Work vehicle

Abstract

There was a demand for a work vehicle that would allow an operator to board and perform tasks while minimizing the risk of deterioration of the driver's seat due to the external environment. [Solution] The vehicle comprises a vehicle body 4, a driver's seat 10 provided on the vehicle body 4 where an operator can sit, and a state changing mechanism 9 that switches between a state in which the driver's seat 10 is covered and a state in which it is not covered. The vehicle body 4 is equipped with a cover body 11 that covers the driver's seat 10 from above when the vehicle body 4 is in an unmanned operation state, and opens the top of the driver's seat 10 to expose the driver's seat 10 when the vehicle body is in an operated operation state, and the state changing mechanism 9 is equipped with an actuator 14 that moves the cover body 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to work vehicles such as tractors and harvesters, for example.

Background Art

[0002] This type of work vehicle is equipped with a driver's seat on which an operator sits when boarding and operating. Conventionally, there is a type in which the upper part of the driver's seat is open (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above conventional configuration, for example, if the work vehicle is left outdoors after work and waits for a long time, the driver's seat will be exposed to the outside, and there is a risk that it will be exposed to rain, sunlight, etc. and deterioration due to the external environment will progress.

[0005] Moreover, recently, there has been a demand for work vehicles that can run unmanned for labor saving. Therefore, it is conceivable to use the work vehicle shown in the above conventional configuration as an unmanned vehicle. With such a configuration, unmanned driving can be performed by automatic driving, and an operator can board and perform work by manual operation, so it is possible to handle difficult work that is difficult to handle in automatic driving. However, in this configuration, the driver's seat will be exposed to the outside in the unmanned work state, and there is a risk that it will be exposed to rain, sunlight, etc. and deterioration due to the external environment will progress.

[0006] Unmanned work vehicles are not limited to open spaces; they may also be used in areas where crops with dense foliage and low-growing branches are planted at close intervals, such as orchards. When considering the use of such work vehicles, the driver's seat and its commonly known operating tools are exposed to the outside, which could potentially interfere with and damage crops.

[0007] Therefore, there was a need for a work vehicle that would allow an operator to ride in and perform tasks, while minimizing the risk of the driver's seat interfering with and damaging crops, or of deterioration due to the external environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The characteristic configuration of the work vehicle according to the present invention is that it comprises a vehicle body, a driver's seat provided on the vehicle body in which an operator can sit, and a state changing mechanism that switches between a state in which the driver's seat is covered and a state in which it is not covered.

[0009] According to the present invention, by switching the state change mechanism to a state where the driver's seat is not covered, the operator can sit in the driver's seat and operate the vehicle. As a result, it is possible for the operator to board the vehicle and perform tasks by manual operation, making it possible to handle even difficult tasks that would be difficult to handle with unmanned automatic driving.

[0010] Furthermore, if the vehicle is left outside for an extended period, or if it is used to perform unmanned work, the state change mechanism switches to a state where the driver's seat is covered. As a result, the driver's seat is protected, preventing deterioration due to the external environment. In addition, during unmanned operation, even when working in areas where crops with dense branches and leaves are planted at close intervals, such as orchards, there is less risk of the driver's seat interfering with and damaging the crops.

[0011] Therefore, we have been able to provide a work vehicle that allows an operator to ride in and perform work while minimizing the risk of the driver's seat interfering with and damaging crops or deteriorating due to the external environment.

[0012] In the present invention, the vehicle body is provided with a cover that covers the driver's seat from above when the vehicle body is in an unmanned operation state, and opens the top of the driver's seat to expose the driver's seat when the vehicle body is in an operated operation state, and the state changing mechanism preferably includes an actuator for moving the cover.

[0013] With this configuration, the cover can be moved by an actuator to cover the driver's seat from above, allowing the vehicle to be set to an unmanned operation state. Alternatively, the cover can be moved by an actuator to open the top of the driver's seat, exposing the seat, allowing the vehicle to be set to a manned operation state where an operator can board and operate the vehicle.

[0014] As a result, the driver's seat can be switched between being covered and not covered by a simple configuration that involves moving the cover.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the actuator is an electric motor.

[0016] With this configuration, by using an electric motor, the movement of the object to be operated can be made possible with a simple linkage mechanism, and the drive structure can be simplified.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferable that the actuator is an expandable / contractable cylinder.

[0018] With this configuration, when moving an object, the object can be moved directly by the telescopic cylinder, resulting in smoother operation.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable that the cover body is the roof of the driver's seat when the vehicle body is in the manned operation state.

[0020] According to this configuration, when an operator is seated on the driver's seat in the manned operation state, the cover body serves as a roof, so that the operator can be protected from rain and sunlight.

[0021] In the present invention, it is preferable to include a side wall portion located on the lateral side of the driver's seat, and the side wall portion covers the lateral side of the driver's seat when the vehicle body is in the unmanned operation state, and is openable and closable for the operator to get on and off when the vehicle body is in the manned operation state.

[0022] According to this configuration, in the unmanned operation state, the lateral side of the driver's seat is covered by the side wall portion, so there are no disadvantages such as the crops getting caught, and the operation can be performed smoothly. On the other hand, in the manned operation state, it is easy for the operator to get on and off by switching the side wall portion to the open state.

[0023] In the present invention, it is preferable to include an electric drive source.

[0024] According to this configuration, deterioration of the natural environment such as air pollution can be suppressed compared to a drive source such as an internal combustion engine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is an overall side view of a tractor in the unmanned operation state. [Figure 2] It is an overall side view of a tractor in the manned operation state. [Figure 3] It is an overall rear view of a tractor in the manned operation state. [Figure 4] It is an overall plan view of the tractor. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the driver's cab. [Figure 6] It is a control block diagram. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the working mode. [Figure 8] This is an overall side view of a tractor according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an overall side view of a tractor according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an overall side view of a tractor according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an overall side view of a tractor according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an overall plan view of a tractor according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] This is an overall plan view of a tractor according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The embodiments of the work vehicle according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0027] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, arrow F in the diagram will be considered "forward," arrow B will be considered "backward," arrow L will be considered "left," and arrow R will be considered "right." Arrow U in the diagram will be considered "up," and arrow D will be considered "down."

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 show a tractor, which is an example of a work vehicle according to the present invention. The tractor comprises a vehicle body 4 that can move on four wheels 3 consisting of a pair of front wheels 1 and a pair of rear wheels 2, and a driver's seat 10 provided on the vehicle body 4 where an operator can sit. At the rear of the vehicle body 4 is a three-point linkage mechanism 5 to which a work device is connected so as to be able to be raised and lowered. Although not shown in the figures, the rear of the vehicle body 4 is also equipped with a lifting drive mechanism that can drive the work device up and down, and a power take-off shaft that can output power to the work device. The three-point linkage mechanism 5 comprises a pair of lower links 5A and one top link 5B, which connect and support the work device so as to be able to be raised and lowered. By moving the vehicle body 4 with the work device connected, work can be performed by the work device. Examples of work devices include ground work devices such as rotary tillers and plows, or chemical sprayers.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, the tractor is equipped with an electric work drive mechanism 6 that drives the power take-off shaft and the lifting drive mechanism, a turning operation mechanism (not shown) for turning by swinging the left and right front wheels 1, an electric travel drive mechanism 7 that drives the travel wheels 3 and the turning operation mechanism, and a battery 8 that supplies power to the electric work drive mechanism 6 and the electric travel drive mechanism 7.

[0030] The electric work drive mechanism 6 is equipped with an electric motor as an electric drive source, and the power output shaft and the lifting drive mechanism can be driven by the power of the electric motor. The electric travel drive mechanism 7 is equipped with an electric motor as an electric drive source, and the travel wheels 3 and the swivel operation mechanism can be driven by the power of the electric motor.

[0031] This tractor is equipped with a state change mechanism 9 that switches between a state in which the driver's seat 10 is covered and a state in which it is not covered. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, this tractor is configured to be switchable between an unmanned operation state in which it can operate without a driver, and a manned operation state in which an operator can be seated and manually operated, as shown in Figure 2. The state change mechanism 9 is provided to switch the vehicle body 4 between the unmanned operation state and the manned operation state. In the unmanned operation state, the driver's seat 10 is located inside the vehicle body 4 and is not exposed, while in the manned operation state, the driver's seat 10 is exposed to the outside so that an operator can sit in the driver's seat.

[0032] The vehicle body 4 is equipped with a cover body 11 that covers the driver's seat 10 from above when the vehicle is in an unmanned operation state, and opens the top of the driver's seat 10 to expose the driver's seat 10 when the vehicle is in an operated operation state.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, in the unmanned operation state, the entire left and right sides, front, and top of the vehicle body 4 are covered by the outer casing 12. The upper rear portion of this outer casing 12 corresponds to the cover body 11.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a column member 13 is provided extending downward from the rear of the cover body 11. Two column members 13 are provided spaced apart in the left-right direction. The lower ends of the two column members 13 are received and supported by the frame portion of the vehicle body 4, for example, the rear axle case for rotatably supporting the rear wheels. The cover body 11 is supported by the two column members 13 and extends forward in a cantilevered manner. The column members 13 function as ropes to protect the operator when the operator is on board and operating the vehicle.

[0035] The state change mechanism 9 includes an actuator 14 for moving the cover body 11. The column member 13 consists of multiple overlapping rectangular cylindrical members that can slide against each other to extend and retract. An actuator 14 for moving the cover body 11 in the vertical direction is provided inside the column member 13. As the actuator 14, for example, an extendable cylinder consisting of an electric cylinder can be used. This can be achieved by sliding one of the cylindrical members using the extendable cylinder. Although not shown in the figures, the extendable cylinder is driven by an electric motor as an electric drive source.

[0036] By retracting the actuator 14 (extendable cylinder), the cover body 11 moves downward. As shown in Figure 1, the cover body 11 becomes integrally connected with the other parts of the outer case 12, and the upper side of the vehicle body 4 is covered without any gaps by the outer case 12 and the cover body 11, so that the upper surface of the vehicle body 4 forms a smooth outer surface. In other words, in this unmanned operation state, the driver's seat 10 is covered, that is, the driver's seat 10 is located inside the vehicle body 4 and is not exposed to the outside. To explain further, the driver's seat 10 is covered by the integrally connected outer case 12 and cover body 11 and is not visible from the outside of the vehicle body.

[0037] By extending the actuator 14 (telescopic cylinder), the cover body 11 moves upward, away from the rest of the outer casing 12, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. After the cover body 11 has moved upward, it may be held in place by the operating force of the actuator 14 (telescopic cylinder), or it may be held in place by a mechanical locking mechanism.

[0038] In the manned operation state, the driver's seat 10 is not covered, that is, the cover body 11 moves upward, causing the portion of the outer case 12 corresponding to the cover body 11 to be largely open, exposing the driver's seat 10 to the outside. At this time, the cover body 11 covers the area above the operator seated in the driver's seat 10, becoming the roof of the driver's seat 10. In other words, the cover body 11 functions as a canopy. This cover body 11 protects the operator from rainwater and sunlight, and prevents deterioration of the driver's seat 10.

[0039] A hydraulic cylinder can be used instead of an electric cylinder as the actuator 14 (extendable cylinder). The hydraulic pump that supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder can be driven by an electric motor as an electric drive source.

[0040] The switching operation by the actuator 14 may be performed from outside the vehicle body 4 by operating an operation command switch (not shown) located at an appropriate location on the outer periphery of the vehicle body 4, or it may be commanded from outside the vehicle body 4 via wireless communication using a remote control device (not shown) that is located independently of the vehicle body 4.

[0041] The vehicle body 4 is equipped with a side wall portion 15 located to the side of the driver's seat 10. The left side portion of the outer casing 12 corresponding to the side wall portion 15 is located to the left of the driver's seat 10. The side wall portion 15 covers the side of the driver's seat 10 whether the vehicle body 4 is in an unmanned or manned operation state, and is integrally connected with the other parts of the outer casing 12, resulting in a closed state where the left side of the outer casing 12 forms a smooth outer surface (see Figure 1).

[0042] When the vehicle body 4 is in a manned operation state, the side wall 15 can be opened and closed to allow the operator to get on and off. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the side wall 15 is supported by a bending link type support arm 16 on the frame of the vehicle body 4. Although not described in detail, the support arm 16 is configured such that multiple links are pivotally connected so as to be able to swing around a vertical axis, and that bending operation is possible by an actuator such as an electric motor (not shown).

[0043] By operating the support arm 16, the side wall portion 15 can be moved from a closed state to an open state (see Figure 4) located outward and rearward. When the side wall portion 15 is moved to the open state, the operator can easily board the driver's compartment 17. The switching operation by operating the support arm 16 may be performed from outside the vehicle body 4 by operating an operation command switch (not shown) provided at an appropriate location on the outer circumference of the vehicle body 4, or it may be commanded from outside the vehicle body 4 via wireless communication using a remote control device (not shown) provided independently and separately from the vehicle body 4.

[0044] When the operator boards the driver's compartment 17, the step section 18 located on the lower left side of the vehicle body 4 is switched to a position that extends outward, allowing the operator to easily board the driver's compartment 17. After the operator has boarded the driver's compartment 17, the step section 18 can be stored inward of the vehicle body 4.

[0045] The step section 18 can be switched between an extended state and a retracted state by an actuator (such as an electric motor as an electric drive source). The step section 18 may also be switched between the extended state and the retracted state by manual operation.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, this tractor is equipped with a control device 19 that controls the operation of the electric work drive mechanism 6 and the electric travel drive mechanism 7, a self-position measuring unit 20 for automatic driving, and a manual control unit 21 for manual driving.

[0047] The vehicle position measurement unit 20 can receive positioning signals from navigation satellites used in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System, such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, etc.) and calculate the vehicle's position based on the positioning signals.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, the location information of the planned work route W for the field to be worked on is measured in advance and stored in the memory device of the control device 19. In the unmanned work state, the control device 19 controls the operation of the electric work drive mechanism 6 and the electric travel drive mechanism 7 so that the vehicle body 4 automatically travels along the planned work route, based on the vehicle position information measured by the vehicle position measurement unit 20 and the stored work route information.

[0049] The driver's compartment 17 of the vehicle body 4 is equipped with a manual control unit 21. As shown in Figure 5, the manual control unit 21 includes a steering wheel 22 located in front of the driver's seat 10, a display device 23 located above the steering wheel 22 that displays various information, an operation panel 24 located to the right of the driver's seat 10, and foot pedals 25 for operating the accelerator and brake. The operation panel 24 is equipped with multiple operating tools 26 for operating gear changes, turning work devices on and off, raising and lowering work devices, etc.

[0050] The display device 23 is a touch panel type display that can display various information and also allow manual operation to be used to control the vehicle. Images captured by cameras installed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle body 4 can be displayed on both sides of the display surface of the display device 23, allowing the driver to visually check the driving status of the front wheels 1, etc.

[0051] The steering wheel 22 and display device 23 are stored towards the front of the vehicle so as not to obstruct the operator's entry and exit. After the operator has entered the vehicle, they slide backward to a position closer to the driver's seat. This makes operation easier.

[0052] In unmanned operation mode, the backrest of the driver's seat 10 folds forward and is stored away so as not to interfere with the cover body 11. Furthermore, in unmanned operation mode, the driver's seat 10 should be set to a position that makes it easy for the operator to get in and out, and after the operator gets in, it should be switched to a position that makes it easy to operate the machine.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 7, an unmanned work area Q1 is set up in the center of the field, and a manned work area Q2 is set up on the outer perimeter of the field. In the unmanned work area Q1, the control device 19 controls automatic driving so that the tractor travels along the planned work route W. In the manned work area Q2 near the entrance to the field and the outer perimeter windows near the ridges, driving conditions may be difficult for automatic driving, so an operator is on board and the vehicle is driven manually using the control unit 21.

[0054] [Another embodiment] (1) Instead of the configuration in which the cover body 11 is supported by two column members 13 at the rear, it may be supported by four column members located on both the left and right sides at the front and rear.

[0055] (2) Instead of the configuration in which the column member 13 expands and contracts and the cover body 11 moves up and down, the following configuration may be used. (2-1) As shown in Figure 8, in the manned operation state, the cover body 11 moves forward on a swinging arm 30 that swings around a lower lateral pivot point X1, opening up the area above the driver's seat 10. In this configuration, an electric motor can be used as the actuator 14. This can be achieved by using the electric motor to swing the swinging arm 30 back and forth. A telescopic cylinder may be used instead of the electric motor. (2-2) As shown in Figure 9, the cover body 11 moves forward along the slide rail 31 to open the area above the driver's seat 10. In this configuration, the cover body 11 can be moved by sliding using an extendable cylinder as an actuator. (2-3) As shown in Figure 10, the cover body 11 swings backward around the horizontal axis X2 at its rear end, opening the area above the driver's seat 10. In this configuration, an electric motor can be used as the actuator 14. This can be achieved by swinging the cover body 11 with the electric motor. A telescopic cylinder may be used instead of the electric motor. (2-4) As shown in Figure 11, the cover body 11 swings forward around the horizontal axis X3 at its front end, opening the area above the driver's seat 10. In this configuration, an electric motor can be used as the actuator 14. This can be achieved by swinging the cover body 11 with the electric motor. A telescopic cylinder may be used instead of the electric motor.

[0056] (3) Instead of the side wall portion 15 being supported by the vehicle body 4 by a bending link type support arm 16 and switching between a closed state and an open state, the side wall portion 15 may be configured to swing around the vertical axis Z at the rear end to switch between a closed state and an open state, as shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 13, the side wall portion 15 may be configured to swing around the front-rear axis Y at the lower end to switch between a closed state and an open state. In this configuration, the side wall portion 15 may be provided with a step portion 15A for boarding and alighting.

[0057] (4) The right side wall of the vehicle body 4 may be configured to open and close instead of the left side wall 15 of the vehicle body 4. Alternatively, both the left and right side walls of the vehicle body 4 may be configured to open and close.

[0058] (5) The side wall portion 15 of the vehicle body 4 may be configured to be fixed in position when closed.

[0059] (6) Instead of an electric drive source (electric motor), an internal combustion engine (gasoline engine, diesel engine, etc.) may be used. [Industrial applicability]

[0060] The present invention is not limited to tractors, but can be applied to various types of work vehicles such as harvesters, rice transplanters, and lawnmowers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 4 car bodies 9. State Change Mechanism 10 Driver's seat 11 Cover body 14. Actuator (Lifting Cylinder) 15 Side wall section

Claims

1. The car body and, The vehicle body includes a driver's seat where an operator can sit, A work vehicle equipped with a state-changing mechanism that switches between a state in which the driver's seat is covered and a state in which it is not covered.

2. The vehicle body is equipped with a cover that covers the driver's seat from above when the vehicle body is in an unmanned operation state, and opens the top of the driver's seat to expose the driver's seat when the vehicle body is in an operated operation state. The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the state changing mechanism includes an actuator for moving the cover body.

3. The work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is an electric motor.

4. The work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is an extendable cylinder.

5. The work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the cover body is the roof of the driver's seat when the vehicle body is in the manned work state.

6. It includes a side wall located to the side of the driver's seat, The work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the side wall covers the side of the driver's seat when the vehicle is in the unmanned work state, and is openable and closable for the operator to get on and off when the vehicle is in the manned work state.

7. A work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is equipped with an electric drive source.

Images