Bulldozing blade driving mechanism

Abstract

The blade drive mechanism according to the present invention is capable of raising and lowering a blade using a motor as a power source, and is provided with: a connection member which is rotatably connected to a vehicle body of a construction machine at a first connection site and which is capable of attaching the blade to a second connection site on the opposite side of the first connection site; a power generation device configured to include an electric motor as a drive source and to generate a torque centered on a torque center axis parallel to a rotation center axis of the connection member; and a link mechanism that transmits the torque generated by the power generation device as a rotational operation of the blade centered on the rotational center axis, and that, when viewed in a direction parallel to the torque center axis, transmits the torque generated by the power generation device as the rotational operation of the blade, in the front-rear direction of the construction machine. And the torque central axis is positioned between the center of a line segment connecting the first connecting part and the second connecting part and the dozer blade.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bulldozer blade drive mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] The hydraulic excavator disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-88796 includes a dozer-blade, a dozer-blade cylinder, and a dozer-arm. The dozer-arm connects the dozer-blade to the frame of the hydraulic excavator. The dozer-arm rotates around its connection point with the frame. The dozer-blade cylinder is connected to the dozer-blade and the frame, positioned above the dozer-arm. Working oil is supplied and discharged to the dozer-blade cylinder. The dozer-blade cylinder extends and retracts in response to the supply and discharge of working oil. Furthermore, the dozer-blade rises and falls in response to the extension and retraction of the dozer-blade cylinder. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-88796 only discloses hydraulics as a power source for raising and lowering the bulldozer blade. It does not conduct any research on raising and lowering the bulldozer blade using power sources other than hydraulics.

[0004] In one embodiment, a bulldozer blade drive mechanism is provided. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism comprises: a connecting member rotatably connected to the body of a construction machine at a first connecting portion and capable of mounting a bulldozer blade to a second connecting portion on the opposite side of the first connecting portion; a power generating device configured to include an electric motor as a drive source and generate torque centered on a torque center axis parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member; and a linkage mechanism that transmits the torque generated by the power generating device as a rotational motion of the bulldozer blade centered on the rotation center axis, wherein, when viewed along a direction parallel to the torque center axis, in the longitudinal direction of the construction machine, the torque center axis is located between the center of the line segment connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and the bulldozer blade.

[0005] In one embodiment, the linkage mechanism may include: a first link that receives torque from the power generating device and rotates about the torque center axis; and a second link that is rotatably connected to the first link at a third connection and rotatably connected to the bulldozer blade at a fourth connection, wherein when viewed along a direction parallel to the torque center axis, the line segment connecting the torque center axis and the third connection is designated as a first line segment, and the line segment connecting the third connection and the fourth connection is designated as a second line segment, wherein the length of the first line segment is more than 50% and less than 200% of the length of the second line segment.

[0006] In one embodiment, the linkage mechanism may have: a first link that receives torque from the power generating device and rotates about the torque center axis; and a second link that is rotatably connected to the first link at a third connection and rotatably connected to the bulldozer blade at a fourth connection, wherein the fourth connection is located lower than the third connection, assuming that the bulldozer blade contacts the ground on which the construction machinery is located.

[0007] In one embodiment, when viewed along a direction parallel to the torque center axis, and when the line segment connecting the torque center axis and the third connection portion is taken as the first line segment, and the line segment connecting the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion is taken as the second line segment, assuming the bulldozer blade is in contact with the ground, the minor angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment is 75 degrees or more and 105 degrees or less.

[0008] In one implementation, assuming the bulldozer blade is in contact with the ground, the first line segment may be parallel to the ground.

[0009] In another embodiment, a bulldozer blade drive mechanism is provided. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism includes: a power generating device disposed within the tracks of a construction machine, comprising an electric motor and generating torque; and a connecting member connected to the power generating device at a connecting portion, receiving torque from the power generating device for rotation, and capable of mounting the bulldozer blade at a mounting portion on the opposite side of the connecting portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the power generating device and the connecting member can form a first power transmission mechanism, and the bulldozer blade drive mechanism can also have a second power transmission mechanism. The first power transmission mechanism and the second power transmission mechanism can be respectively disposed on one and the other of a pair of tracks for travel of the construction machinery.

[0011] In one embodiment, universal joints may be provided in each power transmission mechanism. The universal joints are configured to be located at the mounting position and connect the connecting member and the bulldozer blade. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism may also have a control device, which is configured to independently control the electric motors of the first power transmission mechanism and the second power transmission mechanism, respectively.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism may include: a driven sprocket, which is annular and coaxial with the rotational center axis of the power generating device and has a plurality of teeth on its outer circumferential surface, and the power generating device is inserted into the driven sprocket; and a bearing disposed between the driven sprocket and the power generating device, supporting the driven sprocket so that it can rotate relative to the power generating device, the driven sprocket being located at an end within the track opposite to the drive sprocket across the center of the track, and a connecting member extending from the connecting portion toward the opposite side of the drive sprocket.

[0013] In another embodiment, a bulldozer blade drive mechanism is provided. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism includes: a power generating device mounted on the body of the construction machinery, comprising an electric motor and generating torque; and a connecting member connected to the power generating device at a connection point, capable of receiving torque from the power generating device for rotation, and capable of mounting the bulldozer blade on the opposite side of the connection point.

[0014] In one embodiment, the wall portion of the vehicle body for mounting the power generating device may span the center between a pair of tracks.

[0015] In one embodiment, the power generating device and the connecting member may form a first power transmission mechanism, and the bulldozer blade drive mechanism may further have a second power transmission mechanism. The first power transmission mechanism and the second power transmission mechanism may be located on one side and the other side of the center between the pair of tracks, respectively.

[0016] In another embodiment, a bulldozer blade drive mechanism is provided. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism includes: a power generating device mounted on an upper body rotatable relative to the lower body of the construction machinery, comprising an electric motor as a drive source and generating torque; and a connecting member connected to the power generating device at a connection point, capable of receiving torque from the power generating device for rotation, and capable of mounting the bulldozer blade on the opposite side of the connection point.

[0017] In one embodiment, the construction machinery may have a digging bucket, which, when viewed along a direction parallel to the rotational center axis of the power generating device, is located on the first direction side when viewed from the connection point, taking the direction where the bulldozer blade is located as the first direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the power generating device may have a transmission member that outputs a torque corresponding to the rotation of the electric motor. The transmission member may have a first member and a second member arranged in a direction along the rotational center axis of the power generating device. The first member may have: a first flat surface opposite to the second member; and a recess recessed from the first flat surface and extending along a first axis parallel to the first flat surface. The second member may have: a second flat surface opposite to the first flat surface; and a protrusion protruding from the second flat surface at a position opposite to the recess and extending along the first axis.

[0019] In another embodiment, a bulldozer blade drive mechanism is provided. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism includes: a connecting member rotatably connected to the body of a construction machine at a connecting portion, and capable of mounting the bulldozer blade on the opposite side of the connecting portion; a power generating device including an electric motor as a drive source, generating torque; a conversion mechanism that, when the axis along the vertical direction of the construction machine is taken as the power center axis, converts the torque generated by the power generating device into linear motion in the direction of the power center axis; and a linkage mechanism that transmits the linear motion converted by the conversion mechanism as the rotational motion of the bulldozer blade.

[0020] In one embodiment, the conversion mechanism may include: a nut that receives torque from the power generating device and rotates; a lead screw shaft inserted into the nut; and a plurality of balls located between the nut and the lead screw shaft.

[0021] In one embodiment, the power generating device may have a speed reducer that reduces and outputs the rotational speed of the electric motor. The speed reducer is cylindrical with the power center axis as its central axis and has an output member on one end face along the direction of the power center axis for outputting torque to the nut. The nut may be connected to the output member of the speed reducer, and the lead screw and the nut may be inserted into the speed reducer.

[0022] In one embodiment, the power generating device can be connected to the vehicle body in a manner that allows it to rotate around a central axis parallel to the rotational center axis of the connecting member.

[0023] In another embodiment, a bulldozer blade drive mechanism is provided. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism includes: a connecting member rotatably connected to the body of construction machinery at a connecting portion, and capable of mounting the bulldozer blade on the opposite side of the connecting portion; a power generating device including an electric motor as a drive source, generating torque; and an eccentric cam receiving the torque generated by the power generating device, rotating about a rotation center axis parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member, with a cam surface, serving as the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam, contacting the connecting member.

[0024] In one embodiment, the eccentric cam is designated as the first eccentric cam, the cam surface as the first cam surface, and the rotation center axis of the first eccentric cam as the first rotation center axis. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism further includes: a second eccentric cam that rotates around a second rotation center axis parallel to the first rotation center axis and is located on the opposite side of the first eccentric cam via the connecting member; and a linkage mechanism that causes the first eccentric cam and the second eccentric cam to rotate in conjunction, wherein the second cam surface, which is the outer peripheral surface of the second eccentric cam, contacts the connecting member from the opposite side of the first cam surface. The first eccentric cam and the second eccentric cam are identical in shape and size. The first eccentric cam and the second eccentric cam rotate in conjunction in such a manner that the direction of the part of the first cam surface furthest from the first rotation center axis when viewed from the first rotation center axis is consistent with the direction of the part of the second cam surface furthest from the second rotation center axis when viewed from the second rotation center axis.

[0025] In one embodiment, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism may further include: applying a force to the connecting member to cause the connecting member to rotate relative to the vehicle body in one direction, the other direction being the opposite side of the side where the contact point is located when viewed from the rotation center axis of the eccentric cam, with the distance from the rotation center axis of the eccentric cam to the contact point between the cam surface and the connecting member being minimized.

[0026] In another embodiment, a bulldozer blade drive mechanism is provided. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism includes: a connecting member rotatably connected to the body of a construction machine at a connecting portion, and capable of mounting the bulldozer blade on the opposite side of the connecting portion; a power generating device mounted on the bulldozer blade, including an electric motor as a drive source, and generating torque centered on a central axis parallel to the rotational axis of the connecting member; and a linkage mechanism connecting the power generating device and the body, transmitting the torque generated by the power generating device as a rotational motion of the bulldozer blade centered on the rotational axis. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the schematic structure of the excavator according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the excavator according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the reference posture of the connecting mechanism in the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This diagram shows the posture of the connecting mechanism when the bulldozer blade of the first embodiment is at the upper limit of its movable range.

[0031] Figure 5 This diagram shows the posture of the connecting mechanism when the bulldozer blade of the first embodiment is at the lower limit of its movable range.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the schematic structure of the excavator according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the general structure of the excavator according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional view of the first component that transmits the components.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the second component that transmits the components.

[0036] Figure 10 This diagram schematically illustrates an example of how the bulldozer blade of the second embodiment is used.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a side view showing the schematic structure of the excavator according to the third embodiment.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a top view showing the general structure of the excavator according to the third embodiment.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a side view showing the schematic structure of the excavator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a top view showing the general structure of the excavator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the power generation device of the fourth embodiment.

[0042] Figure 16This is a top view showing one configuration of the excavator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0043] Figure 17 This is a top view showing one configuration of the excavator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0044] Figure 18 This is a top view showing a modified example of the excavator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 19 This is a side view showing the schematic structure of the excavator according to the fifth embodiment.

[0046] Figure 20 This is a top view showing the schematic structure of the excavator according to the fifth embodiment.

[0047] Figure 21 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the bulldozer blade drive mechanism of the fifth embodiment.

[0048] Figure 22 This is a schematic top view illustrating the linkage mechanism of the fifth embodiment.

[0049] Figure 23 This is a side view showing the bulldozer blade of the fifth embodiment rotating in the upward direction.

[0050] Figure 24 This is a side view showing the state of the bulldozer blade rotating in the downward direction according to the fifth embodiment.

[0051] Figure 25 This is a side view showing the schematic structure of the excavator according to the sixth embodiment.

[0052] Figure 26 This is a top view showing the general structure of the excavator according to the sixth embodiment.

[0053] Figure 27 This is a diagram schematically showing the first form of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to the sixth embodiment.

[0054] Figure 28 This is a diagram schematically showing the second form of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism of the sixth embodiment.

[0055] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism in the sixth embodiment.

[0056] Figure 30 This is a side view showing the schematic structure of the excavator according to the seventh embodiment.

[0057] Figure 31 This diagram shows the state of the bulldozer blade rotating in the upward direction according to the seventh embodiment.

[0058] Figure 32 This diagram shows the state of the bulldozer blade rotating in the downward direction according to the seventh embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0059] <First Implementation>

[0060] The first embodiment of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, the constituent elements are sometimes shown enlarged in the drawings. Additionally, the dimensional proportions of the constituent elements may sometimes differ from the actual dimensional proportions, or from the dimensional proportions in other drawings.

[0061] <Overall Structure>

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the excavator 500, as construction machinery, has a body 520. The body 520 has a lower frame 400 and an upper body 530. The lower frame 400 is also simply referred to as the lower body. The upper body 530 is located on the side opposite to the ground G, separated from the lower frame 400. The upper body 530 includes a worker's seat and a battery compartment, etc. In this embodiment, the directions of up, down, front, back, left, and right are defined with respect to the excavator 500. That is, when viewed from the lower frame 400, the direction in which the upper body 530 is located is the up direction, and the opposite direction is the down direction. Furthermore, a specific direction orthogonal to the up direction is the front direction, and the opposite direction is the rear direction. Also, one of the directions orthogonal to both the up and front directions is the left direction, and the other is the right direction. Hereinafter, the front and rear directions will sometimes be collectively referred to as the X direction, the left and right directions as the Y direction, and the up and down directions as the Z direction. The upper body 530 can rotate about 400 degrees relative to the lower frame about an axis extending roughly in the Z direction.

[0063] The lower frame 400 has a main frame portion 410 and a front frame portion 420. The main frame portion 410 is, for example, rectangular. The main frame portion 410 houses various mechanisms necessary for the operation of the excavator 500. Furthermore, the main frame portion 410 is not limited to a box shape; it can be used to install necessary components. The front frame portion 420 is located on the forward side relative to the main frame portion 410. The front frame portion 420 is fixed to the main frame portion 410. Figure 2 As shown, the front portion 420 of the frame crosses the center of the main portion 410 in the Y direction. Furthermore, in Figure 2 The upper body 530 is omitted from the illustration. The overall shape of the front part 420 of the frame is rectangular. Figure 1 As shown, when viewed along the Y direction, the outer surface of the front portion 420 of the frame, opposite to the main portion 410, is curved into an arc shape, for example, with the central portion protruding forward. The interior of the front portion 420 of the frame is hollow.

[0064] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the excavator 500 has a pair of traveling gears 550. The pair of traveling gears 550 are located on the left and right sides, separated by a lower frame 400. Each traveling gear 550 has an annular track and an actuating mechanism that rotates the track cyclically. The actuating mechanism is located within the area surrounded by the track. The actuating mechanism in the traveling gear 550 is included in a component constituting the vehicle body 520.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the excavator 500 has a working attachment 510. The working attachment 510 includes a cylindrical boom 515, a cylindrical working arm 513, and a box-shaped bucket 511. The boom 515 extends forward from the upper body 530. The boom 515 is rotatable relative to the upper body 530 about its connection point. The working arm 513 is connected to the top end of the boom 515. The working arm 513 is rotatable relative to the boom 515 about its connection point. The bucket 511 is connected to the top end of the working arm 513. The bucket 511 is rotatable relative to the working arm 513 about its connection point. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 The illustration of the auxiliary working device 510 is omitted in the text.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the excavator 500 includes a bulldozer blade 300. The bulldozer blade 300 is located on the forward side relative to the front portion 420 of the frame. The bulldozer blade 300 has a blade body 310 and a pair of mounting plates 320. The blade body 310 is plate-shaped. When viewed along the Y direction, the blade body 310 is bent in a manner that protrudes rearward at a midpoint in the Z direction. Figure 2 As shown, the bulldozer blade body 310 is elongated in the Y direction. Furthermore, Figure 2 The bulldozer blade 300 is located as viewed from above and to the side. Figure 5 The diagram shows the configuration of each component at the lower limit position. A pair of mounting plates 320 are located near the center of the bulldozer blade body 310 in the Y direction. The pair of mounting plates 320 extend rearward from the rear surface of the bulldozer blade body 310. The pair of mounting plates 320 are spaced apart in the Y direction. Figure 1 As shown, a pair of mounting plates 320 are located within the area of ​​the bulldozer blade body 310 in the Z direction. The pair of mounting plates 320 are connected to the lower frame 400 via a connecting mechanism 100, which will be described later.

[0067] <Connecting Mechanism>

[0068] like Figure 2As shown, the excavator 500 has a connecting mechanism 100. The connecting mechanism 100 is also called a bulldozer blade drive mechanism. The connecting mechanism 100 has a pair of arms 70. The arms 70 are also called connecting members. The pair of arms 70 are located on the left and right sides of the lower frame 400. The pair of arms 70 are symmetrical in the Y direction. Therefore, only one of the arms 70 will be described in detail below. The arm 70 is elongated in the front-rear direction. A first support shaft 21 passes through one end of the arm 70. The first support shaft 21 is fixed to the main frame 410. That is, the arm 70 is connected to the main frame 410 via the first support shaft 21. The first support shaft 21 is cylindrical. The central axis 21A of the first support shaft 21 extends in a generally Y direction. Figure 1 As shown, the arm 70 is rotatable relative to the main frame 410 about the first support shaft 21. That is, the central axis 21A of the first support shaft 21 is the rotational axis of the arm 70. The arm 70 extends linearly forward from the first support shaft 21. At the front end of the arm 70, on the side opposite to the connection point with the main frame 410, a bulldozer blade 300 can be mounted using a mounting method. The mounting method can employ various means such as bolting or welding. In this embodiment, the rear surface of the bulldozer blade body 310 is mounted to the front end of the arm 70. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In order to make it easier to understand the positional relationship of each component, a part of arm 70 is cut off for representation.

[0069] Here, if Figure 1 As shown, it is assumed that the ground G traveled by the tracks of the traveling device 550 is flat, and that this flat ground G extends along the lower surface of the tracks towards the forward direction. Assuming that the excavator 500 is located on such ground G, the lower end of the bulldozer blade body 310 contacts the ground G. This assumption is called the baseline assumption. In this baseline assumption, the first support shaft 21 is located near the center of the bulldozer blade body 310 in the Z direction, and slightly above that center. Therefore, the arm 70 is configured to tilt slightly downwards in a manner that the further forward it is, the lower it is located.

[0070] <Power Generation Device>

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the connecting mechanism 100 has a power generating device 30. (As indicated...) Figure 2 As shown, the power generating device 30 includes a motor 31, a reducer 35, and a transmission component 36.

[0072] Motor 31 is the drive source of power generating device 30. Motor 31 has housing 32 and output shaft 33. Motor 31 is an electric motor that operates according to a power supply from a battery (not shown). Housing 32 is fixed inside the front part 420 of frame. Most of output shaft 33 is located inside housing 32. A portion of output shaft 33 protrudes to the right from housing 32. Output shaft 33 is cylindrical. Output shaft 33 is rotatable relative to housing 32. Output shaft 33 rotates about its own central axis 31A. The central axis 31A of output shaft 33 extends in a generally Y direction. That is, the central axis 31A of output shaft 33 is generally parallel to the central axis 21A of first support shaft 21 and the rotation center axis of arm 70. Output shaft 33 is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions according to the power supply to motor 31. Hereinafter, the central axis 31A of output shaft 33 is sometimes referred to as the central axis 31A of motor 31. Furthermore, as Figure 1 As shown, the central axis 31A of the output shaft 33 is located on the upper side than the central axis 21A of the first support shaft 21.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the reducer 35 is adjacent to the motor 31 in the direction along the central axis 31A of the output shaft 33 of the motor 31. In this embodiment, the reducer 35 is located on the right side relative to the motor 31. The reducer 35 is housed in the front portion 420 of the housing. The reducer 35 is connected to the output shaft 33 of the motor 31. The torque of the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 is input to the reducer 35. The reducer 35 amplifies the torque of the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 by a predetermined ratio and outputs it. The reducer 35 can be, for example, an eccentric oscillating gear type or a planetary gear type. Any type of reducer can be used as long as it is a structure capable of amplifying and outputting the torque from the motor 31.

[0074] The transmission member 36 is connected to the reducer 35. In this embodiment, the transmission member 36 is located on the right side relative to the reducer 35. For example, the transmission member 36 is located at a position exposed from the front part 420 of the frame. For example, the transmission member 36 is plate-shaped. The torque output by the reducer 35 is input to the transmission member 36. The transmission member 36 rotates according to the torque from the reducer 35. The rotation center axis of the transmission member 36 coincides with the central axis 31A of the motor 31. That is, the transmission member 36 outputs torque centered on the central axis 31A of the motor 31. As described above, the power generating device 30 uses the motor 31 as a drive source to generate torque centered on the central axis 31A of the motor 31.

[0075] <Linkage Mechanism>

[0076] like Figure 1As shown, the connecting mechanism 100 has a linkage mechanism 40. The linkage mechanism 40 has a first link 50 and a second link 60. Hereinafter, the view of the excavator 500 viewed from the side in a direction parallel to the central axis 31A of the motor 31 will be referred to as a specific side view. Figure 1 As shown, the first link 50 is a linear link component in a specific side view. On the other hand, as... Figure 2 As shown, the first link 50, when viewed along the Z direction, has a crank-like shape with two bends along its length. Specifically, the first link 50 has a connecting portion 51 extending linearly in the front-rear direction, a stepped portion 52 bent relative to the connecting portion 51, and an extension portion 53 extending linearly in the front-rear direction from the end of the stepped portion 52 opposite to the connecting portion 51. The connecting portion 51 and the extension portion 53 are parallel to each other and are offset in the X direction. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 51 is located on the right side relative to the power generating device 30. Furthermore, the connecting portion 51 is fixed to the transmission member 36 of the power generating device 30. The connecting portion 51 and the transmission member 36 operate integrally. That is, the connecting portion 51 and the entire first link 50 receive torque from the power generating device 30 and rotate around the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Moreover, the end of the connecting portion 51 near the stepped portion 52 is located further forward than the front portion 420 of the frame. Furthermore, the step portion 52 and the extension portion 53 are located further forward than the front portion 420 of the frame. In addition, the extension portion 53 is located near the center in the Y direction of the front portion 420 of the frame.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the second link 60 is a straight link component in a specific side view. On the other hand, as... Figure 2 As shown, the second link 60 has: a foot 61, which is U-shaped when viewed along the Z direction; and a main body 62, which extends linearly from the bottom of the U-shape of the foot 61 to the side opposite to the two branches of the U-shape. The end of the extension 53 of the first link 50 is located between the two branches of the U-shape of the foot 61. Furthermore, a second support shaft 22 passes through the foot 61 and the extension 53 of the first link 50. That is, the foot 61 and the extension 53 of the first link 50 are connected via the second support shaft 22. An anti-detachment mechanism (not shown) prevents the second support shaft 22 from detaching from the foot 61 and the extension 53. The second support shaft 22 is cylindrical. The central axis 22A of the second support shaft 22 extends in a generally Y direction. That is, the central axis 22A of the second support shaft 22 is generally parallel to the central axis 21A of the first support shaft 21. The foot 61 and the extension 53 of the first link 50 are in a state where they can rotate relative to the second support shaft 22. Furthermore, the foot 61 and the extension 53 of the first link 50 can rotate relative to each other about the second support shaft 22.

[0078] The end of the main body 62 of the second link 60, opposite to the foot 61, is located between a pair of mounting plates 320 of the bulldozer blade 300. A third support shaft 23 passes through the pair of mounting plates 320 and the main body 62. That is, the main body 62 and the mounting plates 320 are connected via the third support shaft 23. An anti-detachment mechanism (not shown) prevents the third support shaft 23 from detaching from the main body 62 and the mounting plates 320. The third support shaft 23 is cylindrical. The central axis 23A of the third support shaft 23 extends in a generally Y-direction. That is, the central axis 23A of the third support shaft 23 is approximately parallel to the central axis 22A of the second support shaft 22. The main body 62 and the mounting plates 320 are in a state where they can rotate relative to the third support shaft 23. Furthermore, the main body 62 and the mounting plates 320 can rotate relative to each other about the third support shaft 23. Thus, the second link 60 can rotate relative to both the first link 50 and the bulldozer blade 300.

[0079] As described above, the first link 50 and the second link 60 connect the power generating device 30 and the bulldozer blade 300. Furthermore, the second link 60 is rotatable relative to the first link 50 and the bulldozer blade 300. As a result of this connection structure, when the power generating device 30 generates torque, the first link 50 and the second link 60 can transmit that torque to the bulldozer blade 300 through their mutual rotational movements. The subsequent operation of the bulldozer blade 300 will be explained in the operational section of the embodiment described later.

[0080] <Positional and dimensional relationships>

[0081] The positional and dimensional relationships of the components of the connecting mechanism 100 are described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in a specific side view, the line segment connecting the central axis 21A of the first support shaft 21 and the central axis 23A of the third support shaft 23 is referred to as the arm segment LX. The central axis 21A of the first support shaft 21 corresponds to the connection point (first connection point) between the arm 70 and the main frame 410. The central axis 23A of the third support shaft 23 corresponds to the connection point (second connection point) between the second link 60 and the bulldozer blade 300. Furthermore, in a specific side view, the line segment connecting the central axis 31A of the motor 31 and the central axis 23A of the third support shaft 23 is referred to as the link segment. The connecting mechanism 100 determines the positional and dimensional relationships of each component element in such a way that the link segment is shorter than the arm segment LX.

[0082] In detail, in the connecting mechanism 100, the positions of each support shaft and the lengths of each link and arm 70 are determined in a manner that satisfies the following first condition under a specific side view. The first condition is that, in the X direction (the forward and backward direction of the excavator 500), the central axis 31A of the motor 31 is located closer to the side of the bulldozer blade 300 than the center of the arm segment LX. That is, it can be said that the central axis 31A of the motor 31 is located in a position further forward than the center of the arm segment LX. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positions of each support shaft and the lengths of each link and arm 70 can be determined in a manner that satisfies the first condition throughout the entire movable range of the bulldozer blade 300.

[0083] In this embodiment, under the premise that the baseline assumption holds, the arm segment LX generally extends along the X direction. Therefore, under the premise that the baseline assumption holds, satisfying the first condition can also be described as the central axis 31A of the motor 31 being located closer to the bulldozer blade 300 than the center of the arm segment LX in the direction along the arm segment LX.

[0084] In the connecting mechanism 100, the dimensional relationship between the first link 50 and the second link 60 is determined in a manner that satisfies the following second condition. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in a specific side view, the line segment connecting the central axis 31A of the motor 31 and the central axis 22A of the second support shaft 22 is referred to as the first line segment L1. In a specific side view, the line segment connecting the central axis 22A of the second support shaft 22 and the central axis 23A of the third support shaft 23 is referred to as the second line segment L2. The central axis 22A of the second support shaft 22 corresponds to the connection point (third connection point) between the second link 60 and the first link 50. As described above, the central axis 23A of the third support shaft 23 corresponds to the connection point (fourth connection point) between the second link 60 and the bulldozer blade 300. The second condition is that the length of the first line segment L1 is set to a predetermined value that is more than 150% and less than 200% of the length of the second line segment L2.

[0085] In the connecting mechanism 100, the positions of each support shaft and the lengths of each link and arm 70 are determined in a manner that satisfies the following third condition. The third condition is that, under the premise that the reference assumption holds, in a specific side view, the minor angle θ formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 is 75 degrees or more and 105 degrees or less. Specifically, the third condition satisfies all three of the following requirements. The first requirement is that, under the reference assumption, the central axis 31A of the motor 31 and the central axis 22A of the second support shaft 22 are located at approximately the same position in the Z direction. That is, it can be said that, in a specific side view, the first line segment L1 generally extends along the X direction and is parallel to the ground G. The second requirement is that, under the reference assumption, the central axis 23A of the third support shaft 23 is located on a lower side than the central axis 22A of the second support shaft 22. The third requirement is that, under the reference assumption, the central axis 22A of the second support shaft 22 and the central axis 23A of the third support shaft 23 are located at approximately the same position in the X direction. In other words, it can be said that, under a specific side view, the second line segment L2 generally extends along the Z direction. In this embodiment, by satisfying the third condition, the aforementioned minor angle θ is formed to be approximately 90 degrees. Furthermore, the minor angle θ formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 is the angle less than 180 degrees among the angles formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2.

[0086] <Function of the First Embodiment>

[0087] The lifting and lowering action of the 300mm bulldozer blade is explained. Figure 3 On the paper, the clockwise direction, that is, the clockwise direction when viewing the excavator 500 from a specific side view on the left, is called the first direction V1, and the opposite direction is called the second direction V2. Below, we will... Figure 3 The posture of the component assembly of the connecting mechanism 100 and the bulldozer blade 300 when the baseline assumptions are valid is called the baseline posture. In this baseline posture, the first support shaft 21 is slightly higher than the third support shaft 23 in the Z direction. Furthermore, as described above, the arm segment LX generally extends along the X direction.

[0088] Now, assume the component assembly of the connecting mechanism 100 is in a reference posture. Assume that from this state, the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 rotates in the first direction V1. Thus, as... Figure 4As indicated by arrow P1, the first link 50 rotates upward about the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Simultaneously, the second link 60, the bulldozer blade 300, and the arm 70 move upward. At this time, the bulldozer blade 300 and the arm 70 rotate upward together about the first support shaft 21. That is, the bulldozer blade 300 rises. Furthermore, during the rise of the bulldozer blade 300 from its reference position, the minor angle θ between the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 gradually decreases in a specific side view. And, when the bulldozer blade 300 reaches the upper limit of its movable range, the minor angle θ between the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 in a specific side view is, for example, about 70 degrees. At this upper limit position, the third support shaft 23 is located higher than the first support shaft 21. And, the second support shaft 22 is located higher than the third support shaft 23.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, it is again assumed that the component assembly of the connecting mechanism 100 is in a reference posture. Assume that from this state, the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 rotates in the second direction V2. Furthermore, for example, when excavating the ground G using the working attachment 510, the excavator 500 can move the bulldozer blade 300 to a position further downwards than the imaginary plane that extends the lower surface of the tracks. Additionally, if the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 is rotated in the second direction V2, then as... Figure 5 As indicated by arrow P2, the first link 50 rotates downward about the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Simultaneously, the second link 60, the bulldozer blade 300, and the arm 70 move downward. At this time, the bulldozer blade 300 and the arm 70 rotate downward together about the first support shaft 21. That is, the bulldozer blade 300 descends. Furthermore, during the descent of the bulldozer blade 300 from its reference posture, the inferior angle θ between the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 gradually increases in a specific side view. And, when the bulldozer blade 300 reaches the lower limit of its movable range, the inferior angle θ between the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 in a specific side view is, for example, approximately 150 degrees. At this lower limit position, the second support shaft 22 is located further downward than the first support shaft 21. And, the third support shaft 23 is located further downward than the second support shaft 22.

[0090] As described above, the first link 50 and the second link 60 serve to transmit the torque generated by the power generating device 30 as the rotational motion of the bulldozer blade 300 centered on the central axis 21A of the first support shaft 21.

[0091] <Effects of the First Implementation>

[0092] (1-1) According to the structure of this embodiment, the rotation of the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 can be transmitted to the bulldozer blade 300 via the first connecting rod 50 and the second connecting rod 60. Furthermore, the bulldozer blade 300 can be raised and lowered thereby. That is, according to the structure of this embodiment, the raising and lowering of the bulldozer blade 300, powered by the motor 31, can be achieved. When employing such an electric lifting mechanism related to the bulldozer blade 300, in this embodiment, the position and dimensions of the component assembly of the connecting mechanism 100 are determined in a manner that satisfies the first condition. That is, as... Figure 1 As shown, in the X direction, the central axis 31A of the motor 31 is located closer to the bulldozer blade 300 than the center of the arm segment LX. In other words, in this embodiment, the power generating device 30, including the motor 31, is located relatively close to the bulldozer blade 300. For example, when raising and lowering the bulldozer blade 300 powered by the motor 31, it is possible to consider placing the power generating device 30 near the rear end of the arm 70 and applying torque to the rear end of the arm 70 to rotate the arm 70. Compared to the structure of such a comparative example, in the structure of this embodiment, the distance from the central axis 31A of the motor 31 to the point where the torque of the power generating device 30, such as the third support shaft 23, acts on the bulldozer blade 300 is shorter. In this structure of the present embodiment, when the bulldozer blade 300 is raised and lowered, the torque output by the motor 31 and even the power generating device 30 can be reduced. The ability to reduce the torque of the power generating device 30 contributes to the miniaturization of the power generating device 30.

[0093] (1-2) In this embodiment, the dimensional relationship between the first link 50 and the second link 60 is determined in a manner that satisfies the second condition. That is, the length of the first segment L1 is more than 150% and less than 200% of the length of the second segment L2. In this case, it can be ensured that the dimension of the first link 50 is correspondingly larger in the radial direction centered on the central axis 31A of the motor 31. This helps to increase the range of motion of the bulldozer blade 300.

[0094] (1-3) During the operation of the excavator 500, loads caused by collisions with sand, soil, etc., are sometimes input from the front to the side onto the bulldozer blade 300. These loads can be input from the bulldozer blade 300 to the connecting mechanism 100. Depending on the structure of the connecting mechanism 100, most of these loads can be input to the power generation device 30. If most of the load from the outside can be input to the power generation device 30, a structure to cope with this load needs to be pre-installed in the power generation device 30 so that the power generation device 30 can withstand such a large load. An example of such a structure is to increase the size of the bearings and supports installed in the reducer 35. However, if such a structure is adopted, the large size of the power generation device 30 becomes a concern.

[0095] In this respect, in the structure of this embodiment, the position and size of the component assembly of the connecting mechanism 100 are determined in a manner that satisfies the third condition. Furthermore, the third condition includes the following second requirement, namely, as... Figure 1 As shown, with the lower end of the bulldozer blade body 310 in contact with the ground G, the third support shaft 23 is located on the lower side relative to the second support shaft 22, and the second connecting rod 60 generally extends in the vertical direction. In this structure, it is assumed that a load is applied to the bulldozer blade 300 from the front side. Here, the load on the bulldozer blade 300 from the front side mainly has a component in the X direction. Therefore, this load is unlikely to function as a force that causes the components to move in a direction intersecting the X direction. That is, this load is unlikely to become a force that causes the second connecting rod 60, which generally extends in the Z direction, and the second support shaft 22 located at its upper end, to move in the upward direction, and contributes almost nothing to the rotation of the first connecting rod 50. In addition, there is a gap between the through hole through which the support shaft of each connecting rod passes and the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft, which allows the two to rotate. Even if the second connecting rod 60 moves slightly with the load acting on the bulldozer blade 300, the movement of the second connecting rod 60 will be absorbed by the aforementioned gap, making it difficult to transmit to the first connecting rod 50. Considering all these factors, even when a load is applied to the bulldozer blade 300 from the front, it is difficult for that load to be input into the power generating device 30. On the other hand, as described above, the load applied to the bulldozer blade 300 from the front has an X-direction component. Therefore, this load mainly acts on the first support shaft 21 and the main frame 410, which are located on the rearward side relative to the bulldozer blade 300. Furthermore, the main frame 410 bears most of this load. In summary, in this embodiment, when a load is applied to the bulldozer blade 300 from the front, the force accompanying that load can be suppressed from being input into the power generating device 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power generating device 30 from becoming too large.

[0096] (1-4) By satisfying the third condition, the minor angle θ formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 is approximately 90 degrees. In other words, in the reference posture, the first link 50 and the second link 60 are approximately orthogonal. With the first link 50 and the second link 60 in this positional relationship, there is sufficient room for the first link 50 and the second link 60 to rotate relative to each other, whether the bulldozer blade 300 in the reference posture is moved upward or downward. Therefore, in the structure of this embodiment, the range of motion in both the upward and downward directions from the reference posture is adequately guaranteed.

[0097] (1-5) In this embodiment, the second link 60 is configured to extend vertically in the approximately Z direction by satisfying all three requirements of the third condition. As described above, the load acting on the bulldozer blade 300 from the front direction side has a component in the X direction. Therefore, in the structure of this embodiment where the second link 60 is configured orthogonally to this load, in relation to (1-3), the transmission of the load acting on the bulldozer blade 300 to the power generation device 30 can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0098] <Example of a modification to the first embodiment>

[0099] The first embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The first embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented to the extent that they are not technically contradictory.

[0100] The third condition does not necessarily include the first requirement. That is, when the baseline assumption holds, the first line segment L1 can be tilted to a certain extent relative to the X direction under a specific side view. For example, under a specific side view, the first line segment L1 can be tilted about 15 degrees relative to the downward or upward side of the X direction. In addition, the third condition does not necessarily include the third requirement. That is, when the baseline assumption holds, the second line segment L2 can be tilted to a certain extent relative to the Z direction under a specific side view. Either the first requirement or the third requirement can be removed from the third condition, or both can be removed. As a result of changing the third condition, when the baseline assumption holds, the inferior angle θ formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 under a specific side view may deviate from the range of more than 75 degrees and less than 105 degrees. Even in this case, if the third condition includes the second requirement, the effect of (1-3) can still be obtained. Furthermore, the baseline assumption that the lower end of the bulldozer blade body 310 is in contact with the ground G can be removed from the second requirement. In most cases, the bulldozer blade 300 is used with the lower end of the bulldozer blade body 310 in contact with the ground G. However, even when the lower end of the bulldozer blade body 310 is not in contact with the ground G, a load can still be applied to the bulldozer blade 300 from the front. Even when the lower end of the bulldozer blade body 310 is not in contact with the ground G, in a specific side view, if the first line segment L1 intersects the second line segment L2, and the central axis 23A of the third support shaft 23 is located in a position further down than the central axis 22A of the second support shaft 22, it is still suitable to suppress the transmission of the force acting on the bulldozer blade 300 from the front to the power generating device 30.

[0101] Based on determining the positions of each support shaft in the connecting mechanism 100 and the lengths of each link and arm 70, the third condition can be eliminated.

[0102] The second condition is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. In the second condition, it is sufficient to set the length of the first segment L1 to a predetermined value that is more than 50% and less than 200% of the length of the second segment L2. If such a second condition is set, it can be ensured that the movable range of the bulldozer blade 300 is correspondingly larger.

[0103] Based on the dimensional relationships of each link, the second condition can also be eliminated.

[0104] It is not necessary for the first condition to be met throughout the entire range of motion of the bulldozer blade 300. For example, depending on the setting of the upper or lower limit position of the bulldozer blade 300, there may be situations where the first condition is not met within the range of motion of the bulldozer blade 300. For example, it is sufficient that the first condition is met as long as at least a portion of the range of motion of the bulldozer blade 300, such as the reference posture, is met.

[0105] The structure of the linkage mechanism 40 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The size and shape of each linkage component can be appropriately changed according to the examples of the above embodiments. Furthermore, the number of linkage components constituting the linkage mechanism 40 can also be appropriately changed according to the examples of the above embodiments. The linkage mechanism 40 is only required to be a structure that can transmit the torque generated by the power generating device 30 as the rotational motion of the bulldozer blade 300 centered on the central axis 21A of the first support shaft 21.

[0106] The structure of the arm 70 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The size and shape of the arm 70 can be appropriately modified according to the examples of the above embodiments. The arm 70 only needs to be rotatably connected to the vehicle body 520 and be able to be mounted on the opposite side of the connection part with the vehicle body 520. The mounting method of the arm 70 relative to the bulldozer blade 300 can be appropriately modified. In addition, as described in the following modification examples, the connection part on the vehicle body 520 side used to connect the arm 70 to the vehicle body 520 is not limited to the main frame 410, or even the lower frame 400.

[0107] The structure of the power generating device 30 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The power generating device 30 can be any structure that includes an electric motor 31 as a drive source and is capable of generating torque centered on a central axis parallel to the rotation center axis of the arm 70. For example, according to the examples of the above embodiments, the left and right positions of the motor 31 and the reducer 35 can be changed. Correspondingly, the structure connecting the power generating device 30 and the linkage mechanism 40 can also be modified. The transmission member 36 can also be removed from the power generating device 30. Furthermore, the reducer 35 and the linkage mechanism 40 can be connected in a manner that directly transmits the torque output by the reducer 35 to the linkage mechanism 40.

[0108] The structure for mounting the power generating device 30 to the side of the vehicle body 520 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. There are no limitations on the structure as long as the power generating device 30 can be mounted on the vehicle body 520.

[0109] The connection method between the arm 70 and the vehicle body 520 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the arm 70 and the first support shaft 21 can be fixed. Furthermore, the first support shaft 21 can be connected to the main frame 410 in a manner that allows the first support shaft 21 to rotate relative to the main frame 410. In any case, as long as the arm 70 is rotatably connected relative to the vehicle body 520, it is acceptable.

[0110] Similar to the aforementioned modification, the connection method of the first link 50 and the second link 60 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the second support shaft 22 can be fixed to either the first link 50 or the second link 60. It is acceptable as long as the first link 50 and the second link 60 can be connected in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other. The connection method between the second link 60 and the bulldozer blade 300 is also the same.

[0111] The configuration of the linkage mechanism 40, arm 70, and power generation device 30 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the arm 70 may be positioned on the outer side in the Y direction relative to the travel device 550. That is, the arm 70 may be located on the side opposite to the lower frame 400, across the travel device 550. Furthermore, the arm 70 may be connected to the wall portion of the actuation mechanism in the travel device 550. For example, the configuration of the linkage mechanism 40 and the power generation device 30 may be changed according to the examples of the above embodiments to accommodate such a change in the configuration of the arm 70. Depending on such a change in configuration, the positional relationship of the linkage mechanism 40, arm 70, and power generation device 30 may change from the examples of the above embodiments. Even in this case, as long as the first condition is met, it is acceptable.

[0112] The range of motion of the bulldozer blade 300 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The range of motion of the bulldozer blade 300 can be changed depending on the structure of the linkage mechanism 40 and the arm 70, etc.

[0113] The structure of the bulldozer blade 300 is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. For example, the structure for mounting the linkage mechanism 40 in the bulldozer blade 300 may differ from the examples of the embodiments described above. The bulldozer blade 300 can be any structure capable of achieving the required uses such as land preparation, excavation, and soil turning.

[0114] Construction machinery to which the connecting mechanism 100 for the bulldozer blade 300 is applicable is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. For example, the connecting mechanism 100 can also be applied to bulldozers or compact track loaders.

[0115] In the above embodiments, a component composed of a plurality of objects can integrate the plurality of objects into one unit; conversely, a component composed of a single object can be divided into a plurality of objects. Whether or not they are integrated, as long as they are configured to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

[0116] <Second Implementation>

[0117] Next, use Figures 6 to 10 This section describes a second embodiment of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, the accompanying drawings sometimes show enlarged representations of the constituent elements. Additionally, the dimensional proportions of the constituent elements sometimes differ from the actual dimensional proportions, or from the dimensional proportions in other drawings. Figures 6 to 10 In the middle, to and Figures 1 to 5 The marking of parts that function in the same or substantially the same way as Figures 1 to 5 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, for parts that are repeated with the first embodiment, the description is sometimes omitted or simplified appropriately.

[0118] like Figure 6 As shown, the excavator 600, as construction machinery, has a body 603. The body 603 has a lower body 605 and an upper body 530. The structure of the lower body 605 is substantially the same as that of the frame main part 410 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the structure of the upper body 530 is the same as in the first embodiment. The upper body 530 is located on the side opposite to the ground, separated from the lower body 605. In this embodiment, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, and back are defined in the same way as in the first embodiment. The upper body 530 is capable of rotating left and right relative to the lower body 605 about an axis extending approximately in the Z direction.

[0119] like Figure 6 As shown, the excavator 600 has a working attachment 510. The structure of the working attachment 510 is the same as in the first embodiment. Additionally, the excavator 600 has a bulldozer blade 608. The bulldozer blade 608 is located on the forward side relative to the lower body 605. The bulldozer blade 608 is plate-shaped. When viewed from the Y direction, the bulldozer blade 608 is bent so as to bulge rearward at a midpoint in the Z direction. Figure 7 As shown, the bulldozer blade 608 is elongated in the Y direction. Furthermore, in Figure 7 The upper body 530 and the working auxiliary device 510 are omitted from the illustration.

[0120] <Travel device>

[0121] like Figure 7As shown, the excavator 600 has a pair of traveling devices 610. The pair of traveling devices 610 are located on the left and right sides, separated by the lower body 605. The pair of traveling devices 610 are configured symmetrically. Therefore, the following description will focus on the traveling device 610 located on the left side relative to the lower body 605.

[0122] like Figure 6 As shown, the traveling device 610 includes an actuation mechanism 615 and a traveling track 611. The actuation mechanism 615 includes a track frame 620, a plurality of rollers 616, an output unit 617, and a drive sprocket 618. The actuation mechanism 615 in the traveling device 610 is included as a component of the vehicle body 603 in the traveling device 610.

[0123] like Figure 7 As shown, the track frame 620 has a first sidewall 621 and a second sidewall 622. The first sidewall 621 and the second sidewall 622 are arranged along the Y direction. The first sidewall 621 is located on the side opposite to the lower body 605, separated from the second sidewall 622. Both the first sidewall 621 and the second sidewall 622 are rectangular plates. Both the first sidewall 621 and the second sidewall 622 are elongated in the X direction. The main surfaces of the first sidewall 621 and the second sidewall 622 are opposite to each other. The main surface is the surface with the largest area among the outer surfaces of the plate-shaped components. The first sidewall 621 and the second sidewall 622 are connected to each other via an upper wall (not shown).

[0124] The track frame 620 has a front wall 623. The front wall 623 extends forward from the front end of the second side wall 622. The front wall 623 has a receiving hole 623A. The receiving hole 623A extends through the front wall 623 in the Y direction. The receiving hole 623A is cylindrical in shape.

[0125] like Figure 6 As shown, the track frame 620 includes a rear wall 624. Although detailed drawings are omitted, the rear wall 624 extends rearwardly from the rear end of the second side wall 622.

[0126] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, a plurality of rollers 616 are located between the first sidewall 621 and the second sidewall 622. The number of rollers 616 is, for example, three. The plurality of rollers 616 are arranged along the X direction. The plurality of rollers 616 are supported by the first sidewall 621 and the second sidewall 622 to enable rotation. The rotational axis of each roller 616 extends in the Y direction.

[0127] The output unit 617 is supported by the rear wall 624. The output unit 617 includes an electric motor and a reducer that slows down the rotation of the motor and outputs torque. The motor can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. That is, the output unit 617 can output torque in both forward and reverse directions.

[0128] A drive sprocket 618 is mounted on an output unit 617. The drive sprocket 618 is annular. The output unit 617 is fixed to a hole in the center of the drive sprocket 618. The central axis of the drive sprocket 618 extends in the Y direction. A plurality of teeth are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drive sprocket 618. The plurality of teeth are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the drive sprocket 618. The drive sprocket 618 rotates according to the torque output by the output unit 617.

[0129] like Figure 6 As shown, the running track 611 is a ring-shaped strip. The running track 611 is made of, for example, metal or rubber. The running track 611 surrounds the actuating mechanism 615. The running track 611 extends entirely along the X direction and has openings on both sides in the Y direction. The running track 611 has a certain width in the Y direction.

[0130] like Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of grooves 611A are recessed on the inner circumferential surface of the track 611. The grooves 611A are located at the center in the Y direction of the track 611. The plurality of grooves 611A are arranged at equal intervals on the entire circumference of the track 611.

[0131] like Figure 6 As shown, the drive sprocket 618 is located at the rear of the track 611. The teeth of the drive sprocket 618 mesh with the grooves 611A of the track 611. A plurality of rollers 616 are located near the center of the track 611 in the X direction. The outer circumferential surface of the rollers 616 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the track 611. Furthermore, the driven sprocket 637, described later, is located at the front of the track 611.

[0132] <Bulldozer blade drive mechanism>

[0133] like Figure 7 As shown, the excavator 600 has a bulldozer blade drive mechanism 600A. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism 600A has two sets of power transmission mechanisms 630. Each set of power transmission mechanisms 630 is respectively provided corresponding to one and the other of a pair of traveling tracks 611. That is, the power transmission mechanism 630 is provided on each traveling track 611. The two sets of power transmission mechanisms 630 are configured symmetrically from left to right. Therefore, the following description will take the mechanism located on the left side relative to the lower body 605 as an example.

[0134] The power transmission mechanism 630 comprises the power generating device 631, the connecting component 633, the universal joint 635, the driven sprocket 637, and the bearing 639 as a group.

[0135] The power generating device 631 includes a motor 31, a reducer 35, and a transmission member 640. The motor 31 is located in the forward portion of the track frame 620. The motor 31 is the drive source for the power generating device 631. The motor 31 has a housing 32 and an output shaft 33. The motor 31 is an electric motor that operates based on a power supply from a battery (not shown). The housing 32 is fixed to a receiving hole 623A in the front wall 623. That is, in the Y direction, the housing 32 is located within the range of the traveling track 611. The housing 32 is generally cylindrical. The central axis of the housing 32 extends in the Y direction. Most of the output shaft 33 is located inside the housing 32. A portion of the output shaft 33 protrudes from the housing 32 to the side opposite to the lower body 605. The output shaft 33 is cylindrical. The central axis 31A of the output shaft 33 extends in the Y direction. The output shaft 33 is rotatable relative to the housing 32. The output shaft 33 rotates around its own central axis 31A. The output shaft 33 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions depending on the power supply to the motor 31. Hereinafter, the central axis 31A of the output shaft 33 will sometimes be referred to as the central axis 31A of the motor 31.

[0136] The reducer 35 is adjacent to the motor 31 along the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Relative to the motor 31, the reducer 35 is located on the opposite side of the lower body 605. Furthermore, in the Y direction, the reducer 35 is located within the range of the track 611. The reducer 35 is generally cylindrical. The central axis of the reducer 35 is approximately aligned with the central axis 31A of the motor 31. The reducer 35 is connected to the output shaft 33 of the motor 31. The torque from the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 is input to the reducer 35. The reducer 35 amplifies the torque output from the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 by a predetermined ratio. The reducer 35 can be, for example, an eccentric oscillating gear type or a planetary gear type. Any type of reducer can be used as long as it is configured to amplify and output the torque from the motor 31.

[0137] The transmission member 640 is adjacent to the reducer 35 in the direction along the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Relative to the reducer 35, the transmission member 640 is located on the opposite side of the motor 31. Furthermore, in the Y direction, the transmission member 640 is located at a position exposed from the running track 611. The transmission member 640 is connected to the reducer 35. The transmission member 640 is generally cylindrical. The central axis of the transmission member 640 is substantially aligned with the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Details of the transmission member 640 will be described later. The torque output from the reducer 35 is input to the transmission member 640. The transmission member 640 rotates upon receiving the torque from the reducer 35. The rotational center axis of the transmission member 640 is aligned with the central axis 31A of the motor 31. That is, the transmission member 640 outputs torque centered on the central axis 31A of the motor 31 according to the rotation of the motor 31 and even the reducer 35. As described above, the power generating device 631 uses the motor 31 as a drive source to generate torque centered on the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Hereinafter, the central axis 31A of the motor 31 will sometimes be referred to as the central axis 31A of the power generating device 631. Additionally, the central axis 31A of the motor 31 will sometimes be referred to as the rotational central axis of the power generating device 631. Furthermore, in Figure 6 The image shows only the outline of the transmission component 640 in the power generation device 631.

[0138] <Connecting Components>

[0139] like Figure 7 As shown, the connecting member 633 is adjacent to the transmission member 640 along the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Relative to the transmission member 640, the connecting member 633 is located on the opposite side of the reducer 35. The connecting member 633 has a rod-shaped body 633A and a connecting portion 633B located at one end of the body 633A along its length. The connecting portion 633B is plate-shaped. The main surface of the connecting portion 633B faces the end face of the reducer 35 in the transmission member 640 on the opposite side. The connecting portion 633B is connected to the transmission member 640 by a mounting means. The mounting means can employ various methods such as bolt fixing or welding.

[0140] like Figure 6 As shown, the main body 633A of the connecting member 633 extends linearly forward from the connecting portion 633B. In other words, the connecting member 633 extends from the connection portion with the power generating device 631 to the side opposite to the drive sprocket 618. The bulldozer blade 608 can be mounted on the front end of the main body 633A of the connecting member 633, that is, on the side of the connecting member 633 opposite to the connection portion with the power generating device 631. In this embodiment, the connecting member 633 is mounted to the bulldozer blade 608 via a universal joint 635.

[0141] If used Figure 7 As explained, the connecting portion 633B of the connecting member 633 is connected to the transmission member 640. Therefore, the connecting member 633 rotates together with the transmission member 640. That is, the connecting member 633 receives torque from the power generating device 631 and can rotate about the central axis 31A of the motor 31 and even the power generating device 631 as the center of rotation.

[0142] Universal Joint

[0143] like Figure 7 As shown, the universal joint 635 is a ball-and-socket joint. That is, the universal joint 635 has a sleeve 635A and a rod 635B. The sleeve 635A is cylindrical in shape. The main body 633A of the connecting member 633 is fixed to one end face of the sleeve 635A along its central axis. The end of the sleeve 635A opposite to the side where the connecting member 633 is fixed forms a spherical receiving space.

[0144] The rod 635B is cylindrical in shape. The head of the rod 635B is spherical. The head of the rod 635B is accommodated within the receiving space of the sleeve 635A. The head of the rod 635B can rotate freely within the receiving space of the sleeve 635A. Furthermore, the angle between the rod 635B and the sleeve 635A can be freely changed. Although not shown in the figure, a flange extending from the outer circumferential surface of the rod 635B is provided at the end opposite to the head of the rod 635B. The flange is mounted to the rear surface of the bulldozer blade 608 using a mounting method. The mounting mechanism can employ various methods such as bolt fixing or welding. Thus, the universal joint 635 is located at the mounting position of the bulldozer blade 608 in the connecting member 633, and connects the connecting member 633 to the bulldozer blade 608.

[0145] Driven sprocket

[0146] like Figure 6 As shown, the driven sprocket 637 is located at the foremost part of the track 611. That is, the driven sprocket 637 is located at the end of the track 611 opposite to the drive sprocket 618, separated from the center of the track 611. The driven sprocket 637 is annular. Figure 7 As shown, the central axis of the driven sprocket 637 is substantially aligned with the central axis 31A of the power generating device 631. That is, the driven sprocket 637 and the power generating device 631 are coaxially configured. The reducer 35 is inserted through a hole in the center of the driven sprocket 637. A plurality of teeth are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the driven sprocket 637. The plurality of teeth are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the driven sprocket 637. The teeth of the driven sprocket 637 mesh with the grooves 611A of the track 611.

[0147] Bearing 639 is located between driven sprocket 637 and reducer 35. Bearing 639 is cylindrical in shape. Bearing 639 is, for example, a roller bearing. That is, bearing 639 has an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements. Both the inner and outer rings are cylindrical. The outer diameter of the inner ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer ring. The central axes of both the inner and outer rings are substantially aligned with the central axis 31A of the power generating device 631. The rolling elements are, for example, cylindrical or spherical. The inner circumferential surface of the inner ring is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the reducer 35. The outer circumferential surface of the outer ring is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the driven sprocket 637. As a result, bearing 639 supports reducer 35, enabling it to rotate relative to driven sprocket 637. Furthermore, in Figure 6 The illustration of bearing 639 is omitted in the text.

[0148] <Transfer Components>

[0149] The transmission component 640 is described in detail. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the transmission member 640 has a first member 641 and a second member 642. Both the first member 641 and the second member 642 are generally circular plates. The diameter of the first member 641 is the same as the diameter of the second member 642. The central axis of the first member 641 is approximately aligned with the central axis 31A of the power generating device 631. The central axis of the second member 642 is also approximately aligned with the central axis 31A of the power generating device 631. The first member 641 and the second member 642 are arranged along the direction of the central axis 31A of the power generating device 631. In this embodiment, the first member 641 is adjacent to the reducer 35. The second member 642 is located on the opposite side of the reducer 35, separated from the first member 641.

[0150] like Figure 8 As shown, the first component 641 has a first mounting surface 641A opposite to the reducer 35.

[0151] The first mounting surface 641A is flat. The first mounting surface 641A is in contact with the end face of the reducer 35.

[0152] The first mounting surface 641A is fixed to the end face of the reducer 35.

[0153] The surface of the first member 641 opposite to the first mounting surface 641A becomes the first opposing surface 641B, which is opposite to the second member 642. The first opposing surface 641B is flat, forming a first flat surface. A recess 641C is formed on the first opposing surface 641B. The recess 641C is recessed from the first opposing surface 641B toward the reducer 35 side in the Y direction. The recess 641C extends linearly along a first axis parallel to the first opposing surface 641B. The first axis extends along the length direction of the body 633A of the connecting member 633. When the first member 641 is viewed from the side in the Y direction, the recess 641C passes through the center of the first member 641. When the first member 641 is viewed from the side in the Y direction, both ends of the recess 641C reach the outer edge of the first opposing surface 641B. Furthermore, in the direction along the first axis, both ends of the recess 641C open toward the outside of the first member 641. The recess 641C has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0154] like Figure 9 As shown, the second member 642 has a second opposing surface 642A opposite to the first opposing surface 641B of the first member 641. The second opposing surface 642A is flat, forming a second flat surface. A protrusion 642C protrudes from the second opposing surface 642A. The protrusion 642C extends linearly along the aforementioned first axis. When the second member 642 is viewed from the side in the Y direction, the protrusion 642C is located opposite to the recess 641C of the first member 641. When the second member 642 is viewed from the side in the Y direction, the protrusion 642C passes through the center of the second member 642. When the second member 642 is viewed from the side in the Y direction, both ends of the protrusion 642C reach the outer edge of the second opposing surface 642A. The protrusion 642C has a cuboid shape.

[0155] The dimensions of the cuboid of the protrusion 642C are substantially the same as those of the cuboid of the recess 641C in the first member 641. Specifically, the length of the protrusion 642C protruding from the second opposing surface 642A is slightly less than the depth of the recess 641C recessed from the first opposing surface 641B. Furthermore, the dimensions of the protrusion 642C in the direction orthogonal to both the first axis and the central axis of the second member 642 are slightly less than the dimensions of the recess 641C in the direction orthogonal to both the first axis and the central axis of the first member 641. Based on this size relationship between the protrusion 642C and the recess 641C, the protrusion 642C is accommodated within the recess 641C. Consequently, the second opposing surface 642A contacts the first opposing surface 641B.

[0156] The surface opposite to the second opposing surface 642A of the second member 642 becomes the second mounting surface 642B, which is opposite to the connecting portion 633B of the connecting member 633. The second mounting surface 642B is flat. The second mounting surface 642B is in contact with the surface of the connecting portion 633B. The second mounting surface 642B is fixed to the connecting portion 633B.

[0157] Although the illustration is omitted, the transmission member 640 has a structure such as a stop for preventing the protrusion 642C from falling off the recess 641C. As a structure to prevent the protrusion 642C from falling off the recess 641C, for example, an annular cover can be used to cover the outer peripheral surfaces of the first member 641 and the second member 642. Alternatively, an elastic member such as a spring can be provided between such a cover and the two end faces of the protrusion 642C along the first axis.

[0158] <Control Structure>

[0159] like Figure 6 As shown, the excavator 600 has a control device 601. The control device 601 is mounted, for example, on the upper body 530. The control device 601 may have processing circuitry, which includes one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software). Furthermore, the control device 601 may have processing circuitry including one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for executing at least a portion of the various processes, or processing circuitry including a combination of the aforementioned processor and dedicated hardware circuitry. The processor includes memories such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. The memory includes electrically rewritable non-volatile memory. The control device 601 controls the respective motors 31 of the two sets of power transmission mechanisms 630. Additionally, the control device 601 controls the motor of the output unit 617.

[0160] <The Role of the Second Embodiment>

[0161] The control device 601 drives the motor of the output unit 617 according to the instructions from the driver. When the motor of the output unit 617 is driven, the drive sprocket 618 rotates. The drive sprocket 618 then drives the cyclic rotation of the travel track 611. As the travel track 611 rotates cyclically, the excavator 600 travels in a forward or backward direction. When the travel track 611 rotates cyclically, a plurality of rollers 616 guide its rotation. Additionally, as the travel track 611 rotates cyclically, the driven sprocket 637 rotates passively along with it.

[0162] The control unit 601 drives the individual motors 31 of the two sets of power transmission mechanisms 630 according to the instructions from the driver. When driving these motors 31, the control unit 601 controls the motors 31 in either a synchronous mode or an individual mode according to the instructions from the driver.

[0163] In synchronous mode, control device 601 synchronously controls two motors 31. That is, in synchronous mode, control device 601 causes the output shafts 33 of both motors 31 to rotate at the same speed and in the same direction. When control device 601 rotates the output shafts 33 of the two motors 31 in synchronous mode, the left and right connecting members 633 rotate in the same direction around the central axis 31A of the power generating device 631. Consequently, the bulldozer blade 608 rotates around the central axis of the power generating device 631. Through this unidirectional rotation control, as shown by arrow 630A, the bulldozer blade 608 rotates upwards or downwards. That is, control device 601 raises and lowers the bulldozer blade 608.

[0164] In standalone mode, control device 601 independently controls each of the two motors 31. That is, in standalone mode, control device 601 can rotate one of the output shafts 33 of the two motors 31 while keeping one of them stationary, or rotate one and the other at different speeds in the same direction, or rotate one and the other in opposite directions. For example, as... Figure 10 As indicated by arrow 600M, control device 601 rotates the connecting member 633 on the left side to the downward side; on the other hand, as... Figure 10 As indicated by arrow 600N, the connecting member 633 on the right side rotates upward. The result is as follows: Figure 10 As shown by the double-dotted line, the bulldozer blade 608 is tilted such that its right end is positioned on the upper side compared to its left end.

[0165] <Effects of the Second Implementation>

[0166] (2-1) In the excavator 600 of this embodiment, the power generation device 631 is located inside the travel track 611. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide mounting space for the power generation device 631 on the upper body 530 and the lower body 605. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the upper body 530 and the lower body 605, or to increase the space in the upper body 530 and the lower body 605 that can be used for other purposes.

[0167] In this embodiment, when transmitting the torque of the power generating device 631 to the bulldozer blade 608, a linkage mechanism can be used to connect the power generating device 631 and the bulldozer blade 608. Furthermore, in addition to the linkage mechanism, a connecting member 633 can be provided to support the bulldozer blade 608 so that it can rotate relative to the vehicle body 603. However, in this approach, since both the connecting member 633 and the linkage mechanism need to be mounted on the excavator 600, the number of components mounted on the excavator 600 would increase. In this respect, in the excavator 600 of this embodiment, by directly connecting the power generating device 631 and the connecting member 633, the torque of the power generating device 631 can be directly transmitted to the connecting member 633. In this manner, the connecting member 633 serves both to support the bulldozer blade 608, enabling it to rotate relative to the vehicle body 603, and to transmit the torque of the power generating device 631 to the bulldozer blade 608. Therefore, a linkage mechanism is not required in the excavator 600. Consequently, the number of components mounted on the excavator 600 can be reduced in this embodiment.

[0168] (2-2) The excavator 600 of this embodiment has two sets of power transmission mechanisms 630, and further has two power generating devices 631. Therefore, when the bulldozer blade 608 is raised and lowered, the torque output by each power generating device 631 can be reduced, which helps to miniaturize each power generating device 631.

[0169] (2-3) In the excavator 600 of this embodiment, the connecting member 633 is connected to the bulldozer blade 608 via a universal joint 635. Furthermore, in the excavator 600 of this embodiment, the motors 31 of the left and right power transmission mechanisms 630 can be controlled in a separate mode. By operating the left and right motors 31 separately in this separate mode, the bulldozer blade 608 can be tilted up and down in the excavator 600 of this embodiment.

[0170] (2-4) In the excavator 600 of this embodiment, when the power generating device 631 is disposed within the travel track 611, the reducer 35, driven by the sprocket 637, is wound around the power generating device 631 via the bearing 639. This allows the power generating device 631 to be disposed at the foremost position within the travel track 611. Furthermore, by disposing the power generating device 631 at the foremost position within the travel track 611, the distance between the bulldozer blade 608 and the power generating device 631, located on the forward side relative to the travel track 611, can be shortened. This also shortens the dimension of the connecting member 633 in the X direction.

[0171] (2-5) In the excavator 600 of this embodiment, the transmission member 640 is composed of two members: a first member 641 and a second member 642. Furthermore, the protrusion 642C of the second member 642 is engaged with the recess 641C of the first member 641. This interlocking relationship enables the following operation. Here, as... Figure 8 As shown, the two surfaces in the wall of the recess 641C that divides the first member 641, in directions orthogonal to both the first axis and the central axis of the first member 641, are called the first side surfaces 641CX. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown, the two surfaces on the outer surface of the protrusion 642C constituting the second member 642 that are orthogonal to both the first axis and the central axis of the second member 642 are referred to as the second side surface 642CX. When the motor 31 in the power generating device 631 is driven, the first member 641 of the first member 641 and the second member 642 rotates by receiving torque from the reducer 35. When the first member 641 rotates, the first side surface 641CX in the recess 641C of the first member 641 contacts the second side surface 642CX in the protrusion 642C of the second member 642. And, the first side surface 641CX transmits torque to the second side surface 642CX. That is, the transmission member 640 transmits torque between the first member 641 and the second member 642 through the mutual interlocking of the protrusions and recesses. Then, the second member 642 transmits torque to the connecting member 633. In this way, the transmission member 640 can reliably transmit the torque output by the reducer 35 to the connecting member 633.

[0172] In the excavator 600 of this embodiment, as described above, the torque of the power generating device 631 is directly transmitted to the connecting member 633 by directly connecting the power generating device 631 and the connecting member 633. In this case, the effect of (2-1) can be obtained, but there is a conflict as follows. That is, when the power generating device 631 and the connecting member 633 are directly connected, when an external force is applied to the bulldozer blade 608 from the front, the load of this external force may be input to the power generating device 631 from the connecting member 633. The power generating device 631 of this embodiment has the function of releasing this load. Specifically, the transmission member 640 in the power generating device 631 performs this function. This point will be explained. As a premise, the load acting on the bulldozer blade 608 has a component in the length direction of the connecting member 633. That is, the load acts on the connecting member 633 and even the second member 642 of the transmission member 640 connected to the connecting member 633 along the length direction of the connecting member 633. On the other hand, the recess 641C of the first member 641 and the protrusion 642C of the second member 642 extend along the first axis and even along the length of the connecting member 633. Therefore, when the aforementioned load acts on the second member 642 of the transmission member 640 via the connecting member 633, the protrusion 642C of the second member 642 moves slightly within the recess 641C of the first member 641 in the direction along the first axis. As a result, the aforementioned load acting on the second member 642 from the connecting member 633 can be released. In this structure of the present embodiment, the external force acting on the bulldozer blade 608 can be suppressed from reaching the reducer 35 and the motor 31, which, as described in (1-3) of the first embodiment, helps to suppress the enlargement of the power generation device 631.

[0173] <Example of a modification to the second embodiment>

[0174] The second embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the following modifications can be combined and implemented to the extent that they are not technically contradictory.

[0175] The transmission member 640 does not necessarily need to be divided into two components: the first component 641 and the second component 642. For example, the transmission member 640 can be a cylindrical component that integrates the first component 641 and the second component 642. The transmission member 640 only needs to be able to transmit the torque from the reducer 35 to the connecting member 633.

[0176] The power generating device 631 does not necessarily need to include the reducer 35 and the transmission member 640. The power generating device 631 only needs to include an electric motor 31. For example, the power generating device 631 can be constructed with only the motor 31 and the motor 31 can be directly connected to the connecting member 633.

[0177] Among the components constituting the power generating device 631, the mating component inserted into the driven sprocket 637 is not limited to the reducer 35. One or more components constituting the power generating device 631 may be inserted into the driven sprocket 637.

[0178] As a driven component located on the outer periphery of the power generating device 631 relative to the travel track 611, a roller can be used instead of the driven sprocket 637. That is, as a driven component, a component without teeth formed on its outer peripheral surface can be used.

[0179] It is not necessary to provide a driven component that drives the track 611 on the outer periphery of the power generating device 631. Regardless of the presence or absence of the driven component, the travel device 610 or the like can be appropriately configured to enable the track 611 to rotate smoothly in a circular motion.

[0180] The position of the power generating device 631 within the track 611 is not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments. For example, within the track 611, the output unit 617 and drive sprocket 618 can be positioned at the foremost part of the track 611, while the power generating device 631 and driven sprocket 637 can be positioned at the rearmost part. In this configuration, for example, if the bulldozer blade 608 is positioned rearward relative to the track 611, the distance in the X direction from the power generating device 631 to the bulldozer blade 608 becomes shorter, similar to the embodiments described above. Therefore, the connecting member 633 connecting the power generating device 631 and the bulldozer blade 608 can be shortened.

[0181] The universal joint 635 is not limited to the examples described above. The universal joint 635 can be made as long as it allows for free adjustment of the connection angle between the connecting member 633 and the bulldozer blade 608.

[0182] Universal joint 635 is not required. That is, connecting component 633 and bulldozer blade 608 can be directly connected.

[0183] If the universal joint 635 is omitted, the use of the standalone mode can also be eliminated in the control device 601. That is, it is not necessary for the control device 601 to be able to use the standalone mode.

[0184] Either of the left or right power generating devices 631 can be omitted. In the case of omitting either of the left or right power generating devices 631, the connecting member 633 on the side of the power generating device 631 where the power generating device 631 is omitted can be a shaft-like member, such as the first support shaft 21 of the first embodiment, and connected rotatably to the front wall 623 of the track frame 620 on the opposite side of the connection portion to the bulldozer blade 608. In this case, the connecting member 633 on the side of the power generating device 631 where the power generating device 631 is omitted rotates up and down around the shaft-like member as it moves with the bulldozer blade 608. Furthermore, omitting either of the left or right power generating devices 631 is equivalent to omitting either of the left or right power transmission mechanisms 630. That is, it is not necessary to provide power transmission mechanisms 630 corresponding to both sides of the two running tracks 611.

[0185] The structure of the connecting member 633 is not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments. For example, the connecting member 633 may also be a rectangular plate. As long as the connecting member 633 can be connected to the power generating device 631 and the bulldozer blade 608 can be installed on the side opposite to the connection part with the power generating device 631.

[0186] The structure of the track frame 620 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The track frame 620 can be any structure that can support the output unit 617, the roller 616, and the power generation device 631.

[0187] It is not necessary to use the track frame 620 to support the power generation device 631. For example, the lower body 605 can also be used to support the power generation device 631. As long as the power generation device 631 can be arranged inside the running track 611, the structure supporting the power generation device 631 is not limited.

[0188] The structure of the bulldozer blade 608 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The bulldozer blade 608 can be any structure that can achieve the required uses such as land preparation, digging, and soil turning.

[0189] Construction machinery for which the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 600A is applied is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 600A can also be applied to bulldozers or compact tracked loaders.

[0190] In the above embodiments, a component composed of a plurality of objects can integrate the plurality of objects into one unit; conversely, a component composed of a single object can be divided into a plurality of objects. Whether or not they are integrated, as long as they are configured to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

[0191] <Third Implementation Method>

[0192] The following uses Figure 11 and Figure 12This describes a third embodiment of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism. For ease of understanding, the accompanying drawings sometimes show enlarged representations of the constituent elements. Furthermore, the scale of the constituent elements may sometimes differ from the actual scale, or from the scale in other drawings. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the middle, to and Figures 1 to 10 The marking of parts that function in the same or substantially the same way as Figures 1 to 10 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, parts that are repeated with the first or second embodiment are sometimes appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0193] like Figure 11 As shown, the excavator 650, as construction machinery, has a body 653. The body 653 has a lower body 660 and an upper body 530. The structure of the upper body 530 is the same as in the first embodiment. The structure of the lower body 660 will be described later. The upper body 530 is located on the opposite side of the ground, separated from the lower body 660. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the up, down, left, right, front, and back directions are defined in the same way as in the first embodiment. The upper body 530 is capable of rotating left and right relative to the lower body 660 about an axis extending approximately in the Z direction.

[0194] like Figure 11 As shown, the excavator 650 includes a working attachment 51 and a bulldozer blade 608. The structure of the working attachment 510 is the same as in the first embodiment. The structure of the bulldozer blade 608 is the same as in the second embodiment. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the excavator 650 has a pair of traveling gears 550. The structure of the traveling gears 550 is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the pair of traveling gears 550 have annular tracked belts and an actuation mechanism that rotates the tracks cyclically. The actuation mechanism is contained in the body 653 of the excavator 650. Furthermore, in Figure 12 The upper body 530 and the working auxiliary device 510 are omitted from the illustration.

[0195] <Bulldozer blade drive mechanism>

[0196] The excavator 650 has a bulldozer blade drive mechanism 651. In this embodiment, the lower body 660 is included as a component of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 651. Figure 12 As shown, the lower body 660 has a main section 661, a supporting wall section 665, and a pair of extended wall sections 663. The main section 661 is, for example, rectangular in shape. The main section 661 houses various mechanisms necessary for the operation of the excavator 650. Furthermore, the main section 661 is not limited to a box shape; it can be used as long as it can accommodate necessary components.

[0197] A support wall portion 665 protrudes forward from the front surface of the main portion 661. The support wall portion 665 is fixed to the main portion 661. The center of the main portion 661 in the Y direction is referred to as the mother body center 661C. The mother body center 661C is also the center between the left and right traveling devices 550 and even the tracks in the Y direction. In the Y direction, the support wall portion 665 is configured to cross the mother body center 661C. That is, in the left-right direction of the excavator 500, the support wall portion 665 extends in the portion including the mother body center 661C. The support wall portion 665 has a cuboid shape. One side of the cuboid of the support wall portion 665 is along the Y direction. The center of the support wall portion 665 in the Y direction is located at the mother body center 661C. The support wall portion 665 has a receiving hole 665A. The receiving hole 665A extends through the support wall portion 665 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the support wall portion 665 constitutes a wall portion for mounting the power generation device 631, which will be described later.

[0198] A pair of extended wall portions 663 are located on the left and right sides, separated from the center 661C of the main body. The pair of extended wall portions 663 protrude forward from the front surface of the main body 661. The pair of extended wall portions 663 are fixed to the main body 661. One of the pair of extended wall portions 663 is located at the left end of the main body 661. The other of the pair of extended wall portions 663 is located at the right end of the main body 661. The extended wall portion 663 is plate-shaped. The main surface of the extended wall portion 663 faces the Y direction. As explained, the main surface is the surface with the largest area among the outer surfaces of the plate-shaped component. Although not shown in the figure, the extended wall portion 663 has a support hole. The support hole extends through the extended wall portion 663 along the Y direction.

[0199] like Figure 12 As shown, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 651 has two sets of power transmission mechanisms 670. The two sets of power transmission mechanisms 670 are respectively positioned on the left and right sides, separated by the center 661C of the parent body. The two sets of power transmission mechanisms 670 are symmetrically arranged. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on the mechanism located on the left side of the center 661C of the parent body.

[0200] The power transmission mechanism 670 assembles the power generating device 631 and the connecting member 633 into a group. The power generating device 631 includes a motor 31, a reducer 35, and a transmission member 640.

[0201] Motor 31 is located in the receiving hole 665A of the support wall 665. Specifically, motor 31 is located to the left of the center 661C of the main body within the receiving hole 665A. Motor 31 is the drive source for the power generating device 631. Motor 31 has a housing 32 and an output shaft 33. Motor 31 is an electric motor that operates based on a power supply from a battery (not shown). Housing 32 is fixed to the inner surface of the receiving hole 665A. Most of the output shaft 33 is located inside housing 32. A portion of the output shaft 33 protrudes from housing 32 to the opposite side of the center 661C of the main body. Output shaft 33 is cylindrical. The central axis 31A of output shaft 33 extends in the Y direction. Output shaft 33 is rotatable relative to housing 32. Output shaft 33 rotates around its own central axis 31A. Output shaft 33 is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions depending on the power supply to motor 31. Hereinafter, the central axis 31A of the output shaft 33 will sometimes be referred to as the central axis 31A of the motor 31.

[0202] The reducer 35 is adjacent to the motor 31 along the central axis 31A of the motor 31. The reducer 35 is located on the opposite side of the center 661C of the main body, across the motor 31. A portion of the reducer 35 is located in the receiving hole 665A of the support wall portion 665. The remaining portion of the reducer 35 protrudes outside the support wall portion 665. The reducer 35 is fixed to the inner surface of the receiving hole 665A by a portion located inside the receiving hole 665A. The reducer 35 is cylindrical in shape. The central axis of the reducer 35 is approximately aligned with the central axis 31A of the motor 31. The reducer 35 is connected to the output shaft 33 of the motor 31. The torque from the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 is input to the reducer 35. The reducer 35 amplifies the torque from the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 by a predetermined ratio and outputs it. The reducer 35 can be, for example, an eccentric oscillating gear type or a planetary gear type. Any type of reducer can be used as long as it is a structure capable of amplifying and outputting the torque from the motor 31.

[0203] The transmission member 640 is adjacent to the reducer 35 in the direction along the central axis 31A of the motor 31. The transmission member 640 is located on the opposite side of the motor 31 relative to the reducer 35. The transmission member 640 is connected to the reducer 35. The structure of the transmission member 640 is the same as in the second embodiment. That is, the transmission member 640 has a first member 641 and a second member 642. The torque output by the reducer 35 is input to the transmission member 640. The transmission member 640 rotates by receiving the torque from the reducer 35. The rotation center axis of the transmission member 640 coincides with the central axis 31A of the motor 31. That is, the transmission member 640 outputs torque centered on the central axis 31A of the motor 31. As described above, the power generating device 631 uses the motor 31 as a drive source to generate torque centered on the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Hereinafter, the central axis 31A of the motor 31 will sometimes be referred to as the central axis 31A of the power generating device 631.

[0204] The connecting member 633 is adjacent to the transmission member 640 in the direction along the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Specifically, the connecting member 633 is located on the opposite side of the reducer 35, across the transmission member 640. The structure of the connecting member 633 is the same as in the second embodiment. That is, as in... Figure 11 As shown, the connecting member 633 has a rod-shaped main body 633A and a connecting portion 633B located at one end of the main body 633A along its length. As... Figure 12 As shown, the connecting portion 633B is located between the transmission member 640 and the extension wall portion 663. The connecting portion 633B is fixed to the second member 642 of the transmission member 640 by an installation means. The installation means can employ various methods such as bolt fixing or welding. A support shaft 671 passes through the connecting portion 633B. The support shaft 671 protrudes from a support hole in the extension wall portion 663. The support shaft 671 is fixed to the inner surface of the support hole. The support shaft 671 is cylindrical. The central axis of the support shaft 671 extends in the Y direction. The central axis of the support shaft 671 is approximately aligned with the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Furthermore, the support shaft 671 and the connecting portion 633B are not fixed to each other and are in a state where they can rotate relative to each other.

[0205] The main body 633A of the connecting member 633 extends linearly forward from the connecting portion 633B. The bulldozer blade 608 can be mounted to the front end of the connecting member 633 using an installation method; that is, it can be mounted on the side of the connecting member 633 opposite to the connection portion with the power generating device 631. Various installation methods can be employed, such as bolting or welding. In this embodiment, the rear surface of the bulldozer blade 608 is mounted to the front end of the main body 633A of the connecting member 633. Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, similar to the second embodiment, the length direction of the main body 633A is substantially aligned with the extending directions of the recess 641C and the protrusion 642C in the transmission member 640.

[0206] <The Role of the Third Implementation>

[0207] As described above, the connecting portion 633B of the connecting member 633 is connected to the transmission member 640. Therefore, when the transmission member 640 rotates with the output shaft 33 of the motor 31, the connecting member 633 rotates together with the transmission member 640. That is, as... Figure 11 As indicated by arrow 650A, the connecting member 633 receives torque from the power generating device 631 and rotates upward or downward about the central axis 31A of the motor 31. Consequently, the bulldozer blade 608 rotates upward or downward about the central axis 31A of the motor 31. That is, the bulldozer blade 608 performs a lifting and lowering motion.

[0208] <Effects of the Third Implementation>

[0209] (3-1) Similar to what has been described in (2-1), when transmitting the torque of the power generating device 631 to the bulldozer blade 608, it is possible to mount a linkage mechanism on the excavator 650 based on the connecting member 633. However, in this case, the number of components mounted on the excavator 650 increases. In this respect, in the excavator 650 of this embodiment, the torque of the power generating device 631 is directly transmitted to the connecting member 633 by directly connecting the power generating device 631 and the connecting member 633. In this case, the connecting member 633 serves both to support the bulldozer blade 608 so that it can rotate relative to the vehicle body 653 and to transmit the torque of the power generating device 631 to the bulldozer blade 608, thus eliminating the need for a linkage mechanism. In this structure of the present embodiment, the number of components mounted on the excavator 650 can be reduced.

[0210] Based on this, the power generating device 631 of this embodiment adopts a transmission member 640 composed of a first member 641 and a second member 642. Therefore, similarly to that described in (2-5) of the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress the external force acting on the bulldozer blade 608 from reaching the reducer 35 and the motor 31.

[0211] (3-2) In the excavator 650 of this embodiment, the support wall 665 for supporting the power generation device 631 spans the center 661C of the main body. If the support wall 665 is positioned in this location, unlike the case where it is positioned offset to the left or right of the center 661C of the main body, the weight of the power generation device 631 is borne approximately at the center in the Y direction of the main body 661 of the lower body 660. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the weight acting on the pair of travel devices 550 from the main body 661 from shifting to either the left or right of the excavator 650. Thus, for example, the excavator 650 maintains stable balance during travel.

[0212] (3-3) The excavator 650 of this embodiment has two sets of power transmission mechanisms 670, and further has two power generating devices 631. Therefore, when the bulldozer blade 608 is raised and lowered, the torque output by each power generating device 631 can be reduced, which helps to miniaturize each power generating device 631.

[0213] <Example of a modification to the third embodiment>

[0214] The third embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The modifications from the first to the third embodiment and below can be combined and implemented with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0215] The shape of the support wall portion 665 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The support wall portion 665 can be configured to support the power generating device 631.

[0216] The structure of supporting the power generating device 631 using the support wall portion 665 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the concave and convex structure for supporting the power generating device 631 can be provided on the support wall portion 665, or the power generating device 631 can be fixed to the outer surface of the support wall portion 665 with bolts or the like.

[0217] The configuration of the support wall portion 665 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The support wall portion 665 may also be offset to either the left or right relative to the center 661C of the mother body. Furthermore, the support wall portion 665 may not cross the center 661C of the mother body.

[0218] The location where the power generating device 631 is installed may not be a wall section like the supporting wall section 665. That is, the supporting wall section 665 is not necessary. It is sufficient that the power generating device 631 can be installed on the lower body 660. Furthermore, the power generating device 631 only needs to be able to be installed somewhere on the body 653 of the excavator 650.

[0219] The shape of the extended wall portion 663 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The extended wall portion 663 only needs to be configured to support the support shaft 671.

[0220] Alternatively, the extended wall section 663 can be removed.

[0221] Either of the left or right power generating devices 631 can be removed. In the case of removing either of the left or right power generating devices 631, regarding the connecting member 633 on the side of the power generating device 631 that is removed, for example, it is sufficient to support the opposite side of the connection point with the bulldozer blade 608 using the support shaft 671 so that it can rotate. Removing either of the left or right power generating devices 631 is equivalent to removing either of the left or right power transmission mechanisms 670.

[0222] The structure of the connecting member 633 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The connecting member 633 only needs to be connected to the power generating device 631 and the bulldozer blade 608 can be installed on the opposite side of the connection part with the power generating device 631.

[0223] It is not necessary to divide the transmission member 640 into two parts, the first member 641 and the second member 642. For example, the transmission member 640 can also be a cylindrical component that integrates the first member 641 and the second member 642. The transmission member 640 only needs to be able to transmit the torque from the reducer 35 to the connecting member 633.

[0224] The power generating device 631 does not necessarily need to include a reducer 35 and a transmission member 640. For example, the power generating device 631 can be constituted by only a motor 31, and the motor 31 can be directly connected to the connecting member 633. The power generating device 631 only needs to include an electric motor 31.

[0225] The structure of the bulldozer blade 608 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The bulldozer blade 608 can be any structure that can achieve the required uses such as land preparation, digging, and soil turning.

[0226] Construction machinery to which the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 651 is applicable is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 651 can also be applied to bulldozers or compact tracked loaders.

[0227] In the above embodiments, an object composed of a plurality of objects can be integrated into one object; conversely, an object composed of a single object can be divided into a plurality of objects. Whether or not they are integrated, as long as they are configured to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

[0228] <Fourth Implementation>

[0229] Next, use Figures 13 to 17 This describes a fourth embodiment of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, the accompanying drawings sometimes show enlarged representations of the constituent elements. Additionally, the dimensional proportions of the constituent elements sometimes differ from the actual dimensional proportions, or from the dimensional proportions in other drawings. Figures 13 to 17 In the middle, to and Figures 1 to 12 The labeling of parts that perform the same or substantially the same function and Figures 1 to 12 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, parts that are repeated with the first to third embodiments are sometimes appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0230] like Figure 13As shown, the excavator 700, as construction machinery, has a vehicle body 703. The vehicle body 703 has a lower body 705 and an upper body 710. The structure of the lower body 705 is substantially the same as that of the frame main part 410 in the first embodiment. The structure of the upper body 710 will be described later. The upper body 710 is located on the opposite side of the ground, across the lower body 705. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, and back are defined in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0231] The excavator 700 has a rotating mechanism 707. The rotating mechanism 707 is a mechanism that rotatably connects the upper body 710 to the lower body 705. Although not shown in the figure, the rotating mechanism 707 has an annular inner ring, an annular outer ring, a plurality of rolling elements, and a rotating drive unit. The outer diameter of the inner ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer ring. The central axis of the inner ring is approximately aligned with the central axis of the outer ring. The central axes of both the inner and outer rings extend approximately in the Z direction. The plurality of rolling elements are, for example, balls. The plurality of rolling elements are located between the inner and outer rings. The plurality of rolling elements support the inner and outer rings, allowing them to rotate relative to each other. As a result, the outer ring can rotate relative to the inner ring about its own central axis. The inner ring is fixed to the lower body 705. The outer ring is fixed to the upper body 710. That is, the upper body 710 can rotate relative to the lower body 705 about an axis extending approximately in the Z direction. The rotating drive unit includes a motor and a reducer that reduces and outputs speed from the motor's rotation. The motor can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. As the motor can rotate in both directions, the rotary drive unit can output torque in both directions. The torque output by the rotary drive unit drives the outer ring to rotate relative to the inner ring. Consequently, the upper body 710 rotates left and right relative to the lower body 705.

[0232] The upper body 710 is described in detail. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the upper body 710 has a receiving portion 711, a seating portion 712, and an extension portion 713. The receiving portion 711 is rectangular in shape. The interior of the receiving portion 711 is hollow. Hereinafter, the interior of the receiving portion 711 will be referred to as the receiving chamber 711A. The lower surface of the receiving portion 711 is opposite to the lower body 705. The lower surface of the receiving portion 711 is fixed to the outer ring of the rotating mechanism 707.

[0233] The seating section 712 is located on the upper side relative to the receiving section 711. The seating section 712 includes a seat for workers, etc. An extension 713 protrudes forward from the front surface of the receiving section 711. The extension 713 is fixed to the receiving section 711. Figure 14 As shown, the extension 713 is located approximately at the center of the receiving portion 711 in the Y direction. Furthermore, in Figure 14 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 The illustration of the passenger compartment 712 is omitted.

[0234] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the excavator 700 has a pair of traveling devices 550 and a bulldozer blade 608. The structure of the traveling device 550 is the same as in the first embodiment. The structure of the bulldozer blade 608 is the same as in the second embodiment.

[0235] like Figure 13 and 14 As shown, the excavator 700 has a working attachment 51. The structure of the working attachment 510 is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the working attachment 510 has a columnar boom 515, a columnar working arm 513, and a box-shaped bucket 511. The boom 515 is connected to the extension 713 of the upper body 710. The bucket 511 is capable of digging sand, soil, etc.

[0236] <Bulldozer blade drive mechanism>

[0237] The excavator 700 has a bulldozer blade drive mechanism 701. For example... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 701 has a power generating device 720 and a pair of connecting members 715.

[0238] like Figure 15 As shown, most of the power generating device 720 is located in the housing 711A. The power generating device 720 includes a motor 722 and a pair of reducers 724. (As shown...) Figure 14 As shown, motor 722 is located in the front portion of housing 711A. Furthermore, motor 722 is located approximately at the center of housing 711A in the Y direction. Motor 722 is the drive source for power generation device 720. Motor 722 is an electric motor that operates based on a power supply from a battery (not shown). Figure 15 As shown, the motor 722 has a housing 722A, an output shaft 722B, and a bevel gear 722C. The housing 722A is fixed to the wall of the receiving chamber 711A. The output shaft 722B is cylindrical. The central axis of the output shaft 722B extends approximately in the Z direction. A portion of the output shaft 722B protrudes downwards from the housing 722A. The output shaft 722B is rotatable relative to the housing 722A. The output shaft 722B rotates around its own central axis. The output shaft 722B can rotate in both forward and reverse directions depending on the power supply to the motor 722. The bevel gear 722C is mounted on the protruding top portion of the output shaft 722B from the housing 722A. The bevel gear 722C is frustoconical. The central axis of the bevel gear 722C is approximately aligned with the central axis of the output shaft 722B. The diameter of the bevel gear 722C decreases towards the downward direction. A plurality of teeth are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the bevel gear 722C.

[0239] A pair of reducers 724 are located on the left and right sides, separated by a motor 722. The pair of reducers 724 are positioned downwards relative to the motor 722. The pair of reducers 724 are configured symmetrically. Therefore, the following description will focus on the reducer 724 located on the left side relative to the motor 722.

[0240] The reducer 724 includes a bevel gear 724D, an input shaft 724B, a main body 724A, and an output shaft 724C. The input shaft 724B is cylindrical. The central axis 724V of the input shaft 724B extends in the Y direction. The bevel gear 724D is mounted on the input shaft 724B. The bevel gear 724D is truncated cone-shaped. The central axis 724V of the bevel gear 724D is substantially aligned with the central axis 724V of the input shaft 724B. In this embodiment, the axis substantially aligned with the input shaft 724B is labeled with the same reference numeral 724V. The bevel gear 724D has a larger diameter in the Y direction as it moves further away from the motor 722. A plurality of teeth are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the bevel gear 724D. The teeth of the bevel gear 724D mesh with the teeth of the bevel gear 722C of the motor 722. Furthermore, in Figure 15 For convenience, bevel gear 724D is depicted at the position of bevel gear 722C, which is away from motor 722.

[0241] The main body 724A is connected to the input shaft 724B. The torque of the motor 722 is input to the main body 724A via the input shaft 724B. The main body 724A amplifies the torque of the motor 722 by a predetermined ratio and outputs it to its own output shaft 724C. The main body 724A can be, for example, an eccentric oscillating gear type or a planetary gear type. The main body 724A can be of any type as long as it is a structure capable of amplifying and outputting the torque from the motor 722.

[0242] The output shaft 724C is cylindrical. The central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C is approximately aligned with the central axis 724V of the input shaft 724B. A portion of the output shaft 724C protrudes outward from the housing 711A.

[0243] The power generating device 720 is configured as described above. In this power generating device 720, when the output shaft 722B of the motor 722 rotates, the torque of the motor 722 is input to the reducer 724 through the meshing of the bevel gear 722C of the motor 722 and the bevel gear 724D of the reducer 724. Furthermore, the reducer 724 generates a torque centered on the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724, based on the rotation of the output shaft 722B of the motor 722. In this embodiment, the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724 is the rotation center axis of the power generating device 720. Furthermore, as described above, the power generating device 720 is housed in the receiving chamber 711A of the receiving portion 711. That is, the power generating device 720 is mounted on the upper body 710.

[0244] like Figure 14 As shown, a pair of connecting members 715 are located on the left and right sides of the upper body 710. The pair of connecting members 715 are symmetrically arranged. Therefore, the connecting member 715 will be described below using the left-hand component of the pair of connecting members 715 as an example.

[0245] like Figure 13 As shown, when viewed from the Y-direction, the connecting member 715 is L-shaped. Specifically, the connecting member 715 has a first portion 715A corresponding to the longitudinal side of the L and a second portion 715B corresponding to the transverse side of the L. The first portion 715A is elongated in the front-rear direction. The second portion 715B extends downwards from the front end of the first portion 715A. The second portion 715B is approximately orthogonal to the first portion 715A. The size of the second portion 715B is, for example, about half the size of the first portion 715A.

[0246] like Figure 14 As shown, the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724 passes through the rear end of the first part 715A. The rear end of the first part 715A and the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724 are fixed to each other. That is, the first part 715A is connected to the power generating device 720. Furthermore, the first part 715A receives torque from the reducer 724 and rotates integrally with the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724.

[0247] like Figure 13 As shown, the bulldozer blade 608 can be installed at the end of the second part 715B opposite to the side connected to the first part 715A using an installation method. That is, the bulldozer blade 608 can be installed on the side of the connecting member 715 opposite to the connection portion with the power generating device 720. The installation method can employ various means such as bolting or welding. In this embodiment, the upper portion of the rear surface of the bulldozer blade 608 is installed on the second part 715B.

[0248] As described above, the first part 715A of the connecting member 715 is connected to the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724. Therefore, it can be said that the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724 is the connection point between the connecting member 715 and the power generating device 720. Furthermore, regarding the positional relationship between the connecting member 715 and the bulldozer blade 608, the bulldozer blade 608 is located on the forward side relative to the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724. On the other hand, viewed from the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724, the bucket 511 located at the top of the working accessory 510 is also located on the forward side. In other words, viewed from the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724, the bulldozer blade 608 and the bucket 511 are located on the same side. This positional relationship between the bulldozer blade 608 and the bucket 511 is referred to as the first relationship. Here, when observing the excavator 700 along the Y direction, that is, when observing the excavator 700 along a direction parallel to the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724, the direction in which the bulldozer blade 608 is located when viewed from the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724 is called the first direction. Because the above-mentioned first relationship is satisfied, when viewed from the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724, the bucket 511 is also located on the first direction side.

[0249] <The Role of the Fourth Implementation>

[0250] As described above, the first portion 715A of the connecting member 715 is connected to the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724. Therefore, when the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724 rotates along with the output shaft 722B of the motor 722, the connecting member 715 rotates together with the output shaft 724C. That is, as... Figure 13 As indicated by arrow 700S, the connecting member 715 receives torque from the power generating device 720 and rotates upward or downward about the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724. Consequently, the bulldozer blade 608 rotates upward or downward about the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724. That is, the bulldozer blade 608 performs a lifting and lowering motion.

[0251] In addition to the lifting and lowering motion described above, the bulldozer blade 608 of this embodiment can also rotate left and right together with the upper body 710. That is, in this embodiment, the connecting member 715 and the bulldozer blade 608 are mounted on the upper body 710. Therefore, for example, as... Figure 16 As shown, when the upper body 710 rotates approximately 30 degrees to the right relative to the lower body 705, the bulldozer blade 608 rotates approximately 30 degrees to the right along with the upper body 710. Additionally, for example, as... Figure 17As shown, when the upper body 710 rotates approximately 90 degrees to the right relative to the lower body 705, the bulldozer blade 608 rotates approximately 90 degrees to the right along with the upper body 710. Furthermore, although this example illustrates the case where the upper body 710 rotates to the right relative to the lower body 705, when the upper body 710 rotates to the left relative to the lower body 705, the bulldozer blade 608 also rotates along with the upper body 710.

[0252] <Effects of the Fourth Implementation>

[0253] (4-1) In the excavator 700 of this embodiment, the power generating device 720, the connecting member 715, and the bulldozer blade 608 are mounted on the upper body 710. Therefore, as described in the operation of the above embodiment, if the upper body 710 is rotated, the bulldozer blade 608 rotates together with the upper body 710. Thus, for example, the following operation can be achieved. Now, as... Figure 16 As shown, assume the bulldozer blade 608 is rotated approximately 30 degrees to the right relative to the X direction. If the excavator 700 is moved forward in this position, the operator can use the bulldozer blade 608 while it is tilted relative to the direction of travel of the excavator 700. This method of use is not limited to digging sand; it is also effective for tasks such as snow removal.

[0254] (4-2) Assume the bulldozer blade 608 is installed on the lower body 705. In this case, when the upper body 710 is rotated, the working attachment 510 and the bulldozer blade 608 may be located on opposite sides. Assuming that the ground is supported by the bulldozer blade 608 and excavation is performed using the bucket 511 in this state, the distance from the bulldozer blade 608 to the bucket 511 is relatively long, which may lead to an unstable support state of the excavator 700, such as tilting forward. In the excavator 700 of this embodiment, when the upper body 710 is rotated, the bucket 511 and the bulldozer blade 608 are always located on the same side relative to the upper body 710. Therefore, when the ground is supported by the bulldozer blade 608, the distance between the bulldozer blade 608 and the bucket 511 is relatively short. Therefore, when the ground is supported by the bulldozer blade 608 and excavation is performed, the support state of the excavator 700 is stable.

[0255] (4-3) In the excavator 700 of this embodiment, the connecting member 715 is directly connected to the reducer 724. Therefore, when an external force acts on the bulldozer blade 608 from the front, the load of this external force may be input to the reducer 724 via the connecting member 715. In the power generating device 720 of this embodiment, the central axis of the output shaft 722B of the motor 722 is orthogonal to the central axis 724V of the output shaft 724C of the reducer 724. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the aforementioned load acting on the reducer 724 from reaching the motor 722.

[0256] <Example of a modification to the fourth embodiment>

[0257] The fourth embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The modifications from the first to the fourth embodiment and below can be combined and implemented with each other to the extent that they are not technically contradictory.

[0258] The connecting member 715 and the reducer 724 can be connected via the transmission member 640 described in the second embodiment.

[0259] When the motor 722 is disposed in the housing 711A, the orientation of the motor 722 is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. For example, the motor 722 may be configured such that its output shaft 722B extends in the Y direction. In this case, for example, a dual-shaft motor may be used, wherein the output shaft 722B of the dual-shaft motor protrudes from both sides of the housing 722A in the Y direction. Thus, when the motor 722 is disposed such that the output shaft 722B extends in the Y direction, it is sufficient to simply eliminate the bevel gear 722C of the motor 722 and the bevel gear 724D of the reducer 724, and directly connect the output shaft 722B of the motor 722 and the input shaft 724B of the reducer 724.

[0260] Alternatively, one of the pair of reducers 724 can be omitted. Furthermore, the torque of the power generating device 720 can be transmitted only to one of the pair of connecting members 715. In this case, for the connecting member 715 located on the side where the reducer 724 is omitted, it is sufficient to use a shaft-like member, such as the first support shaft 21 of the first embodiment, to rotatably connect it to the upper body 710 on the opposite side of the connection portion to the bulldozer blade 608. Thus, the connecting member 715 located on the side where the reducer 724 is omitted rotates up and down around the shaft-like member as it moves in tandem with the bulldozer blade 608.

[0261] like Figure 18 As shown in the excavator 700A, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 701A can be equipped with two sets of power generating devices 720A, each consisting of a motor 722 and a reducer 724. Furthermore, torque can be transmitted independently from each power generating device 720A to the left and right connecting members 715. Moreover, the first bulldozer blade 608A mounted on the left-side connecting member 715 and the second bulldozer blade 608B mounted on the right-side connecting member 715 can be separately installed. For example, the first bulldozer blade 608A and the second bulldozer blade 608B are formed by dividing the bulldozer blade 608 of the above embodiment into two parts midway in the Y direction. With this structure, the control device 700M, which controls the motors 722 of the two sets of power generating devices 720A, can independently control the motors 722 of each of the two sets of power generating devices 720A. Furthermore, in Figure 18 In, with Figure 14 Similarly, the illustration of the passenger compartment 712 is omitted. Additionally, in Figure 18 In the middle, to and Figures 1 to 17 The marking of parts that function in the same or substantially the same way as Figures 1 to 17 Same reference numerals as shown in the attached figures.

[0262] When viewing the excavator 700 along a direction parallel to the rotation center axis of the power generating device 720, the bucket 511 does not necessarily need to be located on the side where the bulldozer blade 608 is located when viewed from the connection point of the connecting member 715 with the power generating device 720. For example, the bulldozer blade 608 and the bucket 511 can be located on opposite sides in the X direction, separated by the upper body 710. The power generating device 720, the connecting member 715, and even the bulldozer blade 608 can be mounted on the upper body 710. Furthermore, the bulldozer blade 608 only needs to be able to rotate relative to the lower body 705 together with the upper body 710.

[0263] The structure of the connecting member 715 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The connecting member 715 is connected to the power generating device 720, and the bulldozer blade 608 can be installed on the opposite side of the connection part with the power generating device 720.

[0264] The power generating device 720 does not necessarily need to include a reducer 724. For example, the power generating device 720 may consist only of a motor 722, and the motor 722 may be directly connected to the connecting member 715. When the power generating device 720 consists only of a motor 722, the central axis of the output shaft 722B of the motor 722 becomes the rotational central axis of the power generating device 720. The power generating device 720 only needs to include an electric motor 722.

[0265] The structure of the bulldozer blade 608 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The bulldozer blade 608 can be any structure that can achieve the required uses such as land preparation, digging, and soil turning.

[0266] Construction machinery for which the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 701 is applied is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 701 can also be applied to bulldozers or compact tracked loaders.

[0267] In the above embodiments, an object composed of a plurality of objects can be integrated into one object; conversely, an object composed of a single object can be divided into a plurality of objects. Whether or not they are integrated, as long as they are configured to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

[0268] <Fifth Implementation>

[0269] Next, use Figures 19 to 24This describes a fifth embodiment of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism. Additionally, for ease of understanding, the accompanying drawings sometimes show enlarged depictions of constituent elements. Furthermore, the scale of the constituent elements may sometimes differ from the actual scale, or from the scale in other accompanying drawings. Figures 19 to 24 In the middle, to and Figures 1 to 18 The labeling of parts that perform the same or substantially the same function and Figures 1 to 18 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, parts that are repeated with the first to fourth embodiments are sometimes appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0270] like Figure 19 As shown, the forklift 800, as construction machinery, has a body 803. The body 803 has an upper body 530 and a lower body 810. The structure of the upper body 530 is the same as in the first embodiment. The structure of the lower body 810 will be described later. The upper body 530 is located on the opposite side of the ground, separated from the lower body 810. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, and back are defined in the same way as in the first embodiment. The upper body 530 is capable of rotating left and right relative to the lower body 810 about an axis extending approximately in the Z direction.

[0271] The lower body 810 is described in detail. For example... Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the lower body 810 has a main section 811 and a pair of extended wall sections 812. The main section 811 is, for example, rectangular. The main section 811 houses various mechanisms necessary for the operation of the excavator 800. Furthermore, the main section 811 is not limited to a box shape; it can be used as long as it can accommodate the necessary components.

[0272] A pair of extended wall portions 812 are located on the front side relative to the main portion 811. The pair of extended wall portions 812 are fixed to the main portion 811. (Example) Figure 20 As shown, a pair of extended wall portions 812 are located on the left and right sides, respectively, separated by the center of the main portion 811 in the Y direction. The extended wall portions 812 are plate-shaped. The main surface of the extended wall portion 812 faces the Y direction. As explained, the main surface is the surface with the largest area among the outer surfaces of the plate-shaped member. The extended wall portion 812 has a support hole 812A. The support hole 812A extends through the extended wall portion 812 in the Y direction. The central axes of the pair of support holes 812A are approximately aligned with each other. Furthermore, in Figure 20 In the text, the support hole 812A is exaggeratedly represented as larger.

[0273] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the excavator 800 has a pair of traveling devices 550, a working attachment 510, and a bulldozer blade 608. The structures of the traveling devices 550 and the working attachment 510 are the same as in the first embodiment. The structure of the bulldozer blade 608 is the same as in the second embodiment. Furthermore, in... Figure 20The upper body 530 and the working auxiliary device 510 are omitted from the illustration.

[0274] <Bulldozer blade drive mechanism>

[0275] like Figure 20 As shown, the excavator 800 has a bulldozer blade drive mechanism 801. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism 801 has a pair of connecting members 815. The pair of connecting members 815 are located on the left and right sides of the lower body 810. The pair of connecting members 815 are symmetrically arranged. Therefore, only one of the pair of connecting members 815 will be described in detail below.

[0276] The connecting member 815 is elongated in the front-to-back direction. A support shaft 817 extends through the rear end of the connecting member 815. The support shaft 817 is fixed to the main part 811 of the lower body 810. That is, the connecting member 815 is connected to the main part 811 via the support shaft 817. The support shaft 817 is cylindrical. The central axis 817A of the support shaft 817 extends in a generally Y-direction. Figure 19 As indicated by arrow 817B, the connecting member 815 is capable of rotating vertically relative to the main body 811 about the central axis 817A of the support shaft 817. That is, the central axis 817A of the support shaft 817 is the rotational axis of the connecting member 815. The connecting member 815 extends linearly forward from the support shaft 817. The bulldozer blade 608 can be mounted to the front end of the connecting member 815 using an installation method, specifically, on the side opposite to the connection point between the connecting member 815 and the main body 811 of the lower body 810. Various installation methods can be employed, such as bolting or welding. In this embodiment, the rear surface of the bulldozer blade 608 is mounted to the front end of the connecting member 815. Furthermore, in Figure 19 In this diagram, to facilitate understanding of the positional relationships between the components, a portion of the connecting component 815 is cut off for representation. Additionally, in... Figures 21 to 24 In Chinese, the simplified representation is bulldozer blade 608.

[0277] <Shell>

[0278] like Figure 19 As shown, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 801 has a housing 825. The housing 825 is located on the forward side relative to the main portion 811 of the lower body 810. In the Z-direction, the housing 825 is located on the lower side than the upper body 530. Figure 20 As shown, in the Y direction, the housing 825 is located between a pair of extended walls 812.

[0279] The housing 825 has a main body 826 and a pair of pins 827. The main body 826 is rectangular in shape. The interior of the main body 826 is hollow. Two of the plurality of sides of the main body 826 form a side facing the Y direction. The pair of pins 827 protrude from the two sides in the Y direction respectively. The pair of pins 827 are arranged symmetrically from left to right. The pins 827 are cylindrical. The central axis of the pins 827 extends in the Y direction. The pins 827 are inserted into the support holes 812A of the extension wall portion 812. The pins 827 are supported by the support holes 812A and are rotatable. As described above, the rotation center axis of the connecting member 815 extends in the Y direction. That is, the central axis of the pins 827 is parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member 815. Based on this configuration, the housing 825 can rotate about the central axis parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member 815.

[0280] <Power Generation Device>

[0281] like Figure 20 As shown, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 801 has a power generating device 830. The power generating device 830 is housed inside the housing body 826. The power generating device 830 has a motor 831 and a reducer 840. The motor 831 is the drive source of the power generating device 830.

[0282] like Figure 21 As shown, motor 831 has a housing 832, an output shaft 833, and a bevel gear 834. Motor 831 is an electric motor that operates based on a power supply from a battery (not shown). Housing 832 is fixed inside the housing body 826. Output shaft 833 protrudes outward from the inside of housing 832. Specifically, output shaft 833 protrudes forward relative to housing 832. Output shaft 833 is cylindrical. Output shaft 833 is rotatable relative to housing 832. Output shaft 833 rotates around its own central axis. The central axis of output shaft 833 extends in a generally X direction. Output shaft 833 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions based on the power supply to motor 831. Bevel gear 834 is mounted on the portion of output shaft 833 that protrudes from housing 832. Bevel gear 834 is truncated cone-shaped. Output shaft 833 is fixed to a hole in the center of bevel gear 834. The central axis of the bevel gear 834 is approximately aligned with the central axis of the output shaft 833. The diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the bevel gear 834 decreases towards the front. A plurality of teeth are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the bevel gear 834.

[0283] The reducer 840 includes an input member 842, a bevel gear 843, a reducer body 841, and an output member 844. The input member 842 is cylindrical. Its central axis 840C extends approximately in the Z direction. The upper end face of the input member 842 is located slightly lower than the output shaft 833 of the motor 831. The input member 842 is connected to the reducer body 841 while being able to rotate around its own central axis 840C.

[0284] A bevel gear 843 is mounted on the input member 842. The bevel gear 843 is truncated cone in shape. The input member 842 is fixed to a hole in the center of the bevel gear 843. The central axis 840C of the bevel gear 843 is substantially aligned with the central axis 840C of the input member 842. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the axis substantially aligned with the central axis 840C of the input member 842 is labeled with a uniform reference numeral 840C. The diameter of the bevel gear 843 decreases towards the upward direction. A plurality of teeth are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the bevel gear 843. The teeth of the bevel gear 843 mesh with the teeth of the bevel gear 834 of the motor 831. Furthermore, in Figure 21 For convenience, bevel gear 843 is depicted at the position of bevel gear 834 away from motor 831.

[0285] The reducer body 841 is located on the lower side relative to the input member 842. The reducer body 841 is fixed inside the housing body 826. The reducer body 841 is cylindrical. The central axis 840C of the reducer body 841 is approximately aligned with the central axis 840C of the input member 842. The inner diameter of the reducer body 841 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the input member 842. For example, the outer diameter of the reducer body 841 is larger than the outer diameter of the input member 842. The upper end face of the reducer body 841 is connected to the lower end face of the input member 842. The torque of the motor 831 is input to the reducer body 841 via the input member 842. The reducer body 841 amplifies the torque of the motor 831 by a predetermined ratio and outputs it to the output member 844. In other words, the reducer body 841 reduces the rotational speed of the output shaft 833 of the motor 831 and outputs it to the output member 844. The reducer body 841 is, for example, an eccentric oscillating gear type or a planetary gear type. The reducer body 841 can be of any type as long as it is a structure capable of amplifying and outputting the torque from the motor 831.

[0286] The output member 844 is located on the lower side relative to the reducer body 841. The output member 844 is cylindrical. The central axis 840C of the output member 844 is approximately aligned with the central axis 840C of the reducer body 841. The inner diameter of the output member 844 is approximately aligned with the inner diameter of the reducer body 841. For example, the outer diameter of the output member 844 is approximately aligned with the outer diameter of the input member 842. The upper end face of the output member 844 is connected to the lower end face of the reducer body 841. The output member 844 receives torque from the reducer body 841 and is capable of rotating about its own central axis 840C. The output member 844 outputs the torque from the reducer body 841 to the nut 851, which will be described later. Thus, the power generating device 830 generates torque centered on the central axis 840C of the reducer 840 based on the rotation of the output shaft 833 of the motor 831. In this embodiment, the central axis 840C of the reducer 840 is the rotational central axis of the power generating device 830.

[0287] As described above, the housing body 826 is connected to the extension wall portion 812 in a manner that allows it to rotate around a central axis parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member 815. Therefore, the power generating device 830 housed in the housing body 826 is also connected to the extension wall portion 812 in a state that allows it to rotate around a central axis parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member 815.

[0288] <Conversion Mechanism>

[0289] like Figure 21 As shown, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 801 has a conversion mechanism 850. The conversion mechanism 850 has a nut 851, a lead screw shaft 855, and a plurality of balls 858.

[0290] Nut 851 has a nut body 852 and a connecting portion 853. Nut body 852 is cylindrical. The central axis 840C of nut body 852 is approximately aligned with the central axis 840C of reducer 840. The outer diameter of nut body 852 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of reducer body 841. Nut body 852 is inserted into input member 842, reducer body 841, and output member 844 of reducer 840. A gap exists between the outer circumferential surface of nut body 852 and the inner circumferential surfaces of each component of reducer 840. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of nut body 852 can slide relative to the inner circumferential surfaces of each component of reducer 840. Internal threads are cut into the inner circumferential surface of nut body 852. The internal threads are formed throughout the entire area of ​​nut body 852 along its central axis 840C. Furthermore, in… Figure 21 In the image, only a portion of the nut body 852 is shown with internal threads.

[0291] The connecting portion 853 is located near the lower end of the nut body 852. The connecting portion 853 extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the nut body 852, centered on the central axis 840C of the nut body 852. The connecting portion 853 extends along the entire circumference of the nut body 852; that is, the connecting portion 853 is annular. The central axis 840C of the connecting portion 853 is substantially aligned with the central axis 840C of the nut body 852. The upward-facing surface of the connecting portion 853 contacts the downward-facing end face of the output member 844 of the reducer 840. The connecting portion 853 and the output member 844 are integrally fixed, for example, with bolt B. In other words, the connecting portion 853 is connected to the output member 844. Furthermore, the connecting portion 853, and indeed the entire nut 851, is subjected to the torque of the output member 844, and rotates integrally with the output member 844 about the central axis 840C of the nut 851.

[0292] The lead screw shaft 855 extends both inside and outside the nut 851. The lead screw shaft 855 is cylindrical. The central axis 840C of the lead screw shaft 855 is approximately aligned with the central axis 840C of the reducer 840. The diameter of the lead screw shaft 855 is smaller than the inner diameter of the nut body 852. External threads are cut into the outer circumferential surface of the lead screw shaft 855. The external threads are formed throughout the entire area of ​​the lead screw shaft 855 along its central axis 840C. The lead screw shaft 855 is inserted into both the nut 851 and the reducer 840. Furthermore, the lower portion of the lead screw shaft 855 extends through the lower surface of the housing body 826. The lower portion of the lead screw shaft 855 also protrudes to the outside of the housing 825.

[0293] A plurality of balls 858 are located between the inner circumferential surface of the nut body 852 and the outer circumferential surface of the lead screw shaft 855. The plurality of balls 858 are held between the internal thread of the nut body 852 and the external thread of the lead screw shaft 855. The plurality of balls 858 guide the relative rotation of the nut body 852 and the lead screw shaft 855. Furthermore, in Figure 21 The diagram schematically shows six of a plurality of balls 858. The number of balls 858 is not limited to six.

[0294] The central axis 840C of the reducer 840 is referred to as the power center axis 840C. Since the central axis 840C of the reducer body 841 extends approximately in the Z direction, the power center axis 840C extends along the vertical direction of the excavator 800. As described above, the nut 851 rotates according to the torque of the reducer 840. The rotation of this nut 851 is transmitted to the lead screw shaft 855 via the ball bearings 858. Furthermore, the lead screw shaft 855 moves upward or downward along the power center axis 840C. Thus, in the conversion mechanism 850, the torque generated by the reducer 840 is converted into linear motion along the direction of the power center axis 840C.

[0295] <Linkage Mechanism>

[0296] like Figure 21 As shown, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 801 has a linkage mechanism 820. The linkage mechanism 820 is located on the lower side relative to the housing 825. Figure 22 As shown, the linkage mechanism 820 has a link 822 and a connector 821.

[0297] like Figure 21 As shown, when viewed along the Y direction, link 822 extends linearly along the X direction. On the other hand, as... Figure 22 As shown, when viewed along the Z direction, the connecting rod 822 has a U-shaped foot 823 and a main body 824 extending linearly from the bottom of the U-shape of the foot 823 to opposite sides of the two forks of the U-shape. The ends of the main body 824 opposite to the foot 823 are mounted to the rear surface of the bulldozer blade 608 by means of mounting. The mounting means can be various, such as bolt fixing or welding.

[0298] The lower end of the lead screw shaft 855 is located between the two forks of the U-shape of the foot 823. Furthermore, the connector 821 passes through the lower ends of both the foot 823 and the lead screw shaft 855. That is, the foot 823 and the lead screw shaft 855 are connected via the connector 821. The connector 821 is designed to prevent detachment relative to the foot 823 via an anti-detachment mechanism (not shown). The connector 821 is cylindrical. The central axis of the connector 821 extends approximately in the Y direction. That is, the central axis of the connector 821 is approximately parallel to the central axis of the support shaft 817, which serves as the rotation center of the connecting member 815. Additionally, the central axis of the connector 821 is approximately parallel to the central axis of the pin 827 in the housing 825. The connector 821 connects the foot 823 and the lead screw shaft 855, allowing them to rotate relative to each other. In other words, the foot 823 and the lead screw shaft 855 can rotate relative to each other about the connector 821.

[0299] <The Role of the Fifth Implementation>

[0300] The lifting and lowering action of the bulldozer blade 608 will be explained. Now, assume that the components of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 801 are in the following positions. Figure 19 and Figure 21 The first posture is shown. In this first posture, the amount by which the lead screw shaft 855 protrudes from the housing body 826 is set to a first value. Furthermore, in this first posture, the connecting member 815 is slightly tilted downwards relative to an imaginary straight line extending in the X direction through the support shaft 817.

[0301] First, the rising motion of the bulldozer blade 608 will be explained. In the first posture described above, if the output shaft 833 of the motor 831 rotates, the output component 844 of the reducer 840, and even the nut 851, will rotate around the power center axis 840C through the meshing of the bevel gear 834 of the motor 831 and the bevel gear 843 of the reducer 840. The rotation of the nut 851, through the relative rotation between the nut 851 and the lead screw shaft 855, drives the linear motion of the lead screw shaft 855. Specifically, as... Figure 23 As shown, the lead screw shaft 855 moves upward relative to the nut 851. Furthermore, the amount by which the lead screw shaft 855 protrudes from the housing body 826 is less than a first value. If the lead screw shaft 855 moves upward, the connector 821 moves upward together with the lead screw shaft 855. Then, the connecting rod 822 connected to the connector 821, the bulldozer blade 608 connected to the connecting rod 822, and the connecting member 815 connected to the bulldozer blade 608 move upward. In other words, the upward movement of the lead screw shaft 855 acts as a force that pulls the connecting rod 822, the bulldozer blade 608, and the connecting member 815 upward. On the other hand, the connecting member 815 is in a state where it can rotate about the support shaft 817 as a rotation center. Therefore, as... Figure 23 As indicated by arrow 800A, the upward movement of the lead screw shaft 855 causes the connecting rod 822, the bulldozer blade 608, and the connecting member 815 to rotate upward about the support shaft 817. Thus, the linkage mechanism 820, composed of the joint 821 and the connecting rod 822, transmits the linear motion converted by the conversion mechanism 850 as the rotational motion of the bulldozer blade 608 to the bulldozer blade 608 and the connecting member 815.

[0302] As described above, the connector 821 is connected to the connecting member 815 via the connecting rod 822 and the bulldozer blade 608. Relatedly, when the connector 821 moves laterally in the upward direction, strictly speaking, the connector 821 moves on an imaginary circle centered on the central axis 817A of the support shaft 817, the rotation center of the connecting member 815. That is, when the lead screw shaft 855 moves up and down, the connector 821 does not move linearly in the Z direction but rotates. To allow such rotation of the connector 821, the housing 825 and the extension wall 812 of this embodiment are pivotally connected. Therefore, when the connector 821 rotates, the housing body 826, which is integral with the connector 821, rotates about the pin 827 as the rotation center. As a result, as... Figure 23 As shown, the power center axis 840C is slightly inclined relative to the Z direction. Thus, the extension direction of the power center axis 840C is not always consistent with the Z direction; for example, it may sometimes be inclined relative to the Z direction within a range of approximately 15 degrees. Including this case, if the power center axis 840C extends entirely in the vertical direction, it can be said to be along the Z direction. Furthermore, Figure 23The tilt angle of the power center axis 840C shown is an example used to illustrate the rotation of the main body 826 of the housing, and may not be consistent with the actual angle.

[0303] Next, the lowering motion of the bulldozer blade 608 will be explained. Now, assume that the output component 844 of the reducer 840, and even the nut 851, rotate from the first posture described above in the opposite direction to the upward motion, driven by the motor 831. This rotation of the nut 851 drives the linear motion of the lead screw shaft 855 through the relative rotation of the nut 851 and the lead screw shaft 855. Specifically, as... Figure 24 As shown, the lead screw shaft 855 moves downward relative to the nut 851. Furthermore, the amount by which the lead screw shaft 855 protrudes from the housing body 826 becomes greater than the first value. This downward movement of the lead screw shaft 855 acts as a force that presses the connecting rod 822, the bulldozer blade 608, and the connecting member 815 downward. On the other hand, the connecting member 815 is in a state where it can rotate about the support shaft 817 as a fulcrum. Therefore, as... Figure 24 As indicated by arrow 800B, the movement of the lead screw shaft 855 causes the connecting rod 822, the bulldozer blade 608, and the connecting member 815 to rotate downwards around the support shaft 817. When the bulldozer blade 608 rotates in this manner, the connecting rod 822 and the joint 821 transmit the linear motion converted by the conversion mechanism 850 as the rotational motion of the bulldozer blade 608 to the bulldozer blade 608 and the connecting member 815. Furthermore, similar to the lifting action, when the bulldozer blade 608 rotates, the housing body 826 rotates around the pin 827 in the opposite direction to the lifting action. Also, the power center axis 840C is slightly inclined relative to the Z direction. Figure 23 Similarly, Figure 24 The tilt angle of the power center axis 840C shown is an example used to illustrate the rotation of the main body 826 of the housing, and may not be consistent with the actual angle.

[0304] <Effects of the Fifth Implementation>

[0305] (5-1) Assume that the reducer 840 is mounted on the lower body 810 such that its central axis 840C extends in the Y direction. In this case, the outer diameter of the reducer 840 is limited because it is necessary to avoid interference with the ground and the upper body 530. In this respect, in the excavator 800 of this embodiment, the reducer 840 is mounted on the lower body 810 such that its central axis 840C extends approximately in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the outer diameter of the reducer 840 is increased, it is possible to ensure sufficient space for mounting the reducer 840 in the excavator 800. In such a structure of this embodiment, for example, a larger reducer 840 can be used to output a larger torque.

[0306] Additionally, external forces are sometimes applied to the bulldozer blade 608 from the front. The load applied to the bulldozer blade 608 from the front primarily has a component in the X direction. Therefore, as described in (1-3) of the first embodiment, this load is unlikely to act as a force causing the components to move in a direction intersecting the X direction. In other words, this load is unlikely to act as a force causing the lead screw shaft 855, which extends approximately in the Z direction, to move upwards, and is unlikely to affect the conversion mechanism 850 and the power generation device 830. In this structure of the present embodiment, the transmission of external forces acting on the bulldozer blade 608 to the reducer 840 and the motor 831 can be suppressed. As described in (1-3) of the first embodiment, this helps to suppress the enlargement of the power generation device 830.

[0307] (5-2) In the excavator 800 of this embodiment, a so-called ball screw mechanism is used as the mechanism responsible for power conversion between the power generation device 830 and the linkage mechanism 820. This ball screw mechanism is suitable for converting the rotational motion of the reducer 840 into linear motion.

[0308] (5-3) In the excavator 800 of this embodiment, the reducer 840 is cylindrical. Furthermore, the reducer 840 houses the nut 851 and the lead screw shaft 855, which serve as the conversion mechanism 850. Thus, by using the interior of the reducer 840 as the housing space for the conversion mechanism 850, the overall installation space for the power generating device 830 and the conversion mechanism 850 can be reduced. This allows for a more compact structure in the housing 825 housing the power generating device 830 and the conversion mechanism 850, as well as in the lower body 810 on which the housing 825 is disposed.

[0309] (5-4) As described in the above embodiments, in the structure of this embodiment, when the connector 821 moves with the up-and-down movement of the lead screw shaft 855, the connector 821 moves on an imaginary circle centered on the central axis 817A of the support shaft 817. Assuming that the housing body 826 is not supported to allow rotation, in order to allow the rotation of the connector 821, for example, a universal joint needs to be provided between the connector 821 and the lead screw shaft 855. However, in this case, providing a universal joint between the connector 821 and the lead screw shaft 855 increases the number of parts or complicates the connection structure between the connector 821 and the lead screw shaft 855. In this case, the excavator 800 of this embodiment uses the extension wall portion 812 to support the housing body 826 to allow rotation. Therefore, regarding the connection between the conversion mechanism 850 and the linkage mechanism 820, the increase in the number of parts and the complexity of the structure can be suppressed, and a structure that allows the connector 821 to move can be achieved.

[0310] <Example of a modification to the fifth embodiment>

[0311] The fifth embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The modifications from the first to the fifth embodiment and below can be combined and implemented with each other to the extent that they are not technically contradictory.

[0312] The shape of the housing 825 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The housing 825 is only required to accommodate the power generating device 830.

[0313] Alternatively, housing 825 can be omitted. When housing 825 is omitted, for example, by fixing the housing 832 of motor 831 to the outer surface of reducer body 841, motor 831 and reducer 840 can be configured as a single unit. Furthermore, when housing 825 is omitted, for example, it is possible to directly connect reducer 840 to vehicle body 803. This will be explained in the following modification examples.

[0314] The structure in which the power generating device 830 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 803 is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. For example, if the housing 825 is omitted as in the modified example described above, the shaft-shaped member can protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the reducer body 841 to the left and right sides. Furthermore, the shaft-shaped member can be supported by the extended wall portion 812 to allow rotation. The power generating device 830 can be connected to the vehicle body 803 in a manner that allows it to rotate around a central axis parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member 815. The vehicle body 803 is not limited to the lower body 810, but can also be the upper body 530 or the operating mechanism of the running gear 550.

[0315] It is not necessary for the power generating device 830 to be rotatably connected to the vehicle body 803. If the power generating device 830 cannot be rotatably connected to the vehicle body 803, for example, a universal joint can be provided between the connector 821 and the lead screw shaft 855. As long as the power generating device 830, the conversion mechanism 850, the linkage mechanism 820, the bulldozer blade 608, and the connecting member 815 are connected together so that each component moves smoothly when the bulldozer blade 608 is raised or lowered, it is sufficient.

[0316] As described above, the structure for mounting the power generating device 830 to the side of the vehicle body 803 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. There are no limitations on the structure as long as the power generating device 830 can be mounted on the vehicle body 803. As described above, the vehicle body 803 includes, in addition to the lower body 810 and the upper body 530, the actuation mechanism of the running gear 550.

[0317] The shape of the reducer 840 is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. That is, the reducer 840 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, the reducer body 841 can also be cylindrical. If the reducer 840 is cylindrical, various components of the conversion mechanism 850 can be arranged inside the reducer 840. Furthermore, the reducer 840 can be a shape other than cylindrical, such as a cylinder. Regardless of the shape of the reducer 840, it is acceptable as long as the reducer 840 can change and output the rotational speed of the motor 831. Moreover, the reducer 840 and the conversion mechanism 850 can be appropriately connected so that the output of the reducer 840 can be transmitted to the conversion mechanism 850.

[0318] The structure of the conversion mechanism 850 is not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments. The conversion mechanism 850 can be used as long as it can convert the rotary motion from the power generating device 830 into linear motion. For example, in the conversion mechanism 850, the ball bearing 858 between the nut 851 and the lead screw shaft 855 can be eliminated. Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of the nut 851 can be screwed onto the outer circumferential surface of the lead screw shaft 855. Even in this case, the lead screw shaft 855 can be made to move linearly by the relative rotation of the nut 851 and the lead screw shaft 855.

[0319] The structure of the linkage mechanism 820 is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. The linkage mechanism 820 only needs to be able to transmit the linear motion converted by the conversion mechanism 850 as the rotational motion of the bulldozer blade 608. For example, in the above embodiment, the linkage 822 is connected to the bulldozer blade 608. Instead, the shape of the linkage 822 can be changed so that it is connected to the connecting member 815. Furthermore, the linear motion of the lead screw shaft 855 can be transmitted from the joint 821 and even the linkage 822 to the connecting member 815. In this case, for example, the bulldozer blade 608 can be raised and lowered by the connecting member 815 moving up and down together with the joint 821. The linkage mechanism 820 can also be configured without using the joint 821. Furthermore, the linkage mechanism 820 can be composed of three or more linkage components.

[0320] The structure of the connecting member 815 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The connecting member 815 only needs to be connected to the vehicle body 803 and the bulldozer blade 608 can be installed on the opposite side of the connection part with the vehicle body 803.

[0321] The connection method of the connecting member 815 relative to the vehicle body 803 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the connecting member 815 may be fixed to the support shaft 817. Furthermore, the support shaft 817 may be connected to the main part 811 so that the support shaft 817 can rotate relative to the main part 811 of the lower body 810. The method is not limited as long as the connecting member 815 can be rotatably connected to the vehicle body 803.

[0322] The transmission mechanism used to input the rotary input of motor 831 to reducer 840 is not limited to a mechanism using bevel gears. For example, a so-called worm gear mechanism can be used as such a transmission mechanism. The structure of the transmission mechanism is not limited as long as it can input the rotary input of motor 831 to reducer 840.

[0323] The power generating device 830 does not necessarily need to include a reducer 840. For example, the power generating device 830 can be constituted by only a motor 831, and the motor 831 can be connected to the conversion mechanism 850. In this case, it is possible to arrange the motor 831 with the central axis of the output shaft 833 of the motor 831 along the Z direction. When the power generating device 830 is constituted by only a motor 831, the central axis of the output shaft 833 of the motor 831 can constitute the power center axis. The power generating device 830 only needs to include an electric motor 831.

[0324] The structure of the bulldozer blade 608 is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. The bulldozer blade 608 can be made of any structure that can achieve the required purpose, such as land preparation, digging, and soil turning.

[0325] Construction machinery for which the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 801 is applied is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 801 can also be applied to bulldozers or compact tracked loaders.

[0326] In the above embodiments, an object composed of a plurality of objects can be integrated into one object; conversely, an object composed of a single object can be divided into a plurality of objects. Whether or not they are integrated, as long as they are configured to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

[0327] <Sixth Implementation Method>

[0328] Next, use Figures 25 to 29 This describes the sixth embodiment of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism. Furthermore, in... Figures 25 to 29 In the middle, to and Figures 1 to 24 The labeling of parts that perform the same or substantially the same function and Figures 1 to 24 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, parts that are repeated with the first to fifth embodiments are sometimes appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0329] like Figure 25 As shown, the excavator 870, as construction machinery, has a body 803. The structure of the body 803 is the same as in the fifth embodiment, except for the structure of the extended wall portion 813 described later. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, and back are defined in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0330] The lower body 810 is described in detail. For example... Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, the lower body 810 has a main section 811 and an extended wall section 813. The main section 811 is, for example, rectangular. The main section 811 houses various mechanisms required for the operation of the excavator 870. Furthermore, the main section 811 is not limited to a box shape; it can be used as long as it can accommodate the necessary components. Hereinafter, the position at the left or right center of the main section 811 in the Y direction will sometimes be referred to as the center of the mother body.

[0331] The extended wall portion 813 is located on the front side relative to the main portion 811. The extended wall portion 813 is fixed to the main portion 811. The extended wall portion 813 is, for example, cuboid in shape. The interior of the extended wall portion 813 is hollow. Furthermore, the extended wall portion 813 can be of any shape as long as it can support the power generating device 873 described later.

[0332] like Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, the excavator 870 has a pair of traveling devices 550, a working attachment 510, and a bulldozer blade 608. The structures of the traveling devices 550 and the working attachment 510 are the same as in the first embodiment. The structure of the bulldozer blade 608 is the same as in the second embodiment. Furthermore, in... Figure 26 The upper body 530 and the working auxiliary device 510 are omitted from the illustration. Additionally, in... Figure 26 Only one of the pair of driving devices 550 is shown in the image.

[0333] <Bulldozer blade drive mechanism>

[0334] The excavator 870 has a bulldozer blade drive mechanism 871. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism 871 has two sets of power transmission mechanisms 872. Furthermore, in... Figure 25 and Figure 26 Only one of the two sets of power transmission mechanisms 872 is shown in the diagram. The two sets of power transmission mechanisms 872 are respectively positioned on the left and right sides, separated by the center of the main body. The two sets of power transmission mechanisms 872 are symmetrically configured. Therefore, the following description will focus on the mechanism of the two sets of power transmission mechanisms 872 located on the left side relative to the center of the main body.

[0335] like Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, the power transmission mechanism 872 has a connecting member 879. (As indicated...) Figure 25 As shown, the connecting member 879 extends forward from the main portion 811 of the lower body 810. Figure 26 As shown, the connecting member 879 is located in the Y direction between the lower body 810 and the traveling device 550. Figure 25 As shown, the connecting member 879 has a rod-shaped main body 879A and a connecting portion 879B located at one end of the main body 879A along its length. The connecting portion 879B is plate-shaped. Figure 26 As shown, the main surface of the connecting portion 879B faces the main portion 811 of the lower body 810. As already explained, the main surface is the surface with the largest area among the outer surfaces of the plate-shaped object. The support shaft 817 passes through the connecting portion 879B. The support shaft 817 is fixed to the main portion 811 of the lower body 810. That is, the connecting portion 879B is connected to the main portion 811 via the support shaft 817. The support shaft 817 is cylindrical. The central axis 817A of the support shaft 817 extends in a generally Y direction. Furthermore, in Figure 26 The diagram omits the central axis 817A of the support shaft 817. The connecting member 879 is capable of rotating up and down relative to the main part 811 about the support shaft 817. In other words, the central axis 817A of the support shaft 817 is the rotational axis of the connecting member 879.

[0336] like Figure 25 As shown, the main body 879A of the connecting member 879 extends linearly forward from the connecting portion 879B. The bulldozer blade 608 can be mounted to the front end of the main body 879A of the connecting member 879 using an installation method, that is, mounted on the side of the connecting member 879 opposite to the connection portion of the lower body 810. Various installation methods can be employed, such as bolting or welding. In this embodiment, the connecting member 879 is mounted to the rear surface of the bulldozer blade 608. Furthermore, in Figures 27 to 29 In the text, the bulldozer blade 608 is given a simplified representation.

[0337] like Figure 26 As shown, the power transmission mechanism 872 includes a power generating device 873. The power generating device 873 is located within the extended wall portion 813 of the lower body 810. The power generating device 873 includes a motor 874, a reducer 875, and a transmission member 876.

[0338] Motor 874 is the drive source for power generating device 873. Motor 874 has a housing 874A and an output shaft 874B. Motor 874 is an electric motor that operates based on a power supply from a battery (not shown). Housing 874A is fixed to the inner wall of extension wall 813. Most of output shaft 874B is located inside housing 874A. A portion of output shaft 874B protrudes from housing 874A to the opposite side of the center of the housing. Output shaft 874B is cylindrical. The central axis F1 of output shaft 874B extends in the Y direction. Output shaft 874B is rotatable relative to housing 874A. Output shaft 874B rotates around its own central axis F1. Output shaft 874B can rotate in both forward and reverse directions based on the power supply to motor 874. Hereinafter, the central axis F1 of output shaft 874B will sometimes be referred to as the central axis F1 of motor 874. In addition, in this embodiment, the axis that is approximately aligned with the central axis F1 of the output shaft 874B is marked with the same reference numeral F1.

[0339] The reducer 875 is adjacent to the motor 874 along the central axis F1 of the motor 874. In the Y direction, the reducer 875 is located on the opposite side of the center of the motor body, across the motor 874. The reducer 875 is fixed to the inner wall of the extension wall 813. The reducer 875 is connected to the output shaft 874B of the motor 874. The torque of the output shaft 874B of the motor 874 is input to the reducer 875. The reducer 875 amplifies the torque of the output shaft 874B of the motor 874 by a predetermined ratio and outputs it. The reducer 875 can be, for example, an eccentric oscillating gear type or a planetary gear type. The reducer 875 can be of any type as long as it has a structure that can amplify the torque of the motor 874 and output it.

[0340] The transmission member 876 is adjacent to the reducer 875 along the direction of the central axis F1 of the motor 874. The transmission member 876 is located on the opposite side of the motor 874 relative to the reducer 875. The transmission member 876 is connected to the reducer 875. The transmission member 876 is cylindrical. The central axis F1 of the transmission member 876 is approximately aligned with the central axis F1 of the motor 874. The torque output from the reducer 875 is input to the transmission member 876. The transmission member 876 receives the torque from the reducer 875 and rotates about its central axis F1. That is, the transmission member 876 outputs torque centered on the central axis F1 of the motor 874. As described above, the power generating device 873 uses the motor 874 as a drive source to generate torque centered on the central axis F1 of the motor 874. Hereinafter, the central axis F1 of the motor 874 will sometimes be referred to as the central axis F1 of the power generating device 873. The central axis F1 of the power generating device 873 is parallel to the rotational axis of the connecting member 879.

[0341] <Eccentric Cam>

[0342] like Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, the power transmission mechanism 872 has a first eccentric cam 880. (As...) Figure 26As shown, the first eccentric cam 880 is adjacent to the transmission member 876 in the direction along the central axis F1 of the power generating device 873. The first eccentric cam 880 is located on the opposite side of the reducer 875 relative to the transmission member 876. The first eccentric cam 880 has a first cam body 881 and a first input shaft 882. The first input shaft 882 is connected to the transmission member 876. The first input shaft 882 is cylindrical. The central axis F1 of the first input shaft 882 is substantially aligned with the central axis F1 of the transmission member 876. The first input shaft 882 rotates coaxially with the transmission member 876. That is, the first input shaft 882 receives the torque generated by the power generating device 873 and rotates about the central axis F1 of the power generating device 873. In the Y direction, approximately half of the first input shaft 882 near the transmission member 876 is located within the extension wall 813. The first input shaft 882 is supported by a bearing 885 within the extension wall 813 to enable rotation. Approximately half of the opposite side of the transmission member 876 of the first input shaft 882 protrudes from the extension wall portion 813. Furthermore, the bearing 885 is fixed to the inner wall of the extension wall portion 813. As a result of the bearing 885 supporting the first input shaft 882, the central axis F1 of the first input shaft 882 remains in a constant position.

[0343] The first cam body 881 is located outside the extended wall portion 813. In the Y direction, the first cam body 881 is located at the same position as the body 879A of the connecting member 879. Figure 27 As shown, in the Z direction, the first cam body 881 is located on the upper side relative to the body 879A of the connecting member 879. The first cam body 881 is cylindrical in shape. The central axis of the cylinder of the first cam body 881 extends in the Y direction. The first cam body 881 has a first through hole 881H. The first through hole 881H penetrates the first cam body 881 in the Y direction. The central axis F1 of the first through hole 881H is offset relative to the central axis of the cylinder of the first cam body 881. On the other hand, the central axis F1 of the first through hole 881H is approximately aligned with the central axis F1 of the first input shaft 882 and even the power generating device 873. The diameter of the first through hole 881H is approximately the same as the diameter of the first input shaft 882. Furthermore, the first input shaft 882 is located inside the first through hole 881H. The inner surface of the first through hole 881H is integrally fixed to the first input shaft 882. The first cam body 881 rotates coaxially with the first input shaft 882. That is, the central axis F1 of the first input shaft 882 is the rotational center axis of the first cam body 881 and even the first eccentric cam 880. Hereinafter, this rotational center axis will sometimes be referred to as the first rotational center axis F1. Furthermore, in Figure 25 and Figure 27For convenience, the power generating device 873 is represented by a circle with a diameter smaller than that of the first through hole 881H.

[0344] The entire outer peripheral surface of the first cam body 881 forms the first cam surface 881A. In the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the cylinder of the first cam body 881, a portion of the first cam surface 881A contacts the body 879A of the connecting member 879 from above.

[0345] like Figure 27 As shown, the power transmission mechanism 872 has a second eccentric cam 890. The second eccentric cam 890 is located on the lower side relative to the first eccentric cam 880. Specifically, in the Z direction, the second eccentric cam 890 is located on the opposite side of the first eccentric cam 880, separated by the body 879A of the connecting member 879.

[0346] The second eccentric cam 890 has a second cam body 891 and a second input shaft 892. The second eccentric cam 890 is configured to have the same shape and size as the first eccentric cam 880. That is, the second input shaft 892 is cylindrical, just like the first input shaft 882. The central axis F2 of the second input shaft 892 extends in the Y direction. Although not shown in the figure, the second input shaft 892 is located at approximately the same position as the first input shaft 882 in both the X and Y directions. Similar to the first input shaft 882, a portion of the second input shaft 892 is located within the extension wall 813. The remaining portion of the second input shaft 892 protrudes outward from the extension wall 813. The second input shaft 892 is supported by bearings on the inner wall of the extension wall 813 to allow rotation. The second input shaft 892 is supported by bearings, thereby enabling rotation about its central axis F2. Similar to the first input shaft 882, the position of the central axis F2 of the second input shaft 892 remains constant.

[0347] The second cam body 891 is located at approximately the same position as the first cam body 881 in both the X and Y directions. The second cam body 891 is cylindrical, just like the first cam body 881. The central axis of the cylinder of the second cam body 891 extends in the Y direction. The second cam body 891 has a second through hole 891H. The second through hole 891H penetrates the second cam body 891 in the Y direction. The central axis F2 of the second through hole 891H is offset relative to the central axis of the cylinder of the second cam body 891. The portion of the second input shaft 892 protruding from the extension wall 813 is located inside the second through hole 891H. The inner surface of the second through hole 891H is integrally fixed to the second input shaft 892. Therefore, when the second input shaft 892 rotates, the second cam body 891 rotates coaxially with and integrally with the second input shaft 892. That is, the central axis F2 of the second input shaft 892 is the rotational center axis of the second cam body 891 and even the entire second eccentric cam 890. Hereinafter, this axis of rotation will sometimes be referred to as the second axis of rotation F2. The second axis of rotation F2 is parallel to the first axis of rotation F1.

[0348] The entire outer circumferential surface of the second cam body 891 constitutes the second cam surface 891A. In the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the cylinder of the second cam body 891, a portion of the second cam surface 891A contacts the body 879A of the connecting member 879 from below. That is, the second cam surface 891A contacts the body 879A of the connecting member 879 from the opposite side of the first cam surface 881A. In the X and Y directions, the second cam surface 891A is located at approximately the same position as the first cam surface 881A. Furthermore, the second cam surface 891A and the first cam surface 881A sandwich the body 879A of the connecting member 879 from above and below.

[0349] The relationship between the postures of the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 will be explained. The following explanation of the postures of the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 is based on viewing the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 along the Y-direction. The posture of the first eccentric cam 880 is the relative positional relationship between the first rotation center axis F1 and the central axis of the cylinder of the first cam body 881. The posture of the first eccentric cam 880 can be defined by the direction of the central axis of the cylinder of the first cam body 881 when viewed from the first rotation center axis F1, i.e., a first predetermined direction. For example, in... Figure 27In the first embodiment shown, the first defined direction is the upward direction. Alternatively, the first defined direction can be described as the direction of the farthest part of the first cam surface 881A when viewed from the first rotation center axis F1. In other words, the first defined direction is the direction of the greatest distance between the first rotation center axis F1 and the first cam surface 881A when viewed from the first rotation center axis F1. The posture of the second eccentric cam 890 is the relative positional relationship between the second rotation center axis F2 and the central axis of the cylinder of the second cam body 891. The posture of the second eccentric cam 890 can be defined by the direction of the central axis of the cylinder of the second cam body 891 when viewed from the second rotation center axis F2, i.e., the second defined direction. For example, in... Figure 27 In the first embodiment shown, the second defined direction is the upward direction. Alternatively, the second defined direction can be described as the direction of the farthest part of the second cam surface 891A when viewed from the second rotation center axis F2. In other words, the second defined direction is the direction of the greatest distance between the second rotation center axis 21 and the second cam surface 891A when viewed from the second rotation center axis F2. In this embodiment, the posture of the first eccentric cam 880 is the same as the posture of the second eccentric cam 890. For example, in... Figure 27 In the first embodiment shown, the first and second predetermined directions are approximately aligned. That is, the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 are in a parallel relationship along the Z-direction while maintaining the same posture. Furthermore, as described later, the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 rotate in conjunction with each other. Even when the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 are rotating, their postures remain approximately aligned. In other words, the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 rotate in conjunction with each other in a manner that aligns with the first and second predetermined directions.

[0350] <Belt>

[0351] like Figure 27 As shown, the power transmission mechanism 872 has an annular belt 888. The belt 888 constitutes a linkage mechanism. Figure 26 As shown, band 888 is located within the extended wall portion 813. (As indicated...) Figure 27 As shown, belt 888 is wound around the first input shaft 882 of the first eccentric cam 880 and the second input shaft 892 of the second eccentric cam 890. As described above, the first input shaft 882 receives torque from the power generating device 873. The first input shaft 882 rotates. Belt 888 transmits this rotation of the first input shaft 882 to the second input shaft 892. Specifically, belt 888 rotates cyclically around the first input shaft 882 and the second input shaft 892 according to the movement of the first input shaft 882. With the movement of belt 888, the second input shaft 892 rotates. That is, belt 888 causes the second input shaft 892 to rotate in conjunction with the first input shaft 882.

[0352] <The function of the sixth implementation method>

[0353] Now, assuming the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 871 is in the position Figure 27 The first embodiment is shown. In this first embodiment, the first predetermined direction relating to the posture of the first eccentric cam 880 and the second predetermined direction relating to the posture of the second eccentric cam 890 are, as described above, upward directions. Related to the fact that the first and second predetermined directions are upward directions, the rotational position of the bulldozer blade 608 in the first embodiment is the upper limit of the rotational range of the bulldozer blade 608. Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the distance from the first rotational center axis F1 to the contact point between the first cam surface 881A and the body 879A of the connecting member 879 is the minimum during one revolution of the first eccentric cam 880. Additionally, in this first embodiment, the distance from the second rotational center axis F2 to the contact point between the second cam surface 891A and the body 879A of the connecting member 879 is the maximum during one revolution of the second eccentric cam 890. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the body 879A of the connecting member 879 extends in a generally X direction.

[0354] exist Figure 27 In the first embodiment shown, it is assumed that as the motor 874 drives, the first input shaft 882 of the first eccentric cam 880 is in... Figure 27 It rotates counterclockwise on the paper. Thus, as... Figure 28 As indicated by arrow W1, the first cam body 881 rotates counterclockwise together with the first input shaft 882. Furthermore, if the first input shaft 882 rotates, the power transmitted through the shaft 888... Figure 28 As indicated by arrow W2, the second input shaft 892 rotates counterclockwise together with the first input shaft 882. Furthermore, the second cam body 891 rotates together with the rotation of the second input shaft 892. As a result of this rotation, the postures of both the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 change. Specifically, in Figure 28 In the position shown, when viewed from the first rotation center axis F1, the central axis of the cylinder of the first cam body 881 is located on the forward side. Furthermore, in... Figure 28 In the position shown for the second eccentric cam 890, viewed from the second rotation center axis F2, the central axis of the cylinder of the second cam body 891 is located on the forward side. With the rotation of the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 in this manner, as... Figure 28 As indicated by arrow W3, the connecting member 879 rotates downwards. The rotation of the connecting member 879 is driven by the contact action between the first cam surface 881A and the second cam surface 891A and the connecting member 879.

[0355] Specifically, if the first eccentric cam 880 rotates counterclockwise from the first mode, the distance from the first rotation center axis F1 to the contact point between the first cam surface 881A and the main body 879A of the connecting member 879 gradually increases due to the eccentricity of the first rotation center axis F1. Furthermore, the first cam surface 881A gradually presses the connecting member 879 downwards. On the other hand, if the second eccentric cam 890 rotates counterclockwise from the first mode, the distance from the second rotation center axis F2 to the contact point between the second cam surface 891A and the main body 879A of the connecting member 879 gradually decreases due to the eccentricity of the second rotation center axis F2. Furthermore, the second cam surface 891A allows the connecting member 879 to move downwards while simultaneously supporting the connecting member 879 upwards. Thus, when the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 rotate, the first cam surface 881A and the second cam surface 891A guide the connecting member 879 to rotate downwards. Furthermore, when the connecting member 879 rotates, the bulldozer blade 608 rotates together with the connecting member 879 in the downward direction around the support shaft 817.

[0356] Furthermore, taking the case where the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 rotate approximately 90 degrees from the first direction as an example, the downward rotation of the bulldozer blade 608 is illustrated. However, the rotation amount of the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 is not limited to approximately 90 degrees. Based on the rotation amount of the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890, the bulldozer blade 608 can also be compared... Figure 28 The second method shown rotates further downwards. That is to say, Figure 28 The rotation position of the bulldozer blade 608 shown does not represent the lower limit of the rotation range of the bulldozer blade 608.

[0357] exist Figure 28 In the second configuration shown, assuming that with the drive of the motor 874, the first input shaft 882 of the first eccentric cam 880 is in... Figure 28 The first eccentric cam 880 rotates clockwise on the paper surface. Consequently, the first eccentric cam 880 rotates clockwise as a whole, and the second eccentric cam 890, which is linked to the first eccentric cam 880, also rotates clockwise as a whole. With this rotation of the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890, the first cam surface 881A and the second cam surface 891A guide the connecting member 879 to rotate upwards. Furthermore, if the connecting member 879 rotates, the bulldozer blade 608 rotates upwards together with the connecting member 879 about the support shaft 817.

[0358] <Effects of the Sixth Implementation>

[0359] (6-1) As described in the above embodiments, in the excavator 870 of this embodiment, the bulldozer blade 608 can be raised and lowered by the contact action between the first cam surface 881A and the second cam surface 891A and the connecting member 879.

[0360] As described in (1-3) of the first embodiment, an external force is sometimes applied to the bulldozer blade 300 from the front direction. As explained, the load of this external force mainly has a component in the X direction. Therefore, this load is less likely to act on the component located in the Z direction relative to the main body 879A of the connecting member 879. That is, the load is less likely to act on the first eccentric cam 880 located in the upper direction relative to the main body 879A of the connecting member 879. Similarly, the load is less likely to act on the second eccentric cam 890 located in the lower direction relative to the main body 879A of the connecting member 879. Therefore, in the structure of this embodiment, even when a load is applied to the bulldozer blade 300 from the front direction, it is possible to suppress the input of the load to the power generation device 873 via the first eccentric cam 880. In addition, in the structure of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the input of the aforementioned load to the power generation device 873 via the path of the second eccentric cam 890, the belt 888, and the first eccentric cam 880. The load input power generation device 873 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the power generation device 873 in the same way as in (1-3) of the first embodiment.

[0361] (6-2) In the excavator 870 of this embodiment, eccentric cams are disposed above and below the main body 879A of the connecting member 879. The connecting member 879 is clamped by these eccentric cams. Thus, by arranging eccentric cams above and below the connecting member 879, the supporting state of the connecting member 879 is stable when guiding its rotation. Furthermore, in the excavator 870 of this embodiment, the two eccentric cams are linked together by belt 888. This ensures that the postures of the two eccentric cams are always synchronized. Therefore, the connecting member 879 can be smoothly guided using the two eccentric cams.

[0362] <Example of a modification to the sixth embodiment>

[0363] The sixth embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The modifications from the first embodiment to the sixth embodiment and below can be combined and implemented with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0364] The movable range of the bulldozer blade 608 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. Taking into account the posture of the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890, the connecting member 879 and other components are installed on the excavator 870 to achieve a good movable range when using the bulldozer blade 608.

[0365] The linkage mechanism is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. Any linkage mechanism is sufficient to cause the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 to rotate in a linked manner. For example, a chain can be used instead of the belt 888 as the linkage mechanism. When using a chain as the linkage mechanism, it is sufficient to form a sprocket by forming a plurality of teeth on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first input shaft 882 and the second input shaft 892 around which the chain is wound.

[0366] The structure of the first eccentric cam 880 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. It is sufficient that the shape of the first eccentric cam 880, when viewed along its own rotational axis, includes a portion of a shape offset from a circle centered on that rotational axis. Furthermore, the first eccentric cam 880 can be configured such that this portion constitutes the first cam surface 881A that contacts the connecting member 879. For example, the aforementioned shape can be an arc shape centered at a position offset from the rotational axis of the first eccentric cam 880, or it can be an ellipse. The first cam surface 881A that contacts the connecting member 879 is not limited to the entire outer peripheral surface of the first eccentric cam 880, but can also be a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first eccentric cam 880. Similarly, the structure of the second eccentric cam 890 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments.

[0367] The postures of the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 do not necessarily have to be identical. Furthermore, the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 do not necessarily have to be of the same shape and size. They only need to be able to rotate the connecting member 879 up and down through contact with the respective cam surfaces.

[0368] The structure for transmitting the torque of the power generating device 873 to each eccentric cam is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. For example, other components may be provided between the first eccentric cam 880 and the power generating device 873. Instead of transmitting the torque of the power generating device 873 to the first eccentric cam 880, the configuration of the power generating device 873 may be changed according to the examples of the embodiments described above to transmit the torque of the power generating device 873 to the second eccentric cam 890. Two power generating devices 873 may be provided, and torque may be transmitted to both the first eccentric cam 880 and the second eccentric cam 890 respectively. Any device is acceptable as long as it is possible to transmit the torque of the power generating device 873 to at least one of the eccentric cams.

[0369] One of the two eccentric cams can be canceled.

[0370] In the case of eliminating one of the two eccentric cams, for example, it is possible to adopt Figure 29 The bulldozer blade drive mechanism 871A and even the power transmission mechanism 872A are shown. Furthermore, in... Figure 29 In the middle, to and Figures 25 to 28The labeling of parts that perform the same or substantially the same function and Figures 25 to 28 Same reference numerals as in the attached figures. (and) Figure 27 Similarly, in Figure 29 In the reference configuration shown, the connecting member 879 and even the bulldozer blade 608 are located at the upper limit of their movable range.

[0371] exist Figure 29 In the power transmission mechanism 872A shown, the connecting member 879, in addition to the main body 879A and the connecting portion 879B, also has an extension portion 879C. The extension portion 879C is located on the opposite side of the main body 879A, separated from the connecting portion 879B. The extension portion 879C is, for example, rod-shaped. The extension portion 879C extends linearly along the same straight line as the main body 879A.

[0372] The following explanation, based on the assumption that the power transmission mechanism 872A is viewed along the Y direction, will focus on the rotation direction of the connecting member 879. As described above, in Figure 29 In the baseline configuration shown, the bulldozer blade 608 is positioned at the upper limit of its movable range. That is, in Figure 29 In the reference configuration shown, viewed from the first rotation center axis F1, the central axis of the cylinder of the first cam body 881 is located on the upward side. At this time, the distance from the first rotation center axis F1 to the contact point between the first cam surface 881A and the body 879A of the connecting member 879 is minimized during one revolution of the first eccentric cam 880. Under this condition, the direction of rotation on the side where the contact point is located when viewed from the first rotation center axis F1 is called the first rotation direction U1. The first rotation direction U1 is... Figure 29 The direction on the paper is counterclockwise. On the other hand, the opposite direction of the first rotation direction U1 is called the second rotation direction U2. The second rotation direction U2 is... Figure 29 The clockwise direction on the paper.

[0373] The power transmission mechanism 872A includes a spring 896. In the X direction, the spring 896 is located on the opposite side of the first eccentric cam 880, across the support shaft 817. In the Y direction, the spring 896 is located at the same position as the extension 879C of the connecting member 879. In the Z direction, the spring 896 is located on the upward side relative to the extension 879C of the connecting member 879. The spring 896 is generally cylindrical. The lower end of the spring 896 along its central axis is fixed to the extension 879C of the connecting member 879. Although not shown in the figure, the upper end of the spring 896 is fixed to the vehicle body 803. An example of the vehicle body 803 is the main part 811 of the lower body 810. The spring 896 exerts a downward force on the extension 879C of the connecting member 879. In other words, the spring 896 exerts a force on the connecting member 879 to cause the connecting member 879 to rotate relative to the vehicle body 803 in the second rotation direction U2. Furthermore, the rotation center of the connecting member 879 at this time is the support shaft 817 as described above.

[0374] The power transmission mechanism 872A has a shock absorber 895. The shock absorber 895 is inserted into a spring 896. The shock absorber 895 is, for example, hydraulic. Although not shown in the figure, the shock absorber 895 has a shock absorber body and a rod. The shock absorber body is cylindrical. The lower end of the shock absorber body along its central axis is fixed to an extension 879C of the connecting member 879. The rod protrudes laterally upward relative to the shock absorber body from the interior of the shock absorber body. The upper end of the rod is fixed to the vehicle body 803. An example of the vehicle body 803 is the main part 811 of the lower body 810. The shock absorber body has a damping function that attenuates the movement of the rod.

[0375] The following explanation Figure 29 The operation of the power transmission mechanism 872A shown will be explained. First, the downward rotation of the bulldozer blade 608 will be described. Furthermore, the clockwise and counterclockwise rotations described below are the same as those described above. Figure 29 Clockwise and counterclockwise on the paper. Now, assume the first eccentric cam 880 from... Figure 29The reference configuration is shown, rotating counterclockwise. Thus, through the contact between the first cam surface 881A and the main body 879A of the connecting member 879, the connecting member 879 rotates about the support shaft 817 in the first rotation direction U1. Specifically, if the first eccentric cam 880 rotates counterclockwise, the distance from the first rotation center axis F1 to the contact point between the first cam surface 881A and the main body 879A of the connecting member 879 gradually increases. Furthermore, the first cam surface 881A gradually presses the main body 879A of the connecting member 879 downwards. And, the main body 879A of the connecting member 879, and even the bulldozer blade 608, rotate in the first rotation direction U1. That is, the bulldozer blade 608 rotates downwards. At this time, through the damping function of the damper 895, the connecting member 879 and the bulldozer blade 608 rotate slowly.

[0376] Next, the upward rotation of the bulldozer blade 608 will be explained. Now, assume that the bulldozer blade 608 is located in a position lower than its upper limit position. In this state, assume that the first eccentric cam 880 rotates clockwise. Without the spring 896, when the first eccentric cam 880 rotates clockwise, the first cam surface 881A separates from the body 879A of the connecting member 879. However, in Figure 29 In the power transmission mechanism 872A shown, the extension 879C of the connecting member 879 is forced in the second rotational direction U2 by the spring 896. Furthermore, the main body 879A of the connecting member 879 can press the first cam surface 881A from below. Therefore, when the first eccentric cam 880 moves away from the main body 879A of the connecting member 879, the main body 879A of the connecting member 879 rotates upward following the first cam surface 881A. That is, the main body 879A of the connecting member 879 rotates upward about the support shaft 817. And the bulldozer blade 608 rotates upward. Thus, in... Figure 29 In the power transmission mechanism 872A shown, the bulldozer blade 608 can be raised and lowered while being balanced by the first eccentric cam 880 and the spring 896.

[0377] use Figure 29The power transmission mechanism 872A shown has the following advantages. Firstly, when using two eccentric cams, the shape and size of the eccentric cams need to be appropriately designed to smoothly guide the rotation of the connecting member 879. Secondly, using two eccentric cams increases the overall number of parts because two bearings or a linkage mechanism are required. Thirdly, using two eccentric cams requires aligning their positions when mounting them to the vehicle body 803, which can be time-consuming. Using the spring 896 eliminates these problems of design complexity, increased part number, and time-consuming installation.

[0378] exist Figure 29 In the power transmission mechanism 872A shown, the shock absorber 895 is not necessary.

[0379] exist Figure 29 In the power transmission mechanism 872A shown, the positions of the first eccentric cam 880 and the spring 896 in the X direction can be interchanged. That is, the spring 896 can be positioned on the forward side across the support shaft 817, and the first eccentric cam 880 can be positioned on the rearward side across the support shaft 817. Furthermore, in the X direction, both the first eccentric cam 880 and the spring 896 can be positioned on the same side across the support shaft 817. In this case, the first eccentric cam 880 and the spring 896 can be located vertically across the connecting member 879. In short, it is acceptable as long as the direction in which the connecting member 879 rotates due to the rotation of the first eccentric cam 880 is opposite to the direction in which the spring 896 exerts a force on the connecting member 879.

[0380] When using only an eccentric cam to raise and lower the connecting member 879 and even the bulldozer blade 608, the use of a spring 896 is not necessary. Any mechanism can be used as long as the connecting member 879 and even the bulldozer blade 608 can rotate up and down. Furthermore, even without using any mechanism, as long as the eccentric cam is positioned downward relative to the main body 879A of the connecting member 879, the connecting member 879 and even the bulldozer blade 608 can rotate up and down through the weight of the main body 879A of the connecting member 879 and the contact action of the eccentric cam on the connecting member 879.

[0381] The shape of the extended wall portion 813 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The extended wall portion 813 can be configured to support the power generating device 873 and each eccentric cam, etc.

[0382] The extended wall section 813 can be omitted. In this case, the power generating device 873 and various eccentric cams can be installed on the main section 811 of the lower body 810.

[0383] Either of the left or right power generating devices 873 can be eliminated. Furthermore, the eccentric cam on the side where the power generating device 873 is eliminated can be removed. In the case of eliminating either of the left or right power generating devices 873, the connecting member 879 on the side where the power generating device 873 is eliminated can be supported, for example, by a support shaft 817 to allow rotation on the opposite side of the connection point with the bulldozer blade 608. Eliminating either of the left or right power generating devices 873 is equivalent to eliminating either of the left or right power transmission mechanisms 872.

[0384] The structure of the connecting member 879 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. As long as the connecting member 879 is connected to the vehicle body 803 and the bulldozer blade 608 can be installed on the opposite side of the connection part with the vehicle body 803, it is acceptable. The vehicle body 803 includes a lower body 810, an upper body 530, and the actuation mechanism in the traveling device 550.

[0385] The power generating device 873 does not necessarily need to include a reducer 875 and a transmission component 876. For example, the power generating device 873 can be constituted by only a motor 874, and the motor 874 can be directly connected to the eccentric cam. The power generating device 873 only needs to include an electric motor 874.

[0386] The structure of the bulldozer blade 608 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The bulldozer blade 608 can be any structure that can achieve the required uses such as land preparation, digging, and soil turning.

[0387] Construction machinery for which the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 871 is applied is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 871 can also be applied to bulldozers or compact tracked loaders.

[0388] In the above embodiments, an object composed of a plurality of objects can be integrated into one object; conversely, an object composed of a single object can be divided into a plurality of objects. Whether or not they are integrated, as long as they are configured to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

[0389] <Seventh Implementation>

[0390] Next, use Figures 30 to 32 A seventh embodiment of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism will be described. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, the accompanying drawings sometimes show enlarged representations of the constituent elements. Additionally, the dimensional proportions of the constituent elements may sometimes differ from the actual dimensional proportions, or from the dimensional proportions in other drawings. Figures 30 to 32 In the middle, to and Figures 1 to 29 The labeling of parts that perform the same or substantially the same function and Figures 1 to 29 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, parts that are repeated with the first to sixth embodiments are sometimes appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0391] like Figure 30 As shown, the forklift 900, as construction machinery, has a body 901. The body 901 has an upper body 530 and a lower body 902. The structure of the upper body 530 is the same as in the first embodiment. The structure of the lower body 902 will be described later. The upper body 530 is located on the opposite side of the ground G, separated from the lower body 902. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, and back are defined in the same way as in the first embodiment. The upper body 530 is capable of rotating left and right relative to the lower body 902 about an axis extending approximately in the Z direction.

[0392] The lower body 902 will be described in detail. The lower body 902 has a main part 903 and a connecting wall part 904. The main part 903 is, for example, rectangular. The main part 903 houses various mechanisms required for the operation of the excavator 900. Furthermore, the main part 903 is not limited to a box shape, as long as it can accommodate the necessary components.

[0393] The connecting wall portion 904 is located on the front side relative to the main portion 903. The connecting wall portion 904 protrudes forward from the front surface of the main portion 903. The connecting wall portion 904 is fixed to the front surface of the main portion 903. The connecting wall portion 904 is, for example, a rectangular plate. The main surface of the connecting wall portion 904 faces left and right. The main surface is the surface with the largest area among the outer surfaces of the plate-shaped component. The connecting wall portion 904 is located near the center of the main portion 903 in the Y direction. In the Z direction, the connecting wall portion 904 is located near the upper end of the main portion 903. The overall dimensions of the connecting wall portion 904 are much smaller than the overall dimensions of the power generating device 30 described later.

[0394] The excavator 900 has a pair of traveling devices 550, working attachments 510, and a bulldozer blade 300. The structures of the traveling devices 550 and working attachments 510 are the same as in the first embodiment. The structure of the bulldozer blade 300 is basically the same as in the first embodiment. Instead of the mounting plate 320 of the first embodiment, the bulldozer blade 300 has a mounting structure 330. That is, the mounting structure 330 is fixed to the rear surface of the bulldozer blade body 310. The mounting structure 330 is a wall portion for mounting the power generating device 30, which will be described later. The mounting structure 330 can be of any shape as long as it can mount the power generating device 30.

[0395] <Bulldozer blade drive mechanism>

[0396] The excavator 900 has a bulldozer blade drive mechanism 900A. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism 900A has a pair of connecting members 907. The pair of connecting members 907 are located on the left and right sides of the lower body 902. The structure of the connecting members 907 is the same as that of the arm in the first embodiment. That is, the connecting members 907 are elongated in the front-rear direction. A support shaft 915 passes through the rear end of the connecting member 907. The support shaft 915 is fixed to the main part 903 of the lower body 902. In other words, the connecting member 907 is connected to the main part 903 via the support shaft 915. The support shaft 915 is located on the rearward side of the connecting wall portion 904 of the lower body 902. Furthermore, in the Z direction, the support shaft 915 is located on the lowerward side of the connecting wall portion 904. The support shaft 915 is cylindrical. The central axis 915A of the support shaft 915 extends in a generally Y direction. Figure 30 As indicated by arrow 907V, the connecting member 907 can rotate vertically relative to the main body 903 about the central axis 915A of the support shaft 915. That is, the central axis 915A of the support shaft 915 is the rotational axis of the connecting member 907. The bulldozer blade 300 is installed at the front end of the connecting member 907, specifically on the opposite side of the connection point between the connecting member 907 and the main body 903 of the lower body 902. Various installation methods can be employed, such as bolting or welding. Furthermore, in Figure 30 In order to make it easier to understand the positional relationship of each component, a part of the connecting component 907 is cut off for representation.

[0397] The bulldozer blade drive mechanism 900A includes a power generating device 30. The power generating device 30 is mounted on the mounting structure 330 of the bulldozer blade 300. The structure of the power generating device 30 is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the power generating device 30 includes a motor 31 as a drive source, a reducer 35, and a transmission member. Furthermore, the transmission member is omitted from the drawings. As described in the first embodiment, the motor 31 is an electric motor that operates with power supplied from a battery (not shown). The output shaft 33 of the motor 31 is rotatable relative to the housing. The output shaft 33 rotates about its own central axis 31A. The reducer 35 is arranged parallel to the motor 31 in the direction along the central axis 31A of the output shaft 33 of the motor 31. The reducer 35 is connected to the output shaft 33 of the motor 31. The torque output from the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 is input to the reducer 35. The reducer 35 amplifies the torque from the motor 31 and outputs it to the transmission member. The transmission member is arranged parallel to the reducer 35 in the direction along the central axis 31A of the output shaft 33 of the motor 31. The transmission member is located on the opposite side of the motor 31, separated from the reducer 35. The transmission member receives torque from the reducer 35 and outputs torque centered on the central axis 31A of the output shaft 33 of the motor 31. When the transmission member rotates, its rotation direction is the same as the rotation direction of the output shaft 33 of the motor 31. Hereinafter, the central axis 31A of the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 will be referred to as the central axis 31A of the power generating device 30. When the power generating device 30 is mounted on the bulldozer blade 300, the central axis 31A of the power generating device 30 extends in the Y direction. That is, the central axis 31A of the power generating device 30 is approximately parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member 907. Although not shown in the figure, the power generating device 30 is covered, for example, by a cover, to prevent sand or soil from adhering to it.

[0398] The bulldozer blade drive mechanism 900A has a linkage mechanism 910. The linkage mechanism 910 has a first link 911 and a second link 912. The first link 911 and the second link 912 are linear link components when viewed from the side along the Y direction.

[0399] The first end of the first connecting rod 911 is connected to the connecting wall portion 904 of the lower body 902. Specifically, the first support shaft 916 passes through the first end of the first connecting rod 911. The first support shaft 916 is fixed to the connecting wall portion 904. That is, the first connecting rod 911 is connected to the connecting wall portion 904 via the first support shaft 916. The first support shaft 916 is cylindrical. The central axis of the first support shaft 916 extends in a generally Y direction. In other words, the central axis of the first support shaft 916 is approximately parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member 907. The first connecting rod 911 is in a state where it can rotate relative to the first support shaft 916. The first connecting rod 911 can be prevented from detaching relative to the first support shaft 916 by means of an anti-detachment mechanism (not shown).

[0400] The second end of the first link 911 is connected to the first end of the second link 912. Specifically, the second support shaft 917 passes through the second end of the first link 911 and the first end of the second link 912.

[0401] The second support shaft 917 is cylindrical. The central axis of the second support shaft 917 extends approximately in the Y direction. That is, the central axis of the second support shaft 917 is approximately parallel to the central axis of the first support shaft 916. The second support shaft 917 is prevented from detaching relative to the first link 911 and the second link 912 using an anti-detachment mechanism (not shown). Both the first link 911 and the second link 912 are in a state where they can rotate relative to the second support shaft 917. Therefore, the first link 911 and the second link 912 can rotate relative to each other about the second support shaft 917.

[0402] The second end of the second link 912 is fixed to the transmission member of the power generating device 30. The second end of the second link 912 rotates integrally with the transmission member. That is, the second link 912 rotates about the central axis 31A of the motor 31. As described above, the linkage mechanism 910 connects the power generating device 30 and the connecting wall portion 904, which is part of the vehicle body 901.

[0403] <The Effect of the Seventh Implementation>

[0404] The lifting and lowering action of the bulldozer blade 300 is explained. For example... Figure 30 As shown, the posture of each component of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 900A when the bulldozer blade body 310 contacts the ground G is called the reference posture. In the reference posture, the connecting member 907 is arranged approximately along the X direction. Furthermore, in the reference posture, the first link 911 and the second link 912 are arranged to form a V-shape with the second support shaft 917 as the lower end when the excavator 900 is viewed along the Y direction. Hereinafter, Figure 30 The clockwise direction on the paper, that is, the clockwise direction when viewing the excavator 900 from the left is called the first direction 31P, and the opposite direction is called the second direction 31Q.

[0405] Now, assume the components of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 900A are in a reference position. Assume the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 begins to rotate in the first direction 31P from this state. Then, as... Figure 31 As shown, the second link 912 and the first link 911 operate in conjunction, and the power generating device 30 is configured to approach the connecting wall portion 904. Specifically, as... Figure 31 As shown, the inferior angle formed by the first link 911 and the second link 912 when viewed from the Y direction is smaller than that in the reference posture. Furthermore, as... Figure 31As indicated by arrow 900P, the power generating device 30 and the bulldozer blade 300 move upward relative to their reference posture. Specifically, the power generating device 30 and the bulldozer blade 300 rotate upward about the support shaft 915. During this rotation, the minor angle between the first link 911 and the second link 912 decreases, thereby transmitting the torque generated by the power generating device 30 to the bulldozer blade 300 and the connecting member 907 through the upward rotation of the bulldozer blade 300. That is, the linkage mechanism 910 transmits the torque generated by the power generating device 30 to the bulldozer blade 300 and the connecting member 907 as a rotational motion of the bulldozer blade 300 centered on the rotational axis of the connecting member 907. Furthermore, the minor angle is the angle less than 180 degrees between the first link 911 and the second link 912.

[0406] like Figure 30 As shown, assume the component assembly of the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 900A is once again in the reference posture. Assume the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 begins to rotate in the second direction 31Q from this state. Furthermore, for example, when excavating the ground G using the work attachment 510, the excavator 900 can move the bulldozer blade 300 to a position lower than the imaginary plane formed by extending the lower surface of the tracks of the travel device 550. Additionally, if the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 is rotated in the second direction 31Q, then... Figure 32 As shown, the second link 912 and the first link 911 operate in tandem, and the power generating device 30 separates from the connecting wall 904. Specifically, the inferior angle formed by the first link 911 and the second link 912 when viewed from the Y direction is larger than that in the reference posture. Furthermore, as... Figure 32 As indicated by arrow 900Q, the power generating device 30 and the bulldozer blade 300 move downwards relative to their reference posture. The power generating device 30 and the bulldozer blade 300 rotate downwards about the support shaft 915. During this rotation, the minor angle between the first link 911 and the second link 912 increases, thereby transmitting the torque generated by the power generating device 30 to the bulldozer blade 300 and the connecting member 907, causing the bulldozer blade 300 to rotate downwards. In other words, the linkage mechanism 910 transmits the torque generated by the power generating device 30 as a rotational motion of the bulldozer blade 300 about the rotational axis of the connecting member 907 to the bulldozer blade 300 and the connecting member 907.

[0407] <Effects of the Seventh Implementation>

[0408] According to the structure of this embodiment, the rotation of the output shaft 33 of the motor 31 can be transmitted to the bulldozer blade 300 via the first connecting rod 911 and the second connecting rod 912. Furthermore, this allows the bulldozer blade 300 to be raised and lowered. That is, according to the structure of this embodiment, the raising and lowering of the bulldozer blade 300, powered by the motor 31, can be achieved. When employing such an electric lifting mechanism related to the bulldozer blade 300, in this embodiment, the power generating device 30 is mounted on the bulldozer blade 300, and the power generating device 30 and the lower body 902 are connected via the linkage mechanism 910. Consider a comparative example where, as in the first embodiment, the power generating device 30 is mounted on the lower body 902, and the power generating device 30 and the bulldozer blade 300 are connected via the linkage mechanism 910. In this comparative example, the power generating device 30 is positioned near the front surface of the main portion 903 of the lower body 902. The external dimensions of the power generating device 30 are correspondingly large. Therefore, in the comparative example, a larger space related to the power generating device 30 is allocated near the front surface of the main part 903. As a result, the space for arranging other components near the front surface of the main part 903 becomes smaller.

[0409] In this embodiment, a larger power generating device 30 is mounted on the bulldozer blade 300. That is, the power generating device 30 is positioned separately from the front surface of the main body 903. In this case, it is not necessary to place a large component near the front surface of the main body 903. Furthermore, it is sufficient to ensure space near the front surface of the main body 903 for mounting a smaller first support shaft 916. In this embodiment, it is easy to ensure sufficient empty space near the front surface of the main body 903. Furthermore, other components can be placed in this empty space.

[0410] <Example of a modification to the seventh embodiment>

[0411] The seventh embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The modifications from the first embodiment to the seventh embodiment and below can be combined and implemented with each other to the extent that they are not technically contradictory.

[0412] The structure of the linkage mechanism 910 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The size and shape of each linkage component can be appropriately changed according to the examples of the above embodiments. Furthermore, the number of linkage components constituting the linkage mechanism 910 can also be appropriately changed according to the examples of the above embodiments. The linkage mechanism 910 can be any structure that can transmit the torque generated by the power generating device 30 as the rotational motion of the bulldozer blade 300 centered on the central axis 915A of the support shaft 915.

[0413] The structure of the connecting member 907 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The connecting member 907 only needs to be rotatably connected to the vehicle body 901 and be able to mount the bulldozer blade 300 on the opposite side of the connection portion to the vehicle body 901. Furthermore, similar to the variation of the first embodiment, the connection method between the connecting member 907 and the vehicle body 901 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The connection portion on the vehicle body 901 side used to connect the connecting member 907 to the vehicle body 901 is not limited to the main portion 903 of the lower body 902.

[0414] Similar to the variation of the first embodiment, the structure of the power generating device 30 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The power generating device 30 can be any structure that includes an electric motor 31 as a drive source and is capable of generating a torque centered on a central axis parallel to the rotational central axis of the connecting member 907.

[0415] The structure for mounting the power generating device 30 to the side of the bulldozer blade 300 is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. The structure is not limited as long as the power generating device 30 can be mounted to the bulldozer blade 300. For example, the power generating device 30 can also be mounted to the bulldozer blade body 310.

[0416] Construction machinery for which the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 900A is applied is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the bulldozer blade drive mechanism 900A can also be applied to bulldozers or compact tracked loaders.

[0417] In the above embodiments, an object composed of a plurality of objects can be integrated into one object; conversely, an object composed of a single object can be divided into a plurality of objects. Whether or not they are integrated, as long as they are configured to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A bulldozer blade drive mechanism, wherein, have: The connecting member is rotatably connected to the body of the construction machinery at the first connecting part, and is capable of mounting a bulldozer blade at the second connecting part on the opposite side of the first connecting part. The power generating device is configured to include an electric motor as a drive source, and to generate torque centered on a torque center axis parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member; and The linkage mechanism transmits the torque generated by the power generating device as the rotational motion of the bulldozer blade centered on the rotation axis. When viewed along a direction parallel to the torque center axis, in the front-rear direction of the construction machinery, the torque center axis is located between the center of the line segment connecting the first connection part and the second connection part and the bulldozer blade.

2. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The linkage mechanism has the following characteristics: The first link receives torque from the power generating device and rotates about the torque central axis. as well as The second link is rotatably connected to the first link at the third connection point, and rotatably connected to the bulldozer blade at the fourth connection point. When viewed along a direction parallel to the torque center axis, and taking the line segment connecting the torque center axis and the third connection portion as the first line segment, and the line segment connecting the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion as the second line segment, The length of the first line segment is more than 50% and less than 200% of the length of the second line segment.

3. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The linkage mechanism has the following characteristics: The first link receives torque from the power generating device and rotates about the torque central axis. as well as The second link is rotatably connected to the first link at the third connection point, and rotatably connected to the bulldozer blade at the fourth connection point. Assuming the bulldozer blade contacts the ground where the construction machinery is located, the fourth connection part is located lower than the third connection part.

4. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 3, wherein, When viewed along a direction parallel to the torque center axis, and taking the line segment connecting the torque center axis and the third connection portion as the first line segment, and the line segment connecting the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion as the second line segment, Assuming the bulldozer blade contacts the ground, the inferior angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment is greater than 75 degrees and less than 105 degrees.

5. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 4, wherein, Assuming the bulldozer blade is in contact with the ground, the first line segment is parallel to the ground.

6. A bulldozer blade drive mechanism, wherein, have: A power generating device, configured within the tracks of a construction machine, includes an electric motor and generates torque; as well as The connecting member is connected to the power generating device at the connecting part, is able to receive torque from the power generating device to rotate, and is able to install the bulldozer blade at the mounting part on the opposite side of the connecting part.

7. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 6, wherein, The power generating device and the connecting member form a first power transmission mechanism. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism also has a second power transmission mechanism. The first power transmission mechanism and the second power transmission mechanism are respectively disposed on one and the other of a pair of tracks for traveling of the construction machinery.

8. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 7, wherein, Universal joints are provided in each power transmission mechanism. These universal joints are configured to be located at the mounting point and connect the connecting member and the bulldozer blade. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism also has a control device, which is configured to independently control the electric motors of the first power transmission mechanism and the second power transmission mechanism, respectively.

9. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 6, wherein, have: The driven sprocket is annular and coaxial with the rotation center axis of the power generating device, and has a plurality of teeth on its outer circumferential surface. The power generating device is inserted into the driven sprocket. as well as A bearing, disposed between the driven sprocket and the power generating device, supports the driven sprocket so that it can rotate relative to the power generating device. The driven sprocket is located on the opposite side of the driving sprocket within the track, separated from the center of the track. The connecting member extends from the connecting portion toward the opposite side of the drive sprocket.

10. A bulldozer blade drive mechanism, wherein, have: A power generating device, mounted on the body of the construction machinery, includes an electric motor and generates torque; as well as The connecting member is connected to the power generating device at the connecting part, is able to receive torque from the power generating device to rotate, and is able to install the bulldozer blade on the opposite side of the connecting part.

11. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 10, wherein, The wall portion of the vehicle body used to mount the power generating device spans the center between a pair of tracks.

12. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 10, wherein, The power generating device and the connecting member form a first power transmission mechanism. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism also has a second power transmission mechanism. The first power transmission mechanism and the second power transmission mechanism are located on one side and the other side of the center between the pair of tracks, respectively.

13. A bulldozer blade drive mechanism, wherein, have: A power generating device, mounted on an upper body that can rotate relative to the lower body of the construction machinery, includes an electric motor as a drive source and generates torque; as well as The connecting member is connected to the power generating device at the connecting part, is able to receive torque from the power generating device to rotate, and is able to install the bulldozer blade on the opposite side of the connecting part.

14. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 13, wherein, The construction machinery has a digging bucket. When viewed along a direction parallel to the rotation center axis of the power generating device, and taking the direction in which the bulldozer blade is located when viewed from the connection point as the first direction, the bucket is located on the side of the first direction when viewed from the connection point.

15. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to any one of claims 6, 10, and 13, wherein, The power generating device has a transmission component that outputs a torque corresponding to the rotation of the electric motor. The transmission component has a first component and a second component, which are arranged in a direction along the rotational center axis of the power generating device. The first component has: A first flat surface, opposite to the second member; and The recess extends from the first flat surface and along a first axis parallel to the first flat surface. The second component has: The second flat surface is opposite to the first flat surface; as well as The convex portion protrudes from the second flat surface at a position opposite to the concave portion and extends along the first axis.

16. A bulldozer blade drive mechanism, wherein, have: The connecting component is rotatably connected to the body of the construction machinery at the connecting part, and a bulldozer blade can be installed on the opposite side of the connecting part; The power generating device includes an electric motor as a drive source that generates torque; The conversion mechanism converts the torque generated by the power generating device into linear motion along the direction of the power center axis when the axis along the vertical direction of the construction machinery is taken as the power center axis. as well as The linkage mechanism transmits the linear motion converted by the conversion mechanism as the rotational motion of the bulldozer blade.

17. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 16, wherein, The conversion mechanism has: The nut rotates by receiving torque from the power generating device; The lead screw shaft is inserted into the nut; and A plurality of balls are located between the nut and the lead screw shaft.

18. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 17, wherein, The power generating device includes a speed reducer, which reduces the rotational speed of the electric motor and outputs the speed. The reducer is cylindrical with the power center axis as its central axis, and the output member has an output member on one end face side along the direction of the power center axis for outputting torque to the nut. The nut is connected to the output component of the reducer. The lead screw shaft and the nut are inserted into the reducer.

19. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 16, wherein, The power generating device is connected to the vehicle body in a manner that allows it to rotate around a central axis parallel to the rotational center axis of the connecting member.

20. A bulldozer blade drive mechanism, wherein, have: The connecting component is rotatably connected to the body of the construction machinery at the connecting part, and a bulldozer blade can be installed on the opposite side of the connecting part; The power generating device includes an electric motor as a drive source that generates torque; as well as The eccentric cam receives the torque generated by the power generating device and rotates around a rotation center axis parallel to the rotation center axis of the connecting member. The cam surface, which is the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam, contacts the connecting member.

21. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 20, wherein, The eccentric cam is designated as the first eccentric cam, the cam surface as the first cam surface, and the rotation center axis of the first eccentric cam as the first rotation center axis. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism also has: The second eccentric cam rotates around a second rotation center axis parallel to the first rotation center axis and is located on the opposite side of the first eccentric cam via the connecting member; as well as The linkage mechanism causes the first eccentric cam and the second eccentric cam to rotate in tandem. The second cam surface, which is the outer peripheral surface of the second eccentric cam, contacts the connecting member from the opposite side of the first cam surface. The first eccentric cam and the second eccentric cam are identical in shape and size. The first eccentric cam and the second eccentric cam rotate in a coordinated manner such that the direction of the part of the first cam surface furthest from the first rotation center axis when viewed from the first rotation center axis is the same as the direction of the part of the second cam surface furthest from the second rotation center axis when viewed from the second rotation center axis.

22. The bulldozer blade drive mechanism according to claim 20, wherein, It also includes: a spring that applies a force to the connecting member to cause the connecting member to rotate in one direction relative to the vehicle body. The "one direction side" refers to the opposite side of the contact point when viewed from the rotation center axis of the eccentric cam, under the condition that the distance from the rotation center axis of the eccentric cam to the contact point between the cam surface and the connecting member is minimized.

23. A bulldozer blade drive mechanism, wherein, have: The connecting component is rotatably connected to the body of the construction machinery at the connecting part, and a bulldozer blade can be installed on the opposite side of the connecting part; A power generating device is installed on the bulldozer blade and includes an electric motor as a drive source, and generates a torque centered on a central axis parallel to the rotational center axis of the connecting member. And a linkage mechanism, connecting the power generating device and the vehicle body, transmitting the torque generated by the power generating device as the rotational motion of the bulldozer blade centered on the rotation center axis.

Images