Working machinery

Abstract

The present invention provides a work machine that can improve the workability of controller maintenance work and simplify the process of connecting to the controller. [Solution] The hydraulic excavator, as a work machine, comprises a controller, a control unit from which an operator sits to control the machine, and a bonnet member that covers a part of the machine. The control unit is located on one side of the machine, the bonnet member is located on the other side of the machine, and the controller is located between the control unit and the bonnet member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a construction machine in which a controller is disposed on a cab support frame that supports a cab from below.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, technologies have been proposed for automatically controlling a working machine such as a construction machine based on construction data at a construction site, or for providing various information regarding the above construction data and the working machine to an operator of the working machine. When such a technology is applied, a large number of devices (for example, a detection device, a control device other than the above controller, etc.) are connected to the controller for realizing the above technology. Therefore, it is desirable to facilitate the connection work to the above controller.

[0005] Further, when the controller is disposed below the cab that constitutes the operation unit as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to crawl under the cab in the maintenance work of the controller. Therefore, there is a risk that the workability of the maintenance work may be reduced.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a working machine capable of improving the workability of the maintenance work of the controller and facilitating the connection work to the controller.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A working machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a controller, a control unit on which an operator sits and controls the machine, and a bonnet member covering a part of the machine, wherein the control unit is located on one side of the machine, the bonnet member is located on the other side of the machine, and the controller is located between the control unit and the bonnet member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The above configuration improves the efficiency of controller maintenance work and simplifies the process of connecting to the controller. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a left side view showing a schematic configuration of a hydraulic excavator, which is an example of a work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a right side view showing the schematic configuration of the hydraulic excavator. [Figure 3] This is a schematic block diagram showing the general configuration of the hydraulic system of the above-mentioned hydraulic excavator. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view from the right rear showing the placement of the controller installed in the hydraulic excavator described above. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the placement of the above controller. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the above controllers. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the configuration of the inclined surface of the housing section in which the above controller is housed. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view from the left rear showing the configuration of the partition plate installed in the hydraulic excavator described above. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the attachment of the cover member to the above-mentioned housing section. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view from the front right, showing the placement of the detection device installed on the hydraulic excavator described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [1. Outline configuration of the work machine] Figures 1 and 2 are left and right side views, respectively, showing the schematic configuration of a hydraulic excavator 1, which is an example of a work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, for convenience, the driver's seat 441 and other components described later are omitted from the illustration. The hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a lower traveling body 2, a work machine 3, and an upper rotating body 4. Hereafter, the hydraulic excavator 1 may also be referred to as the "machine body".

[0012] Here, the directions in this embodiment are defined as follows: The direction in which the operator (driver, operator) seated in the driver's seat 441 located in the control section 44 of the upper slewing body 4 faces forward is defined as "forward," and the opposite direction is defined as "rear." When the upper slewing body 4 is not slewing relative to the lower traveling body 2 (slewing angle 0 degrees), the front-rear direction of the upper slewing body 4 coincides with the front-rear direction of the lower traveling body 2. The drawing shows the hydraulic excavator 1 in the state where the upper slewing body 4 is not slewing relative to the lower traveling body 2. Also, the left side as seen from the perspective of the operator seated in the driver's seat 441 is defined as "left," and the right side as "right." Furthermore, the direction of gravity perpendicular to the front-rear and left-right directions is defined as the up-down direction, with the upstream side of the direction of gravity being defined as "up," and the downstream side being defined as "down." In the drawings, the front is indicated by the symbol "F", the rear by "B", the left by "L", the right by "R", the top by "U", and the bottom by "D", as needed.

[0013] The lower traveling body 2 includes a pair of left and right crawlers 21, a pair of left and right traveling motors 22, and a blade 23. By driving the left and right crawlers 21 with the left and right traveling motors 22 respectively, the hydraulic excavator 1 can move forward and backward. The traveling motor 22 is composed of a hydraulic motor. The blade 23 is provided on the front side of the lower traveling body 2 and is used for leveling work, earth discharging work, etc. The blade 23 is rotated by a blade cylinder (not shown). The base end of the blade cylinder is connected to the blade 23. The blade cylinder is composed of a hydraulic cylinder.

[0014] The working device 3 is arranged on one side in the front-rear direction of the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1) (the front side in this embodiment). More specifically, the working device 3 includes a boom 31, an arm 32, and a bucket 33. The base end of the boom 31 is rotatably supported by a swing bracket 41 located at the front part of the upper revolving body 4, and is rotated in the vertical and front-rear directions by a boom cylinder 311. The base end of the boom cylinder 311 is supported by the swing bracket 41 and is movable in an extendable and retractable manner. Further, the boom 31 is rotated in the left-right direction by a swing cylinder 312. The base end of the swing cylinder 312 is supported by the left rear part of the upper revolving body 4, and the tip end is supported by the left side part of the swing bracket 41. The swing cylinder 312 is movable in an extendable and retractable manner.

[0015] The base end of the arm 32 is rotatably supported by the tip end of the boom 31 and is rotated by an arm cylinder 321. The base end of the arm cylinder 321 is supported by the boom 31 and is movable in an extendable and retractable manner. The base end of the bucket 33 is rotatably supported by the tip end of the arm 32 and is rotated by a bucket cylinder 331. The base end of the bucket cylinder 331 is supported by the arm 32 and is movable in an extendable and retractable manner. The boom cylinder 311, the swing cylinder 312, the arm cylinder 321, and the bucket cylinder 331 are each composed of a hydraulic cylinder. By driving the boom 31, the arm 32, and the bucket 33 independently, excavation work such as earth and sand can be performed.

[0016] The upper revolving body 4 is located above the lower traveling body 2 and is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the lower traveling body 2 via a slewing bearing 5. The upper revolving body 4 includes a swing bracket 41, a revolving frame 42, a slewing motor 43, an operator's cab 44, and an engine room 45. That is, the hydraulic excavator 1 includes a swing bracket 41, a revolving frame 42, a slewing motor 43, an operator's cab 44, and an engine room 45.

[0017] The upper revolving body 4 rotates with respect to the lower traveling body 2 by the drive of the slewing motor 43 disposed on the revolving frame 42. The slewing motor 43 is composed of a hydraulic motor. The revolving frame 42 is configured to include a plurality of metal members joined by welding or the like. The front end portion of the revolving frame 42 supports the swing bracket 41 so as to be rotatable (swingable) in the left-right direction.

[0018] The operator's cab 44 (also referred to as the driver's cab) is provided on the left side portion of the upper revolving body 4. That is, the operator's cab 44 is disposed on one side (the left side in this embodiment) of the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1).

[0019] The operator's cab 44 is provided for an operator to board and operate the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1). More specifically, the operator's cab 44 is provided with a driver's seat 441 for the operator to sit on. A plurality of operating members 442 are arranged around the driver's seat 441. The plurality of operating members 442 are composed of a lever, a switch, a pedal, and the like. When the plurality of operating members 442 are operated by the operator, one or a plurality of the traveling motor 22, the slewing motor 43, the boom cylinder 311, the swing cylinder 312, the arm cylinder 321, and the bucket cylinder 331 are driven. Thereby, traveling of the lower traveling body 2, land leveling work by the blade 23, excavation work by the work implement 3, slewing of the upper revolving body 4, and the like can be performed.

[0020] The driver's seat 441 and the multiple control members 442 are covered by the cab 443. However, instead of the cab 443, a canopy may be used to cover the driver's seat 441 and the multiple control members 442. On the upper right side of the rear of the cab 443, for example, a light 444, a group of positioning antennas 445, and an indicator light 446 are mounted.

[0021] The engine room 45 comprises a right bonnet 451 and a rear bonnet 452. The right bonnet 451 forms the right side wall of the engine room 45, and the rear bonnet 452 forms the rear wall of the engine room 45. The right bonnet 451 and the rear bonnet 452 are each provided so as to be openable and closable in the vertical direction.

[0022] The right bonnet 451 has a plurality of bonnet members 451a. More specifically, the plurality of bonnet members 451a include a first bonnet member 451a1, a second bonnet member 451a2, and a third bonnet member 451a3. The first bonnet member 451a1 is located on the right side of the upper rotating body 4. The first bonnet member 451a1 is constructed by bending a metal (or resin) plate-like member extending in the front-rear direction to the left as it extends forward. That is, the first bonnet member 451a1 curves so as to bulge out to the right and forward. The first bonnet member 451a1 is housed in the engine room 45 and covers the right side of the fuel tank 453 that stores fuel. In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a bonnet member 451a (first bonnet member 451a1 in this embodiment) that covers a part of the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1), and this bonnet member 451a is positioned on the other side of the machine body (the right side in this embodiment).

[0023] The second bonnet member 451a2 is positioned behind the first bonnet member 451a1. Therefore, like the first bonnet member 451a1, the second bonnet member 451a2 is positioned to the right of the upper rotating body 4. The second bonnet member 451a2 is constructed by bending a metal (or resin) plate-like member extending in the front-rear direction to the left as it extends towards the rear. That is, the second bonnet member 451a2 curves so as to bulge out to the right rear. The second bonnet member 451a2 is provided with an air intake port 45a that penetrates in the left-right direction.

[0024] The third bonnet member 451a3 is positioned to the upper left of the first bonnet member 451a1 and the second bonnet member 451a2. The third bonnet member 451a3 is constructed by bending a metal (or resin) plate-like member that extends in the front-rear direction downwards as it moves forward. In other words, the third bonnet member 451a3 curves so as to bulge upwards and forwards.

[0025] The engine room 45 houses the engine 454 in addition to the fuel tank 453. The engine 454 is the power source for the hydraulic excavator 1. The engine 454 is a diesel engine, but is not limited to this, and may be a gasoline engine, for example. Since the engine 454 is a diesel engine, diesel fuel is stored in the fuel tank 453 of this embodiment. However, the fuel is not limited to diesel fuel; for example, if the engine 454 is a gasoline engine, it may be gasoline. The power source for the hydraulic excavator 1 is not limited to the engine 454, and may be an electric motor driven by electricity, for example.

[0026] The engine room 45 also houses, for example, a radiator for cooling the coolant supplying the engine 454, an intercooler for cooling the intake air supplied to the engine 454, and a condenser (none of which are shown) for air conditioning (cooling, heating, etc.) of the control unit 44. Furthermore, the engine room 45 is equipped with a fan (not shown) to provide cooling air to the radiator, intercooler, condenser, etc. This fan is driven by power from the engine 454 transmitted via a power transmission member such as a belt. However, the fan may be an electric fan driven by electricity. Additionally, the engine room 45 houses a plurality of hydraulic pumps 61. The hydraulic system of the hydraulic excavator 1, which includes the plurality of hydraulic pumps 61, will now be described.

[0027] [2. Outline configuration of the hydraulic system of the work machine] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the general configuration of the hydraulic system of the hydraulic excavator 1. The multiple hydraulic pumps 61 include a main pump 611 and a pilot pump 612. The main pump 611 is configured as a variable displacement pump, but is not limited to this, and may be configured as a fixed displacement pump, for example. The main pump 611 is connected to the rotating shaft (output shaft) of the engine 454. The rotation of the rotating shaft of the engine 454 drives the main pump 611.

[0028] The pilot pump 612 is a fixed-displacement pump, but is not limited to this; it may also be a variable-displacement pump. Like the main pump 611, the pilot pump 612 is connected to the rotating shaft of the engine 454. Therefore, the pilot pump 612 is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft of the engine 454. The main pump 611 and the pilot pump 612 are also connected to a hydraulic oil tank (not shown) for storing hydraulic oil.

[0029] In Figure 3, one main pump 611 and one pilot pump 612 are shown as an example, but there may be two or more main pumps 611 and pilot pumps 612. Also, the number of main pumps 611 and the number of pilot pumps 612 may be different from each other. For example, there may be two main pumps 611 and one pilot pump 612.

[0030] When the main pump 611 is driven by the engine 454, the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid tank is supplied to the hydraulic actuator 63 via the control valve 62. In this embodiment, the hydraulic motors (e.g., travel motor 22, swing motor 43) and hydraulic cylinders (e.g., boom cylinder 311, swing cylinder 312) driven by the hydraulic fluid are collectively referred to as the hydraulic actuator 63. That is, the hydraulic actuator 63 is composed of a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic cylinder.

[0031] The control valve 62 is a directional control valve that controls the flow direction and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the main pump 611 to the hydraulic actuator 63. The above control by the control valve 62 is performed based on the hydraulic fluid (also called pilot oil) supplied from the pilot pump 612 to the control valve 62. The supply of pilot oil from the pilot pump 612 to the control valve 62 is performed via either the remote control valve 64 or the solenoid valve 65.

[0032] The remote control valve 64 (also called a pilot valve) is provided in conjunction with each component of the hydraulic actuator 63 (for example, the travel motor 22, boom cylinder 311, etc.). In other words, multiple remote control valves 64 are provided.

[0033] Each remote control valve 64 is connected to a control member 442. When the operator operates the control member 442 (e.g., an operating lever), the remote control valve 64 is operated, and pilot oil is supplied to the control valve 62. Based on this pilot oil, the control valve 62 controls the flow direction and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic actuator 63. In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment is configured to be manually controllable.

[0034] The solenoid valve 65 is composed of multiple solenoid proportional valves integrated together, each corresponding to a component of the hydraulic actuator 63 (e.g., the travel motor 22, boom cylinder 311, etc.). At least one of these multiple solenoid proportional valves may be a simple solenoid valve. Therefore, unlike the remote control valve 64, there is only one solenoid valve 65. However, the solenoid valve 65 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the solenoid valve 65 may be composed of a single solenoid proportional valve, and multiple such solenoid valves 65 may be provided.

[0035] The driving of each of the solenoid proportional valves included in the solenoid valve 65 is performed based on a drive command output from the controller 71. With this configuration, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment is configured to be both manually operable and automatically operable. Here, automatic operation means an operating mode in which excavation work is performed by, for example, the work equipment 3 (see Figure 1, etc.) without operation by the operator. More specifically, the controller 71 is composed of an electronic control unit also called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Specifically, the controller 71 is composed of a plurality of electronic control units that can communicate with each other, and at least one of these outputs a drive command to the solenoid valve 65. However, the configuration of the controller 71 is not limited to the above, and for example, it may be composed of a single electronic control unit. The controller 71 is connected to the detection device 72, the inertial measuring device 73, and the positioning device 74, and communicates with other controllers 75. The controller 71 is located on the upper rotating body 4 (see Figures 1 and 2). In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a controller 71. The arrangement configuration of the controller 71 will be described later.

[0036] The detection device 72 and the inertial measurement device 73 each detect information related to the work implement 3 and output the detected information to the controller 71. More specifically, the detection device 72 is attached to the slewing frame 42 (see Figure 1, etc.) and is capable of measuring the lateral attitude (rotation angle) of the work implement 3 relative to the upper slewing body 4. The detection device 72 is composed of, for example, a limit switch. However, the configuration of the detection device 72 is not limited to a limit switch; for example, it may be an angle sensor. Therefore, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a detection device 72 that detects the rotation state of the work implement 3 in the lateral direction of the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1). The placement of the detection device 72 will be described later.

[0037] The inertial measuring device 73 includes a three-axis angular velocity sensor and three-directional acceleration sensors, and is capable of measuring the posture of the work machine 3. The inertial measuring device 73 is attached to the boom 31, the arm 32, and the bucket 33 (see Figure 1, etc.), and measures the vertical and longitudinal postures (rotation angles) of the boom 31, the arm 32, and the bucket 33, respectively. In addition to the inertial measuring device 73, angle sensors may be used to measure the postures of the boom 31, the arm 32, and the bucket 33.

[0038] The positioning device 74 includes a group of positioning antennas 445 (see Figure 2), and uses positioning signals received by the group of positioning antennas 445 from positioning satellites to acquire the position of the hydraulic excavator 1, for example, as latitude and longitude information. The positioning device 74 receives positioning signals from a reference station (not shown) in an appropriate manner and performs positioning using the known RTK-GNSS (Real Time Kinematic GNSS) method. The positioning device 74 outputs the position information of the hydraulic excavator 1 to the controller 71. The positioning device 74 may also perform positioning using other methods, such as the DGNSS (Differential GNSS) method. Alternatively, the positioning of the hydraulic excavator 1 may be performed by installing a total station outside the hydraulic excavator 1 and using this total station with a corresponding prism, receiver, etc.

[0039] The other controller 75, like controller 71, is composed of an electronic control unit, also known as an ECU. More specifically, the other controller 75 is composed of multiple electronic control units that can communicate with each other, but is not limited to this, and may, for example, be composed of a single electronic control unit. The other controller 75 performs controls on the hydraulic excavator 1 other than those related to automatic operation. For example, the other controller 75 controls the rotational speed of the engine 454 or the discharge amount of the main pump 611. In addition to performing the above controls, the other controller 75 communicates with controller 71 and transmits information about the hydraulic excavator 1 that it possesses to controller 71.

[0040] The controller 71 receives construction data (design data) from a server for storing construction data (design data) via a communication line such as the Internet. However, the acquisition of construction data by the controller 71 is not limited to the above method; for example, the controller 71 may store construction data in advance.

[0041] The controller 71 calculates a drive command to output to the solenoid valve 65 based on various information acquired from the detection device 72, the inertial measurement device 73, the positioning device 74, and other controllers 75, as well as the construction data mentioned above, and outputs it to the solenoid valve 65. As a result, the solenoid valve 65 is driven, and the hydraulic excavator 1 automatically performs the excavation work. Therefore, the controller 71 controls the machine based on the attitude information and position information of the machine (especially the work equipment 3) and the construction data. The arrangement configuration of the controller 71 will be described below.

[0042] [3. Controller Placement Configuration] Figures 4 and 5 are a perspective view from the right rear and a front view, respectively, showing the placement of the controller 71. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the controller 71. In Figure 4, the lower traveling body 2 is omitted for convenience. In Figure 5, the lower traveling body 2, the work implement 3, and the swing bracket 41 are omitted for convenience. In Figure 6, the upper slewing body 4 is cut vertically at the position through which the line A-A' in Figure 5 passes, and a cross-section showing an enlarged view of the area around the controller 71 is illustrated. Also in Figure 6, the airflow discharged from the exhaust port 45b, which will be described later, is indicated by a thick arrow.

[0043] The controller 71 is positioned near the front center of the upper slewing body 4. More specifically, the controller 71 is fixed to the slewing frame 42 via a mounting member 71a (see Figure 6 in particular). That is, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a mounting member 71a to which the controller 71 is attached. The mounting member 71a is constructed by bending the left and right ends of a metal plate-like member that extends in the left-right direction forward. The lower ends of the left and right ends that are bent forward are connected to the front center of the slewing frame 42. Thus, the slewing frame 42 (machine body) supports the mounting member 71a.

[0044] The controller 71, which is attached to the slewing frame 42 via the mounting member 71a, is located to the right of the cab 443 and to the left of the first bonnet member 451a1. In other words, the cab 443, the first bonnet member 451a1, and the controller 71 are arranged from left to right in the order of cab 443, controller 71, and first bonnet member 451a1 (see Figure 5 in particular). That is, the controller 71 is positioned between the control unit 44 and the bonnet member 451a (first bonnet member 451a1 in this embodiment) in the left-right direction.

[0045] With the above configuration, it becomes unnecessary to crawl under the control unit 44 when performing maintenance work on the controller 71. This improves the workability (also called maintainability) of maintenance work compared to when it is necessary to crawl under the control unit 44. In addition, the controller 71 can be positioned in a location that is easily accessible from the outside of the hydraulic excavator 1 (especially the front side of the hydraulic excavator 1) by the assembly worker of the hydraulic excavator 1, the maintenance worker performing the above maintenance work, etc. This makes it easy to connect multiple devices (solenoid valve 65, detection device 72, inertial measurement device 73, etc.) to the controller 71. As a result, the workability of maintenance work on the controller 71 can be improved, and the connection work to the controller 71 can be made easier.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4 in particular, the work implement 3 is positioned in front of the controller 71. That is, the controller 71 is positioned on one side of the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1) in the front-rear direction (the front side in this embodiment) relative to the work implement 3 in the rear-rear direction (the rear in this embodiment). Specifically, the controller 71 and the work implement 3 are positioned side by side in the front-rear direction. That is, the controller 71 is positioned side by side with respect to the work implement 3 in the front-rear direction.

[0047] In a configuration where the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a work implement 3 positioned on one side of the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1) in the front-rear direction (the front side in this embodiment), if the controller 71 is positioned on the same side as the work implement 3, access to the controller 71 from the work implement 3 side is improved. However, even if the controller 71 is positioned on the same side as the work implement 3, it is desirable to avoid interference between the controller 71 and the work implement 3. From this viewpoint, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the controller 71 be positioned on one side of the machine body in the front-rear direction, on the other side in the front-rear direction relative to the work implement 3 (the rear in this embodiment).

[0048] From the perspective of efficiently (compactly) positioning the controller 71 on the hydraulic excavator 1 by making effective use of the dead space located behind (directly behind) the work implement 3, the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the controller 71 be positioned parallel to the work implement 3 in the front-to-back direction (on one side of the hydraulic excavator 1 in the front-to-back direction, and on the other side in the front-to-back direction relative to the work implement 3).

[0049] In particular, as shown in Figure 6, the controller 71 is mounted on the front surface of the mounting member 71a. The work machine 3 is located in front of the front surface of the mounting member 71a. That is, the front surface of the mounting member 71a and the work machine 3 face each other. Therefore, the controller 71 is mounted on the mounting member 71a in a position facing the work machine 3 (in this embodiment, the front surface of the mounting member 71a). In addition to the controller 71, various electrical components (e.g., relays, connectors, etc.) are also mounted on the mounting member 71a.

[0050] Even if the controller 71 is mounted on the mounting member 71a, it is desirable to position the controller 71 in the dead space located behind the work machine 3 to achieve a compact (efficient) placement of the controller 71. From this viewpoint, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the controller 71 be mounted on the mounting member 71a at a position facing the work machine 3 (in this embodiment, on the front of the mounting member 71a).

[0051] The controller 71 is housed in the housing 110. That is, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a housing 110 for housing the controller 71. More specifically, the housing 110 comprises a cover member 111 and a bottom plate 112. The cover member 111 is made of a hollow metal member whose bottom surface opens downwards. The cover member 111 is attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 112.

[0052] When the cover member 111 is attached to the bottom plate 112, the left side of the cover member 111 faces the cab 443, and the right side of the cover member 111 faces the first bonnet member 451a1 (see Figure 5 in particular). Also, the front of the cover member 111 faces the boom 31 (see Figure 4 in particular). In other words, the housing section 110 is positioned to face the control section 44, the bonnet member 451a (first bonnet member 451a1 in this embodiment), and the work equipment 3 (boom 31 in this embodiment).

[0053] In a configuration in which the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a housing section 110 for housing the controller 71, and in order to reliably realize a configuration in which the controller 71 is positioned between the control section 44 and the bonnet member 451a, on the other side in the front-rear direction relative to the work machine 3, the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the housing section 110 be positioned facing all of the following: the control section 44, the bonnet member 451a (first bonnet member 451a1 in this embodiment), and the work machine 3 (boom 31 in this embodiment).

[0054] The front wall 111FW of the cover member 111 is provided with a first opening OP1 that penetrates in the front-rear direction (see Figure 5 in particular). That is, the housing portion 110 has the first opening OP1. The first opening OP1 is formed as a rectangle when viewed from the front of the cover member 111. However, the shape of the first opening OP1 is not limited to a rectangle, and may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or a polygon other than a rectangle.

[0055] The bottom plate 112 is located on the lower end side of the housing section 110 and is composed of a metal plate-like member that extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The bottom plate 112 is provided with a second opening OP2 that penetrates in the vertical direction. That is, the housing section 110 has the second opening OP2, and this second opening OP2 is provided on the lower end side of the housing section 110. In particular, the second opening OP2 is located below the cover member 111 which is attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 112. Therefore, the cover member 111 is positioned above the second opening OP2. When the bottom plate 112 is viewed from above, the second opening OP2 is formed in a rectangular shape. However, the shape of the second opening OP2 is not limited to a rectangle, and may be, for example, circular, elliptical, a polygon other than a rectangle, etc.

[0056] The front end of the base plate 112 is fixed near the front center of the slewing frame 42. In other words, the base plate 112 constitutes both the housing section 110 and the exterior of the upper slewing body 4. Therefore, the second opening OP2 provided in the base plate 112 connects the inside of the housing section 110, specifically the inside of the cover member 111, with the inside of the upper slewing body 4. In other words, the second opening OP2 connects with the inside of the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1).

[0057] A mounting member 71a for attaching the controller 71 is located above and below the second opening OP2. Specifically, the mounting member 71a is located through the second opening OP2. That is, the mounting member 71a penetrates the second opening OP2 in the vertical direction and is supported by the aircraft body (the slewing frame 42 in this embodiment).

[0058] In order to easily cover a member (such as the controller 71 in this embodiment) or a portion of a member located above the second opening OP2 with the cover member 111, and to securely and compactly position the controller 71, the following configuration is desirable. That is, in a configuration such as this embodiment in which the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a mounting member 71a to which the controller 71 is attached, it is desirable that the cover member 111 is positioned above the second opening OP2 and that the mounting member 71a is supported by the machine body by passing through the second opening OP2.

[0059] Multiple cables 71b are connected to the controller 71. For example, some of the cables 71b (also called some of the cables 71b) connect the controller 71 to the solenoid valve 65 (see Figure 3) located inside the upper slewing body 4. Some of the cables 71b are also connected to the detection device 72 in addition to the controller 71 and the solenoid valve 65. Other parts of the cables 71b connect the controller 71 to another controller 75 (see Figure 3) located inside the upper slewing body 4. The cables 71b are routed through the second opening OP2.

[0060] From the viewpoint of facilitating connection between the controller 71 and devices located inside the hydraulic excavator 1 (such as the solenoid valve 65), it is desirable that the housing section 110 has a second opening OP2 that communicates with the inside of the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1), as in this embodiment.

[0061] From the viewpoint of avoiding obstruction to access to the controller 71 from above the housing 110 by members located through the second opening OP2 (e.g., mounting member 71a, multiple cables 71b, etc.), the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the second opening OP2 be provided on the lower end side of the housing 110.

[0062] An exhaust port 45b, provided in the engine room 45, is located behind the housing section 110. The exhaust port 45b is formed at the lower end of an exhaust duct 455 that extends in a direction inclined backward on its upper side relative to the vertical direction, and opens downward. The exhaust port 45b connects the inside of the upper rotating body 4 to the outside of the upper rotating body 4 (the outside of the hydraulic excavator 1). In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with an exhaust port 45b, and this exhaust port 45b is located on the other side in the front-rear direction relative to the housing section 110 (rear in this embodiment).

[0063] A protruding plate 456 is positioned opposite the exhaust port 45b, projecting rearward from the rear end of the bottom plate 112. The protruding plate 456 and the bottom plate 112 are integrally connected. Furthermore, when the cover member 111 is attached to the bottom plate 112, the rear wall 111BW located on the rear side of the cover member 111 is positioned to extend forward and upward from the front end of the protruding plate 456. In this embodiment, the rear surface of the rear wall 111BW of the cover member 111 is also called the inclined surface SS. That is, the housing section 110 has an inclined surface SS located on the other side of the housing section 110 in the front-rear direction (the rear side in this embodiment), and this inclined surface SS inclines to one side in the front-rear direction (forward in this embodiment) as it moves from bottom to top.

[0064] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the protruding plate 456 (the surface facing the exhaust port 45b) is also called the opposing surface OS. That is, the hydraulic excavator 1 has an opposing surface OS that extends from the lower end of the inclined surface SS toward the other side in the front-rear direction (rearward in this embodiment), and this opposing surface OS faces the exhaust port 45b.

[0065] When the engine 454 (see Figure 1, etc.) housed in the engine room 45 drives the fan housed in the engine room 45, air is drawn into the engine room 45 through the intake port 45a (see Figure 2, etc.). The air drawn into the engine room 45 passes over the radiator, intercooler, condenser, etc., exchanging heat with them as it flows through the engine room 45 towards the exhaust duct 455. Therefore, the temperature of the air flowing through the engine room 45 gradually increases as it moves towards the exhaust duct 455.

[0066] The air flowing into the exhaust duct 455 is discharged to the outside of the hydraulic excavator 1 through the exhaust port 45b. In other words, the exhaust port 45b allows air to be discharged from inside the machine (hydraulic excavator 1) to the outside. Specifically, the air (exhaust) immediately after being discharged from the exhaust port 45b flows downward because the exhaust port 45b opens downward. More specifically, it flows towards the opposing surface OS that is opposite to the exhaust port 45b. The opposing surface OS guides the incoming air to the inclined surface SS, and the inclined surface SS guides the air upward (specifically, forward and upward). As a result, the relatively hot exhaust is discharged upward towards the hydraulic excavator 1.

[0067] From the viewpoint of facilitating the discharge of relatively hot air flowing inside the machine to the outside and protecting the controller 71 housed in the housing 110 from the relatively hot air, the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with an exhaust port 45b that can discharge air from inside the machine (hydraulic excavator 1) to the outside. Also, in order to avoid the air discharged from the exhaust port 45b interfering with excavation work by the work machine 3, it is desirable that the exhaust port 45b be positioned as far away from the work machine 3 as possible. From this viewpoint, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the exhaust port 45b be positioned on the other side in the front-rear direction (rear in this embodiment) relative to the housing 110.

[0068] The housing section 110 has an inclined surface SS located on the other side of the housing section 110 in the front-rear direction (the rear side in this embodiment). From the viewpoint of smoothly guiding the relatively high-temperature air discharged from the exhaust port 45b upwards by the inclined surface SS, the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the inclined surface SS is inclined to one side in the front-rear direction (forward in this embodiment) as it moves from bottom to top. The above configuration is also preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the noise generated when air is discharged from the exhaust port 45b.

[0069] In a configuration where the hydraulic excavator 1 has an opposing surface OS extending from the lower end of the inclined surface SS toward the other side in the front-rear direction (rearward in this embodiment), the following configuration is desirable from the viewpoint of avoiding the relatively hot air discharged from the exhaust port 45b directly hitting the controller 71. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the exhaust port 45b faces the opposing surface OS.

[0070] Furthermore, the central part of the inclined surface SS in the left-right direction is located in front of the left and right ends. More details are as follows. Figure 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of the inclined surface SS. The width (length in the left-right direction) of the inclined surface SS narrows as it moves forward. That is, the width of the inclined surface SS narrows as it moves toward one side in the front-rear direction (forward in this embodiment).

[0071] From the viewpoint of reliably realizing a configuration in which the inclined surface SS smoothly guides the relatively high-temperature air discharged from the exhaust port 45b upward, it is desirable that the width of the inclined surface SS narrows towards one side in the forward direction (forward in this embodiment), as in this embodiment.

[0072] Furthermore, a partition plate 455a is attached to the lower end of the exhaust duct 455. In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a partition plate 455a. More details are as follows. Figure 8 is a perspective view from the left rear showing the configuration of the partition plate 455a. The partition plate 455a is constructed by bending a portion of the front end of a metal plate-like member extending in the vertical and front-rear directions to the right and forward, and bending the remainder of the front end to the right. The bent portion of the front end and the remainder are joined by welding or the like.

[0073] In particular, the left side of the partition plate 455a is perpendicular to the axis running in the left-right direction. That is, the left side of the partition plate 455a is positioned facing left. Also, the cab 443 is located to the left of the partition plate 455a (see Figure 7). Therefore, the partition plate 455a is positioned opposite the control unit 44.

[0074] The partition plate 455a is positioned to cover the left side of the exhaust port 45b. More specifically, the upper end of the partition plate 455a is fixed to the lower end of the exhaust duct 455 (the left side of the exhaust port 45b) by a number of bolts B1. The lower end of the partition plate 455a is in contact with the opposing surface OS that faces the exhaust port 45b. The (bent) front end of the partition plate 455a is in contact with an inclined surface SS that extends forward and upward from the opposing surface OS. Thus, the partition plate 455a extends from the exhaust port 45b toward the inclined surface SS and the opposing surface OS.

[0075] When the relatively hot air discharged from the exhaust port 45b hits the control unit 44, the temperature of the control unit 44 rises, which can make it difficult for the air conditioning to work effectively in the control unit 44. Therefore, it is desirable that the air discharged from the exhaust port 45b does not easily flow into the control unit 44. In this regard, in a configuration such as that of this embodiment, where the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a partition plate 455a positioned opposite the control unit 44, it is desirable that the partition plate 455a extends from the exhaust port 45b toward the inclined surface SS and the opposing surface OS.

[0076] [4. Installation of cover components] The installation of the cover member 111 will be explained based on Figure 9. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the installation of the cover member 111.

[0077] When attaching the cover member 111 to the base plate 112, the controller 71 is fixed to the swivel frame 42 via the mounting member 71a before positioning the cover member 111. Then, the cover member 111 is moved from above to below the controller 71. At this time, the downward-facing opening of the cover member 111 is moved in accordance with the controller 71. This allows the cover member 111 to be positioned while covering the controller 71. In other words, the cover member 111 covers the controller 71. Then, the lower end of the cover member 111 and the base plate 112 are connected by a plurality of bolts B2 (see Figures 6 and 8). This attaches the cover member 111 to the base plate 112.

[0078] The bolt B2 located on the front side of the cover member 111 secures the cover member 111 to the base plate 112, while simultaneously securing the base plate 112 to the slewing frame 42. Furthermore, by removing the multiple bolts B2, the cover member 111 can be easily removed from the base plate 112. In other words, the cover member 111 can be detachably attached to the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1).

[0079] From the viewpoint of protecting the controller 71 housed in the housing 110 from, for example, soil and sand flying in from outside the hydraulic excavator 1, the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the housing 110 has a cover member 111 that covers the controller 71. However, even with this configuration, it is desirable to suppress (as much as possible) the reduction in the workability of maintenance work on the controller 71. From this viewpoint, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the cover member 111 be detachably attached to the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1).

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, when the cover member 111 is attached to the bottom plate 112, the inner wall 111a of the cover member 111 and the controller 71 are not in contact with each other. That is, the controller 71 is positioned at a distance from the inner wall 111a of the cover member 111. The inner wall 111a of the cover member 111 constitutes the inner wall 110a of the housing section 110. Therefore, the controller 71 is positioned away from the inner wall 110a of the housing section 110.

[0081] For example, even if relatively hot air discharged from the exhaust port 45b hits the housing section 110 and the temperature of the inner wall 110a of the housing section 110 rises, it is desirable that the temperature rise (overheating) of the controller 71 housed in the housing section 110 be suppressed. From this viewpoint, as shown in Figure 6, it is desirable that the controller 71 housed in the housing section 110 be located away from the inner wall 110a of the housing section 110.

[0082] Because the controller 71 is located away from the inner wall 110a of the housing 110, and the mounting member 71a for the controller 71 is constructed separately from the housing 110, the housing 110 in this embodiment lacks the function of mounting the controller 71. In other words, the mounting member 71a is provided outside the housing 110. That is, the housing 110 is devoid of the mounting member 71a for attaching the controller 71.

[0083] For example, if a mounting member 71a is provided on a component (e.g., a cover member 111) that constitutes the housing section 110, heat may be transferred from the component to the controller 71 via the mounting member 71a, potentially causing the temperature of the controller 71 to rise. Therefore, it is desirable to block such heat transfer and avoid a rise in the temperature of the controller 71. From this viewpoint, it is desirable that the housing section 110 be free of the mounting member 71a for attaching the controller 71, as in this embodiment.

[0084] [5. Placement of detection device] The placement of the detection device 72 will be explained based on Figure 10. Figure 10 is a perspective view from the front right showing the placement of the detection device 72.

[0085] The detection device 72 is positioned on the swivel frame 42. More specifically, the detection device 72 is positioned behind the swing bracket 41 and in front of the cover member 111. A predetermined distance is provided between the detection device 72 and the cover member 111. That is, the housing section 110 (cover member 111) is located away from the detection device 72. In particular, the detection device 72 is positioned in front of the first opening OP1, which is provided in the front wall 111FW of the cover member 111 and penetrates in the front-rear direction (opens toward the front), and is facing the first opening OP1. That is, the detection device 72 is positioned opposite the first opening OP1.

[0086] In addition to the detection device 72, a swing bracket 41 is also located opposite the first opening OP1. As described above, the swing bracket 41 rotatably supports the work machine 3 (see Figure 1, etc.). Therefore, the first opening OP1 faces the work machine 3.

[0087] As described above, the detection device 72 positioned in front of the cover member 111 (housing section 110) and the controller 71 housed in the housing section 110 are connected via some cables 71b. Some of the cables 71b are routed through the first opening OP1 as well as the second opening OP2 (see Figure 6). Therefore, the first opening OP1 allows the detection device 72 and the controller 71 to be connected even when the cover member 111 is attached to the bottom plate 112 (when the controller 71 is housed in the housing section 110).

[0088] From the viewpoint of facilitating the routing of connecting members (some cables 71b in this embodiment) extending from within the housing 110 toward the direction in which the work machine 3 is located, it is desirable that the housing 110 has a first opening OP1 facing the work machine 3, as in this embodiment.

[0089] The hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a detection device 72 that detects the rotational state of the work implement 3 in the left-right direction of the machine body (hydraulic excavator 1). From the viewpoint of realizing an arrangement of the detection device 72 that is suitable for facilitating connection between the detection device 72 and the controller 71, the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the detection device 72 be positioned opposite the first opening OP1.

[0090] For example, when attaching the cover member 111, it is desirable to avoid the cover member 111 hitting the positioned detection device 72 and causing the detection device 72 to shift position. From this viewpoint, it is desirable that the housing portion 110 be positioned away from the detection device 72, as in this embodiment.

[0091] [6. Housing of excess cable portion] As shown in Figure 6, multiple cables 71b are connected to the controller 71. In this embodiment, at least one of the multiple cables 71b is longer than the length between the connection points, resulting in an excess portion 71b1 of the cable 71b. This excess portion 71b1 of the cable 71b is, for example, wound in a spiral shape and housed in the housing 110, or extending from the housing 110 into the interior of the upper rotating body 4. The position of the excess portion 71b1 of the cable 71b may be in front of or behind the mounting member 71a. Furthermore, in order to reduce the number of parts, it is preferable that the excess portion 71b1 of the cable 71b is fixed to the mounting member 71a.

[0092] [7. Supplement] In this embodiment, the case in which the left side of the aircraft is defined as "one side of the aircraft" and the right side of the aircraft is defined as "the other side of the aircraft" has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the right side of the aircraft may be defined as "one side of the aircraft" and the left side of the aircraft may be defined as "the other side of the aircraft." In other words, the left and right sides may be reversed. Even if the left and right sides are reversed, the effects of this embodiment described above can be obtained as long as the controller 71 is positioned between the control unit 44 and the bonnet member 451a.

[0093] In this embodiment, the case where the front is defined as "one side in the front-rear direction" and the rear as "the other side in the front-rear direction" has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the rear may be defined as "one side in the front-rear direction" and the front as "the other side in the front-rear direction." In other words, the front and rear may be reversed.

[0094] In this embodiment, the automatic operation of the hydraulic excavator 1 has been described in which the hydraulic excavator 1 automatically performs excavation work, but the automatic operation function of the hydraulic excavator 1 is not limited to this. For example, as part of the automatic operation of the hydraulic excavator 1, the construction data acquired by the controller 71 and the state of the work machine 3 at that time may be displayed on a display device (not shown) provided on the control unit 44. In other words, the automatic operation function of the hydraulic excavator 1 may include a guidance function. Note that if the hydraulic excavator 1 only performs the above-mentioned display (guidance) as part of the automatic operation, the solenoid valve 65 is not required.

[0095] In this embodiment, a hydraulic excavator 1 was used as an example of the work machine, but the work machine is not limited to a hydraulic excavator 1 and may be construction machinery such as a wheel loader or mobile crane. Furthermore, the work machine may be agricultural machinery such as a combine harvester or tractor.

[0096] [8. Addendum] The hydraulic excavator 1 described in this embodiment can also be described as the work machine shown in the following appendix.

[0097] The work machines mentioned in Appendix (1) are: Controller and The control room, where the operator boards the aircraft and controls it, The aircraft comprises a bonnet member that covers a part of the aircraft body, The control unit is located on one side of the aircraft, The bonnet member is positioned on the other side of the aircraft body. The controller is positioned between the control unit and the bonnet member.

[0098] The work machines in Appendix (2) are the work machines described in Appendix (1), The machine is equipped with a work machine positioned on one side in the front-rear direction of the machine, The controller is positioned on one side of the machine in the front-rear direction, and on the other side in the front-rear direction relative to the work machine.

[0099] The work machines in Appendix (3) are the work machines described in Appendix (2), The controller is arranged in the front-to-back direction relative to the work machine.

[0100] The work machines in Appendix (4) are the work machines described in Appendix (2) or (3), It includes a housing section for housing the controller, The housing is positioned opposite to the control unit, the bonnet member, and the work machine.

[0101] The work machines in Appendix (5) are the work machines described in Appendix (4), The housing section has a first opening facing the work machine.

[0102] The work machines in Appendix (6) are the work machines described in Appendix (5), The machine is equipped with a detection device that detects the rotational state of the work machine in the left-right direction, The detection device is positioned opposite the first opening.

[0103] The work machines specified in Appendix (7) are the work machines described in Appendix (6), The housing is positioned away from the detection device.

[0104] The work machine in Appendix (8) is the work machine described in any of Appendix (4) to (7), The housing section has a cover member that covers the controller, The cover member is detachably attached to the machine body.

[0105] The work machines in Appendix (9) are the work machines described in Appendix (8), The housing section has a second opening that communicates with the inside of the aircraft.

[0106] The work machine in Appendix (10) is the work machine described in Appendix (9), The second opening is provided on the lower end side of the housing portion.

[0107] The work machine in Appendix (11) is the work machine described in Appendix (9) or (10), The controller is provided with a mounting member, The cover member is positioned above the second opening, The mounting member is supported by the machine body by passing through the second opening.

[0108] The work machine in Appendix (12) is the work machine described in Appendix (11), The controller is mounted on the mounting member at a position opposite to the work machine.

[0109] The work machine in Appendix (13) is the work machine described in any of Appendix (4) to (12), The aircraft is equipped with an exhaust port that can discharge air from inside the aircraft to the outside, The exhaust port is positioned on the other side in the front-rear direction relative to the housing.

[0110] The work machine in Appendix (14) is the work machine described in Appendix (13), The housing portion has an inclined surface located on the other side of the housing portion in the front-rear direction, The inclined surface slopes toward one side in the front-to-back direction as it moves from below to above.

[0111] The work machine in Appendix (15) is the work machine described in Appendix (14), The width of the inclined surface narrows as it moves toward one side in the front-to-back direction.

[0112] The work machine in Appendix (16) is the work machine described in Appendix (14) or (15), The inclined surface has an opposing surface extending from the lower end toward the other side in the front-rear direction, The exhaust port faces the opposing surface.

[0113] The work machines in Appendix (17) are the work machines described in Appendix (16), It is equipped with a partition plate positioned opposite the control unit, The partition plate extends from the exhaust port toward the inclined surface and the opposing surface.

[0114] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it can be expanded or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0115] This invention can be used, for example, in work machinery such as construction machinery and agricultural machinery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Hydraulic excavator (working machine, machine body) 3. Work equipment 44 Control Unit 45b Exhaust port 71 Controller 71a Mounting component 72 Detection device 110 Storage Unit 111 Cover member 451a Bonnet component 455a Partition plate OP1 1st opening OP2 Second Opening OS Opposite side SS slope

Claims

1. Controller and The control room, where the operator boards the aircraft and controls it, The aircraft comprises a bonnet member that covers a part of the aircraft body, The control unit is located on one side of the aircraft, The bonnet member is positioned on the other side of the aircraft body. The controller is a work machine positioned between the control unit and the bonnet member.

2. The machine is equipped with a work machine positioned on one side in the front-rear direction of the machine, The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller is located on one side of the machine in the front-rear direction and on the other side in the front-rear direction relative to the work machine.

3. The work machine according to claim 2, wherein the controller is arranged in the front-to-back direction relative to the work machine.

4. It includes a housing section for housing the controller, The work machine according to claim 2, wherein the housing is positioned opposite to the control unit, the bonnet member, and the work machine.

5. The work machine according to claim 4, wherein the housing has a first opening facing the work machine.

6. The machine is equipped with a detection device that detects the rotational state of the work machine in the left-right direction, The work machine according to claim 5, wherein the detection device is positioned opposite the first opening.

7. The work machine according to claim 6, wherein the housing is located away from the detection device.

8. The housing section has a cover member that covers the controller, The work machine according to claim 4, wherein the cover member is detachably attached to the machine body.

9. The work machine according to claim 8, wherein the housing section has a second opening that communicates with the inside of the machine body.

10. The work machine according to claim 9, wherein the second opening is provided on the lower end side of the housing portion.

11. The controller is provided with a mounting member, The cover member is positioned above the second opening, The work machine according to claim 9, wherein the mounting member passes through the second opening and is supported by the machine body.

12. The work machine according to claim 11, wherein the controller is mounted on the mounting member at a position facing the work machine.

13. The aircraft is equipped with an exhaust port that can discharge air from inside the aircraft to the outside, The work machine according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the exhaust port is located on the other side in the front-rear direction relative to the housing.

14. The housing portion has an inclined surface located on the other side of the housing portion in the front-rear direction, The work machine according to claim 13, wherein the inclined surface is inclined to one side in the front-rear direction as it moves from below to above.

15. The working machine according to claim 14, wherein the width of the inclined surface narrows as it approaches one side in the front-rear direction.

16. The inclined surface has an opposing surface extending from the lower end toward the other side in the front-rear direction, The work machine according to claim 14, wherein the exhaust port faces the opposing surface.

17. It is equipped with a partition plate positioned opposite the control unit, The work machine according to claim 16, wherein the partition plate extends from the exhaust port toward the inclined surface and the opposing surface.

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