Work vehicles

Abstract

Compared to conventional technologies, this method minimizes field damage and limitations on the work area during battery replacement, thereby improving the efficiency of battery replacement. [Solution] The battery frame (102) that supports the battery (111) is rotatable to pass over the wheel (12) and extend the battery (111) to the side of the vehicle body (10). Compared to conventional technology, this reduces field damage and limitations on the work area during battery replacement, thereby improving the workability of battery replacement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work vehicle that performs work in a field.

Background Art

[0002] In work vehicles such as tractors, rice transplanters, and lawn mowers, electrification is progressing, and in order to perform high-load work, work vehicles equipped with large batteries are known. In such work vehicles, a configuration is conventionally known in which a heavy battery can be lifted upward and removed (Patent Document 1), pulled forward and removed (Patent Document 2), or pulled backward or sideways and removed (Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] (Problems of the Prior Art) In the technology described in Patent Document 1, for small and lightweight work machines and the batteries of work vehicles, the weight is only such that it can be lifted by an operator (about 10 kg to 20 kg). However, in medium to large work vehicles such as ride-on work vehicles, the weight of the battery can be 100 kg to 200 kg, and it is extremely difficult for an operator to lift it as a practical problem. When the battery is pulled forward, as in the technology described in Patent Document 2, if the need for battery replacement arises in the field, the heavy battery will be pulled out towards the unworked area in front of the work vehicle. Therefore, there is a problem that the worker is likely to trample and damage the unworked area of ​​the field, making the field more susceptible to damage. In the technology described in Patent Document 3, when removing the battery, the battery is pulled out from a mounting frame located between the left and right wheels, either to the rear or to the side. Consequently, the usable area becomes less than the width of the wheels, resulting in poor work efficiency. In particular, when pulling out to the rear, there is a possibility of trampling and damaging the area immediately after work, which could damage crops that have already been worked on or cause the field to become degraded.

[0005] The technical objective of this invention is to improve the efficiency of battery replacement by suppressing field damage and limitations on the work area during battery replacement, compared to conventional technologies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a work vehicle (1) characterized by comprising: a running vehicle body (10) having wheels (12); a battery (111) mounted on the running vehicle body (10); and a battery frame (102) that supports the battery (111) and is rotatable between an overhanging position in which the battery (111) extends outward to the side of the running vehicle body (10) passing over the wheels (12), and a housing position in which the battery (111) is housed inside the running vehicle body (10).

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is a work vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a rear frame (103) provided at the rear of the running vehicle body (10) and rotatable between an exposed position that exposes the battery (111) and a closed position that covers the outside of the battery (111); a guide member (103a) provided on the rear frame (103) that can guide the lower part of the battery (111) in the exposed position; and a battery frame (102) that supports the battery (111) and the rear frame (103) and rotatable between the protruding position and the housing position.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is a work vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a motor (3) that is powered and driven by the battery (111), and a motor control device (121) that controls the motor (3), the motor control device (121) being located near the rotation center of the battery frame (102) and supported by the vehicle body (10).

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is a work vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the terminal (111a) provided on the battery (111) is arranged on the side of the pivot center (102a(R)) of the battery frame (102).

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is a work vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with a main control device (122) located in front of the battery (111) and controlling the vehicle body (10).

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is a work vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an external power supply plug provided in the battery (111) and capable of supplying power to external equipment of the work vehicle (1), and a work machine (5) provided on the vehicle body (10), the work machine (5) which receives power via the external power supply plug during work. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the invention described in claim 1, the battery frame (102) supporting the battery (111) is rotatable to pass over the wheel (12) and extend the battery (111) to the side of the vehicle body (10). Compared to the conventional technology, this makes it possible to reduce field damage and limitations on the work area during battery replacement, thereby improving the workability of battery replacement.

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effects described in claim 1, the rear frame (103) is supported by the battery frame (102) and can rotate integrally to the protruding position, and when the rear frame (103) moves to the exposed position, the battery (111) is guided by the guide member (103a). Therefore, compared to the case without the guide member (103a), the battery (111) can be moved more easily and smoothly, improving the workability of battery replacement.

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effects described in claim 1, the motor control device (121) is located near the rotation center of the battery frame (102) and supported by the vehicle body (10), which allows for shorter wiring between the battery (111) and the motor control device (121), and also makes it easier to prevent disconnection of the wiring when the battery frame (102) rotates.

[0015] According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effects described in claim 1, the workability of connecting and disconnecting wiring to the terminal (111a) is improved compared to the case in which the terminal (111a) provided on the battery (111) is not located on the side of the pivot center (102a(R)) of the battery frame (102).

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effects described in claim 1, the distance between the main control device (122) and the battery (111) can be shortened and the wiring can be shortened compared to when the main control device (122) is not located in front of the battery (111).

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effects described in claim 1, the work machine (5) is powered via an external power supply plug, which facilitates the connection between the work machine (5) and the traveling vehicle body (10).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a riding lawn mower as an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a main part of the riding lawn mower of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of a main part of the battery portion of the work vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the movement of the battery frame of the work vehicle according to the embodiment as viewed from above.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Next, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In the description of the embodiment, the left and right directions are referred to as left and right, respectively, toward the forward direction of the machine body, and the forward direction is referred to as front and the backward direction is referred to as rear for explanation. In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than the members necessary for explanation are appropriately omitted for ease of understanding.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings.

[0021] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the whole or a part of a riding lawn mower 1 as an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The riding lawn mower 1 includes a vehicle body 10 that can travel in the front-rear direction, and front wheels 11, 11 and rear wheels 12, 12 are provided at the front and rear of the vehicle body 10, respectively. Further, the riding lawn mower 1 has a driver's seat 2 disposed at the front of the vehicle body 10 and a motor unit 3 as an example of a motor disposed at the rear of the vehicle body 10.

[0022] The vehicle body 10 has a floor frame 13 that forms the floor portion 21. The driver's seat 2 is located behind the floor section 21 formed on the upper front side of the vehicle body 10. The floor section 21 is equipped with a steering column 22 located at its front, foot pedals 23 for operation located on the left and right of the steering column 22, a seat 24 which will be the driver's seat 2 located behind the steering column 22, and control units 25 located on the left and right of the seat 24. The steering column 22 is equipped with a steering wheel (handle) 26 for steering, and the control units 25 are equipped with a manual lever 27 for operation, a control panel (not shown), etc. In this riding lawnmower 1, the rear wheels 12, 12 are steered left and right by rotating the steering wheel 26 left and right.

[0023] As an example of a drive source, the motor unit 3 is positioned at the front of the rear of the vehicle body 10. In this embodiment, an electric motor unit 3 is used as an example of a drive source, but it is also possible to use a hybrid unit that combines an internal combustion engine (gasoline engine or diesel engine) and a motor, or to use only an internal combustion engine. The motor unit 3 incorporates a motor (not shown) and a transmission, and is configured to transmit the motor's power through speed changes and distribution to the front wheels 11, 11 and the grass cutting device 5, which will be described later.

[0024] In this embodiment, the riding lawnmower 1 has a grass cutting device 5, which is an example of a work implement, attached to the lower front of the vehicle body 10 and in front of the front wheels 11, 11, and a grass collection container 56 is located at the rear of the vehicle body 10 and above the motor unit 3.

[0025] The grass cutting device 5 is a device that performs grass cutting work such as grass by rotating a cutting blade inside a cover 51 with an open bottom, and is for example called a rotary mower. The cover 51 of this grass cutting device 5 is rotatably attached to the vehicle body 10 via a support arm 52 and moves up and down. The cutting blade of the grass cutting device 5 is rotated by power transmitted from the motor unit 3.

[0026] The grass collection container 56 is a container for storing the grass cut by the grass cutting device 5, and is commonly referred to as a collector. The grass collection container 56 is a box-shaped structure, such as a cube, and has an openable and closable door 56b on its rear side for discharging the stored grass. The grass collection container 56 is attached via a lifting and dumping mechanism 58 to left and right support frames 57 that are positioned above the motor unit 3 behind the seat 24 and the control unit 25. The lifting and dumping mechanism 58 functions to move the grass collection container 56 to a predetermined position and state when discharging the grass clippings it contains, and consists of a support frame, a link mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder, etc. Safety bars 59 are provided at the upper ends of the left and right support frames 57, with a shape that connects them to each other.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the riding lawnmower 1 is equipped with a grass clipping collection unit 53 located between the front wheels 11, 11 and behind the mowing device 5, which collects the cut grass by suction and stores it in a grass collection container 56. The grass clipping collection unit 53 consists of a blower 53a which acts as a suction unit, and a chute (duct) 53b which connects the blower 53a and the grass collection container 56 and acts as a transport unit that passes the grass clippings collected by the blower 53a towards the grass collection container 56.

[0028] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the main parts of the battery section of the work vehicle according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the battery frame of the work vehicle according to the embodiment, viewed from above. In Figure 3, the motor unit 3 is fixedly supported to the lower frame 101 of the vehicle body 10. A battery frame 102 is located at the rear of the lower frame 101. The battery frame 102 has a pair of left and right vertical frames 102a at its front end, a pair of left and right bottom frames 102b extending rearward from each vertical frame 102a, and a connecting frame 102c that connects the rear ends of the left and right bottom frames 102b. The right vertical frame 102a(R) extends downward below the bottom frame 102b, and its lower end is rotatably supported by the lower frame 101. Therefore, the battery frame 102 is supported by the lower frame 101 in a state that allows it to rotate around the right vertical frame 102a(R).

[0029] In this embodiment, the bottom frame 102b is positioned higher than the upper ends of the rear wheels 12, 12. That is, the bottom frame 102b (and the battery 111, described later) is positioned above the shaft 12a that transmits power to the rear wheels 12, 12. Therefore, when the battery frame 102 is rotated to the right side of the vehicle body 10 around the right vertical frame 102a(R), the bottom frame 102b does not interfere with the rear wheels 12, 12, allowing the battery frame 102 to rotate. In this embodiment, the battery frame 102 is movable between a housing position shown by the solid line in Figure 4 and a rightward (outward) protruding position shown by the dashed line in Figure 4, around a rotation center (vertical frame 102a(R)) along the direction of gravity.

[0030] In the aforementioned housing position, support frames 101a extending upward from the lower frame 101 are provided at three locations: the rear end of the right bottom frame 102b and the front and rear ends of the left bottom frame 102b, i.e., three locations excluding the right front end corresponding to the right vertical frame 102a(R). Therefore, in the housing position, the battery frame 102 is rotatably supported on the lower frame 101 at the right front end by the right vertical frame 102a(R), while the left front end, right rear end, and left rear end are supported at the upper ends of the support frames 101a, respectively. In this embodiment, a configuration in which support frames 101a are provided in three locations is illustrated, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to provide support frames in only two locations, on the left front and left rear, or in only one location, on the left rear. It is also possible to increase the number of support frames 101a to four or more locations, thereby supporting the battery frame 102 from below at multiple points.

[0031] The lower end of the rear frame 103 is rotatably supported by the bottom frame 102b. The rear frame 103 is supported so as to be movable between an exposed position that exposes the inside of the battery frame 102 (see dashed line in Figure 3) and a closed position that closes the inside of the battery frame 102 (see solid line in Figure 3). In other words, the rear frame 103 can open and close the inside of the battery frame 102 by rotating between the exposed position and the closed position around the rotation center of its lower end along the horizontal direction.

[0032] The bottom frame 102b supports a guide rail 104 that extends along the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, when the rear frame 103 is moved to the exposed position, a guide roller (an example of a guide member) 103a is rotatably supported on the extension of the guide rail 104. It is also possible to arrange multiple rollers at intervals along the guide rail 104.

[0033] The battery 111 is housed inside the battery frame 102. The battery 111 is located at the rear of the vehicle body 10, below the grass collection container 56, and behind the motor unit 3. In this embodiment, the battery 111 is a unit formed by connecting multiple battery cells 111a with cables. In this embodiment, the terminal 111b to which the cable for connecting the battery 111 to the outside is connected is located on the right side of the vehicle body 10, aligned with the right vertical frame 102a(R), which is the rotation center of the battery frame 102.

[0034] Therefore, when attaching or detaching the battery 111, the cover (not shown) on the right side of the vehicle body 10 can be removed, and the cable attachment and detachment work can be concentrated on the right side of the vehicle body 10. Thus, work efficiency is improved compared to when terminals are arranged on both the left and right sides. Furthermore, if the terminals and cables are arranged on the left side, opposite to the right side where the battery 111 rotates, there is a high risk of the cables breaking or the terminals being damaged if the cables are not disconnected before rotating the battery frame 102. However, in this embodiment, simply rotating the battery frame 102 does not easily exert a pulling force on the cables, thus reducing the risk of breakage and other damage.

[0035] While the example shows the terminals positioned on the right side in accordance with the direction of rotation, this is not the only option. If the rotation is to the left, the terminals can also be positioned on the left side. Furthermore, if sufficient workspace is available, the terminals can be concentrated on the front, top, and bottom surfaces of the battery 111.

[0036] The battery 111 is supported on the guide rail 104. Therefore, it is supported so as to be movable along the guide rail 104. Also, when the battery 111 is attached or detached, when it is positioned near the rear frame 103, its underside is guided by the guide rollers 103a, allowing it to move freely.

[0037] The lower frame 101 supports a motor control device (MSD) 121 that controls the rotation of the motor unit 3. The motor control device 121 is located between the battery frame 102 and the motor unit 3. That is, the motor control device 121 is located near the right-side vertical frame 102a(R), which is the rotation center of the battery frame 102. In other words, the motor control device 121 is located on the right side of the vehicle body 10. Furthermore, in the riding lawnmower 1 of this embodiment, an MCU (Main Control Unit) 122, which controls the entire riding lawnmower 1, is positioned between the motor unit 3 and the battery frame 102 as an example of a main control device.

[0038] Furthermore, in the riding lawnmower 1 of this embodiment, a junction box (JB) 123, which concentrates electrical circuits such as power supply and communication, is located above the motor unit 3. The motor control device 121, MCU 122, and junction box 123 are connected to the battery 111 and powered thereby. Therefore, in this embodiment, the terminals on the motor control device 121, MCU 122, and junction box 123 are also located on the right side of the vehicle body 10.

[0039] (Operation of the embodiment) In the riding lawnmower 1 of the embodiment having the above configuration, when replacing the battery 111, the grass collection container 56 is first raised by the dump mechanism 58 to allow access to the rear lower part of the vehicle body 10 where the battery 111 is housed. Then, by removing the exterior cover of the rear lower part of the vehicle body 10, the battery frame 102 can be rotated around the right vertical frame 102a(R). With the battery frame 102 rotated, the rear frame 103 is moved to an exposed position, and the battery 111 is moved along the guide rail 104 and roller 103a, making it possible to remove the battery 111 and install a replacement battery.

[0040] Therefore, in the riding lawnmower 1 of this embodiment, the battery frame 102 can be rotated to a position where working space can be secured at the rear to the right of the vehicle body 10, making it possible to replace the battery 111. Thus, it is possible to perform the replacement work at any position that does not disturb the area that has already been worked on, thereby improving the workability of battery replacement. In particular, in this embodiment, the battery frame 102 can rotate without interfering with the rear wheels 12,12 or the shaft 12a, and replacement work can be performed with the battery frame 102 extending outward (to the right) beyond the rear wheels 12,12. Therefore, the space above the rear wheels 12,12 and the shaft 12a can be effectively utilized, and work efficiency is improved compared to conventional technology in which work is performed inside the width of the left and right rear wheels 12,12.

[0041] Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a configuration that temporarily fixes (locks) the position of the battery frame 102 when it has rotated. For example, any configuration can be adopted, such as attaching a rubber with high frictional force to the rotation center of the battery frame 102, or creating holes every 15 degrees of rotation of the battery frame 102 and using a pin to lock it in place. Furthermore, while the embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the battery frame 102 is rotated to the right, it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to rotate the battery frame 102 to the left, using the left vertical frame 102a(L) as the axis of rotation.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery 111 moves along the guide rail 104 and the rollers 103a. Therefore, compared to an embodiment without the guide rail 104 and rollers 103a, the movement of the battery 111 is easier and smoother, improving work efficiency. While it is desirable to provide the guide rail 104 and rollers 103a, it is also possible to omit them due to manufacturing costs and other considerations.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminals 111b of the battery 111, as well as the terminals on the motor control device 121, MCU 122, and junction box 123, are located on the right side of the vehicle body 10. Therefore, the wiring (cables) connecting the motor control device 121, MCU 122, junction box 123, and the battery 111 are shortened. Also, the wiring is located on the right side, which is the same side of the battery 111 as the center of rotation (right vertical frame 102a(R)). Therefore, even if the wiring is forgotten to be disconnected when the battery frame 102 rotates, damage such as wire breakage can be suppressed.

[0044] In particular, in this embodiment, the motor control device 121 is located near the right-side vertical frame 102a(R). Compared to wiring far from the center of rotation, the wiring connecting the motor control device 121 and the battery 111, which is closer to the center of rotation, is particularly susceptible to damage from wire breakage. Furthermore, with the battery frame 102 rotated, the motor control device 121, MCU 122, and junction box 123 can be accessed from the rear of the vehicle body 10. This improves the efficiency of maintenance work such as inspection and replacement of the motor control device 121, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the MCU 122 is positioned in front of the battery 111. Therefore, the wiring between the MCU 122 and the battery 111 can also be shortened. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery 111 is positioned at the rear of the entire riding lawnmower 1, below the grass collection container 56. Therefore, the center of gravity of the vehicle body 10 is lowered, and the front-to-rear weight balance with the grass cutting device 5 positioned at the front is also improved. Thus, driving stability is also improved. From the viewpoint of driving stability, it is desirable that the battery 111 be positioned in the center of the vehicle body 10, rather than being biased to either the left or right side.

[0046] In this embodiment, the motor unit 3 is located in the center of the vehicle body 10 in the front-to-rear direction, so the battery 111 is located at the rear. However, if the motor unit 3 is located at the rear, it is also possible to arrange the battery 111 in front of the motor unit 3.

[0047] In this embodiment, the battery 111 is shown as supplying power to various parts of the riding lawnmower 1 via wiring connected to terminal 111b, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to provide the battery 111 with a standardized general-purpose plug for external power supply (such as CHAdeMO®), connect it to the lawnmower 5 using a general-purpose cable, and have the lawnmower 5 powered through the general-purpose plug during operation. In this case, it becomes possible to use a compatible battery with a general-purpose plug (an example of an external power supply plug) as the battery 111, improving the availability of the battery 111. Furthermore, in the event of a disaster, it becomes possible to supply power from the battery 111 of the riding lawnmower 1 to a home or disaster-stricken facility that is experiencing a power outage via a general-purpose plug and general-purpose cable.

[0048] In this embodiment, an example was given in which power is transmitted from the motor unit 3 to the grass cutting device 5, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to install a drive source (motor) in the implement itself, which can be attached to the vehicle body 10 of the grass cutting device 5 or a tiller, and operate by receiving power from the battery 111 using a general-purpose plug and general-purpose cable, without receiving power from the motor unit 3. In this case, it is also possible to provide a built-in battery in the implement, charge it when connected to the battery 111, and use the built-in battery to drive the drive source (motor) of the implement. Therefore, it is possible to operate the vehicle body 10 and the implement with separate motors and batteries, and it is also possible to operate the implement alone for test runs or inspections when it is detached from the vehicle body 10. By providing the implement with driving performance (wheels and a driving motor), it is also possible to make the implement self-propelled using the built-in battery as a power source. If the work equipment can be self-propelled on its own, it will be possible to perform work autonomously, and it will no longer be necessary to transport the work equipment by truck or other means after the work is completed. When the work equipment is self-propelled (autonomous), it is desirable to equip the work equipment with sensors and cameras so that it can follow the vehicle in front (work vehicle or truck) and stop for safety if it detects an obstacle.

[0049] When using a general-purpose plug, it is possible to supply external power or charge the battery 111 via its own plug, but this is not the only option. For example, an external connection point (inlet) can be provided on the exterior cover or fender of the vehicle body 10, allowing for the connection of cables for external power supply or charging. Providing an inlet makes connection easier and improves work efficiency. In addition, powered devices such as the motor control device 121, MCU 122, and junction box 123 can also be connected via general-purpose plugs and cables, or via inlets. Therefore, the number of inlets is not limited to one; multiple inlets can be provided to supply power to multiple powered devices and work machines.

[0050] Furthermore, when providing multiple inlets, it is possible to install multiple types of terminals, such as single-phase AC100V and single-phase / three-phase AC200V, and configure the system so that the function to be used can be selected via a touch panel located adjacent to the inlet. Furthermore, it is desirable that the terminal portion of the inlet be designed to be openable and closable with a cover or cap to prevent dust, sand, and other debris from adhering to and accumulating when the cable is not connected. The cover can be fastened / unfastened with a knob bolt, rotated vertically or horizontally, or slid vertically or horizontally, or any other desired form. In addition, it is desirable that the terminal portion of the inlet be provided with a guard or guide to surround the terminal portion to prevent electric shock.

[0051] Furthermore, it is possible to install an inlet in the location where the PTO (Power Take Off) shaft was previously located (at the rear or front of the vehicle body 10), allowing electric implements to be connected in the same manner and procedure as conventional implement connection work.

[0052] Furthermore, when connecting a general-purpose cable to the inlet, it is desirable to provide a support member (base) near (above) the inlet to support the end of the cable at a predetermined angle in order to suppress the load on the general-purpose plug due to vibrations during driving. The base can be fixed to the battery frame 102, or it can be configured to be detachable and integral with the outer cover.

[0053] In addition to general-purpose cables for charging / external power supply, cables for communication with the motor control device 121, MCU 122, junction box 123, and control unit for controlling the charging / power supply of the battery 111 can also be routed in the same manner. The inlet and communication terminals can be located in the same place or in separate locations. For example, the charging / power supply inlet can be located on the top of the battery frame 102, and the communication terminals can be located on the front, right, or left side of the battery frame 102. The location of the inlet and terminals can be placed in any location depending on the design, specifications, the position of each component, and the available space. If the terminals of the communication module (NIC: Network Interface Card) are positioned facing forward, it becomes easier for the operator to connect the cables while seated from the seat 24 side. Therefore, it becomes possible to connect to external devices while seated.

[0054] While general-purpose cables can be routed along the side of the vehicle body 10, routing them along the underside of the vehicle body 10 and the floor section 21 helps to reduce the risk of accidents such as workers getting caught on the cables when boarding or disembarking. When routing the cables, it is preferable to use cable guides or hooks to prevent them from sagging or becoming loose.

[0055] In this embodiment, the motor control device 121, MCU 122, and junction box 123 are shown to be installed at the rear or top of the motor unit 3, but the invention is not limited to these configurations. It is also possible to concentrate these communication-requiring devices and units in one location and consolidate the connection terminals and cables. When centrally arranging them, for example, supporting the communication-requiring devices with stays at one of the following locations on the top, front, or right side of the battery frame 102 makes routing, maintenance, and assembly easier. Furthermore, by making the stays detachable from the battery frame 102, individual maintenance of the communication devices becomes easier, and overall maintenance becomes even easier.

[0056] Furthermore, while the outer cover is removed to allow access during maintenance of the battery 111 and the mounting bracket, it is also desirable to configure the outer cover in a way that allows access to only the mounting bracket by removing only a portion of the outer cover. In addition, it is desirable to provide ventilation holes at the front and rear of the outer cover to improve internal cooling.

[0057] While a riding lawnmower 1 is used as an example of a work vehicle, the invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to tractors, rice transplanters, combine harvesters, etc. Specifically, in configurations where the work equipment is mounted on the rear of the vehicle body 10, such as tractors and rice transplanters, the battery 111 and motor unit 3 can be housed in the bonnet portion at the front of the vehicle body 10, and the battery frame 102, etc., can be installed inside the bonnet. When applied to a combine harvester, since electrification eliminates the need for an exhaust gas suppression device (SCR: Selective Catalytic Reduction), it is possible to install the motor control device 121, etc., in the space above the travel frame where the SCR was previously located between the grain tank and the threshing unit. In this case, the cable for external power supply can be housed by providing a hook on the outside of the grain tank or inside the grain tank. Therefore, during the off-season when the combine harvester is not in use, the cable can be housed inside the grain tank, making effective use of the space. Furthermore, it is possible to provide an opening / closing door inside the grain tank for accessing the motor control device 121, etc., so that the grain tank can be opened before or after use of the combine harvester to perform maintenance on the motor control device 121, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, the motor control device 121, MCU 122, junction box 123, etc., can be installed not only in the space where the SCR was located, but also in the space where the fuel tank, which became unnecessary due to electrification, was located (at the rear of the driving frame). In addition, charging circuits, DC-DC converters, DC-AC converters, and other components can also be installed. Furthermore, the inlet for external power supply, the control panel, the emergency stop switch, etc., can be installed in any location, such as the side of the grain tank. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1. Work vehicles, 3 motors, 5. Work equipment, 10. Vehicle body, 12 wheels, 102 battery frames, 102a(R) Center of rotation, 103 Rear frame, 103a guide member, 111 Battery, 111b terminal, 121 Motor control device, 122 Main control unit.

Claims

1. A running vehicle body (10) having wheels (12), The battery (111) mounted on the aforementioned vehicle body (10), A battery frame (102) that supports the battery (111) and is rotatable between an outward position in which the battery (111) extends outward to the side of the vehicle body (10) passing over the wheel (12), and a housing position in which the battery (111) is housed inside the vehicle body (10), A work vehicle (1) characterized by being equipped with the following.

2. A rear frame (103) is provided at the rear of the vehicle body (10) and is rotatable between an exposed position that exposes the battery (111) and a closed position that covers the outside of the battery (111). A guide member (103a) is provided on the rear frame (103) and, in the exposed position, is capable of guiding the lower part of the battery (111), The battery frame (102) supports the battery (111) and the rear frame (103), and is rotatable between the protruding position and the housing position, A work vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by being equipped with the following:

3. A motor (3) is powered and driven by the battery (111), A motor control device (121) that controls the motor (3), wherein the motor control device (121) is located near the rotation center of the battery frame (102) and is supported by the vehicle body (10), A work vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by being equipped with the following:

4. The terminal (111b) provided on the battery (111) is positioned on the side of the battery frame (102) facing the pivot center (102a(R)). The work vehicle (1) according to feature 1.

5. A main control device (122) is located in front of the battery (111) and controls the vehicle body (10). A work vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by being equipped with the following:

6. An external power supply plug is provided in the battery (111) and is capable of supplying power to equipment outside the work vehicle (1), A work machine (5) is provided on the aforementioned vehicle body (10), and during operation, the work machine (5) receives power via the aforementioned external power supply plug, A work vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by being equipped with the following:

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