Work vehicles

Abstract

This invention provides a work vehicle that allows for easy installation of the drive shaft without removing the PTO cover, thereby improving work efficiency. [Solution] The tractor 1 is a work vehicle to which an implement can be attached, and comprises a PTO shaft 22 for transmitting power from an engine 12, which is a power source, to the implement, and a PTO cover 40, which is a cover portion for covering the PTO shaft 22, and the PTO cover 40 comprises a rotating portion 43 that rotatably supports at least an upper plate 42, which is the upper surface.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A work vehicle such as a tractor includes a power source that generates power and a PTO shaft for transmitting the power from the power source to a work implement. Further, the work vehicle includes a PTO cover that covers the PTO shaft to protect it from external factors.

[0003] For example, in a traveling vehicle of a work implement disclosed in Patent Document 1, in a state where a generator unit is mounted on a transmission case, a PTO shaft (PTO output shaft) protruding from the transmission case is connected to an input shaft (first connection portion) of the generator unit. A cover member is attached to the attachment frame of the generator unit, and the PTO shaft and the input shaft are covered by the cover member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a conventional work vehicle, since the PTO shaft is always covered from above and the side by the PTO cover, it is difficult to attach the drive shaft of the work implement to the PTO shaft when attaching the work implement. Further, if the configuration is such that the PTO cover is removed to facilitate the attachment of the drive shaft to the PTO shaft, there is a risk of forgetting to attach the PTO cover after attaching the work implement.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle that can improve workability by facilitating the attachment of the drive shaft without removing the PTO cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a work vehicle to which a work machine can be attached, comprising a PTO shaft for transmitting power from a power source to the work machine, and a cover portion for covering the PTO shaft, wherein the cover portion comprises a rotating portion that supports at least its upper surface so as to be rotatable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a work vehicle is provided that allows for easy installation of the drive shaft without removing the PTO cover, thereby improving work efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view showing a tractor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic rear view showing a tractor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a rearward perspective view of the implement lifting mechanism, implement angle changing mechanism, and towing unit of a tractor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a rearward perspective view of the implement lifting mechanism, implement angle changing mechanism, and towing unit of a tractor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a rearward perspective view of the towing section of a tractor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing the towing section of a tractor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a rearward perspective view of the PTO cover of a tractor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged rear view showing the rotating part of the PTO cover of a tractor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The work vehicle of the present invention is designed to perform work while traveling in a field using an implement. One embodiment of the work vehicle of the present invention, a tractor 1, will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a side view of the tractor 1, and Figure 2 is a rear view of the tractor 1.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tractor 1 comprises a body 2 and implements (not shown), and is configured to perform tasks such as tilling using the implements while moving on the body 2. Various implements such as rotary tillers, harrows, loaders, and box scrapers are attached to the body 2 of the tractor 1 as needed to perform various tasks.

[0012] Furthermore, a control unit 3 for controlling various parts of the tractor 1 is provided inside the vehicle body 2. The control unit 3 is composed of a computer equipped with a processing unit such as a CPU (not shown) and a storage device such as ROM, RAM, a hard disk drive, and flash memory (not shown).

[0013] A pair of front wheels 10 are provided on the lower front of the vehicle body 2, and a pair of rear wheels 11 are provided on the lower rear of the vehicle body 2. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, an example is described in which the front wheels 10 are made up of tires and the rear wheels 11 are made up of tires, but the present invention is not limited to this example. In other examples, a so-called half-crawler may be provided in which the front wheels 10 are made up of tires and the rear wheels 11 are made up of crawlers, or a so-called full-crawler may be provided in which the tires of the front wheels 10 and rear wheels 11 are replaced with crawlers.

[0014] The engine 12, which is the power source, is housed in the front of the vehicle body 2 and is covered by a bonnet 17. Behind the engine 12, a transmission 13 is provided between the pair of left and right rear wheels 11. The power from the engine 12 is transmitted to the transmission 13, which changes the gear ratio and transmits the power to each of the front wheels 10 and each of the rear wheels 11. At the rear of the vehicle body 2, there is a work implement lifting mechanism 14 and a work implement angle changing mechanism 15 that drive the work implement by hydraulic pressure of hydraulic fluid, and a towing unit 16 that pulls the work implement. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the work implement lifting mechanism 14, the work implement angle changing mechanism 15 and the towing unit 16 from the rear. In particular, Figure 3 shows the PTO cover 40 (cover part) of the towing unit 16 in a closed state, and Figure 4 shows the PTO cover 40 in an open state.

[0015] At the rear of the transmission 13 are a pair of left and right lower links 20, a top link 21, and a PTO shaft 22, with each lower link 20, top link 21, and PTO shaft 22 extending to the rear. The implement is connected to the rear ends of each lower link 20, top link 21, and PTO shaft 22, and the implement's drive shaft is connected to the PTO shaft 22, thereby being driven by the PTO shaft 22 via the drive shaft.

[0016] The work equipment lifting mechanism 14 comprises a pair of left and right lift arms 23 and a lift cylinder 24 composed of hydraulic cylinders. The tip of one (left) lift arm 23 is connected to the (left) lower link 20 via a link member 25, and the tip of the other (right) lift arm 23 is connected to the other (right) lower link 20 via a rolling cylinder 26. The work equipment lifting mechanism 14 can change the height of the work equipment supported by the vehicle body 2 by driving the lift cylinder 24 with hydraulic pressure from hydraulic fluid supplied from a hydraulic pump (not shown) of the transmission 13.

[0017] The working machine angle changing mechanism 15 includes a rolling cylinder 26 composed of a hydraulic cylinder. As described above, the rolling cylinder 26 is configured to connect the other lift arm 23 and the other lower link 20. The working machine angle changing mechanism 15 can change the inclination posture in the left - right direction of the working machine supported by the vehicle body 2 by driving the rolling cylinder 26 with the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump of the transmission 13.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the towing part 16 includes a drawbar hitch 28 connected to the working machine and a drawbar bracket 29 for attaching the drawbar hitch 28 to the vehicle body 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing only the towing part 16 from the rear, and FIG. 6 is a side view showing only the towing part 16.

[0019] The drawbar bracket 29 is attached to the rear end of the transmission case (not shown) of the transmission 13. The drawbar hitch 28 is attached to the drawbar bracket 29 so as to project rearward from the rear end of the transmission case (not shown) of the transmission 13 below the PTO shaft 22. The drawbar bracket 29 has two side wall portions 29a provided at the rear end of the transmission case having planes parallel to the front - rear direction and the up - down direction, and the drawbar hitch 28 is supported by a support portion 29b provided across the two side wall portions 29a.

[0020] Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, a PTO cover 40 (cover portion) for covering the PTO shaft 22 is provided on the rear side of the transmission case of the transmission 13.

[0021] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the PTO cover 40 has two side plates 41 that cover the PTO shaft 22 from both sides in the left-right direction, an upper plate 42 (top surface) that covers the PTO shaft 22 from above, and a rotating part 43 (see Figures 5 to 8) that rotatably supports the upper plate 42 relative to the two side plates 41. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing only the PTO cover 40 from the rear, and Figure 8 is an enlarged rear view showing the rotating part 43. In Figures 3 and 7, the PTO cover 40 is in a closed state, while in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 8, the PTO cover 40 is in an open state.

[0022] The two side plates 41 are attached to the drawbar bracket 29 with planes parallel to each other in the front-rear and up-down directions, and are mounted, for example, on the left-right inner sides of the two side wall portions 29a. The two side plates 41 have shaft holes (not shown) that penetrate in the left-right direction for attaching the rotating portion 43 at their front upper ends.

[0023] The top plate 42 has a width wider than the outer diameter between the two side plates 41 in the left-right direction, has a plane parallel to the left-right direction, and is positioned above the two side plates 41. The top plate 42 is rotatably attached to the upper ends of the two side plates 41 via a pivot part 43. The top plate 42 rotates between a closed state that covers the space between the two side plates 41 from above and an open state that exposes the space between the two side plates 41 to the top. For example, in the closed state, the top plate 42 is parallel to the left-right and front-back directions.

[0024] The PTO cover 40 is mounted such that the rotation of the top plate 42 to the closed state is restricted by two side plates 41. The rotation of the top plate 42 to the open state is restricted by the drawbar bracket 29. For example, the top plate 42 is formed with a width wider than the inner diameter between the two side wall portions 29a of the drawbar bracket 29 in the left-right direction. With respect to the rotation trajectory of the front end of the top plate 42 moving from the closed state to the open state, the two side wall portions 29a have rear end surfaces 29c that are inclined downward and rearward, so that the front end of the top plate 42 does not come into contact with the rear end surface 29c in the closed state, but comes into contact with the rear end surface 29c in the open state.

[0025] Alternatively, if the upper plate 42 is formed with a width narrower than the inner diameter between the two side wall portions 29a of the drawbar bracket 29 in the left-right direction, the rotation of the upper plate 42 to the open state is restricted by providing a contact portion (not shown) between the two side wall portions 29a, against which the front end of the upper plate 42 abuts when in the open state.

[0026] The upper plate 42 has an end that is bent to form a first bent portion 42a, which is a bent portion, by bending the end corresponding to at least one side of the plane. For example, the rear end is bent upward to form the first bent portion 42a. In this embodiment, an example in which the rear end of the upper plate 42 is bent upward is described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. In other examples, the upper plate 42 may be bent downward to form the first bent portion 42a, provided that sufficient area of ​​the upper plate 42 is secured. The upper plate 42 may also have a second bent portion 42b formed by bending both the left and right ends downward, and the second bent portions 42b at both the left and right ends may overlap the outside of the two side plates 41 when closed. The upper plate 42 has shaft holes (not shown) that penetrate in the left-right direction for attaching the rotating portion 43, at the front ends of the second bent portions 42b at both the left and right ends.

[0027] Furthermore, the PTO cover 40 has a connecting member holding portion 44 that holds a connecting member 20a, such as a ball, used to connect the lower link 20 to the work machine. The connecting member holding portion 44 is provided at the upper end of one side plate 41 (for example, the left side) so as not to interfere with the rotation of the upper plate 42. For example, the connecting member holding portion 44 is constructed by erecting a rod-shaped member on a ball-shaped connecting member 20a having a connection hole for connection to the work machine, and the connecting member 20a is held by the rod-shaped member through the connection hole of the connecting member 20a.

[0028] The rotating part 43 has a bolt 45 that serves as the pivot axis and a nut 46 that fastens the bolt 45. The rotating part 43 supports the upper plate 42 so that it can rotate relative to the two side plates 41 by inserting the bolt 45 through the axial hole of the side plate 41 and the axial hole of the upper plate 42 on both the left and right sides and fastening it with the nut 46. The rotating part 43 facilitates fastening by the nut 46 by interposing a disc spring 47 and a washer 48, which are inserted through the bolt 45, between the side plate 41 and the nut 46. The rotating part 43 is also configured to have a restraining member 49 that suppresses the rotation of the upper plate 42. For example, the restraining member 49 suppresses the rotation of the upper plate 42 by interposing a friction plate that generates a predetermined friction between the side plate 41 and the upper plate 42. The friction plate, which is the restraining member 49, may be inserted through the bolt 45.

[0029] Furthermore, the PTO cover 40 is equipped with a detection unit 50 that detects the opening and closing information of the PTO cover 40, that is, the opening and closing information of the upper plate 42. The detection unit 50 detects whether or not the upper plate 42 is in a closed state (not in a closed state) as the opening and closing information of the PTO cover 40. For example, the detection unit 50 may be composed of a contact-type sensor provided on the side plate 41 that detects contact with the upper plate 42 in a closed state, or it may be composed of a non-contact type sensor such as an optical sensor. The detection unit 50 is connected to the control unit 3 of the tractor 1 and transmits the detected opening and closing information to the control unit 3.

[0030] The upper part of the vehicle body 2 is provided with a driver's seat 30 where the driver sits, and various operating devices are provided around the driver's seat 30. Below the driver's seat 30 is a step 31 which serves as a step for the driver to get in and out of the driver's seat 30. In front of the driver's seat 30 is a side mirror 32 for the driver seated in the driver's seat 30 to check behind them.

[0031] For example, as a control device, a handle 33 for steering the front wheels 10 is provided in front of the driver's seat 30. Around the handle 33 are a lifting lever (not shown) for forcibly moving the work implement to its highest and lowest positions, and a forward / reverse switching lever (not shown) for switching the direction of travel of the vehicle body 2 between forward and reverse. Various pedals 34 operated by the driver are provided on the floor below the handle 33. The various pedals 34 include a brake pedal for braking the vehicle body 2, a clutch pedal for operating a clutch (not shown) for switching the transmission / disconnection of power, and an accelerator pedal for increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the engine 12 (vehicle speed of the vehicle body 2).

[0032] Furthermore, a display unit 35, which is a notification unit that displays various information about the tractor 1, is provided around the driver's seat 30, for example, on the right side of the driver's seat 30. For example, the display unit 35 is composed of a monitor such as a liquid crystal display. The display unit 35 is connected to the control unit 3 of the tractor 1 and receives and displays various information about the tractor 1 from the control unit 3. For example, the display unit 35 displays information on the opening and closing of the PTO cover 40, and specifically, if the upper plate 42 is not in a closed state, it notifies the driver of an error with a warning message or the like.

[0033] Furthermore, the tractor 1 may be equipped with, together with or in place of the display unit 35, an audio output unit such as a speaker or buzzer that provides voice notifications, or a lamp that provides notifications by lighting or flashing, as a notification unit for notifying various information about the tractor 1. In other words, the tractor 1 may notify information about the opening and closing of the PTO cover 40 by an audio output unit or a lamp.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 3 is connected to the transmission 13, etc., to control the drive (rotation) of the PTO shaft 22. The control unit 3 determines whether or not to allow the drive (rotation) of the PTO shaft 22 according to predetermined conditions, and if it does not allow the drive of the PTO shaft 22, it controls the transmission 13, etc., to stop or reduce the rotation of the PTO shaft 22 and restrict it. For example, the control unit 3 determines whether or not to allow the drive (rotation) of the PTO shaft 22 based on the opening and closing information of the PTO cover 40, and specifically, if the upper plate 42 is not in a closed state, it controls the transmission 13, etc., to restrict the rotation of the PTO shaft 22.

[0035] As described above, according to this embodiment, the tractor 1 is a work vehicle to which an implement can be attached, and comprises a PTO shaft 22 for transmitting power from an engine 12, which is a power source, to the implement, and a PTO cover 40, which is a cover portion for covering the PTO shaft 22, and the PTO cover 40 comprises a rotating portion 43 that rotatably supports at least the upper plate 42, which is the upper surface.

[0036] As a result, the upper plate 42 of the tractor 1 can be rotated to expose the PTO shaft 22, making it easier to attach the drive shaft of the implement to the PTO shaft 22 without removing the PTO cover 40, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0037] According to this embodiment, the PTO cover 40 is provided on the drawbar bracket 29.

[0038] This allows the PTO cover 40 to be securely attached to tractor 1.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the PTO cover 40 is mounted such that the rotation of the upper plate 42 is restricted by the drawbar bracket 29.

[0040] In the PTO cover 40, if the top plate 42 rotates and opens without restriction, it may become difficult to handle the top plate 42 when returning it to the closed state. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the rotation of the top plate 42. In this embodiment, the rotation of the top plate 42 can be restricted by utilizing the existing drawbar bracket 29 without providing a separate member, thus eliminating the need for a separate member to restrict rotation and reducing costs. Furthermore, by adjusting the positional relationship between the drawbar bracket 29 and the PTO cover 40, the rotation angle of the top plate 42 toward opening can be appropriately adjusted.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the PTO cover 40 has a bent portion (first bent portion 42a) at the end corresponding to at least one side of the upper plate 42.

[0042] As a result, in tractor 1, the rigidity of the upper surface of the PTO cover 40 can be improved by providing a bent portion (first bent portion 42a) in the upper plate 42. For example, in tractor 1, the PTO cover 40 needs to meet durability standards so that it can withstand a predetermined load, and this durability standard can be met by providing a bent portion (first bent portion 42a) in the upper plate 42.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the PTO cover 40 has a connecting member holding portion 44 that holds the connecting member 20a of the lower link 20 used for attaching the lower link 20 to the work machine.

[0044] As a result, in tractor 1, the work efficiency can be improved by positioning the connecting member 20a, which is attached to the lower link 20, in an easily accessible location during the attachment of implements.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the rotating part 43 is configured to have a restraining member 49 that restrains the rotation of the upper plate 42.

[0046] As a result, the tractor 1 can maintain the upper plate 42 in a released state at a predetermined rotation angle by providing a restraining member 49 such as a friction plate. Therefore, when attaching implements, it is not necessary to hold the upper plate 42 by hand when connecting the drive shaft to the PTO shaft 22, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the tractor 1 includes a detection unit 50 that detects opening and closing information of the PTO cover 40, and a display unit 35, etc., which is a notification unit that notifies the opening and closing information.

[0048] As a result, the tractor 1 can prevent forgetting to close the PTO cover 40 by notifying the open / closed status of the PTO cover 40 through error displays such as warning messages on the display unit 35, audio outputs such as speakers and buzzers, and the illumination or flashing of lamps.

[0049] According to this embodiment, the tractor 1 restricts the rotation of the PTO shaft 22 when the opening / closing information of the PTO cover 40 indicates that the PTO cover 40 is open (and does not indicate a closed state).

[0050] As a result, in tractor 1, if the PTO cover 40 is open (not closed), the PTO shaft 22 can be controlled to stop the operation of the implement, thereby improving safety.

[0051] In this embodiment, an example in which the PTO cover 40 is provided on the drawbar bracket 29 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. In other examples, the PTO cover 40 may be provided on the transmission case of the transmission 13. In this case, the PTO cover 40 is mounted such that the rotation of the upper plate 42 to the open state is restricted by the transmission case.

[0052] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the PTO cover 40 changes between a closed state and an open state by the rotation of the upper plate 42 relative to the side plate 41, but the present invention is not limited to this example. In other examples, the PTO cover 40 may be formed by integrally forming the upper plate 42 and the side plate 41 and provided to rotate relative to the drawbar bracket 29 or the transmission case of the transmission 13 so as to change between a closed state and an open state.

[0053] In the embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the work vehicle of the present invention is composed of a tractor 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the work vehicle of the present invention may be composed of other agricultural machinery or other work vehicles.

[0054] Furthermore, the present invention may be modified as appropriate, provided that it does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention as can be read from the claims and the specification as a whole, and work vehicles with such modifications are also included in the technical concept of the present invention.

[0055] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0056] <Note 1> A work vehicle to which work equipment can be attached, A PTO shaft for transmitting power from a power source to the aforementioned work machine, It comprises a cover portion for covering the PTO shaft, The work vehicle is characterized in that the cover portion includes a rotating portion that supports at least the upper surface in a rotatable manner.

[0057] <Note 2> The work vehicle according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the cover portion is provided on the drawbar bracket.

[0058] <Note 3> The work vehicle according to Appendix 2, characterized in that the cover portion is mounted such that the rotation of the upper surface is restricted by the drawbar bracket.

[0059] <Note 4> The work vehicle according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover portion has a bent portion at an end corresponding to at least one side of the upper surface.

[0060] <Note 5> The cover portion has a connecting member holding portion that holds the lower link and the lower link connecting member used for attaching the work machine. A work vehicle as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

[0061] <Note 6> The rotating part is configured to have a restraining member that suppresses the rotation of the upper surface. A work vehicle as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

[0062] <Note 7> A detection unit that detects information about the opening and closing of the cover portion, The system includes a notification unit that notifies the aforementioned opening and closing information. A work vehicle as described in any of the appendices 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

[0063] <Note 8> When the cover is open, the rotation of the PTO shaft is restricted. A work vehicle as described in any of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized by the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1. Tractor (work vehicle) 2 car bodies 3. Control Unit 12. Engine (power source) 13. Transmission 14. Lifting mechanism for work equipment 15. Mechanism for changing the angle of the work equipment 16 Traction section 20 Lower Link 20a Connecting member 21 Top Links 22 PTO shafts 28 Drawbar Hitch 29 Drawbar Bracket 29a Side wall part 29b Support part 30 Driver's seat 35 Display Unit (Notification Unit) 40 PTO cover (cover part) 41 Side panel 42 Top plate (top surface) 42a Bend part (first bend part) 42b Bend part (second bend part) 43 Rotating part 44 Connecting member holding part 45 volts 46 nuts 47 Disc springs 48 Washer 49. Restraining member 50 Detection unit

Claims

1. A work vehicle to which work equipment can be attached, A PTO shaft for transmitting power from a power source to the aforementioned work machine, It comprises a cover portion for covering the PTO shaft, The work vehicle is characterized in that the cover portion includes a rotating portion that supports at least the upper surface in a rotatable manner.

2. The work vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover portion is provided on the drawbar bracket.

3. The work vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the cover portion is mounted such that the rotation of the upper surface is restricted by the drawbar bracket.

4. The work vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover portion has a bent portion at an end corresponding to at least one side of the upper surface.

5. The work vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover portion has a connecting member holding portion for holding the lower link and the lower link connecting member used for attaching the work machine.

6. The work vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating part has a restraining member that suppresses the rotation of the upper surface.

7. A detection unit that detects information about the opening and closing of the cover portion, The work vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit for notifying the aforementioned opening and closing information.

8. The work vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation of the PTO shaft is restricted when the cover portion is open.

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