a contact). In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment and the description thereof is omitted.

[0099] Refer to Figure 6 together. In the present embodiment, the oscillator 241 and the vibrator 242 are connected to each other by terminals 241T and 242T. Hereinafter, the terminal 241T of the oscillator 241 is referred to as the "oscillator-side terminal 241T", and the terminal 242T of the vibrator 242 is referred to as the "vibrator-side terminal 242T". The oscillator-side terminal 241T is provided on the vehicle body frame 10 together with the oscillator 241. The vibrator-side terminal 242T is provided on the unloading vehicle body 12 together with the vibrator 242.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the vibrator-side terminal 242T contacts the oscillator-side terminal 241T in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body 12. On the other hand, the vibrator-side terminal 242T does not contact the oscillator-side terminal 241T in the unloading state of the unloading vehicle body 12. In the present embodiment, the oscillator 241 and the vibrator 242 are energized in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body 12 and are not energized in the unloading state.

[0101] For example, a pad that functions as a buffer member may also be provided between the unloading vehicle body 12 and the vehicle body frame 10, and this pad alleviates the impact received from the vehicle body frame 10 when the unloading vehicle body 12 moves. When a pad is provided between the unloading vehicle body 12 and the vehicle body frame 10, it is preferable to dispose a terminal at the center of the pad. For example, when a pad is provided on the unloading vehicle body 12, it is preferable to dispose the oscillator-side terminal 242T at the center of the lower surface of the pad.

[0102] <Effect>

[0103] In the present embodiment, the oscillator 241 and the vibrator 242 are connected to each other through the terminals 241T and 242T.

[0104] According to this structure, there is no need for the wiring 50 for connecting the oscillator 241 and the vibrator 242. Therefore, the number of components of the wiring 50 can be reduced, and cost reduction can be achieved. In addition, the setting operation of the wiring 50 is not troublesome.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the oscillator 241 and the vibrator 242 are energized in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body 12 and are not energized in the unloading state.

[0106] According to this structure, compared with the case where the oscillator 241 and the vibrator 242 are always energized (for example, the case where energization is performed in both the seated state and the unloading state), power consumption can be reduced.

[0107] <Modification Example>

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the ultrasonic device is provided at the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the ultrasonic device may not be provided at the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body. For example, the ultrasonic device may be provided at the rear of the unloading vehicle body. For example, the installation method of the ultrasonic device can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the dump truck does not have an internal combustion engine has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the dump truck may also have an internal combustion engine. For example, the installation method of the internal combustion engine can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which ultrasonic waves are used instead of the waste heat of the exhaust gas of the engine to heat the unloading vehicle body in order to improve the soil discharge property has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, ultrasonic waves may also be used together with the heating of the unloading vehicle body using the waste heat of the exhaust gas of the engine. For example, the method for improving the soil discharge property can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0111] In the above-described embodiments, examples in which the ultrasonic device operates according to instructions from the operator were illustrated, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the ultrasonic device may also operate without depending on instructions from the operator. For example, the ultrasonic device may always operate. For example, the operating mode of the ultrasonic device can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0112] In the above-described embodiments, examples in which the ultrasonic device operates using the surplus power generated in the dump truck were illustrated, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the ultrasonic device may also operate without using the surplus power generated in the dump truck. For example, the ultrasonic device may also operate using power (power other than surplus power) from a drive source (such as a fuel cell) or a storage battery mounted on the dump truck. For example, the manner of power for operating the ultrasonic device can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0113] In the above-described embodiments, examples were illustrated in which the ultrasonic device includes an oscillator that converts power into an electrical signal and a vibrator that changes the electrical signal converted by the oscillator into ultrasonic vibrations, the oscillator is provided on the vehicle body frame, and the vibrator is provided on the unloading vehicle body, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the oscillator and the vibrator may not be provided separately with respect to the vehicle body frame and the unloading vehicle body, respectively. For example, an ultrasonic device in which the oscillator and the vibrator are integrated may be provided on the unloading vehicle body. For example, the setting manner of the oscillator and the vibrator can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0114] In the above-described embodiments, examples in which the oscillator and the vibrator are energized in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body were illustrated, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the oscillator and the vibrator may also be energized in a state other than the seated state of the unloading vehicle body. For example, the oscillator and the vibrator may also be energized in both the seated state and the unloading state of the unloading vehicle body. For example, the manner of energizing the oscillator and the vibrator can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0115] In the above-described embodiments, examples in which the vibrator is provided at the outer corner portion of the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body were illustrated, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the ultrasonic device may also be provided at the central portion (the central portion in the vehicle width direction) of the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body. For example, the setting manner of the vibrator at the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0116] In the above-described embodiments, examples were illustrated in which the unloading vehicle body includes an inner wall provided inside the unloading vehicle body and carrying a load and an outer wall provided outside the unloading vehicle body with respect to the inner wall, and the vibrator is provided between the inner wall and the outer wall, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the vibrator may also be provided outside the outer wall. For example, the vibrator may also be built into the inner wall. For example, the setting manner of the vibrator on the inner wall and the outer wall of the unloading vehicle body can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0117] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the inner wall has an inner bottom that bends or kinks downward in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the inner bottom may not bend or kink downward in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body. For example, the inner bottom may also have a shape that kinks in a manner that protrudes downward (e.g., an acute angle) in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body. For example, the form of the inner bottom can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0118] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the dump truck further includes a traveling motor for driving the dump truck has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the dump truck may not include a traveling motor. For example, when the drive source is a hydrogen engine, the dump truck may also travel by the drive of the hydrogen engine. For example, the installation method of the traveling motor can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0119] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the dump truck further includes a storage battery for storing the regenerative power generated by the traveling motor has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, when the drive source is a hydrogen engine, the dump truck may not include a storage battery. For example, the installation method of the storage battery can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0120] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the drive source is a fuel cell (FC) that generates electricity by a chemical reaction between hydrogen as a fuel gas and oxygen as an oxidizing gas has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the drive source may also be a hydrogen engine, which is an internal combustion engine using hydrogen as fuel. For example, the drive source may also include a fuel cell and a hydrogen engine. For example, the configuration method of the drive source can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0121] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the dump truck is a fuel cell vehicle having a fuel cell as a drive source has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the dump truck may also be a trackless dump truck (trolley bus) having a current collector for obtaining power from an overhead wire. For example, the dump truck may also be a locomotive equipped with an internal combustion engine. For example, the form of the dump truck can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0122] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Without departing from the gist of the present invention, additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes can be made to the structure, and the above-described embodiments can also be appropriately combined.

[0123] (Supplementary Note 1)

[0124] A dump truck, which includes a unloading vehicle body that is rotatably coupled to a vehicle body frame and carries a load, wherein

[0125] The dump truck is equipped with an ultrasonic device that emits ultrasonic waves.

[0126] The ultrasonic device is provided on the unloading vehicle body.

[0127] (Supplementary Note 2)

[0128] The dump truck according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein

[0129] The ultrasonic device is provided at the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body.

[0130] (Supplementary Note 3)

[0131] The dump truck according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein

[0132] The dump truck does not have an internal combustion engine.

[0133] (Supplementary Note 4)

[0134] The dump truck according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein

[0135] The dump truck has a drive source fueled by hydrogen.

[0136] (Supplementary Note 5)

[0137] The dump truck according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein

[0138] The ultrasonic device operates according to an instruction from an operator.

[0139] (Supplementary Note 6)

[0140] The dump truck according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein

[0141] The ultrasonic device operates using the surplus power generated by the dump truck.

[0142] (Supplementary Note 7)

[0143] The dump truck according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein

[0144] The ultrasonic device includes:

[0145] An oscillator that converts electric power into an electric signal; and

[0146] A vibrator that changes the electric signal converted by the oscillator into ultrasonic vibration,

[0147] The oscillator is provided on the vehicle body frame,

[0148] The vibrator is provided on the unloading vehicle body.

[0149] (Supplementary Note 8)

[0150] The dump truck according to Note 7, wherein,

[0151] The oscillator and the vibrator are energized in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body.

[0152] (Note 9)

[0153] The dump truck according to Note 7 or 8, wherein,

[0154] The vibrator is provided at the outer corner portion of the lower front side of the unloading vehicle body.

[0155] (Note 10)

[0156] The dump truck according to any one of Notes 7 to 9, wherein,

[0157] The unloading vehicle body includes:

[0158] An inner wall, which is provided inside the unloading vehicle body for carrying the load; and

[0159] An outer wall, which is provided outside the unloading vehicle body with respect to the inner wall,

[0160] The vibrator is provided between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0161] (Note 11)

[0162] The dump truck according to Note 10, wherein,

[0163] The inner wall has an inner bottom that bends or folds downward in the seated state of the unloading vehicle body,

[0164] The vibrator is provided on the surface of the inner bottom on the side opposite to the portion for carrying the load.

[0165] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0166] 2... Dump truck (working vehicle); 30... Drive source; 40... Ultrasonic device; 41... Oscillator; 42... Vibrator; 60... Outer corner portion; 61... Inner wall; 62... Outer wall; 63... Inner bottom; 64... Bottom lower surface (surface of the inner bottom on the side opposite to the portion for carrying the load).

Claims

1. A dump truck, which includes a dump body that is rotatably coupled to a vehicle frame and carries a load, wherein, the dump truck includes an ultrasonic device that emits ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic device is provided on the dump body.

2. The dump truck according to claim 1, wherein, the ultrasonic device is provided at a lower front side of the dump body.

3. The dump truck according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the dump truck does not have an internal combustion engine.

4. The dump truck according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the dump truck has a drive source that uses hydrogen as fuel.

5. The dump truck according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the ultrasonic device operates according to an instruction from an operator.

6. The dump truck according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the ultrasonic device operates using surplus power generated by the dump truck.

7. The dump truck according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the ultrasonic device includes: an oscillator that converts electric power into an electric signal; and a vibrator that changes the electric signal converted by the oscillator into ultrasonic vibration, the oscillator is provided on the vehicle frame, the vibrator is provided on the dump body.

8. The dump truck according to claim 7, wherein, the oscillator and the vibrator are energized in a seated state of the dump body.

9. The dump truck according to claim 7, wherein, the vibrator is provided at an outer corner of a lower front side of the dump body.

10. The dump truck according to claim 7, wherein, the dump body includes: an inner wall that is provided inside the dump body for carrying the load; and an outer wall that is provided outside the dump body relative to the inner wall, the vibrator is provided between the inner wall and the outer wall.

11. The dump truck according to claim 10, wherein, the inner wall has an inner bottom that bends or folds downward in a seated state of the dump body, the vibrator is provided on a surface of the inner bottom on a side opposite to a portion where the load is carried.

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