Work vehicles

Abstract

The present invention provides a work vehicle capable of improving work efficiency. [Solution] The present invention comprises a vehicle body, a traveling device that supports the vehicle body so that it can move, and a working device attached to the vehicle body, the working device having an arm extending outward from the side of the vehicle body and a working part attached to the arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work vehicle equipped with a work device having a work unit for performing a predetermined work.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as work vehicles equipped with a work device having a work unit for performing a predetermined work, agricultural tractors (see, for example, Patent Document 1) and front loaders (see, for example, Patent Document 2) are known. An agricultural tractor has a work device (so-called implement) connected to the front or rear of a vehicle body supported by a traveling device.

[0003] Thereby, the agricultural tractor causes the work unit of the work device to function while traveling, and the work device performs a predetermined work on an area in front of or behind the vehicle body. Also, a front loader includes an arm extending from the vehicle body to the front of the vehicle body, and a work device is attached to the tip of the arm. Thereby, the front loader causes the work unit of the work device to function while traveling, and the work device performs a predetermined work on an area in front of the vehicle body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in a conventional work vehicle, the range in which work is performed by the work device (work unit) is limited to an area in front of or behind the vehicle body. Therefore, in a conventional work vehicle, when performing work on a vast area (for example, a field, etc.), the distance traveled at that location becomes long. That is, in a conventional work vehicle, since the work area per unit travel distance is small, the work efficiency becomes low.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a work vehicle that can improve work efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention comprises a vehicle body, a traveling device that supports the vehicle body so that it can move, and a working device attached to the vehicle body, wherein the working device has an arm extending outward from the side of the vehicle body and a working part attached to the arm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, work efficiency can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a work vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of a first state in which the first work unit is positioned at the front of the vehicle body. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an overall perspective view of the work vehicle according to the same embodiment, and is a perspective view of the second state in which the first work unit is positioned at the rear of the vehicle body. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle body and running gear according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a low position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the vehicle body and running gear according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a low position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear view of the vehicle body and running gear according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a low position. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a right side view of the vehicle body and running gear according to the same embodiment, and is a right side view of the state in which the support frame is positioned at a low position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the vehicle body and running gear according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a high position. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front view of the vehicle body and running gear according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a high position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a rear view of the vehicle body and running gear according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a high position. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a right side view of the vehicle body and running gear according to the same embodiment, and is a right side view of the state in which the support frame is positioned at a high position. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the work apparatus according to the same embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic piping diagram of the work apparatus according to the same embodiment, and is a schematic piping diagram from the tank to the work section (first work section and second work section). [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the work apparatus according to the same embodiment, in which the tank is shown by dashed lines. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic front view showing the work apparatus according to the same embodiment temporarily placed on a dedicated stand. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a right side view of the work device according to the same embodiment, temporarily placed on a dedicated frame, and is a schematic right side view of the state in which the vehicle body is being moved into the dedicated frame (between the divided frames). [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic right side view showing the process of connecting (supporting) the work device to the body of the work vehicle according to the same embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic right side view of a work vehicle according to the same embodiment, and is a schematic right side view for illustrating the arrangement of the first work section (first state or second state). [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a front view of a work vehicle according to the same embodiment, showing the first work section and the second work section in the state of spraying the spraying liquid. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a right side view of the work vehicle according to the same embodiment, showing the first work section and the second work section each in a state of spraying liquid. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a process (operation of the work vehicle) when performing an operation of spraying a spraying liquid with the work vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic right side view of a work vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic right side view of a work vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic right side view of a work vehicle according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a schematic right side view of a work vehicle according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of a work vehicle according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic right side view of a work vehicle according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0011] The work vehicle of the present embodiment is capable of traveling. Accordingly, in the following description, the direction in which the work vehicle moves forward and backward will be referred to as the front-rear direction, and the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the vertical direction will be referred to as the lateral direction. Also, in the front-rear direction, the direction in which the work vehicle moves forward will be referred to as the front, and the direction in which the work vehicle moves backward will be referred to as the rear. Further, on one side of the lateral direction, the right side facing the direction in which the work vehicle moves forward will be referred to as the right, and on the other side of the lateral direction, the left side facing the direction in which the work vehicle moves forward will be referred to as the left.

[0012] The work vehicle is used in various operations such as operations related to agriculture, operations related to industry (civil engineering, construction, etc.), operations related to transportation, etc. In the present embodiment, as an example, a work vehicle used for an operation of spraying a spraying liquid (water, liquid fertilizer, agricultural chemicals, etc.) on a farm (crop) in agriculture will be described.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the work vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle body 2, travel devices 3a and 3b that support the vehicle body 2 so that it can move, and a work device 4 that is attached to the vehicle body 2.

[0014] As shown in Figures 3 to 10, the vehicle body 2 has a support frame 20 that supports the work device 4. In addition, in the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the vehicle body 2 has a lifting device 21 (see Figures 7 to 10) that raises and lowers the support frame 20. Figures 3 to 6 illustrate the state in which the support frame 20 is lowered to a low position, and Figures 7 to 10 illustrate the state in which the support frame 20 is raised to a high position.

[0015] The support frame 20 is positioned between the pair of traveling devices 3a and 3b. The upper surface of the support frame 20 is a mounting portion 200 for attaching the working device 4. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 200 is set in the rearward region (approximately half the region) of the upper surface of the support frame 20 in the front-rear direction (see Figures 3, 5-7, 9, and 10).

[0016] To be more specific, the support frame 20 includes a central frame 201 and a pair of side frames 202a and 202b positioned on both sides of the central frame 201 in the width direction (left and right).

[0017] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the central frame 201 is a structure that includes an upper frame 201a, which is rectangular in shape in plan view, a lower frame 201b, which is rectangular in shape in plan view and positioned below the upper frame 201a, and a plurality of connecting columns 201c that connect the upper frame 201a and the lower frame 201b. In this embodiment, a battery (not shown) and other equipment are arranged inside the central frame 201 (between the upper frame 201a and the lower frame 201b).

[0018] Specifically, the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a hydraulic actuator such as a lifting cylinder 210, which will be described later. Accordingly, the work vehicle 1 is equipped with a hydraulic oil tank (not shown) for storing hydraulic oil, a hydraulic pump (not shown) for sending the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic oil tank to the hydraulic actuator, an electric motor (not shown) that receives power from a battery and drives the hydraulic pump, and piping (not shown), and all or part of these devices are arranged within an area surrounded by the central frame 201.

[0019] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, and 9, the pair of side frames 202a and 202b are movable in the lateral direction. That is, each of the pair of side frames 202a and 202b is connected to the central frame 201 in a manner that allows for lateral movement. Specifically, the upper frame 201a and lower frame 201b of the central frame 201 are each connected to a rectangular tubular first connecting portion 201d that extends laterally, and each of the pair of side frames 202a and 202b is connected to a rectangular tubular second connecting portion 203a and 203b that extends laterally inward (towards the central frame 201) and is fitted laterally movably into the first connecting portion 201d.

[0020] As a result, the pair of side frames 202a and 202b are supported by the central frame 201 and are movable in the lateral direction.

[0021] Accordingly, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the vehicle body 2 is equipped with actuators 22a and 22b that move a pair of side frames 202a and 202b laterally. Specifically, the vehicle body 2 is equipped with a first actuator 22a that moves one of the side frames 202a on the left side (hereinafter referred to as the left side frame 202a) laterally, and a second actuator 22b that moves the other side frame 202b on the right side (hereinafter referred to as the right side frame 202b) laterally.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first actuator 22a and the second actuator 22b are hydraulic cylinders, each comprising a cylinder and a piston rod including a piston that is housed within the cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction. The first actuator 22a and the second actuator 22b are positioned with their extension / retraction direction (axial direction) lateral, and the cylinders are fixed to the central frame 201. The rod end of the piston rod of the first actuator 22a is connected to the left side frame 202a, and the rod end of the piston rod of the second actuator 22b is connected to the right side frame 202b.

[0023] As a result, at least one of the first actuator 22a and the second actuator 22b extends or retracts, causing at least one of the left frame 202a and the right frame 202b to move laterally.

[0024] As shown in Figure 7, the lifting device 21 includes a lifting cylinder 210 that extends and retracts in the vertical direction, and connects the traveling devices 3a, 3b and the support frame 20. The lifting device 21 also includes a guide device 211 that guides the support frame 20 in the vertical direction.

[0025] The lifting cylinder 210 is a hydraulic cylinder. In this embodiment, the cylinder end of the lifting cylinder 210 is connected to the support frame 20, and the rod end of the lifting cylinder 210 is connected to the traveling devices 3a, 3b (traveling frames 32a, 32b described later). Alternatively, the cylinder end of the lifting cylinder 210 may be connected to the traveling devices 3a, 3b (traveling frames 32a, 32b described later), and the rod end of the lifting cylinder 210 may be connected to the support frame 20.

[0026] In this embodiment, the lifting cylinders 210 are positioned upright, one on each of the left and right sides of the support frame 20. The left lifting cylinder 210 is connected to the left side frame 202a and the travel frame 32a (later described later) of the travel device 3a (left travel device 3a). In contrast, the right lifting cylinder 210 is connected to the right side frame 202b and the travel frame 32b (right travel frame 32b) of the travel device 3b (right travel device 3b).

[0027] The guide device 211 includes a first rail 211a extending in the vertical direction, which is fixed to either the running devices 3a, 3b or the support frame 20, and a second rail 211b extending in the vertical direction and movable in the vertical direction along the first rail 211a, which is fixed to the other of the running devices 3a, 3b or the support frame 20.

[0028] The guide devices 211 are arranged in multiple locations. Specifically, multiple guide devices 211 are provided between the left side frame 202a of the support frame 20 and the left travel frame 32a, spaced apart in the front-rear direction (three in this embodiment), and multiple guide devices 211 are provided between the right side frame 202b of the support frame 20 and the right travel frame 32b, spaced apart in the front-rear direction (three in this embodiment).

[0029] Guide device 211 provided between left side frame 202a and left travel frame 32a In this configuration, the first rail 211a is fixed to the left running frame 32a, and the second rail 211b is fixed to the left side frame 202a. In contrast, in the guide device 211 provided between the right side frame 202b and the right running frame 32b, the first rail 211a is fixed to the right running frame 32b, and the second rail 211b is fixed to the right side frame 202b.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 to 10, the running gear 3a and 3b include wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b that are rotatable around an axle extending in the vertical and perpendicular directions, and running frames 32a and 32b connected to the support frame 20, which support the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b. In this embodiment, the running gear 3a and 3b include front wheels 30a, 30b and rear wheels 31a, 31b arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction, and the front wheels 30a, 30b and rear wheels 31a, 31b are attached to the running frames 32a and 32b.

[0031] In this embodiment, the work vehicle 1 is equipped with a pair of running gears 3a and 3b. The pair of running gears 3a and 3b are arranged with a gap between them in the lateral direction. The pair of running gears 3a and 3b support both sides of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction. That is, the vehicle body 2 is positioned between the pair of running gears 3a and 3b. In the following description, the left running gear 3a will be referred to as the left running gear 3a, and the right running gear 3b will be referred to as the right running gear 3b. Also, the wheels 30a and 31a (front wheel 30a and rear wheel 31a) of the left running gear 3a will be referred to as the left wheels 30a and 31a (left front wheel 30a and left rear wheel 31a), and the running frame 32a of the left running gear 3a will be referred to as the left running frame 32a. Furthermore, the wheels 30b and 31b (front wheel 30b and rear wheel 31b) of the right running gear 3b will be referred to as the right wheels 30b and 31b (right front wheel 30b and right rear wheel 31b), and the running frame 32b of the right running gear 3b will be referred to as the right running frame 32b.

[0032] The left running frame 32a supports the left wheels 30a and 31a (left front wheel 30a and left rear wheel 31a). The right running frame 32b supports the right wheels 30b and 31b (right front wheel 30b and right rear wheel 31b). Both the left running frame 32a and the right running frame 32b extend in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the left front wheel 30a and the left rear wheel 31a are positioned below the left running frame 32a with a gap in the longitudinal direction. The right front wheel 30b and the right rear wheel 31b are positioned below the right running frame 32b with a gap in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the running gears 3a and 3b are equipped with drive units 33a, 34a, 33b, and 34b, which include drive sources 330a, 340a, 330b, and 340b for driving (rotating) the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b, respectively. A drive unit 33a, 34a, 33b, and 34b is provided for each wheel 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b (corresponding to the left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b, respectively). Accordingly, the drive units 33a and 34a corresponding to the left front wheel 30a and left rear wheel 31a are mounted on the left running frame 32a, and the drive units 33b and 34b corresponding to the right front wheel 30b and right rear wheel 31b are mounted on the right running frame 32b.

[0034] The drive sources 330a, 340a, 330b, and 340b of each drive unit 33a, 34a, 33b, and 34b generate power to rotate the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b. In this embodiment, the drive sources 330a, 340a, 330b, and 340b are electric motors that receive power from a battery. Note that the drive sources 330a, 340a, 330b, and 340b may be engines instead of electric motors.

[0035] More specifically, the drive units 33a, 34a, 33b, and 34b each comprise a drive source 330a, 340a, 330b, and 340b, and a transmission mechanism 331a, 341a, 331b, and 341b that transmits power from the drive sources 330a, 340a, 330b, and 340b to the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b. As shown in Figures 6 and 10, 4b is equipped with steering mechanisms 332a, 342a, 332b, and 342b that change the direction of the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b.

[0036] Figures 6 and 10 show the right side views of the vehicle body 2 and the running gear 3b. However, since the pair of running gears 3a and 3b have a symmetrical configuration, please refer to Figures 6 and 10 for the configuration of the left side (running gear 3a). Accordingly, the reference numerals for the configuration of the left running gear 3a that corresponds to the configuration shown in Figures 6 and 10 are enclosed in parentheses and listed alongside the reference numerals for the configuration shown in Figures 6 and 10.

[0037] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanisms 331a, 341a, 331b, and 341b are gear mechanisms including multiple gears, and transmit the drive (output) of the electric motors, which are the drive sources 330a, 340a, 330b, and 340b, to the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b.

[0038] In this embodiment, the steering mechanism 332a, 342a, 332b, 342b is a connecting body 333a, 343a, 333b, 343b that is rotatable around a vertical axis VL extending in the vertical direction, and includes a connecting body 333a, 343a, 333b, 343b that connects the travel frame 32a, 32b to the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, 31b, and actuators 334a, 344a, 334b, 344b that rotate the connecting body 333a, 343a, 333b, 343b around the vertical axis VL. In this embodiment, the actuators 334a, 344a, 334b, 344b are hydraulic cylinders. The rod ends of the hydraulic cylinders, which are actuators 334a, 344a, 334b, and 344b, are connected to brackets 335 that protrude from the outer circumference of the connecting bodies 333a, 343a, 333b, and 343b, and the cylinder ends of the hydraulic cylinders, which are actuators 334a, 344a, 334b, and 344b, are connected to the travel frames 32a and 32b.

[0039] As a result, in this embodiment, the steering mechanisms 332a, 342a, 332b, and 342b rotate the connecting bodies 333a, 343a, 333b, and 343b through the operation of actuators 334a, 344a, 334b, and 344b (extension and retraction of hydraulic cylinders), and consequently the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b also rotate around the vertical axis VL. In this embodiment, the steering mechanisms 332a, 342a, 332b, and 342b are configured to allow the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b, which are in a straight-ahead position, to rotate 180° in both the forward and reverse (left and right) directions around the vertical axis VL. In other words, the steering mechanisms 332a, 342a, 332b, and 342b are configured to allow the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b to rotate 360° around the vertical axis VL, based on the state in which the axles of the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b are extended in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] The drive units 33a, 34a, 33b, and 34b are provided for each wheel 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b (the left front wheel 30a, the left rear wheel 31a, the right front wheel 30b, and the right rear wheel 31b, respectively). Therefore, in this embodiment, each of the four wheels of the work vehicle 1 (left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b) is driven independently, and each of the four wheels (left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b) rotates independently around the vertical axis VL.

[0041] As a result, in this embodiment, the work vehicle 1 can travel in the forward and backward direction (forward or backward) when the left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b are all in a forward position (with the axle extended laterally), and the vehicle body 2 can travel laterally when each of the four wheels—left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b—is rotated 90° to either the left or right side. Furthermore, as described above, since each of the four wheels—left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b—rotates independently around the vertical axis VL, it is also possible to travel in directions corresponding to the combination of orientations of the left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b.

[0042] The vehicle body 2 (support frame 20) can be raised and lowered by the extension and retraction of the lifting cylinder 210, and its position can be changed between a low position and a high position. In this embodiment, when the support frame 20 is in the low position, the upper end (mounting portion 200) of the support frame 20 and the upper ends of the travel frames 32a and 32b are roughly aligned side by side, and when the support frame 20 is in the high position, the upper end (mounting portion 200) of the support frame 20 is positioned above the upper ends of the travel frames 32a and 32b.

[0043] Accordingly, in the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2 is in a high position, the upper end of the support frame 20 lifts and supports the work device 4. In this embodiment, the upper ends of the pair of side frames 202a and 202b that constitute the support frame 20 and the upper end of the central frame 201 (the upper surface of the upper frame 201a) constitute the mounting portion 200 and support the work device 4. As will be described in detail later, in the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment, by raising and lowering the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2, the work device 4 is connected to the vehicle body 2 and the connection between the vehicle body 2 and the work device 4 is released.Therefore, in the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2 is in a high position, the work device 4 is activated and work can be performed.

[0044] In this embodiment, as described above, the pair of side frames 202a and 202b are configured to be movable in the lateral direction, so the lateral width of the support frame 20 is variable. Furthermore, as described above, since the running frames 32a and 32b that support the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b (left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b) are connected to each of the pair of side frames 202a and 202b, the lateral distance (tread width) between the left and right wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b (left wheels 30a, 31a, right wheels 30b, 31b) is changed when the first actuator 22a and the second actuator 22b (actuators 22a and 22b) move the pair of side frames 202a and 202b in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the working device 4 is connected to the support frame 20 in the state where the lateral distance between the pair of side frames 202a and 202b is minimized (the state with the minimum tread width). In other words, the working device 4 in this embodiment is connected to and supported by the vehicle body 2 in the state with the minimum tread width.

[0045] The work vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a control device that controls driving and the raising and lowering of the support frame 20. In this embodiment, the control device is mounted on the vehicle body 2 because it controls driving and other functions via communication (remote operation) or performs so-called automatic driving control, which controls driving and other functions based on pre-set information.

[0046] As described above, the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment can be switched between a state in which the work device 4 is connected to the vehicle body 2 and a state in which it is disconnected. This makes the work device 4 detachable from the vehicle body 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the work device 4 of this embodiment includes a work unit 40 that performs predetermined work (hereinafter referred to as the first work unit 40), and a repositioning device 41 that changes the position of the first work unit 40 between a first state (see Figure 1) in which the first work unit 40 is located on one side (front) of the vehicle body 2 in a first direction (front-rear direction in this embodiment) and a second state (see Figure 2) in which the first work unit 40 is located on the other side (rear) opposite to the first side (front-rear direction) of the vehicle body 2.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the work device 4 has an arm 42 extending outward from the side of the vehicle body 2, and a work section 43 attached to the arm 42. As will be described in detail later, the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment has, in addition to the arm 42, an arm 410 extending in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction of the repositioning device 41. Accordingly, in the following description... For convenience, the arm 410 of the repositioning device 41 will be referred to as the first arm 410, and the arm 42 extending outward from the side of the vehicle body 2 will be referred to as the second arm 42.

[0048] The predetermined tasks performed by the first work unit 40 are agricultural tasks, specifically, spraying spray solution and raking. In this embodiment, the predetermined task performed by the first work unit 40 is spraying spray solution. In other words, the first work unit 40 in this embodiment is a spraying device that sprays spray solution. That is, the first work unit 40 is a spraying device that sprays spray solution onto a field. Accordingly, the work device 4 is equipped with a tank 44 for storing spray solution to be supplied to the spraying device. The work device 4 also includes a pump P that supplies the spray solution stored in the tank 44 to the spraying device, and a motor M that drives the pump P (see Figure 12).

[0049] More specifically, the first working unit 40 is a spraying device that sprays a spray solution onto an area (field) in front of the vehicle body 2 or an area (field) behind the vehicle body 2. The first working unit 40 includes a pipe extending laterally (hereinafter referred to as the first pipe 400) and a nozzle 401 (hereinafter referred to as the first nozzle 401) attached to the first pipe 400 that sprays (mists) the spray solution flowing through the first pipe 400.

[0050] As described above, the first work unit 40 can be changed between a first state where it is located on the front side of the vehicle body 2 and a second state where it is located on the rear side of the vehicle body 2 by the repositioning device 41. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the first work unit 40 can be switched between a first state where it is located on the front side of the vehicle body 2 and a second state where it is located on the rear side of the vehicle body 2 by traveling along an arc-shaped trajectory centered on an axis extending in the lateral direction. As a result, the part of the first work unit 40 that faces downward in the first state and the part that faces downward in the second state are inverted vertically. Accordingly, the work device 4 of this embodiment includes, as the first work unit 40 (spraying device), a first spraying device 40a that sprays the spraying liquid downward in the first state and a second spraying device 40b that sprays the spraying liquid downward in the second state.

[0051] The first spraying device 40a and the second spraying device 40b have a common configuration, and in the first state, the first spraying device 40a is positioned below the second spraying device 40b, and in the second state, the second spraying device 40b is positioned below the first spraying device 40a. In other words, the first spraying device 40a and the second spraying device 40b are arranged in parallel so that their vertical orientation is reversed between the first and second states.

[0052] Specifically, the first spraying device 40a and the second spraying device 40b each include a first pipe 400 and a first nozzle 401, with both first pipes 400 extending laterally. In the first state, the first pipe 400 of the first spraying device 40a is located below (directly below) the first pipe 400 of the second spraying device 40b, and in the second state, the first pipe 400 of the second spraying device 40b is located below (directly below) the first pipe 400 of the first spraying device 40a. Based on this arrangement, the first nozzle 401 is attached to the portion of the outer surface of the first pipe 400 of the first spraying device 40a that faces downward when in the first state. Similarly, the first nozzle 401 is attached to the portion of the outer surface of the first pipe 400 of the second spraying device 40b that faces downward when in the second state.

[0053] As a result, when the first spraying device 40a is in the first state, it sprays (mists) the spray liquid onto the area in front of the vehicle body 2 (field and crops) by discharging the spray liquid from the first nozzle 401, and when the second spraying device 40b is in the second state, it sprays (mists) the spray liquid onto the area behind the vehicle body 2 (field and crops) by discharging the spray liquid from the first nozzle 401.

[0054] The first piping 400 of the first spraying device 40a and the second spraying device 40b is made of metal. Various types of pipes can be used, including steel pipes and resin pipes. Specifically, for the first pipe 400, steel pipes (carbon steel pipes for piping, galvanized steel pipes for water piping, carbon steel pipes for pressure piping), stainless steel pipes (stainless steel pipes for general piping, stainless steel sanitary pipes, stainless steel pipes for piping), polyvinyl chloride lined steel pipes (rigid polyvinyl chloride lined steel pipes for water supply, rigid polyvinyl chloride lined steel pipes for water supply, heat-resistant rigid polyvinyl chloride lined steel pipes for water supply), rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (impact-resistant rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes, rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes), copper pipes (copper pipes for piping, coated copper pipes), cast iron pipes (cast iron pipes, ductile cast iron pipes), polyethylene pipes (polyethylene pipes for general use, polyethylene pipes for water supply, double-layer polyethylene pipes for water supply), etc. can be used.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first pipe 400 is made of resin (for example, polyethylene pipe for water supply) in order to reduce weight.

[0056] The first pipes 400 of the first spraying device 40a and the second spraying device 40b are connected to connecting hoses 45a and 45b which lead to a tank 44 (described later) (see Figure 12), and the spray liquid stored in the tank 44 is supplied. In this embodiment, since the first spraying device 40a and the second spraying device 40b perform spraying at different timings (states), independent connecting hoses 45a and 45b are connected to the first pipes 400 of the first spraying device 40a and the first pipes 400 of the second spraying device 40b, respectively.

[0057] The first nozzle 401 is designed to produce a discharge or spray pattern according to the purpose of spraying the liquid (watering, fertilization with liquid fertilizer, or pesticide application). Each of the first spraying device 40a and the second spraying device 40b is equipped with multiple first nozzles 401. The multiple first nozzles 401 are arranged with gaps between them in the lateral direction.

[0058] The repositioning device 41 switches between a first state and a second state by passing the first work section 40 from one side of the vehicle body 2 to the other side or from the other side of the vehicle body 2 to the one side. That is, the repositioning device 41 switches between a first state and a second state by passing the first work section 40 over the vehicle body 2. The repositioning device 41 is rotatable about an axis extending in the lateral direction (second direction) perpendicular to the vertical and longitudinal directions (first direction), and includes a first arm 410 extending from the center of rotation in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction (second direction). More specifically, the repositioning device 41 includes a first arm 410 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and has a base end and a tip end in the direction of extension; a support mechanism 411 that supports the base end side of the first arm 410 and supports the first arm 410 so that it can rotate around an axis extending in the lateral direction; and a work section support 412 that is connected to the tip end of the first arm 410 and supports the first work section 40.

[0059] In the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the repositioning device 41 includes a pair of first arms 410, 410 arranged at a laterally spaced interval. The support mechanism 411 supports the first arms 410 so as to be rotatable around an axis extending laterally. As described above, since the repositioning device 41 of this embodiment includes a pair of first arms 410, 410, the support mechanism 411 is arranged corresponding to each of the pair of first arms 410, 410, as shown in Figure 11. That is, the repositioning device 41 includes a pair of support mechanisms 411, 411 that support each of the pair of first arms 410, 410. The pair of support mechanisms 411, 411 are arranged at a laterally spaced interval corresponding to the interval between the pair of first arms 410, 410. The pair of support mechanisms 411, 411 are connected to a frame body 5, which will be described later.

[0060] Each of the pair of support mechanisms 411, 411 includes a base plate 411a connected to the frame body 5, and a rotating body 411b connected to the base plate 411a so as to be rotatable around a laterally extending axis, the rotating body 411b to which the first arm 410 is fixed.

[0061] In this embodiment, the rotating body 411b is connected to the base plate 411 via the bearing 411c It is connected to a. More specifically, the support mechanism 411 includes a base plate 411a, a donut-shaped flange 411d fixed to the base plate 411a, a bearing 411c having an inner ring and an outer ring, the bearing 411c having an outer ring fitted into the flange 411d, and a rotating body 411b having a shaft portion fitted into the inner ring of the bearing 411c.

[0062] In this embodiment, the bearing 411c is attached to the flange 411d, but a flange-type bearing in which the bearing 411c and flange 411d are integrated may be used, and this flange-type bearing may be fixed to the base plate 411a. In this embodiment, the base plate 411a is provided with a relief hole to prevent interference with the shaft portion of the rotating body 411b.

[0063] The rotating body 411b has a large-diameter portion connected to the shaft, and the first arm 410 is fixed to the side surface (the surface facing outward in the lateral direction) of this large-diameter portion.

[0064] The pair of support mechanisms 411, 411 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane VS that extends vertically and longitudinally along a centerline that passes through the lateral center of the vehicle body 2 and extends longitudinally. In each of the pair of support mechanisms 411, 411, the base plate 411a, flange 411d (bearing 411c), and rotating body 411b are arranged in that order from the inside to the outside in the lateral direction, and the first arm 410 is fixed to the outer surface (side surface facing outward in the lateral direction) of the rotating body 411b (large diameter portion). The first arm 410 may be fixed to the rotating body 411b by welding or by fixing with a metal fitting. In this embodiment, the first arm 410 is fixed to the rotating body 411b by a metal fitting.

[0065] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, the work section support 412 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame and is positioned across a pair of first arms 410, 410. More specifically, the work section support 412 includes a pair of first members 412a, 412a connected to the respective ends of the pair of first arms 410, 410, the pair of first members 412a, 412a extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first arms 410 extend, and a pair of second members 412b, 412b extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first arms 410 and the first members 412a, 412a extend (lateral direction), the pair of second members 412b, 412b connecting the pair of first members 412a, 412a.

[0066] Of the pair of second members 412b, 412b, one second member 412b connects one end of the pair of first members 412a, 412a, and the other second member 412b connects the other ends of the pair of first members 412a, 412a. Of the pair of second members 412b, 412b, the first piping 400 of the first spraying device 40a is attached to one second member 412b, and the first piping 400 of the second spraying device 40b is attached to the other second member 412b. In this embodiment, the first piping 400 of the first spraying device 40a and the second spraying device 40b are fixed to the second members 412b, 412b by fastening fittings (not shown).

[0067] In this embodiment, in both the first and second states, the lengths of the pair of first members 412a, 412a (length from the connection position of the first arm 410 to its longitudinal end) are set so that the first work unit 40 (first spraying device 40a, second spraying device 40b) is at the same or approximately the same height as the second work unit 43.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the repositioning device 41 includes a reversing mechanism 413 that rotates the first arm 410, supported by the support mechanism 411, around a laterally extending axis, and an actuator 414 that drives the reversing mechanism 413. The reversing mechanism 413 and the actuator 414 are provided in correspondence to at least one of the pair of support mechanisms 411, 411. However, in this embodiment, the reversing mechanism 413 and the actuator 414 are provided in correspondence with each of the pair of support mechanisms 411, 411.

[0069] In this embodiment, the actuator 414 is equipped with a motor (electric motor), and the reversing mechanism 413 is configured to transmit the output of the motor 414 to the rotating body 411b. In this embodiment, the motor 414 is fixed to the base plate 411a via a bracket 415.

[0070] In this embodiment, the reversing mechanism 413 consists of an output sprocket 413a attached to the output shaft of the motor 414, an input sprocket 413b that inputs (transmits) rotational force to the rotating body 411b, and a chain 413c stretched between the output sprocket 413a and the input sprocket 413b. In this embodiment, the input sprocket 413b is integrated with the rotating body 411b. That is, the input sprocket 413b also serves as the rotating body 411b. The actuators (motors) 414, 414, each provided in correspondence with the pair of support mechanisms 411, 411, are driven in synchronous motion. As a result, the pair of first arms 410, 410 rotate around the axial direction extending laterally (the rotation center of the bearing 411c), and can be switched between a first state in which the first working section 40 is located in front of the vehicle body 2 and a second state in which the first working section 40 is located behind the vehicle body 2.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second arm 42 is positioned so as to overlap with the vehicle body 2 between its front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction, when viewed from a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2. Accordingly, the second work section 43 supported by the second arm 42 is also positioned so as to overlap with the vehicle body 2 between its front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction, when viewed from a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2.

[0072] In this embodiment, since the working device 4 is supported (connected) to the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2, the second arm 42 is positioned so as to overlap the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2 (between the front and rear ends, corresponding to the position between the front wheels 30a, 30b and the rear wheels 31a, 31b) from a lateral perspective.

[0073] The work device 4 of this embodiment has a pair of second arms 42. The pair of second arms 42, 42 are arranged on both sides of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction. Accordingly, a second work section 43 is attached to each of the pair of second arms 42, 42.

[0074] The work device 4 of this embodiment has a pair of second arms 42, and a connecting portion 50 is located on the upper side of the vehicle body 2 to connect the pair of second arms 42, 42.

[0075] In this embodiment, the pair of second arms 42, 42 are positioned on both the left and right sides of the support frame 20 when the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2 is in a high position. That is, the pair of second arms 42, 42 are positioned so as to overlap each other when viewed from the side, and in the working state, they are positioned so as to overlap the support frame 20 when viewed from the side.

[0076] In this embodiment, each of the pair of second arms 42, 42 has a truss structure, and its height in the vertical direction decreases as it moves from the vehicle body 2 side toward the tip.

[0077] Specifically, the second arm 42 includes a lower arm member 420 extending horizontally (perpendicular to a vertical line extending vertically), an upper arm member 421 located above the lower arm member 420 and approaching the lower arm member 420 as it moves from the vehicle body 2 side towards the tip, and the lower arm member 420 It includes a plurality of inclined members 422a, 422b that connect the upper arm member 421 to the upper arm member 421.

[0078] Multiple inclined members 422a and 422b are arranged in a horizontal direction, with their inclination directions relative to the lower arm member 420 alternating. Specifically, the multiple inclined members 422a and 422b include an inclined member 422a (referred to as the first inclined member 422a) that is inclined downward toward the vehicle body 2, and an inclined member 422b (referred to as the second inclined member 422b) that is inclined downward toward the outward side, with the first inclined member 422a and the second inclined member 422b being arranged alternately.

[0079] The second arm 42 is a metal structure. That is, the lower arm member 420, the upper arm member 421, and the inclined members 422a and 422b are all made of metal. Specifically, the second arm 42 (lower arm member 420, upper arm member 421, inclined members 422a and 422b) is made of steel, light steel frame, structural steel, or light structural steel.

[0080] The connecting section 50 is positioned on the vehicle body 2 (support frame 20). The connecting section 50 is made of metal, in line with the second arm 42 (lower arm member 420, upper arm member 421, and inclined members 422a, 422b) which are made of metal. In this embodiment, the connecting section 50 includes a rectangular frame section 500 when viewed from the front, as shown in Figure 13. Specifically, the connecting section 50 includes a pair of horizontal beam sections 501, 501 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a pair of support columns 502, 502 that connect the ends of the pair of horizontal beam sections. The pair of support columns 502, 502 are set to be longer than the spacing between the pair of horizontal beam sections 501, 501 and extend downward beyond the lower horizontal beam section 501. In this embodiment, the pair of second arms 42, 42 are connected to the pair of support columns 502, 502. The length of the pair of support columns 502, 502 is set according to the arrangement (mounting height) of the pair of second arms 42, 42.

[0081] Below the connecting section 50 of this embodiment, a short support column (not numbered) and a short beam (not numbered) are provided. The short support column is connected to the lower side of the horizontal beam section 501 and extends downward, while the short beam extends laterally and connects the lower end of the support column section 502 to the lower end of the short support column. The short support column and short beam are arranged on both sides of the tank support section 51 in the lateral direction, which will be described later. As a result, a frame section is formed by a part of the horizontal beam section 501, the short support column, the short beam, and a part of the support column section 502, thereby increasing the rigidity of the connecting section 50. Although not shown in the illustration here, the connecting section 50 has braces or the like to reinforce the frame section 500, etc.

[0082] One of the support columns 502 of the connecting section 50 is connected to one (left) second arm 42, and the other (right) second arm 42 is connected to the other support column 502 of the connecting section 50. In this embodiment, the base plates 411a, 411a that constitute the support mechanism 411 are also connected to the connecting section 50.

[0083] Specifically, the pair of base plates 411a, 411a are connected to each of the pair of support columns 502, 502 and extend from the connecting portion 50 toward the rear in the front-rear direction. As a result, the pair of first arms 410, 410 are supported by the connecting portion 50 via the rotating body 411b, bearing 411c, and base plate 411a. In this embodiment, the pair of first arms 410, 410 are located on the lateral outer side of the tank 44 (the pair of first tank sections 440, 440, which will be described later). That is, the lateral width of the connecting portion 50 corresponds to the lateral width of the tank 44, and the base plate 411a is positioned to face the side of the tank 44 (the side facing lateral).

[0084] In this embodiment, the work device 4 includes a frame body 5 that integrally supports a pair of second arms 42, 42 and a tank 44. The frame body 5 includes a connecting portion 50 that connects the pair of second arms 42, 42, and a tank support portion 51 that is connected to the connecting portion 50 and supports the tank 44. As described above, a pair of base plates 411a, 411a are connected to the connecting portion 50. Therefore, the frame body 5 of this embodiment also supports the pair of first arms 410, 410.

[0085] As described above, the connecting section 50 has a frame section 500, and the tank support section 51 is connected to one of the lower horizontal beam sections 501 that constitutes the frame section 500. The tank support section 51 includes a plurality of vertical members 511a, 511a, 511b, 511b that are connected to one of the horizontal beam sections 501 and extend in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of vertical members 511a, 511a, 511b, 511b that are spaced apart in the lateral direction, and a connecting beam 512 that is positioned across the plurality of vertical members 511a, 511a, 511b, 511b and connects the plurality of vertical members 511a, 511a, 511b, 511b.

[0086] In this embodiment, there are four vertical members 511a, 511a, 511b, 511b, of which two vertical members 511a, 511a (referred to as connecting vertical members 511a, 511a) are positioned to face the upper end (mounting portion 200) of the vehicle body 2 (support frame 20). In this embodiment, the two connecting vertical members 511a, 511a are positioned so as to be placed on both lateral ends of the upper frame 201a of the support frame 20. In addition, of the four vertical members 511a, 511a, 511b, 511b, the two vertical members 511b, 511b other than the connecting vertical members 511a, 511a (referred to as temporary placement vertical members 511b, 511b) are positioned to correspond to a dedicated stand 6 for temporarily placing the work device 4. In this embodiment, the two temporary vertical support members 511b, 511b are positioned with the two connecting vertical support members 511a, 511a in between.

[0087] The second work unit 43 provides functions tailored to the application in the area below the second arm 42 (the lower side area of ​​the vehicle body 2). Specifically, the second work unit 43 includes a watering device for spraying water in the area below the second arm 42, a spraying device for applying pesticides or fertilizers to the area below the second arm 42, and a rake for collecting fallen leaves and cut leaves in the area below the second arm 42.

[0088] Accordingly, the second work unit 43 is supported by the second arm 42. That is, the second work unit 43 is positioned below the second arm 42 and supported by the second arm 42 so that it can perform a predetermined operation (function) in the area below the second arm 42.

[0089] In this embodiment, the second work unit 43 is a spraying device that sprays a spraying liquid, similar to the first work unit 40. Accordingly, the work device 4 has a tank 44 for storing the spraying liquid. The second work unit 43 is supported by the second arm 42 and includes a pipe (hereinafter referred to as the second pipe 430) for circulating the spraying liquid from the tank 44, and a nozzle 431 (hereinafter referred to as the second nozzle 431) attached to the second pipe 430, which is capable of spraying the spraying liquid stored in the tank 44. In this embodiment, the second work unit 43 is attached to each of the pair of second arms 42, 42.

[0090] Various materials can be used for the second piping 430, including metal pipes and resin pipes. Specifically, the second piping 430 can use steel pipes (carbon steel pipes for piping, galvanized steel pipes for water piping, carbon steel pipes for pressure piping), stainless steel pipes (stainless steel pipes for general piping, stainless steel sanitary pipes, stainless steel pipes for piping), polyvinyl chloride lined steel pipes (rigid polyvinyl chloride lined steel pipes for water supply, rigid polyvinyl chloride lined steel pipes for water supply, heat-resistant rigid polyvinyl chloride lined steel pipes for water supply), rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (impact-resistant rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes, rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes), copper pipes (copper pipes for piping, coated copper pipes), cast iron pipes (cast iron pipes, ductile cast iron pipes), polyethylene pipes (polyethylene pipes for general use, polyethylene pipes for water supply, double-layer polyethylene pipes for water supply), etc.

[0091] In this embodiment, in the second piping 430 of the second work section 43, resin piping (for example, polyethylene pipe for water supply) is used to reduce weight.

[0092] The second pipe 430 of the second work section 43 is positioned along the lower surface of the second arm 42 (lower arm member 420) and is fixed (supported) to the second arm 42 (lower arm member 420) via fastening fittings (not shown) that are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the second arm 42 (lower arm member 420).

[0093] As a result, the second arm 42 is positioned along a virtual line extending laterally through the central position of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction or near the central position, and the second piping 430 of the second work unit 43 is also positioned along a virtual line extending laterally through the central position of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction or near the central position. Connecting hoses 45c and 45d that lead to the tank 44 are connected to the second piping 430 of the second work unit 43 (see Figure 12), and the spray liquid stored in the tank 44 is supplied.

[0094] As shown in Figure 11, the tank 44 includes a pair of first tank sections 440, 440 arranged with a gap between them in the lateral direction, a pair of first tank sections 440, 440 each capable of storing spray liquid, and a tank connecting section 441 that connects the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 on the upper side of the vehicle body 2.

[0095] In this embodiment, the tank connecting section 441 is a second tank section 441 capable of storing spray liquid. The pair of first tank sections 440, 440 and the second tank section 441 are interconnected internally. That is, the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 and the second tank section 441 are integrally formed, and their internal spaces are connected without partitions. The tank 44 may be made of resin molding or sheet metal.

[0096] The second tank section 441 is placed on the tank support section 51 (a plurality of vertical members 511a, 511a, 511b, 511b) of the frame body 5. That is, the second tank section 441 is configured to be positioned on the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2 via the tank support section 51. Accordingly, the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 on both sides of the second tank section 441 are formed to extend downward from both sides of the second tank section 441 and be positioned on both the left and right sides of the support frame 20. That is, the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 are positioned so as to overlap with the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2 when viewed from the side.

[0097] More specifically, the height of each of the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 is set to be longer than the height of the second tank section 441. The upper ends of the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 and the upper end of the second tank section 441 are positioned at the same height. As a result, the lower ends of the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 are positioned so that they overlap with the support frame 20, which is raised and at a higher position, when viewed from the side. Consequently, the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 are positioned above the pair of traveling devices 3a, 3b (see Figure 1). More specifically, in a plan view (viewed from above), the first tank sections 440, 440 overlap with the traveling devices 3a, 3b.

[0098] As shown in Figure 12, pump P supplies the spray liquid stored in tank 44 to the first pipe 400 or the second pipe 430 via connecting hoses 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d. Pump P can be a positive displacement pump (such as a piston pump, plunger pump, or other reciprocating pump, or a gear pump or screw pump) that mechanically sucks up and sends out the spray liquid from tank 44, a non-positive displacement pump (such as a centrifugal pump, turbine pump, or propeller pump, or an axial flow pump or mixed flow pump), or a pressurized pump that pressurizes the inside of tank 44 and supplies the spray liquid to the connecting hoses 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d by pressurizing.

[0099] In this embodiment, a general-purpose gear pump is used for the pump P. The pump P has an inlet and a discharge port. A primary pipe P1, which draws up the spray liquid from the tank 44, is connected to the inlet, and a secondary pipe P2, which is connected to connecting hoses 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d, is connected to the discharge port. In this embodiment, the primary pipe P1 branches into multiple (two in this embodiment) branches upstream of the inlet and is arranged in each of the pair of first tank sections 440, 440. This causes variations in the remaining amount of spray liquid in the pair of first tank sections 440, 440, so that even if the spray liquid in one of the first tank sections 440 runs out, spray liquid can be drawn up from the other first tank section 440.

[0100] The pump P and motor M are supported by the connecting section 50 while housed in a housing case 55. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the housing case 55 is positioned on the front side of the connecting section 50 in the front-rear direction. That is, since the tank 44 is positioned on the rear side of the connecting section 50 in the front-rear direction, the housing case 55 is positioned on the front side in the front-rear direction opposite to the tank 44. The motor M is connected to a battery on the vehicle body 2 side via a power line while the work device 4 is connected to the vehicle body 2, and receives power from the battery.

[0101] As shown in Figure 12, the secondary piping P2 branches into multiple branches downstream of the discharge port, and each of the branched secondary piping P2 is connected to a switching valve V1, V2, V3, V4 that can be switched between an ON state that allows the spray liquid to flow and an OFF state that blocks the flow of the spray liquid. In other words, the work device 4 is equipped with multiple switching valves V1, V2, V3, V4.

[0102] In this embodiment, the work device 4 includes a switching valve V1 (hereinafter referred to as the first switching valve V1) connected to a connecting hose 45a connected to the first pipe 400 of the first spraying device 40a, a switching valve V2 (hereinafter referred to as the second switching valve V2) connected to a connecting hose 45b connected to the first pipe 400 of the second spraying device 40b, a switching valve V3 (hereinafter referred to as the third switching valve V3) connected to a connecting hose 45c connected to the second pipe 430 of the spraying device which is one of the second work sections 43, and a switching valve V4 (hereinafter referred to as the fourth switching valve V4) connected to a connecting hose 45d connected to the second pipe 430 of the spraying device which is the other second work section 43.

[0103] As a result, the supply and cessation of spray liquid to the pair of spraying devices, which consist of the first spraying device 40a, the second spraying device 40b, and the pair of second working units 43, 43, can be switched separately and independently. In this embodiment, the first switching valve V1, the second switching valve V2, the third switching valve V3, and the fourth switching valve V4 are solenoid valves that are switched between an ON state and an OFF state in response to a signal from a control device mounted on the vehicle body 2.

[0104] In other words, the work device 4 has a signal line that can be connected to the control device of the vehicle body 2 and exchanges signals with the control device of the vehicle body 2, and a power line that can be connected to the battery of the vehicle body 2 and transmits power from the battery of the vehicle body 2. The signal line is connected to an electric device equipped on the work device 4 that performs signal input and output (in this embodiment, the solenoids of the switching valves V1, V2, V3, and V4). The power line is connected to an electric actuator equipped on the work device 4 (in this embodiment, the electric motor M that drives the pump P), etc. As a result, the work device 4, while connected to the vehicle body 2, receives power from the battery of the vehicle body 2 and is controlled by the control device of the vehicle body 2.

[0105] To explain in more detail, as described above, when the first working unit 40 is in the first state, the first spraying device 40a sprays the spray solution onto the field, and when the first working unit 40 is in the second state, the second spraying device 40b sprays the spray solution onto the field. Accordingly, when the first working unit 40 is in the first state, the first switching valve V1 is turned ON, while the second switching valve V2 is turned OFF. In contrast, when the first working unit 40 is in the second state, the first switching valve V1 While the first valve is turned OFF, the second switching valve V2 is turned ON.

[0106] Regarding the pair of spraying devices, which are a pair of second working units 43, 43, depending on the state (situation) of spraying the liquid, there are cases where the liquid is sprayed simultaneously, and cases where only one of the spraying devices sprays the liquid. Therefore, the third switching valve V3 and the fourth switching valve V4 may both be in the ON state, or one may be in the ON state and the other in the OFF state. In this embodiment, the state in which both the third switching valve V3 and the fourth switching valve V4 are in the ON state is considered the standard state.

[0107] As described above, the work device 4 is detachable from the vehicle body 2, and when removed from the vehicle body 2, it is supported and temporarily placed on a dedicated frame 6, as shown in Figure 14. The dedicated frame 6 includes a pair of divided frames 60, 60 arranged at a distance from each other in the lateral direction, and is configured so that the vehicle body 2 can enter (in this embodiment, enter by reversing) between the pair of divided frames 60, 60.

[0108] The pair of divided frames 60, 60 are equipped with support sections 600 for supporting the work device 4. The support sections 600 are configured to accommodate the temporary vertical support members 511b, 511b of the frame body 5. That is, each of the pair of divided frames 60, 60 has a support section 600, and the support section 600 of each divided frame 60, 60 is configured to accommodate the temporary vertical support members 511b, 511b. The support sections 600 are provided such that, when supporting the work device 4, the lower surface of the frame body 5 (temporary vertical support members 511b, 511b) is positioned lower than the upper end (mounting section 200) of the support frame 20 at a higher position, and higher than the upper end (mounting section 200) of the support frame 20 at a lower position.

[0109] As a result, as shown in Figure 15, the vehicle body 2 enters between the pair of divided frames 60, 60 with the support frame 20 in a low position. Then, as shown in Figure 16, with the mounting portion 200 of the vehicle body 2 (support frame 20) positioned below the second tank portion 441 (tank support portion 51) of the tank 44, the support frame 20 is raised to a high position. As a result, the work device 4 is lifted from the support portion 600 of the dedicated frame 6 (pair of divided frames 60, 60) by the support frame 20 and connected to the vehicle body 2.

[0110] When the vehicle body 2 enters between the pair of divided frames 60, 60, the support frame 20 is in a low position and does not interfere with the work device 4. However, if the vehicle body 2 attempts to enter between the pair of divided frames 60, 60 while the support frame 20 is in a high position due to a malfunction or the like, the vehicle body 2 (support frame 20) may come into contact with (interfere with) the first work section 40.

[0111] Based on this, in this embodiment, when the work device 4 is supported by the dedicated frame 6 (temporarily placed), the first arm 410 is set to stand upright and ready to go. When the vehicle body 2 and the work device 4 become one, the work vehicle 1 (vehicle body 2) can be moved outward (forward) from between the pair of divided frames 60, 60. When the vehicle body 2 has moved out from the dedicated frame 6 (between the pair of divided frames 60, 60), the first arm 410 is tilted (rotated) to set the first work section 40 to the first or second state, as shown in Figure 17.

[0112] Then, the work vehicle 1 moves to the field to be worked on, either remotely or automatically, and performs spraying work on the field (crops) while driving within the field. At this time, first, the first work unit 40 is set to the first state, the pump P is driven, and the first switching valve V1, the third switching valve V3, and the fourth switching valve V4 are set to the ON state, and the vehicle body 2 is driven forward (towards the front in the front-rear direction). At this time, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the spray liquid is sprayed in the area in front of the vehicle body 2 by the first work unit 40, and the spray liquid is sprayed in the areas on both sides of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction by the pair of second work units 43, 43 (spraying devices).

[0113] Specifically, as shown in Figure 20, the work vehicle 1 moves forward from one end of field FA to the other while spraying the spray solution over a wide area in the lateral direction, using the first work unit 40 (first spraying device 40a) in the first state and a pair of second work units 43, 43. When it reaches the other end of field FA, the first switching valve V1, the third switching valve V3, and the fourth switching valve V4 are turned OFF. The steering device of the work vehicle 1 is then activated, and the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, 31b (left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b) rotate 90° around the vertical axis VL. In this state, the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, 31b are driven, causing the work vehicle 1 to move to one side in the lateral direction (to the left in the figure). The amount of movement on one side in the lateral direction (the left side in the illustration) is equivalent to the distance between the tips of the pair of second arms 42, 42 in the lateral direction. That is, the work vehicle 1 equipped with the work device 4 moves by the entire width of the work vehicle 1 in the lateral direction, and is positioned in an area adjacent to the area to which the spray liquid was applied by the previous movement.

[0114] Then, when the work vehicle 1 moves laterally by a predetermined amount (amount of movement corresponding to its total lateral width) at the other end of the field FA, the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, 31b (left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b) are returned to their original positions. That is, the steering device directs the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, 31b (left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b) in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, in this state, power is supplied to the actuator (electric motor 414) that operates the reversing mechanism 413. As a result, the first arm 410 rotates around its laterally extending axis, and the first work unit 40 reverses. This results in the second state where the first work unit 40 is positioned behind the vehicle body 2.

[0115] Then, the second switching valve V2, the third switching valve V3, and the fourth switching valve V4 are turned ON, and the vehicle body 2 (work vehicle 1) moves backward from one end of the field FA to the other end. As a result, the first working unit 40 (second spraying device 40b) sprays the spray liquid on the area behind the vehicle body 2, and the pair of second working units 43, 43 spray the spray liquid on both sides of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction.

[0116] Then, upon reaching one end of field FA, the second switching valve V2, the third switching valve V3, and the fourth switching valve V4 are turned OFF. The steering device of the work vehicle 1 is then activated, and the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b (left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b) rotate 90° around the vertical axis VL. In this state, the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b are driven, causing the work vehicle 1 to move a predetermined amount to one side in the lateral direction (to the left in the diagram) at one end of field FA. This amount of movement to one side in the lateral direction (to the left in the diagram) is equivalent to the total width of the work vehicle 1 in the lateral direction. That is, the work vehicle 1 equipped with the work device 4 moves by the total width of the work vehicle 1 in the lateral direction, and is positioned in an area adjacent to the area to which the spray liquid was applied by the previous movement.

[0117] As described above, when the work vehicle 1 moves a predetermined amount laterally, the steering device activates, returning the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b (left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b) to their original positions. In other words, the steering device directs the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b (left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b) in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, in this state, power is supplied to the actuator (electric motor 414) that operates the reversing mechanism 413. As a result, the first arm 410 rotates around its laterally extending axis, and the first work unit 40 reverses. This results in the first state where the first work unit 40 is positioned in front of the vehicle body 2.

[0118] Then, the first switching valve V1, the third switching valve V3, and the fourth switching valve V4 are turned ON, and the vehicle body 2 (work vehicle 1) moves forward from one end of the field FA to the other. Similar to the previous case, the spray solution is applied to areas adjacent to the area where the spray solution was applied by the previous movement. In this way, by repeatedly moving the work vehicle 1 forward, sideways, backward, sideways, forward, sideways, and backward, and spraying the spray solution during the forward and backward movements, the spray solution can be applied to the vast field FA without any omissions, and the efficiency of the spraying work is improved.

[0119] In the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the second work unit 43 (spraying device) attached to a pair of second arms 42 extending outward from the side of the vehicle body 2 performs work (spraying liquid) in an area exceeding the width of the vehicle body 2. Therefore, during the movement of the work vehicle 1 (forward or inbound journey), work can be performed over a wide area, and the work efficiency is greatly improved.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the work vehicle 1 can switch between a first state and a second state by passing the first work section 40 over the vehicle body 2. Therefore, the arrangement of the first work section 40 can be changed without rotating the work vehicle 1, and the first work section 40 can be positioned at the furthest point in the direction of travel of the work vehicle 1. In other words, even if there is no space to rotate the work vehicle 1, the first work section 40 can be positioned at the optimal location.

[0121] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0122] For example, in the above embodiment, a work vehicle 1 (working device 4) that performs work (spraying work) on a field FA was described as an example, but it is not limited to this. That is, the work vehicle 1 is not limited to agricultural use, but may also be used for construction or civil engineering work such as watering or land leveling.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the first work section 40 and the second work section 43 are each a spraying device including piping (first piping 400, second piping 430) and nozzles 401, 431 (first nozzle 401, second nozzle 431) attached to the piping (first piping 400, second piping 430), but are not limited to this. For example, the first work section 40 and the second work section 43 may be a grass cutting device for mowing grass, a rake for gathering dead trees, dead leaves, cut leaves, etc. on the ground, a soil-discarding plate for pushing soil on the ground, a ground leveling plate for leveling the ground, etc.

[0124] In the above embodiment, assuming the inclusion of a first work section 40, the arrangement changing device 41 is configured such that the first work section 40 is attached to the tip of a first arm 410 that rotates around a laterally extending axis, and the rotation of the first arm 410 causes the first work section 40 to move along an arc-shaped trajectory, thereby changing between a first state and a second state. However, the device is not limited to this configuration.

[0125] For example, assuming that a first work section 40 is provided, the repositioning device 41 may include a rail positioned above the vehicle body 2, extending from the front to the rear of the vehicle body 2, and a slider movable along the rail, to which the first work section 40 is attached. In this way, by moving the slider along the rail, the first work section 40 attached to the slider moves above the vehicle body 2, a first state is achieved by positioning the slider in front of the vehicle body 2, and a second state is achieved by positioning the slider in rear of the vehicle body 2.

[0126] In this case, the first work unit 40 does not invert vertically between the first and second states. For example, if it is a spraying device as in the above embodiment, it is sufficient to have only one of the first spraying device 40a or the second spraying device 40b in the above embodiment. That is, it is sufficient to have a single spraying device in which the nozzle 401 is positioned to spray the spray liquid downwards. In this case, the slider may be moved manually, or the arrangement change device 41 may slide The Ida may be equipped with a moving device that moves it along a rail.

[0127] In the above embodiment, assuming that the first work unit 40 and the repositioning device 41 are provided, the work vehicle 1 is moved either forward or backward, and when the work vehicle 1 reaches the edge of the field FA, the work vehicle 1 is moved laterally, the first work unit 40 is reversed, and the work vehicle 1 is moved either forward or backward, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0128] Assuming that the system includes a first work unit 40 and a repositioning device 41, for example, while the first work unit 40 is performing its work (or, in the case of a spraying device, while spraying the spray solution), the work vehicle 1 may be moved forward or backward until it reaches the edge of the field FA. After the work vehicle 1 reaches the edge of the field FA, the work unit 40 is moved laterally (to the left or right) with the work unit 40 stopped. Then, while the first work unit 40 is performing its work (or, in the case of a spraying device, while spraying the spray solution), the work vehicle 1 may be moved forward or backward for a predetermined distance (at least the total length of the work vehicle 1 in the front-to-back direction). After that, with the first work unit 40 performing its work or stopped, the work vehicle 1 may be moved forward or backward to return to the edge of the field FA. In this state, the first work unit 40 may be reversed, and while the first work unit 40 is performing its work (or, in the case of a spraying device, while spraying the spray solution), the work vehicle 1 may be moved forward or backward. In this way, the arrangement of the first work unit 40 does not result in any areas that are not worked on (areas that are not sprayed with the spray solution), and the entire field FA can be worked on (sprayed with the spray solution).

[0129] In the above embodiment, the support frame 20 is directly raised and lowered by the lifting cylinder 210 of the lifting device 21, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the lifting device 21 may be a pantograph-type jack mechanism or various other mechanisms such as rack and pinion. In this case, the drive source will of course be an actuator such as a motor or cylinder, depending on the mechanism of the lifting device 21.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the first working section 40 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which it is positioned in front of the vehicle body 2 and a second state in which it is positioned behind the vehicle body 2 by rotating the first arm 410 around a laterally extending axis, but the embodiment is not limited to this. That is, if the second arm 42 and the second working section 43 are essential requirements, for example, as shown in Figure 21, the first working section 40 may be maintained in a state in front of or behind the vehicle body 2 (in the figure, in front). In this case, the first working section 40 does not need to be inverted upside down, so it can be a single unit.

[0131] In the above embodiment, assuming that the system includes a first work section 40 and a repositioning device 41 including a support mechanism 411 and a reversing mechanism 413, a work section support 412 is connected to the tip of the first arm 410, and the first work section 40 is switched between a first state in which it is positioned in front of the vehicle body 2 and a second state in which it is positioned behind the vehicle body 2, such that in both cases the height of the first work section 40 matches or substantially matches the height of the second work section 43. However, the system is not limited to this.

[0132] Assuming that the system includes a repositioning device 41 comprising a first work section 40, a support mechanism 411, and a reversal mechanism 413 (where the first work section 40 is inverted vertically between the first and second states), for example, as shown in Figure 22, a pair of first work sections 40, 40 (40a, 40b) may be directly attached to the tip of the first arm 410. Also, even when the first work section 40 does not switch between the first and second states (where it is not inverted vertically), a single first work section 40 may be directly attached to the tip of the first arm 410, as shown in Figure 23.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the first state is a state in which the first work unit 40 is positioned in front of the vehicle body 2, and the second state is a state in which the first work unit 40 is positioned in rear of the vehicle body 2, but the first work Assuming that the system includes a section 40 and a repositioning device 41, the system is not limited to these provisions. For example, in this case, the first state may be a state in which the first work section 40 is positioned on one side of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction (either the left or the right side), and the second state may be a state in which the first work section 40 is positioned on the other side of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction (either the left or the right side). In this case, since it is assumed that the first work section 40 is positioned on the side of the vehicle body 2, the second work section 43 and the second arm 42 may or may not be provided, taking into consideration their relationship to the positioning of the first work section 40.

[0134] In the above embodiment, a pair of first work sections 40 are provided, assuming that the arrangement change device 41 includes a first work section 40, a support mechanism 411, and a reversal mechanism 413 (assuming that the first work section 40 is inverted vertically between the first and second states), but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0135] Assuming that the system includes a first work section 40, a support mechanism 411, and a reversal mechanism 413, and that the first work section 40 is inverted vertically between the first and second states, for example, as shown in Figure 24, a single first work section 40 may be attached to the first arm 410 in a state that allows it to rotate around a laterally extending axis. In this way, depending on the arrangement of the first work section 40, the first work section 40 can be rotated (forward or reverse) around a laterally extending axis to face downwards, enabling work to be performed downwards.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the second arm 42 is configured to be maintained in a fixed position extending laterally, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Figure 25, a hinge may be provided on the base end side (vehicle body 2 side) of the second arm 42, making the second arm 42 rotatable (foldable) around the hinge, so that when not performing work, the second arm 42 can be positioned to extend forward or backward in the front-rear direction (rearward in Figure 25).

[0137] In the above embodiment, the work device 4 is detachably attached to the vehicle body 2, but is not limited to this. For example, the work device 4 may be fixed (non-detachable) to the vehicle body 2.

[0138] In the above embodiment, each of the pair of arms was a truss structure, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the pair of arms may be a rigid frame structure, or may be made of a single material (e.g., steel, light steel frame, structural steel, light structural steel, etc.).

[0139] In the above embodiment, the second work unit 43 is a spraying device, and the second piping 430 constituting the second work unit 43 is supported on each of the pair of second arms 42, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second arms 42 may be made of rigid steel pipes or the like, and the second arms 42 may also serve as the second piping 430.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the steering mechanisms 332a, 342a, 332b, and 342b of the running gears 3a and 3b are configured to allow the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b in a straight-ahead position to rotate 360° around the vertical axis VL (180° each in the forward and reverse directions (left and right)), but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a motor (electric motor) may be used as an actuator to rotate the connecting bodies 333a, 343a, 333b, 343b of the steering mechanisms 332a, 342a, 332b, 342b around a vertical axis VL. By transmitting the rotation (drive) of the motor to the connecting bodies 333a, 343a, 333b, 343b, the connecting bodies 333a, 343a, 333b, 343b may be rotated by 360° or more (more than one full rotation) around the vertical axis VL, causing the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, 31b to rotate by 360° or more around the vertical axis VL. Alternatively, omni-wheels or Mecanum wheels may be used for each of the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, 31b to enable travel in all directions (at least straight and lateral movement).

[0141] In the above embodiment, both the first work section 40 and the second work section 43 (second arm 42) However, if the first work section 40 is a mandatory requirement, it is not necessary to provide the second work section 43 (second arm 42), and if the second arm 42 and the second work section 43 are mandatory requirements, it is not necessary to provide the first work section 40. However, if the first work section 40 is a mandatory requirement, it goes without saying that the first work section 40 must be provided with a configuration change device 41 that passes over the vehicle body 2 and switches between the first state and the second state.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the second arm 42 is positioned so as to overlap with the vehicle body 2 between its front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction (in the above embodiment, the front wheels 30a, 30b and the rear wheels 31a, 31b) when viewed from a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2. However, in this case, as shown in Figure 26, the second arm 42 may be positioned so as to overlap with the vehicle body 2 between its front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction when viewed from a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2, and also overlap with the central position of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction (preferably the central region between the front wheels 30a, 30b and the rear wheels 31a, 31b).

[0143] In this way, by positioning the second arm 42 so as to overlap with the central position of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction (the central area between the front wheels 30a, 30b and the rear wheels 31a, 31b), the second work section 43 supported by the second arm 42 is also positioned so as to overlap with the central position of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction (the central area between the front wheels 30a, 30b and the rear wheels 31a, 31b), thus enabling good weight balance in the longitudinal direction.

[0144] Thus, when arranging the second arm 42, if the positions of the connecting portion 50 (frame portion 500) and the second arm 42 differ in the front-rear direction, the connecting portion 50 includes the frame portion 500 and a frame 503 extending in the front-rear direction (forward in the figure) from the support column portion 502 of the frame portion 500, and the second arm 42 can be connected to the frame 503. In this case as well, by setting the length of the support column portion 502 to an appropriate length, the vertical arrangement of the frame 503 is determined, and accordingly, the height of the second arm 42 (i.e., the second work portion 43 supported by the second arm 42) is also determined.

[0145] The above embodiments are as described above, and the present invention (preferred embodiments thereof) provides a work vehicle 1 as described in the following items.

[0146] (Item 1-1) A work vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle body 2, a traveling device 3a, 3b that supports the vehicle body 2 so as to be able to move, and a work device 4 attached to the vehicle body 2, wherein the work device 4 has an arm 42 extending outward from the side of the vehicle body 2 and a work section 43 attached to the arm 42.

[0147] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 1-1, the work device 4 has an arm 42 (second arm 42 in the above embodiment) extending outward from the side of the vehicle body 2, and a work section 43 (second work section 43 in the above embodiment) attached to the arm 42. Therefore, the work section 43 performs predetermined work on the side of the vehicle body 2. That is, by positioning the work section 43 within a range corresponding to the length of the arm 42, work can be performed over a wide area on the side of the vehicle body 2. Thus, the work vehicle 1 of item 1-1 can improve work efficiency.

[0148] (Item 1-2) The work vehicle 1 according to item 1-1, wherein the arm 42 is positioned such that, when viewed from a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle body 2, it overlaps with the vehicle body 2 between the front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2, and overlaps with the central position of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2.

[0149] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 1-2, the arm 42 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction. From this perspective, the arm 42 and the work unit 43 supported by the arm 42 are positioned so as to overlap with the vehicle body 2 between its front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction, and also overlap with the vehicle body 2's center in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the load of the arm 42 and the work unit 43 supported by the arm 42 acts on the center of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction. This ensures that the weight balance is maintained when the work device 4 is connected to the vehicle body 2, allowing for stable driving even when the work device 4 is in operation while the vehicle is in motion. Furthermore, as described above, work can naturally be performed on the sides of the vehicle body 2 as well.

[0150] (Item 1-3) The work device 4 has a pair of arms 42, and the pair of arms 42 are arranged on both sides of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction, as described in item 1-2.

[0151] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 1-3, the arms 42 that support the work section 43 are positioned on both sides of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction, resulting in good lateral weight balance and enabling operation over a wide area, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0152] (Items 1-4) The work device 4 is a work vehicle 1 according to item 1-3, having a connecting portion 50 that connects the pair of arms 42 and is located on the upper side of the vehicle body 2.

[0153] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 1-4, a pair of arms 42 are connected to a coupling part 50 located on the upper side of the vehicle body 2, resulting in better lateral weight balance and improved driving stability.

[0154] (Items 1-5) The work vehicle 1 according to items 1-1 to 1-3, wherein the work device 4 has a tank 44 for storing spray liquid, and the work section 43 is supported by the arm 42 and includes piping for circulating the spray liquid from the tank 44, and a nozzle 431 attached to the piping that can spray the spray liquid stored in the tank 44.

[0155] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 1-5, the spray liquid can be sprayed over a wide area. That is, the spray liquid can be sprayed over an area that exceeds the lateral width of the vehicle body 2.

[0156] (Items 1-6) The arm 42 is positioned along a virtual line extending laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions, passing through the central position of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction or near the central position, as described in any one of items 1-1 to 1-5.

[0157] In the work vehicle 1 of item 1-6, the arm 42 is positioned along a virtual line extending laterally through the central position in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2 or near the central position, thus achieving a balanced weight distribution in the longitudinal direction.

[0158] (Items 1-7) The work vehicle 1 according to item 1-5 or item 1-6, wherein the tank 44 is arranged at a distance from each other in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle body 2, and each first tank section 440, 440 capable of storing the spray liquid, and a tank connecting section 441 that connects the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 on the upper side of the vehicle body 2.

[0159] The tank 44 of the work vehicle 1 in item 1-7 includes a pair of first tank sections 440, 440 and a tank connecting section 441 that connects the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 on the upper side of the vehicle body 2. Therefore, when the spray liquid is stored in the pair of first tank sections 440, 440, the weight in the lateral direction It is possible to achieve a balance in quantity.

[0160] (Items 1-8) The tank connecting section 441 is a second tank section 441 capable of storing the spray liquid, and the first tank section and the second tank section 441 are in communication internally, as described in item 1-7 of the work vehicle 1.

[0161] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 1-8, the tank connecting section 441 that connects the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 is made into a second tank section 441 that is internally connected to the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 and capable of storing spray liquid, thus increasing the total amount of spray liquid that can be stored in the tank 44. Furthermore, even if the tank connecting section 441 between the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 is made into a second tank section 441, it is possible to maintain a balanced weight distribution.

[0162] (Items 1-9) The work device 4 is a work vehicle 1 described in any one of items 1-1 to 1-8, which is detachable from the vehicle body 2.

[0163] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 1-9, since the work device 4 is detachable from the vehicle body 2, it is possible to replace the work device 4 with the same or different type of work device 4 on the vehicle body 2.

[0164] (Items 1-10) The vehicle body 2 comprises a support frame 20 for supporting the work device 4 and a lifting device 21 for raising and lowering the support frame 20, as described in any one of items 1-1 to 1-9.

[0165] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 1-10, the support frame 20 that supports the work device 4 can be raised and lowered, so the height of the work device 4 can be changed by raising and lowering the support frame 20. In other words, the height of the work device 4 can be changed according to the work being performed by the work device 4. In addition, the connection and disconnection of the work device 4 to the vehicle body 2 (between a supported state and a dissupported state) can be switched by raising and lowering the support frame 20.

[0166] (Item 1-11) A work vehicle 1 as described in item 1-8, or any one of items 1-9 to 1-10 referencing item 1-8, wherein the vehicle body 2 comprises a pair of running gears 3a, 3b, a support frame 20 for supporting the work device 4, and a lifting device 21 for raising and lowering the support frame 20, the pair of running gears 3a, 3b are spaced apart in the lateral direction, the support frame 20 is positioned between the pair of running gears 3a, 3b, the pair of first tank sections are located on both sides of the support frame 20 in the lateral direction and above the pair of running gears 3a, 3b, and the second tank section 441 is connected to the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 across the support frame 20.

[0167] According to the work vehicle 1 in item 1-11, the work device 4 can be connected (supported) to the vehicle body 2 in a state where the weight is balanced.

[0168] (Item 2-1) The vehicle comprises a vehicle body 2, a traveling device 3a, 3b that supports the vehicle body 2 so that it can move, and a working device 4 attached to the vehicle body 2, wherein the working device 4 includes a first working section 40 for performing predetermined work, and a repositioning device 41 that changes the position of the first working section 40 between a first state in which the first working section 40 is located on one side of a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction relative to the vehicle body 2, and a second state in which the first working section 40 is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the vehicle body 2, opposite to the one side of the first direction, and The repositioning device 41 allows the work vehicle 1 to pass the first work section 40 from one side of the vehicle body 2 to the other side, or from the other side of the vehicle body 2 to the one side, and switch between a first state and a second state.

[0169] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 2-1, the repositioning device 41 switches between the first state and the second state by having the first work section 40 pass from one side of the vehicle body 2 to the other, or from the other side of the vehicle body 2 to the one side. Therefore, the first work section 40 can be positioned at either the position on either side of the vehicle body 2 without having to pass the first work section 40 through the area outside the vehicle body 2. This allows the first work section 40 to be positioned appropriately according to the work content. In other words, according to the work vehicle 1 of item 2-1, the arrangement of the work section that performs a predetermined task can be changed without changing the orientation of the vehicle body.

[0170] (Item 2-2) The work vehicle 1 according to item 2-1, wherein the repositioning device 41 is rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and includes an arm extending from the center of rotation in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, the first work section 40 is connected to the tip of the arm, and the work vehicle 1 according to item 2-1 is switched between the first state and the second state by the rotation of the arm of the repositioning device 41.

[0171] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 2-2, the first work unit 40 can be moved along an arc-shaped trajectory centered on an axis extending in the second direction, thereby passing over the vehicle body 2 and switching between the first state and the second state.

[0172] (Item 2-3) The work vehicle 1 according to item 2-2, wherein the first direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2, and the second direction is the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2.

[0173] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 2-3, the first work unit 40 can be moved along an arc-shaped trajectory centered on a laterally extending axis, and the first work unit 40 can be positioned in front of or behind the vehicle body 2.

[0174] (Item 2-4) The work device 4 is arranged to overlap the vehicle body 2 from both the left and right sides in the lateral direction and has a pair of second work sections 43, 43 that perform predetermined work on the sides of the vehicle body 2, as described in item 2-3 for the work vehicle 1.

[0175] According to item 2-4, the work device 4 has a first work unit 40 positioned in front of or behind the vehicle body 2, as well as a pair of second work units 43, 43 that perform predetermined tasks on the sides of the vehicle body 2, so that it can perform the same or different types of work over a wide range in the lateral direction. That is, if the first work unit 40 and the second work units 43 are capable of performing the same type of work, then the same type of work can be performed over a wide range in the lateral direction. If the first work unit 40 and the second work units 43 are capable of performing different types of work, then in the area where the first work unit 40 is located, work can be performed by the first work unit 40, and in the area where the second work unit 43 is located, work can be performed by the second work unit 43, so that different types of work can be performed over a wide range in the lateral direction.

[0176] (Item 2-5) The work vehicle 1 according to item 2-4, wherein the work device 4 has a tank 44 for storing spray liquid, and each of the first work section 40 and the pair of second work sections 43, 43 is connected to the tank 44 and includes a laterally extending pipe and a nozzle 431 attached to the pipe that can spray the spray liquid stored in the tank 44.

[0177] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 2-5, since the spray liquid can be sprayed from the nozzles 431 of the first work section 40 and the second work section 43, the spray liquid can be sprayed over a wide area in the lateral direction.

[0178] (Item 2-6) The work vehicle 1 described in item 2-5, wherein the tank 44 includes a pair of first tank sections 440, 440 arranged at a distance apart in the lateral direction, each capable of storing the spray liquid, and a second tank section 441 that connects the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 on the upper side of the vehicle body 2 and is capable of storing the spray liquid, and the first tank sections and the second tank section 441 are in communication with each other internally.

[0179] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 2-6, a large amount of spray liquid can be stored in the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 and the second tank section 441 located between them. Furthermore, since the second tank section 441 is located above the vehicle body 2, the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the vehicle. This allows for a balanced weight distribution in the lateral direction even when a large amount of spray liquid is stored.

[0180] (Item 2-7) The work device 4 is a work vehicle 1 described in any one of items 2-1 to 2-6, which is detachable from the vehicle body 2.

[0181] According to the work vehicle 1 in item 2-7, since the work device 4 is detachable from the vehicle body 2, it can be replaced with the same or different type of work device 4.

[0182] (Item 2-8) The vehicle body 2 comprises a support frame 20 for supporting the work device 4 and a lifting device 21 for directly or indirectly raising and lowering the support frame 20, as described in any one of items 2-1 to 2-7.

[0183] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 2-8, the support frame 20 that supports the work device 4 can be raised and lowered, so the height of the work device 4 can be changed by raising and lowering the support frame 20. In other words, the height of the work device 4 can be changed according to the work being performed by the work device 4. In addition, the connection and disconnection of the work device 4 to the vehicle body 2 (between a supported state and a dissupported state) can also be switched by raising and lowering the support frame 20.

[0184] (Item 2-9) A work vehicle 1 as described in item 2-6, or item 2-7 or item 2-8 which references item 2-6, comprising a pair of running gears 3a, 3b, wherein the vehicle body 2 has a support frame 20 for supporting the work device 4 and a lifting device 21 for directly or indirectly raising and lowering the support frame 20, the pair of running gears 3a, 3b are spaced apart in the lateral direction, the support frame 20 is positioned between the pair of running gears 3a, 3b, the pair of first tank sections are located above the pair of running gears 3a, 3b, and the second tank section 441 is connected to the pair of first tank sections by straddling the support frame 20.

[0185] According to the work vehicle 1 in item 2-9, the work device 4 can be connected (supported) to the vehicle body 2 in a state where the weight is balanced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0186] 1: Work vehicles 2: Vehicle body 3a: Running gear (left running gear) 3b: Traveling device (right traveling device) 4: Work equipment 20: Support frame 21: Lifting device 30a: Wheel (front wheel: left front wheel) 30b: Wheel (front wheel: right front wheel) 31a: Wheel (rear wheel: left rear wheel) 31b: Wheel (rear wheel: right rear wheel) 32a: Driving frame (left driving frame) 32b: Driving frame (right driving frame) 40: Work Unit (Work Unit 1) 40a: 1st spraying device 40b:Second spraying device 41: Arrangement change device 42: Arm (2nd Arm) 43: Working Unit (2nd Working Unit) 44: Tank 50:Connection part 201: Central Frame 202a: Side frame (left side frame) 202b: Side frame (right side frame) 210: Lifting cylinder 211: Guidance device 400: Piping (First Piping) 401: Nozzle (First Nozzle) 410: Arm (First Arm) 430: Piping (Second Piping) 431: Nozzle (Second Nozzle) 440: First Tank Section 441: Tank connection section (second tank section)

Claims

1. The car body and, A traveling device that supports the aforementioned vehicle body so that it can move, A work device attached to the vehicle body, Equipped with, The aforementioned work apparatus is An arm extending outward from the side of the vehicle body, A work vehicle having a work section attached to the aforementioned arm.

2. The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the arm is positioned such that, when viewed from a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle body, it overlaps with the vehicle body between the front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and overlaps with the central position of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

3. The aforementioned work device has a pair of arms, The work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the pair of arms are arranged on both sides of the vehicle body in the lateral direction.

4. The work vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the work device connects the pair of arms and has a connecting portion located on the upper side of the vehicle body.

5. The aforementioned work apparatus is It has a tank for storing the spray solution, The aforementioned work unit is Supported by the aforementioned arm, piping for circulating the spray liquid from the tank, The work vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a nozzle attached to the piping and capable of spraying the spray liquid stored in the tank.

6. The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the arm is positioned along a virtual line extending laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions, passing through the central position in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body or near the central position, and up and down.

7. The aforementioned tank is A pair of first tank sections are arranged at intervals in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle body, each capable of storing the spray liquid, The work vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising a tank connecting portion that connects the pair of first tank portions on the upper side of the vehicle body.

8. The aforementioned tank connecting section is a second tank section capable of storing the spray liquid, The work vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the first tank section and the second tank section are in communication internally.

9. The work device is detachably attached to the vehicle body, as described in claim 1.

10. The aforementioned vehicle body is A support frame that supports the aforementioned work device, The work vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting device for raising and lowering the support frame.

11. The aforementioned traveling device is provided with one pair, The aforementioned vehicle body is A support frame that supports the aforementioned work device, It has a lifting device for raising and lowering the support frame, The pair of traveling devices are arranged with a gap between them in the lateral direction, and the support frame is positioned between the pair of traveling devices. The pair of first tank sections are located on both sides of the support frame in the lateral direction and above the pair of traveling devices. The work vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the second tank section is connected to the pair of first tank sections across the support frame.

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