Work vehicle

Abstract

To allow a user to add an option at the lowest possible cost.SOLUTION: A work vehicle includes: an operation tool 14 capable of a movement operation; a vehicle operation unit 12 configured to execute a predetermined function of a vehicle; and an operation restricting member 25 that restricts an area in which the operation tool 14 is movable to a predetermined range. The vehicle operation unit 12 is capable of executing, as the predetermined function, a first function and a second function different from the first function. The operation restricting member 25 is configured to be replaceable with another operation restricting member having a different movement operation range of the operation tool 14. The vehicle operation unit 12 is configured to be switchable between a state of executing the first function and a state of executing the second function as the operation restriction member 25 is replaced and the movement operation of the operation tool 14 is changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work vehicle equipped with a movable operating tool and a vehicle operating unit that executes predetermined functions of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In the above-mentioned work vehicle, the number of gears in the transmission device, which serves as the vehicle operating part, is changed by operating a shift lever, which serves as an operating tool, to switch to a gear state appropriate to the situation, and the number of gears that can be changed using the shift lever is preset and fixed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-105243 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When using the above-mentioned work vehicle, the user of the work vehicle may wish to improve usability by, for example, changing the number of gears in the transmission by adding options such as changing or modifying the specifications. However, with the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the number of gears that can be changed using the gear lever was preset and fixed, so adding an option not only required changing the specifications of the operating tool but also required major structural improvements to the vehicle operating parts, which resulted in a significant cost burden for the user of the work vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, there has been a demand for users to be able to provide options at as low a cost as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The characteristic configuration of the work vehicle of the present invention is that it is equipped with an operating tool that can be moved and operated, a vehicle operation unit that performs a predetermined function of the vehicle, and an operation restriction member that restricts the area in which the operating tool can move to within a predetermined range, the vehicle operation unit is capable of performing a first function and a second function that is different from the first function as the predetermined functions, the operation restriction member is configured to be replaceable with another operation restriction member that has a different movement operation range of the operating tool, and the vehicle operation unit is configured to be switchable between a state in which the first function is performed and a state in which the second function is performed as the operation restriction member is replaced and the movement operation of the operating tool changes.

[0007] According to the present invention, the movement range of the operating tool is restricted to a predetermined range by the operation restricting member. When the operation restricting member is suitable for executing a first function, the vehicle operation unit can execute the first function as the movement position of the operating tool changes. Furthermore, when the operation restricting member is replaced from the operation restricting member suitable for executing the first function to the operation restricting member suitable for executing a second function, the operation state of the vehicle operation unit changes, for example, the predetermined movement range changes, and the vehicle operation unit executes the second function as the movement position of the operating tool changes.

[0008] In this way, by simply replacing the operation restricting member, it is possible to switch the vehicle operation unit between a state in which it executes the first function and a state in which it executes the second function, thereby enabling users to add options at the lowest possible cost.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the vehicle operation unit outputs running power to a traveling device as the specified function, and that the running power for the first function and the second function is different, and that the operating tool is a shift lever that performs a gear shift operation on the vehicle operation unit.

[0010] According to this configuration, simply by replacing the operation restriction member that restricts the range in which the shift lever can move, the driving power output to the traveling device in response to the movement of the shift lever can be switched to a different state.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the second function has, as the number of forward gears when the vehicle travels forward, a number of gears that is greater than the number of gears in the first function.

[0012] According to this configuration, the number of gears can be changed simply by replacing the operation restricting member, and the required number of gears can be switched depending on the work situation, making it easy to use.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that the operation restricting member is a lever guide having a guide groove through which the speed change lever is inserted and capable of restricting the movement operation range of the speed change lever.

[0014] According to this configuration, it is possible to achieve this at low cost by simply changing a simple member, the lever guide, for the speed change lever. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a utility vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the shift lever and the lever guide. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a shift lever and a lever guide. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a gear shift state of the power transmission device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view of the optional lever guide. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the gear shift state of an optional power transmission device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a control operation according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A first embodiment of a work vehicle according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0017] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the direction of arrow F in the figure is defined as "front," the direction of arrow B as "rear," the direction of arrow LH as "left," and the direction of arrow RH as "right." The direction of arrow U in the figure is defined as "up," and the direction of arrow D as "down."

[0018] [Overall configuration of multipurpose vehicle] The utility vehicle shown in Figure 1 is used for multiple purposes such as transporting luggage and recreation. The utility vehicle is equipped with a body 4 having a body frame 1, a pair of left and right front wheels 2 as traveling devices provided at the front of the body frame 1 in a steerable and drivable manner, and a pair of left and right rear wheels 3 as traveling devices provided at the rear of the body frame 1 in a drivable manner.

[0019] A riding section 5 is provided in a region between the front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3 on the vehicle body 4. The riding section 5 is provided with a front riding section 5A and a rear riding section 5B, and a rope rope 6 that surrounds the riding space of the front riding section 5A and the riding space of the rear riding section 5B. The front riding section 5A is provided with a driver's seat 7 and a driver's section 8 located in front of the driver's seat. A luggage rack 9 is provided behind the riding section 5 on the vehicle body. Below the luggage rack 9 are provided an engine 10 as a power source, a belt-type continuously variable transmission 11 that continuously changes the speed of the power from the engine 10 and outputs it, and a power transmission device 12 (an example of a vehicle operating part) that changes the speed of the power from the continuously variable transmission 11 and outputs it toward the front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, the driver's section 8 is provided with a front-to-rear swing type gearshift lever 14 as an operating tool for changing the speed of the power transmission device 12. The gearshift lever 14 is disposed adjacent to the right side of a steering wheel 15 for steering the front wheels. A display device 16 for displaying various information is provided to the right of the gearshift lever 14.

[0021] [About the power transmission device] The power transmission device 12 has a transmission case 13 and a gear transmission mechanism provided inside the transmission case 13, and is configured to be able to change speeds between a forward transmission state, a neutral state, and a reverse transmission state by shifting the transmission gear.

[0022] In the power transmission device 12, power input from the continuously variable transmission device 11 is changed in speed by a gear transmission mechanism and output toward the front wheels 2 and rear wheels 3. The rear wheel output of the power transmission device 12 is transmitted to a rear wheel differential mechanism (not shown) provided inside the transmission case 13, and then transmitted from the rear wheel differential mechanism to the left and right rear wheels 3. The front wheel output of the power transmission device 12 is transmitted to a front wheel differential mechanism (not shown) by a rotating shaft (not shown) extending forward from the transmission case 13, and then transmitted from the front wheel differential mechanism to the left and right front wheels 2.

[0023] On the forward side, the power transmission device 12 is configured so that the power input from the continuously variable transmission 11 is changed by a gear-type transmission mechanism to one of three forward drive states: a first forward speed F1, which is the slowest speed state; a second forward speed F2, which is faster than the first forward speed F1; and a third forward speed F3, which is faster than the second forward speed F2, and can be output toward the front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3.

[0024] In the neutral state, the output of the power input from the continuously variable transmission 11 to the front wheels 2 and rear wheels 3 is stopped. In the reverse state, the power input from the continuously variable transmission 11 is changed in speed by a gear-type transmission mechanism to a reverse driving force and is output to the front wheels 2 and rear wheels 3. The speed change operation of the continuously variable transmission 11 can be performed by depressing a speed change pedal (not shown).

[0025] In the work vehicle of this embodiment, the power transmission device 12 is configured to be able to execute a first function and a second function different from the first function as predetermined functions. The lever guide 25, which serves as an operation limiting member that limits the movement range of the gearshift lever 14 serving as an operating tool, is configured to be replaceable with another lever guide 25A having a different movement range, and the power transmission device 12 is configured to be switchable between a state in which the first function is executed and a state in which the second function is executed as the lever guide 25 is replaced and the movement operation of the gearshift lever 14 changes. The specific configuration will be described below.

[0026] Of the three forward speed change gears in the power transmission device 12, the first forward speed F1 allows travel at extremely slow speeds, and since the first forward speed F1 is thought to be used infrequently in typical usage, when the first forward speed F1 is required, it is available as an option (additional specification) as described below.

[0027] [Regarding gear shifting of the power transmission device] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, support parts 17 are provided on the car body 4 at two locations, one on the left and one on the back side of the front panel of the driver's section 8. A first fulcrum shaft 18 extending in the width direction of the car body is rotatably held by the left and right support parts 17. A bifurcated stay 19 is fixed to the first fulcrum shaft 18. The stay 19 is fixed to the first fulcrum shaft 18 by welding. The stay 19 is rotatable together with the first fulcrum shaft 18 relative to the left and right support parts 17. A second fulcrum shaft 20 is held by the stay 19. A cylindrical part 14a provided at the base of the gearshift lever 14 is fitted onto the second fulcrum shaft 20.

[0028] The first fulcrum shaft 18 has a first pivot axis P1 extending in the vehicle width direction and is held by the left and right support parts 17 so as to be rotatable about the first pivot axis P1. The second fulcrum shaft 20 has a second pivot axis P2 extending in a direction intersecting the first pivot axis P1 in a plan view. The gearshift lever 14 is swingable relative to the stay 19 with the second pivot axis P2 serving as a swing fulcrum.

[0029] The shift lever 14 is supported by the left and right support portions 17 in a state in which it can swing in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body with the first pivot axis P1 as a swing fulcrum, and can swing in the lateral direction of the vehicle body with the second pivot axis P2 as a swing fulcrum.

[0030] A swing arm 21, which is held by the first fulcrum shaft 18 and is operated to swing by the first fulcrum shaft 18 around the first pivot axis P1 as a swing fulcrum, is connected to the gearshift operating unit 12a provided in the power transmission device 12 by an interlocking mechanism 22, which is a link mechanism. Various members such as an operating cable or an interlocking rod can be used as the interlocking mechanism 22. When the gearshift lever 14 is operated to swing in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle around the first pivot axis P1 as a swing fulcrum, the first fulcrum shaft 18 is rotated, and the power of the first fulcrum shaft 18 is transmitted to the gearshift operating unit 12a as an operating force by the swing arm 21 and the interlocking mechanism 22.

[0031] When the speed change operating unit 12a of the power transmission device 12 is rotated, a speed change gear is shifted in the gear-type transmission mechanism, and the speed change state is changed. Although the specific configuration is not shown, when the speed change operating unit 12a is in the neutral position N, the power transmission device is in a neutral state where transmission is cut off. When the speed change operating unit 12a is in the forward high speed position H, the power transmission device 12 is in a forward high speed transmission state (corresponding to forward third speed F3). When the speed change operating unit 12a is in the forward low speed position L, the power transmission device 12 is in a forward low speed transmission state (corresponding to forward second speed F2).

[0032] The shift lever 14 is configured to pass through a guide groove 24 provided in a lever guide 25. The lever guide 25 is made of sheet metal and attached to a fixed portion 26 on the vehicle body side. As shown in FIG. 5, the fixed portion 26 on the vehicle body side is provided with a pair of left and right supports 26B that are welded to a panel frame 26A serving as a vehicle body frame and extend in the front-to-rear direction. The rear ends of the left and right supports 26B are bent into an L-shape in a plan view to form mounting flange portions 26C. The lever guide 25 is attached to the flange portions 26C of the left and right supports 26B by bolting them together at three locations. A decorative plate 23 is attached to the top surface of the lever guide 25, and as shown in FIG. 6, the decorative plate 23 is affixed with labels (R, N, H, L) indicating the operating positions. By releasing the bolt connection, the lever guide 25 can be attached and detached together with the decorative plate 23.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the guide groove 24 is provided with a forward guide groove portion 24f and a reverse guide groove portion 24r. The forward guide groove portion 24f is formed to extend linearly in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body. The reverse guide groove portion 24r is positioned offset in the vehicle width direction relative to the forward guide groove portion 24f, and is also positioned offset in the front-to-rear direction relative to the forward guide groove portion 24f. As the gearshift lever 14 moves left and right, it can be guided from one of the forward guide groove portion 24f and the reverse guide groove portion 24r to the other.

[0034] As described above, the power transmission device 12 is configured to be able to change the forward speed to one of first, second and third forward speed transmission states, but in this work vehicle, the forward speed change state associated with operation of the speed change lever 14 is basically configured to be switchable between two stages: low forward speed and high forward speed.

[0035] By moving the shift lever 14 in the forward guide groove 24f in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, the power transmission device 12 is shifted between a high forward speed and a low forward speed transmission state. When the shift lever 14 is shifted to the forward low speed position L, which is the front of the two operating positions set in the forward guide groove 24f, the shift operating part 12a is switched to the forward low speed position L (a position corresponding to the second forward speed). In other words, the power transmission device 12 is shifted to the forward transmission state of the second forward speed (F2), allowing forward driving at a low speed.

[0036] When the shift lever 14 is operated to the rear high forward speed position H, the shift operating part 12a is operated to switch to the high forward speed position H (a position corresponding to the third forward speed). In other words, the power transmission device 12 is operated to change gears to a forward transmission state of the third forward speed (F3), which is faster than the second forward speed (F2), and the vehicle can travel forward at high speed.

[0037] When the shift lever 14 is operated to the neutral position N, the power transmission device 12 is shifted to the neutral state. When the shift lever 14 is operated to the reverse position R set in the reverse guide groove portion 24r, the power transmission device 12 is shifted to the reverse state.

[0038] By operating the shift lever 14 in the width direction of the vehicle body from the forward guide groove portion 24f toward the reverse guide groove portion 24r, the shift lever 14 can be operated to the reverse position R. By operating the shift lever 14 in the width direction of the vehicle body from the reverse guide groove portion 24r toward the forward guide groove portion 24f, the shift lever 14 can be moved to the forward guide groove portion 24f and operated to the high forward speed position H or the low forward speed position L.

[0039] 3 and 4, the shift lever 14 is configured to be urged to swing toward the forward guide groove 24f when viewed in the direction along the second pivot axis P2 by a torsion spring 27 serving as a urging mechanism. The coil portion of the torsion spring 27 is fitted onto the cylindrical portion 14a of the shift lever 14. When the shift lever 14 is moved from the forward guide groove 24f toward the reverse guide groove 24r through the communicating groove 24a, an operating resistance is applied by the torsion spring 27.

[0040] The movement range of the gearshift lever 14 is restricted by the guide groove 24 of the lever guide 25, and movement in the front-to-rear direction is restricted by the inner edge of the guide groove. Therefore, the lever guide corresponds to an operation restriction member that restricts the area in which the gearshift lever can move within a predetermined range.

[0041] An insertion hole 29 is formed in the left support body 26B, and a positioning pin 30 protruding from the gearshift lever 14 is fitted into the insertion hole 29. The positioning pin 30 abuts against the end of the insertion hole 29, preventing excessive operation of the gearshift lever 14. However, in the basic configuration with two forward gears, the gearshift lever 14 is restricted to its rearmost position in the fore-and-aft direction. Furthermore, when an optional feature (a configuration with three forward gears), which will be described later, is installed, the gearshift lever 14 is restricted to its rearmost position in the fore-and-aft direction. This makes it possible to prevent excessive operation of the gearshift lever 14.

[0042] In this way, the power transmission device 12 shifts between second forward speed (F2), third forward speed (F3), neutral, and reverse in accordance with the operation of the gearshift lever 14. This function corresponds to the first function of the power transmission device 12.

[0043] [Optional] The first forward speed of the power transmission device 12 allows the vehicle to travel at an extremely slow speed, and since the first forward speed is considered to be used infrequently in general use, it is available as an option when required.

[0044] That is, to change the configuration to one that allows shifting to first forward speed (F1), as shown in Figure 8, the lever guide 25 is removed from the support body 26B by releasing the bolt connections at three locations and replaced with the optional lever guide 25A. The optional lever guide 25A is provided with a forward ultra-low speed position UL (Ultra Low) in addition to a forward low speed position L and a forward high speed position H as forward speed change operation positions. Labels (R, N, H, L, UL) indicating the operation positions are affixed to the decorative panel 23.

[0045] That is, in addition to the forward low-speed state and forward high-speed state, a forward ultra-low-speed state is set as a forward speed change state associated with operation of the shift lever 14. As a result, the shift lever 14 can be operated to the forward ultra-low-speed position UL in addition to the reverse position R, neutral position N, forward high-speed position H, and forward low-speed position L. The forward guide groove 24f extends linearly, and three operating positions are set for the forward guide groove 24f. The forward ultra-low-speed position UL is located forward of the forward low-speed position L of the forward guide groove 24f.

[0046] When the shift lever 14 is operated to the forward ultra-low speed position UL, which is the forward most position, the shift operating unit 12a is switched to the lowest forward speed position (a position corresponding to forward first speed F1). In other words, the power transmission device 12 is operated to shift to a forward transmission state of forward first speed F1, which is slower than forward second speed, and forward traveling can be performed at an extremely low speed.

[0047] In this way, the power transmission device 12 shifts between first forward speed (F1), second forward speed (F2), third forward speed (F3), neutral, and reverse in accordance with the operation of the gearshift lever 14. This function corresponds to the second function of the power transmission device 12.

[0048] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the work vehicle according to the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, only the configurations that are different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the same configurations will be omitted.

[0049] In the first embodiment described above, the gearshift lever 14 and the gearshift operating unit 12a of the power transmission device 12 were configured to be mechanically linked by a linkage mechanism, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the gearshift operating unit 12a of the power transmission device 12 is configured to be switched by a drive operating mechanism 40. Also provided are a gearshift position sensor 41 that detects the operating position of the gearshift lever 14, and a control device 42 that controls the operation of the drive operating mechanism 40 based on the detection result of the gearshift position sensor 41.

[0050] The drive operation mechanism 40 has an actuator such as an electric motor or a hydraulic cylinder, and is capable of operating the gear shift operation part 12a. The gear shift position sensor 41 is composed of a potentiometer or the like, and is capable of detecting the rotational operation position of the gear shift lever 14. The control device 42 is composed of a microcomputer, and controls the operation of the drive operation mechanism 40 according to a preset control program.

[0051] The control device 42 is configured to be able to switch between a first shift mode and a second shift mode based on information detected by the shift position sensor 41. As shown in Fig. 11, when the shift lever 14 is swung forward or backward over its entire range, for example when the power is turned on, the control device 42 determines the shift position (step #1) and sets the first shift mode if the shift lever 14 is of a type that can be switched between reverse position R, neutral position N, high forward speed position H, and low forward speed position L, i.e., does not have a very low forward speed position UL. If the shift lever 14 is of a type that can be switched between reverse position R, neutral position N, high forward speed position H, low forward speed position L, and very low forward speed position UL, the control device 42 sets the second shift mode (step #2).

[0052] In the first shift mode, as the shift lever 14 switches between the reverse position R, neutral position N, forward high speed position H, and forward low speed position L, the operation of the drive operating mechanism 40 is controlled so that the power transmission device 12 switches between the reverse state, neutral state, forward high speed state, and forward low speed state (step #3).

[0053] In the second shift mode, as the shift lever 14 switches between the reverse position R, neutral position N, forward high speed position H, forward low speed position L, and forward ultra low speed position UL, the operation of the drive operating mechanism 40 is controlled so that the power transmission device 12 switches between the reverse state, neutral state, forward high speed state, forward low speed state, and forward extremely low speed state (step #4).

[0054] In this embodiment, the operation of the power transmission device 12 in the first speed change mode corresponds to a first function, and the operation of the power transmission device 12 in the second speed change mode corresponds to a second function.

[0055] [Another embodiment] (1) In the above embodiment, the second function of the vehicle operating unit is configured to have a greater number of forward gear stages when the vehicle is traveling forward than the number of gear stages in the first function. However, instead of this configuration, various configurations can be adopted, such as a configuration in which the range of speeds that can be changed by the continuously variable transmission 11 is varied, or a configuration in which the adjustment range of the rotation speed of the engine 10 is varied.

[0056] (2) In the above embodiment, the operating tool is a shift lever 14 that performs gear shifting operations on the power transmission device as the vehicle operating part, but this is not limited to this, and various configurations can be used, such as a foot pedal that performs gear shifting operations, or a touch panel that performs gear shifting operations, etc.

[0057] (3) In the above embodiment, the power transmission device 12 as a vehicle operating unit has a predetermined function of outputting driving power to the traveling device. However, instead of this configuration, the vehicle operating unit may have a vehicle operating unit that performs various operations, such as outputting driving force for a working device in a work vehicle equipped with a working device.

[0058] (4) In the above embodiment, an engine is provided as a power source. However, the power source may be a hybrid drive type that uses an engine and an electric motor, or may be a configuration that includes only an electric motor. [Industrial Applicability]

[0059] The present invention can be applied to various agricultural work vehicles as well as multipurpose vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 2,3 Running gear 12 Power transmission device (vehicle operating part) 14 Gear shift lever (operating device) 24 Guide groove 25 Lever guide (operation restriction member)

Claims

1. A movable operating tool; a vehicle operation unit that executes predetermined functions of the vehicle; an operation restriction member that restricts the area in which the operating tool can move to within a predetermined range, the vehicle operation unit is capable of executing, as predetermined functions, a first function and a second function different from the first function, The operation restriction member is configured to be replaceable with another operation restriction member having a different movement operation range of the operating tool, The vehicle operation unit is configured to be switchable between a state in which the first function is executed and a state in which the second function is executed as the operation restriction member is replaced and the movement operation of the operating tool changes.

2. the vehicle operation unit outputs power for running to a running device as the predetermined function, and the power for running is different between the first function and the second function; 2. The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the operating tool is a gear shift lever for operating the vehicle operating unit to change gears.

3. 3. The work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the second function is provided with a number of forward gears for when the vehicle travels forward that is greater than the number of gears in the first function.

4. 4. A work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the operation restriction member is a lever guide having a guide groove through which the speed change lever is inserted, and capable of restricting a movement operation range of the speed change lever.

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