Construction machine

Abstract

To provide a construction machine capable of preventing error replacement of containers for a configuration to load a plurality of containers storing fuel.SOLUTION: A hydraulic shovel 1 comprises a lower traveling body 2 and a super structure 3, an engine 13, and a container detachable device 21. The container detachable device 21 comprises: a stopper member 33 capable of changing a first container 41 and a second container 42 storing fuel of the engine 13 between a container restrained state restraining the first container 41 and the second container 42 on the super structure 3 and a container released state releasing the restraint of them; and a changeover valve 46 making supply of fuel of the first container 41 to the engine 13 in priority than fuel of the second container 42. A first pipe line 44 connected to the first container 41 is attached on the stopper member 33 so as to be connectable to the first container 41 only when the stopper member 33 is in the container restrained state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to construction machines, such as hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders, on which a container (fuel container) for storing fuel for a prime mover is replaceably mounted. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a hydraulic excavator, which is a representative example of a construction machine, includes a travelable lower traveling body, an upper rotating body rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body, and a working device provided on the front side of the upper rotating body. The upper rotating body has a rotating frame serving as a base, and a prime mover such as a diesel engine fueled by light oil and a hydraulic pump driven by the prime mover are mounted on the rotating frame. In response to this, fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and hydrogen gas, which have clean exhaust gas and excellent cost performance, have been attracting attention in recent years. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a construction machine equipped with a natural gas engine and a gas cylinder.

[0003] Considering the standards for gas cylinders (fuel containers) currently in circulation, the amount of fuel that can be filled into each gas cylinder is small, making it difficult to ensure sufficient operating time for the construction machine. Therefore, the construction machine of Patent Document 1 is equipped with multiple gas cylinders (fuel containers). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-040705 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, when fuel in a fuel container (hereinafter referred to as the container) runs low, only those who are qualified to fill the container with fuel such as LPG can do so. For this reason, when fuel runs low in a container, the container with the low fuel level is generally replaced with another container that is full of fuel. However, in the case of construction machinery equipped with multiple containers, there is a risk that a container that is fully filled with fuel will be mistakenly replaced instead of the container that has less fuel and should be replaced.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a construction machine that is configured to carry a plurality of containers for storing fuel and that can prevent erroneous replacement of the containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention preferably relates to a construction machine comprising a vehicle body having a working implement, a prime mover mounted on the vehicle body, and a container attachment / detachment device for detachably restraining a first container and a second container for storing fuel for the prime mover to the vehicle body, the container attachment / detachment device comprising a stopper member that can be changed between a container restraining state in which the first container and the second container are restrained by the vehicle body and a container release state in which the restraint of the first container and the second container is released, a first pipeline connected to the first container, a second pipeline connected to the second container, and a switching valve that switches between a first state in which the first container and the prime mover are connected via the first pipeline and a second state in which the second container and the prime mover are connected via the second pipeline, the switching valve preferentially supplies fuel from the first container to the prime mover over fuel from the second container, and the first pipeline is attached to the stopper member so as to be connectable to the first container only when the stopper member is in the container restraining state. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, by mounting a plurality of containers for storing fuel, erroneous replacement of the containers can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the hydraulic excavator according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a revolving frame, an engine, a cab, a container mounting / removal device, a first container, a second container, etc. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the engine is removed from FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view taken from a position similar to that of FIG. 3, illustrating a state in which the stopper member (holding member) is released from holding down the first container and the second container. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first container, a second container, a container mounting / removal device, etc. are removed from FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a front view (as viewed from the right side of FIG. 3) showing the revolving frame, the cab, the container mounting / removal device, the first container, the second container, etc. [Figure 7] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a swivel frame, a container mounting / removal device, a first container, a second container, etc. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view showing the container mounting / removal device, a first container, and a second container. FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a perspective view showing the container mounting / removal device when replacing the first container and the second container. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view seen from the left side of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a first container, a second container, a fuel supply line, an engine, a controller, a monitor, a buzzer, etc. [Figure 12] 12 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by a controller in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 13 is a flow chart showing the control processing following "A" and "B" in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 6 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the pressure P1 in the first container and the operation time, and a threshold value Pt1. FIG. [Figure 15] 6 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the pressure P2 of the second container and the operation time, and threshold values ​​Pt1 and Pt2. FIG. [Figure 16] 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of buzzer sounding for the "first warning" and the "second warning" in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, taking as an example a case where the embodiment is applied to a hydraulic excavator, which is a representative construction machine (work machine), more specifically, to a small hydraulic excavator. Each step in the flow chart shown in FIG. 12 is represented by the letter "S" (for example, step 1 = "S1").

[0011] In the following description, the front-to-rear direction of the hydraulic excavator 1 refers to the working device 4 side as the front side, and the counterweight 12 side opposite the working device 4 as the rear side. The left-to-right direction of the hydraulic excavator 1 refers to a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. For example, in FIG. 1, the left-to-right direction of the paper corresponds to the front-to-rear direction of the hydraulic excavator 1, the front-to-back direction of the paper corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the hydraulic excavator 1, and the up-to-down direction of the paper corresponds to the up-to-down direction of the hydraulic excavator 1.

[0012] The hydraulic excavator 1 as a construction machine (work machine) is used, for example, at work sites such as civil engineering, demolition, and underground construction. The hydraulic excavator 1 of the embodiment is configured as a small hydraulic excavator (mini excavator, small hydraulic excavator) (for example, machine weight is about 1 to 6 tons) suitable for work in a narrow work site. The hydraulic excavator 1 of the embodiment is configured as a cab-equipped hydraulic excavator 1.

[0013] The hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a self-propelled crawler-type lower traveling body 2, an upper rotating body 3 rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body 2, and a working device 4 provided on the upper rotating body 3. The lower traveling body 2 and the upper rotating body 3 constitute the body of the hydraulic excavator 1. The body is capable of traveling and rotating. A swing-type working device 4 is attached to the front side of the upper rotating body 3 so as to be able to swing. The hydraulic excavator 1 performs work such as excavating earth and sand using the working device 4.

[0014] The lower traveling body 2 is configured to include, for example, crawler belts 2A formed by attaching a plurality of shoes to endless track links, and left and right traveling hydraulic motors (not shown) that rotate the crawler belts 2A to travel the hydraulic excavator 1. A rotating device configured to include a rotating bearing and a rotating hydraulic motor is provided between the lower traveling body 2 and the upper rotating body 3.

[0015] The working device 4, also called a front device or a working machine, has a swing post 4A that is provided on the front side of a revolving frame 5 so as to be swingable in the left-right direction. A boom 4B is rotatably attached to the swing post 4A. An arm 4C is rotatably attached to the tip of the boom 4B. A bucket 4D as a working tool is rotatably attached to the tip of the arm 4C. The working device 4 also includes a swing cylinder (not shown) that swings the swing post 4A, a boom cylinder 4E that rotates the boom 4B, an arm cylinder 4F that rotates the arm 4C, and a bucket cylinder 4G as a working tool cylinder that rotates the bucket 4D.

[0016] The upper rotating body 3 is rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body 2. The upper rotating body 3 rotates on the lower traveling body 2 by being driven by a hydraulic motor for rotation of the rotation device. Here, the width dimension in the left-right direction of the upper rotating body 3 is set to be equal to the vehicle width of the lower traveling body 2. As a result, the hydraulic excavator 1 is configured as a small rear swing type hydraulic excavator in which the rear surface 12A of the counterweight 12 fits within 120% of the vehicle width of the lower traveling body 2 when the upper rotating body 3 rotates on the lower traveling body 2.

[0017] The upper rotating body 3 includes, for example, a rotating frame 5 as a vehicle body frame, an engine 13 (FIG. 2) that serves as the prime mover of the hydraulic excavator 1, and a cab box 9 having an operator's seat 7 (only shown in FIG. 1) therein. The operator's seat 7 and the cab box 9 are provided on a floor member 8 (FIGS. 5 and 6). The floor member 8 is supported on the left front side of the rotating frame 5 so as to be tiltable around its front side as the tilt center. The cab box 9 is formed as a box body that covers the periphery and upper part of the operator's seat 7. That is, the cab box 9 is formed in a box shape surrounded by a front side 9A, a rear side 9B, a left side side 9C (FIG. 6), a right side side 9D, and a top side 9E, and the inside serves as the operator's cab.

[0018] In addition, the right side surface 9D of the cab box 9 is a sliding driver's seat window 9D1 that can be opened and closed by moving it in the front-rear direction. A driver's seat 7 where an operator sits, a travel lever / pedal (not shown) and a work lever (not shown) for operating the hydraulic excavator 1 are provided inside the cab box 9. The operator can operate the travel lever / pedal and the work lever to travel using the lower traveling body 2, rotate the upper rotating body 3, excavate using the work device 4, and so on.

[0019] The revolving frame 5 constitutes a support structure (base frame) of the upper revolving body 3. As shown in Figs. 2 to 6, the revolving frame 5 includes a bottom plate 5A, a left vertical plate 5B (Fig. 6), a right vertical plate 5C, a horizontal plate 5D (Fig. 5), an upper plate 5E, a left side frame 5F, and a right side frame 5G. The bottom plate 5A is formed using a thick steel plate and extends in the front-rear direction. The left vertical plate 5B and the right vertical plate 5C are erected on the bottom plate 5A and extend in the front-rear direction so that the left-right distance between them increases from the front side to the rear side. The horizontal plate 5D is erected on the bottom plate 5A and extends in the left-right direction, connecting the left vertical plate 5B and the right vertical plate 5C.

[0020] The upper plate 5E is provided on the upper part of the left vertical plate 5B and the right vertical plate 5C, and extends forward from the middle part of the left vertical plate 5B and the right vertical plate 5C in the front-rear direction. The left side frame 5F extends leftward from the front end of the bottom plate 5A, then bends and extends rearward. The right side frame 5G extends rightward from the front end of the bottom plate 5A, then bends and extends rearward. The front ends of the bottom plate 5A, the left vertical plate 5B, the right vertical plate 5C, and the upper plate 5E form a working device support part 5H that protrudes forward. The swing post 4A of the working device 4 is attached to this working device support part 5H so that it can swing left and right.

[0021] At the front position of the revolving frame 5, a left front beam 5J is provided extending in the left-right direction above the left side frame 5F. A floor member 8 is supported by a tilt support member so that it can tilt (tilt up, tilt down) on the left front beam 5J and the upper plate 5E at the front position of the revolving frame 5. In addition, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, a bracket 5K serving as a mounting base is provided above the right vertical plate 5C at the front position of the revolving frame 5. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, a container mounting / removal device 21 described later is fixed to the upper surface of the bracket 5K. The bracket 5K is adjacent to the right side surface 9D of the cab box 9, and is disposed on the lateral side (right side in the left-right direction) of this right side surface 9D.

[0022] A counterweight 12, an engine 13 (FIG. 2), a hydraulic pump (not shown), a hydraulic oil tank 15 (FIG. 1), a control valve device (not shown), etc. are mounted on the revolving frame 5. In this case, the working device 4 is attached to the front side of the revolving frame 5, and the counterweight 12 is attached to the rear side of the revolving frame 5. In addition, an exterior cover 16 (FIG. 1) that covers the various devices mounted on the revolving frame 5 is provided on the revolving frame 5.

[0023] The counterweight 12 is provided at the rear end of the upper rotating body 3. That is, the counterweight 12 is provided at the rear end of the rotating frame 5, located rearward of the cab box 9, in order to balance the weight with the working device 4. The counterweight 12 is formed as an arc-shaped heavy object that extends in the left-right direction and has its center in the left-right direction protruding rearward. As a result, the rear surface 12A of the counterweight 12 is formed as an arc surface that fits within an imaginary circle with a certain turning radius when the upper rotating body 3 turns. In addition, the rear end of the floor member 8 is attached to the front side of the counterweight 12 and is removably supported.

[0024] The engine 13 is mounted on the revolving frame 5, positioned in front of the counterweight 12. The engine 13 is supported via a plurality of mount members 13A (FIG. 2) rearward of the horizontal plate 5D of the revolving frame 5. The engine 13 is a prime mover that serves as a power source (drive source) of the hydraulic excavator 1. The engine 13 is driven by, for example, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel. As shown in FIG. 2, the engine 13 is mounted on the revolving frame 5 in a horizontally placed state extending in the left-right direction.

[0025] Fuel is supplied to the engine 13 from containers 41, 42, also called cylinders or tanks. That is, the containers 41, 42 are connected to the engine 13 via a fuel supply line 43. The containers 41, 42 are filled with liquefied gas fuel (for example, liquid LPG). For example, the containers 41, 42, which are gas cylinders for LPG, store LPG liquefied by applying high pressure. The containers 41, 42 that store fuel that is liquefied under high pressure, such as LPG, are configured as pressure-resistant containers. In this case, the containers 41, 42 are made of, for example, a high-strength metal and are formed into a cylindrical shape that allows pressure to easily escape. The flow rate (gas flow rate) of fuel discharged from such containers 41, 42 is always supplied to the engine 13 at a constant pressure, regardless of the load of the engine 13. As shown in FIG. 11 described later, the fuel supply line 43 between the containers 41, 42 and the engine 13 is provided with a vaporizer 17 as an evaporator that vaporizes the fuel. The vaporizer 17 is disposed, for example, on the rear end side of the revolving frame 5 in the vicinity of the engine 13 .

[0026] Although not shown, a hydraulic pump driven by the engine 13 is attached to the left side, which is one end side of the engine 13. The hydraulic pump draws hydraulic oil stored in a hydraulic oil tank 15 and discharges (supplies) the pressurized oil toward the control valve device. The hydraulic pump supplies the pressurized oil to various hydraulic actuators (hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic motors) such as the boom cylinder 4E via the control valve device. The control valve device is a control valve group consisting of multiple directional control valves. The control valve device supplies the pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump to multiple hydraulic actuators (hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic motors) such as the boom cylinder 4E in response to the operation of the travel lever / pedal and the work lever in the cab box 9. This allows the hydraulic excavator 1 to travel, swing, excavate, and so on.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the hydraulic oil tank 15 is provided on the front right side of the revolving frame 5. The hydraulic oil tank 15 is located on the right side of the container attachment / detachment device 21 and is disposed between the right vertical plate 5C and the right side frame 5G. The hydraulic oil tank 15 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped tank extending in the vertical direction. The hydraulic oil tank 15 stores hydraulic oil to be supplied to various hydraulic actuators mounted on the hydraulic excavator 1.

[0028] The exterior cover 16 is located around the cab box 9 and provided on the revolving frame 5. The exterior cover 16 covers devices such as a heat exchanger and a hydraulic oil tank 15 mounted on the revolving frame 5. The exterior cover 16 includes a rear cover 16A that covers devices such as a heat exchanger that are provided to the right of the engine 13 and to the right of the right side surface 9D of the cab box 9, and a front cover 16B that is located forward of the rear cover 16A and covers devices such as the hydraulic oil tank 15.

[0029] 1, the containers 41, 42 that store fuel for the engine 13 are exposed from the exterior cover 16. That is, the containers 41, 42 are not covered by the exterior cover 16. The containers 41, 42 are disposed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space (container placement space) between the right side surface 9D of the cab box 9 and the front cover 16B of the exterior cover 16, and are exposed to the outside. Although not shown in the drawings, the containers may be covered with a container cover.

[0030] However, due to its structure, the container filled with fuel such as LPG is heavy. For this reason, when considering replacing the container by hand, it is preferable that the construction machine is configured to make it easy to load and unload the container. Furthermore, when a construction machine is configured to load multiple containers, there is a risk that a container that is fully filled with fuel will be mistakenly replaced instead of a container that is low on fuel and should be replaced.

[0031] Therefore, in the embodiment, the fuel is preferentially supplied from the container installed on the front side of the vehicle body among the multiple containers. In addition, a junction part (junction valve, switching valve) connected to each container via a pipeline is installed near the rotation center of the stopper member that holds the container. Then, by disconnecting the pipeline (hose) connected to the container on the front side of the vehicle body, the container can be released from being held down by the stopper member while the pipeline (hose) remains connected to the container on the rear side of the vehicle body. As a result, in the embodiment, when the container is released from being held down by the stopper member, it is found that the container on the front side of the vehicle body from which the pipeline (hose) has already been disconnected is the container to be replaced, and erroneous replacement of the container can be suppressed. These points will be described in detail below.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, a hydraulic excavator 1 as a construction machine includes a lower traveling body 2 and an upper rotating body 3 as a vehicle body, an engine 13 as a prime mover, and a container attachment / detachment device 21 (hereinafter referred to as the attachment / detachment device 21). The upper rotating body 3 has a working device 4. The engine 13 is mounted on the upper rotating body 3. In this case, the upper rotating body 3 includes a rotating frame 5 as a vehicle body frame to which the working device 4 is attached. The engine 13 is mounted on the rotating frame 5. In addition, the attachment / detachment device 21 is attached to the rotating frame 5. The attachment / detachment device 21 is located on the right side of a cab box 9.

[0033] The attachment / detachment device 21 detachably fastens (supports) the containers 41, 42 that store fuel for the engine 13 to the upper rotating body 3. That is, the containers 41, 42 are replaceably fastened (supported) to the attachment / detachment device 21. The attachment / detachment device 21 is capable of fastening (supporting) a plurality of containers 41, 42, specifically, two containers 41, 42. This allows a plurality of (specifically, two) containers 41, 42 to be mounted on the upper rotating body 3. The two containers 41, 42, that is, the first container 41 and the second container 42, are containers of the same standard (for example, the same shape, the same size, the same capacity, the same structure).

[0034] Here, the containers 41, 42 are sealed containers that can be carried by hand, and store fuel such as LPG to be supplied to the engine 13. In this case, the containers 41, 42 store, for example, fuel liquefied by pressurization. As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the containers 41, 42 are configured to include main bodies 41A, 42A made of sealed cylindrical bodies, cocks 41B, 42B provided at the center of one end side (upper side) in the longitudinal direction of the main bodies 41A, 42A, a pair of protectors 41C, 42C provided on the main bodies 41A, 42A so as to surround the periphery of the cocks 41B, 42B, and ring members 41D, 42D provided at the tips of the protectors 41C, 42C.

[0035] The cocks 41B, 42B are hose connectors to which the hoses 44B, 45A are connected. That is, the hoses 44B, 45A constituting a part of the fuel supply line 43 are connected to the cocks 41B, 42B. The cocks 41B, 42B are connected to the engine 13 via the fuel supply line 43 including the hoses 44B, 45A. When the cocks 41B, 42B are opened, the containers 41, 42 communicate with the hoses 44B, 45A. The fuel supply line 43 will be described later.

[0036] The protectors 41C, 42C are provided between the main body 41A, 42A and the ring members 41D, 42D. The protectors 41C, 42C are curved plates and are arranged apart in the circumferential direction. That is, openings 41E, 42E are provided between one protector 41C, 42C and the other protector 41C, 42C in the circumferential direction. As a result, two places of the ring members 41D, 42D corresponding to the openings 41E, 42E are handles 41F, 42F to be held by an operator. The operator carries the containers 41, 42 while holding the handles 41F, 42F.

[0037] Such containers 41, 42 are exchangeably restrained (supported) by the attachment / detachment device 21 provided on the left side of the cab box 9 at the front side of the upper rotating body 3. In this case, the attachment / detachment device 21 includes a first mounting part 22 on which the first container 41 is mounted, and a second mounting part 23 on which a second container 42 different from the first container 41 is mounted. The second mounting part 23 is disposed inside (to the rear) of the upper rotating body 3 relative to the first mounting part 22. Also, the second mounting part 23 is disposed at a higher position than the first mounting part 22.

[0038] The first mounting portion 22 and the second mounting portion 23 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the upper rotating body 3. A first container 41 and a second container 42 are mounted vertically on the first mounting portion 22 and the second mounting portion 23, respectively. With the first container 41 and the second container 42 mounted on the first mounting portion 22 and the second mounting portion 23, the first container 41 is arranged closer to the outer periphery of the upper rotating body 3 than the second container 42. In addition, the first container 41 and the second container 42 are held down from above by a stopper member 33 (more specifically, a pair of holding members 34, 34 constituting the stopper member 33).

[0039] The stopper member 33 (holding member 34, 34) has a base end 34A located inside the upper rotating body 3 (rear side, toward the rotating center) and a tip end 34B located on the outer peripheral edge side of the upper rotating body 3 (front side, away from the rotating center) of the base end 34A. The tip end 34B of the stopper member 33 (holding member 34, 34) swings up and down with the base end 34A as the swing center. As a result, the stopper member 33 (holding member 34, 34) holds down the first container 41 and the second container 42 from above. In this case, the first container 41 is disposed on the tip end 34B side of the stopper member 33 (holding member 34, 34), and the second container 42 is disposed on the base end 34A side of the stopper member 33 (holding member 34, 34). The attachment / detachment device 21 configured to include such a stopper member 33 (holding member 34, 34) will be described in detail.

[0040] The attachment / detachment device 21 is attached to a bracket 5K of the revolving frame 5. The attachment / detachment device 21 includes a main body 24, a raised bottom member 28, and a restraining mechanism 31. As shown in Figs. 3, 4, 9, and 10, the attachment / detachment device 21 includes a first pipe line 44, a second pipe line 45, and a switching valve 46 that constitute a part of a fuel supply line 43 described below. In this case, the first pipe line 44 and the switching valve 46 are attached to the stopper member 33 (connecting members 35, 35) of the restraining mechanism 31. The second pipe line 45 is connected to the switching valve 46, and is thereby attached to the stopper member 33 (connecting members 35, 35).

[0041] The main body 24 of the attachment / detachment device 21 is configured by a frame having a square (rectangular) cross-sectional shape. That is, the main body 24 is a cylinder (rectangular cylinder) with both ends in the length direction open. The main body 24 is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the upper rotating body 3. The main body 24 includes a bottom plate 25, a pair of vertical plates 26, 26 rising from both sides in the width direction (left-right direction) of the bottom plate, and an upper plate 27 connecting the pair of vertical plates 26, 26 at one end side (upper side) of the pair of vertical plates 26, 26. The bottom plate 25 is fixed to a bracket 5K of the rotating frame 5. The first container 41 is placed on the bottom plate 25. The bottom plate 25 corresponds to the first mounting portion 22. The upper plate 27 is arranged parallel to the bottom plate 25.

[0042] The upper plate 27 is formed with a first support hole 27A into which the first container 41 is inserted and a second support hole 27B into which the second container 42 is inserted. The upper plate 27 is located above the bottom plate 25 and the mounting plate 30. The raised bottom member 28 is provided inside the main body 24. The raised bottom member 28 includes a pair of leg plates 29, 29 attached to the bottom plate 25 of the main body 24 and extending in the vertical direction along the vertical plates 26, 26, and a mounting plate 30 arranged parallel to the bottom plate 25 of the main body 24 and connecting the pair of leg plates 29, 29 at one end side (upper side) of the pair of leg plates 29, 29. The mounting plate 30 is located below the upper plate 27 and above the bottom plate 25. The mounting plate 30 is raised above the bottom plate 25 and corresponds to the second mounting portion 23.

[0043] The restraining mechanism 31 holds the first container 41 and the second container 42 from above. That is, the restraining mechanism 31 holds the first container 41 downward toward the bottom plate 25, and holds the second container 42 downward toward the placement plate 30. The restraining mechanism 31 includes a rising member 32, a stopper member 33, and a pair of fixing members 36, 36. The rising member 32 extends upward from the upper plate 27 of the main body 24. The rising member 32 is formed of a substantially rectangular frame body, and includes a pair of mounting parts 32A, 32A attached to the upper plate 27 of the main body 24, a pair of pillar parts 32B, 32B extending upward from the pair of mounting parts 32A, 32A, respectively, and a connecting part 32C connecting the pair of pillar parts 32B, 32B at one end side (upper side) of the pillar parts 32B, 32B. A stopper member 33 (holding members 34, 34) is attached to the connection portion 32C via hinges 37, 37 so as to be able to swing.

[0044] The stopper member 33 holds down the first container 41 and the second container 42. The stopper member 33 can be changed between a container restraint state (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8) in which the first container 41 and the second container 42 are restrained to the upper rotating body 3, and a container release state (FIGS. 4, 9, and 10) in which the restraint of the first container 41 and the second container 42 is released. The container restraint state is a state in which the first container 41 and the second container 42 cannot be attached to or detached from the upper rotating body 3. The stopper member 33 includes a pair of plate-shaped holding members 34, 34 extending in parallel with a gap between them, and a plurality of connecting members 35, 35 bridged between the pair of holding members 34, 34. The holding members 34, 34 abut against the upper portions of the first container 41 and the second container 42 (more specifically, the ring members 41D, 42D). The holding members 34, 34 are supported in a cantilever manner with the base end 34A at the upper end of the rising member 32 as the swing center. In this case, the holding members 34, 34 are supported at the connection portion 32C of the rising member 32 via the hinge 37. This allows the tip end 34B of the holding members 34, 34 to swing up and down above the first container 41 and the second container 42. In other words, the holding members 34, 34 are capable of rotating (swinging) with the hinge 37 as the rotation center (swing center).

[0045] The holding members 34, 34 are formed as crank-shaped plates, in other words, plates having vertical steps. The holding members 34, 34 have a first holding portion 34C extending in the front-rear direction at a position corresponding to the upper side of the first container 41, a second holding portion 34D extending in the front-rear direction at a position corresponding to the upper side of the second container 42, and a step portion 34E connecting the first holding portion 34C and the second holding portion 34D at different heights. When the holding members 34, 34 are arranged above the first container 41 and the second container 42, the height position of the second holding portion 34D is higher than the height position of the first holding portion 34C. In addition, an insertion hole 34F through which the upper end portion 36B of the fixing members 36, 36 is inserted is provided at the tip portion 34B of the holding members 34, 34. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, an elastic member 34G serving as a cushion member such as a rubber member is attached by welding to the underside of the first holding portion 34C (i.e., the surface facing the first container 41) and the underside of the second holding portion 34D (i.e., the surface facing the second container 42).

[0046] A plurality of (for example, four) connecting members 35, 35 are bridged between the holding members 34, 34. That is, a plurality of connecting members 35, 35 are welded to the holding members 34, 34. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, one connecting member 35, 35 can be bridged between the first holding parts 34C, 34C, and three connecting members 35, 35 can be bridged between the second holding parts 34D, 34D. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, two connecting members 35, 35 can be bridged between the first holding parts 34C, 34C, and two connecting members 35, 35 can be bridged between the second holding parts 34D, 34D. The connecting members 35, 35 are strength members of the stopper member 33. Therefore, the connecting members 35, 35 can be provided between the holding members 34, 34 to ensure necessary strength. Also, the first pipe 44 and the switching valve 46 described later are attached to the connecting members 35, 35. In addition, in FIG. 8, the connecting members 35, 35 and the members attached thereto (the first pipe 44, the switching valve 46, etc.) are omitted.

[0047] The fixing members 36, 36 are removably attached between the tip 34B of the pressing member 34, 34 and the upper plate 27 of the main body 24. The fixing members 36, 36 are fixed rods that connect the tip 34B of the pressing member 34, 34 and the upper plate 27 to fix the pressing member 34, 34 to the main body 24. In this case, the fixing members 36, 36 are configured as rod-shaped bodies having a hook portion 36A that hooks onto the upper plate 27 of the main body 24. That is, the lower end portion, which is one end of the fixing members 36, 36, is the hook portion 36A bent into a U-shape. On the other hand, the upper end portion 36B, which is the other end of the fixing members 36, 36, is inserted into the insertion hole 34F of the tip portion 34B of the pressing member 34, 34. The upper end portion 36B of the fixing members 36, 36 is a male screw. A nut 38 is screwed onto this male thread, i.e., onto the upper end portion 36B of the fixing members 36, 36.

[0048] When the first container 41 and the second container 42 are held down by the holding members 34, 34, the hook portion 36A of the fixing members 36, 36 is hooked onto the upper plate 27 of the main body 24, and the upper end portion 36B of the fixing members 36, 36 is inserted into the insertion hole 34F of the holding members 34, 34. In this state, the nut 38 is screwed onto the upper end portion 36B of the fixing members 36, 36. As a result, the first container 41 is sandwiched in the vertical direction between the bottom plate 25 of the main body 24 and the first holding portion 34C of the holding members 34, 34. The second container 42 is sandwiched in the vertical direction between the mounting plate 30 of the raised bottom member 28 and the second holding portion 34D of the holding members 34, 34.

[0049] Thus, according to the embodiment, the first container 41 and the second container 42 are restrained by the attachment / detachment device 21 provided on the upper rotating body 3. At this time, the first container 41 and the second container 42 are pressed down from the upper side (zenith direction) toward the lower side (ground direction) by the stopper member 33 (pressing members 34, 34). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first container 41 and the second container 42 from falling off due to vibration during operation of the hydraulic excavator 1. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the first container 41 and the second container 42 are pressed down by the stopper member 33 (pressing members 34, 34) via the elastic member 34G. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first container 41 and the second container 42 from rattling, and it is possible to stably restrain the first container 41 and the second container 42 to the attachment / detachment device 21.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, a raised bottom member 28 is provided on the inside of the main body 24 of the attachment / detachment device 21. The raised bottom member 28 is formed of a C-channel bracket. A second container 42 is placed on the mounting plate 30 that is the upper surface of the raised bottom member 28. As a result, the second container 42 located on the back side (inner side) of the upper rotating body 3 is mounted at a higher position than the first container 41 located on the outer periphery side (front side) of the upper rotating body 3. Therefore, for example, compared to a configuration in which two containers are mounted at the same height, the height to which the second container 42 located on the back side (center side) is lifted can be shortened. This makes it easy to replace not only the first container 41 but also the second container 42.

[0051] Next, the fuel supply line 43 connecting the containers 41, 42 and the engine 13 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 11 in addition to FIGS.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 11, the fuel supply line 43 includes a first pipe 44, a second pipe 45, a switching valve 46, and a third pipe 47. One end (upstream end) of the first pipe 44 is connected to the first container 41, and the other end (downstream end) is connected to the switching valve 46. That is, the first container 41 and the switching valve 46 are connected by the first pipe 44 (pipe 44A, upstream hose 44B, downstream hose 44C). As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7, the first pipe 44 is attached to the stopper member 33 (more specifically, the connecting members 35, 35). In this case, the first pipe 44 is attached in the longitudinal direction of the stopper member 33, that is, in the direction in which the holding members 34, 34 extend.

[0053] The first pipeline 44 includes a crank-shaped pipe 44A fixed to the upper surface of the stopper member 33 (connecting members 35, 35), an upstream hose 44B connecting one end (upstream end) of the pipe 44A to the cock 41B of the first container 41, and a downstream hose 44C connecting the other end (downstream end) of the pipe 44A to the switching valve 46. In this manner, the first pipeline 44 is attached to the stopper member 33 (connecting members 35, 35), and the upstream side of the first pipeline 44 is connected to the cock 41B of the first container 41 via the upstream hose 44B. As a result, the first pipeline 44 can be connected to the first container 41 only when the stopper member 33 is in the container restraining state. Therefore, the stopper member 33 can release the holding down of the first container 41 and the second container 42 when the connection between the first pipeline 44 and the first container 41 is released.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 11, the second pipeline 45 has one end (upstream end) connected to the second container 42 and the other end (downstream end) connected to the switching valve 46. That is, the second container 42 and the switching valve 46 are connected by the second pipeline 45 (hose 45A). As shown in Fig. 7, the second pipeline 45 is attached to the stopper member 33 by being connected to the switching valve 46 at the other end. The second pipeline 45 is formed, for example, by the hose 45A. Although not shown, the first pipeline may be formed only by a hose like the second pipeline.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11, the first pipe 44 and the second pipe 45 are connected to the upstream side of the switching valve 46. Also, the third pipe 47 is connected to the downstream side of the switching valve 46. One end (upstream end) of the third pipe 47 is connected to the switching valve 46, and the other end (downstream end) is connected to the engine 13. The vaporizer 17 is provided in the middle of the third pipe 47. The vaporizer 17 vaporizes the fuel flowing through the third pipe 47. The vaporizer 17 vaporizes the fuel using, for example, the cooling water of the engine 13 as a heat source. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the third pipe 47 is configured between the switching valve 46 and the vaporizer 17 by a hose 47A. That is, the switching valve 46 is connected to the engine 13 by the third pipe 47 (hose 47A). As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the third pipeline 47 (hose 47A) is arranged toward the engine 13 through the main body 24 and the raised bottom member 28 of the attachment / detachment device 21 (more specifically, through holes provided in the upper plate 27 of the main body 24 and the mounting plate 30 of the raised bottom member 28, respectively).

[0056] As shown in Fig. 11, the switching valve 46 corresponds to a junction (junction valve) of the first pipeline 44 and the second pipeline 45. As shown in Figs. 2 and 7, the switching valve 46 is attached to the stopper member 33 (more specifically, the connecting members 35, 35). That is, in addition to the first pipeline 44, the switching valve 46 is also attached to the stopper member 33. The switching valve 46 is fixed to the base end side of the stopper member 33, more specifically, to the upper surface of the connecting member 35 provided on the most base end side of the stopper member 33. The switching valve 46 is configured, for example, by a 3-port 2-position electromagnetic solenoid valve.

[0057] The switching valve 46 switches between a first state (first position) in which the first container 41 and the engine 13 are in communication with each other via the first pipe 44, and a second state (second position) in which the second container 42 and the engine 13 are in communication with each other via the second pipe 45. In this case, the switching valve 46 supplies fuel in the first container 41 to the engine 13 preferentially over fuel in the second container 42. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11, the switching valve 46 is connected to a controller 48 via a cable 53 that serves as an electric wire. The switching valve 46 is switched between the first state (first position) and the second state (second position) by the controller 48. In this case, the switching valve 46 is switched between the first state (first position) and the second state (second position) depending on the remaining amount of fuel in the first container 41.

[0058] The hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a controller 48. The controller 48 is a control device that controls various devices (electronic devices and devices operated by electronic devices) mounted on the hydraulic excavator 1. The input side of the controller 48 is connected to a key switch (not shown), a first pressure sensor 49, a second pressure sensor 50, etc. The output side of the controller 48 is connected to the engine 13, the switching valve 46, the monitor 51, the buzzer 52, etc. The controller 48 controls the switching valve 46 (switching valve control) and the monitor 51 and the buzzer 52 (alert control, warning display control, buzzer sounding control) based on signals (input signals) from the first pressure sensor 49 and the second pressure sensor 50.

[0059] Furthermore, the controller 48 controls the engine 13 (engine stop control, engine start inhibition control) based on signals (input signals) from the key switch, the first pressure sensor 49, and the second pressure sensor 50. For these purposes, the controller 48 includes a microcomputer, and has a memory including a flash memory, a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, etc., and an arithmetic circuit (CPU). The memory stores a processing program for executing the processing flow shown in Figs. 12 and 13 described below.

[0060] The first pressure sensor 49 is provided in the first pipe 44. The first pressure sensor 49 is a pressure gauge (pressure sensor) that detects the pressure of the first pipe 44. The pressure of the first pipe 44 corresponds to the pressure P1 of the first container 41, in other words, the remaining amount of fuel in the first container 41. FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the operation time of the engine 13 when the first container 41 and the engine 13 are connected and the pressure P1 (remaining amount of fuel) of the first container 41. As shown in FIG. 14, the pressure P1 (remaining amount of fuel) of the first container 41 decreases with the operation time of the engine 13. The first pressure sensor 49 is connected to the controller 48 via a cable 54 that is an electric wire. The first pressure sensor 49 outputs a signal (pressure signal) corresponding to the detected pressure P1 to the controller 48.

[0061] The second pressure sensor 50 is provided in the second pipe 45. The second pressure sensor 50 is a pressure gauge (pressure sensor) that detects the pressure of the second pipe 45. The pressure of the second pipe 45 corresponds to the pressure P2 of the second container 42, in other words, the remaining amount of fuel in the second container 42. FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the operation time of the engine 13 when the second container 42 and the engine 13 are connected and the pressure P2 (remaining amount of fuel) of the second container 42. As shown in FIG. 15, the pressure P2 (remaining amount of fuel) of the second container 42 decreases with the operation time of the engine 13. The second pressure sensor 50 is connected to the controller 48 via a cable 55 that serves as an electric wire. The second pressure sensor 50 outputs a signal (pressure signal) corresponding to the detected pressure P2 to the controller 48.

[0062] The key switch (not shown) is provided, for example, in the cab box 9 of the hydraulic excavator 1. The key switch is a start / stop switch that starts and stops the hydraulic excavator 1. In other words, the operator of the hydraulic excavator 1 can start and stop the engine 13 by operating the key switch. The key switch is connected to a controller 48. The key switch outputs a signal (e.g., an OFF signal, an ON signal, a START signal) corresponding to the key position (e.g., OFF, ON, START) to the controller 48.

[0063] The monitor 51 is a monitor device (in-vehicle monitor) mounted on the hydraulic excavator 1. The monitor 51 is provided, for example, inside the cab box 9. The monitor 51 displays information to be conveyed to the operator who operates the hydraulic excavator 1, such as the operating state of the hydraulic excavator 1, malfunctions of various devices, warnings, the current time, and the like. In this case, the monitor 51 displays, for example, information on which of the containers 41, 42 is connected to the engine 13, the remaining fuel quantity of the first container 41, the remaining fuel quantity of the second container 42, a warning indicating that the first container 41 needs to be replaced, a warning indicating that both the first container 41 and the second container 42 need to be replaced, and a warning of engine stop or inability to start due to fuel shortage. The monitor 51 is connected to the controller 48 via a cable 56 that serves as an electric wire. The monitor 51 is controlled by the controller 48, and necessary information is displayed. The monitor 51 is a notification device (alarm device) that notifies the operator of information (warning) using the screen.

[0064] The buzzer 52 is provided, for example, inside the cab box 9. The buzzer 52 is a notification device (alarm device) that notifies the operator of information (warning) by sounding. The buzzer 52 is connected to the controller 48 via a cable 57 that serves as an electric wire. The sounding of the buzzer 52 is controlled by the controller 48. As shown in FIG. 16, the buzzer 52 has different sounding intervals a, b according to the information (warning) to be conveyed to the operator. As will be described later, when the pressure P1 of the first container 41 is less than or equal to the first threshold value Pt1 (P1 ≦ Pt1) and the pressure P2 of the second container 42 is greater than the first threshold value Pt1 and less than or equal to the second threshold value Pt2 (Pt1 < P2 ≦ Pt2), the buzzer 52 sounds at a long interval a. Also, when the pressure P1 of the first container 41 is less than or equal to the first threshold value Pt1 (P1 ≦ Pt1) and the pressure P2 of the second container 42 is less than or equal to the first threshold value Pt1 (P2 ≦ Pt1), the buzzer 52 sounds at a short interval b. The interval b can be, for example, half or shorter than half of the interval a.

[0065] Next, the control processing performed by the controller 48 in Fig. 11 will be described with reference to the flow charts of Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. The processing in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 is executed at a predetermined control cycle.

[0066] For example, when power is started to be supplied to the controller 48, the processing in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 is started. The controller 48 determines whether or not the key position is ON in S1 of Fig. 12. That is, the controller 48 determines whether or not the key switch of the hydraulic excavator 1 has been operated from OFF to ON via START. This determination can be made based on a signal corresponding to the key position input from the key switch to the controller 48. If "NO" is returned in S1, that is, if it is determined that the key position is not ON, the process returns to before S1 (i.e., start) and the processing of S1 is repeated.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1 that the answer is "YES", that is, that the key position is ON, the process proceeds to S2. In S2, the controller 48 determines whether the remaining amount of fuel in the first container 41 has decreased to a level that requires replacement. That is, the controller 48 determines whether the pressure P1 of the first container 41 detected by the first pressure sensor 49 is equal to or less than a preset first threshold value Pt1 (P1≦Pt1). The pressure P1 of the first container 41 corresponds to the remaining amount of fuel in the first container 41. The first threshold value Pt1 can be set as a determination value of the pressure (remaining amount of fuel) at which the first container 41 needs to be replaced. For example, if the fuel is LPG and the pressure when the container is fully filled is Pmax (for example, 1.0 Mpa), the first threshold value Pt1 can be set to 10% of Pmax (for example, 0.1 Mpa). The smaller the first threshold value Pt1, the longer the operating time of the first container 41 can be. The first threshold value Pt1 can be set, for example, as the pressure before the engine 13 becomes unstable, that is, the pressure before the engine 13 enters a state where the output of the engine 13 decreases or stops due to insufficient fuel supply.

[0068] If the result of S2 is "NO", that is, if it is determined that the pressure P1 of the first container 41 is greater than the first threshold value Pt1 (P1>Pt1), the process proceeds to S3. This corresponds to a case where the remaining amount of fuel in the first container 41 has not decreased to a level that requires replacement. In S3, the switching valve 46, which is a merging valve, is set to the first state (first position). That is, the controller 48 sets the switching valve 46 to the first state (first position) in which the first container 41 and the engine 13 are in communication with each other via the first pipe 44. The first state (first position) corresponds to "first container side circuit valve open". In S4 following S3, the start of the engine 13 is permitted. That is, the controller 48 starts the engine 13 in S4.

[0069] On the other hand, if S2 returns "NO", that is, if it is determined that the pressure P1 of the first container 41 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value Pt1 (P1≦Pt1), the process proceeds to S5. This corresponds to the case where the remaining amount of fuel in the first container 41 has decreased to a level that requires replacement. In S5, it is determined whether the remaining amount of fuel in the second container 42 has decreased to a level that requires replacement. That is, the controller 48 determines whether the pressure P2 of the second container 42 detected by the second pressure sensor 50 is equal to or lower than the preset first threshold value Pt1 (P2≦Pt1). The first threshold value Pt1 in S5 is the same as the first threshold value Pt1 in S2. However, the threshold value (determination value) in S5 may be different from the threshold value (determination value) in S2.

[0070] If the result of S5 is "NO", that is, if it is determined that the pressure P2 of the second container 42 is greater than the first threshold value Pt1 (P2>Pt1), the process proceeds to S6. This corresponds to a case where the remaining amount of fuel in the second container 42 has not decreased to a level that requires replacement. In S6, a first warning is issued. That is, the controller 48 issues a warning according to the pressure P2 of the second container 42 in S6. In this case, the warning differs depending on whether the pressure P2 of the second container 42 is greater than a preset second threshold value Pt2 (P2>Pt2). The second threshold value Pt2 is greater than the first threshold value Pt1 (Pt2>Pt1). For example, if the fuel is LPG and the full-fill pressure is Pmax (for example, 1.0 Mpa), the second threshold value Pt2 can be set to 20% of Pmax (for example, 0.2 Mpa).

[0071] When the controller 48 determines that the pressure P2 of the second container 42 is greater than the second threshold value Pt2 (P2>Pt2), it performs "(1) First Warning" in FIG. 16. Specifically, the controller 48 does not sound the buzzer 52, but displays information (warning) on ​​the monitor 51 that the first container 41 needs to be replaced. In contrast, when the controller 48 determines that the pressure P2 of the second container 42 is equal to or less than the second threshold value Pt2 (P2≦Pt2), it performs "(2) First Warning" in FIG. 16. Specifically, the controller 48 sounds the buzzer 52 at intervals a. At the same time, the controller 48 displays information (warning) on ​​the monitor 51 that the first container 41 and the second container 42 need to be replaced.

[0072] In S7 following S6, the switching valve 46 is set to the second state (second position). That is, in S6, the controller 48 sets the switching valve 46 to the second state (second position) in which the second container 42 and the engine 13 are in communication with each other via the second pipe 45. The second state (second position) corresponds to "second container side circuit valve open." After the "second container side circuit valve is opened" in S7, the engine 13 is started in S4.

[0073] On the other hand, if the result of S5 is "YES", that is, if it is determined that the pressure P2 of the second container 42 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value Pt1 (P2≦Pt1), the process proceeds to S8. This corresponds to the case where the remaining amount of fuel in the second container 42 has decreased to a level that requires replacement. In S8, a second warning is issued. That is, the controller 48 issues "(3) Second Warning" in FIG. 16 in S8. Specifically, the controller 48 sounds the buzzer 52 at intervals b. The interval b is shorter than the interval a of "(2) First Warning" in FIG. 16. At the same time, the controller 48 displays information (warning) on ​​the monitor 51 that the first container 41 and the second container 42 need to be replaced. After issuing the second warning in S8, the process proceeds to the end of FIG. 13 via "B" in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. That is, in this case, the engine 13 is not permitted to start, and the process returns to the start and repeats the process from S1 onward. In this way, when the pressure P1 in the first container 41 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value Pt1 (P1≦Pt1) and the pressure P2 in the second container 42 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value Pt1 (P2≦Pt1), starting of the engine 13 is prohibited. In this case, the controller 48 may display on the monitor 51 information (warning) that starting of the engine 13 is not permitted due to insufficient fuel.

[0074] In contrast, if the engine 13 is started in S4, the process proceeds to S11 in FIG. 13 via "A" in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. In S11, the same process as S2 in FIG. 12 is performed. Note that S11 in FIG. 13 is the same process as S2 in FIG. 12, S12 in FIG. 13 is the same process as S3 in FIG. 12, S14 in FIG. 13 is the same process as S5 in FIG. 12, S15 in FIG. 13 is the same process as S6 in FIG. 12, S16 in FIG. 13 is the same process as S7 in FIG. 12, and S17 in FIG. 13 is the same process as S8 in FIG. 12.

[0075] Also, if "first container side circuit valve open" is selected in S12 of FIG. 13, the process proceeds to S13. Also, if "second container side circuit valve open" is selected in S16 of FIG. 13, the process proceeds to S13. In S13, it is determined whether or not the key position is OFF. That is, the controller 48 determines whether or not the key switch of the hydraulic excavator 1 has been turned OFF in S13. If it is determined that "NO" in S13, that is, that the key position is not OFF, the process returns to before S11 and repeats the processing from S11 onwards. On the other hand, if it is determined that "YES" in S13, that is, that the key position is OFF, the process proceeds to S18. In S18, the engine 13 is stopped and the process proceeds to END. That is, the process returns to START via END, and the processing from S1 onwards is repeated.

[0076] Also, if the result of the determination in S14 is "YES", the process proceeds to S18 via "second warning" in S17. This corresponds to the case where the pressure P1 of the first container 41 is determined to be equal to or lower than the first threshold value Pt1 (P1≦Pt1) and the pressure P2 of the second container 42 is determined to be equal to or lower than the first threshold value Pt1 (P2≦Pt1) while the engine 13 is being driven. In this case, the "second warning" is issued in S17, and the engine 13 is stopped in the following S18. That is, if the pressure P1 of the first container 41 is determined to be equal to or lower than the first threshold value Pt1 (P1≦Pt1) and the pressure P2 of the second container 42 is determined to be equal to or lower than the first threshold value Pt1 (P2≦Pt1) while the engine 13 is being driven, the engine 13 is automatically stopped. In this case, the controller 48 may display information (warning) on ​​the monitor 51 that the engine 13 has been stopped due to a lack of fuel and that starting is not permitted.

[0077] Thus, according to the embodiment, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a first pressure sensor 49 as a first remaining amount detection device, and a controller 48. The hydraulic excavator 1 is also equipped with a second pressure sensor 50 as a second remaining amount detection device, a monitor 51, and a buzzer 52. The first pressure sensor 49 detects a pressure P1 of the first container 41 corresponding to the remaining amount of fuel in the first container 41. The second pressure sensor 50 detects a pressure P2 of the second container 42 corresponding to the remaining amount of fuel in the second container 42. The monitor 51 and the buzzer 52 correspond to an alarm device (alarm device) that notifies information about the remaining amount of fuel in the first container 41 and the second container 42.

[0078] The controller 48 controls the switching valve 46 based on the pressure P1 in the first container 41 detected by the first pressure sensor 49. In this case, when the pressure P1 in the first container 41 detected by the first pressure sensor 49 becomes equal to or lower than a first threshold Pt1 (P1≦Pt1), which is a predetermined threshold, the controller 48 switches the switching valve 46 from a first state (first position) in which the first container 41 and the engine 13 communicate with each other to a second state (second position) in which the second container 42 and the engine 13 communicate with each other.

[0079] The controller 48 also controls the monitor 51 and the buzzer 52 based on the pressure P1 of the first container 41 detected by the first pressure sensor 49 and the pressure P2 of the second container 42 detected by the second pressure sensor 50. In this case, when the pressure P1 of the first container 41 detected by the first pressure sensor 49 becomes equal to or less than a first threshold value Pt1 set in advance (P1≦Pt1), the controller 48 outputs a command to the monitor 51 to execute a predetermined first notification. That is, the controller 48 displays information (warning) that the first container 41 needs to be replaced on the monitor 51 as the first notification. At this time, the controller 48 does not sound the buzzer 52 ("(1) First Warning" in FIG. 16).

[0080] In addition, when the pressure P2 of the second container 42 detected by the second pressure sensor 50 becomes equal to or lower than a second threshold Pt2 (P2≦Pt2) that is higher than a first threshold Pt1 set in advance, the controller 48 outputs a command to the monitor 51 and the buzzer 52 to execute a second notification different from the first notification. That is, as the second notification, the controller 48 displays information (warning) that the first container 41 and the second container 42 need to be replaced on the monitor 51, and sounds the buzzer 52 at intervals a ("(2) First Warning" in FIG. 16). In addition, when the pressure P2 of the second container 42 becomes equal to or lower than a first threshold Pt1 set in advance (P2≦Pt1), the controller 48 outputs a command to the monitor 51 and the buzzer 52 to execute a third notification different from the first and second notifications. That is, as the third notification, the controller 48 displays information (warning) on ​​the monitor 51 that the first container 41 and the second container 42 need to be replaced, and sounds the buzzer 52 at intervals b shorter than the intervals a ("(3) Second Warning" in FIG. 16). In addition, the controller 48 stops the engine 13 or prohibits it from starting.

[0081] The hydraulic excavator 1 according to the embodiment has the configuration described above. Next, its operation will be described.

[0082] When performing excavation work or the like using the hydraulic excavator 1, the first container 41 and the second container 42 are mounted on the mounting / detaching device 21, and the hoses 44B and 45A are connected to the cocks 41B and 42B of the first container 41 and the second container 42. In this state, the operator gets into the cab box 9 and operates the engine 13. When the operator operates the travel lever / pedal, pressure oil is supplied from the hydraulic pump to the travel hydraulic motor of the lower traveling body 2 via the control valve device. This allows the hydraulic excavator 1 to travel. Also, when the operator operates the work lever, pressure oil is supplied from the hydraulic pump to the swing hydraulic motor, swing cylinder, boom cylinder 4E, arm cylinder 4F, and bucket cylinder 4G via the control valve device. This allows the upper rotating body 3 to be rotated while excavating earth and sand using the working device 4.

[0083] Here, the switching valve 46, which is switched by the controller 48, preferentially supplies fuel from the first container 41 to the engine 13. That is, when the pressure P1 of the first container 41 is greater than the first threshold value Pt1 (P1>Pt1), the switching valve 46 connects the first container 41 to the engine 13. When the pressure P1 of the first container 41 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value Pt1 (P1≦Pt1), the switching valve 46 connects the second container 42 to the engine 13. At this time, the controller 48 displays information (warning) on ​​the monitor 51 that the first container 41 needs to be replaced. Based on the display on the monitor 51, the operator knows that the first container 41 needs to be replaced. Also, when the operator wants to continue the work using the hydraulic excavator 1, the operator can continue the work using the fuel from the second container 42. At this time, as shown in "(1)" in FIG. 16, the controller 48 does not sound the buzzer 52. Therefore, work by the hydraulic excavator 1 can be continued without the buzzer 52 sounding.

[0084] When the first container 41 is replaced with a new container (i.e., another container sufficiently filled with fuel) based on the above warning, the engine 13 is stopped. That is, the key switch of the hydraulic excavator 1 is turned OFF. In this state, the upstream hose 44B of the first pipeline 44 is removed from the cock 41B of the first container 41. In addition, the fixing members 36, 36 connecting the stopper member 33 (holding members 34, 34) of the attachment / detachment device 21 to the main body 24 are removed. That is, the nut 38 screwed to the upper end portion 36B of the fixing members 36, 36 is removed from the fixing members 36, 36. Then, the hook portion 36A of the fixing members 36, 36 is removed from the upper plate 27 of the main body 24, and the upper end portion 36B of the fixing members 36, 36 is pulled out from the insertion hole 34F of the stopper member 33 (holding members 34, 34).

[0085] Next, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, the stopper member 33 (holding members 34, 34) is rotated toward the rear (inner side, rear side) of the upper rotating body 3, and the first container 41 is removed from the attachment / detachment device 21. As shown in FIG. 4, when the stopper member 33 (holding members 34, 34) is rotated toward the rear, the cock 41B of the first container 41 is already removed from the first pipe 44 (upstream hose 44B). Therefore, it is known that the first container 41 is the object of replacement. This makes it possible to prevent the second container 42 from being replaced by mistake. After a new first container 41 filled with sufficient fuel is placed on the attachment / detachment device 21, the stopper member 33 (holding members 34, 34) is rotated to an upper position of the first container 41 and the second container 42. In this state, the stopper member 33 (holding members 34, 34) and the main body 24 are connected by the fixing members 36, 36. This completes the replacement of the first container 41.

[0086] If the work is continued with the fuel in the second container 42, and the pressure P2 in the second container 42 falls below the second threshold Pt2 (P2≦Pt2), the monitor 51 displays information (warning) that the first container 41 and the second container 42 need to be replaced. In addition, the buzzer 52 sounds at intervals a ("(2)" in FIG. 16). Furthermore, if the pressure P2 in the second container 42 falls below the first threshold Pt1 (P2≦Pt1), in addition to the display on the monitor 51, the buzzer 52 sounds at intervals b ("(3)" in FIG. 16), and further, the engine 13 is stopped or the start of the engine 13 is prohibited. In these cases, that is, when it is necessary to replace not only the first container 41 but also the second container 42, both the first container 41 and the second container 42 are replaced with new containers filled with fuel.

[0087] As described above, according to the embodiment, the attachment / detachment device 21 includes the stopper member 33 that can be changed between a container restraint state that restrains the first container 41 and the second container 42 and a container release state that releases the restraint. The attachment / detachment device 21 also includes a switching valve 46 that supplies fuel in the first container 41 to the engine 13 with priority over fuel in the second container 42. In addition, the first pipe 44 connected to the first container 41 is attached to the stopper member 33 so that it can be connected to the first container 41 only when the stopper member 33 is in the container restraint state. For this reason, the stopper member 33 is prohibited from being changed from the container restraint state to the container release state while the first pipe 44 remains connected to the first container 41. As a result, when the stopper member 33 is in the container release state, the first container 41 that has already been disconnected from the first pipe 44 becomes available for replacement. The fuel in the first container 41 is supplied to the engine 13 with priority over the fuel in the second container 42. Therefore, when the stopper member 33 is in the container release state, the first container 41 that is highly in need of replacement becomes available for replacement, and it is clear that this first container 41 is the replacement target. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous replacement of the containers 41, 42 in a configuration in which multiple containers 41, 42 are mounted.

[0088] According to the embodiment, the first container 41 is disposed closer to the outer periphery of the upper rotating body 3, which is the vehicle body, than the second container 42. Therefore, the first container 41 can be loaded onto the upper rotating body 3 and removed from the upper rotating body 3 more easily than the second container 42. This makes it possible to easily replace the first container 41 that is ready to be replaced when the stopper member 33 is set to the container release state (i.e., the first container 41 that is in high need of replacement).

[0089] According to the embodiment, the stopper member 33 holds down the first container 41 and the second container 42 from above by vertically swinging the tip end 34B around the base end 34A as the swing center. In this case, the first container 41 is disposed on the tip end 34B side away from the swing center of the stopper member 33. Therefore, by attaching the first conduit 44 to such a stopper member 33, the first conduit 44 and the first container 41 can be connected only when the stopper member 33 is in the container restraining state.

[0090] According to the embodiment, the first pipe 44 and the switching valve 46 are attached to the stopper member 33. Therefore, the fuel in the first container 41 can be supplied to the engine 13 through the first pipe 44 and the switching valve 46 attached to the stopper member 33. In addition, when the first pipe 44 is disconnected from the first container 41 and the stopper member 33 is set in the container open state, the first pipe 44 and the switching valve 46 can be moved away from the first container 41 together with the stopper member 33. This makes it possible to prevent the first pipe 44 and the switching valve 46 from getting in the way when replacing the first container 41.

[0091] According to the embodiment, the stopper member 33 includes a pair of holding members 34, 34 and a plurality of connecting members 35, 35. In addition, the first pipeline 44 is attached to the connecting members 35, 35. Therefore, the first pipeline 44 can be arranged between the pair of holding members 34, 34 in parallel therewith. In other words, the first pipeline 44 can be arranged in the direction in which the stopper member 33 extends (the longitudinal direction of the holding members 34, 34).

[0092] According to the embodiment, when the pressure P1 of the first container 41 becomes equal to or lower than the first threshold Pt1 (P1≦Pt1), which is a predetermined threshold, the controller 48 switches the switching valve 46 from the first state (first position) to the second state (second position). Therefore, the first state in which the first container 41 communicates with the engine 13 can be maintained until the remaining amount of fuel in the first container 41 becomes small, that is, until the pressure P1 of the first container 41 becomes equal to or lower than the first threshold Pt1. Also, when the remaining amount of fuel in the first container 41 becomes small, that is, when the pressure P1 of the first container 41 becomes equal to or lower than the first threshold Pt1 (P1≦Pt1), the second state in which the second container 42 communicates with the engine 13 can be maintained. This allows the fuel in the first container 41 to be supplied to the engine 13 with priority over the fuel in the second container 42.

[0093] According to the embodiment, when the pressure P1 of the first container 41 becomes equal to or lower than the first threshold Pt1 (P1≦Pt1), the controller 48 outputs a command to execute a predetermined first notification to the monitor 51. As a result, the monitor 51 displays information (warning) that the first container 41 needs to be replaced. Therefore, the first notification can inform the user that the first container 41 needs to be replaced. In addition, by lowering the value of the first threshold Pt1, the first container 41 can be used continuously until the remaining amount of fuel becomes small. This allows the operating time of the first container 41 to be extended. On the other hand, when the pressure P2 of the second container 42 becomes equal to or lower than the second threshold Pt2 (P2≦Pt2), the controller 48 outputs a command to the monitor 51 and the buzzer 52 to execute a second notification different from the first notification. As a result, the monitor 51 displays information (warning) that the first container 41 and the second container 42 need to be replaced, and the buzzer 52 sounds at intervals a ("(2)" in FIG. 16). Therefore, the second notification can inform the user that the second container 42 needs to be replaced. In this case, the second threshold value Pt2 is greater than the first threshold value Pt1 (Pt2>Pt1). Therefore, it is possible to urge the user to replace the second container 42 even when there is still a sufficient amount of fuel remaining in the second container 42.

[0094] According to the embodiment, when the pressure P2 of the second container 42 becomes equal to or lower than the first threshold value Pt1 (P2≦Pt1), the controller 48 outputs a command to the monitor 51 and the buzzer 52 to execute a third notification, which is different from the first notification and the second notification. As a result, the monitor 51 displays information (warning) that the first container 41 and the second container 42 need to be replaced, and the buzzer 52 sounds at intervals b ("(3)" in FIG. 16). Therefore, the third notification can inform the user that the remaining amount of fuel in the second container 42 is low. In addition, since the third notification disables automatic stopping and starting of the engine 13, it is possible to prevent the hydraulic excavator 1 from continuing to operate in an unstable state in which the output of the engine 13 is reduced or stopped due to a shortage of fuel supply.

[0095] In the embodiment, the two containers 41, 42 are mounted vertically on the upper rotating body 3, which is the vehicle body. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, one or both of the two containers may be mounted horizontally on the vehicle body. In addition, the first container 41 of the two containers 41, 42 is positioned closer to the outer periphery of the upper rotating body 3 (farther from the center of the vehicle body) than the second container 42, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the second container may be positioned closer to the outer periphery of the vehicle body than the first container, and other arrangements may be used. In addition, the first container and the second container may be mounted at the same height.

[0096] In the embodiment, the case where two containers 41, 42 are mounted on the upper rotating body 3 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, three or more containers may be mounted on the vehicle body. In this case, the container from which fuel is consumed with the highest priority among the multiple containers (in other words, the container that is the object of replacement with the highest priority) corresponds to the first container. Furthermore, at least one container that is pressed down by the stopper member together with the first container corresponds to the second container.

[0097] In the embodiment, the two containers 41, 42 are containers of the same specifications (e.g., the same shape, the same size, the same capacity, the same structure). However, this is not limiting, and the first container and the second container do not have to be containers of the same specifications (e.g., the same shape, the same size, the same capacity, the same structure). For example, the first container may be larger than the second container, or conversely, the first container may be smaller than the second container.

[0098] In the embodiment, the container mounting / removal device 21 is fixed to the rotating frame 5 (bracket 5K) which is the vehicle body frame. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the container mounting / removal device may be fixed to a floor member supported on the vehicle body frame via an elastic member. That is, the container mounting / removal device may be mounted on the vehicle body frame, or on a member other than the vehicle body frame, for example, on a floor member supported on the vehicle body frame via an elastic member.

[0099] In the embodiment, the case where the attachment / detachment device 21 is disposed to the side of the driver's seat 7 of the upper revolving body 3 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the container attachment / detachment device may be disposed at a position away from the driver's seat.

[0100] In the embodiment, the mounting / detaching device 21 is provided on the front side of the upper rotating body 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the container mounting / detaching device may be provided on the rear side, left side, right side, or center of the vehicle body. In other words, the location where the container mounting / detaching device is provided is not particularly limited. It is more preferable that the container mounting / detaching device is provided in a location where the container can be easily loaded onto and removed from the vehicle body.

[0101] In the embodiment, the stopper member 33 is configured by a pair of holding members 34, 34. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the stopper member may be configured by a single holding member, for example. In addition, the stopper member 33 is configured to hold the first container 41 and the second container 42 from above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the stopper member may hold the first container and the second container from another direction, such as holding the first container and the second container from the side. In either case, the first pipeline is attached to the stopper member so that the first pipeline and the first container can be connected only when the stopper member is in a container restraining state.

[0102] In the embodiment, the first pipe 44 and the switching valve 46 are attached to the connecting members 35, 35 of the stopper member 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first pipe and / or the switching valve may be provided in, for example, the pressing member of the stopper member.

[0103] In the embodiment, a case has been described as an example in which both the first pipe 44 and the switching valve 46 are attached to the stopper member 33. However, this is not limiting, and the switching valve may be attached to a member other than the stopper member, such as a rising member of a restraint mechanism.

[0104] In the embodiment, the pressure sensors 49, 50 are used as the remaining amount detection device for detecting the remaining amount of fuel in the containers 41, 42. That is, in the embodiment, the remaining amount of fuel in the containers 41, 42 is determined by the pressures P1, P2 of the containers 41, 42 corresponding to the remaining amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the remaining amount of fuel in the container may be determined by, for example, the flow rate of the fuel. That is, a flow meter (flow rate sensor) may be provided in a pipe between the container and the prime mover, and the remaining amount of fuel in the container may be determined by calculating the cumulative consumption amount of fuel using this flow meter. In addition, the remaining amount detection device may be a detection device that directly detects the remaining amount of fuel in the container. That is, the remaining amount detection device includes not only a detection device that directly detects the remaining amount of fuel in the container, but also a detection device that measures a state quantity (physical quantity) such as pressure and flow rate that changes depending on the remaining amount.

[0105] In the embodiment, the LPG containers 41, 42 mainly composed of butane, propane, etc. have been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the container may be a natural gas container mainly composed of methane, ethane, etc., a hydrogen gas container, a diesel container, or a gasoline container. That is, the container is a fuel container that stores (reserves) fuel, and the fuel corresponds to various types of fuel. Furthermore, the fuel may be liquid, gas, or both gas and liquid in the container. Furthermore, the container may be configured to adsorb the fuel to an adsorbent in the container.

[0106] In the embodiment, the engine 13 using LPG as fuel is used as the prime mover, that is, the prime mover is an internal combustion engine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the prime mover may be, for example, a hybrid prime mover, that is, a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The prime mover may also be a fuel cell and an electric motor. In this case, the fuel corresponds to the fuel for the fuel cell (for example, hydrogen gas).

[0107] In the embodiment, the hydraulic excavator 1 equipped with a swing-type working implement 4 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to hydraulic excavators equipped with other types of working implements (front implements), such as hydraulic excavators equipped with a mono-boom type working implement and hydraulic excavators equipped with an offset type working implement. In addition, although the embodiment has been described as an example in which the working implement of the working implement 4 is the bucket 4D, a working implement equipped with another working implement, such as a crusher, may also be used.

[0108] In the embodiment, the hydraulic excavator 1 of cab specification having a cab box 9 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a hydraulic excavator of canopy specification may be used.

[0109] In the embodiment, a small hydraulic excavator 1 has been described as an example, but the present invention may be applied to, for example, medium-sized or larger hydraulic excavators. Also, while the vehicle body has been described as being composed of a lower traveling body 2 and an upper rotating body 3, the vehicle body may not have a rotating body (for example, an articulated vehicle body in which a front vehicle body having front wheels and a rear vehicle body having rear wheels are flexibly connected via a connecting shaft).

[0110] In the embodiment, the hydraulic excavator 1 has been taken as an example of the construction machine, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be widely applied to various types of construction machines such as wheel loaders. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Hydraulic excavator (construction machinery) 2 Undercarriage (car body) 3 Upper rotating body (car body) 4 Work equipment 13 Engine (prime mover) 21 Attachment / detachment device (container attachment / detachment device) 33 Stopper member 34 Retaining member 35 Connecting members 34A Proximal end 34B Tip 35 Connecting members 41 1st container 42 Second container 44 1st pipeline 45 2nd pipeline 46 Switching valve 48 Controller 49 First pressure sensor (first remaining amount detection device) 50 Second pressure sensor (second remaining amount detection device) 51 Monitor (alarm device) 52 Buzzer (alarm device)

Claims

1. A vehicle body having a working device; A prime mover mounted on the vehicle body; a container attachment / detachment device that detachably fastens a first container and a second container that store fuel for the engine to the vehicle body, The container attachment / detachment device is a stopper member that can be changed between a container restraining state in which the first container and the second container are restrained by the vehicle body and a container releasing state in which the restraint of the first container and the second container is released; A first pipeline connected to the first container; A second pipeline connected to the second container; a switching valve that switches between a first state in which the first container and the prime mover are communicated with each other via the first pipe and a second state in which the second container and the prime mover are communicated with each other via the second pipe, The switching valve supplies the fuel in the first container to the prime mover preferentially over the fuel in the second container, A construction machine characterized in that the first pipeline is attached to the stopper member so as to be connectable to the first container only when the stopper member is in the container restraining state.

2. 2. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the first container is disposed closer to an outer periphery of the vehicle body than the second container is.

3. The stopper member holds down the first container and the second container from above by vertically swinging a tip end portion of the stopper member around a base end portion as a swing center, The first container is disposed on the tip side of the stopper member, 3. The construction machine according to claim 2, wherein the second container is disposed on the base end side of the stopper member.

4. 2. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the first pipeline and the switching valve are attached to the stopper member.

5. The stopper member is A pair of holding members extending parallel to each other with a space between them; A plurality of connecting members are provided between the pair of holding members, 2. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the first pipeline is attached to the connecting member.

6. a first remaining amount detection device for detecting the remaining amount of fuel in the first container; a controller that controls the switching valve based on the remaining amount of fuel in the first container detected by the first remaining amount detection device, 2. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller switches the switching valve from the first state to the second state when the remaining amount of fuel in the first container detected by the first remaining amount detection device becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

7. a first remaining amount detection device for detecting the remaining amount of fuel in the first container; a second fuel level detection device for detecting the amount of fuel remaining in the second container; an alarm device that notifies information about the remaining amount of fuel in the first container and the second container; a controller that controls the notification device based on the remaining amount of fuel in the first container detected by the first remaining amount detection device and the remaining amount of fuel in the second container detected by the second remaining amount detection device, The controller: When the remaining amount of fuel in the first container detected by the first remaining amount detection device becomes equal to or less than a first threshold value set in advance, a command to execute a predetermined first notification is output to the notification device; A construction machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that when the remaining amount of fuel in the second container detected by the second remaining amount detection device becomes equal to or less than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value set in advance, a command to execute a second notification different from the first notification is output to the notification device.

8. The controller: The construction machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the remaining amount of fuel in the second container becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value set in advance, a command to execute a third notification different from the first notification and the second notification is output to the notification device.

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