Work vehicles

Abstract

This invention provides a work vehicle that can improve the work efficiency of tasks performed on large plots of land. [Solution] The present invention comprises a plurality of vehicle devices, each of which is drivable and arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction, and a work device that is supported by both sides between the plurality of vehicle devices and includes a first long work section that performs predetermined work between the plurality of vehicle devices.

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 (for example, see Patent Document 1) and front loaders (for example, see Patent Document 2) are known.

[0003] 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, and 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.

[0004] Also, a front loader includes an arm extending forward from a vehicle body, and a work device (so-called, attachment) 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

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, with conventional work vehicles, the working area (working unit) is limited to the area in front of or behind the vehicle. Therefore, when working on a large area of ​​land (for example, a field) with a conventional work vehicle, the distance that must be traveled (travel distance) in that area becomes long. In other words, with conventional work vehicles, the working area per unit travel distance is small, resulting in low work efficiency.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a work vehicle that can improve the work efficiency of tasks performed on large plots of land. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention comprises a plurality of vehicle devices, each of which is drivable and arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction, and a work device that is supported by both sides between the plurality of vehicle devices and includes a first long work section that performs predetermined work between the plurality of vehicle devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of tasks performed on large areas of land. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a work vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an overall front view of the work vehicle according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged front view of the work vehicle according to the same embodiment, with some parts omitted. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle equipment (first vehicle equipment, second vehicle equipment) according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a low position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view of the vehicle equipment (first vehicle equipment, second vehicle equipment) according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a low position. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a rear view of the vehicle equipment (first vehicle equipment, second vehicle equipment) according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a low position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a right side view of the vehicle equipment (first vehicle equipment, second vehicle equipment) according to the same embodiment, and is a right side view with the support frame positioned at a low position. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the vehicle equipment (first vehicle equipment, second vehicle equipment) according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a high position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view of the vehicle equipment (first vehicle equipment, second vehicle equipment) according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a high position. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a rear view of the vehicle equipment (first vehicle equipment, second vehicle equipment) according to the same embodiment, showing the support frame positioned at a high position. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a right side view of a vehicle device (first vehicle device, second vehicle device) according to the same embodiment, and is a right side view with the support frame positioned at a high position. [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 first long work section and the second long work section. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tank of the work apparatus according to the same embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of the frame of the work apparatus according to the same embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic front view of a part of the work apparatus according to the same embodiment, temporarily placed on a dedicated stand, and is a front view of a part of the apparatus temporarily placed on the dedicated stand with the first long work section, first support structure, second long work section, and second support structure removed. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a right side view showing a part of the work apparatus according to the same embodiment temporarily placed on a dedicated frame, and is a schematic right side view showing the vehicle equipment being moved into the dedicated frame (between the divided frames). [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a schematic right side view showing a process of connecting (supporting) a working device to the vehicle body of the work vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic right side view of the work vehicle according to the embodiment, and is a schematic right side view in a state where a spraying liquid is sprayed from the first long working part (second long working part). [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a process (operation of the work vehicle) when performing an operation of spraying a spraying liquid on a field with the work vehicle according to the embodiment. [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 on another field with the work vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic front view of a work vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic front view of a work vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic front view of a work vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a schematic front view of a work vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic front view of a work vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic front view including a relay vehicle device of a work vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention and a support member which is a part of the working device. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic side view of the support member shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic overall perspective view of a work vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a partial side view of a work vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic side view including a vehicle device and a part of the working device.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] The following describes a work vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The work vehicle (vehicle equipment described later) is drivable. Accordingly, in the following explanation, the direction in which the work vehicle (vehicle equipment) moves forward and backward will be referred to as the longitudinal direction, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction will be referred to as the lateral direction. Furthermore, in the longitudinal 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. In addition, one side of the lateral direction, the right side when the work vehicle is facing the direction in which it is moving forward will be referred to as the right, and the other side of the lateral direction, the left side when the work vehicle is facing the direction in which it is moving forward will be referred to as the left.

[0013] The work vehicles of this embodiment are intended for work on large areas of land and are used for various tasks such as agricultural work, industrial work (civil engineering, construction, etc.), and transportation work. In this embodiment, as an example, a work vehicle used for agricultural work, particularly for spraying spray solutions (water, liquid fertilizer, pesticides, etc.) on fields (crops), will be described.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the work vehicle 1 comprises a plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B, each of which is drivable, arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction, and a work device 4 that is supported at both ends (supported at both ends) between the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B and includes a first long work section 40 that performs predetermined work between the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B has a lifting device 21 for raising and lowering the first long work section 40. Specifically, the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B include a first vehicle device 1A having a first lifting device 21 for raising and lowering one end of the first long work section 40, and a second vehicle device 1B having a second lifting device 21 for raising and lowering the other end of the first long work section 40.

[0016] The first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B have the same configuration except for the ends of the first long work section 40 that they support. Accordingly, in the following description, the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B will be referred to as such only when it is necessary to distinguish between them, and when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B, they will be collectively referred to simply as vehicle devices 1A and 1B.

[0017] Each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B comprises a vehicle body 2 and running gears 3a and 3b that support the vehicle body 2 so that it can move.

[0018] As shown in Figures 4 to 11, in each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B, the vehicle body 2 has a support frame 20 that supports the work device 4. In addition, the vehicle devices 1A and 1B have a lifting device 21 as described above. The lifting device 21 in this embodiment raises and lowers the support frame 20 (see Figures 8 to 11). Figures 4 to 7 illustrate the state in which the support frame 20 has been lowered to a low position, and Figures 8 to 11 illustrate the state in which the support frame 20 has been raised to a high position.

[0019] In this embodiment, each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B is equipped with a pair of running gears 3a, 3b. The pair of running gears 3a, 3b are arranged with a gap between them in the lateral direction. Accordingly, the support frame 20 is positioned between the pair of running gears 3a, 3b. The upper surface of the support frame 20 is a mounting portion 200 for attaching (supporting) the work 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 4, 6-8, 10, and 11).

[0020] To explain in more detail, as shown in Figures 4 and 8, 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).

[0021] 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).

[0022] Specifically, each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B is equipped with a hydraulic actuator such as a lifting cylinder 210 (see Figure 8), which will be described later, of the lifting device 21. Accordingly, each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B 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.

[0023] As shown in Figures 5, 6, 9, and 10, 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Accordingly, in each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B, the vehicle body 2 is equipped with actuators 22a and 22b that move a pair of side frames 202a and 202b laterally, as shown in Figures 4 and 8. 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, 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.

[0029] 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). The lifting cylinder 210 may also be arranged upside down. That is, 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.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033] In the guide device 211 provided between the left side frame 202a and the left running frame 32a, 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.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 to 11, the running gears 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, each of the pair of running gears 3a and 3b includes front wheels 30a, 30b and rear wheels 31a, 31b, which are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The front wheels 30a, 30b and rear wheels 31a, 31b are attached to the running frames 32a and 32b.

[0035] In the vehicle devices 1A and 1B of this embodiment, as described above, a pair of running gears 3a and 3b are arranged with a gap between them in the lateral direction. Accordingly, the pair of running gears 3a and 3b support both sides of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction. 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] More specifically, the drive units 33a, 34a, 33b, and 34b each include 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. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 11, the drive units 33a, 34a, 33b, and 34b also include a steering mechanism 332a, 342a, 332b, and 342b that changes the direction of the wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b.

[0040] Figures 7 and 11 show the right side views of the vehicle equipment 1A and 1B (vehicle body 2 and running gear 3b). However, since the pair of running gears 3a and 3b have a symmetrical configuration, please refer to Figures 7 and 11 for the configuration on the left side (running gear 3a). Accordingly, the reference numerals for the configuration of the left running gear 3a corresponding to the configuration shown in Figures 7 and 11 are enclosed in parentheses and listed alongside the reference numerals for the configuration shown in Figures 7 and 11.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Drive units 33a, 34a, 33b, and 34b are 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). 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.

[0045] As a result, each of the multiple vehicle units 1A and 1B can travel in the forward or backward direction (forward or backward) if the left front wheel 30a, left rear wheel 31a, right front wheel 30b, and right rear wheel 31b are in a forward position (with the axle extended laterally), and the vehicle body 2 can travel laterally (laterally) if 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.

[0046] In each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B, the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2 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 approximately 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.

[0047] Accordingly, in each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, with the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2 in a high position, the upper end of the support frame 20 lifts and supports the work device 4 (first long work section 40). 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.

[0048] As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the work vehicle 1 switches between a connected state in which the work device 4 is supported by the vehicle body 2 and a disconnected state in which the connection between the vehicle body 2 and the work device 4 is released by raising and lowering the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the work vehicle 1 becomes operational and ready to perform work when the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2 is raised from a low position (preferably in a high position). In this embodiment, the vehicle devices 1A and 1B allow the support frame 20 (mounting portion 200) to be positioned at any position (height) between the high position and the low position. That is, the vehicle devices 1A and 1B allow the height of the work device 4 to be adjusted by stopping the support frame 20 (mounting portion 200) at any position between the high position and the low position.

[0049] In the vehicle devices 1A and 1B of 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, the running frames 32a and 32b (left running frame 32a and right running frame 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, so the lateral distance (tread width) between the left and right wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, and 31b (left wheels 30a, 31a and 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.

[0050] As a result, the lateral distance (tread width) between the left and right wheels 30a, 31a, 30b, 31b (left wheels 30a, 31a, right wheels 30b, 31b) is changed according to the type of work (working device 4), enabling stable driving and work. 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, 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 where the lateral width (tread width) of the support frame 20 is minimized.

[0051] In the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment, each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B 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 controlled by communication (remote operation) to control driving, etc., or controls driving, etc., based on pre-set information, so-called automatic driving control, and is therefore equipped on each of the vehicle bodies 2 of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first lifting device 21 lifts one end of the first long work section 40 when the second lifting device 21 lifts the other end of the first long work section 40. That is, the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B (the first lifting device 21 and the second lifting device 21) lift the support frame 20 in sync. Accordingly, the control devices of the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B communicate with each other by wire or wireless means to synchronize their lifting states. As a result, the first long work section 40 moves vertically while maintaining its relative posture to the field along its entire length.

[0053] In this embodiment, multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B run parallel to each other when performing work with the work device 4 (first long work section 40, second long work section 41). That is, the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B run parallel in synchronization. Accordingly, the control devices of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B communicate with each other by wire or wireless to synchronize their running states. Although not specifically mentioned here, in order to recognize the running state of each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B (running position, running speed, running direction, etc.), each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B may be equipped with a position detection device (e.g., a GPS receiver), and the control device may synchronize the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B to run parallel based on the information from the position detection devices of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B.

[0054] In this embodiment, the control device controls not only the movement of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B, but also the connected work device 4. Specifically, the control device controls equipment provided in accordance with the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B (such as the electric motor M (pump P) and the switching valves V1 and V2 (first switching valve V1 and second switching valve V2), which will be described later).

[0055] As described above, each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B in 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 each of the vehicle bodies 2 of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B. In this embodiment, the work device 4 is detachable from each of the vehicle bodies 2 of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B, but it may also be connected to the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B and made non-detachable.

[0056] As described above, the work device 4 includes a first long work section 40. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in addition to the first long work section 40, the work device 4 of this embodiment includes a second long work section 41 that is cantilevered to the outermost vehicle device 1A, 1B of the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B, extends to the opposite side from the first long work section 40, and performs the same type of work as the first long work section 40.

[0057] The first long-length working section 40 and the second long-length working section 41 of the working device 4 each perform predetermined tasks on the field below. Here, predetermined tasks refer to agricultural work, specifically spraying spray solution and raking. In this embodiment, the predetermined task performed by the first long-length working section 40 and the second long-length working section 41 is spraying spray solution. In other words, the working device 4 is a spraying device that sprays spray solution onto the field.

[0058] To explain in more detail, as described above, the work vehicle 1 comprises a plurality of vehicle devices 1A and 1B arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction. The work vehicle 1 of this embodiment comprises two vehicle devices 1A and 1B. In the work vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the two vehicle devices 1A and 1B (first vehicle device 1A and second vehicle device 1B) are arranged side by side in the lateral direction. That is, each of the two vehicle devices 1A and 1B is arranged at intervals in the lateral direction so that it can move in a straight line in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, each of the two vehicle devices 1A and 1B is the vehicle device 1A and 1B at the very end. Accordingly, the work device 4 is a second long work section 41 supported by each of the two vehicle devices 1A and 1B, and includes a second long work section 41 that extends from the vehicle devices 1A and 1B to the side opposite to the first long work section 40. In other words, the work device 4 includes a pair of second long work sections 41, 41 positioned at both ends in the lateral direction, flanking the first long work section 40.

[0059] The work device 4 is a frame body 5 that can be connected to the vehicle body 2 (support frame 20) of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B, and includes a frame body 5 that supports the respective ends of the first long work section 40 and the second long work section 41.

[0060] The work device 4 of this embodiment is supported by a plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B and includes a support structure 6 (hereinafter referred to as the first support structure 6) that supports the first long work section 40 between the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B. Furthermore, the work device 4 of this embodiment includes a support structure 7 (hereinafter referred to as the second support structure 7) that supports the second long work section 41.

[0061] The work device 4 of this embodiment is a spraying device that sprays a spray solution onto land (fields). Accordingly, the work device 4 includes a tank 44 capable of storing the spray solution. Specifically, the work device 4 includes a tank 44 supported by at least one of the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B. The work device 4 of this embodiment includes multiple tanks 44 supported by each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B (first vehicle device 1A, second vehicle device 1B). 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).

[0062] The frame body 5, tank 44, pump P, and motor M are provided as a set for each vehicle device 1A, 1B, and are arranged on the corresponding vehicle devices 1A, 1B. That is, the work device 4 is a plurality of mounted parts 4A that are arranged (placed) on the vehicle devices 1A, 1B, and comprises a plurality of mounted parts 4A provided for each vehicle device 1A, 1B. The plurality of mounted parts 4A include the frame body 5, tank 44, pump P, and motor M.

[0063] Accordingly, the work device 4 includes a plurality of tanks 44 supported by each of the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B, and also includes a pump P and a motor M provided corresponding to each of the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B (tanks 44).

[0064] The work device 4 consists of pipes 400 and 410 that constitute the first long work section 40 and the second long work section 41, and includes pipes 400 and 410 connected to the tank 44 and to which nozzles 401 and 411 capable of spraying liquid are attached. That is, the first long work section 40 includes pipe 400 (hereinafter referred to as the first pipe 400) and nozzle 401 (hereinafter referred to as the first nozzle 401), and the second long work section 41 includes pipe 410 (hereinafter referred to as the second pipe 410) and nozzle 411 (hereinafter referred to as the second nozzle 411).

[0065] The first long work section 40 is positioned over the entire or nearly entire area between adjacent vehicle devices 1A and 1B (first vehicle device 1A, second vehicle device 1B) that are spaced apart. Accordingly, the longitudinal length of the first piping 400 of the first long work section 40 is set according to the distance between the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B. That is, the distance between the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B is set to correspond to the longitudinal length of the first long work section 40 (first piping 400).

[0066] In contrast, the second pipe 410 of the second long work section 41 is set to a length that can be cantilevered by the vehicle devices 1A and 1B. Specifically, the second long work section 41 is shorter than the first long work section 40. That is, the longitudinal length of the second pipe 410 of the second long work section 41 is set to be shorter than the distance between the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B. In this embodiment, the longitudinal length of the second pipe 410 of the second long work section 41 is set to be less than half the distance between the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B.

[0067] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, connecting hoses 45a and 45b leading to the tank 44 are connected to the first pipe 400 and the second pipe 410, respectively, and the spray liquid stored in the tank 44 is supplied. In this embodiment, independent connecting hoses 45a and 45b are connected to the first pipe 400 of the first long work section 40 and to the second pipe 410 of the second long work section 41, respectively.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first piping 400 is connected to a connecting hose 45a that leads to a tank 44 supported by the first vehicle device 1A, and to a connecting hose 45c that leads to a tank 44 supported by the second vehicle device 1B.

[0069] In contrast, the second piping 410 is connected to either a connecting hose 45b that connects to a tank 44 supported by the first vehicle device 1A, or a connecting hose 45d that connects to a tank 44 supported by the second vehicle device 1B. Specifically, the second piping 410 of the second long work section 41 supported by the first vehicle device 1A is connected to a connecting hose 45b that connects to a tank 44 supported by the first vehicle device 1A that supports the second long work section 41, and the second piping 410 of the second long work section 41 supported by the second vehicle device 1B is connected to a connecting hose 45d that connects to a tank 44 supported by the second vehicle device 1B that supports the second long work section 41.

[0070] As a result, spray liquid can be supplied to the first piping 400 from either or both of the tanks 44 supported by the first vehicle device 1A and the tank 44 supported by the second vehicle device 1B, and spray liquid can be supplied to the second piping 410 from a single tank 44.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first pipe 400 and the second pipe 410 are each provided with hose connection parts (not numbered) to which connecting hoses 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d can be attached and detached, and the connecting hoses 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are configured to be detachable from the first pipe 400 and the second pipe 410.

[0072] Various materials can be used for the first piping 400 and the second piping 410, including metal pipes and resin pipes. Specifically, the first piping 400 and the second piping 410 can be made of 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.

[0073] In this embodiment, steel pipes are used for the first pipe 400 and the second pipe 410 to ensure bending rigidity. As a result, each of the first pipe 400 and the second pipe 410 extends laterally while being supported by the vehicle devices 1A and 1B. That is, the first pipe 400 extends laterally between the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B, and the second pipe 410 extends laterally on either the first vehicle device 1A or the second vehicle device 1B.

[0074] The first nozzle 401 is attached to the downward-facing portion of the outer surface of the first pipe 400. The second nozzle 411 is attached to the downward-facing portion of the outer surface of the second pipe 410.

[0075] The first nozzle 401 and the second nozzle 411 are designed to produce a discharge or spray pattern appropriate to the purpose of spraying the liquid (watering, fertilization with liquid fertilizer, or pesticide application). Each of the first long working sections 40 is equipped with multiple first nozzles 401. The multiple first nozzles 401 are arranged at intervals in the lateral direction. Each of the second long working sections 41 is equipped with multiple second nozzles 411. The multiple second nozzles 411 are arranged at intervals in the lateral direction.

[0076] In this embodiment, the tank 44 is located in each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B. However, the tank 44 only needs to be located in at least one of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B, and accordingly, the pump P and electric motor M should be provided in accordance with the arrangement of the tank 44.

[0077] As shown in Figure 13, the tank 44 is a pair of first tank sections 440, 440 arranged with a gap between them in the lateral direction, each of which is capable of storing spray liquid, and includes a tank connecting section 441 that connects the pair of first tank sections 440, 440 on the upper side of the vehicle body 2.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 overlapping the support frame 20 of the vehicle body 2 when viewed from the side.

[0080] 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 raised and overlap the support frame 20, which is 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). Although not shown in the figure, the tank 44 is equipped with a liquid level gauge to measure the liquid level of the stored spray liquid, and the control device recognizes the remaining amount of spray liquid in the tank 44 based on the measurement result of the liquid level gauge.

[0081] As shown in Figure 12, pump P supplies the spray liquid stored in tank 44 to the first pipe 400 or the second pipe 410 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.

[0082] 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 and 45b, 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.

[0083] 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 14, 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.

[0084] As shown in Figure 12, the secondary piping P2 branches into multiple branches downstream of the discharge port, and each of the branched secondary pipes P2 is connected to a switching valve V1, V2 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.

[0085] In this embodiment, the work device 4 includes, as switching valves V1 and V2 connected to the secondary piping P2, a switching valve V1 (hereinafter referred to as the first switching valve V1) connected to a connecting hose 45a connected to the first piping 400 of the first long work section 40, and a switching valve V2 (hereinafter referred to as the second switching valve V2) connected to a connecting hose 45b connected to the second piping 410 of the second long work section 41.

[0086] This allows for the separate and independent switching of the supply and cessation of spray liquid from a single tank 44 to the first long-length work section 40 and the second long-length work section 41. In this embodiment, the first switching valve V1 and the second switching valve V2 are solenoid valves that are switched between an ON state and an OFF state in response to signals from control devices equipped on the vehicle devices 1A and 1B (vehicle body 2).

[0087] 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 and V2). 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 devices 1A and 1B (vehicle body 2), receives power from the batteries of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B (vehicle body 2) and is controlled by the control devices of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B (vehicle body 2).

[0088] In this embodiment, when the first switching valve V1 and the second switching valve V2, which are connected to a tank 44 supported by either the first vehicle device 1A or the second vehicle device 1B, are in the ON state, the first switching valve V1, which is connected to a tank 44 supported by the other vehicle device 1A or the second vehicle device 1B, is turned OFF, while the second switching valve V2 is turned ON. Then, when the remaining amount of spray liquid in the tank 44 supported by either the first vehicle device 1A or the second vehicle device 1B reaches a predetermined amount, the first switching valve V1, which is connected to a tank 44 supported by either the first vehicle device 1A or the second vehicle device 1B, is turned OFF, while the second switching valve V2 is kept ON. In this state, both the first switching valve V1 and the second switching valve V2, which are connected to a tank 44 supported by the other vehicle device 1A or the second vehicle device 1B, are turned ON. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first long-length work unit 40 is supplied with spray liquid from one of the tanks 44, 44 located on both sides. This ensures a balanced distribution of spray liquid stored in the multiple tanks 44, 44 arranged on the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B, while stabilizing the spraying of the spray liquid by the first long-length work unit 40 and the pair of second long-length work units 41.

[0089] The mounted portion 4A on the first vehicle device 1A and the mounted portion 4A on the second vehicle device 1B of the work device 4 have the same configuration. In this embodiment, the mounted portion 4A on the first vehicle device 1A and the mounted portion 4A on the second vehicle device 1B are mirror images (symmetrical). Accordingly, the frame body 5 supported by the first vehicle device 1A and the frame body 5 supported by the second vehicle device 1B also have the same configuration.

[0090] To explain in more detail, as shown in Figure 14, each frame body 5 includes a connecting portion 50 positioned on the vehicle body 2 (support frame 20), a tank support portion 51 connected to the connecting portion 50 and supporting the tank 44, and a first support portion 52 that supports the first long work portion 40, the first support portion 52 extending outward from the connecting portion 50 to either one side in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, the frame body 5 also includes a second support portion 53 that supports the second long work portion 41, the second support portion 53 extending outward from the connecting portion 50 to either the other side in the lateral direction.

[0091] The connecting section 50 includes a rectangular frame section 500 when viewed from the front. 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.

[0092] A first support section 52 is connected to one support section 502, and a second support section 53 is connected to the other support section 502. Accordingly, the pair of support sections 502, 502 may be set to be longer than the distance between the pair of crossbeam sections 501, 501, and to extend below the lower crossbeam section 501, thereby setting the connection positions of the first support section 52 and the second support section 53 below the frame section 500. In this embodiment, the pair of support sections 502, 502 are set to a length (height) corresponding to the distance between the pair of crossbeam sections 501, 501, and the connection positions of the first support section 52 and the second support section 53 are set within the range of these support sections 502, 502.

[0093] As described above, the pair of support columns 502, 502 are set to be longer than the distance between the pair of crossbeams 501, 501, and when they extend below the lower crossbeam 501, below the lower crossbeam 501, a short support column is provided that is connected to the lower crossbeam 501 at a position avoiding the tank support 51 and extends downward, and a short beam is provided that extends laterally and connects the lower end of the support column 502 to the lower end of the short support column. A frame portion 500 is formed by a part of the crossbeam 501, the short support column, the short beam, and a part of the support column 502, thereby increasing the rigidity of the connecting portion 50. Although not shown in the illustration here, the connecting portion 50 has braces or the like to reinforce the frame portion 500, etc.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 8 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.

[0096] The first support portion 52 is connected to one of the support columns 502. Specifically, the first support portion 52 includes a pipe mounting portion 520 on which the end of the first pipe 400 is placed. The pipe mounting portion 520 is configured to restrict the forward and backward movement of the mounted end of the first pipe 400. Specifically, the pipe mounting portion 520 includes a pipe receiving portion 520a that receives the downward portion of the end of the first pipe 400, and a pair of movement restricting portions 520b, 520b that extend upward from both ends of the pipe receiving portion 520a in the forward and backward direction, and is configured to allow the end of the first pipe 400 to be positioned in the area enclosed by the pipe receiving portion 520a and the pair of movement restricting portions 520b. In this embodiment, the pipe receiving portion 520a is formed in a semi-circular shape that is convex downward, and the pair of movement restricting portions 520b extend straight upward. As a result, the pipe receiving portion 520a has a U-shaped cross-section when viewed from the side.

[0097] The first support section 52 may consist only of a pipe receiving section 520a along its entire length in the lateral direction, but in this embodiment, it has an extension section 521 in order to position the pipe receiving section 520a at a predetermined distance laterally from the connecting section 50. In this embodiment, the extension section 521 is formed in an axial shape extending in the lateral direction. One end of the extension section 521 is connected to one of the support columns 502. Accordingly, the pipe receiving section 520a is connected to the other end of the extension section 521. The end of the first pipe 400 of the first long work section 40 is supported by the vehicle devices 1A and 1B via the frame body 5 by being placed on the pipe receiving section 520a of the first support section 52 from above.

[0098] In other words, one end of the first pipe 400 of the first long work section 40 is supported by the first vehicle device 1A by being placed on the pipe receiving portion 520a of the frame body 5 which is supported (connected) to the first vehicle device 1A. Conversely, the other end of the first pipe 400 of the first long work section 40 is supported by the second vehicle device 1B by being placed on the pipe receiving portion 520a of the frame body 5 which is supported (connected) to the second vehicle device 1B.

[0099] The first support portion 52 is a pressing member that presses down on the first pipe 400 from above when one end (one end or the other end) of the first pipe 400 is positioned on the pipe receiving portion 520a, and may also include a pressing member that is connected to the pipe receiving portion 520a while the first pipe 400 is being pressed down from above. By pressing down on the end of the first pipe 400 from above with the pressing member in this way, the lifting of the end of the first pipe 400 is reliably prevented, and the first pipe 400 can be maintained in a fixed position.

[0100] The second support portion 53 is connected to the other support portion 502. Specifically, the second support portion 53 includes a pipe mounting portion 530 on which the end of the first pipe 400 is placed. The pipe mounting portion 530 is configured to restrict the movement of the mounted end of the first pipe 400 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the pipe mounting portion 530 includes a pipe receiving portion 530a that receives the downward portion of the end of the first pipe 400, and a pair of movement restricting portions 530b, 530b that extend upward from both ends of the pipe receiving portion 530a in the front-rear direction, and is configured to allow the end of the second pipe 410 to be placed in the area enclosed by the pipe receiving portion 530a and the pair of movement restricting portions 530b. In this embodiment, the pipe receiving portion 530a is formed in a semi-circular shape that is convex downward, and the pair of movement restricting portions 530b extend straight upward. As a result, the pipe receiving portion 530a has a U-shaped cross-section when viewed from the side.

[0101] The second support portion 53 may consist only of a pipe receiving portion 530a along its entire length in the lateral direction, but in this embodiment, it has an extension portion 531 in order to position the pipe receiving portion 530a at a predetermined distance laterally from the connecting portion 50. In this embodiment, the extension portion 531 is formed in an axial shape extending in the lateral direction. One end of the extension portion 531 is connected to the other support portion 502. Accordingly, the pipe receiving portion 530a is connected to the other end of the extension portion 531.

[0102] The end of the second pipe 410 of the second long work section 41 is supported by the vehicle equipment 1A, 1B via the frame body 5 by being placed from above on the pipe receiving portion 530a of the second support section 53. That is, one end (one side) of the second pipe 410 of the second long work section 41 is supported by the first vehicle equipment 1A or the second vehicle equipment 1B by being placed on the pipe receiving portion 530a of the second support section 53 of the frame body 5 which is supported (connected) to the first vehicle equipment 1A or the second vehicle equipment 1B. The second support section 53 may also be provided with a pressing member that presses the end of the second pipe 410 from above when the end of the second pipe 410 is positioned on the pipe receiving portion 520a, and the pressing member is connected to the pipe receiving portion 520a while the second pipe 410 is being pressed from above. By pressing down on the end of the second pipe 410 from above with the retaining member in this manner, the lifting of the end of the second pipe 410 is reliably prevented, and the second pipe 410 can be maintained in a fixed position.

[0103] In this embodiment, the frame body 5 supported by the first vehicle device 1A and the frame body 5 supported by the second vehicle device 1B have the same configuration as described above, and the frame body 5 supported by the first vehicle device 1A is positioned to the left of the frame body 5 supported by the second vehicle device 1B. Therefore, the first support portion 52 of the frame body 5 supported by the first vehicle device 1A is positioned to the right in the lateral direction with respect to the frame portion 500, and the second support portion 53 is positioned to the left in the lateral direction with respect to the frame portion 500. In contrast, the first support portion 52 of the frame body 5 supported by the second vehicle device 1B is positioned to the left in the lateral direction with respect to the frame portion 500, and the second support portion 53 is positioned to the right in the lateral direction with respect to the frame portion 500. In other words, the frame body 5 has a common (identical) configuration, and the part 4A to be placed on the first vehicle device 1A and the part 4A to be placed on the second vehicle device 1B are in a mirror image relationship (symmetrical relationship). Therefore, depending on whether it is placed on the left side in the lateral direction (supported by the first vehicle device 1A) or on the right side in the lateral direction (supported by the second vehicle device 1B), the first support part 52 of the part 4A is swapped with the second support part 53.

[0104] In other words, as a result, the objects of support are swapped between the first long work section 40 and the second long work section 41. Specifically, when the part to be installed 4A that was located on the first vehicle device 1A becomes the part to be installed 4A located on the second vehicle device 1B, the first support section 52 of the part to be installed 4A that was located on the first vehicle device 1A becomes the second support section 53 on the second vehicle device 1B, and the second support section 53 of the part to be installed 4A that was located on the first vehicle device 1A becomes the first support section 52 on the second vehicle device 1B. Furthermore, when the part 4A that was positioned on the second vehicle device 1B becomes the part 4A that is positioned on the first vehicle device 1A, the first support part 52 of the part 4A that was positioned on the second vehicle device 1B becomes the second support part 53 on the first vehicle device 1A, and the second support part 53 of the part 4A that was positioned on the second vehicle device 1B becomes the first support part 52 on the first vehicle device 1A.

[0105] In this embodiment, the frame body 5 includes support columns 54 erected on the connecting portion 50 (upper horizontal beam portion 501), and at least one support column 54 that supports the first support structure 6.

[0106] The support column 54 includes a rod-shaped support column body 540 and a cable connection part 541 (hereinafter referred to as the first cable connection part 541) to which the first cable body 60 of the first support structure 6, described later, is connected, the first cable connection part 541 being connected to the upper end of the support column body 540. In this embodiment, the support column 54 also includes a cable connection part 542 (hereinafter referred to as the second cable connection part 542) to which the second cable body 70 of the second support structure 7, described later, is connected, the second cable connection part 542 being connected to the upper end of the support column body 540.

[0107] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first support structure 6 includes a cable body 60 (hereinafter referred to as the first cable body 60) arranged to straddle adjacent vehicle devices 1A and 1B, and a plurality of suspension cables 61 (hereinafter referred to as the first suspension cables 61) that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first cable body 60 and hang down from the first cable body 60. In this embodiment, one end of the first cable body 60 in the longitudinal direction is connected to a support column 54 (first cable connection part 541) of a frame body 5 supported (connected) to the first vehicle device 1A, and the other end of the first cable body 60 in the longitudinal direction is connected to a support column 54 (first cable connection part 541) of a frame body 5 supported (connected) to the second vehicle device 1B. In this embodiment, the first cable body 60 is bent such that its lateral central portion is located below both lateral ends of the first cable body 60.

[0108] The upper ends of the multiple first suspension cables 61 are connected to the first cable 60, and the lower ends of the multiple first suspension cables 61 are connected to the first pipe 400. The first pipe 400, which is supported at one end by the first vehicle device 1A and at the other end by the second vehicle device 1B, is connected to the lower ends of the multiple first suspension cables 61. As a result, the first pipe 400 is suspended between adjacent vehicle devices 1A and 1B by the first support structure 6 and maintained in a laterally extended state.

[0109] The second support structure 7 includes a cable body 70 (hereinafter referred to as the second cable body 70) positioned to straddle the vehicle devices 1A, 1B and the tip of the second pipe 410 of the second long work section 41, and a plurality of suspension cables 71 (hereinafter referred to as the second suspension cables 71) that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the second cable body 70 and hang down from the second cable body 70. In this embodiment, one end of the second cable body 70 in the longitudinal direction is connected to a support column 54 (second cable connection part 542) of a frame body 5 supported (connected) to the first vehicle device 1A or the second vehicle device 1B, and the other end of the second cable body 70 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the tip of the second pipe 410. In this embodiment, the tip of the second pipe 410 is provided with a connecting portion 410a (hereinafter referred to as the pipe-side connecting portion 410a) similar to the second cable connecting portion 542. Accordingly, the other end of the second cable body 70 is connected to the pipe-side connecting portion 410a.

[0110] Unlike the first rope 60, the second rope body 70 is installed to pull up the tip of the second pipe 410. That is, it functions to pull up the tip of the second pipe 410, which tends to sag due to bending. As a result, the second rope body 70 is under tension between the second rope connection part 542 and the pipe-side connection part 410a, and is stretched straight.

[0111] The upper ends of the multiple second suspension cables 71 are connected to the second cable 70, and the lower ends of the multiple second suspension cables 71 are connected to the second pipe 410. The second pipe 410, with one end (base end) supported by the first vehicle device 1A or the second vehicle device 1B, is connected to the lower ends of the multiple second suspension cables 71. As described above, since the second cable 70 is tensioned, the multiple second suspension cables 71 support the second pipe 410 so as to restrict sagging (bending) between the tip and base end of the second pipe 410. As a result, the second pipe 410 is maintained in a laterally extended state, similar to the first pipe 400. In this embodiment, the first support part 52 and the second support part 53 are positioned at the same or substantially the same height. Accordingly, the first long work section 40 (first pipe 400) and the second long work section 41 (second pipe 410) are positioned at the same or approximately the same height.

[0112] As described above, the work device 4 with the above configuration is detachable from the vehicle body 2. When detached from the vehicle body 2, as shown in Figure 15, the mounted parts 4A (frame body 5, tank 44) that are directly supported by the vehicle devices 1A and 1B are supported and temporarily placed on a plurality of dedicated stands 8 that are spaced apart laterally. That is, the frame body 5 and the tank 44 are temporarily placed on the dedicated stands 8 for each vehicle device 1A and 1B unit. In this embodiment, the end of the first long work section 40 (first pipe 400) is positioned on the first support section 52, and the end of the second long work section 41 (second pipe 410) is positioned on the second support section 53. Therefore, the first long work section 40 (first pipe 400) and the second long work section 41 (second pipe 410) are separable (detachable) from the frame body 5. Furthermore, the first support structure 6 and the second support structure 7 can be detached from the support column 54 (first cable connection part 541, second cable connection part 542) by connecting them to the support column 54 via metal fittings such as hooks.

[0113] Therefore, when the first long work section 40 is supported by the frame body 5 in the vehicle device units 1A and 1B, the multiple dedicated support frames 8 are arranged according to the spacing (arrangement) of the assembled frame bodies 5. When the first long work section 40 and the first support structure 6 are removed from the frame body 5 in the vehicle device units 1A and 1B, the multiple dedicated support frames 8 are arranged at arbitrary intervals.

[0114] Each of the multiple dedicated frames 8 includes a pair of divided frames 80, 80 arranged at intervals 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 80, 80.

[0115] The pair of divided frames 80, 80 are equipped with support sections 800 for supporting the work device 4. The support sections 800 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 80, 80 has a support section 800. The support sections 800 of each divided frame 80, 80 are configured to accommodate the temporary vertical support members 511b, 511b. The support sections 800 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.

[0116] As a result, as shown in Figure 16, the vehicle body 2 enters between the pair of divided frames 80, 80 with the support frame 20 in a low position. Then, as shown in Figure 17, 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 frame body 5 and the tank 44 are lifted from the support portion 800 of the dedicated frame 8 (pair of divided frames 80, 80) by the support frame 20 and connected to the vehicle body 2.

[0117] Furthermore, when the first long work section 40 (first piping 400) and the first support structure 6 are removed from the frame body 5, the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B are moved side by side at intervals that allow the first long work section 40 to be positioned, and then the first long work section 40 and the first support structure 6 are supported by the frame body 5 (first support section 52) supported by the adjacent vehicle devices 1A and 1B. Also, when the second long work section 41 (second piping 410) is removed from the frame body 5, the second long work section 41 is supported by the frame body 5 (second support section 53) supported by the vehicle devices 1A and 1B, and the second piping 410 is supported by the second support structure 7.

[0118] 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, the pump P is driven and the first switching valve V1 and the second switching valve V2 are turned ON. As a result, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 18, the spray liquid is sprayed from the first long working section 40 located between the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B, the second long working section 41 extending laterally outward (to the left) from the first vehicle device 1A, and the second long working section 41 extending laterally outward (to the right) from the second vehicle device 1B. Therefore, as shown in Figure 19, by moving the work vehicle 1 forward within the field FA while maintaining the spraying of the spray solution (by having multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B run parallel to each other facing forward), the spray solution can be sprayed over almost the entire lateral area of ​​the field FA corresponding to the range from the second long work unit 41 supported by the first vehicle device 1A to the second long work unit 41 supported by the second vehicle device 1B, with travel in one direction (forward travel).

[0119] When spraying a spray solution over a field FA wider than the range from the second long-length work unit 41 supported by the first vehicle device 1A to the second long-length work unit 41 supported by the second vehicle device 1B (a field FA that is more than twice the range from the second long-length work unit 41 supported by the first vehicle device 1A to the second long-length work unit 41 supported by the second vehicle device 1B), as shown in Figure 20, the work vehicle 1 advances from one end of the field FA to the other while spraying the spray solution over a wide lateral area using the first long-length work unit 40 and the pair of second long-length work units 41, 41. Then, upon reaching the other end of field FA, the steering mechanism of the work vehicle 1 is 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. The amount of this lateral movement to one side is equivalent to the distance between the tips of the pair of second long working sections 41, 41 in the lateral direction. That is, the work vehicle 1 moves by the entire lateral width of the work device 4, and is positioned in an area adjacent to the area to which the spray liquid was applied by the previous movement.

[0120] Then, when the work vehicle 1 moves a predetermined amount laterally (a movement amount corresponding to its entire lateral width) at the other end of 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. Then, the vehicle devices 1A, 1B (work vehicle 1) move backward from one end of field FA to the other end. As a result, the spray liquid is sprayed over areas on both sides of the vehicle body 2 in the lateral direction by the first long work unit 40 and the pair of second long work units 41, 43. If there are areas where the spray liquid has not been sprayed in this state, the work device 4 moves laterally and then moves forward again. In this way, the work vehicle 1 repeatedly moves forward, sideways, backward, sideways, and forward, and sprays the spray solution as it moves forward and backward, so that the spray solution can be applied to the vast field FA without any omissions, and the work efficiency of the spraying operation is improved.

[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 work device 4 of the above embodiment, the first long work section 40 and the second long work section 41 are each a spraying device including pipes 400, 410 (first pipe 400, second pipe 410) and nozzles 401, 411 (first nozzle 401, second nozzle 411) attached to the pipes 400, 410 (first pipe 400, second pipe 410), but are not limited to this. For example, the first long work section 40 and the second long work section 41 may be a grass cutting device for cutting 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, when spraying the spray liquid, the spray liquid was supplied to the first long-length work unit 40 from one of the tanks 44, 44 located on both sides, but this is not limited to this. For example, the first long-length work unit 40 may be supplied with spray liquid from both tanks 44, 44 located on both sides. That is, the first switching valve V1 and the second switching valve V2, which switch between supplying and shutting off the spray liquid from the tank 44 supported by the first vehicle device 1A, and the first switching valve V1 and the second switching valve V2, which switch between supplying and shutting off the spray liquid from the tank 44 supported by the second vehicle device 1B, may all be set to the ON state, and the spray liquid may be sprayed by the first long-length work unit 40 and the pair of second long-length work units 41, 41. In this case, it goes without saying that by turning off all of the first and second switching valves V1 and V2 that switch on and off the supply of spray liquid from the tank 44 supported by the first vehicle device 1A, and the first and second switching valves V1 and V2 that switch on and off the supply of spray liquid from the tank 44 supported by the second vehicle device 1B, the spraying of spray liquid by the first long-length work unit 40 and the pair of second long-length work units 41, 41 will be stopped.

[0125] In the above embodiment of the work vehicle 1, the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B include two vehicle devices 1A and 1B, namely the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, as shown in Figure 21, the work vehicle 1 may include three or more (three in Figure 21) vehicle devices 1A, 1B, 1C, with the first long work unit 40 positioned between adjacent vehicle devices 1A, 1C, 1B. In this case as well, each vehicle device 1A, 1B, 1C has the same configuration. Furthermore, as in the above embodiment, the control devices of each vehicle device 1A, 1B, 1C perform synchronized control (control related to driving and spraying).

[0126] In the above embodiment of the work vehicle 1, second long work sections 41, 41 are provided, each supported by the outermost vehicle device 1A, 1B among the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, the work vehicle 1 may be equipped with only a second long work section 41 supported by either the outermost vehicle device 1A, 1B among the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B. In other words, it is not limited to being equipped with a pair of second long work sections 41, 41, but may be equipped with only a single second long work section 41.

[0127] Specifically, in the above embodiment, since the second long work section 41 is configured to be detachable, the second long work section 41 may be supported by only one of the second support section 53 of the frame body 5 supported by the vehicle device 1A (first vehicle device 1A) at one end, or by the second support section 53 of the frame body 5 supported by the vehicle device 1B (second vehicle device 1B) at the other end. Alternatively, the second support section 53 for supporting the second long work section 41 may be provided on either the frame body 5 supported by the vehicle device 1A (first vehicle device 1A) at one end, or the frame body 5 supported by the vehicle device 1B (second vehicle device 1B) at the other end, and only the second long work section 41 extending laterally from the vehicle device 1A, 1B at either end may be provided.

[0128] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23, the second long work section 41 may not be provided. That is, the configuration may consist only of the first long work section 40, without the second long work section 41 which is supported by either of the vehicle devices 1A or 1B at the far end. Specifically, since the second long work section 41 is detachably configured in the above embodiment, the second long work section 41 may be removed from the second support section 53 of the frame body 5 supported by the vehicle device 1A (first vehicle device 1A) at one end, and from the second support section 53 of the frame body 5 supported by the vehicle device 1B (second vehicle device 1B) at the other end. Alternatively, the configuration may not have a second support section 53 for supporting the second long work section 41 on either the frame body 5 supported by the vehicle device 1A (first vehicle device 1A) at one end, or the frame body 5 supported by the vehicle device 1B (second vehicle device 1B) at the other end.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the two vehicle devices 1A and 1B having the same configuration supported both ends of the first long work section 40, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, if the length of the first long work section 40 (first pipe 400) in the lateral direction (longitudinal direction) is long (long enough that the first pipe 400 bends and hangs down between the two vehicle devices 1A and IB), the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B, and 1D may include an intermediate vehicle device 1D positioned between the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B, which is capable of supporting an intermediate portion of the first long work section 40.

[0130] In this case, as in the above embodiment, the first support structure 6 (first cable body 60, first suspension cable body 61) may be included, but since the relay vehicle device 1D supports the middle portion of the first long work section 40 (first piping 400), the work device 4 may not have the first support structure 6, as shown in Figure 25. Accordingly, the frame body 5 may not have support columns 54.

[0131] In any case, for the relay vehicle device 1D to support the first long work section 40 (first piping 400), it is essential that the configuration ensures that the first long work section 40 (first piping 400) does not detach from the relay vehicle device 1D when the relay vehicle device (vehicle device) 1D is in motion (when it is running parallel to the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B).

[0132] Specifically, as shown in Figures 24 to 27, assuming that the relay vehicle device 1D is identical to the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B, the work device 4 may have a support member 46 that is connected (supported) to the mounting portion 200 of the relay vehicle device (vehicle device) 1D, and includes a mounting portion 460 on which an intermediate portion of the first pipe 400 is placed. In this case, the support member 46 is the portion that corresponds to the part to be placed on the support frame 20 (mounting portion 200) of the relay vehicle device (vehicle device) 1D. Therefore, the support member 46 is attached to the mounting portion 200 of the relay vehicle device (vehicle device) 1D. With the support member 46 attached to the mounting portion 200 in this way, the mounting portion 460 is configured to restrict the forward and backward movement of the intermediate portion of the placed first pipe 400, similar to the pipe mounting portions 520 and 530 of the first support portion 52 and the second support portion 53.

[0133] Specifically, as shown in Figure 27, the mounting section 460 includes a receiving section 460a that receives the downward portion of the middle part of the first pipe 400, and a pair of restricting sections 460b, 460b that extend upward from both ends of the receiving section 460a in the front-rear direction, and is configured so that the middle part of the first pipe 400 can be placed in the area enclosed by the receiving section 460a and the pair of restricting sections 460b, 460b. The receiving section 460a shown in Figure 27 is formed in a semi-circular shape that is convex downwards, and the pair of restricting sections 460b, 460b extend straight upwards.

[0134] As a result, the mounting section 460, like the pipe mounting section 520 of the first support section 52 and the pipe mounting section 530 of the second support section 53, has a U-shaped cross-section when viewed from the side. Therefore, the mounting section 460 allows the first pipe 400 to be positioned (mounted) from above, and prevents the first pipe 400 from falling off in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, since the relay vehicle device 1D is identical to the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B, the first long work section 40 (first pipe 400) is supported at the appropriate position (height) by raising and lowering the vehicle body 2 (support frame 20).

[0135] In the above embodiment, the first support structure 6 supporting the first long work section 40 (first pipe 400) and the second support structure 7 supporting the second long work section 41 (second pipe 410) are each composed of a combination of flexible cable bodies 60, 61, 70, and 71, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 28, the first support structure 6 and the second support structure 7 may be rigid truss structures or rigid frame structures (truss structures in Figure 28).

[0136] In this case as well, assuming that both ends of the first long work section 40 are supported by adjacent vehicle devices 1A and 1B, at least one point between the ends of the first long work section 40 is connected (supported) by the first support structure 6. In addition, one end of the second long work section 41 is supported by the vehicle device 1A or 1B at the far end, and at least one point between the ends of the second long work section 41 is connected (supported) by the second support structure 7. In this way, the first long work section 40 (first pipe 400) can be stably supported, and it also functions as a spacing maintenance member to keep the distance between the vehicle devices 1A and 1B constant, preventing each of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B from independently meandering. Furthermore, the rigidity of the second support structure 7 is increased, allowing it to stably support the second long work section 41 (second pipe 410).

[0137] In the above embodiment, the work device 4 is equipped only with a first long work section 40 and a second long work section 41 located to the sides of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B, and is configured to perform work (spraying liquid) on both sides of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B. However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 29, the work device 4 may be equipped with a third work section 47 in addition to the first long work section 40 and the second long work section 41, which performs work in front of or behind (in front of Figure 29) the vehicle devices 1A and 1B.

[0138] In this case, the frame body 5 is provided with an arm 56 extending from the connecting portion 50 (frame portion 500) to the front or rear of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B, and the third work unit 47 may be attached to the tip of the arm 56. For example, as in the above embodiment, if the target of the work is the spraying of a spray liquid, the third work unit 47 is a pipe 470 to which the spray liquid stored in the tank 44 is supplied, and includes a pipe 470 extending in the lateral direction and a plurality of nozzles 471 arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction relative to the pipe 470. In this way, the third work unit 47 will spray the spray liquid in front of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B located between the first long work unit 40 and the second long work unit 41 in the lateral direction, so that there are no areas that are not sprayed with the spray liquid, and it becomes possible to spray the spray liquid over a wide area.

[0139] 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).

[0140] 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.

[0141] (Item 1) A work vehicle 1 comprises a plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B, each capable of travel and arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction, and a work device 4, which includes a first long work section 40 that is supported by both sides between the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B and performs predetermined work between the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B.

[0142] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 1, a first long work section 40, whose length corresponds to the spacing between multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B, is positioned between multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B. This allows the first long work section 40 to function while the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B run parallel, enabling work to be performed on an area corresponding to the spacing between multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B, regardless of the size of the vehicle devices 1A and 1B. Therefore, when performing work on a large area, the work efficiency for large areas is improved by setting the spacing between the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B according to the size of the area to be worked on, and by setting the length of the first long work section 40 to a length corresponding to the spacing between the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B.

[0143] (Item 2) The work vehicle 1 according to item 1, wherein the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B include first vehicle devices 1A, 1B having a first lifting device 21 for raising and lowering one end of the first long work section 40, and second vehicle device 1B having a second lifting device 21 for raising and lowering the other end of the first long work section 40.

[0144] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 2, the first vehicle device 1A is equipped with a first lifting device 21 (lifting device 21) that raises and lowers one end of the first long work section 40, and the second vehicle device 1B is equipped with a second lifting device 21 (lifting device 21) that raises and lowers the other end of the first long work section 40, so that one end and the other end of the first long work section 40 can be positioned at a height suitable for work.

[0145] (Item 3) The first lifting device 21 is a work vehicle 1 as described in item 2, which lifts one end of the first long work section 40 when the second lifting device 21 lifts the other end of the first long work section 40.

[0146] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 3, the raising and lowering of one end of the first long work section 40 by the first lifting device 21 is linked to the raising and lowering of the other end of the first long work section 40 by the second lifting device 21. In other words, because the first lifting device 21 (lifting device 21) and the second lifting device 21 (lifting device 21) are synchronized, there is no large difference in the movement (raising and lowering) of one end and the other end of the first long work section 40, and the entire first long work section 40 can be positioned in a position suitable for work.

[0147] (Item 4) The work device 4 is cantilevered to the vehicle device 1A, 1B at the furthest end of the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B, extends to the opposite side from the first long work section 40, and includes a second long work section 41 that performs the same type of work as the first long work section 40, as described in any one of items 1 to 3.

[0148] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 4, the second long work section 41, which performs the same type of work as the first long work section 40, extends to the opposite side from the first long work section 40, thereby expanding the range of work that can be performed.

[0149] (Item 5) The work vehicle 1 described in item 2 or item 3, or item 4 which references item 2, includes a relay vehicle device 1D positioned between the first vehicle device 1A and the second vehicle device 1B and capable of supporting an intermediate portion of the first long work section 40.

[0150] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 5, the middle portion of the long first long work section 40 is supported by the relay vehicle device 1D, thereby preventing the first long work section 40 from sagging due to bending. As a result, the first long work section 40 is maintained in the correct position and posture.

[0151] (Item 6) The work device 4 includes a tank 44 capable of storing spray liquid, and a pipe 400 connected to the tank 44 and to which a nozzle 401 capable of spraying the spray liquid is attached, wherein the first long work section 40 is the pipe 400, according to any one of items 1 to 5.

[0152] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 6, the spray liquid stored in the tank 44 is discharged (sprayed) from the nozzle 401 via the pipe 400. This allows the spray liquid to be applied over a wide area (for example, field FA). Here, spraying of the spray liquid includes not only the application of liquid fertilizer and pesticide solutions, but also watering.

[0153] (Item 7) The tank 44 is a work vehicle 1 according to item 6, which is located in at least one of the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B.

[0154] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 7, the tank 44 for storing the spray liquid is located on at least one of the multiple vehicle devices 1A, 1B. Therefore, when the vehicle devices 1A, 1B are in motion, the tank 44 moves together with them. This allows the length of the hoses and other piping connecting the tank 44 to the piping 400 to be minimized. In other words, if the tank 44 were not located on the vehicle devices 1A, 1B but installed in a predetermined location, the piping connecting the first long work unit 40 supported by the moving vehicle devices 1A, 1B to the tank 44 would need to be long enough to match the range (distance) of movement of the vehicle devices 1A, 1B. As a result, work would be required to manage the piping when performing the work. However, as described above, by having the tank 44 located on the vehicle devices 1A, 1B, the hoses and other piping connecting the tank 44 to the piping 400 can be shortened, and work to manage the piping during the work is eliminated.

[0155] (Item 8) The tank 44 is a work vehicle 1 described in item 7, which is arranged in each of the plurality of vehicle devices 1A and 1B.

[0156] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 8, since a tank 44 is provided on each of the multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B, spray liquid can be supplied to the first long work unit 40 from both tanks 44. This ensures that the amount of spray liquid necessary for spraying work over a large area is secured. In other words, it is possible to prevent running out of spray liquid during work.

[0157] (Item 9) The work device 4 is supported by the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B, and the work vehicle 1 according to any one of items 1 to 7 is provided with a support structure 6 that supports the first long work section 40 between the plurality of vehicle devices 1A, 1B.

[0158] According to the work vehicle 1 of item 9, the support structure 6 supports the first long work section 40 between multiple vehicle devices 1A and 1B, thereby preventing the first long work section 40 from sagging due to bending. As a result, the first long work section 40 is maintained in the correct position and posture. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0159] 1: Work vehicles 1A: First vehicle equipment 1A: Vehicle equipment 1B: Vehicle equipment 1B: First vehicle equipment 1B: Second vehicle equipment 1D: Relay vehicle equipment 4: Work equipment 6: Support structure (first support structure) 7: Support structure (second support structure) 21: First lifting device (lifting device) 21: Second lifting device (lifting device) 40: 1st Long Work Section 41: Second Long Work Section 44: Tank 400: Piping (First Piping) 401: Nozzle (First Nozzle) 410: Piping (Second Piping) 411: Nozzle (Second Nozzle)

Claims

1. Multiple vehicle devices, each capable of movement and arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction, A work vehicle comprising a work device that includes a first long work section which is supported by both sides between the plurality of vehicle devices and performs predetermined work between the plurality of vehicle devices.

2. The aforementioned multiple vehicle devices are, A first vehicle device having a first lifting device for raising and lowering one end of the first long work section, A second vehicle device having a second lifting device for raising and lowering the other end of the first long work section, A work vehicle according to claim 1, including the following:

3. The first lifting device is The work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein when the second lifting device lifts the other end of the first long work section, one end of the first long work section is lifted.

4. The aforementioned work apparatus is The work vehicle according to claim 1, which includes a second long work section that is cantilevered to the vehicle device at the far end of the plurality of vehicle devices, extends to the opposite side from the first long work section, and performs the same type of work as the first long work section.

5. The work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of vehicle devices include an intermediate vehicle device positioned between the first vehicle device and the second vehicle device, capable of supporting an intermediate portion of the first long work section.

6. The aforementioned work apparatus is A tank capable of storing the spray solution, Includes a piping connected to the tank and fitted with a nozzle capable of spraying the liquid, The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first long work section is the piping.

7. The work vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the tank is located on at least one of the plurality of vehicle devices.

8. The work vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the tank is arranged in each of the plurality of vehicle devices.

9. The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the work device is supported by the plurality of vehicle devices, and the work vehicle is further provided with a support structure that supports the first long work section between the plurality of vehicle devices.

Images