Working machinery

Abstract

To provide a work machine that allows for easy placement of control valves. [Solution] The hydraulic excavator, as a work machine, comprises a base plate located at the bottom of the machine body, a pair of vertical plates arranged on the base plate extending in the front-rear direction of the machine body, hydraulic equipment that controls the operation of the machine body, and a control valve that controls the hydraulic equipment. The control valve is located between the pair of vertical plates.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a construction machine including an upper swing body and a working attachment. The upper swing body is provided with an upper frame as a base and actuator operating equipment for operating a hydraulic actuator. A pair of left and right vertical plates are provided on the upper frame over substantially the entire length in the front-rear direction.

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, a technique for automatically controlling a working machine such as a construction machine based on construction data at a construction site has also been proposed. When this technique is applied to a working machine, for example, it may be necessary to add a control valve for controlling a hydraulic device such as actuator operating equipment to a machine body composed of an upper swing body and a working attachment. However, especially in a small working machine, since the space on the upper frame as a base plate is limited, there is a risk that it may be difficult to install the control valve.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a working machine capable of easily arranging a control valve.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A working machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a base plate located at the bottom of the machine body, a pair of vertical plates arranged on the base plate extending in the front-rear direction of the machine body, hydraulic equipment for controlling the operation of the machine body, and a control valve for controlling the hydraulic equipment, wherein the control valve is arranged between the pair of vertical plates. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above configuration, the control valve can be easily positioned. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [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 block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the hydraulic system of the above-mentioned hydraulic excavator. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view from the right rear showing the configuration of the slewing frame installed in the hydraulic excavator described above. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing the configuration of the above-mentioned slewing frame. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing the arrangement of control valves and other components placed on the above-mentioned swivel frame. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view from the left rear showing the arrangement of the control valves and other components mentioned above. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view from the front left showing the arrangement of the control valves and other components mentioned above. [Figure 9] This is a plan view showing the routing of the piping extending from the control valve mentioned above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] [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 1, for convenience, the fuel tank 453, which will be described later, is omitted from the illustration. In Figure 2, for convenience, the driver's seat 441, etc., which will be described later, are omitted from the illustration. The hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a support 2, a work machine 3, and a slewing body 4. In this embodiment, the work machine 3 and the slewing body 4 are collectively referred to as the machine body 5.

[0011] 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 slewing body 4 faces forward is defined as "front," and the opposite direction is defined as "rear." When the slewing body 4 is not slewing relative to the support 2 (slewing angle 0 degrees), the front-rear direction of the slewing body 4 coincides with the front-rear direction of the support 2. The drawing shows the hydraulic excavator 1 in the state where the slewing body 4 is not slewing relative to the support 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." In particular, of the left-right directions, the right side is defined as "one side of the left-right direction," and the left side is defined as "the other side of the left-right direction." 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.

[0012] The support body 2 (also called the lower traveling body) comprises a pair of left and right crawlers 21, a pair of left and right travel motors 22, and a blade 23. The left and right travel motors 22 drive the left and right crawlers 21 respectively, allowing the hydraulic excavator 1 to move forward and backward. The travel motors 22 are hydraulic motors. The blade 23 is located on the front side of the support body 2 and is used for leveling work, soil removal work, etc. The blade 23 is rotated by a blade cylinder (not shown) which is composed of a hydraulic cylinder. The base end of the blade cylinder is connected to the blade 23.

[0013] The working machine 3 includes a boom 31, an arm 32, and a bucket 33. By driving the boom 31, the arm 32, and the bucket 33 independently, excavation work such as earth and sand can be performed.

[0014] The base end of the boom 31 is rotatably supported by a swing bracket 41 located at the front part of the 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.

[0015] The base end of the arm 32 is rotatably supported by the tip 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.

[0016] The base end of the bucket 33 is rotatably supported by the tip 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 arm cylinder 321, and the bucket cylinder 331 are each constituted by a hydraulic cylinder.

[0017] The revolving body 4 (also called the upper revolving body) is located above the support body 2 and is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the support body 2 via a slewing bearing SB. That is, the support body 2 supports the machine body 5 (especially the revolving body 4) so as to be rotatable. The revolving body 4 includes, in addition to the swing bracket 41, a revolving frame 42, a slewing motor 43, a control section 44, an engine room 45, and a counterweight 46. That is, the hydraulic excavator 1 includes a swing bracket 41, a revolving frame 42, a slewing motor 43, a control section 44, an engine room 45, and a counterweight 46.

[0018] The revolving body 4 rotates with respect to the support body 2 by the drive of the slewing motor 43 arranged on the revolving frame 42. The slewing motor 43 is constituted by a hydraulic motor. That is, the slewing motor 43 rotates the machine body 5 (especially the revolving body 4) with respect to the support body 2.

[0019] The slewing frame 42 is disposed at the bottom 5D of the machine body 5. The front end portion of the slewing frame 42 supports the swing bracket 41 so as to be rotatable (swingable) in the left-right direction. The swing bracket 41 is rotated in the left-right direction by a swing cylinder 411 constituted by a hydraulic cylinder. The base end portion of the swing cylinder 411 is supported at the left rear portion of the slewing body 4, and the tip end portion thereof is supported at the left side portion of the swing bracket 41. The swing cylinder 411 is movably extendable and retractable. When the swing cylinder 411 expands and contracts, the swing bracket 41 rotates in the left-right direction with respect to the slewing frame 42. Thereby, the working machine 3 rotates in the left-right direction with respect to the slewing body 4.

[0020] The rear end portion of the slewing frame 42 supports a counterweight 46. The counterweight 46 is a weight for maintaining a good weight balance in the front-rear direction of the hydraulic excavator 1 particularly during excavation work or the like. The configuration of the slewing frame 42 will be described later.

[0021] The operator cab 44 (also called a driver's cab) is provided at the left side portion of the slewing body 4. The operator cab 44 is provided for an operator to board and operate the support 2 and the machine body 5. More specifically, the operator cab 44 is provided with a driver's seat 441 for an operator to sit on. A plurality of operation members 442 are arranged around the driver's seat 441. The plurality of operation members 442 are configured to include levers, switches, pedals, and the like. When the plurality of operation members 442 are operated by an operator, one or a plurality of the traveling motor 22, the slewing motor 43, the boom cylinder 311, the arm cylinder 321, the bucket cylinder 331, and the swing cylinder 411 are driven. Thereby, traveling of the support 2, ground leveling work by the blade 23, excavation work by the working machine 3, slewing of the slewing body 4, and the like can be performed.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 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.

[0025] 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 on the right side of the rotating body 4. The second bonnet member 451a2 is constructed by bending a metal (or resin) plate-shaped 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The engine room 45 houses a fuel tank 453, as well as an engine 454 and multiple hydraulic pumps 61. The engine 454 is the power source for the hydraulic excavator 1. In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with an engine 454 as a power source and multiple hydraulic pumps 61.

[0028] The engine 454 is a diesel engine, but is not limited to that; for example, it may be a gasoline engine. 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; for example, it may be an electric motor driven by electricity. The hydraulic system of the hydraulic excavator 1, which includes a plurality of hydraulic pumps 61, will be described below.

[0029] [2. Configuration of the hydraulic system of the work machine] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the 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.

[0030] The pilot pump 612 is configured as a fixed-displacement pump, but is not limited to this, and may be configured as a variable-displacement pump. The pilot pump 612, like the main pump 611, 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. In other words, the multiple hydraulic pumps 61 are driven by a drive source (the engine 454 in this embodiment). The main pump 611 and the pilot pump 612 are connected to a hydraulic oil tank 62 that stores hydraulic oil, respectively.

[0031] 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.

[0032] When the main pump 611 is driven by the engine 454, hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid tank 62 is supplied to the hydraulic actuator 64 via a first control valve 63 located inside the slewing body 4. The location of the first control valve 63 will be described later. In this embodiment, the hydraulic actuator 64 refers to a collection of hydraulic motors (e.g., travel motor 22, slewing motor 43) and hydraulic cylinders (e.g., boom cylinder 311, swing cylinder 411) driven by hydraulic fluid. Therefore, the hydraulic actuator 64 is composed of hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders. In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a hydraulic actuator 64, which is driven by hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump 61 (main pump 611 in this embodiment).

[0033] As described above, of the hydraulic actuators 64, all except the travel motor 22 are equipped with a first control valve 63 and are located on the machine body 5 which rotates relative to the support 2, while the travel motor 22 is located on the support 2. Therefore, the travel motor 22 is connected to the first control valve 63 via a swivel joint 65. The swivel joint 65 enables the flow of hydraulic fluid between the first oil passage HP1 provided in the machine body 5 and the second oil passage HP2 provided in the support 2. Thus, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a swivel joint 65, which connects the first oil passage HP1 in the machine body 5 and the second oil passage HP2 in the support 2. Furthermore, the swivel joint 65 prevents the hydraulic hoses and other components constituting the first oil passage HP1 and the second oil passage HP2 from becoming entangled when the machine body 5 rotates relative to the support 2.

[0034] The first control valve 63 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 64. The above control by the first control valve 63 is performed based on the hydraulic fluid (also called pilot oil) supplied from the pilot pump 612 to the first control valve 63. The supply of pilot oil from the pilot pump 612 to the first control valve 63 is performed via either the remote control valve 66 or the second control valve 67. Therefore, the remote control valve 66 and the second control valve 67 each control the first control valve 63.

[0035] The remote control valve 66 (also called a pilot valve) is provided in conjunction with each component of the hydraulic actuator 64 (for example, the travel motor 22, the boom cylinder 311, etc.). In other words, multiple remote control valves 66 are provided.

[0036] Each remote control valve 66 is connected to a control member 442. When the operator operates the control member 442 (e.g., an operating lever), the remote control valve 66 is operated, supplying pilot oil to the first control valve 63. Based on this pilot oil, the first control valve 63 controls the flow direction and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied to, for example, the slewing motor 43. This causes the machine body 5 (particularly the slewing body 4) to slewing relative to the support 2. As another example, the boom 31 is driven by the first control valve 63 controlling the flow direction and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the boom cylinder 311. Thus, the first control valve 63 controls the operation of the machine body 5. With this configuration, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment is configured to be manually controllable.

[0037] The second control valve 67 is configured to integrally include a plurality of solenoid proportional valves corresponding to each of the components constituting the hydraulic actuator 64 (e.g., the travel motor 22, the boom cylinder 311, etc.). At least some of the above plurality of solenoid proportional valves may be simple solenoid valves. Therefore, unlike the remote control valve 66, there is only one second control valve 67. However, the second control valve 67 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the second control valve 67 may be configured to include a single solenoid proportional valve, and a plurality of such second control valves 67 may be provided.

[0038] The driving of each of the electromagnetic proportional valves included in the second control valve 67 is performed based on a drive command output from the automatic control device 71. With this configuration, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment is configured to be both manually controllable and automatically controllable. Here, automatic control means a mode of operation in which the hydraulic excavator 1 is operated, for example, by excavation operations performed by the work equipment 3 (see Figure 1, etc.), without operator intervention. More specifically, the automatic control device 71 has a first control device 711 and a second control device 712. The first control device 711 and the second control device 712 are each composed of an electronic control unit, also called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The first control device 711 and the second control device 712 are electrically connected. The first control device 711 and the second control device 712 are provided as separate units, but are not limited to this, and may, for example, be provided as an integral unit. The first control device 711 is connected to the detection device 72, the inertial measuring device 73, and the positioning device 74, and communicates with the main control device 75.

[0039] 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 first control device 711. In detail, the detection device 72 is mounted near the front end of the slewing frame 42 (see Figure 1, etc.) and is capable of measuring the left-right attitude of the work implement 3 relative to the slewing body 4. The detection device 72 is composed of, for example, a limit switch. However, the detection device 72 is not limited to being composed of a limit switch, and may be composed of, for example, an angle sensor.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 then 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 first control device 711. 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.

[0042] The main control unit 75, like the autopilot control unit 71, is composed of an electronic control unit also called an ECU. More specifically, the main control unit 75 is composed of multiple electronic control units that can communicate with each other, but is not limited to this, and may be composed of, for example, a single electronic control unit. The main control unit 75 controls the hydraulic excavator 1, for example, other than the controls related to autopilot. For example, the main control unit 75 controls the rotational speed of the engine 454 and the discharge amount of the main pump 611. In addition to performing the above controls, the main control unit 75 communicates with the first control unit 711 and transmits information that the main control unit 75 has about the hydraulic excavator 1 (i.e., the support 2 and the machine body 5) to the first control unit 711.

[0043] The first control device 711 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 first control device 711 is not limited to the above method; for example, the first control device 711 may store construction data in advance.

[0044] The first control device 711 calculates a drive command for the second control valve 67 based on various information acquired from the detection device 72, the inertial measurement device 73, the positioning device 74, and the main control device 75, as well as the construction data mentioned above, and outputs it to the second control device 712. The second control device 712 controls the second control valve 67 based on the drive command output from the first control device 711. As a result, the second control valve 67 is driven, and the first control valve 63 is controlled in accordance with the drive of the second control valve 67. As a result, the operation of the hydraulic excavator 1 (for example, the excavation operation of the work implement 3) is performed automatically.

[0045] In this embodiment, the second control valve 67 is also called control valve CV1, and the first control valve 63 is also called the other control valve CV2. The first control valve 63 constitutes the hydraulic equipment HE. The hydraulic equipment HE may include the remote control valve 66 and other components in addition to the first control valve 63. However, the hydraulic equipment HE is configured excluding the second control valve 67. Therefore, the hydraulic excavator 1 comprises hydraulic equipment HE (first control valve 63 in this embodiment) that controls the operation of the machine body 5, and control valve CV1 (second control valve 67 in this embodiment) that controls the hydraulic equipment HE. The hydraulic equipment HE also has another control valve (first control valve 63 in this embodiment) that controls the flow direction and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 61 (main pump 611 in this embodiment) to the hydraulic actuator 64.

[0046] Furthermore, the first control device 711 constitutes the electrical equipment EE1, and the second control device 712 constitutes the other electrical equipment EE2. In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 comprises the electrical equipment EE1 (first control device 711 in this embodiment) and the other electrical equipment EE2 (second control device 712 in this embodiment). The other electrical equipment EE2 is controlled by the electrical equipment EE1 and also controls the control valve CV1 (second control valve 67 in this embodiment).

[0047] The electrical equipment EE1 may include the first control device 711 as well as various electrical components such as relays. The other electrical equipment EE2 may include the second control device 712 as well as the aforementioned electrical components.

[0048] [3. Configuration of the swivel frame] The configuration of the slewing frame 42 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4 and 5 are a perspective view and a plan view from the right rear showing the configuration of the slewing frame 42. The slewing frame 42 includes a base plate 421, a pair of vertical plates 422, a swing support section 423, a first connecting plate 424, a second connecting plate 425, and a counterweight mounting plate 426. In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a base plate 421, a pair of vertical plates 422, a swing support section 423, a first connecting plate 424, a second connecting plate 425, and a counterweight mounting plate 426. In this embodiment, the first connecting plate 424 is also called connecting plate CP1, and the second connecting plate 425 is also called the other connecting plate CP2. In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a connecting plate CP1 (first connecting plate 424 in this embodiment) and the other connecting plate CP2 (second connecting plate 425 in this embodiment).

[0049] The base plate 421 is composed of a metal plate-like member extending in the front-rear and left-right directions. More specifically, the outer peripheral edge 421B1 of the rear portion 421B of the base plate 421 is formed such that its width in the left-right direction increases as it moves from the rear to the front. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge 421B1 is formed in an arc shape. However, the shape of the base plate 421 is not limited to the above, and for example, when viewed from above, the base plate 421 may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, or a polygon with sides other than a rectangle and a square.

[0050] The base plate 421 is positioned at the bottom 42D of the slewing frame 42. As mentioned above, the slewing frame 42 itself is positioned at the bottom 5D of the aircraft body 5 (see also Figures 1 and 2). Therefore, the base plate 421 is located at the bottom 5D of the aircraft body 5.

[0051] Each of the pair of vertical plates 422 is composed of a metal plate-like member extending in the front-rear and up-down directions. The pair of vertical plates 422 are positioned vertically on the base plate 421, perpendicular to the base plate 421. In particular, the pair of vertical plates 422 are positioned almost entirely from the front end to the rear end of the base plate 421. That is, the pair of vertical plates 422 are positioned on the base plate 421, extending in the front-rear direction of the aircraft body 5. More specifically, one of the pair of vertical plates 422a is positioned on the right side of the base plate 421, and the other vertical plate 422b is positioned on the left side of the base plate 421. Specifically, one vertical plate 422a is located to the right of the center portion 421C in the left-right direction of the base plate 421, and the other vertical plate 422b is located to the left of the center portion 421C. In other words, one vertical plate 422a is positioned on one side (to the right in this embodiment) in the left-right direction relative to the central portion 421C of the base plate 421 in the left-right direction of the aircraft body 5. The other vertical plate 422b is positioned on the other side (to the left in this embodiment) in the left-right direction relative to the central portion 421C of the base plate 421.

[0052] In this embodiment, in a plan view, the front end of the other vertical plate 422b and the central portion 421C of the base plate 421 slightly overlap, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and the entire other vertical plate 422b may be located to the left of the central portion 421C.

[0053] One vertical plate 422a is positioned to extend straight in the front-rear direction. However, the configuration of one vertical plate 422a is not limited to the above, and may, for example, be partially bent. The other vertical plate 422b is positioned so that its rear part extends straight in the front-rear direction, and its front part extends in a direction in which the front side is inclined to the right with respect to the front-rear direction. However, the configuration of the other vertical plate 422b is not limited to the above, and may, for example, be configured so that the entire plate extends straight in the front-rear direction. In particular, the left side surface 422aL of one vertical plate 422a and the right side surface 422bR of the other vertical plate 422b are positioned facing each other.

[0054] The front end of each vertical plate 422 is connected to a swing support section 423. The swing support section 423 is located at the front end of the swivel frame 42 and supports the swing bracket 41 (see Figures 1 and 2) so that it can rotate in the left-right direction.

[0055] The first connecting plate 424 is constructed by bending the upper end of a metal plate-like member that extends in the left-right and up-down directions forward. The bent upper end is connected to the rear end of the swing support portion 423. Therefore, the first connecting plate 424 is located behind the swing support portion 423 and adjacent to the swing support portion 423. The lower end of the first connecting plate 424 is connected to the upper surface on the front side of the base plate 421. Furthermore, the right end of the first connecting plate 424 is connected to the front part of one of the vertical plates 422a, and the left end of the first connecting plate 424 is connected to the front part of the other vertical plate 422b. Therefore, the connecting plate CP1 (first connecting plate 424 in this embodiment) is positioned on the front side of the base plate 421 and connects the pair of vertical plates 422. The first connecting plate 424 is provided with an opening 424a that penetrates in a direction in which the front side is inclined downward with respect to the front-rear direction.

[0056] The second connecting plate 425 is composed of a metal plate-like member extending in the left-right direction. The second connecting plate 425 is positioned behind the first connecting plate 424. The lower end of the second connecting plate 425 is connected to the upper rear surface of the base plate 421. The right end of the second connecting plate 425 is connected to the rear of one of the vertical plates 422a, and the left end of the second connecting plate 425 is connected to the rear of the other vertical plate 422b. Thus, the other connecting plate CP2 (the second connecting plate 425 in this embodiment) is positioned on the rear side of the base plate 421 and connects the pair of vertical plates 422.

[0057] The counterweight mounting plate 426 is provided for mounting the counterweight 46 (see Figures 1 and 2). The counterweight mounting plate 426 is composed of a metal plate-like member extending in the left-right direction. The counterweight mounting plate 426 is positioned behind the second connecting plate 425. In detail, the counterweight mounting plate 426 is positioned vertically perpendicular to the base plate 421 at the rear end of the base plate 421.

[0058] The slewing frame 42 houses the control unit 44, fuel tank 453 (see Figure 2), hydraulic oil tank 62, first control valve 63, second control valve 67, first control device 711, and second control device 712 (see Figure 3), among other components. These components are fixed to the slewing frame 42 using appropriate fixing members (stays, etc.) as needed. The arrangement of these components will be described below.

[0059] [4. Arrangement and configuration of control valves, etc.] Figures 6, 7, and 8 show a plan view, a perspective view from the left rear, and a perspective view from the left front, respectively, illustrating the arrangement of the second control valve 67 and other components. For convenience, the control unit 44 is not shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0060] The second control valve 67 is positioned near the front center of the base plate 421 via the first bracket BK1. More specifically, the second control valve 67 is positioned to the left of one vertical plate 422a and to the right of the other vertical plate 422b. That is, the control valve CV1 (the second control valve 67 in this embodiment) is positioned between the pair of vertical plates 422 (the space between one vertical plate 422a and the other vertical plate 422b in the left-right direction). The space between the pair of vertical plates 422 is located behind the work machine 3, and is therefore not easily used as a space for placing equipment to avoid interference with the work machine 3 and to protect against soil and other debris falling from the work machine 3. In other words, the space between the pair of vertical plates 422 is dead space.

[0061] According to the above configuration, even in a small hydraulic excavator 1 where space on the base plate 421 is limited, for example, since equipment other than the control valve CV1 is rarely placed in the space between the pair of vertical plates 422, the control valve CV1 can be easily positioned. Thus, the control valve CV1 can be easily positioned.

[0062] From the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient space for arranging the control valve CV1 (second control valve 67 in this embodiment) between the pair of vertical plates 422, the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that one of the pair of vertical plates 422a be positioned on one side (to the right in this embodiment) in the left-right direction relative to the central portion 421C of the base plate 421 in the left-right direction of the machine body 5. It is also desirable that the other vertical plate 422b be positioned on the other side (to the left in this embodiment) in the left-right direction relative to the central portion 421C of the base plate 421.

[0063] Between the pair of vertical plates 422, the second control valve 67 and the first control device 711 are arranged. In other words, the electrical equipment EE1 (first control device 711 in this embodiment) is arranged between the pair of vertical plates 422. More specifically, the first control device 711 is positioned so that its back surface is in contact with the left side surface 422aL of one of the vertical plates 422a, and is fixed by fastening members such as bolts. In other words, the electrical equipment EE1 (first control device 711 in this embodiment) is attached to one of the vertical plates 422a.

[0064] In order to arrange the electrical equipment EE1 (first control device 711 in this embodiment) such that one direction of the electrical equipment EE1 (e.g., longitudinal direction, transverse direction, etc.) is parallel to the front-rear direction of the aircraft body 5, and to firmly attach the electrical equipment EE1, the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the electrical equipment EE1 be attached to one of the vertical plates 422a.

[0065] As described above, since one of the vertical plates 422a extends straight in the front-to-back direction, the first control device 711 is positioned with its front facing left. The second control valve 67 is located opposite the front of the first control device 711. That is, the control valve CV1 (second control valve 67 in this embodiment) is positioned opposite the electrical equipment EE1 (first control device 711 in this embodiment).

[0066] In a configuration where the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with electrical equipment EE1 (first control device 711 in this embodiment) positioned between a pair of vertical plates 422, the following configuration is desirable from the viewpoint of arranging related equipment that are indirectly (or directly) related together and simplifying their connection configuration. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the control valve CV1 (second control valve 67 in this embodiment) be positioned opposite the electrical equipment EE1.

[0067] The second control valve 67 is positioned opposite both the first control device 711 and the first connecting plate 424. More specifically, the rear surface of the first connecting plate 424 faces backward, and the second control valve 67 is positioned opposite this rear surface of the first connecting plate 424. Therefore, the control valve CV1 (the second control valve 67 in this embodiment) is positioned opposite the connecting plate CP1 (the first connecting plate 424 in this embodiment).

[0068] In a configuration where the hydraulic excavator 1 is positioned on the front side of the base plate 421 and includes a connecting plate CP1 that connects a pair of vertical plates 422, the following configuration is desirable from the viewpoint of improving accessibility to the control valve CV1 from the front of the base plate 421 (machine body 5). That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the control valve CV1 be positioned opposite the connecting plate CP1.

[0069] The first connecting plate 424 supports the second control device 712 from below via the second bracket BK2. That is, other electrical equipment EE2 (the second control device 712 in this embodiment) is supported by the connecting plate CP1 (the first connecting plate 424 in this embodiment).

[0070] Even if the hydraulic excavator 1 is configured to include electrical equipment EE1 and control valve CV1, as well as other electrical equipment EE2 controlled by electrical equipment EE1 and controlling control valve CV1, the following configuration is desirable from the viewpoint of reliably achieving simplification of the connection configuration of the above-mentioned related equipment. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the other electrical equipment EE2 be supported by the connecting plate CP1.

[0071] On the base plate 421 to the right of one of the vertical plates 422a connected to the first connecting plate 424, the fuel tank 453, the hydraulic oil tank 62, and the first control valve 63 are located. That is, the fuel tank 453, the hydraulic oil tank 62, and the other control valve CV2 (first control valve 63 in this embodiment) are arranged on the base plate 421 to one side (to the right in this embodiment) in the left-right direction relative to one of the vertical plates 422a. More specifically, the fuel tank 453 and the hydraulic oil tank 62 are located side by side in the front-rear direction. In particular, the fuel tank 453 is located in front of the hydraulic oil tank 62. The first control valve 63 is located to the right of the hydraulic oil tank 62 and adjacent to the hydraulic oil tank 62.

[0072] In order to enable automatic operation of the machine body 5 by providing (adding) a control valve CV1 (second control valve 67 in this embodiment) that controls the hydraulic equipment HE on the hydraulic excavator 1, it is necessary for the hydraulic equipment HE to control the operation of the machine body 5. From the viewpoint of reliably realizing control of the operation of the machine body 5 by the hydraulic equipment HE, the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable for the hydraulic equipment HE to have another control valve CV2 (first control valve 63 in this embodiment) that controls the flow direction and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 61 (main pump 611 in this embodiment) to the hydraulic actuator 64.

[0073] If there is a malfunction in the other control valve CV2 that controls the operation of the machine 5, it becomes difficult to control the operation of the machine 5. For this reason, it is desirable to place the other control valve CV2 in a position that is easily accessible from outside the machine 5, so that even if a malfunction occurs in the other control valve CV2, the time required for repair work on the other control valve CV2 will be minimized. In particular, it is desirable to place the other control valve CV2 so that it is easily accessible from the side of the machine 5. Also, when placing the control valve CV1, it is desirable to avoid interference with the other control valve CV2. From this viewpoint, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the other control valve CV2 be placed on the base plate 421 on one side in the left-right direction relative to one of the vertical plates 422a (to the right in this embodiment).

[0074] The other vertical plate 422b, which is connected to the first connecting plate 424, is positioned so that a portion of it overlaps with the control unit 44 in a plan view. The control unit 44 is positioned to the left of the central portion 421C in the left-right direction of the base plate 421. That is, the control unit 44 is positioned on the other side (to the left in this embodiment) in the left-right direction relative to the central portion 421C of the base plate 421. The control unit 44 may also be configured to overlap the entire other vertical plate 422b in a plan view. That is, the control unit 44 is positioned so that at least a portion of the other vertical plate 422b overlaps in a plan view.

[0075] On the other hand, the control unit 44 is positioned so as not to overlap with the second control valve 67 in a plan view. Specifically, the control unit 44 and the second control valve 67 are offset from each other in the left-right direction. In particular, the second control valve 67 is positioned to the right of the control unit 44. That is, in a plan view, the control unit 44 is positioned offset to the other side (to the left in this embodiment) in the left-right direction relative to the control valve CV1 (the second control valve 67 in this embodiment).

[0076] Even if the hydraulic excavator 1 is configured to include a control unit 44, it is desirable to avoid the control unit 44 obstructing access to the control valve CV1 (second control valve 67 in this embodiment) from above (or below). It is also desirable to improve accessibility (ease of getting on and off) to the control unit 44 from the other side in the left-right direction relative to the machine body 5 (the left side in this embodiment). From this viewpoint, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a control unit 44 that, in a plan view, is offset to the other side in the left-right direction relative to the control valve CV1 (the left side in this embodiment).

[0077] For example, if the control unit 44 is positioned offset to the other side in the left-right direction relative to the other vertical plate 422b in a plan view in order to improve accessibility as described above, there is a risk that the amount of overhang of the control unit 44 from the base plate 421 will increase. In order to miniaturize the aircraft body 5, it is desirable to suppress the increase in the amount of overhang. From this viewpoint, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the control unit 44 be positioned overlapping at least a part of the other vertical plate 422b in a plan view.

[0078] The second control valve 67 and the first control valve 63 are connected via piping PP. That is, piping PP extends from the second control valve 67. Specifically, multiple pipes PP are provided extending from the second control valve 67. The routing of piping PP will be described below.

[0079] [5. Piping routing] Figure 9 is a plan view showing the routing of the piping PP. In plan view, the piping PP is routed near the slewing motor 43 and the swivel joint 65. The slewing motor 43 is located on the base plate 421 of the slewing frame 42, and the swivel joint 65 is located on the support 2. More specifically, the slewing motor 43 is located on the base plate 421 between a pair of vertical plates 422. The slewing motor 43 is also located between the first connecting plate 424 and the second connecting plate 425 in the front-rear direction. In plan view, the swivel joint 65 is located to the left and in front of the slewing motor 43. The second control valve 67 is located in front of the swivel joint 65. Note that a portion of the swivel joint 65 rotates together with the slewing body 4.

[0080] In a plan view, the routed piping PP extends from the second control valve 67 towards the left rear, and then bends towards the rear. The rearward bend of piping PP occurs between the other vertical plate 422b and the swivel joint 65 in the left-right direction. That is, in a plan view, piping PP is routed between the other vertical plate 422b and the swivel joint 65.

[0081] The piping PP, which extends towards the rear, bends towards the right rear and extends to the vicinity of the second connecting plate 425, after which it bends to the right. The piping PP that bends to the right extends between the slewing motor 43 and the second connecting plate 425 in the front-rear direction. In other words, in a plan view, the piping PP is routed between the slewing motor 43 and the other connecting plate CP2 (the second connecting plate 425 in this embodiment).

[0082] The piping PP, which passes between the slewing motor 43 and the second connecting plate 425, extends beyond one of the vertical plates 422a to the first control valve 63, which is located to the right of the one vertical plate 422a. In other words, the piping PP is routed from one side in the left-right direction (the right side in this embodiment) to the other side in the left-right direction (the left side in this embodiment) with respect to one of the vertical plates 422a. Note that the routing route of the piping PP is not limited to the above, and for example, the piping PP may be routed through a through hole provided in one of the vertical plates 422a that penetrates in the left-right direction.

[0083] For example, if the piping PP extending from the control valve CV1 (second control valve 67 in this embodiment) is fixed to the swing motor 43, it becomes necessary to release the fixing of the piping PP when disassembling the swing motor 43. Therefore, in order to reduce the effort required to disassemble the swing motor 43, it is desirable that the piping PP be routed away from the swing motor 43. It is also desirable to efficiently route the piping PP by making effective use of the dead space between the swing motor 43 and the other connecting plate CP2 (second connecting plate 425 in this embodiment). From this viewpoint, in a configuration such as this embodiment in which the hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a swing motor 43 and the other connecting plate CP2, it is desirable that the piping PP be routed between the swing motor 43 and the other connecting plate CP2 in a plan view.

[0084] In a configuration where the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a swivel joint 65, it is desirable to effectively utilize the dead space between the other vertical plate 422b and the swivel joint 65 to efficiently route the piping PP. From this viewpoint, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the piping PP be routed through the space between the other vertical plate 422b and the swivel joint 65 in a plan view.

[0085] In order to reliably realize a configuration in which the piping PP extending from the control valve CV1 (second control valve 67 in this embodiment) extends to equipment located on the opposite side of the vertical plate 422a from the control valve CV1 in the left-right direction (for example, the first control valve 63), the following configuration is desirable. That is, as in this embodiment, it is desirable that the piping PP be routed from one side of the vertical plate 422a in the left-right direction (right side in this embodiment) to the other side in the left-right direction (left side in this embodiment).

[0086] [6. Supplement] In this embodiment, the case where the right side is defined as "one side in the left-right direction" and the left side as "the other side in the left-right direction" has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the left side may be defined as "one side in the left-right direction" and the right side as "the other side in the left-right direction." In other words, the left and right sides may be reversed.

[0087] 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.

[0088] [7. Addendum] The hydraulic excavator 1 described in this embodiment can also be described as the work machine shown in the following appendix.

[0089] The work machines mentioned in Appendix (1) are: The base plate located at the bottom of the aircraft, On the base plate, a pair of vertical plates are arranged extending in the front-rear direction of the aircraft, A hydraulic device that controls the operation of the aforementioned machine, The hydraulic equipment includes a control valve for controlling the hydraulic equipment, The control valve is positioned between the pair of vertical plates.

[0090] The work machines in Appendix (2) are the work machines described in Appendix (1), One of the pair of vertical plates is positioned on one side in the left-right direction relative to the center of the base plate in the left-right direction of the aircraft. The other vertical plate of the pair is positioned on the other side in the left-right direction relative to the central portion.

[0091] The work machines in Appendix (3) are the work machines described in Appendix (2), A hydraulic pump driven by a power source, The system comprises a hydraulic actuator driven by hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump, The hydraulic equipment includes other control valves that control the flow direction of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic actuator. The other control valve is positioned on the base plate, on one side in the left-right direction relative to the one vertical plate.

[0092] The work machines in Appendix (4) are the work machines described in Appendix (2) or (3), In a plan view, the control unit is positioned offset to the other side in the left-right direction relative to the control valve.

[0093] The work machines in Appendix (5) are the work machines described in Appendix (4), The control unit is positioned in a plan view so as to overlap at least a portion of the other vertical plate.

[0094] The work machine in Appendix (6) is the work machine described in any of Appendix (2) to (5), The base plate is positioned on the front side and includes a connecting plate that connects the pair of vertical plates, The control valve is positioned opposite the connecting plate.

[0095] The work machines specified in Appendix (7) are the work machines described in Appendix (6), The electrical equipment is arranged between the pair of vertical plates, The control valve is positioned opposite the electrical equipment.

[0096] The work machines specified in Appendix (8) are the work machines described in Appendix (7), The electrical equipment is controlled by the aforementioned electrical equipment and includes other electrical equipment that controls the control valve, The other electrical equipment is supported by the connecting plate.

[0097] The work machines specified in Appendix (9) are the work machines described in Appendix (7) or (8), The aforementioned electrical equipment is mounted on one of the vertical plates.

[0098] The work machine in Appendix (10) is the work machine described in any of Appendix (6) to (9), A support that allows the aforementioned aircraft to rotate, A slewing motor is positioned on the base plate and rotates the machine relative to the support, The base plate is positioned on the rear side and comprises another connecting plate that connects the pair of vertical plates, The piping extending from the control valve is routed in a plan view between the swivel motor and the other connecting plate.

[0099] The work machine in Appendix (11) is the work machine described in Appendix (10), The machine is equipped with a swivel joint that connects the first oil passage of the machine body and the second oil passage of the support, In a plan view, the aforementioned piping is routed between the other vertical plate and the swivel joint.

[0100] The work machine in Appendix (12) is the work machine described in Appendix (10) or (11), The piping is routed with respect to one of the vertical plates, from one side in the left-right direction to the other side in the left-right direction.

[0101] 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]

[0102] This invention can be used, for example, in work machinery such as construction machinery and agricultural machinery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. Hydraulic excavator (working machine) 2 Support 5 aircraft 5D bottom 43 Swivel motor 44 Control Unit 61 Hydraulic pump 64 Hydraulic Actuator 65 Swivel Joint 421 Base Plate 422 Pair of vertical boards 422a One vertical board 422b The other vertical board 454 Engine (power source) CP1 connection plate CP2 Other connecting plates CV1 control valve CV2 Other control valves EE1 Electrical Equipment EE2 Other electrical equipment HE hydraulic equipment HP1 1st oilway HP2 2nd oilway PP piping

Claims

1. The base plate located at the bottom of the aircraft, On the base plate, a pair of vertical plates are arranged extending in the front-rear direction of the aircraft, A hydraulic device that controls the operation of the aforementioned machine, The hydraulic equipment includes a control valve for controlling the hydraulic equipment, The control valve is positioned between the pair of vertical plates of the working machine.

2. One of the pair of vertical plates is positioned on one side in the left-right direction relative to the center of the base plate in the left-right direction of the aircraft. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein the other vertical plate of the pair of vertical plates is positioned on the other side in the left-right direction relative to the central portion.

3. A hydraulic pump driven by a power source, The system comprises a hydraulic actuator driven by hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump, The hydraulic equipment includes other control valves that control the flow direction of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic actuator. The work machine according to claim 2, wherein the other control valve is positioned on the base plate on one side in the left-right direction relative to the one vertical plate.

4. The work machine according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a control unit positioned in a plan view offset to the other side in the left-right direction relative to the control valve.

5. The operating unit is arranged in a plan view so as to overlap at least a portion of the other vertical plate, as described in claim 4.

6. The base plate is positioned on the front side and includes a connecting plate that connects the pair of vertical plates, The work machine according to claim 2, wherein the control valve is arranged opposite to the connecting plate.

7. The electrical equipment is arranged between the pair of vertical plates, The work machine according to claim 6, wherein the control valve is arranged opposite to the electrical equipment.

8. The electrical equipment is controlled by the aforementioned electrical equipment and includes other electrical equipment that controls the control valve, The other electrical equipment is supported on the connecting plate, as described in claim 7.

9. The electrical equipment is attached to one of the vertical plates, as described in claim 7.

10. A support that allows the aforementioned aircraft to rotate, A slewing motor is positioned on the base plate and rotates the machine relative to the support, The base plate is positioned on the rear side and comprises another connecting plate that connects the pair of vertical plates, The work machine according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the piping extending from the control valve is routed in a plan view between the slewing motor and the other connecting plate.

11. The machine is equipped with a swivel joint that connects the first oil passage of the machine body and the second oil passage of the support, The working machine according to claim 10, wherein the piping is routed in a plan view between the other vertical plate and the swivel joint.

12. The work machine according to claim 10, wherein the piping is routed with respect to one of the vertical plates, extending from one side in the left-right direction to the other side in the left-right direction.

Images