Work machine

Abstract

To provide a work machine which prevents damage, falling and theft of a movable body, and can protect the movable body from external environment.SOLUTION: A work machine (1), which includes a travelable machine body (10), a work device (20) provided on the machine body (10), and a movable body (40) that is movable independent of the machine body (10), includes a storage device (70) having a storage chamber (44) that is mounted on the upper face part of the machine body (10) and stores the movable body (40), and a cover (46) for opening / closing the storage chamber (44) when the movable body (40) is separated from and stored in the machine body (10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine, and more particularly to a work machine equipped with a mobile body that can move independently of the body of the work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a work machine that includes a machine body, a work device provided on the machine body, a traveling device that propels the machine body, and a mobile body that can move independently of the machine body. The mobile body is a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) such as a drone, which moves following the machine body and surveys the construction site and acquires position information of the work machine at the construction site. Power is supplied to the mobile body via a cable from a power supply device mounted on the machine body. Furthermore, when the mobile body is not in operation, it is mounted on the top surface of a cabin (driver's seat) in which the operator sits. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-55374 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the mobile unit is not in operation, it is placed exposed on the top surface of the machine body. As a result, the mobile unit is at risk of being damaged or falling due to impacts or vibrations while the work machine is in operation. Furthermore, the mobile unit is at risk of malfunction or deterioration due to exposure to external environments such as wind and rain. There is also a need to prevent the mobile unit from being stolen.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide a work machine that can prevent damage, dropping, and theft of a moving body, and can protect the moving body from the external environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the work machine of the present invention is a work machine comprising a travellable body, a working device provided on the body, and a mobile body that can move independently of the body, and is equipped with a storage device mounted on the top surface of the body, which has a storage chamber for storing the mobile body, and a cover for opening and closing the storage chamber when the mobile body is detached from and stored in the body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the working machine of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the moving body from being damaged, dropped, or stolen, and to protect the moving body from the external environment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a work machine. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a work machine. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the control device and storage device with the cover closed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the control device and the storage device with the cover open. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of the work machine with the cover open. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top view of the work machine with the cover open. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a wireless remote control. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a hydraulic system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a side view of the work machine 1, Fig. 2 shows a top view of the work machine 1, Fig. 3 shows a front front view of the work machine 1, and Fig. 4 shows a rear front view of the work machine 1. The left side of Fig. 1 is the front of the work machine 1, and the right side of Fig. 1 is the rear of the work machine 1.

[0010] The work machine 1 comprises a body 10, a working device 20 provided on the body 10, a traveling device 30 that causes the body 10 to travel, and a mobile body 40 (shown in Figures 5 and 6 described below) that can move independently of the body 10. In more detail, the work machine 1 of this embodiment is an earthwork vibrating roller (compaction machine) used for compacting asphalt road surfaces, and comprises a front body 12 and a rear body 14 as the body 10.

[0011] The front machine body 12 and the rear machine body 14 are articulated and connected to each other via a connecting mechanism 16. The front machine body 12 can be steered in the yaw direction relative to the rear machine body 14 via the connecting mechanism 16. The working device 20 includes a rolling wheel 22 rotatably attached to the front machine body 12 as a front wheel. In addition, the traveling device 30 includes a tire 32 rotatably attached to the rear machine body 14 as a rear wheel.

[0012] The work machine 1 performs vibration, travel, steering, and compaction operations using the work device 20 and the traveling device 30, and performs compaction work by appropriately combining these basic operations. The vibration operation is an operation in which a vibration actuator (not shown) built into the rolling wheel 22 is vibrated, causing the rolling wheel 22 to vibrate. The traveling operation is an operation in which the tires 32 are rotated using an engine 104 and a hydraulic pump 106 (both shown in FIG. 11 ), which will be described later, to cause the work machine 1 to travel. Note that while this embodiment describes a machine in which the rear wheels are made up of tires 32, the work machine may also be a machine in which the rear wheels act as rollers and perform compaction work using the front and rear wheels, in which case the traveling device 30 also functions as the work device 20.

[0013] The steering operation is an operation in which a steering actuator (not shown) is operated using an engine 104 and a hydraulic pump 106 provided on the rear body 14 to bend the front body 12 relative to the rear body 14 via a connecting mechanism 16. The compaction operation is an operation in which, while the work machine 1 is traveling, a load is applied to the road surface via the rolling wheels 22 and tires 32 by the weight of the work machine 1 itself and the vibration of the rolling wheels 22, which are added as needed.

[0014] Furthermore, the work machine 1 of this embodiment is an unmanned type that does not have a cabin (driver's cab) where an operator sits, and a control device 50 is mounted in the space above the machine body 10 where the cabin used to be. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antenna 42 is attached via a base to the top surface of the housing of the control device 50.

[0015] The GNSS antenna 42 receives signals from multiple positioning satellites to detect the position information of the aircraft 10 on the ground and transmits the information to the control device 50. As shown in Fig. 1, a control panel (operation device) 60 is disposed on the rear aircraft body 14 to allow an operator to perform various operations. The control panel 60 is electrically connected to the control device 50 and is capable of communication.

[0016] A storage device 70 (described later) is provided above the control device 50, and the storage device 70 stores the mobile unit 40. The mobile unit 40 is a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) such as a drone that can be operated by a control panel 60 or the like and can move independently of the machine body 10. The mobile unit 40 moves following the machine body 10, acquires survey information of the construction site and position information of the machine body 10 at the construction site, and transmits this information to the control device 50 via wired or wireless communication. When an operator operates the control panel 60 and a wireless remote control (operation device) 90 (shown in FIG. 10 described later), the control device 50 starts and controls the operation of the work device 20 and the traveling device 30 based on information about the machine body 10 transmitted from the GNSS antenna 42 and the mobile unit 40. This enables remote or autonomous operation of the machine body 10.

[0017] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the control device 50 and the storage device 70 for the movable body 40 in Figure 3. In the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the movable body 40 is stored in the storage device 70 attached to the upper surface of the machine body 10, in other words, the upper surface of the control device 50. The storage device 70 has a storage chamber 44 that stores the movable body 40, and a cover 46 that opens and closes the storage chamber 44 when the movable body 40 is detached from and stored in the machine body 10.

[0018] 5 shows a state in which the cover 46 is closed, and in this state, the storage chamber 44 is covered on all four sides, top and bottom, by the housing of the storage device 70 and the cover 46. More specifically, the cover 46 is a double-door type composed of a first cover member 48 and a second cover member 52, and outer end portions 54 of the first and second cover members 48, 52 in the vehicle width direction X of the vehicle body 10 are rotatably supported on the upper surface of the control device 50.

[0019] 1 to 4 show the cover 46 in a closed state, while Figs. 3 to 5 show the entire or part of the storage chamber 44 by seeing through the housing of the storage device 70. Meanwhile, the inner end portions 56 of the first and second cover members 48, 52 in the vehicle width direction X overlap each other when the cover 46 is closed, sealing the storage chamber 44. Also, first buffer members 62 made of a cushioning material such as urethane are attached to the inner surfaces 58 of the first and second cover members 48, 52 that face the storage chamber 44 when the cover 46 is closed.

[0020] Each first buffer member 62 has a shape that follows the outer shape of the upper part of the movable body 40, and when the movable body 40 is stored, it covers the upper part of the movable body 40, including the multiple propellers 40a provided on the movable body 40, with almost no gaps. A pedestal 64 is also arranged in the storage chamber 44, and the movable body 40 is placed on an upper surface (placement surface) 64a of this pedestal 64. A second buffer member 66 made of the same material as the first buffer member 62 is attached to the upper surface 64a. The second buffer member 66 has, for example, a flat shape, and enables the movable body 40 to land softly on the upper surface 64a of the pedestal 64.

[0021] When the cover 46 is closed, the first buffer members 62 and the second buffer members 66 come into contact with the movable body 40 stored in the storage chamber 44, restricting the movement of the movable body 40 in the storage chamber 44 in all directions, up and down. The control device 50 also houses a power supply device 80 for the movable body 40. The storage chamber 44 is partially in communication with the inside of the control device 50, and the power supply device 80 supplies power to the movable body 40 via a cable 82 (shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later) connected to the movable body 40. The cable 82 is housed in the storage chamber 44 when the movable body 40 is not in operation.

[0022] Fig. 6 shows an enlarged view of the control device 50 and the storage device 70 with the cover 46 open, Fig. 7 shows a side view of the work machine 1 with the cover 46 open, and Fig. 8 shows a top view of the work machine 1 with the cover 46 open. Fig. 6 shows the entire storage chamber 44 by seeing through the housing of the storage device 70. As shown in Fig. 6, a first hydraulic cylinder 68 and a second hydraulic cylinder 72 are connected to the inner surfaces 58 of the first and second cover members 48, 52, respectively.

[0023] The first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72 constitute a drive device 74 for opening and closing the first and second cover members 48, 52. As will be described later, when the drive device 74 is actuated by operating the operation panel 60, the inner ends 56 of the first and second cover members 48, 52 are pushed up by the first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72, respectively, and the cover 46 is opened, as shown in Figures 6 and 8. This allows the movable body 40 to be removed from the storage chamber 44, as shown in Figure 6, and ultimately allows the movable body 40 to move independently of the aircraft body 10.

[0024] 9 shows a configuration diagram of the control panel 60. Arranged on the control panel 60 are a control panel monitor 76, a key switch 78, a start switch 84, a wireless permission switch 86, a cover open / close switch 88, an operation switch 89, and other switches. In response to the operation of each of the above switches, the control panel 60 transmits a corresponding switch signal to the control device 50. The control panel monitor 76 displays, for example, information such as items selected by each switch, error codes for the work machine 1, and the oil level, and is used by the operator to visually check the status of the work machine 1.

[0025] The key switch 78 is a dial-type switch that switches between power off, accessory power on, main power on, and engine start. The start switch 84 is a switch for starting the engine 104, and the engine 104 starts when the key switch 78 is rotated to the engine start position while pressing the start switch 84. The wireless permission switch 86 is a push-button type switch that permits or prohibits operation of the work machine 1 using the wireless remote control 90. In other words, unless the wireless permission switch 86 on the operation panel 60 is operated, the work machine 1 cannot be remotely operated using the wireless remote control 90.

[0026] The cover open / close switch 88 is a push button switch that activates a hydraulic system 100 (shown in FIG. 11 described below) and activates a drive unit 74 made up of first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72. The operation switch 89 can operate the start of flight of the moving body 40, the end of flight, and storage in the storage compartment 44. Note that the flight of the moving body 40 may be started in conjunction with the opening operation of the cover 46 by the cover open / close switch 88, and the end of flight and storage of the moving body 40 may be performed in conjunction with the closing operation of the cover 46 by the cover open / close switch 88.

[0027] 10 shows a configuration diagram of the wireless remote control 90. The wireless remote control 90 is provided with first and second joysticks 92, 94 and various other switches. The wireless remote control 90 is capable of two-way communication with the control device 50 via a communication device (not shown) mounted on the control device 50, and is carried and operated by an operator. Communication between the wireless remote control 90 and the control device 50 is permitted by operating a wireless permission switch 86 located on the operation panel 60.

[0028] By operating the wireless remote control 90, it is possible to remotely control the work machine 1; for example, by operating the first and second joysticks 92, 94, it is possible to safely move the work machine 1 from its storage location to the construction site. The wireless remote control 90 also makes it possible to flexibly work in areas of the construction site where it is difficult to work with the work machine 1 operating autonomously. Furthermore, by operating the switches on the wireless remote control 90, it is possible to switch the operation mode of the work machine 1, forcibly stop the engine, apply / release the parking brake, change the maximum travel speed of the work machine 1, change the vibration amplitude related to the work machine 1's compaction work, etc.

[0029] 11 shows a configuration diagram of a hydraulic system 100 for opening and closing the cover 46. This hydraulic system 100 has a hydraulic circuit 102 connected to the first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72, and the hydraulic circuit 102 is equipped with a hydraulic pump 106 connected to an engine 104, a relief valve 108, and a solenoid valve 110. By operating the key switch 78 and start switch 84 arranged on the operation panel 60 to start the engine 104, hydraulic oil is supplied to the hydraulic circuit 102.

[0030] After hydraulic oil is supplied to the hydraulic circuit 102, pressing the cover open / close switch 88 located on the operation panel 60 activates the solenoid valve 108, causing hydraulic oil to flow into the bottom portions 68a, 72a of the first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72, respectively, and extending the first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72. As a result, the first and second cover members 48, 52 are pushed up by the first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72, respectively, and the cover 46 is in the open state as shown in FIG.

[0031] When the cover open / close switch 88 is pressed again, the solenoid valve 108 is actuated, hydraulic oil flows into the rod portions 68b, 72b of the first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72, respectively, and the first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72 contract. As a result, the first and second cover members 48, 52 are pulled down by the first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72, respectively, and the cover 46 enters the closed state as shown in FIG.

[0032] As described above, the work machine 1 of this embodiment has a storage device 70 disposed on the top surface of the machine body 10, and the storage device 70 has a storage compartment 44 for storing the movable body 40, and a cover 46 for opening and closing the storage compartment 44 when the movable body 40 is detached from and stored in the machine body 10. This allows the movable body 40 to be protected in the storage device 70 when not in operation, and prevents the movable body 40 from being damaged or falling due to impacts or vibrations received while the work machine 1 is working. Furthermore, because the movable body 40 is covered on all sides by the housing of the storage device 70 and the cover 46, it is possible to prevent breakdowns and deterioration of the movable body due to exposure to the external environment such as wind and rain, and it is also possible to prevent theft of the movable body 40.

[0033] The storage device 70 also has first buffer members 62 attached to each inner surface 58 of the cover 46, and second buffer members 66 attached to the mounting surface of the storage chamber 44 for the movable body 40, i.e., the upper surface 64a of the base 64. The first and second buffer members 62, 66 come into contact with the movable body 40 stored in the storage chamber 44 when the cover 46 is closed, restricting movement of the movable body 40 within the storage chamber 44. This protects the movable body 40 when it is not in operation by fixing it to the storage chamber 44, thereby more reliably protecting the movable body 40 from shocks and vibrations.

[0034] The work machine 1 also includes a control device 50 that controls the operation of the work implements 20 and the traveling devices 30, an operation panel 60 that is capable of communicating with the control device 50 and has a cover opening / closing switch 88 disposed thereon, and a drive device 74 that opens and closes the cover 46 by operating the cover opening / closing switch 88. This allows the cover 46 to be easily opened on the operation panel 60, enabling the mobile body 40 to be operated quickly.

[0035] Furthermore, the configuration of the hydraulic system 100 described above makes it necessary to start the engine 104 in order to open or close the cover 46, which makes it possible to more reliably prevent theft of the mobile unit 40. The work machine 1 also includes a power supply device 80 that supplies power to the mobile unit 40 via a cable 82 connected to the mobile unit 40. This makes it possible to constantly supply power to the mobile unit 40 while it is in operation, allowing the mobile unit 40 to operate for long periods of time.

[0036] This concludes the description of one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the storage device 70 is mounted on the top surface of the airframe 10, i.e., on the top surface of the control device 50.

[0037] Here, it is preferable that the top surface of the storage device 70 in the airframe 10 is positioned lower than the GNSS antenna 42 so as not to interfere with communications performed by the GNSS antenna 42. Therefore, the mounting position of the storage device 70 does not have to be strictly on the top surface of the control device 50, but is defined as an upper surface portion including a position lower than the top surface, and is adjustable according to the height dimension of the storage device 70, and may be a recess formed on the top surface of the control device 50.

[0038] Furthermore, the storage device 70 may be housed inside the side wall of the housing of the control device 50. In the above embodiment, the cover 46 is a double-door type composed of a first cover member 48 and a second cover member 52, but various other forms, such as a single-door type, are possible. In the above embodiment, the cover 46 is opened and closed by operating a cover opening / closing switch 88 on the operation panel 60.

[0039] In this case, the operating device for opening and closing the cover 46 is the operation panel 60. However, this is not limiting, and a switch similar to the cover opening / closing switch 88 may be provided on the wireless remote control 90, and the cover 46 may be opened and closed by operating this switch. In other words, the wireless remote control 90 can be the operating device for opening and closing the cover 46.

[0040] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the drive device 74 is made up of the first and second hydraulic cylinders 68, 72. However, this is not a limitation, and the drive device 74 for opening and closing the first and second cover members 48, 52 may be made up of an electric cylinder. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to engine drive, and can also be applied to an electrically driven work machine 1. When the present invention is applied to an electrically driven work machine 1 having a drive device 74 that uses an electric cylinder, since there is no engine 104, the condition for opening and closing the cover 46 may be system activation by operating the key switch 78.

[0041] Furthermore, the mobile body 40 is not limited to a UAV such as a drone, and may be, for example, an unmanned mobile body that travels on the ground. Furthermore, if the mobile body 40 is equipped with a battery, the cable 82 connecting the mobile body 40 and the aircraft 10 is not necessarily required, and communication between the mobile body 40 and the aircraft 10 may be wireless communication. Furthermore, although the mobile body 40 has been described as being operated using the operation panel 60, this is not limiting, and the mobile body 40 may be operated using an operation device dedicated to or separate from the mobile body 40.

[0042] The present invention is also applicable to work machines 1 other than compaction machines, such as hydraulic excavators, loaders, and backhoe loaders, so long as they are equipped with a machine body 10, various work devices 20 provided on the machine body 10, various traveling devices 30 that allow the machine body 10 to travel, and a mobile body 40 that can move independently of the machine body 10. The present invention is also applicable to manned work machines 1 that are equipped with a cabin for an operator. In this case, it is preferable that the storage device 70 is mounted on the top surface of the machine body 10, i.e., on the top surface of the cabin, and that the top surface of the storage device 70 is lower than the GNSS antenna 42. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1. Work machinery 10 aircraft 20 Work equipment 30 Running gear 40 Mobile 44 Storage Room 46 Cover 50 Control device 58 Inner surface 60 Operation panel (operation device) 62 First buffer member 64a Top surface (mounting surface) 66 Second buffer member 70 Storage Device 74 Drive Unit 80 Power Supply Device 88 Cover opening / closing switch 90 Wireless remote control (operating device)

Claims

1. A work machine comprising a travellable machine body, a work device provided on the machine body, and a mobile body that can move independently of the machine body, A work machine comprising: a storage device mounted on an upper surface of the machine body, the storage device having a storage chamber for storing the movable body, and a cover for opening and closing the storage chamber when the movable body is detached from and stored in the machine body.

2. The storage device includes: a first buffer member attached to an inner surface of the cover facing the storage chamber; a second buffer member attached to a mounting surface of the movable body in the storage chamber; and 2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the first buffer member and the second buffer member abut against the movable body stored in the storage chamber when the cover is closed, thereby restricting movement of the movable body within the storage chamber.

3. a control device that controls the operation of the working device; an operating device capable of communicating with the control device and including a cover opening / closing switch for opening and closing the cover; a drive device that opens and closes the cover by operating the cover opening / closing switch; 3. The work machine according to claim 2, further comprising:

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