Aerial work platform

The vehicle's innovative sub-boom storage mechanism allows for efficient and safe stowage of the sub-boom device, minimizing interference and reducing the vehicle's height, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

JP2026018897APending Publication Date: 2026-02-05KABUSHIKI KAISHA AICHI CORPORATION
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024120239
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-07-25
Publication Date
2026-02-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing aerial work vehicles face challenges in storing sub-boom devices efficiently, which can interfere with work operations and increase the vehicle's overall height, necessitating laborious attachment and detachment procedures.

Method used

The vehicle design includes a sub-boom unit with a rotating member and a sliding mechanism, allowing the sub-boom member to be stored compactly within the vehicle's storage area by extending diagonally or rearward, and using detectors to ensure safe and efficient stowage.

Benefits of technology

The design enables compact storage of the sub-boom device without protruding laterally, reducing the vehicle's overall height and preventing interference, facilitating easy operation and safe travel.

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Abstract

To lower the maximum height during traveling as much as possible by easily putting a sub-boom device in a storage state.SOLUTION: The sub-boom device (50) includes a sub-boom revolving member (51), a sub-boom support member provided on the sub-boom revolving member, a winch device (53), and a sub-boom member (55) attached to the sub-boom support member, and the vehicle travels with the boom, the workbench, and the sub-boom device being stored. The boom 30 is stored so as to extend obliquely forward from the swivel base toward the right side in a plan view such that the boom distal end side is positioned on the right side above the operation cabin 7, the workbench 40 is stored so as to be positioned on the left side of the boom distal end portion, and the sub-boom device 50 is stored such that the end portion of the sub-boom member 55 enters the storage area surrounded by the boom in the stored state and the side end surface on the right side of the vehicle in a plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle for working at high altitudes that is equipped with a work platform and a sub-boom device at the tip of a boom that can be raised and lowered. [Background technology]

[0002] A known aerial work vehicle for performing work at a desired height is constructed using a road-traveling vehicle and includes a swivel base mounted on the vehicle body, a boom mounted on the swivel base so as to be able to raise and lower and extend, a work platform mounted at the tip of the boom so as to be able to swivel in a horizontal plane, and a sub-boom device mounted at the tip of the boom. Work at height using such an aerial work vehicle is performed by rotating the swivel base and raising and lowering and extending the boom while the vehicle body is supported by a jack device, thereby moving the work platform to the desired height, and work using the sub-boom device can also be performed at this time.

[0003] Aerial work platforms are constructed using road-operated vehicles that can be driven on roads, allowing them to be transported to work sites where work at height is to be performed. When driven on roads, they must comply with regulations set forth by the Road Traffic Act and other laws, and are configured to comply with these regulations by storing the boom, work platform, and sub-boom device. One of these regulations is the overall height limit for the vehicle when in a traveling state, and the maximum height of the aerial work platform when stored is set to be below the vehicle height limit value (e.g., 3.8 m) required to ensure the safety of the vehicle when traveling on roads.

[0004] The maximum height of aerial work platforms in a stowed state is often determined by the sub-boom device. Sub-boom devices are used, for example, for lifting work materials and temporarily supporting electric wires strung between utility poles during indirect live-line work. They include a winch for winding up the rope used in these tasks and a sub-boom member with a sheave at its tip around which the rope pulled from the winch is suspended. Such sub-boom devices are typically mounted higher than the work platform. Since the maximum height of the aerial work platform during travel is determined by the position of the sub-boom device in a stowed state, various methods have been devised to reduce the height of the sub-boom device in a stowed state. For example, a method has been proposed in which the long sub-boom member constituting the sub-boom device is stored within the work platform during travel and the sub-boom member is attached when work is in progress. However, attaching and detaching the sub-boom member is a laborious task, resulting in reduced work efficiency.

[0005] For this reason, there is also known an aerial work platform that is configured to lower the maximum height during travel by tilting the sub-boom device to the side and storing it at a position to the side of the work platform when the boom and work platform are stored on the vehicle body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also known an aerial work platform that is configured to lower the maximum height during travel by sliding the sub-boom device downward when the boom and work platform are stored on the vehicle body (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-171989 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-280916 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, when working without using the sub-boom device, the sub-boom device is stored to the side of the work platform, which poses the problem of getting in the way of work, and also poses the problem of requiring the sub-boom device to be tilted to the side or slid downward.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide an aerial work vehicle that can store a sub-boom device using a simple procedure, that can keep the maximum height (total height) of the vehicle while traveling as low as possible, and that does not interfere with work even when the sub-boom device is not in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve this object, a first vehicle for working at height according to the present invention comprises a vehicle having a driver's cabin at the front of the vehicle body and capable of traveling, a swivel base mounted at the rear of the vehicle body so as to be horizontally rotatable, a boom mounted on the swivel base so as to be able to raise and lower, a vertical post attached to the tip of the boom and maintained vertically regardless of the raising and lowering of the boom, a work platform mounted on the vertical post so as to be horizontally rotatable, and a sub-boom unit mounted on the vertical post.Furthermore, in this vehicle for working at height, the sub-boom unit comprises a sub-boom rotating member mounted on the vertical post so as to be horizontally rotatable, a sub-boom support member mounted on the sub-boom rotating member so as to be able to raise and lower, a winch unit attached to the sub-boom support member, and a long sub-boom member attached to the sub-boom support member, and the vehicle is configured to travel with the boom, the work platform, and the sub-boom unit stored in the vehicle body. The boom is stored extending diagonally forward from the swivel table towards either the left or right side of the vehicle in a plan view so that it is lowered in front of the vehicle and the boom tip is located on either the left or right side of the vehicle above the driver's cabin, the work platform is stored away from the boom tip located on one of the left or right sides of the vehicle and towards the other of the left or right sides of the vehicle, and the sub-boom device is configured so that the end of the sub-boom member is lowered downward towards the rear of the vehicle and the end of the sub-boom member is stored within a storage area surrounded by the boom in the stored state and the side end face on one of the left or right sides of the vehicle in a plan view.

[0010] In the aerial work vehicle having the configuration of the first present invention described above, preferably, the sub-boom member is attached to the sub-boom support member so as to be slidable in the axial direction, and the sub-boom member is provided with a sheave at its tip for winding around a rope paid out from the winch device, and in the stored state, the sheave causes the sub-boom member to slide to a storage slide position where it approaches the sub-boom support member, causing the base end of the sub-boom member to protrude to the opposite side, and the sub-boom rotating member is rotated to a position where the base end faces toward the rear of the vehicle, and the base end of the sub-boom member is tilted downward toward the rear of the vehicle so that it enters the storage area.

[0011] The aerial work vehicle having the configuration of the first present invention above preferably comprises a regulating device that regulates and releases the regulation of operation of the aerial work vehicle, a sub-boom swing position detector that detects the horizontal swing position of the sub-boom swing member relative to the vertical post, a sub-boom slide position detector that detects the slide movement position of the sub-boom member relative to the sub-boom support member, and a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects the hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom swing member, and is configured so that when the sub-boom swing position detector detects that the sub-boom swing member has reached the swing position where it is in the stowed state, the sub-boom slide position detector detects that the sub-boom member has reached the stowed slide position, and the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom support member has reached the hoist position where it is in the stowed state, the regulating device releases the regulation of operation of the aerial work vehicle by the regulating device.

[0012] In the aerial work vehicle having the configuration of the first present invention described above, preferably the sub-boom member is provided with a sheave at its tip around which a rope paid out from the winch device is wound, and in the stored state, the sub-boom rotating member is rotated to a position where the tip faces toward the rear of the vehicle, and the tip of the sub-boom member is tilted downward toward the rear of the vehicle so that the tip enters the storage area.

[0013] The aerial work vehicle having the configuration of the first present invention above preferably comprises a regulating device that regulates and releases the regulation of the operation of the aerial work vehicle, a sub-boom rotation position detector that detects the horizontal rotation position of the sub-boom rotation member relative to the vertical post, and a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects the hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom rotation member, and is configured so that when the sub-boom rotation position detector detects that the sub-boom rotation member has reached a rotation position in which it is stored, and when the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom support member has reached a hoist position in which it is stored, the regulating device releases the regulation of the operation of the aerial work vehicle by the regulating device.

[0014] A second vehicle for working at height according to the present invention comprises a vehicle capable of traveling and having a driver's cabin at the front of its body, a swivel base mounted on the vehicle body behind the driver's cabin so as to be horizontally rotatable, a boom mounted on the swivel base so as to be able to raise and lower, a vertical post attached to the tip of the boom and maintained vertically regardless of the raising and lowering of the boom, a work platform mounted on the vertical post so as to be horizontally rotatable, and a sub-boom unit mounted on the upper part of the vertical post. Furthermore, in this vehicle for working at height, the sub-boom unit comprises a sub-boom rotating member mounted on the upper part of the vertical post so as to be horizontally rotatable, a sub-boom support member mounted on the sub-boom rotating member so as to be able to be raised and lowered, a winch unit attached to the sub-boom support member, and a long sub-boom member attached to the sub-boom support member, and the vehicle is configured to travel with the boom, the work platform, and the sub-boom unit stored in the vehicle body. The boom is stored extending diagonally rearward from the swivel base towards either the left or right side of the vehicle in a plan view so that it folds down towards the rear of the vehicle and the boom tip is located on either the left or right side of the vehicle above the rear of the body, the work platform is stored away from the boom tip located on either the left or right side of the vehicle and towards the other left or right side of the vehicle, and the sub-boom device is configured so that the end of the sub-boom member folds down towards the front of the vehicle and is stored so that the end of the sub-boom member is within a storage area surrounded by the boom in the stored state and the side end face of one of the left or right sides of the vehicle in a plan view.

[0015] In the aerial work vehicle having the configuration of the second present invention described above, preferably, the sub-boom member is attached to the sub-boom support member so as to be slidable in the axial direction, and the sub-boom member is provided with a sheave at its tip for winding around a rope paid out from the winch device, and in the stowed state, the sheave causes the sub-boom member to slide to a storage slide position where it approaches the sub-boom support member, causing the base end of the sub-boom member to protrude to the opposite side, and the sub-boom rotating member is rotated to a position where the base end faces toward the front of the vehicle, and the base end of the sub-boom member is tilted downward toward the front of the vehicle so that it enters the stowage area.

[0016] The vehicle for working at height having the configuration of the second present invention above preferably comprises a regulating device that regulates and releases the regulation of the operation of the vehicle for working at height, a sub-boom swing position detector that detects the horizontal swing position of the sub-boom swing member relative to the vertical post, a sub-boom slide position detector that detects the slide movement position of the sub-boom member relative to the sub-boom support member, and a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects the hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom swing member, and is configured so that when the sub-boom swing position detector detects that the sub-boom swing member has reached the swing position where it is in the stowed state, the sub-boom slide position detector detects that the sub-boom member has reached the stowed slide position, and the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom support member has reached the hoist position where it is in the stowed state, the regulating device releases the regulation of the operation of the vehicle for working at height by the regulating device.

[0017] In the aerial work vehicle having the configuration of the second present invention described above, preferably the sub-boom member is provided with a sheave at its tip around which a rope paid out from the winch device is wound, and in the stored state, the sub-boom rotating member is rotated to a position where the tip faces the front of the vehicle, and the tip of the sub-boom member is tilted downward toward the front of the vehicle so that the tip enters the storage area.

[0018] The aerial work vehicle having the configuration of the second present invention above preferably comprises a regulating device that regulates and releases the regulation of the operation of the aerial work vehicle, a sub-boom rotation position detector that detects the horizontal rotation position of the sub-boom rotation member relative to the vertical post, and a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects the hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom rotation member, and is configured so that when the sub-boom rotation position detector detects that the sub-boom rotation member has reached a rotation position in which it is stored, and when the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom support member has reached a hoist position in which it is stored, the regulating device releases the regulation of the operation of the aerial work vehicle by the regulating device.

[0019] In the aerial work vehicles having the configurations according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the regulating device is preferably a device that regulates and releases the restriction on the travel of the aerial work vehicle.

[0020] In the aerial work vehicle having the configurations of the first and second aspects of the present invention, preferably, the aerial work vehicle is equipped with a jack device that lifts and supports the vehicle, and the regulating device is a device that regulates and releases the regulation of the operation of the jack device.

[0021] The aerial work vehicle having the configurations of the first and second aspects of the present invention preferably comprises a sub-boom swivel holding device that holds the sub-boom swivel member in a swivel position in which it is stored, and a sub-boom hoisting holding device that holds the sub-boom support member in a hoist position in which it is stored.

[0022] The aerial work vehicle having the configurations of the first and second aspects of the present invention preferably comprises a sub-boom rotation holding device that holds the sub-boom rotation member in a rotation position in which it is stored, a sub-boom slide holding device that holds the sub-boom member in the storage slide position, and a sub-boom hoisting holding device that holds the sub-boom support member in a hoist position in which it is stored. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the first aerial work vehicle of the present invention, in the stowed state, the boom extends diagonally forward from the swivel bed toward either the left or right side of the vehicle in a plan view so that the boom tip is positioned above the operator's cabin on either the left or right side of the vehicle, and the work platform is positioned on the other side of the vehicle from the boom tip positioned on either the left or right side of the vehicle. The sub-boom device is configured so that the end of the sub-boom member lies downward toward the rear of the vehicle and is located within a storage area surrounded by the boom in the stowed state and the side end face of either the left or right side of the vehicle in a plan view. This allows the sub-boom device to be stored compactly without protruding laterally from the vehicle body. Furthermore, because the end of the sub-boom member is stored so as to extend within the storage area, interference between the sub-boom member and the boom can be reliably prevented. Therefore, for example, when starting work at height, the boom can be horizontally swiveled and raised / lowered with the work platform and the sub-boom device in a stowed state to move the work platform closer to the ground to make it easier for the worker to get on to the platform, and interference between the sub-boom member and the boom can be reliably prevented. Also, the height of the sub-boom device protruding upward when stowed can be reduced to make the overall height of the vehicle as low as possible.

[0024] In the vehicle for working at height according to the first aspect of the present invention, the sub-boom member may be attached to the sub-boom support member so as to be slidable in the axial direction, the sub-boom member may be provided at its tip with a sheave around which a rope paid out from the winch device is wound, and in the stowed state, the sub-boom member may be slid to a stow slide position where the sheave approaches the winch support member to cause the base end of the sub-boom member to project to the opposite side, the sub-boom rotating member may be rotated to a position where the base end faces toward the rear of the vehicle, and the base end of the sub-boom member may be tilted downward toward the rear of the vehicle so that the base end enters the stowage area. With this configuration, the sub-boom device can be easily stowed by simply sliding the sub-boom member, horizontally rotating the sub-boom rotating member, and raising and lowering the winch member.

[0025] The vehicle for aerial work having the configuration of the first present invention described above further comprises a regulating device that regulates the operation of the vehicle for aerial work, a sub-boom swing position detector that detects the horizontal swing position of the sub-boom swing member relative to the vertical post, a sub-boom slide position detector that detects the slide position of the sub-boom member relative to the sub-boom support member, and a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects the hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom swing member, and it is preferable that the restriction on the operation of the vehicle for aerial work by the regulating device is released when the sub-boom swing position detector detects that the sub-boom swing member has reached the swing position for stowage, the sub-boom slide position detector detects that the sub-boom member has reached the stowage slide position, and the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom member has reached the hoist position for stowage. This ensures safety in the operation of the vehicle for aerial work.

[0026] In the aerial work vehicle having the configuration of the first present invention, the sub-boom member may be provided with a sheave at its tip end around which a rope paid out from the winch device is wound, and in the stowed state, the sub-boom rotating member may be rotated to a position where the tip end equipped with the sheave faces the rear of the vehicle, and the sub-boom member may be tilted downward toward the rear of the vehicle so that the tip end enters the stowage area. With this configuration, the sub-boom device can be easily placed in the stowed state by simply rotating the sub-boom rotating member horizontally and raising and lowering the winch member.

[0027] The vehicle for aerial work having the configuration of the first present invention described above further comprises a regulating device that regulates the operation of the vehicle for aerial work, a sub-boom swing position detector that detects the horizontal swing position of the sub-boom swing member relative to the vertical post, and a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects the hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom swing member, and is preferably configured such that when the sub-boom swing position detector detects that the sub-boom swing member has reached the swing position for storage and the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom support member has reached the hoist position for storage, the restriction on the operation of the vehicle for aerial work by the regulating device is released. This ensures safety in the operation of the vehicle for aerial work.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the second aerial work platform of the present invention, in the stowed state, the boom extends obliquely rearward from the swivel bed toward either the left or right side of the vehicle in a plan view so that the boom tip is lowered toward the rear of the vehicle and positioned above the rear of the vehicle body on either the left or right side of the vehicle, and the work platform is positioned on the other side of the vehicle from the boom tip positioned on either the left or right side of the vehicle, and the sub-boom device is configured so that the end of the sub-boom member is lowered downward toward the front of the vehicle and is positioned within a storage area surrounded by the boom in the stowed state and one of the left and right side end faces of the vehicle in a plan view. Therefore, the sub-boom device can be stored compactly without protruding laterally from the vehicle body. In particular, because the end of the sub-boom member is stored so as to extend within the storage area, interference between the sub-boom member and the boom can be reliably prevented. Therefore, for example, when starting work at height, the boom can be horizontally swiveled and raised / lowered with the work platform and the sub-boom device in a stowed state to move the work platform closer to the ground to make it easier for the worker to get on to the platform, and interference between the sub-boom member and the boom can be reliably prevented. Also, the height of the sub-boom device protruding upward when stowed can be reduced to make the overall height of the vehicle as low as possible.

[0029] In the above-mentioned second vehicle for working at an aerial location according to the present invention, the sub-boom member may be attached to the sub-boom support member so as to be slidable in the axial direction, the sub-boom member may be provided at its tip with a sheave around which a rope paid out from the winch device is wound, and in the stowed state, the sub-boom member may be slid to a stow slide position where the sheave approaches the winch support member to cause the base end of the sub-boom member to project to the opposite side, the sub-boom rotating member may be rotated to a position where the base end faces the front of the vehicle, and the sub-boom member may be tilted downward toward the front of the vehicle so that the base end enters the stowage area. With this configuration, the sub-boom device can be easily stowed by simply sliding the sub-boom member, horizontally rotating the sub-boom rotating member, and raising and lowering the winch member.

[0030] The vehicle for aerial work having the configuration of the second present invention described above further comprises a regulating device that regulates and releases the regulation of operation of the vehicle for aerial work, a sub-boom swing position detector that detects the horizontal swing position of the sub-boom swing member relative to the vertical post, a sub-boom slide position detector that detects the slide position of the sub-boom member relative to the sub-boom support member, and a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects the hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom swing member, and it is preferable that the regulating device releases the regulation of operation of the vehicle for aerial work when the sub-boom swing position detector detects that the sub-boom swing member has reached the swing position for stowage, the sub-boom slide position detector detects that the sub-boom member has reached the stowage slide position, and the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom member has reached the hoist position for stowage. This ensures safety in operation of the vehicle for aerial work.

[0031] In the aerial work vehicle having the configuration of the second present invention, the sub-boom member may be provided with a sheave at its tip end around which a rope paid out from the winch device is wound, and in the stowed state, the sub-boom rotating member may be rotated to a position where the tip end equipped with the sheave faces the front of the vehicle, and the sub-boom member may be tilted downward toward the front of the vehicle so that the tip end enters the stowage area. With this configuration, the sub-boom device can be easily placed in the stowed state by simply rotating the sub-boom rotating member horizontally and raising and lowering the winch member.

[0032] The vehicle for aerial work having the configuration of the second present invention described above further comprises a regulating device that regulates the operation of the vehicle for aerial work, a sub-boom swing position detector that detects the horizontal swing position of the sub-boom swing member relative to the vertical post, and a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects the hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom swing member, and it is preferable that the regulating device releases the restriction on the operation of the vehicle for aerial work when the sub-boom swing position detector detects that the sub-boom swing member has reached the swing position for storage and the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom support member has reached the hoist position for storage. This ensures safety in the operation of the vehicle for aerial work.

[0033] In the aerial work vehicles having the configurations of the first and second aspects of the present invention, the regulating device may be a device that regulates the travel of the aerial work vehicle, thereby ensuring safety for the travel of the aerial work vehicle.

[0034] In the aerial work vehicle having the configurations of the first and second aspects of the present invention, the aerial work vehicle is equipped with a jack device that lifts and supports the vehicle, and the regulating device may be a device that regulates the operation of the jack device, thereby ensuring safety regarding the operation of the jack device on the aerial work vehicle.

[0035] The vehicle for work at height having the configurations of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be configured to include a sub-boom rotation holding device that holds the sub-boom rotating member in a rotation position where it is in a stowed state, and a sub-boom hoisting hold device that holds the sub-boom support member in a hoist position where it is in a stowed state. This securely holds the stowed state, ensuring the safety of the vehicle for work at height, etc.

[0036] The vehicle for aerial work according to the first and second aspects of the present invention may be configured to include a sub-boom swing holding device that holds the sub-boom swing member in a swing position where it is in a stowed state, a sub-boom slide holding device that holds the sub-boom member in the stowed slide position, and a sub-boom hoisting hold device that holds the sub-boom support member in a hoist position where it is in a stowed state. This securely holds the stowed state, ensuring the safety of the vehicle for aerial work, such as when traveling. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a vehicle for working at height according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the vicinity of the tip of the boom in the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the vicinity of the tip of the boom in the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of a sub-boom device of the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration around a sub-boom revolving member in the sub-boom device of the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration around the sub-boom revolving member in the sub-boom device of the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment, with the sub-boom revolving member in a freely rotatable state. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration around the sub-boom revolving member in the sub-boom device of the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment, in a state where the sub-boom revolving member is driven to revolve by a sub-boom revolving motor. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration around a sub-boom swivel member in the sub-boom device of the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment, in a state where the sub-boom swivel member is fixed and held in a storage swivel position. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the sub-boom swivel member, the sub-boom support member and their surroundings in the sub-boom device of the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment, with the sub-boom support member positioned in the stowed hoist position. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the sub-boom rotating member and the sub-boom support member and their surroundings in the sub-boom device of the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment, with the sub-boom member extending horizontally. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the sub-boom rotating member and the sub-boom support member and their surroundings in the sub-boom device of the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment, with the sub-boom member extending vertically. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state in which the work platform has been moved close to the ground in the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the work platform and sub-boom device of the aerial work vehicle according to the first embodiment are in use. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device that controls various operations for performing high-altitude work and traveling by the high-altitude work vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the boom / work platform storage detection device shown in the above block diagram. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the sub-boom retraction detection device shown in the above block diagram. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the jack storage detection device shown in the block diagram above. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the sub-boom fixing device shown in the above block diagram. [Figure 20] 4 is a flowchart showing control performed by a travel control unit of the control device. [Figure 21] 4 is a flowchart showing the control performed by a high-altitude work control unit of the control device. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a side view of a vehicle for working at height according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the aerial work vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the vicinity of the tip of the boom in the vehicle for working at height according to the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the work platform has been moved close to the ground in the aerial work vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a side view of a vehicle for working at height according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the aerial work vehicle according to the third embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is an opposite side view of the aerial work vehicle according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. A vehicle for aerial work 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The vehicle for aerial work 1 is equipped with aerial work equipment mounted on the vehicle body and a jack device for lifting and supporting the vehicle body. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the vehicle in a state where the aerial work equipment and jack device are all stored and ready to travel. The vehicle for aerial work 1 is based on a truck-type vehicle having a driver's cabin 7 at the front of the vehicle body 2 and a pair of front and rear wheels 5f and 5r at the front and rear of the vehicle body 2, allowing it to travel. The vehicle body 2 has a vehicle frame consisting of a chassis frame and a subframe attached to the chassis frame. The subframe serves as a strength member supporting the aerial work equipment, and the subframe is equipped with a jack device consisting of a front jack 10f and a rear jack 10r (described below) and the aerial work equipment consisting of a boom 30.

[0039] A pair of left and right front jacks 10f and rear jacks 10r are provided at the front and rear of the vehicle body 2 for lifting and supporting the vehicle when working at height using an aerial work device. The front and rear jacks 10f, 10r are configured to extend downward and lift and support the vehicle body 2 by driving the jack cylinders 11 provided inside each. Although not shown in the figure, the vehicle body is also provided with front outrigger devices that support the left and right front jacks 10f so that they can be extended to the left and right, and rear outrigger devices that support the left and right rear jacks 10r so that they can be extended to the left and right, and the front and rear jacks 10f, 10r are configured to be able to extend outward to the left and right. To perform this extension operation, the front and rear outrigger devices are each equipped with an outrigger cylinder. The front jack 10f, rear jack 10r, and the front and rear outrigger devices are collectively referred to as the jack device.

[0040] A jack operating device 15 (see FIG. 15) equipped with an operating lever for operating the jacking device, i.e., for extending the outrigger device and operating the jacks 10f, 10r, is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 2. The jacking device 15 also includes a jacking device storage detector 123 (see FIGS. 15 and 18) for detecting whether the front and rear outrigger devices and the front and rear jacks 10f, 10r are in a stored state. As shown in FIG. 18, the jacking device storage detector 123 includes an outrigger storage detector 123(1) for detecting whether the front and rear outrigger devices are stored, and a jack storage detector 123(2) for detecting whether the front and rear jacks 10f, 10r are stored.

[0041] A swivel base 20 configured to be capable of horizontal rotation by driving a rotation motor 24 is provided at the rear of the mounting area behind the driver's cabin 7 on the top surface of the vehicle body 2. A boom 30 is attached to a base 21 extending upward from the swivel base 20 via foot pins 22 so that it can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a plurality of tool boxes 26 for storing work tools, work equipment, etc. are arranged on the mounting area.

[0042] The boom 30 is configured by combining an intermediate boom 30b and a tip boom 30c in a nested manner within a base boom 30a, which is attached to the base 21 by foot pins 22 so that it can be raised and lowered. By driving a boom telescopic cylinder 31 provided inside the boom 30, the intermediate boom 30b and the tip boom 30c can be moved in the longitudinal direction relative to the base boom 30a, thereby allowing the boom 30 to be extended and lowered in the longitudinal direction. The boom 30 is also raised and lowered in the vertical plane (up and down) by driving a boom hoisting cylinder 23 provided between the base boom 30a and the base 21. A lower leveling cylinder 25 is provided between the base boom 30a and the base 21.

[0043] A boom mount 28 is erected on the mounting area of ​​the vehicle body 2, on which the boom 30 is placed and stored in a retracted and lowered state. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the boom 30 in a stowed state. As shown in these figures, the boom 30 is fully retracted (the intermediate boom 30b and the tip boom 30c are fully retracted within the base boom 30a), extending from the swivel base 20 toward the front right of the vehicle and lowered, and is stowed with the underside of the base boom 30a resting on the boom mount 28. A boom stowage detection device 121(1) (see FIGS. 15 and 16) is provided to detect when the boom 30 is in this stowed state. While FIG. 15 refers to the boom / platform stowage detection device 121, the boom / platform stowage detection device 121 comprises a boom stowage detection device 121(1) and a platform stowage detection device 121(2), as shown in FIG. 16.

[0044] The boom retraction detection device 121(1) is composed of a boom fully retracted state detection sensor 121(1)a that detects when the boom 30 is in a fully retracted state (a state in which the intermediate boom 30b and the tip boom 30c are most retracted within the base boom 30a), and a boom placement detection sensor 121(1)b that detects when the underside of the base boom 30a rests on the boom mount 28. The boom fully retracted state detection sensor 121(1)a is composed of, for example, a sensor that detects the extension movement positions of the intermediate boom 30b and the tip boom 30c relative to the base boom 30a, and detects whether the intermediate boom 30b and the tip boom 30c have reached the fully retracted state in which they are most retracted within the base boom 30a. The boom placement detection sensor 121(1)b is composed of, for example, a pressure detection switch provided on the boom mount 28, and is configured to detect this by pressing the pressure detection switch when the underside of the base boom 30a rests on the boom mount 28.

[0045] When the boom 30 is stored in this manner, the tip of the boom 30 is located at the right end above the operator's cabin 7. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 2, in the stored state, the boom 30 extends diagonally forward to the right from the swivel base 20, with the tip located near the right end of the vehicle body 2. As a result, a spatial area that spreads out in a fan shape to the rear is formed between the right end face BSP of the boom 30 and the right end face VSP of the vehicle body. This spatial area is referred to as the sub-boom storage area.

[0046] As shown in detail in Figures 3 and 4, a vertical post 35 is attached to the tip of the tip boom 30c so that it can swing up and down. To make the configuration easier to understand, Figure 4 shows a work platform 40, described below, rotated horizontally from its retracted position. An upper leveling cylinder 37 is attached to a lower portion 35a of the vertical post 35 and the tip boom 30c. The lower leveling cylinder 25 and upper leveling cylinder 37 are connected in a closed circuit. When the lower leveling cylinder 25 extends or retracts in response to the boom 30 hoisting movement, the upper leveling cylinder 37 also extends or retracts accordingly. This keeps the vertical post 35 always extended vertically regardless of changes in the boom hoisting angle.

[0047] A work platform 40 is attached to the vertical post 35, which is always maintained in a vertically extending state, so as to be horizontally rotatable (swivelable). The work platform 40 includes a work platform bracket 41 attached to the vertical post 35 so as to be horizontally rotatable, and a work platform main body 45 attached to the work platform bracket 41 via an attachment arm 43. The work platform main body 45 is box-shaped so that an operator can stand on it, and a work platform operating device 47 operated by the operator is attached to one end of the work platform main body 45. The work platform bracket 41 is covered by a bracket cover 41a, but FIG. 4 shows the state with the bracket cover 41a removed. As shown in FIG. 4, the work platform bracket 41 is provided with a work platform rotation motor 42 for horizontally rotating (swiveling) the work platform main body 45. The operator can rotate the work platform bracket 41 around the vertical post 35 by operating the work platform operating device 47 to drive the work platform rotation motor 42, thereby horizontally rotating (swiveling) the work platform main body 45 around the vertical post 35.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, when the work platform 40 is in the stowed state, the work platform main body 45 is rotated horizontally to a position extending to the left from the tip of the boom 30 (tip of the tip boom 30c), which is located near the right end of the vehicle body 2, and is held there. Note that a work platform stor- age detection device 121(2) (see Figures 15 and 16) is provided to detect when the work platform 40 has reached this stowed state. In Figure 15, it is shown as a boom / work platform stor- age detection device 121, but as shown in Figure 16, the boom / work platform stor- age detection device 121 comprises a boom stor- age detection device 121(1) and a work platform stor- age detection device 121(2).

[0049] The workbench storage detection device 121(2) is configured to include, for example, a workbench rotation angle detection sensor 121(2)a that detects the horizontal rotation angle of the workbench main body 45 about the vertical post 35, and the workbench rotation angle detection sensor 121(2)a detects the horizontal rotation position of the workbench main body 45, making it possible to detect whether the workbench main body 45 has been stored. Alternatively, a limit switch or the like may be used to detect that the workbench main body 45 has been horizontally rotated to the storage position shown in Figure 2.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 2, in the aerial work platform 1 of this embodiment, the boom 30 extends diagonally forward to the right from the swivel base 20, with its tip positioned near the right end of the vehicle body 2 when stored, and a sub-boom storage area spreading out in a fan-like shape to the rear is formed between the right end face BSP of the boom 30 and the right end face VSP of the vehicle body. However, this relationship may be reversed. That is, the boom 30 may extend diagonally forward to the left from the swivel base 20, with its tip positioned near the left end of the vehicle body 2 when stored, and a sub-boom storage area spreading out in a fan-like shape to the rear may be formed between the left end face of the boom 30 and the left end face of the vehicle body. In this case, when the work platform 40 is in the stored state, the work platform main body 45 is horizontally rotated to a position extending to the right from the tip of the boom 30 (tip of the tip boom 30c), which is stored and positioned near the left end of the vehicle body 2, and is held there.

[0051] A sub-boom device 50 is attached to the top of vertical post 35. The sub-boom device 50 is composed of a sub-boom revolving member 51 attached to the top of vertical post 35 so as to be able to revolve horizontally, a sub-boom support member 52 pivotally connected to the sub-boom revolving member 51 via a connecting pin 57 (see FIG. 6) so as to be able to swing up and down, a winch device 53 provided on the sub-boom support member 52, and a long sub-boom member 55 attached to the sub-boom support member 52 so as to be able to slide in the axial direction. The side of the sub-boom revolving member 51 is covered by a revolving member cover 51a, and FIG. 4 shows the state with this revolving member cover 51a removed. As will be described in more detail below, the sub-boom device 50 has a sub-boom revolving device 60 and a sub-boom holding switching device 70 that revolve the sub-boom revolving member 51 horizontally, and a sub-boom swinging device 80 that swings the sub-boom support member 52 up and down relative to the sub-boom revolving member 51. Furthermore, the winch device 53 has a winch drive motor (not shown).

[0052] Sub-boom member 55 has hook 55a attached to its base end and sheave 56 attached to its tip end. In the stowed state, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, sub-boom member 55 is slid in the axial direction relative to sub-boom support member 52 so that its tip end, to which sheave 56 is attached, approaches sub-boom support member 52 and its base end, to which hook 55a is attached, protrudes to the opposite side. In the stowed state, sub-boom rotating member 51 is further rotated horizontally to a position where the base end protruding to the opposite side faces the rear of the vehicle, and sub-boom support member 52 is swung so that sub-boom member 55 is tilted down with its base end facing downward.

[0053] 2, the horizontal rotation position of sub-boom rotating member 51 is set so that the base end of sub-boom member 55, to which hook 55a is attached, is within the sub-boom stowing area surrounded by the right end face VSP of vehicle body 2 and the right end face BSP of boom 30 in a plan view. The horizontal rotation position of sub-boom rotating member 51 and sub-boom member 55 in this stowed state is referred to as the sub-boom stowing rotation position, and the hoist position of sub-boom support member 52 and sub-boom member 55 is referred to as the sub-boom stowing hoist position. Furthermore, the slide position where sub-boom member 55 is slid axially relative to sub-boom support member 52, and where the tip end to which sheave 56 is attached approaches sub-boom support member 52 and the base end to which hook 55a is attached protrudes to the opposite side, is referred to as the sub-boom stowing slide position.

[0054] The sub boom unit 50 has its components stored in the sub boom stowing rotation position, the sub boom stowing hoist position, and the sub boom stowing slide position, and is equipped with a sub boom stowing detection device 122 (see Figures 15 and 17) that detects these storage states. As shown in Figure 17, the sub boom stowing detection device 122 is equipped with a sub boom swing position sensor 122(1) that detects the horizontal swing position of the sub boom rotating member 51 relative to the vertical post 35, a sub boom hoist position sensor 122(2) that detects the hoist position of the sub boom support member 52 relative to the sub boom rotating member 51, and a sub boom slide position sensor 122(3) that detects the slide position of the sub boom member 55 relative to the sub boom support member 52. As a result, the sub boom swing position sensor 122(1) can detect that the sub boom rotating member 51 is in the sub boom stowing rotation position, and the sub boom hoist position sensor 122(2) can detect that the sub boom support member 52 is in the sub boom stowing hoist position. In addition, the sub-boom slide position sensor 122(3) can detect whether the sub-boom member 55 is positioned relative to the sub-boom support member 52 in the stored slide position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 or in the use slide position shown in FIG. 14, which will be described later.

[0055] The sub-boom fixing device 125 further includes a sub-boom fixing device 125 (see FIGS. 15 and 19) that fixes and holds the sub-boom unit 50 in the stowed state. As shown in FIG. 19, the sub-boom fixing device 125 includes a sub-boom rotation fixing device 125(1) that fixes and holds the sub-boom rotating member 51 so that it cannot rotate horizontally relative to the vertical post 35 when the sub-boom rotating member 51 is located at the sub-boom stowing rotation position, a sub-boom hoist fixing device 125(2) that fixes and holds the sub-boom support member 52 so that it cannot be raised or lowered relative to the sub-boom rotating member 51 when the sub-boom support member 52 is located at the sub-boom stowing / hoisting position, and a sub-boom slide fixing device 125(3) that fixes the sub-boom member 55 relative to the sub-boom support member 52 at either the stowed slide position or the used slide position. These devices may be configured to be operated by an electric or hydraulic actuator, or may be configured to be operated manually.

[0056] 2 and 3, when the sub boom unit 50 is in a stowed state with the sub boom member 55 positioned at the sub boom stowing rotation position, the sub boom stowage hoist position, and the sub boom stowage slide position, the base end of the sub boom member 55 is within the sub boom stowing area surrounded by the right end face VSP of the vehicle body 2 and the right end face BSP of the boom 30 in a plan view, so the sub boom member 55 is stowed without protruding to the side of the vehicle body or interfering with the boom 30. Also, by storing the sub boom member 55 by lowering it to the sub boom stowage hoist position in this way, as shown in FIG. 1, when the vehicle for aerial work is in a state where it is capable of traveling, the height position of the winch device 53 of the sub boom unit 50 is made as low as possible, thereby reducing the overall height of the vehicle for aerial work. Here, in order to reduce the overall height of the aerial work vehicle by lowering the height position of the winch device 53 of the sub-boom device 50 as much as possible, it is sufficient to increase the hoisting angle of the sub-boom member 55 downward. However, even if this hoisting angle is increased downward, the sub-boom member 55 will not protrude to the side of the vehicle body, and will not interfere with the boom 30.

[0057] As described above, the sub-boom device 50 has the sub-boom rotating device 60, the sub-boom holding switching device 70 and the sub-boom swinging device 80, which will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 12.

[0058] 5 and 6 show the sub-boom device 50 with the revolving member cover 51a covering the side surface of the sub-boom revolving member 51 removed. A fixed gear 36 with external teeth 36a is fixed to the upper part of the vertical post 35. This fixed gear 36 has lock pin fixing holes 36b located on the periphery and a mounting insertion hole 36c located in the center. A mounting strut 51a is provided at the lower part of the sub-boom revolving member 51, and the mounting strut 51a is inserted into the mounting insertion hole 36c via a journal 51b. In this way, the sub-boom revolving member 51 is attached to the upper part of the vertical post 35 so as to be able to rotate horizontally.

[0059] The sub-boom rotation device 60 includes a sub-boom rotation motor 61 mounted on the sub-boom rotation member 51, a pinion support member 63 provided on the underside of the sub-boom rotation member 51 so as to be able to move up and down, and a pinion gear 65 spline-connected to a drive shaft 62 of the sub-boom rotation motor 61. The pinion gear 65 is rotatably held by the pinion support member 63 while remaining spline-connected to the drive shaft 62. Therefore, the pinion gear 65 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 62 and is moved up and down together with the pinion support member 63. When the pinion gear 65 is moved up together with the pinion support member 63, the external teeth 65a of the pinion gear 65 mesh with the external teeth 36a of the fixed gear 36, as shown in FIG. 8. Furthermore, when the pinion gear 65 is moved downward together with the pinion support member 63, the external teeth 65a of the pinion gear 65 and the external teeth 36a of the fixed gear 36 are disengaged from each other as shown in FIG.

[0060] The sub-boom holding switching device 70 has the function of moving the pinion support member 63 up and down in this manner, and is provided with an operation lever 71 for performing this function. The sub-boom holding switching device 70 also has the function of fixing the sub-boom rotating member 51 to prevent it from rotating, and releasing this fixing. In other words, it functions as a sub-boom rotation fixing device 125(1). The sub-boom holding switching device 70 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0061] A connecting member 71a is attached to the lower part of the operating lever 71, and the connecting member 71a is pivotally connected to the sub-boom rotating member 51 via a connecting pin 71b. Therefore, the operating lever 71 can be swung around the connecting pin 71b as shown by arrows A1 and A2 in Figure 7. A first link mechanism 72 is connected to one end of the connecting member 71a, and a second link mechanism 75 is connected to the other end. The first link mechanism 72 is connected to a first operating shaft 73a of a first operating unit 73, and the second link mechanism 75 is connected to a second operating shaft 76a of a second operating unit 76.

[0062] The first operating unit 73 is mounted on the sub-boom rotation member 51 and has a first operating shaft 73a that can move up and down. The lower part of the first operating shaft 73a is connected to the pinion support member 63. Therefore, by moving the first operating shaft 73a up and down, the pinion support member 63 can be moved up and down. When the operating lever 71 is in the position shown in FIG. 7 , the first operating shaft 73a is moved downward via the first link mechanism 72, thereby moving the pinion support member 63 downward. In this state, as shown in FIG. 7 , the external teeth 65a of the pinion gear 65 are disengaged from the external teeth 36a of the fixed gear 36. In this state, even if the sub-boom rotation motor 61 rotates the drive shaft 62 and thereby rotates the pinion gear 65 spline-connected thereto, the pinion gear 65 simply rotates freely. In this state, the second link mechanism 75 also raises the second operating shaft 76a of the second operating unit 76 upward. In this raised state, the second operating shaft 76a is separated from the fixed gear 36. As a result, the sub-boom rotation member 51 is free to rotate relative to the vertical post 35 via the journal 51b, and the sub-boom unit 50 can be manually rotated horizontally.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows the state in which the operating lever 71 is pivoted as indicated by arrow A1 from the state shown in FIG. 7 . When the operating lever 71 is pivoted as indicated by arrow A1, the first operating shaft 73a of the first operating unit 73 is pulled upward via the first link mechanism 72, and the pinion support member 63 is raised together with the first operating shaft 73a. When the pinion support member 63 is raised in this manner, the pinion gear 65 is also raised upward, and as shown in FIG. 8 , the external teeth 65a of the pinion gear 65 mesh with the external teeth 36a of the fixed gear 36. At this time, the pinion gear 65 remains spline-coupled to the drive shaft 62 and rotatably held by the pinion support member 63, so the pinion gear 65 remains in a state of rotating integrally with the drive shaft 62. Even when the operating lever 71 is pivoted as indicated by arrow A1, the second link mechanism 75 remains in a state of lifting the second operating shaft 76a of the second operating unit 76 upward. That is, the second operating shaft 76a remains separated from the fixed gear 36.

[0064] In this state, when the sub-boom swing motor 61 rotates the drive shaft 62, thereby rotating the pinion gear 65 splined thereto, the pinion gear 65 revolves around the fixed gear 36 that meshes with the pinion gear 65. As a result, the sub-boom swing member 51 swings horizontally via the pinion support member 63. In other words, the swing motor 61 swings the drive shaft 62, causing the sub-boom device 50 to swing horizontally around the vertical post 35.

[0065] On the other hand, Figure 9 shows a state in which the operating lever 71 has been swung as indicated by arrow A2 from the state in Figure 7. Even when the operating lever 71 is operated in this manner, the first operating shaft 73a remains moved downward via the first link mechanism 72, and the pinion support member 63 remains moved downward. For this reason, as shown in Figure 9, the external teeth 65a of the pinion gear 65 are no longer meshing with the external teeth 36a of the fixed gear 36. In this state, as in the state in Figure 7, even if the sub-boom swing motor 61 rotates the drive shaft 62 to rotate the pinion gear 65 spline-connected thereto, the pinion gear 65 simply rotates freely.

[0066] However, when the operating lever 71 is swung as shown by arrow A2, the second link mechanism 75 presses the second operating shaft 76a of the second operating unit 76 downward. At this time, when the sub boom revolving member 51 is rotated to a position where the second operating shaft 76a faces the lock pin fixing hole 36b of the fixed gear 36, the second operating shaft 76a can be inserted into the lock pin fixing hole 36b. As a result, the sub boom revolving member 51 can be fixed and held in this revolved position. As can be seen from this, the configuration in which the second operating shaft 76a of the second operating unit 76 is pressed downward to insert the second operating shaft 76a into the lock pin fixing hole 36b of the fixed gear 36 constitutes the sub boom revolving and fixing device 125(1), and the revolved position of the sub boom revolving member 51 at this time is the sub boom retracting and rotating position.

[0067] A swing detection switch 78 is provided on the side of the sub boom swing member 51 to detect when the sub boom swing member 51 is positioned at the sub boom stowing swing position. This swing detection switch 78 corresponds to the sub boom swing position sensor 122(1) of the sub boom stowing detection device 122 shown in Figures 15 and 17. As shown in Figure 9, when the operating lever 71 is swung in the direction indicated by arrow A2, the link member 77 of the second link mechanism 75 presses down the switch portion 78a of the swing detection switch 78. This causes the swing detection switch 78 to detect that the sub boom swing member 51 is positioned at the sub boom stowing swing position and that the sub boom swing locking device has fixed and held the sub boom swing member 51 to prevent it from swinging.

[0068] Next, the sub-boom swing device 80 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The sub-boom swing device 80 includes a sub-boom swing cylinder 81 having a body 82 pivotally connected to the sub-boom rotating member 51 and a rod 83 pivotally connected to the sub-boom support member 52. The sub-boom swing device 80 also includes a swing detection switch 85 located opposite the connecting pin 57 of the sub-boom rotating member 51, and a detection pin 88 located on the side of the sub-boom support member 52 and protruding laterally. Figure 10 shows a state in which the sub-boom swing cylinder 81 is extended to a certain extent so that the hoist angle of the sub-boom support member 52 relative to the sub-boom rotating member 51 is in the stowed position, i.e., the sub-boom member 55 is positioned at the sub-boom hoist position. At this time, the detection pin 88 presses down on a switch portion 86 of the swing detection switch 85. As a result, the swing detection switch 85 detects that the sub-boom support member 52 is positioned at the sub-boom hoist position. As can be seen from this, the swing detection switch 85 corresponds to the sub-boom hoist position sensor 122(2). The sub-boom swing cylinder 81 can fix and hold the sub-boom support member 52 and the sub-boom member 55 in the sub-boom stowed hoist position. In other words, the sub-boom swing cylinder 81 serves as the sub-boom hoist fixing device 125(2).

[0069] Figure 11 shows the state when the sub-boom swing cylinder 81 is retracted from the state shown in Figure 10. When the sub-boom swing cylinder 81 is retracted in this way, the hoist angle of the sub-boom support member 52 relative to the sub-boom rotating member 51 increases upward, as shown by arrow B1, and the sub-boom member 55 can be extended horizontally, for example, as shown in Figure 11. In this state, the detection pin 88 is separated from the switch portion 86 of the swing detection switch 85, and it is detected that the sub-boom support member 52 and sub-boom member 55 are not in the sub-boom stowed hoist position.

[0070] Figure 12 shows the state in which the sub-boom swing cylinder 81 has been further extended from the state in Figure 10. When the sub-boom swing cylinder 81 is further extended in this way, the hoist angle of the sub-boom support member 52 relative to the sub-boom rotating member 51 increases downward, as shown by arrow B2, and the sub-boom member 55 can be extended vertically, for example, as shown in Figure 12. Note that even in this state, the detection pin 88 is separated from the switch portion 86 of the swing detection switch 85, and it is detected that the sub-boom support member 52 and sub-boom member 55 are not in the sub-boom stowed hoist position.

[0071] In the sub-boom device 50 described above, the swing motor 61 is used to perform the swinging movement, and the sub-boom swing cylinder 81 is used to perform the raising and lowering movement, but these movements may also be performed manually.

[0072] Work at height using the aerial work vehicle 1 having the configuration described above is performed by an operator getting into the work platform main body 45 and operating the work platform operating device 47 to control the horizontal rotation of the swivel platform 20, the raising and lowering and retracting of the boom 30, and the horizontal rotation of the work platform 40, thereby moving the work platform main body 45 to a desired height. At this time, to make it easier for the operator to get on to the work platform 40, the work platform 40 is configured to be able to be moved close to the ground, as shown in Figure 13.

[0073] To move the work platform 40 close to the ground in this manner, first, the pair of left and right front jacks 10f and rear jacks 10r are extended downward by driving the jack cylinders 11 provided therein, thereby lifting and supporting the vehicle body 2. Then, while the work platform 40 and the sub-boom unit 50 remain in the stowed state, the rotation of the swivel base 20 and the elevation and extension of the boom 30 are controlled to move the work platform main body 45 close to the ground as shown in the figure. This allows the operator to easily get onto the work platform main body 45 from the ground. At this time, the work platform 40 and the sub-boom unit 50 remain in the stowed state, and as shown in FIG. 13, the base end of the sub-boom member 55 overlaps with the boom 30 in a side view. However, as described above, when the sub-boom is stowed, the base end of the sub-boom member 55 is within the sub-boom stowage area as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, so the sub-boom member 55 does not interfere with the boom 30.

[0074] Once an operator climbs onto the platform main body 45 in this manner, the operator operates the platform operating device 47 to control the horizontal rotation of the swivel platform 20, the extension and retraction of the boom 30, and the horizontal rotation of the platform 40, thereby moving the platform main body 45 to a desired height and performing high-altitude work. During high-altitude work, the sub-boom device 50 can also be used to lift equipment and the like. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 14 , the sub-boom member 55 is slid axially relative to the sub-boom support member 52 and fixed thereto so that its tip, to which the sheave 56 is attached, projects away from the sub-boom support member 52 and its base, to which the hook 55a is attached, approaches the sub-boom support member 52. The slide position of the sub-boom member 55 thus slid is referred to as the sub-boom use slide position. Furthermore, a rope 53a is reeled out from the winch device 53 and looped around the sheave 56 for suspension, enabling suspension work using the hook 53b at its tip. This allows an object to be hung from the hook 53b, and the sub-boom device 50 to be used for lifting and lowering work.

[0075] After the work at height is completed, the boom 30 is fully retracted and the underside of the base boom end 30a is placed on the boom mount 28 to place the boom 30 in the stowed state. The fact that the boom 30 has entered this stowed state is detected by the boom retraction detection device 121(1). Specifically, the boom fully retracted state detection sensor 121(1)a constituting the boom retraction detection device 121(1) detects that the boom 30 has entered the fully retracted state, and the boom placement detection sensor 121(1)b detects that the underside of the base boom end 30a has placed on the boom mount 28. Furthermore, the work platform main body 45 is rotated horizontally to a position extending to the left from the tip of the boom 30 in the stowed state, and the work platform 40 is also placed in the stowed state. The fact that the work platform 40 has entered this stowed state is detected by the work platform storage detection device 121(2).

[0076] Furthermore, the sub boom rotating member 51 and the sub boom member 55 are positioned at the sub boom stowing rotation position, the sub boom support member 52 and the sub boom member 55 are positioned at the sub boom stowing and hoisting position, and the sub boom member 55 is positioned at the sub boom stowing and slide position, thereby placing the sub boom device 50 in the stowed state. As shown in FIG. 17 , the fact that the sub boom device 50 has entered the stowed state is detected by the sub boom stowing detection device 122, which includes a sub boom swing position sensor 122(1), a sub boom hoist position sensor 122(2), and a sub boom slide position sensor 122(3). Specifically, as described above, the swing detection switch 78 functions as the sub boom swing position sensor 122(1) and detects that the sub boom rotating member 51 has been positioned at the sub boom stowing and hoisting position. Furthermore, the swing detection switch 85, which functions as the sub boom hoist position sensor 122(2), detects that the sub boom support member 52 and the sub boom member 55 have been positioned at the sub boom stowing and hoisting position. In addition, the sub-boom slide position sensor 122(3) detects that the sub-boom member 55 is positioned at the storage slide position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 relative to the sub-boom support member 52.

[0077] When the boom 30, work platform 40, and sub-boom unit 50 are in the stowed state in this way, the jack operating device 15 can be operated to operate the jack unit, causing the jack unit to be stowed. When the jack unit has been stowed, this is detected by the jack stowage detection device. When the aerial work equipment and jack unit are in the stowed state as shown in Figures 1 and 2 in this way, the aerial work vehicle 1 can travel.

[0078] Next, the configuration of a device that controls various operations for performing high-altitude work using the above-described aerial work vehicle 1 and for traveling of the aerial work vehicle 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. This control device controls the operation of a boom / work platform actuator 115 that operates the boom 30 and work platform 40, a sub-boom actuator 116 that operates the sub-boom device 50, and a jack actuator 117 that operates the jack device.

[0079] Specifically, the boom / work platform actuator 115 is composed of a swing motor 24 that rotates the swing platform 20 horizontally, a boom derrick cylinder 23 that raises and lowers the boom 30, a boom telescopic cylinder 31 that extends and retracts the boom 30, and a platform swing motor 42 (see FIG. 4) that rotates the work platform 40 horizontally. The sub-boom actuator 116 is composed of a sub-boom swing motor 61 that rotates the sub-boom swing member 51 horizontally, a sub-boom swing cylinder 81 that swings the sub-boom support member 52 up and down relative to the sub-boom swing member 51, a winch drive motor (not shown) provided in the winch device 53, etc. The jack actuator 117 is composed of a jack cylinder 11 that moves the front and rear jacks 10f, 10r downward, outrigger cylinders (not shown) that extend and retract the front and rear jacks 10f, 10r left and right using the front and rear outrigger devices, etc.

[0080] Boom / work platform actuator 115, sub-boom actuator 116 and jack actuator 117 are composed of hydraulic actuators and are operated by receiving hydraulic pressure supplied from hydraulic pump 111 driven by pump drive unit 110 composed of an electric motor or an engine. To control this operation, boom / work platform control valve 112 is provided in the oil passage from hydraulic pump 111 to boom / work platform actuator 115, sub-boom control valve 113 is provided in the oil passage from hydraulic pump 111 to sub-boom actuator 116, and jack control valve 114 is provided in the oil passage from hydraulic pump 111 to jack actuator 117.

[0081] A controller 100 is provided to control the operation of the hydraulic pump 111 and the control valves 112, 113, 114. The controller 100 receives operation signals from the jack operation device 15 described above and operation signals from a platform operation device 47 provided on the work platform main body 45. The work platform operation device 47 is equipped with a boom / work platform operation device 47a for controlling the operation of the boom 30 and the work platform 40, and a sub-boom operation device 47b for controlling the operation of the sub-boom device 50, and operation signals from these operation devices 47a, 47b are sent to the controller 100.

[0082] The controller 100 also receives detection signals from a boom / work platform storage detection device 121, a sub-boom storage detection device 122, and a jack storage detection device 123. As described above with reference to FIG. 16, the boom / work platform storage detection device 121 is equipped with a boom storage detection device 121(1) consisting of a boom fully retracted state detection sensor 121(1)a and a boom mounted detection sensor 121(1)b, and when the boom 30 is fully retracted by the boom fully retracted state detection sensor 121(1)a and placed on the platform 28 to be in the stowed state, the boom / work platform storage detection device 121 receives detection signals from these sensors and detects that the boom 30 is in the stowed state. As described above, the jack storage detection device 123 detects whether the front and rear outrigger units and the front and rear jacks 10f, 10r are in the stowed state, and detects when the jack unit is in the stowed state.

[0083] As described above with reference to FIG. 17 , the sub-boom stowing detection device 122 is configured with a sub-boom rotation position sensor 122(1) that detects the horizontal rotation position of the sub-boom rotating member 51 relative to the vertical post 35, a sub-boom hoist position sensor 122(2) that detects the hoist position of the sub-boom support member 52 relative to the sub-boom rotating member 51, and a sub-boom slide position sensor 122(3) that detects the slide position of the sub-boom member 55 relative to the sub-boom support member 52, and detection signals from each of these sensors are sent to the controller 100.

[0084] The controller 100 controls the operation of the sub-boom fixing device 125 based on signals received from these sensors. As described above with reference to FIG. 19 , the sub-boom fixing device 125 includes a sub-boom rotation fixing device 125(1) that fixes and holds the sub-boom rotating member 51 so that it cannot rotate horizontally relative to the vertical post 35 at the stowing rotation position, a sub-boom hoist fixing device 125(2) that fixes and holds the sub-boom support member 52 so that it cannot be raised or lowered relative to the sub-boom rotating member 51 at the sub-boom stowing and hoisting position, and a sub-boom slide fixing device 125(3) that fixes the sub-boom member 55 relative to the sub-boom support member 52 at either the stowing slide position or the use slide position. The controller 100 controls the operation of these devices. Note that these devices may be configured to be operated by electric or hydraulic actuators, or may be configured to be manually operated, in which case operation is not controlled by the controller 100.

[0085] The controller 100 further has a travel control unit 101 that restricts or permits the operation of a vehicle travel drive device 105. The vehicle travel drive device 105 drives the front wheels 5f and / or rear wheels 5r of the aerial work vehicle 1 to cause the aerial work vehicle 1 to travel. The controller 100 also has a high-altitude work control unit 102 that restricts or permits the operation of the aerial work equipment.

[0086] The control of the vehicle travel drive device 105 by the travel control unit 101 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 20. In this control, first, based on detection by the jack storage detection device 123, it is determined whether the front jack 10f and the rear jack 10r are stored (step S11). If the jacks are stored, the process proceeds to step S12, where it is determined whether the boom 30, work platform 40, and sub-boom device 50 are all stored. If the work platform 40 and sub-boom device 50 are all stored, the vehicle is permitted to travel (step S13), and if any one of them is not stored, the vehicle's travel is restricted (step S14). The vehicle's travel is also restricted when it is determined in step S11 that the jacks are not stored.

[0087] Note that an alarm may be activated when an operation to drive the vehicle is performed while the vehicle's travel is restricted, such as when the parking brake is released or the operation of the pump drive device 110 is released. For example, in a configuration in which the pump drive device 110 drives the hydraulic pump 111 from an engine mounted on the vehicle via a PTO (power take-off mechanism), an alarm may be activated by sounding an alarm or stopping the engine when the PTO is released. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the hydraulic pump 111 is driven by an electric motor, an alarm may be activated by sounding an alarm or restricting the operation of the electric motor.

[0088] When the vehicle is permitted to travel in step S13, operation of sub boom locking device 125 is controlled based on the detection signal from sub boom stowing detection device 122. That is, the sub boom rotation locking device locks and holds sub boom rotating member 51 so that it cannot rotate horizontally relative to vertical post 35, the sub boom hoist locking device locks and holds sub boom support member 52 so that it cannot be raised or lowered relative to sub boom rotating member 51, and the sub boom slide locking device locks sub boom member 55 at the stowing slide position relative to sub boom support member 52. This ensures that the sub boom device is held in a retracted state while traveling.

[0089] Next, the control contents of the aerial work control unit 102 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21. In this control, first, it is determined whether the aerial work vehicle 1 is stopped (step S21). When it is not stopped, i.e., when it is traveling, all operations of the boom 30, including the rotation of the swivel bed 20, the operation of the platform 40 (horizontal rotation), and the operation of the sub-boom unit 50 are restricted (step S24). If the vehicle is stopped, it is next determined whether the jacks are in operation (step S22). When the jacks are in operation, i.e., when the vehicle body 2 is raised and supported by the front jack 10f and the rear jack 10r (the state shown in FIG. 13), all operations of the boom 30, including the rotation of the swivel bed 20, the operation of the platform 40 (horizontal rotation), and the operation of the sub-boom unit 50 are permitted (step S23). However, when the jacks are not in operation, these operations are restricted (step S24).

[0090] In step S23, when each operation of the boom 30, including the rotation of the swivel base 20, the operation of the work platform 40 (horizontal rotation), and the operation of the sub-boom unit 50 are permitted, a determination is made as to whether the boom 30, the work platform 40, and the sub-boom unit 50 are all in a stored state (step S25), and when all of these are in a stored state, operation of the jack is permitted (step S26). In other words, when all of these are in a stored state, operation to store the jack becomes possible. On the other hand, if any one of them is not in a stored state, operation of the jack is restricted (step S27).

[0091] The first embodiment has been described above as one of the preferred embodiments of a vehicle for working at height to which the present invention is applied, but a vehicle for working at height according to a second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 22 to 25. The vehicle for working at height 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the vehicle for working at height 1 according to the first embodiment described above in the work platform attached to the tip of the boom 30, but the rest of the configuration is the same as the vehicle for working at height 1 according to the first embodiment. For this reason, the same components will be assigned the same numbers and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0092] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the aerial work platform vehicle 200 according to the second embodiment also has a driver's cabin 7 at the front of the vehicle body 2, and is configured as a truck-type vehicle capable of running on a pair of front wheels 5f and a pair of rear wheels 5r at the front and rear of the vehicle body 2. A pair of front jacks 10f and a rear jack 10r are provided at the front and rear of the vehicle body 2. A swivel base 20 configured to be capable of horizontal rotation by driving a rotation motor 24 is provided at the rear of the mounting area of ​​the vehicle body 2, and a boom 30 is attached to its base 21 via foot pins 22 so that it can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. A number of tool boxes 26 are arranged on the mounting area.

[0093] The boom 30 has a base boom 30a attached to the base 21 by foot pins 22 so that it can be raised and lowered, and an intermediate boom 30b and a tip boom 30c are nested within it. The boom 30 can be extended and lowered in the longitudinal direction by a boom telescoping cylinder 31 installed inside. The boom 30 can be raised and lowered in a vertical plane (up and down) by a hoisting cylinder 23. A boom mount 28 is erected above the mounting area of ​​the vehicle body 2, on which the boom 30 and work platform 140 are placed and stored. A lower leveling cylinder 25 is installed astride the base boom 30a and the base 21.

[0094] As shown in detail in Figure 24, a vertical post 35 is attached to the tip of the tip boom 30c so that it can swing up and down. An upper leveling cylinder 37 is attached straddling a lower part 35a of the vertical post 35 and the tip boom 30c. The lower leveling cylinder 25 and the upper leveling cylinder 37 are connected in a closed circuit, so that when the lower leveling cylinder 25 extends or retracts in response to the raising and lowering of the boom 30, the upper leveling cylinder 37 extends or retracts accordingly, and the vertical post 35 is always maintained in an extended vertical position regardless of changes in the boom hoisting angle.

[0095] A work platform 140 is attached to the vertical post 35 so as to be horizontally rotatable (swivelable). The work platform 140 comprises a work platform swivel member 141 attached to the vertical post 35 so as to be horizontally rotatable, and a work platform main body 145 attached to the tip of the work platform swivel member 141 so as to be horizontally rotatable. The work platform main body 145 is box-shaped so that an operator can get on it, and a work platform operating device 147 operated by the operator is provided at one end of the work platform main body 145, which is further connected at the other end to the tip of the work platform swivel member 141 so as to be horizontally rotatable. As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the work platform main body 145 is stored so as to be lined up along the left side of the boom 30.

[0096] A sub-boom device 50 is attached to the upper part of vertical post 35. Sub-boom device 50 has the same configuration as sub-boom device 50 used in the aerial work platform 1 according to the first embodiment, and is equipped with a sub-boom revolving member 51 attached to the upper part of vertical post 35 so as to be able to revolve horizontally, a sub-boom support member 52 attached to sub-boom revolving member 51 so as to be able to swing up and down, a winch device 53 provided on sub-boom support member 52, and a long sub-boom member 55 attached to sub-boom support member 52 so as to be able to slide in the axial direction.

[0097] In the sub-boom stowed state with the sub-boom member 55 positioned at the sub-boom stowing rotation position and the sub-boom stowage and hoisting position, as shown in Figure 23, the base end of the sub-boom member 55 is within the sub-boom stowing area surrounded by the right end face VSP of the vehicle body 2 and the right end face BSP of the boom 30 in a plan view, so the sub-boom member 55 is stowed without protruding out to the side of the vehicle body or interfering with the boom 30. Also, by storing the sub-boom member 55 by lowering it to the sub-boom stowage and hoisting position in this way, as shown in Figure 22, when the vehicle for aerial work 1 is in a state where it is capable of traveling, the height position of the winch device 53 of the sub-boom device 50 is made as low as possible, thereby reducing the overall height of the vehicle for aerial work. Here, in order to reduce the overall height of the aerial work vehicle by lowering the height position of the winch device 53 of the sub-boom device 50 as much as possible, it is sufficient to increase the hoisting angle of the sub-boom member 55 downward. However, even if this hoisting angle is increased downward, the sub-boom member 55 will not protrude to the side of the vehicle body, and will not interfere with the boom 30.

[0098] When working at height using the aerial work platform 200 configured as described above, the work platform 140 can be moved close to the ground as shown in Figure 25 to make it easier for the worker to get on to the work platform 40. At this time, the work platform 140 and the sub-boom device 50 remain in the stowed state, and as shown in Figure 25, the base end of the sub-boom member 55 overlaps with the boom 30 in a side view. However, as described above, when the sub-boom is in the stowed state, the base end of the sub-boom member 55 is within the sub-boom stowage area as shown in Figure 23, so the sub-boom member 55 does not interfere with the boom 30.

[0099] When an operator gets on the work platform main body 145 in this way, the operator operates the work platform operating device 147 to control the horizontal rotation of the swivel platform 20, the raising and lowering and retracting of the boom 30, and the horizontal rotation of the work platform 140, thereby moving the work platform main body 145 to the desired height and performing work at height. During this work at height, the sub-boom device 50 can also be used to lift objects to be used in the work. The device configuration and control content for controlling the various operations required for work at height in this way are the same as those of the first vehicle for working at height 1 described with reference to Figures 15 to 17, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] The vehicles for aerial work according to the first and second embodiments described above have a swivel base 20 provided at the rear of the mounting area behind the driver's cabin 7 on the top surface of the vehicle body 2, and a boom 30 that, when fully retracted, extends from the swivel base 20 to either the left or right side of the front of the vehicle and is then lowered for storage. However, the vehicles for aerial work to which the present invention is applicable are not limited to this configuration. The present invention also covers vehicles for aerial work in which, when fully retracted, the boom 30 extends from the swivel base 20 to either the left or right side of the rear of the vehicle and is then lowered for storage. A vehicle for aerial work according to a third embodiment having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28. FIG. 28 is a side view of the vehicle for aerial work 300 shown in FIG. 26, viewed from the opposite side.

[0101] As shown in Figures 26 to 28, the aerial work platform vehicle 300 according to the third embodiment also has a driver's cabin 307 at the front of the vehicle body 302, and is configured as a truck-type vehicle capable of running on a pair of front wheels 305f and a pair of rear wheels 305r at the front and rear of the vehicle body 302. A pair of front jacks 310f and a rear jack 310r are provided at the front and rear of the vehicle body 302. Immediately behind the driver's cabin 307 in the mounting area of ​​the vehicle body 302, a swivel base 320 configured to be horizontally swiveled by a swivel motor is provided, although part of it is hidden by a tool box 326, and a boom 330 is attached to a base 321 of the swivel base 320 so that it can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. A plurality of tool boxes 326 are arranged on the mounting area.

[0102] The boom 330 is extendable in the longitudinal direction and is configured to be able to be raised and lowered in a vertical plane (upper and lower planes) by a hoisting cylinder 323. A boom mount 328 is installed on the rear of the mounting area of ​​the vehicle body 302, on which the boom 330 is placed and stored in a retracted and lowered state. As shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, when fully retracted, the boom 330 extends from the swivel base 320 toward the rear right of the vehicle and is lowered, and is stored with its underside resting on the boom mount 328. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 27, in the stored state, the boom 330 extends diagonally rearward and right from the swivel base 320, with its tip located near the right end of the vehicle body 302. As a result, a spatial area spreading out in a fan shape to the rear is formed between the right end face BSP of the boom 330 and the right end face VSP of the vehicle body. This spatial area is referred to as the sub-boom storage area.

[0103] A vertical post 335 is attached to the tip of the boom 330 so as to be able to swing up and down. The vertical post 335 is configured to be maintained in a vertically extended state at all times, regardless of changes in the boom 330 elevation angle. A work platform 340 is attached to the vertical post 335, which is maintained in a vertically extended state at all times, so as to be able to swing horizontally (pivot). The work platform 340 includes a box-shaped work platform main body 345 on which an operator can sit, and a work platform operating device 347 is provided at one end of the work platform main body 345, which is operated by the operator. By operating this work platform operating device 347, a work platform swing motor (not shown) can be operated to horizontally swing (pivot) the work platform 340 around the vertical post 335. As shown in FIG. 27 , the work platform 340 is rotated horizontally to a position extending to the left from the tip of the boom 330 and then stored.

[0104] A sub-boom device 350 is attached to the upper part of the vertical post 335. The sub-boom device 350 has a configuration similar to that of the sub-boom device 50 used in the aerial work platform 1 according to the first and second embodiments, and as shown in Fig. 28, is configured to include a sub-boom revolving member 351 attached to the upper part of the vertical post 335 so as to be able to revolve horizontally, a sub-boom support member 352 attached to the sub-boom revolving member 351 so as to be able to swing up and down, a winch device 353 provided on the sub-boom support member 352, and a long sub-boom member 355 attached to the sub-boom support member 352 so as to be able to slide in the axial direction.

[0105] In the sub-boom stowed state with the sub-boom member 355 positioned at the sub-boom stowing rotation position and the sub-boom stowage and hoisting position, as shown in Figure 27, the base end of the sub-boom member 355 is within the sub-boom stowing area surrounded by the right end face VSP of the vehicle body 302 and the right end face BSP of the boom 330 in a plan view, so the sub-boom member 355 is stowed without protruding out to the side of the vehicle body or interfering with the boom 330. Also, by storing the sub-boom member 355 by lowering it to the sub-boom stowage and hoisting position in this way, as shown in Figures 26 and 28, when the vehicle for aerial work is in a state where it is capable of traveling, the height position of the winch device 353 of the sub-boom device 350 is made as low as possible, thereby reducing the overall height of the vehicle for aerial work. Here, in order to reduce the overall height of the aerial work vehicle by lowering the height position of the winch device 353 of the sub-boom device 350 as much as possible, it is sufficient to increase the hoisting angle of the sub-boom member 355 downward. However, even if this hoisting angle is increased downward, the sub-boom member 355 will not protrude to the side of the vehicle body, and will not interfere with the boom 330.

[0106] In the vehicle for aerial work 300 configured as described above, when an operator gets on the platform main body 345, the operator operates the platform operating device 347 to control the horizontal rotation of the swivel platform 320, the raising and lowering and retracting of the boom 330, and the horizontal rotation of the platform 340, thereby moving the platform main body 345 to the desired height and performing work at height. During work at height, the sub-boom device 350 can also be used to lift objects used in the work. The device configuration and control content for controlling the various operations required for work at height in this manner are the same as those of the first vehicle for aerial work 1 described with reference to Figures 15 to 17, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] In the aerial work platform vehicle described above, when the sub-boom unit 50 is stowed, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the sub-boom member 55 slides axially relative to the sub-boom support member 52 so that its tip end, to which the sheave 56 is attached, approaches the sub-boom support member 52 and its base end, to which the hook 55a is attached, protrudes to the opposite side. However, the sub-boom unit 50 may be stowed without this sliding movement. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 , the sub-boom member 55 may be stowed while remaining in its usable state. In this case, the sub-boom rotating member 51 is horizontally rotated to a position where the tip end, to which the sheave 56 is attached, faces the rear of the vehicle, and then tilted so that the tip end faces downward, and the sub-boom unit 50 is stowed so that the tip end enters the sub-boom stowage area. In this way, there is no need to slide the sub-boom member 55 for stowage, and the sub-boom unit 50 can be stowed more easily. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Aerial work platform 2. Vehicle body 20 Swivel table 23 Drilling cylinder 24 Swing motor 25 Lower leveling cylinder 28 Boom stand 30 Boom 31 Boom telescopic cylinder 35 Vertical post 36 Fixed gear 36b Lock pin fixing hole 37 Upper leveling cylinder 40 Work platform 45 Workbench body 47 Workbench operating device 50 sub-boom device 51 sub-boom swivel member 52 sub-boom support member 53 winch device 55 Sub-boom member 60 Sub-boom rotation device 61 sub-boom rotation motor 63 pinion support member 65 Pinion gear 70 Sub-boom holding switching device 71 Operating lever 72 First link mechanism 73 First operating unit 75 Second link mechanism 76 Second operating unit 78 Rotation detection switch 80 sub-boom swing device 81 sub-boom swing cylinder 85 Oscillation detection switch 88 Detection pin 100 Controller 101 Travel control unit 102 Height work control section

Claims

1. An aerial work vehicle comprising: a vehicle capable of traveling and having a driver's cabin at the front of the vehicle body; a swivel base provided at the rear of the vehicle body so as to be horizontally rotatable; a boom provided on the swivel base so as to be able to be raised and lowered; a vertical post attached to the tip of the boom and maintained vertically regardless of the raising and lowering of the boom; a work platform provided on the vertical post so as to be horizontally rotatable; and a sub-boom device provided on the upper part of the vertical post, the sub-boom device comprises a sub-boom rotating member horizontally rotatably mounted on an upper portion of the vertical post, a sub-boom support member mounted on the sub-boom rotating member so as to be able to rise and fall, a winch device attached to the sub-boom support member, and a long sub-boom member attached to the sub-boom support member, The vehicle is configured to travel with the boom, the work platform, and the sub-boom device stored in the vehicle body, the boom is stored in a state in which it extends obliquely forward from the swivel base toward either the left or right side of the vehicle in a plan view so that the boom is lowered forward of the vehicle and a tip side of the boom is positioned on either the left or right side of the vehicle above the operator's cabin, The work platform is stored at a position on the other left or right side of the vehicle relative to the tip of the boom located on one of the left or right sides of the vehicle, The sub-boom device is stored in an aerial work vehicle such that the end of the sub-boom member is tilted downward toward the rear of the vehicle and the end of the sub-boom member is within a storage area that is surrounded, in a plan view, by the boom in a stored state and one of the left and right side end faces of the vehicle.

2. the sub-boom member is attached to the sub-boom support member so as to be slidable in the axial direction, the sub-boom member is provided at its tip with a sheave around which a rope reeled out from the winch device is wound, In the storage state, 2. The aerial work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the sub boom member is slid to a storage slide position where the sheave approaches the sub boom support member, causing the base end of the sub boom member to protrude to the opposite side, and the sub boom rotating member is rotated to a position where the base end faces toward the rear of the vehicle, and the base end of the sub boom member is tilted downward toward the rear of the vehicle so that the base end enters the storage area.

3. a restricting device that restricts and releases the operation of the aerial work vehicle; a sub-boom rotation position detector that detects a horizontal rotation position of the sub-boom rotation member relative to the vertical post; a sub-boom slide position detector that detects a slide movement position of the sub-boom member relative to the sub-boom support member; a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects a hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom rotating member, 3. An aerial work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the regulating device is configured to release the restriction on operation of the aerial work vehicle by the regulating device when the sub-boom swing position detector detects that the sub-boom swing member has reached a swing position where it is in a stored state, the sub-boom slide position detector detects that the sub-boom member has reached the stored slide position, and the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom support member has reached a hoist position where it is in a stored state.

4. the sub-boom member is provided at its tip with a sheave around which a rope reeled out from the winch device is wound, In the storage state, 2. The aerial work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the sub-boom rotating member is rotated to a position where the tip portion faces toward the rear of the vehicle, and the tip portion of the sub-boom member is lowered downward toward the rear of the vehicle so that the tip portion enters the storage area.

5. a restricting device that restricts and releases the operation of the aerial work vehicle; a sub-boom rotation position detector that detects a horizontal rotation position of the sub-boom rotation member relative to the vertical post; a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects a hoist angle of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom rotating member, 5. An aerial work vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the regulating device is configured to release the restriction on operation of the aerial work vehicle by the regulating device when the sub-boom swing position detector detects that the sub-boom swing member has reached a swing position in which it is stored, and when the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom support member has reached a hoist position in which it is stored.

6. An aerial work vehicle comprising: a vehicle capable of running with a driver's cabin at the front of the vehicle body; a swivel base provided behind the driver's cabin on the vehicle body so as to be horizontally rotatable; a boom provided on the swivel base so as to be able to be raised and lowered; a vertical post attached to the tip of the boom and maintained vertically regardless of the raising and lowering of the boom; a work platform provided on the vertical post so as to be horizontally rotatable; and a sub-boom device provided on the upper part of the vertical post, the sub-boom device comprises a sub-boom rotating member horizontally rotatably mounted on an upper portion of the vertical post, a sub-boom support member mounted on the sub-boom rotating member so as to be able to rise and fall, a winch device attached to the sub-boom support member, and a long sub-boom member attached to the sub-boom support member, The vehicle is configured to travel with the boom, the work platform, and the sub-boom device stored in the vehicle body, the boom is folded down rearward of the vehicle and is stored so that a boom tip side is positioned on either the left or right side of the vehicle above a rear portion of the vehicle body, and extends obliquely rearward from the swivel base toward the vehicle in a plan view; The work platform is stored at a position on the other left or right side of the vehicle relative to the tip of the boom located on one of the left or right sides of the vehicle, The sub-boom device is stored in an aerial work vehicle such that the end of the sub-boom member is tilted downward toward the front of the vehicle and the end of the sub-boom member is within a storage area that is surrounded, in a plan view, by the boom in a stored state and one of the left and right side end faces of the vehicle.

7. the sub-boom member is attached to the sub-boom support member so as to be slidable in the axial direction, the sub-boom member is provided at its tip with a sheave around which a rope reeled out from the winch device is wound, In the storage state, 7. An aerial work vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the sub boom member is slid to a storage slide position where the sheave approaches the sub boom support member, causing the base end of the sub boom member to protrude to the opposite side, the sub boom rotating member is rotated to a position where the base end faces toward the front of the vehicle, and the base end of the sub boom member is tilted downward toward the front of the vehicle so that the base end enters the storage area.

8. a restricting device that restricts and releases the operation of the aerial work vehicle; a sub-boom rotation position detector that detects a horizontal rotation position of the sub-boom rotation member relative to the vertical post; a sub-boom slide position detector that detects a slide movement position of the sub-boom member relative to the sub-boom support member; a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects a hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom rotating member, 8. An aerial work vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the regulating device is configured to release the restriction on operation of the aerial work vehicle by the regulating device when the sub-boom swing position detector detects that the sub-boom swing member has reached a swing position where it is in a stored state, the sub-boom slide position detector detects that the sub-boom member has reached the stored slide position, and the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom support member has reached a hoist position where it is in a stored state.

9. the sub-boom member is provided at its tip with a sheave around which a rope reeled out from the winch device is wound, In the storage state, 7. An aerial work vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the sub-boom rotating member is rotated to a position where the tip portion faces toward the front of the vehicle, and the tip portion of the sub-boom member is tilted downward toward the front of the vehicle so that the tip portion enters the storage area.

10. a restricting device that restricts and releases the operation of the aerial work vehicle; a sub-boom rotation position detector that detects a horizontal rotation position of the sub-boom rotation member relative to the vertical post; a sub-boom hoist position detector that detects a hoist position of the sub-boom support member relative to the sub-boom rotating member, 10. An aerial work vehicle as set forth in claim 9, wherein the regulating device is configured to release the restriction on operation of the aerial work vehicle by the regulating device when the sub-boom swing position detector detects that the sub-boom swing member has reached a swing position in which it is stored, and when the sub-boom hoist position detector detects that the sub-boom support member has reached a hoist position in which it is stored.

11. 11. A vehicle for working at height as set forth in claim 3, wherein the restricting device is a device for restricting and releasing the travel of the vehicle for working at height.

12. The aerial work vehicle is provided with a jack device that lifts and supports the vehicle, 11. The vehicle for working at height according to claim 3, wherein the restricting device is a device for restricting and releasing the operation of the jack device.

13. 10. An aerial work vehicle according to claim 1 or 6, comprising: a sub-boom swivel holding device that holds the sub-boom swivel member in a swivel position in which it is stored; and a sub-boom hoisting holding device that holds the sub-boom support member in a hoist position in which it is stored.

14. 10. An aerial work vehicle according to claim 2 or 7, comprising: a sub-boom swivel holding device that holds the sub-boom swivel member in a swivel position in which it is in a stored state; a sub-boom slide holding device that holds the sub-boom member in the stored slide position; and a sub-boom hoisting holding device that holds the sub-boom support member in a hoist position in which it is in a stored state.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • High lift work vehicle

    JP2001171989A

  • JP2005‐280916A