Work equipment

Abstract

To provide a work machine that prevents the intrusion of small animals while ensuring heat balance performance. [Solution] The work machine 1 includes a slewing base plate 42 that is rotatably supported on a traveling device 3 around a vertical axis, a cover member 20 that forms a space for housing equipment including a cooling fan F1 that draws in outside air on the upper part of the slewing base plate 42, and a lid plate 60 having a mesh portion 65. The lid plate 60 is attached to the slewing base plate 42 with the mesh portion 65 positioned in the gap GP between the slewing base plate 42 and the cover member 20 at a predetermined location on the periphery of the slewing base plate 42.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine such as a backhoe, for example.

Background Art

[0002] The backhoe disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a swivel board that constitutes the bottom of the machine body. An opening for maintenance is formed in the swivel board. A bottom cover is provided in the opening to protect internal components or reduce noise to the surroundings. Further, the backhoe includes a suction-type cooling fan in the machine body and is configured to exhaust the air sucked into the machine body from the opening of the swivel board or the like. However, the installation of the bottom cover leads to deterioration of the heat balance performance. Therefore, a large number of holes are provided in the bottom cover to ensure the heat balance performance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, among the holes (including gaps) other than the above opening in the swivel board, for holes where there is no component to be protected directly above and that contribute to exhaust air, a bottom cover may not be provided. However, when the backhoe is stored for a long time, there is a risk of problems caused by small animals entering the inside of the machine, particularly the engine room, through the holes and making nests or leaving feces. To prevent such problems, the inside of the machine must be cleaned before starting the engine, which poses a problem of increased work burden. On the other hand, if the holes are simply blocked with a bottom cover, the heat balance performance cannot be ensured.

[0005] This invention was made to solve the problems of the prior art, and aims to provide a work machine that can prevent the intrusion of small animals while ensuring heat balance performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A working machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a slewing base plate supported on a traveling device so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis, a cover member forming a space for housing equipment including a cooling fan for drawing in outside air on the upper part of the slewing base plate, and a lid plate having a mesh portion, wherein the lid plate is attached to the slewing base plate with the mesh portion positioned in the gap between a predetermined location on the periphery of the slewing base plate and the cover member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The above-mentioned work machine can prevent small animals from entering while ensuring heat balance performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view of the work machine in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view of the work machine in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic rear view of the work machine in the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic plan view of the slewing frame. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view of the rotating base plate and its surrounding components. [Figure 6] This is a schematic bottom view of the rotating base plate and its surrounding components. [Figure 7] This is a view of the rotating circuit board and its surrounding components from the lower left front, with the bottom cover and lid plate removed. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the cover plate. [Figure 9] This is a bottom view of the lid. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of a modified cover plate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the work implement 1 in the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the work implement 1 in the embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic rear view of the work implement 1 in the embodiment. In this embodiment, a backhoe, which is a slewing work implement, is exemplified as the work implement 1.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the work machine 1 comprises a machine body 2 (turntable 2A), a travel device 3, and a work device 4. The machine body 2 is equipped with a cabin 5. The cabin 5 is mounted on the left side and towards the front of the machine body 2. Inside the cabin 5 is a driver's seat 6 where the operator (driver) sits. The driver's seat 6 is surrounded by the cabin 5.

[0011] In the embodiments of the present invention, the front of the operator seated in the driver's seat 6 of the work machine 1 (direction of arrow Y1 in Figures 1 and 2) is described as the front, the rear of the operator (direction of arrow Y2 in Figures 1 and 2) is described as the rear, the left side of the operator (front side in Figure 1, direction of arrow X1 in Figures 2 and 3) is described as the left, and the right side of the operator (back side in Figure 1, direction of arrow X2 in Figures 2 and 3) is described as the right.

[0012] Furthermore, the horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction K1, will be described as the aircraft width direction K2 (see Figure 2). The direction from the center of the aircraft width direction toward the right or left side will be described as the aircraft outward direction. In other words, the aircraft outward direction is the direction in the aircraft width direction K2 that moves away from the center of the aircraft width direction. The direction opposite to the aircraft outward direction will be described as the aircraft inward direction. In other words, the aircraft inward direction is the direction in the aircraft width direction K2 that moves toward the center of the aircraft width direction.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the traveling device 3 has a traveling frame 9 and a traveling mechanism 10. The traveling mechanism 10 is constituted by a crawler-type traveling mechanism driven by a hydraulic motor. In this embodiment, the traveling device 3 is a crawler-type traveling device. The traveling mechanism 10 is provided on the left side and the right side of the traveling frame 9. A dozer device 7 is mounted on the front portion of the traveling device 3. The dozer device 7 can be raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the working device 4 is provided at the front portion of the machine body 2 and has a boom 15, an arm 16, and a bucket (working tool) 17. The base portion of the boom 15 is pivotally attached to a swing bracket 14 so as to be rotatable (swingable vertically) about a horizontal axis (axis extending in the machine body width direction K2). The swing bracket 14 is supported by a support bracket 18 provided at the front portion of the machine body 2 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis (axis extending in the vertical direction). The arm 16 is pivotally attached to the tip end side of the boom 15 so as to be rotatable (swingable forward and backward or vertically) about a horizontal axis. The bucket 17 is provided at the tip end side of the arm 16 so as to be capable of performing a squeeze operation and a dump operation. Instead of or in addition to the bucket 17, the working machine 1 can be equipped with other working tools (hydraulic attachments) that can be driven by a hydraulic actuator. Examples of such other working tools include a hydraulic breaker, a hydraulic crusher, an angle boom, an earth auger, a pallet fork, a sweeper, a mower, a snow blower, etc.

[0015] The swing bracket 14 swings about a vertical axis by the extension and contraction of a hydraulic cylinder. The boom 15 swings by the extension and contraction of a boom cylinder C3. The arm 16 swings by the extension and contraction of an arm cylinder C4. The bucket 17 performs a squeeze operation and a dump operation by the extension and contraction of a bucket cylinder (working tool cylinder) C 5. The boom cylinder C3, the arm cylinder C4, and the bucket cylinder C5 are constituted by hydraulic cylinders (hydraulic actuators).

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the machine body 2 is supported on the traveling frame 9 via a slewing bearing 8 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis (capable of slewing left and right). A weight 46 is provided at the rear of the machine body 2.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, a prime mover E1 is mounted at the rear of the machine body 2. The prime mover E1 is disposed on the rear side of the cab 5. The prime mover E1 is a diesel engine. Note that the prime mover E1 may be a gasoline engine, an LPG engine or an electric motor, or may be a hybrid type having an engine and an electric motor. That is, the working machine 1 may be an electric working machine (electric slewing working machine) driven by electric power or a hybrid type electric working machine.

[0018] On the left side of the prime mover E1, a hydraulic pump P1 and an exhaust gas purification device D1 are provided. The hydraulic pump P1 is driven by the power of the prime mover E1. This hydraulic pump P1 discharges hydraulic oil (pressure oil) for driving hydraulic actuators such as hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders equipped on the working machine 1. Also, the hydraulic pump P1 discharges pilot pressure for operating a hydraulic valve and pressure oil (pilot oil) for signals. Further, the hydraulic pump P1 is constituted by, for example, a plurality of pumps.

[0019] The exhaust gas purification device D1 is a device for purifying the exhaust gas discharged from the prime mover E1 and is, for example, a DPF (Diesel particulate filter).

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, a cooling fan F1 and a compressor G1 are provided on the right side of the prime mover E1. Therefore, the exhaust gas purification device D1 is disposed on the side of the prime mover E1 and on the side opposite to the cooling fan F1. The cooling fan F1 and the compressor G1 are driven by the power of the prime mover E1.

[0021] Cooling fan F1 is a suction-type fan that draws in air (outside air) from the right side of the aircraft body 2 and directs it toward the prime mover E1 and exhaust gas purification device D1, thereby cooling the prime mover E1 and exhaust gas purification device D1. The direction K3 of the arrow in Figures 2 and 3 indicates the direction of the cooling airflow from cooling fan F1. In Figure 2, the horizontal flow direction K31 of the cooling airflow from cooling fan F1 is shown. In Figure 3, the downward flow directions K32 and K33 from the horizontal flow direction K31 of the cooling airflow from cooling fan F1 are shown.

[0022] Compressor G1 is a device that forms part of the air conditioning system installed on work machine 1, and compresses the refrigerant (air conditioning gas) into a semi-liquid state.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, a radiator (first cooler) R1 and an oil cooler (second cooler) O1 are located to the right of the cooling fan F1. The oil cooler O1 is located in front of the radiator R1. Both the radiator R1 and the oil cooler O1 are positioned so that their core portions face the aircraft width direction K2 (the thickness direction of the core coincides with the aircraft width direction K2). In other words, the radiator R1 and the oil cooler O1 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. To put it another way, the radiator R1 and the oil cooler O1 are arranged in parallel front-to-back with respect to the aircraft width direction K2 (the direction of flow of the cooling air in the horizontal direction K31). The radiator R1 is a cooler (heat exchanger) that cools the coolant of the prime mover E1. The oil cooler O1 is a cooler that cools the hydraulic oil that returns to the hydraulic oil tank T2. The radiator R1 and the oil cooler O1 are cooled by the cooling air drawn in by the cooling fan F1.

[0024] To the right of the radiator R1 are the condenser G3 (third cooler) and receiver (cooling system equipment) G2, which are components of the air conditioning system's cooling system, and the fuel cooler (fourth cooler) N1. The condenser G3 is positioned opposite the radiator R1 to its right side. The fuel cooler N1 is positioned to the right of the rear of the condenser G3. Therefore, the condenser G3, radiator R1, and fuel cooler N1 (the multiple coolers) are arranged in series with respect to the aircraft's width direction K2 (the direction of the cooling airflow in the horizontal direction K31). The receiver G2 is positioned to the right of the front of the condenser G3 and in front of the fuel cooler N1.

[0025] The condenser G3 is a cooler that cools the refrigerant, which has been made semi-liquid by the compressor G1, to promote liquefaction. The receiver G2 is a device that separates the refrigerant that could not be liquefied by the condenser G3 from the liquefied refrigerant and removes moisture and impurities. The fuel cooler N1 is a cooler that cools the return fuel from the prime mover E1 before returning it to the fuel tank T1. The fuel tank T1 is a tank that stores fuel for the prime mover E1. The fuel tank T1 is mounted on the left front of the aircraft body 2.

[0026] The radiator R1, oil cooler O1, condenser G3, and fuel cooler N1 are collectively referred to as the cooler. Furthermore, the radiator R1, oil cooler O1, condenser G3, fuel cooler N1, and receiver G2 are also referred to as the cooling system unit U2.

[0027] In front of the cooling system equipment unit U2 are the hydraulic oil tank T2 and the control valve V1. The control valve V1 is mounted on the front side of the hydraulic oil tank T2. The hydraulic oil tank T2 is a tank that stores the hydraulic oil supplied to the hydraulic pump P1. The control valve V1 is a valve unit that aggregates the control valves that control each hydraulic actuator equipped on the work machine 1. In front of the control valve V1 and the hydraulic oil tank T2 is the battery BT1. The battery BT1 is a storage battery that supplies power to the electrical components equipped on the work machine 1.

[0028] To the left of the control valve V1 is the controller 24B. This controller 24B is an electronic control unit called the engine ECU, which controls the prime mover E1. For example, the controller 24B controls the rotational speed of the prime mover E1 by adjusting the fuel injection amount by controlling the operation of the supply pump and each injector. The controller 24B is configured using a microcomputer equipped with a CPU and EEPROM.

[0029] Furthermore, the work machine 1 is a controller that, together with the controller 24B described above, constitutes a control system and has an electronic control unit (controller) called the main ECU that controls the overall operation of the work machine 1 (controls the electrical equipment equipped on the work machine 1). This main ECU, for example, controls the flow rate of hydraulic fluid by controlling the solenoid valve installed in the hydraulic circuit, and controls the filter regeneration of the exhaust gas purification device D1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, an air conditioner unit 136 is installed below the driver's seat 6 inside the cabin 5. The air conditioner unit 136 constitutes the main body of the air conditioning system (air conditioner). The air conditioner unit 136 has a case and a blower, evaporator, etc. housed inside the case. The cooling system of the air conditioning system has a compressor G1, a receiver G2, and a condenser G3. The heating system of the air conditioning system utilizes the heat from the prime mover E1.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a weight 46 is provided at the rear of the aircraft body 2. The weight 46 is positioned at the lower rear of the prime mover E1 and covers the lower rear of the prime mover E1.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the work machine 1 is equipped with a swivel base plate 42 that forms the bottom of the machine body 2. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the work machine 1 is equipped with a cover member 20 on the upper part of the swivel base plate 42 that forms a space for housing equipment including a cooling fan F1. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cover member 20 has a side cover 21, a bonnet 22, a weight 46, and a swivel cover 51. That is, the weight 46 constitutes a part of the cover member 20.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the above-mentioned equipment includes at least a cooling fan F1, a prime mover E1, and a hydraulic pump P1. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the equipment further includes an exhaust gas purification device D1, a cooling fan F1, and a compressor G1, etc.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the prime mover E1, exhaust gas purification device D1, hydraulic pump P1, cooling fan F1, and compressor G1 are covered by the bonnet 22. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bonnet 22 is located at the rear of the machine body 2.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the battery BT1, control valve V1, hydraulic oil tank T2, controller 24B, radiator R1, oil cooler O1, receiver G2, and condenser G3 are covered by the side cover 21. The side cover 21 is a cover body that extends from the front to the rear of the right side of the aircraft body 2 and covers the top of the slewing frame 41, which will be described later. The side cover 21 is located on the side (right side) of the cabin 5.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the right side of the bonnet 22 is connected to the rear of the side cover 21. An opening is formed on the right side of the rear of the side cover 21 to allow air to enter the rear of the side cover 21 and the inside of the bonnet 22. The side cover 21 has a first cover member 26 and a second cover member 27.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the first cover member 26 has an outer wall portion 26A and an upper wall portion 26B. The first cover member 26 houses a battery BT1, a control valve V1, a hydraulic oil tank T2, a radiator R1, an oil cooler O1, a receiver G2, and a condenser G3.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the second cover member 27 is positioned between the first cover member 26 and the cabin 5. The controller 24B is housed inside the second cover member 27. The second cover member 27 has a peripheral wall portion 27a and a side wall portion 27b that covers the side facing the cabin 5. The second cover member 27 is in communication with the first cover member 26.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the aircraft body 2 has a slewing frame 41 that forms its skeleton. Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the slewing frame 41. As shown in Figure 4, the slewing frame 41 has a slewing base plate 42 that forms the bottom of the aircraft body 2, reinforcing ribs 43 that reinforce the slewing base plate 42, and support brackets 18. The slewing frame 41 also has brackets and stays for attaching equipment, tanks, and other parts mounted on the aircraft body 2.

[0040] The slewing base plate 42 is formed from a thick steel plate or the like. Brackets and stays equipped on the slewing frame 41 are fixed to the slewing base plate 42 by welding. This slewing base plate 42 is supported on the traveling device 3 via slewing bearings 8 so as to be rotatable around the vertical axis (slewing axis AX1) (see Figure 1). The rear end of the slewing base plate 42 is formed as a flat surface along the width direction K2 of the machine body. More specifically, the rear end of the slewing base plate 42 protrudes slightly further rearward on the central side in the width direction K2 of the machine body than on the left and right sides.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the reinforcing rib 43 is provided on the pivot base plate 42 from the front (one end) to the rear (other end). The reinforcing rib 43 is fixed to the pivot base plate 42 by welding. The reinforcing rib 43 includes a first rib 43L provided on the left side of the reinforcing rib 42 and a second rib 43R provided on the right side of the reinforcing rib 42.

[0042] The first rib 43L has a front rib 232L and a rear rib 233L. The front rib 232L is a sheet metal rib, and the rear rib 233L is a cast steel rib. The front rib 232L is erected vertically on the rotating base plate 42 (with the plate thickness direction aligned with the horizontal direction). The rear part of the front rib 232L and the front part of the rear rib 233L overlap in a side view and are fixed (connected) to each other by welding.

[0043] The second rib 43R has a front rib 232R and a rear rib (reinforcement member) 233R. The front rib 232R is a sheet metal rib, and the rear rib 233R is a cast steel rib. The front rib 232R is erected vertically on the rotating base plate 42. The rear part of the front rib 232R and the front part of the rear rib 233R overlap in a side view and are fixed (connected) to each other by welding. The rear end of the rear rib 233R is located behind the rear end of the rear rib 233L.

[0044] The support bracket 18 is fixed to the front of the pivot plate 42 by welding or the like and is connected to the front of the reinforcing rib 43 (the front of the front rib 232L and the front rib 232R).

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the swivel base plate 42 and its surrounding components. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the swivel base plate 42 has an opening 322 that penetrates vertically. The opening 322 is circular in shape, and a motor mounting portion 324 is provided around it. A swivel motor M1, which is a hydraulic motor, is attached to the motor mounting portion 324 (see Figure 4). The swivel motor M1 is a motor that rotates the machine body 2 around the swivel axis AX1.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a weight 46 is provided on the lower rear of the bonnet 22. This weight 46 covers the rear of the slewing frame 41. Slewing covers 51 (exterior members) are provided on the left, right, and front sides of the machine body 2. These slewing covers 51 cover the left, right, and front sides of the slewing frame 41. As shown in Figure 4, a weight mounting body 360 is provided on the rear of the slewing base plate 42 to which the weight 46 is attached and supported. The weight mounting body 360 is made of general structural rolled steel (SS material).

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, a partition plate 47 is provided along the width direction K2 of the machine body, near the rear of the center of the pivot base plate 42 in the front-rear direction K1. The partition plate 47 has a main partition plate 48 and a sub-partition plate 49. The main partition plate 48 extends in the width direction K2 of the machine body from the left side of the second rib 43R, across the first rib 43L, to the left end of the pivot base plate 42. The main partition plate 48 is fixed and erected on the pivot base plate 42 by welding. The sub-partition plate 49 is attached to the left side of the pivot base plate 42, overlapping the back of the main partition plate 48. The prime mover E1 is mounted behind the partition plate 47 on the pivot base plate 42.

[0048] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, inspection openings 31 (first opening) and 32 (second opening) are formed at the rear of the swivel base plate 42. Inspection openings 31 and 32 are composed of substantially rectangular edges formed through the swivel base plate 42. As shown in Figure 4, inspection openings 31 and 32 are formed at a location on the swivel base plate 42 behind the partition plate 47.

[0049] The inspection opening 31 discharges the cooling air after the prime mover E1 has been cooled. As shown in Figure 4, the inspection opening 31 is located behind the main partition plate 48 and between the first rib 43L and the second rib 43R. This is done. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a bottom cover 33 is positioned over the inspection opening 31. The bottom cover 33 is made of a metal plate such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel, and has numerous holes 34 arranged vertically and horizontally in a plan view. The holes 34 are, for example, elongated holes. Thus, the bottom cover 33 is a perforated plate. As shown in Figure 3, the inspection opening 31 is an opening for inspecting equipment (for example, the prime mover E1) located on the upper side of the rotating base plate 42. The prime mover E1 is located directly above the inspection opening 31.

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic bottom view of the slewing base plate 42 and its surrounding components. Figure 7 is a view of the slewing base plate 42 from the lower left front with the bottom cover 33 and cover plate 60 removed. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the bottom cover 33 is detachably attached to the underside of the slewing base plate 42 around the inspection opening 31. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, maintenance work on the prime mover E1 can be performed by removing the bottom cover 33 from the underside of the slewing base plate 42. In addition, the bottom cover 33 protects the internal prime mover E1 while providing exhaust and reducing noise to the surroundings.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the bottom cover 33 has multiple (for example, two) through holes 36 and notches 37 into which fastening components 35 for attachment to the swivel base plate 42 are inserted. The bottom cover 33 is temporarily secured by inserting the two notches 37 into the fastening components 35, which are partially inserted into the screw holes 42a of the swivel base plate 42 (i.e., the screw holes 42a corresponding to the notches 37 of the bottom cover 33). Then, the fastening components 35 are screwed into the screw holes 42b of the swivel base plate 42 (i.e., the screw holes 42b corresponding to the through holes 36 of the bottom cover 33), and the partially inserted fastening components 35 are also screwed in. This allows the bottom cover 33 to be suitably attached to the lower surface of the swivel base plate 42.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the inspection opening 32 discharges the cooling air after the prime mover E1 and hydraulic pump P1 have been cooled. As shown in Figure 4, the inspection opening 32 is formed to the left of the inspection opening 31 and to the left of the first rib 43L. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a cover plate 60 is placed over the inspection opening 32.

[0053] Figure 8 is a plan view of the cover plate 60. Figure 9 is a bottom view of the cover plate 60. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cover plate 60 has a covering portion 61 and a mesh portion 65. The covering portion 61 is provided in the areas of the cover plate 60 other than the mesh portion 65. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the covering portion 61 covers the inspection opening 32 when the cover plate 60 is attached to the rotating base plate 42. Numerous holes 62 are formed in the covering portion 61. The holes 62 are, for example, elongated holes. For example, the cover plate 60 is a metal plate material such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel. Multiple holes 62 are formed in the covering portion 61 of the cover plate 60 by punching holes using a mold.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the inspection opening 32 is an opening for inspecting equipment (e.g., a hydraulic pump P1) located on the upper side of the swivel base plate 42. The hydraulic pump P1 is located directly above the inspection opening 32. As shown in Figure 7, the cover plate 60 is detachably attached to the underside of the swivel base plate 42 around the inspection opening 32. Therefore, by removing the cover plate 60 from the underside of the swivel base plate 42, maintenance work on the hydraulic pump P1 can be performed.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, there is a gap GP between a predetermined location on the periphery of the swivel base plate 42 (for example, the left rear end LB) and the cover member 20. The gap GP is formed between the left rear end LB on the periphery of the swivel base plate 42 and the weight 46. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cover plate 60 is attached to the swivel base plate 42 with its mesh portion 65 positioned in the gap GP.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the air drawn into the containment space by the cooling fan F1 is directed to the cover part The airflow is guided downward along the inner surface of the material 20. For example, the cooling air from the cooling fan F1 travels in the direction of horizontal flow K31 and, upon hitting the inner surface of the cover member 20, proceeds downward along that inner surface in directions K32 and K33. This is because the gap GP and the inspection opening 32 are located on the side of the rotating base plate 42. As shown in Figure 3, the cooling air in the downward direction K32, which is closer to the inner surface of the cover member 20, has a larger airflow volume than the cooling air in the downward direction K33, which is further away. This difference in airflow volume is indicated by the difference in line width between the downward direction K32 and the downward direction K33. That is, the line width of the downward direction K32 in Figure 3 is thicker than the line width of the downward direction K33 in Figure 3.

[0057] The gap GP shown in Figure 7 is a gap formed where, as shown in Figure 3, the air drawn into the containment space by the cooling fan F1 is guided downward along the inner surface of the cover member 20. The cooling air in the downward direction K32, which has a large airflow, passes through the gap GP. For this reason, the mesh portion 65 is located in the gap GP, as shown in Figure 3, and airflow can be ensured as will be described later.

[0058] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cover plate 60 has a frame 68 in which an opening 67 is formed, and a mesh component 66 that is fixed to the frame 68 so as to cover the opening 67 and form a mesh portion 65 over the opening 67. The mesh component 66 is fixed to the frame 68 on the upper surface of the cover plate 60 (i.e., the surface facing the rotating substrate 42). As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the gap GP is, for example, roughly triangular in shape when the rotating substrate 42 is viewed from below. Therefore, the mesh portion 65 (opening 67 and mesh component 66) is shaped to match the shape of the gap GP (for example, roughly triangular).

[0059] The mesh component 66 is, for example, expanded metal 661. Expanded metal 661 is a product made by pressing and expanding a metal plate while making staggered cuts, and processing it into a diamond or hexagonal mesh. However, the mesh component 66 is not limited to expanded metal 661, and may also be woven wire mesh, crimped wire mesh, welded wire mesh (wire mesh), diamond wire mesh, hexagonal wire mesh, etc. Furthermore, the mesh component 66 may be made of a material other than metal, such as resin wire mesh or carbon mesh.

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, the mesh component 66 (e.g., expanded metal 661) is fixed to the upper surface of the cover plate 60 (i.e., the surface facing the swivel base plate 42) with its peripheral edge 66a positioned on the opening peripheral edge 68a of the frame 68. The peripheral edge 66a of the mesh component 66 (e.g., expanded metal 661) is covered with a filler material 69. The filler material 69 is, for example, a caulking agent. Caulking agents include types that harden through a chemical reaction and types that harden by drying. Even if the tip (edge) of the peripheral edge 66a of the expanded metal 661 is sharp, the tip is covered with the filler material 69. Therefore, when attaching the cover plate 60 to the swivel base plate 42, the worker is prevented from directly touching the tip (edge) of the peripheral edge 66a of the expanded metal 661.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, the mesh component 66 is provided on the upper surface of the cover plate 60. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, when viewing the lower surface of the cover plate 60, the peripheral edge 66a and filler material 69 of the mesh component 66 are not visible. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when the cover plate 60 is attached to the swivel base plate 42, the peripheral edge 66a and filler material 69 of the mesh component 66 are located on the swivel base plate 42 side. Therefore, human hands do not directly touch the tip (edge) of the peripheral edge 66a of the mesh component 66 (expanded metal 661). In addition, since the peripheral edge 66a and filler material 69 of the mesh component 66 are hidden and not visible, the aesthetic appearance of the cover plate 60 is not compromised.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when the cover plate 60 is attached to the rotating base plate 42, the filler material 69 is located outside the periphery of the rotating base plate 42 (more precisely, the left rear end LB). In other words, the filler material 69 is located within the gap GP. Therefore, the filler material 69 rotates It does not come into contact with the substrate 42. Therefore, the filler material 69 is not damaged by pressure contact with the rotating substrate 42.

[0063] The opening ratio of the mesh portion 65 is greater than that of the covering portion 61. The opening ratio of the mesh portion 65 is, for example, 80% or more, and in this embodiment, it is 90% or more. Therefore, the mesh portion 65 has excellent air exhaust properties.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, the mesh component 66 (e.g., expanded metal 661) is located near the above the running gear 3 (particularly the crawler-type running mechanism 10), so flying stones, mud, etc. from the running gear 3 may get onto it. However, the mesh component 66 can reduce the amount of flying stones, mud, etc. that enters it.

[0065] However, if the mesh component 66 is provided over the entire cover plate 60, the strength of the cover plate 60 may decrease. In this embodiment, the cover plate 60 is made of a metal plate, and the mesh component 66 is fixed to a part of the cover plate 60 (fixed to a metal frame 68). As a result, the cover plate 60 can ensure a strength above a predetermined level as a whole, and the mesh component 66, which has an opening ratio of 90% or more, provides particularly excellent airflow.

[0066] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cover plate 60 has multiple (e.g., 4) through holes 63 into which fastening components 71 (see Figure 7) for attachment to the swivel base plate 42 are inserted. At least one of the multiple (e.g., 4) through holes 63 is a dagger-shaped through hole 64. The dagger-shaped through hole 64 is a circular hole portion 64a that is larger than the head of the fastening component 71 and an elongated hole portion 64b that is larger than the threaded portion of the fastening component 71 and smaller than the head of the fastening component 71 are connected.

[0067] Here, we assume there is one "dagger hole" 64, but this is not limited to that. For example, some or all of the multiple (e.g., four) through holes 63 may be "dagger holes" 64.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the cover plate 60 has a plurality (e.g., 4) through holes 63 into which fastening components 71 for attachment to the swivel base plate 42 are inserted. The worker inserts the fastening component 71, which has been partially inserted into the screw hole 42c of the swivel base plate 42 (i.e., the screw hole 42c corresponding to the thumbhole 64 of the cover plate 60), into the thumbhole 64 of the cover plate 60. The worker then slides the cover plate 60 toward the center of the swivel base plate 42 in the machine width direction K2, thereby temporarily fastening (temporarily supporting) the cover plate 60. The worker then screws the fastening component 71 into the screw hole 42d of the swivel base plate 42 (i.e., the screw holes 42d corresponding to the remaining 3 through holes 63 of the cover plate 60), and also screws the fastening component 71 that has been partially inserted. This allows the cover plate 60 to be suitably attached to the lower surface of the swivel base plate 42.

[0069] <Variation> In the above-described embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the peripheral edge 66a of the mesh component 66 (e.g., expanded metal 661) is covered with filler material 69, but is not limited to this. In the modified example shown in Figure 10, the frame component 70 covers the peripheral edge 66a of the mesh component 66 (e.g., expanded metal 661). In the modified example, a configuration different from the above embodiment will be described, and the same configuration will not be described here.

[0070] Figure 10 is a plan view of a modified cover plate 60. As shown in Figure 10, the frame component 70 is a metal frame member (frame plate) shaped to correspond to the opening periphery 68a of the frame body 68. The frame component 70 also has an opening (an opening that is roughly the same size and shape as the opening 67) that corresponds to the opening 67 of the frame body 68. The frame component 70 has a thickness of several millimeters (for example, about 1 mm).

[0071] The mesh component 66 (for example, expanded metal 661) has its peripheral edge 66a sandwiched between the opening peripheral edge 68a of the frame body 68 and the frame component 70. The frame component 70 is then welded or bonded to the cover plate 60, thereby fixing the mesh component 66 and the frame component 70 to the cover plate 60. Alternatively, the mesh component 66 and the frame component 70 may be individually welded or bonded to the cover plate 60 for fixation.

[0072] Thus, even a modified cover plate 60, that is, a cover plate 60 having a frame component 70, can be suitably attached to the rotating substrate 42 in the same way as in the embodiment.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when the cover plate 60 is attached to the swivel base plate 42, the frame component 70 is located outside the periphery of the swivel base plate 42 (more precisely, the left rear end LB). In other words, the frame component 70 is located within the gap GP. Therefore, the frame component 70 does not come into contact with the swivel base plate 42. Thus, the frame component 70 is not damaged by pressure contact with the swivel base plate 42.

[0074] The main characteristic features and effects of the work machine 1 in the embodiments described above are as follows:

[0075] (Item A1) A work machine 1 comprising a rotating base plate 42 supported on a traveling device 3 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis, a cover member 20 that forms a space for housing equipment including a cooling fan F1 that draws in outside air on the upper part of the rotating base plate 42, and a lid plate 60 having a mesh portion 65, wherein the lid plate 60 is attached to the rotating base plate 42 with the mesh portion 65 positioned in the gap GP between a predetermined location on the periphery of the rotating base plate 42 and the cover member 20.

[0076] With this configuration, the mesh portion 65 of the lid plate 60 is located in the gap GP between the periphery of the rotating base plate 42 and the cover member 20, thus preventing small animals from entering through this gap GP. Furthermore, since the mesh portion 65 of the lid plate 60 has low airflow resistance, the air drawn into the containment space can be sufficiently exhausted from the mesh portion 65 of the lid plate 60, ensuring heat balance performance. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the entry of small animals while ensuring heat balance performance.

[0077] (Item A2) The work machine 1 according to Item A1, wherein the cover plate 60 is detachably attached to the lower side of the swivel base plate 42, the swivel base plate 42 has an inspection opening 32 for checking equipment located above the swivel base plate 42, and the cover plate 60 has a covering portion 61 that covers the inspection opening 32 when attached to the swivel base plate 42.

[0078] With this configuration, the cover plate 60 is detachable from the underside of the swivel base plate 42, so it can be removed from the swivel base plate 42 during inspection, allowing inspection work to be performed. Furthermore, by attaching the cover plate 60 to the swivel base plate 42 after the inspection is completed, the inspection opening 32 of the swivel base plate 42 can be covered.

[0079] (Item A3) The work machine 1 according to Item A2, wherein the cover plate 60 has the covering portion 61 in a location other than the mesh portion 65, and the covering portion 61 has a plurality of holes 62 formed therein.

[0080] With this configuration, since the covering portion 61 of the cover plate 60 has multiple holes 62 formed therein, it can be used as an exhaust port when the cover plate 60 is attached to the rotating base plate 42, and it can also prevent small animals from entering.

[0081] (Item A4) The work machine 1 according to item A2 or A3, wherein the mesh portion 65 is located in the gap GP formed at a location where the air drawn into the containment space by the cooling fan F1 is guided downward along the inner surface of the cover member 20.

[0082] In this configuration, the mesh portion 65 of the cover plate 60 is located in a gap GP formed at a point where air drawn into the containment space is guided downward along the inner surface of the cover member 20. Since the mesh portion 65 has low ventilation resistance, air can be exhausted to the outside through the mesh portion 65 while maintaining its downward flow.

[0083] (Item A5) The working machine 1 described in any one of items A2 to A4, wherein the opening ratio of the mesh portion 65 is greater than the opening ratio of the covering portion 61.

[0084] With this configuration, the opening ratio of the mesh portion 65 is larger than that of the covering portion 61, so the mesh portion 65 is located in areas where a large amount of air is guided downward along the inner surface of the cover member 20, allowing for efficient exhaust.

[0085] (Item A6) The work machine 1 according to any one of items A1 to A5, wherein the cover plate 60 has a frame 68 in which an opening 67 is formed, and a mesh part 66 fixed to the frame 68 so as to cover the opening 67 and thereby form the mesh part 65 in the opening 67.

[0086] In this configuration, the cover plate 60 has the function of closing the inspection opening 32 of the swivel base plate 42 and the function of closing the gap GP between the periphery of the swivel base plate 42 and the cover member 20. In other words, one cover plate 60 can close both the inspection opening 32 and the gap GP. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, and the installation of the cover plate 60 can be completed in one step, resulting in excellent workability.

[0087] (Item A7) The work machine 1 described in Item A6, wherein the mesh component 66 is expanded metal 661.

[0088] With this configuration, the mesh portion 65 is made of expanded metal 661 with low ventilation resistance, which is fixed to the opening 67 of the cover plate 60, so that sufficient exhaust can be performed and heat balance performance can be ensured.

[0089] (Item A8) The work machine 1 described in Item A7, wherein the expanded metal 661 is fixed to the cover plate 60 with its peripheral edge 66a positioned on the opening peripheral edge 68a of the frame 68, and the peripheral edge 66a is covered with filler material 69.

[0090] With this configuration, the peripheral edge 66a of the expanded metal 661 is covered with the filler material 69, which prevents the peripheral edge 66a of the expanded metal 661 from being exposed. In other words, direct contact with the peripheral edge 66a of the expanded metal 661 is prevented. For example, sharp edges on the peripheral edge 66a of the expanded metal 661 can be dulled.

[0091] (Item A9) The work machine 1 described in Item A7, wherein the expanded metal 661 is fixed to the cover plate 60 with its peripheral edge 66a positioned on the opening peripheral edge 68a of the frame 68, and the peripheral edge 66a is covered by the frame component 70.

[0092] With this configuration, the peripheral edge 66a of the expanded metal 661 is covered by the frame component 70, thus preventing the peripheral edge 66a of the expanded metal 661 from being exposed. In other words, direct contact with the peripheral edge 66a of the expanded metal 661 is prevented.

[0093] (Item A10) The work machine 1 according to any one of items A1 to A9, wherein the cover member 20 has a weight 46, and the gap GP is formed between the predetermined location on the periphery of the rotating base plate 42 and the weight 46.

[0094] With this configuration, the gap GP formed between the weight 46 constituting the cover member 20 and the periphery of the rotating base plate 42 can be sealed by the mesh portion 65 of the cover plate 60, preventing small animals from entering through the gap GP. In addition, since the mesh portion 65 of the cover plate 60 has low airflow resistance, the air drawn into the containment space can be sufficiently exhausted from the mesh portion 65 of the cover plate 60, ensuring heat balance performance.

[0095] (Item A11) The work machine 1 according to any one of items A1 to A10, wherein the cover plate 60 has a plurality of through holes 63 into which fastening components 71 for attachment to the rotating base plate 42 are inserted, and at least one of the plurality of through holes 63 is a dowel hole 64.

[0096] In this configuration, the cover plate 60 has multiple through holes 63 into which fastening components 71 for attachment to the swivel base plate 42 are inserted, and at least one of the multiple through holes 63 is a keyhole 64. Therefore, the cover plate 60 can be removed simply by loosening the fastening components 71 inserted into the keyhole 64, making the attachment and detachment work efficient. In addition, the cover plate 60 can be temporarily supported with the fastening components 71 inserted into the keyhole 64 loosened, making the attachment work with the fastening components 71 easier.

[0097] Although the present invention has been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Work machine 3. Traveling device 20 Cover component 32 Inspection opening 42 Rotating base 46 weights 60 Lid plate 61 Covering part 62 holes 63 Through hole 64 Daruma holes 65 Reticulated part 66 Mesh parts 67 Opening 68 Frame 66a Peripheral area 68a Periphery of the opening 69 Filling material 70 Frame parts 661 Expanded Metal 71 Fastening components F1 Cooling Fan GP gap

Claims

1. A rotating base plate is supported on the traveling device so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis, A cover member is provided on the upper part of the rotating base plate to form a space for housing equipment including a cooling fan that draws in outside air, A cover plate having a mesh portion, The cover plate is attached to the rotating base plate such that the mesh portion is positioned in the gap between the rotating base plate and the cover member at a predetermined location on the periphery of the rotating base plate.

2. The cover plate is detachably attached to the lower surface of the rotating substrate. The aforementioned rotating base plate has an inspection opening for checking equipment located on the upper side of the rotating base plate. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the cover plate has a covering portion that covers the inspection opening when attached to the rotating base plate.

3. The cover plate has the covering portion in a location other than the mesh portion, The work machine according to claim 2, wherein the covering portion has a plurality of holes formed therein.

4. The work machine according to claim 3, wherein the mesh portion is located in the gap formed at a location where the air drawn into the containment space by the cooling fan is guided downward along the inner surface of the cover member.

5. The work machine according to claim 4, wherein the opening ratio of the mesh portion is greater than the opening ratio of the covering portion.

6. The work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover plate comprises a frame in which an opening is formed, and a mesh component fixed to the frame so as to cover the opening, thereby forming the mesh portion in the opening.

7. The work machine according to claim 6, wherein the mesh component is expanded metal.

8. The expanded metal is fixed to the cover plate with its peripheral edge positioned at the opening periphery of the frame. The work machine according to claim 7, wherein the peripheral portion is covered with a filler material.

9. The expanded metal is fixed to the cover plate with its peripheral edge positioned at the opening periphery of the frame. The work machine according to claim 7, wherein the peripheral portion is covered with a frame component.

10. The cover member has a weight, The work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gap is formed between the predetermined location on the periphery of the rotating substrate and the weight.

11. The work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover plate has a plurality of through holes into which fastening components for attachment to the rotating base plate are inserted, and at least one of the plurality of through holes is a dome-shaped hole.

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