Work vehicles

Abstract

This technology provides suitable equipment for work vehicles equipped with lights that can illuminate the front and sides of the work vehicle. [Solution] An exemplary work vehicle comprises a hood and U-shaped light sections in a side view, located on the left and right sides of the front of the hood.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a work vehicle in which a headlight is provided at the front end of a bonnet disposed in front of an operation unit. Also, among work vehicles, there is a work vehicle configured to have a headlight for illuminating the front and a work light for illuminating the front side in the front part (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the headlight is disposed in the front of the work vehicle, and the work lights are disposed on both left and right sides of the headlight.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By adopting a configuration in which a light for illuminating the side of the bonnet is provided, there are advantages such as improving the workability of work at night. However, if the side of the work vehicle is made brighter than necessary, for example, pedestrians walking on the side of the work vehicle may feel too dazzled to move easily.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique suitable for a work vehicle including a light capable of illuminating the front side of the work vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An exemplary work vehicle of the present invention includes a bonnet and U-shaped light portions disposed on the front left and right sides of the bonnet, respectively, in a side view.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to an exemplary example of the present invention, a suitable technology can be provided for a work vehicle equipped with lights that can illuminate the front and side of the work vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Left side view showing the schematic configuration of the tractor. [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the general structure of the hood. [Figure 3] Front view showing the general configuration of the hood. [Figure 4] Left side view showing the general configuration of the hood. [Figure 5] Plan view showing the general configuration of the hood. [Figure 6] A schematic perspective view showing the multiple hood components that make up the hood, disassembled. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram showing the relationship between the upper bonnet component and the exhaust gas purification device. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the surrounding components of an exhaust gas purification system. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional perspective view showing the approximate relationship between the upper bonnet member and the left bonnet member. [Figure 10] Left side view showing the approximate relationship between the front bonnet member and the upper light section. [Figure 11] Left side view showing the schematic configuration of the light unit that makes up the upper light section. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the cross-section cut at position XII-XII. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The work vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention is a tractor. However, this is merely an example. The present invention is broadly applicable to work vehicles other than tractors that have lights on the hood. Such work vehicles may be agricultural work vehicles other than tractors, or work vehicles for civil engineering or construction work, etc.

[0011] Furthermore, in this specification, directions are defined as follows: First, the direction in which the tractor 100 (see Figure 1 below), which is the work vehicle, moves during operation is defined as "forward," and the opposite direction is defined as "rear." Also, the right side of the tractor 100 in the direction of operation is defined as "right," and the left side is defined as "left." The direction perpendicular to the front-rear and left-right directions of the tractor 100 is defined as the up-down direction. In this case, the direction of gravity is defined as "down," and the opposite side is defined as "up." Also, the plane perpendicular to the up-down direction is defined as the horizontal plane, and the direction along the horizontal plane is defined as the horizontal direction. Note that the above directions are merely names used for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationships and directions.

[0012] <1. Tractor Overview> Figure 1 is a left side view showing a schematic configuration of a tractor 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the tractor 100 comprises a body 1, wheels 2, an engine 3, and a power transmission unit 4.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the wheels 2 have front wheels 2a and rear wheels 2b. The front wheels 2a are positioned on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle body 1. The rear wheels 2b are positioned on the left and right sides of the rear of the vehicle body 1. The vehicle body 1 is provided to be able to move using the front wheels 2a and rear wheels 2b. In other words, the tractor 100 of this embodiment is a wheeled tractor. However, the tractor 100 is not limited to a wheeled type, but may also be a crawler-type tractor that runs using crawlers, etc.

[0014] The engine 3 is disposed on the front side of the vehicle body 1 and covered by the bonnet 5. In this embodiment, the engine 3 is a diesel engine, but it is not limited thereto, and the engine 3 may be a gasoline engine, a hydrogen engine, or the like. Further, the tractor 100 may be configured to include a prime mover other than an engine such as a motor instead of the engine 3.

[0015] In addition, inside the bonnet 5, in addition to the engine 3, for example, a cooling fan 6 and a radiator 7 are disposed. The cooling fan 6 is disposed in front of the engine 3 and is driven by receiving power from the engine 3. The cooling fan 6 is surrounded by a fan shroud (partition plate) not shown. The fan shroud divides the internal space of the bonnet 5 into front and rear. The radiator 7 is disposed in front of the fan shroud. The fan shroud shields heat from the engine 3 from devices and components disposed in front of itself such as the radiator 7. By the rotation of the cooling fan 6, relatively low-temperature outside air is taken in from a front grille or the like on the front surface of the bonnet 5. Then, the taken-in outside air is sent to the engine 3 side through the radiator 7 and the cooling fan 6, and the engine 3 is cooled.

[0016] The power transmission unit 4 is disposed behind the engine 3. The power transmission unit 4 transmits the power of the engine 3 to the wheels 2. Specifically, the power of the engine 3 is transmitted to at least one of the front wheels 2a and the rear wheels 2b via the power transmission unit 4. In this embodiment, the power of the engine 3 is transmitted to the front wheels 2a and the rear wheels 2b via the power transmission unit 4. Specifically, the power transmission unit 4 has a transmission case in which a transmission is disposed inside. The power transmission unit 4 may have, in addition to the transmission case, or instead of it, for example, a power transmission shaft, gears, pulleys, belts, chains, a reduction gear, and at least one of cases for housing such power transmission elements.

[0017] The vehicle body 1 has a chassis portion 11 to which the wheels 2 are attached and a passenger compartment portion 12 supported by the chassis portion 11.

[0018] The chassis 11, in detail, comprises a base frame 111, a front axle 112, and a rear axle 113. Power is transmitted from the power transmission unit 4 to the front axle 112 and the rear axle 113. The front wheel 2a is attached to the front axle 112 and the rear wheel 2b is attached to the rear axle 113. The front axle 112 is attached to the base frame 111 and the rear axle 113 is attached to the transmission case (part of the power transmission unit 4), which is supported by the base frame 111. The base frame 111 also supports the engine 3 and radiator 7 mentioned above.

[0019] The passenger compartment 12 is the part of the vehicle body 1 where the driver (operator) sits, and is located behind the engine 3. The passenger compartment 12 is also located above the power transmission unit 4. In this embodiment, the passenger compartment 12 has an internal space (a room-type space) where the driver sits. In this embodiment, the passenger compartment 12 is a so-called cabin. However, the passenger compartment 12 of the tractor 100 may have a configuration other than a cabin. That is, the passenger compartment 12 of the tractor 100 may not be a room-type space, but rather a configuration exposed to the outside. This configuration may include a canopy.

[0020] The cabin 12 is equipped with a seat section 121, a steering wheel section 122, and a dashboard section 123.

[0021] The seat section 121 is where the driver of the tractor 100 sits. The steering section 122 constitutes a device for the driver seated in the seat section 121 to steer the tractor 100. In detail, the steering section 122 has a steering wheel 122a and a steering column 122b. The steering wheel 122a is the part operated by the driver and is circular in shape. The steering wheel 122a is rotatably supported by a steering shaft (not shown) located in the steering column 122b, which is located below the steering wheel 122a. The direction of the front wheels 2a can be changed by rotating the steering wheel 122a.

[0022] The dashboard section 123 is located at the front of the cabin 12. The dashboard section 123 includes a meter panel (instrument panel) that visualizes values ​​measured by various instruments, including the speed of the tractor 100, as well as various levers and switches for operating the tractor 100.

[0023] In addition, the cabin 12 also contains levers and pedals (not shown) located around the seat area 121 for operating the tractor 100 itself and implements (not shown) attached to the rear of the tractor 100.

[0024] Furthermore, a work implement coupling section 8, which is composed of, for example, a three-point linkage mechanism, is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 1. The work implement coupling section 8 is provided so that work implements can be attached and detached. The type of work implement that can be attached to the work implement coupling section 8 may be only one type, but it is preferable to have multiple types. Examples of work implements include tilling devices, plows, fertilizer spreaders, pesticide sprayers, harvesting devices, and mowing devices. The power generated by the engine 3 can be transmitted to the work implement via a power take-off shaft (PTO shaft; not shown) that extends from the power transmission section 4 toward the rear of the vehicle body 1. In other words, the engine 3 can operate the work implement. Note that the work implement may be driven by a drive device other than the engine 3 (for example, a motor).

[0025] In this embodiment, a counterweight 9 is provided at the front end of the base frame 111. The counterweight 9 is provided to balance the weight with the work implement attached to the work implement connecting section 8.

[0026] <2. Hood> As described above, the tractor 100 is equipped with a bonnet 5. The bonnet 5 is located on the front side of the tractor 100, and more specifically, in front of the cabin 12. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the bonnet 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a front view showing the schematic configuration of the bonnet 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a left side view showing the schematic configuration of the bonnet 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a top view showing the schematic configuration of the bonnet 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The bonnet 5 has its longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction and functions as a cover that encloses the engine 3 and other components. The bonnet 5 constitutes what is known as the engine compartment. The bonnet 5 is designed to rotate upward, for example, using its front or rear end as a pivot point, so that the engine 3 can be exposed to the outside.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the hood 5 is mainly composed of an upper hood member 51, a side hood member 52, and a front hood member 53. In other words, the hood 5 is made up of multiple hood members 51 to 53. The hood 5 is composed of multiple parts and has a separable structure. The multiple hood members 51 to 53 are made of resin, for example, although this is not intended to limit their materials.

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the multiple bonnet members 51 to 53 that make up the bonnet 5 in an exploded view. As shown in Figure 6, the side bonnet member 52 includes, in detail, a left bonnet member 52L and a right bonnet member 52R, which are separate members from each other.

[0030] [2-1. Upper bonnet component] The upper bonnet member 51 is an exterior component that constitutes the upper part of the bonnet 5. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the upper bonnet member 51 consists of an upper surface portion 51a and left and right portions 51b and 51c, which are positioned to the left and right of the upper surface portion 51a. In plan view, the upper surface portion 51a is generally rectangular in shape, but has a tapering structure in which the width in the left-right direction narrows as the front portion extends forward. The upper surface portion 51a also generally widens horizontally, but has a curved structure (inclined structure) that curves downward as the front portion extends forward.

[0031] The left side portion 51b and the right side portion 51c are arranged symmetrically with respect to the top surface portion 51a. The left side portion 51b is positioned adjacent to the top surface portion 51a such that its right end aligns with the left end of the top surface portion 51a. The left side portion 51b has a curved structure (inclined structure) that curves downward from the right end to the left end. Furthermore, the front part of the left side portion 51b has a tapering structure where the left end approaches the right end as it moves forward. The right side portion 51c is positioned adjacent to the top surface portion 51a such that its left end aligns with the right end of the top surface portion 51a. The right side portion 51c has a curved structure (inclined structure) that curves downward from the left end to the right end. Furthermore, the front part of the right side portion 51c has a tapering structure where the right end approaches the left end as it moves forward.

[0032] A pair of upper front openings 511 are provided on the front side of the upper surface 51a, spaced apart from each other on the left and right. Each of the pair of upper front openings 511 is trapezoidal in plan view. The pair of upper front openings 511 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the bisector line L1 (see Figure 5) that divides the upper bonnet member 51 in the left-right direction in plan view. In addition, a pair of upper rear openings 512 are provided on the rear left side of the upper surface 51a, spaced apart from each other on the front-to-back side. Each of the pair of upper rear openings 512 is rhombic in plan view. The upper front openings 511 and the upper rear openings 512 penetrate the upper surface 51a in the vertical direction and are used as vents.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the upper front opening 511 and the upper rear opening 512 are covered by a mesh cover MC from the underside of the upper portion 51a. By providing the mesh cover MC, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the inside of the bonnet 5 without impairing their function as ventilation openings. In addition, in this embodiment, the upper front opening 511 and the upper rear opening 512 are provided only on the upper portion 51a and are not provided on the left side 51b or the right side 51c, which have an inclined shape relative to the upper portion 51a. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the complexity of molding the upper bonnet member 51 having the openings 511 and 512 and to easily attach the mesh cover MC.

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the upper bonnet member 51 and the exhaust gas purification device 60. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a cross-section when the bonnet 5 is cut at position VII-VII as shown in Figure 5. The exhaust gas purification device 60 is located on top of the engine 3 and is a device that purifies the exhaust gas from the engine 3. More specifically, the exhaust gas purification device 60 is a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). The exhaust gas purification device 60 is located in a position covered by the bonnet 5, similar to the engine 3.

[0035] As can be seen from Figure 7, the bonnet 5 is positioned to cover the exhaust gas purification device 60 and has an upper opening 512 in a position that overlaps with the exhaust gas purification device 60 in a plan view. More specifically, the upper opening 512 is the upper rear opening 512 described above. By providing the upper rear opening 512 above the exhaust gas purification device 60, heat generated by the exhaust gas purification device 60, engine 3, etc., can be efficiently dissipated.

[0036] However, if the exhaust gas purification device 60 is located directly below the upper rear opening 512, there is a possibility that rainwater or other water may come into contact with the exhaust gas purification device 60. Since the exhaust gas purification device 60 becomes hot, if rainwater or other water comes into contact with it, steam generation may occur. Taking these points into consideration, in this embodiment, the configuration shown in Figure 8 is adopted as a preferred form.

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration around the exhaust gas purification device 60. As shown in Figure 8, the tractor 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a partition P1 between the upper rear opening (upper opening) 512 and the exhaust gas purification device 60 (in the vertical direction). The provision of the partition P1 prevents water that enters the interior of the bonnet 5 from the upper rear opening 512 from coming into contact with the exhaust gas purification device 60.

[0038] The partition P1 is located inside the hood 5. The partition P1 is provided on the hood 5, for example. The partition P1 may be made of the same material as the hood 5, or it may be made of a separate material and attached to the hood 5. However, the partition P1 may not be provided on the hood 5, but on another material located in a position covered by the hood 5.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 8, the partition P1 has an inclined surface S1 on its upper surface, which decreases in height as it moves from the left-right center of the bonnet 5 towards the left-right outer side (specifically the left side). As a result, water that enters the bonnet 5 from the upper rear opening 512 and splashes onto the partition P1 is carried along the inclined surface S1 to the left-right outer end of the internal space of the bonnet 5 and is discharged to the outside without coming into contact with the exhaust gas purification device 60.

[0040] In addition to the openings 511 and 512 described above, the upper bonnet member 51 is provided with a center mark mounting section 513, as shown in Figure 6. A triangular cone-shaped center mark CM is attached to the center mark mounting section 513, as shown in Figure 5, etc. The center mark CM is used as a sighting device for the operator driving the tractor 100 to determine the direction of travel.

[0041] In detail, the center mark mounting portion 513 is located on the bisector line L1 that divides the upper bonnet member 51 into two equal parts in the left-right direction in a plan view, and is positioned between the rear edges 511a of the left and right upper front openings 511 (in the left-right direction). The center mark CM attached to the center mark mounting portion 513, which is provided in such a position, is easily visible to the operator driving the tractor 100 and can be used as a guide to ensure the tractor 100 moves in a straight line. The center mark CM is attached to the center mark mounting portion 513 using, for example, a push nut. The center mark CM may be made of the same material as the upper bonnet member 51. That is, the center mark CM may be formed integrally with the upper bonnet member 51.

[0042] [2-2. Side bonnet components] The left bonnet member 52L is an exterior component that constitutes the left portion of the bonnet 5. The right bonnet member 52R is an exterior component that constitutes the right portion of the bonnet 5. The left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R are arranged symmetrically with respect to the upper bonnet member 51. The upper edge of the left bonnet member 52L is positioned along the left edge of the upper bonnet member 51. The upper edge of the right bonnet member 52R is positioned along the right edge of the upper bonnet member 51. The left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R extend from the rear end of the upper bonnet member 51 to just before the front end. In a side view, the left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R have the shape of an L-shape turned on its side (see Figure 4, etc.) and generally extend in the vertical direction. However, the front part of the left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R is curved. In detail, the left bonnet member 52L has a curved structure that curves to the right as the front part extends forward. The right bonnet member 52R has a curved structure that curves to the left as the front part extends forward.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R are provided with a first side opening 521, a second side opening 522, and a side notch 523. The configuration of the first side opening 521, the second side opening 522, and the side notch 523 is the same for the left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R.

[0044] In the left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R, the first side opening 521 is provided in the curved front section. As shown in Figure 4, the first side opening 521 is trapezoidal in side view. The first side opening 521 penetrates the left bonnet member 52L or the right bonnet member 52R in the left-right direction and is used as a vent. As shown in Figure 4, the first side opening 521 is covered by a mesh cover MC from the inner side of the left bonnet member 52L or the right bonnet member 52R. By providing the mesh cover MC, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the inside of the bonnet 5 without impairing its function as a vent.

[0045] Furthermore, in the left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R, the second side opening 522 is provided behind the first side opening 521. As shown in Figure 4, the second side opening 522 has a parallelogram shape in side view. The second side opening 522 penetrates the left bonnet member 52L or the right bonnet member 52R in an oblique direction inclined in the front-rear direction relative to the left-right direction and is used as a vent. In the left bonnet member 52L, the second side opening 522 penetrates from the left rearward diagonal direction toward the right frontward diagonal direction. In the right bonnet member 52R, the second side opening 522 penetrates from the right rearward diagonal direction toward the left frontward diagonal direction. The second side opening 522, like the first side opening 521, is covered from the inner side by a mesh cover MC (see Figure 4, etc.).

[0046] In detail, the second side opening 522 is positioned behind the fan shroud surrounding the cooling fan 6 (see Figure 1) described above. That is, the second side opening 522 is provided for the purpose of dissipating heat from inside the bonnet 5. By providing the second side opening 522, the amount of heat transferred to the cabin 12 can be reduced. By providing the second side opening 522, interference with the function of the air conditioner installed in the cabin 12 can be suppressed.

[0047] More specifically, the second side openings 522 are arranged in a row in the front-to-back direction. That is, in this embodiment, the bonnet 5 has a plurality of identically shaped side openings 522 arranged in the front-to-back direction on its side. With a configuration in which a plurality of identically shaped side openings (second side openings) 522 are provided, the exhaust flow rate can be adjusted by adjusting the utilization state of the side openings 522, and for example, the amount of heat transferred to the cabin 12 can be adjusted.

[0048] The adjustment of the usage state of the multiple second side openings 522 may be performed manually or automatically. Manual adjustment of the usage state can be achieved, for example, by attaching a cover member to some of the multiple second side openings 522 to close them. Automatic adjustment of the usage state can be achieved, for example, by automatically opening and closing the second side openings 522 by moving the aforementioned cover member with a motor or the like.

[0049] The side notches 523 are provided on the front side of the upper edges of the left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R. That is, the side notches 523 are provided on the front curved structural portions of the left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R. In the left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R, the portion where the side notches 523 are provided has a lower upper end height compared to the portion where the side notches 523 are not provided. In the portion where the side notches 523 are not provided, the upper bonnet member 51 and the left bonnet member 52L, and the upper bonnet member 51 and the right bonnet member 52R are assembled in contact with each other. In the portion where the side notches 523 are provided, gaps are formed between the upper bonnet member 51 and the left bonnet member 52L, and between the upper bonnet member 51 and the right bonnet member 52R when they are assembled. The gap is where the upper light section 70 (see Figure 2, etc.), which will be attached to the front bonnet member 53, and other components described later are positioned.

[0050] [2-3. Front bonnet component] The front bonnet member 53 is an exterior component that constitutes the front portion of the bonnet 5. As shown in Figure 6, the front bonnet member 53 comprises a central frame portion 531, a pair of left and right upper light mounting portions 532, a pair of left and right lower light mounting portions 533, a pair of left and right connecting frame portions 534, and a lower frame portion 535.

[0051] The central frame section 531 is T-shaped in a front view. More specifically, the central frame section 531 has a base section 531a extending in the vertical direction, a left curved section 531b extending to the left from the base section 531a, and a right curved section 531c extending to the right from the base section 531a. The base section 531a has an upper end that is wide in the left-right direction, and a straight section that is narrower in the left-right direction than the upper end and extends linearly downward from the upper end. The base section 531a has a structure that is symmetrical with respect to the line bisector L2 (see Figure 3) that divides the bonnet 5 in the left-right direction in a front view. The left curved section 531b is an arc that curves backward as it moves to the left from the base section 531a. The right curved section 531c is an arc that curves backward as it moves to the right from the base section 531a. The left curved portion 531b and the right curved portion 531c are arranged symmetrically with respect to the base portion 531a.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, a decorative element 90 that is Y-shaped in a front view is attached to the central frame portion 531. The decorative element 90 is more specifically composed of three members 91, 92, and 93. The first decorative element 91 is a Y-shaped component and is attached to the front side of the base portion 531a. The second decorative element 92 is a component that extends the length of the upper left side of the Y-shaped component first decorative element 91 and is attached to the front side of the left curved portion 531b. The third decorative element 93 is a component that extends the length of the upper right side of the Y-shaped component first decorative element 91 and is attached to the front side of the right curved portion 531c. By placing the decorative element 90 on the front bonnet member 53, for example, a strong impression can be made on third parties. Furthermore, because the decorative element 90 has a three-part structure, the size of the components can be reduced, making it easier to handle the components during installation work, etc.

[0053] Of the pair of upper light mounting sections 532, the left upper light mounting section 532 is provided along the lower edge of the left curved section 531b, and the right upper light mounting section 532 is provided along the lower edge of the right curved section 531c. Each upper light mounting section 532 has an upper light opening 532a that is rectangular in side view. The upper light opening 532a is a through hole that penetrates in the left-right direction. Components (light units) that constitute the upper light section 70 (see Figure 2, etc.) are placed in the upper light opening 532a. The upper light section 70 is configured as a decorative light section in the tractor 100. Details of the decorative light section configured by the upper light section 70 will be described later.

[0054] Of the pair of left and right lower light mounting sections 533, the left lower light mounting section 533 is positioned separately below the left upper light mounting section 532. The left lower light mounting section 533 and the left upper light mounting section 532 are connected by the left connecting frame section 534 of the pair of left and right connecting frame sections 534. Of the pair of left and right lower light mounting sections 533, the right lower light mounting section 533 is positioned separately below the right upper light mounting section 532. The right lower light mounting section 533 and the right upper light mounting section 532 are connected by the right connecting frame section 534 of the pair of left and right connecting frame sections 534.

[0055] Each lower light mounting section 533 has a frame structure that forms a lower light opening 533a. Each lower light mounting section 533 is configured in an annular shape, and the lower light opening 533a is circular in shape. Components (light units) that constitute the lower light section 80 (see Figure 2, etc.) are arranged in the lower light opening 533a. The lower light section 80 is configured as a headlight (a light essential for driving) in the tractor 100. The light unit that constitutes the lower light section 80 includes a bulb and a reflector. The bulb is configured using, for example, a halogen lamp, an HID lamp, or an LED lamp.

[0056] The lower frame portion 535 is positioned below the central frame portion 531 and the pair of lower light mounting portions 533, and is connected to them. In a front view, the lower frame portion 535 is frame-shaped and has a connecting piece 535a in the center in the left-right direction that connects the upper and lower frame portions. In other words, the lower frame portion 535 has a configuration in which two frame-shaped portions are arranged symmetrically.

[0057] The front bonnet member 53 has a pair of left and right front grille openings 536, surrounded by a central frame portion 531, an upper light mounting portion 532, a lower light mounting portion 533, a connecting frame portion 534, and a lower frame portion 535. The front grille openings 536 penetrate in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 3, a mesh cover MC is attached to the pair of left and right front grille openings 536 from the side facing the inside of the bonnet 5 (rear side). This forms a front grille 55 on the front of the bonnet 5.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a mesh cover MC is attached to the lower frame portion 535 from the inside side (rear side) of the bonnet 5 so as to cover the opening that penetrates the lower frame portion 535 in the front-rear direction. This forms a lower grille 56 on the lower front of the bonnet 5.

[0059] Furthermore, as can be seen from the above, the front bonnet member 53 is provided with an upper light section 70 located at the top and a lower light section 80 located at the bottom. By providing the upper light section 70, which is configured as a decorative light, in addition to the lower light section 80, which is configured as a headlight, the tractor 100 can be illuminated not only in front but also to the sides. As a result, users of the tractor 100, such as the operator driving the tractor 100, can efficiently perform nighttime work using the tractor 100.

[0060] Furthermore, if the front bonnet member 53 is configured to have an upper light section 70 and a lower light section 80, the design of the front bonnet member 53 can be significantly altered by slightly changing the shape of the light section. In other words, if the front bonnet member 53 is configured to have an upper light section 70 and a lower light section 80, it becomes easier to improve the design.

[0061] In particular, in this embodiment, the impression of the front of the tractor 100 is easily influenced by the combination of the light sections 70 and 80 and the Y-shaped decorative element 90. By slightly changing the relationship between the light sections 70 and 80 and the decorative element 90, the impression of the front of the tractor 100 can be greatly altered.

[0062] [2-4. Others] The upper bonnet member 51, the left bonnet member 52L, the right bonnet member 52R, and the front bonnet member 53 are connected to form the bonnet 5. In detail, they are connected to each other in some parts via skeletal members (not shown) located inside the bonnet 5, and in other parts they are directly connected to each other. Fasteners such as bolts and nuts are used to connect the members.

[0063] With the upper bonnet member 51 as the reference, the left bonnet member 52L is positioned below the left end, the right bonnet member 52R is positioned below the right end, and the front bonnet member 53 is positioned below the front end. The upper bonnet member 51 is connected to the left bonnet member 52L, the right bonnet member 52R, and the front bonnet member 53. In addition to the upper bonnet member 51, the front bonnet member 53 is connected to the left bonnet member 52L and the right bonnet member 52R.

[0064] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the approximate relationship between the upper bonnet member 51 and the left bonnet member 52L. Note that the cross-section shown in Figure 9 is the cross-section at position IX-IX shown in Figure 4. The relationship between the upper bonnet member 51 and the right bonnet member 52R is not shown, but it is similar to the relationship between the upper bonnet member 51 and the left bonnet member 52L.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9, the upper end of the left bonnet member 52L is provided with a horizontal section 524 that shifts the position of its outer surface (left side) toward the inward (rightward) direction of the bonnet 5. In other words, a step is formed at the upper end of the left bonnet member 52L by the horizontal section 524. The left end of the upper bonnet member 51 is connected to the left bonnet member 52L while resting on the horizontal section 524 that forms the step. By providing a horizontal section 524 (step) for connection, even if there are some manufacturing errors in the dimensions of the parts, these manufacturing errors can be absorbed, and the upper bonnet member 51 and the left bonnet member 52L can be easily connected.

[0066] <3. Decorative Lighting Section> Next, the upper light section 70, which is configured as a decorative light section, will be described in detail.

[0067] Figure 10 is a left side view showing the schematic relationship between the front bonnet member 53 and the upper light section 70. Figure 10 is also a magnified view of the upper light section 70 and its surrounding area. Furthermore, Figure 10 shows the left upper light section 70, one of the two upper light sections 70 provided on the left and right sides. The configuration of the right upper light section 70 is omitted from the illustration, but it has the same configuration as the left upper light section 70.

[0068] As shown in Figure 10, the upper light section 70 is U-shaped in side view. That is, the tractor 100 is equipped with U-shaped light sections 70 in side view, positioned on the left and right sides of the front of the bonnet 5. With this configuration, the width of the light section can be prevented from becoming too narrow, while the range of light emission can be suppressed compared to a configuration equipped with a rectangular light section of similar width in side view. In other words, with the configuration of this embodiment, the presence of the decorative lights on the tractor 100 can be prevented from becoming diminished, while preventing light pollution such as pedestrians feeling that the lights are too bright.

[0069] In detail, the upper light section 70 has the following configuration, forming a U-shaped light section in side view. In a side view, the upper light section 70 has a long side section 71 extending from the front to the rear, and a pair of short side sections 72 extending upward from the front and rear ends of the long side section 71.

[0070] Because the upper light section 70 has a long side section 71 that extends in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the side, the tractor 100 is configured to have a light extending in the front-to-back direction on the front side of its side portion. As a result, the tractor 100 can illuminate both the front and the sides simultaneously using the upper light section 70. This improves the work efficiency of workers performing nighttime work using the tractor 100.

[0071] In detail, the long side portion 71 is positioned at an angle with respect to the front-to-back direction when viewed from the side, with its height decreasing from the rear to the front. In other words, the U-shaped light portion (upper light portion 70) in side view is tilted with the front side down and the rear side up. By giving the upper light portion 70 such an inclined structure, the design can be improved when combined with the Y-shaped decorative body 90. Furthermore, by adopting such an inclined shape, the illumination range can be adjusted to an appropriate position.

[0072] Figure 11 is a left side view showing the schematic configuration of the light unit 70U that constitutes the upper light section 70. The same light unit 70U is used for both the left upper light section 70 and the right upper light section 70. In other words, the light unit 70U is a component that can be used for either the left or right upper light section 70. The left upper light section 70 is formed by attaching the light unit 70U to the upper light opening 532a (see Figure 6) of the left upper light mounting section 532. The right upper light section 70 is formed by attaching the light unit 70U to the upper light opening 532a (see Figure 6) of the right upper light mounting section 532.

[0073] As shown in Figure 11, the light unit 70U comprises a housing 70U1 and a lens 70U2. The housing 70U1 is made of, for example, resin or metal, and is box-shaped with an opening to the left and right outwards. Inside the housing 70U1 are a light-emitting element (not shown) and a reflector. The housing 70U1 is also provided with mounting portions 70U1a for attaching the light unit 70U to the upper light mounting portion 532. In this embodiment, as an example, the housing 70U1 is provided with three mounting portions 70U1a.

[0074] The lens 70U2 is made of a transparent material such as resin or glass, and covers the light-emitting element and reflector placed inside the housing 70U1. The lens 70U2 has a notch 70U2a on the side facing outward in the left-right direction. As a result of the provision of this notch 70U2a, the outer surface of the lens 70U2 in the left-right direction is U-shaped.

[0075] In this embodiment, the light-emitting element placed inside the housing 70U1 is an LED element. More specifically, multiple LED elements are placed inside the housing 70U1, and the multiple LED elements are arranged in the direction in which the long side portion 71 (see Figure 10) extends.

[0076] In this embodiment, the multiple LED elements are of the same type, but this is an example, and at least some of the multiple types of LED elements may be of a different type from the others. That is, the upper light section 70 may have a configuration that includes multiple types of light-emitting elements (specifically LED elements) that have different functions from each other. For example, the multiple types of light-emitting elements may have configurations in which at least one of the following is different: light intensity, color, and directivity. With a configuration that includes multiple types of light-emitting elements in this way, the upper light section 70, which extends in the front-to-back direction, can be made to emit light by appropriately adjusting the light intensity, light color, or directivity according to its position in the front-to-back direction.

[0077] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the approximate configuration of a cross-section taken at position XII-XII in Figure 10. As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the U-shaped light section (upper light section) 70 in side view is constructed by covering a part of the light unit 70U with a light-shielding section 57. In other words, because a part of the light unit 70U is covered with the light-shielding section 57, the upper light section 70, which is composed of the light unit 70U, is U-shaped in side view.

[0078] The light-shielding portion 57 blocks the light emitted by the light unit 70U without allowing it to pass through. In detail, the light-shielding portion 57 is made of a black material. However, the light-shielding portion 57 only needs to have light-shielding properties and may be made of a material of a color other than black. The light-shielding portion 57 is positioned in the notch portion 70U2a provided in the lens 70U2 of the light unit 70U and covers a part of the light unit 70U.

[0079] In this embodiment, the light-shielding portion 57 is part of the front bonnet member 53 that constitutes the front portion of the bonnet 5. The light-shielding portion 57 is provided as part of the front bonnet member 53 and is positioned to cover the upper light opening 532a provided in the upper light mounting portion 532 when viewed from the side. By providing the light-shielding portion 57 as part of the front bonnet member 53, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts despite the provision of the light-shielding portion 57.

[0080] The light-shielding portion 57 may be part of a component attached to the front bonnet member 53. For example, the light-shielding portion 57 may be part of the decorative body 90. Specifically, the light-shielding portion 57 may be part of the second decorative member 92 or the third decorative member 93 that constitute the decorative body 90. Alternatively, the light-shielding portion 57 may be a separate component from the front bonnet member 53 and the decorative body 90. In such a separate component configuration, the light-shielding portion 57 may be movable. By making the light-shielding portion 57 movable, it becomes possible to appropriately adjust the amount and direction of light emitted from the upper light section 70.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, decorative members 92 and 93 are provided on the left and right front sides of the bonnet 5, respectively, positioned above the upper light section 70 (see Figure 2). In a side view, the decorative members 92 and 93 extend at least from the front end to the rear end of the upper light section 70. More specifically, the decorative members 92 and 93 extend over a wider area on the front and rear ends than the area from the front end to the rear end of the upper light section 70. By providing such decorative members 92 and 93, the upward illumination of light emitted from the upper light section 70 can be blocked not only by the light-shielding section 57 but also by the decorative members 92 and 93. To obtain this function, the decorative members 92 and 93 may be made of light-shielding material, and may also be configured to protrude outward in the left-right direction relative to the upper light section 70.

[0082] <4. Things to keep in mind> Various technical features disclosed herein can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. Furthermore, the multiple embodiments, examples, and modifications shown herein may be combined as possible.

[0083] <5. Addendum> The embodiments, examples, and modifications described above are further disclosed below.

[0084] An exemplary work vehicle of the present invention may have a configuration (first configuration) comprising a hood and U-shaped light sections in a side view, each positioned on the left and right front sides of the hood.

[0085] In the work vehicle with the first configuration described above, the light portion may have a configuration (second configuration) in which, when viewed from the side, a long side portion extending from the front to the rear, and a pair of short side portions extending upward from the front and rear ends of the long side portion.

[0086] In the work vehicle of the second configuration described above, the long side portion may be arranged in an inclination with respect to the front-rear direction when viewed from the side, with the height decreasing from the rear to the front (third configuration).

[0087] In a work vehicle having any of the first to third configurations described above, the light section may be configured such that a part of the light unit is covered with a light-shielding section (fourth configuration).

[0088] In the work vehicle with the fourth configuration described above, the light-shielding portion may be a front bonnet member that constitutes the front part of the bonnet, or a part of a member attached to the front bonnet member (fifth configuration).

[0089] In the work vehicle of the fourth configuration described above, the light-shielding part may be movable (sixth configuration).

[0090] A work vehicle having any of the above configurations 1 to 6 includes decorative members positioned above the light section on each of the front left and right sides of the bonnet, and in a side view, the decorative members may extend at least from the front end to the rear end of the light section (configuration 7).

[0091] In a work vehicle having any of the above configurations 1 to 7, the bonnet may be positioned to cover the exhaust gas purification device and have an upper opening in a position that overlaps with the exhaust gas purification device in a plan view (configuration 8).

[0092] The work vehicle of the eighth configuration described above may have a configuration (ninth configuration) that includes a partition positioned between the upper opening and the exhaust gas purification device.

[0093] In a work vehicle having any of the above configurations 1 to 9, the bonnet may have a configuration having a plurality of identically shaped side openings arranged in the front-to-back direction on its side (configuration 10).

[0094] In a work vehicle having any of the configurations described in the first to tenth above, the bonnet may be composed of a plurality of bonnet members, the plurality of bonnet members including a front bonnet member that constitutes the front part of the bonnet, and the front bonnet member may be provided with an upper light section that is positioned at the top and constitutes the light section, and a lower light section that is positioned at the bottom (the eleventh configuration).

[0095] In a work vehicle having any of the above configurations 1 to 11, the light unit may have a configuration having multiple types of light-emitting elements with different functions (configuration 12). [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 5. Hood 51. Upper bonnet component 52... Side bonnet component 52L... Left side hood component 52R... Right side hood component 53... Front bonnet component 57... Light-blocking section 60... Exhaust gas purification device 70... Upper light section (light section) 71...Long side 72...Short side 80...Lower light section 90... Decorative 91...First decorative component 92...Second decorative component 93. Third decorative component 100...Tractor (work vehicle) 512... Upper rear opening (upper opening) 522...Second side opening (side opening) P1... Partition

Claims

1. The hood and, The aforementioned hood has U-shaped light sections in a side view, which are positioned on the left and right sides of the front of the hood, A work vehicle equipped with the following features.

2. In a side view, the aforementioned light unit is, The longer side extends from the front to the back, A pair of short sides extending upward from each of the front and rear ends of the long side, A work vehicle according to claim 1, having the following features.

3. The work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the long side portion is arranged at an inclination with respect to the front-rear direction in a side view, and its height decreases from the rear to the front.

4. The work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light section is configured by covering a part of the light unit with a light-shielding section.

5. The work vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the light-shielding portion is a front bonnet member that constitutes the front portion of the bonnet, or a part of a member attached to the front bonnet member.

6. The work vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the light-shielding part is movable.

7. The hood is provided with decorative members positioned above the light section on each of the front left and right sides, In a side view, the decorative member extends at least from the front end to the rear end of the light portion, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bonnet is positioned to cover the exhaust gas purification device and has an upper opening in a position that overlaps with the exhaust gas purification device in a plan view.

9. The work vehicle according to claim 8, further comprising a partition positioned between the upper opening and the exhaust gas purification device.

10. The work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hood has a plurality of side openings of the same shape arranged in the front-to-back direction on its side.

11. The aforementioned hood is constructed using multiple hood members, The plurality of bonnet members include a front bonnet member that constitutes the front portion of the bonnet, The aforementioned front bonnet member includes: The upper light section, which is positioned at the top and constitutes the light section, The lower light section is located at the bottom, A work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a feature is provided.

12. The work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light unit has multiple types of light-emitting elements with different functions.

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