Traction trolley

Abstract

We provide a towing trolley that can be used with any vehicle and allows for flexible use of attachments. [Solution] The towing trolley comprises a main body (12) constituting the trolley, at least two left and right wheels (11) supported by the main body (12), and a connecting part (13) for connecting the main body (12) to a vehicle (1). The towing trolley, which is towed by the vehicle (1), also comprises an attachment connecting part (17) to which various attachments (401, 402, 403, 404) are detachably connected, and a drive source (15) for driving the attachments (401, 402, 403, 404).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a traction trolley.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technology related to a tractor that has an attachment connection part for detachably connecting an attachment and can drive the attachment by utilizing tractor power is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, although the attachment is detachably connected to the tractor, a tractor having a configuration corresponding to the attachment is required. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a traction trolley that can flexibly utilize attachments regardless of the vehicle used.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] A traction trolley towed by a vehicle, comprising a main body part constituting the trolley, at least two left and right wheels supported by the main body part, and a connection part for connecting the main body part to the vehicle, the traction trolley further comprising: an attachment connection part to which various attachments are detachably connected; and a drive source for driving the attachment.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] We can provide a towing trailer that can be used with any vehicle and allows for flexible use of attachments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the towing trolley according to the embodiment connected to a vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a right side view of the towing traction motor according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the towing traction unit according to the embodiment, seen from the front right. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the towing traction unit according to the embodiment, seen from the right rear. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the towing trolley according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the base frame of the towing trolley. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the traction bogie corresponding to the section VII-VII in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the periphery of the PTO output shaft. [Figure 9] This is a rear view of the main parts of the towing traction unit. [Figure 10] This is an exploded perspective view of the first auxiliary wheel support member. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in Figure 5. [Figure 12] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII. [Figure 13] This figure shows variations of the auxiliary wheel support member of the towing trolley according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the state of the towing trolley when the auxiliary wheel support members are attached. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down refer to directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In each figure, the symbol FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the top of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment] Figure 1 shows the towing trolley 10 according to the embodiment connected to the vehicle 1. Figure 2 is a right side view of the towing trolley 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the towing trolley 10 according to the embodiment, seen from the front right. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the towing trolley 10 according to the embodiment, seen from the rear right. Figure 5 is a top view of the towing trolley 10 according to the embodiment. The towing trolley 10 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 12 having wheels 11 on the left and right sides, a towing rod (connecting part) 13 extending forward from the main body 12, a power unit (drive source) 15 provided on the main body 12, a three-point linkage mechanism (attachment connection part) 17 extending rearward from the main body 12, and a PTO output shaft (output shaft) 19 that outputs the driving force of the power unit 15.

[0010] The towing trolley 10 is connected to a vehicle 1 that does not have a PTO output shaft, for example, via a towing rod 13. Attachments are connected to the towing trolley 10 via a three-point linkage mechanism 17. Specifically, attachments such as a rotary tedder 401 (see Figure 15), a roll baler 402 (see Figure 15), a spreader 403 (see Figure 15), and a disc mower 404 (see Figure 15) are connected. As a result, even a vehicle 1 that does not have a PTO output shaft 19 can operate attachments 401 to 404 that require a PTO output shaft 19 via the towing trolley 10.

[0011] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the base frame 20 of the towing traction unit 10. The main body 12 of the traction trolley 10 has a base frame 20 in the form of a metal plate. The base frame 20 includes a frame central portion 21 that is a rectangular plate when viewed in plan from the vehicle body, and a pair of left and right frame side portions 22 provided on both left and right sides of the rear part of the frame central portion 21.

[0012] A steering pipe 23 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the front end of the frame central portion 21. The steering pipe 23 is provided at the left-right central portion. A wheel support frame 24 extending in the left-right direction is fixed to the rear of the steering pipe 23. Wheel support pipes 25 extending in the vertical direction are provided at both left and right ends of the wheel support frame 24.

[0013] A center shaft support portion 26 extending in the left-right direction is provided at the rear end portion of the frame central portion 21. Side shaft support portions 27 are provided on the left and right sides of the center shaft support portion 26. The side shaft support portions 27 are provided so as to face the center shaft support portion 26.

[0014] An arm support pipe portion (arm support portion) 28 is provided on the outer side in the left-right direction of the side shaft support portion 27. The arm support pipe portion 28 is formed in an external rectangular tube shape extending in the front-rear direction. The arm support pipe portion 28 is provided over the entire front-rear direction of the frame side portion 22. Mounting holes 28a are formed in the arm support pipe portion 28 at appropriate intervals in the front-rear direction.

[0015] As shown in Figure 5, the wheels 11 are rotatably supported at both the left and right ends of the wheel support frame 24. In this embodiment, the wheels 11 are supported by the wheel support frame 24 via knuckles 11a. That is, a pivot shaft 11b extending in the vertical direction is inserted through the wheel support pipes 25 at both ends of the wheel support frame 24, and the knuckles 11a are supported via the pivot shaft 11b. The knuckles 11a are supported so as to be able to pivot about the pivot shaft 11b. The wheels 11 are rotatably supported by the knuckles 11a. The left and right knuckles 11a are connected by a connecting rod 11c extending in the left and right direction. As a result, the left and right wheels 11 are configured to steer in the same direction.

[0016] A towing rod 13 extending forward is connected to the center of the left and right wheels 11. The towing rod 13 has a rod base 31 connected to the steering pipe 23 and a rod extension 32 extending forward from the rod base 31.

[0017] The rod base 31 is rectangular in shape. A pivot shaft 33 extending vertically is provided at the rear end of the rod base 31. The pivot shaft 33 is inserted into the steering pipe 23. The pivot shaft 33 supports the rod base 31 so that it can swing from side to side.

[0018] A rod extension 32 is connected to the front end of the rod base 31. A roughly U-shaped joint 34 (see Figure 3), which is open at the bottom, is provided at the rear end of the rod extension 32. The joint 34 is positioned to cover the front end of the rod base 31 from above. The joint 34 is equipped with a pivot shaft 34a (see Figure 3) that extends in the left-right direction. The rod extension 32 is connected to the rod base 31 via the pivot shaft 34a. The rod extension 32 can pivot vertically around the pivot shaft 34a relative to the rod base 31. In addition, the rod extension 32 can pivot horizontally around the pivot shaft 33 integrally with the rod base 31.

[0019] Here, a steering rod 11d extending toward the knuckle 11a on one side in the vehicle width direction is connected to the towing rod 13 (see Figure 5). The steering rod 11d is pivotably connected to the towing rod 13. The steering rod 11d steers the knuckle 11a on one side in the vehicle width direction according to the steering angle of the towing rod 13 relative to the base frame 20. Therefore, according to the steering angle of the towing rod 13, the left and right wheels 11 are steered in the same direction.

[0020] A connecting link 35 is provided at the front end of the rod extension 32. The towing traction unit 10 is towed when the connecting link 35 is connected to the vehicle 1. A power cable (not shown) extending from the power unit 15 is routed along the towing rod 13. The power cable is connected to a power source of the vehicle 1 (not shown), such as a battery. This supplies power to the power unit 15.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the auxiliary wheel 14 is supported by the arm support pipe section 28 via the auxiliary wheel support member 40. The auxiliary wheel support member 40 of this embodiment includes an auxiliary wheel support arm 41 supported by an arm support pipe section 28, a reinforcing arm 42 extending from a unit support frame 50 to reinforce the auxiliary wheel support arm 41, an axle member (rotating shaft) 43 (see Figure 4) supported by the auxiliary wheel support arm 41 to rotatably support the auxiliary wheel 14, and a support member 44 reinforcing the auxiliary wheel support arm 41 and the arm support pipe section 28. The diameter of the auxiliary wheel 14 is the same as that of the wheel 11. Note that the towing trolley 10 can also be used without the auxiliary wheel 14. That is, the towing trolley 10 can also be used without the auxiliary wheel support member 40.

[0022] A power unit section 15, which has an external rectangular parallelepiped shape, is provided in the central part 21 of the base frame 20. The power unit section 15 is equipped with a drive source that drives a three-point linkage mechanism 17 and a PTO output shaft 19. The power unit section 15 has a unit support frame (drive source support frame, frame section) 50. The unit support frame 50 has a frame shape that is roughly rectangular parallelepiped.

[0023] The unit support frame 50 has a main frame 51 that extends in the vertical direction. The main frame 51 is arranged to correspond to the four corner shapes of a rectangular parallelepiped (see Figure 5).

[0024] On both the left and right sides, the front main frame 51 and the rear main frame 51 are connected by front and rear subframes (front and rear subframes) 52 and 53 that extend in the front and rear direction (see Figure 2). The upper front and rear subframe 52 is provided corresponding to the upper end of the main frame 51. The lower front and rear subframe 53 is provided corresponding to the middle part of the main frame 51 in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the following, the lower front and rear subframe 53 will be referred to as the intermediate front and rear subframe 53.

[0025] An upper inclined frame 54 is supported above the intermediate front and rear subframes 53. The upper inclined frame 54 inclins downward as it moves towards the rear. A lower inclined frame 55 is supported below the intermediate front and rear subframes 53. The lower inclined frame 55 inclins upward as it moves towards the rear. The upper inclined frame 54 and the lower inclined frame 55 each connect to the front and rear main frames 51. The rear ends of the front and rear subframes 53, the upper inclined frame 54, and the lower inclined frame 55 are connected by plate-shaped gusset portions 56.

[0026] At the front end of the unit support frame 50, three vertically arranged width subframes (widthwise subframes) 57, 58, and 59 are positioned between the left and right main frames 51 (see Figures 3 and 7). The width subframes 57, 58, and 59 connect the left and right main frames 51. The lower width subframe 59 is fixed to the front of the front main frame 51. The intermediate width subframe 58 is provided in accordance with the height of the intermediate front and rear subframes 53. The upper width subframe 57 is positioned above the intermediate width subframe 58 and below the upper front and rear subframes 52.

[0027] At the rear end of the unit support frame 50, a plate-shaped bracket fixing frame (a subframe in the width direction) 60 extending vertically and horizontally is connected between the left and right main frames 51 (see Figures 3 and 7). The bracket fixing frame 60 closes the upper parts of the left and right main frames 51 from the rear. In other words, the bracket fixing frame 60 leaves the lower parts of the left and right main frames 51 open to the rear.

[0028] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the traction truck 10, corresponding to the cross-section along line VII-VII in Figure 5. A plate-shaped cross frame (plate portion) 61 extending in the front-rear direction is provided between the bracket fixing frame 60 and the upper width subframe 57 on the front side. The cross frame 61 connects the upper width subframe 57 and the bracket fixing frame 60. A unit mounting opening 61a is formed in the cross frame 61, opening in the thickness direction.

[0029] Below the unit mounting opening 61a, a plate-shaped stay frame (plate portion) 62 extending in the left-right direction is provided. The stay frame 62 is supported by spanning the front and rear subframes 53 located in the middle on both the left and right sides. Therefore, the unit support frame 50 has three layers: a lower layer made up of the base frame 20, a middle layer made up of the stay frame 62, and an upper layer made up of the cross frame 61.

[0030] An electric motor 65, which serves as a power unit, is positioned on the upper cross frame 61. The electric motor 65 is mounted in the unit mounting opening 61a such that the motor shaft 65a extends downward. The electric motor 65 is fixed to the cross frame 61.

[0031] A reduction gear 66 is positioned below the electric motor 65. The reduction gear 66 is supported by a stay frame 62. The reduction gear 66 is connected to the motor shaft 65a. The reduction gear 66 has a transmission shaft 66a that extends to the rear. The reduction gear 66 converts the rotational force from the motor shaft 65a, which extends vertically, into rotation of the transmission shaft 66a, which extends in the front-rear direction and is bent at a 90-degree angle, via bevel gears or the like. A coupling 67 is supported on the transmission shaft 66a. The coupling 90 of the PTO output shaft 19 is connected to the coupling 67.

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the peripheral area of ​​the PTO output shaft 19. The PTO output shaft 19 is supported on the base frame 20 via a bracket 91. In this embodiment, the bracket 91 has a pair of left and right main body side brackets 92 fixed to the base frame 20, and an output shaft side bracket 93 fixed between the main body side brackets 92.

[0033] The main body bracket 92 is L-shaped when viewed from the rear of the vehicle (see Figure 9). More specifically, the main body bracket 92 has a bracket base 92a fixed to the base frame 20 and a bracket side portion 92b extending upward from the inner end of the bracket base 92a in the vehicle width direction. The bracket base 92a has an elongated hole 92a1 extending in the left-right direction. A bolt (fixing device) 94 (see Figure 9) extending in the up-down direction is inserted through the elongated hole 92a1. The bolt 94 is fixed to the base frame 20. The elongated hole 92a1 allows for adjustment of the left-right position of the main body bracket 92 relative to the base frame 20. The bracket side portion 92b has a pair of upper and lower support holes 92b1. In this embodiment, the support holes 92b1 are round holes. The output shaft bracket 93 is fixed to the bracket side portion 92b.

[0034] The output shaft side bracket 93 is substantially U-shaped. More specifically, the output shaft side bracket 93 has an annular shaft support portion 93a through which the PTO output shaft 19 is supported, and bracket side portions 93b extending forward from both the left and right sides of the shaft support portion 93a. The PTO output shaft 19 is rotatably supported in the shaft support portion 93a via a bearing 97. That is, the bearing 97 is fixed to the shaft support portion 93a, and the PTO output shaft 19 is supported by the bearing 97. Support holes 93b1 are formed in the bracket side portions 93b, penetrating in the thickness direction, i.e., in the left-right direction. A pair of support holes 93b1 are formed vertically. The support holes 93b1 are formed larger than the support holes 92b1 of the output shaft side bracket 93. In this embodiment, the support holes 93b1 are elongated holes that are long in the vertical direction.

[0035] Here, the bracket side portion 93b of the output shaft side bracket 93 is superimposed on the left-right outer surface of the bracket side portion 92b of the main body side bracket 92. A bolt (support member) 95 (see Figure 9) extending in the left-right direction is inserted through the support hole 93b1. The bolt 95 is inserted through the support hole 92b1 of the main body side bracket 92 and fastened with a nut. Since the support hole 93b1 of the output shaft side bracket 93 is larger than the support hole 92b1 of the main body side bracket 92, the vertical position of the output shaft side bracket 93 can be adjusted relative to the main body side bracket 92.

[0036] Here, the electric motor 65 and the reduction gear 66 are supported by the unit support frame 50. In contrast, the PTO output shaft 19 is supported by the bracket 91. Therefore, the axes of the transmission shaft 66a extending from the reduction gear 66 and the PTO output shaft 19 may not coincide due to mounting errors. In this embodiment, by making the positions of the brackets 91 and 92 adjustable vertically and horizontally, it is easier to accurately connect the transmission shaft 66a extending from the reduction gear 66 and the PTO output shaft 19. Furthermore, by connecting them with couplings 67 and 90, errors in the front-rear direction can also be absorbed.

[0037] Figure 9 is a rear view of the main parts of the towing traction unit 10. An arm bracket 70 is fixed to the rear surface of the bracket fixing frame 60. The arm bracket 70 has a pair of left and right connecting plate portions 71. Support holes 71a (see Figure 7) are formed in the connecting plate portions 71, penetrating in the thickness direction. A support shaft 72 extending in the left-right direction is positioned in the support hole 71a. An upper link arm 73, which constitutes the three-point linkage mechanism 17, is connected to the support shaft 72. The upper link arm 73 extends rearward from the support shaft 72.

[0038] The upper link arm 73 is positioned between the left and right connecting plate portions 71 and is pivotable around the support shaft 72. In this embodiment, the connecting plate portion 71 has a plurality of support holes 71a, and the position of the pivot center of the upper link arm 73 can be adjusted by changing the support holes 71a that support the support shaft 72.

[0039] Below the arm bracket 70, the center shaft support portion 26 and the side shaft support portion 27 support the arm shafts 74 that extend in the left-right direction (see Figure 9). A pair of arm shafts 74 are provided, one on the left and one on the right. The lower link arms 75 that constitute the three-point linkage mechanism 17 are supported on the arm shafts 74. The lower link arms 75 are ball-jointed to the arm shafts 74. The lower link arms 75 and the arm shafts 74 are connected by a connecting member 76 (see Figure 4).

[0040] A link drive mechanism 80 (see Figure 7) is connected to the lower link arm 75. The link drive mechanism 80 has a drive transmission arm 81 supported by the arm bracket 70. The drive transmission arm 81 extends in the front-rear direction. The drive transmission arm 81 comprises a pivot shaft portion 81a, a front arm portion 81b extending forward and downward from the pivot shaft portion 81a, and a rear arm portion 81c extending rearward relative to the pivot shaft portion 81a.

[0041] The drive transmission arm 81 is pivotably supported on the arm bracket 70 by a pivot shaft 82 that extends in the left-right direction. A downward-extending link rod 83 is pivotably connected to the rear end of the rear arm portion 81c of the drive transmission arm 81. The link rod 83 is pivotably connected to the lower link arm 75.

[0042] The front arm portion 81b of the drive transmission arm 81 is connected to the drive actuator 85. The drive actuator 85 in this embodiment has a cylinder portion 86 extending in the front-rear direction, a push rod portion 87 that is extendable and retractable and supported by the cylinder portion 86, and an electric drive unit 88 supported at the front of the cylinder portion 86. When the electric drive unit 88 is driven, the push rod portion 87 extends and retracts relative to the cylinder portion 86. The front end of the cylinder portion 86 is connected to the stay 29 via a connecting shaft 89 that extends to the left and right. That is, the drive actuator 85 is pivotably supported by the stay 29. The stay 29 is fixed in a state that straddles the intermediate width subframe 58 and the lower width subframe 59.

[0043] Therefore, when the drive actuator 85 is activated, the push rod portion 87 moves backward, pushing the lower front arm portion 81b of the drive transmission arm 81 backward. As a result, the drive transmission arm 81 rotates around the pivot shaft portion 81a, and the rear arm portion 81c moves upward. Consequently, via the link rod 83 connected to the rear arm portion 81c, the lower link arm 75 rotates around the arm shaft 74 and is lifted upward.

[0044] In this configuration, the drive actuator 85 is supported at its front end so that it can swing freely. This makes it easier to change its posture and maintain balance when the front-to-back length of the drive actuator 85 changes. Therefore, it is easier to extend and retract the push rod portion 87.

[0045] Various attachments 401 to 404, such as a rotary tedder 401 (see Figure 15), a roll baler 402 (see Figure 15), a spreader 403 (see Figure 15), and a disc mower 404 (see Figure 15), can be connected to the three-point linkage mechanism 17 and the PTO output shaft 19.

[0046] A counterweight mechanism 100 (see Figure 3) is provided at the front end of the base frame 20. The counterweight mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of counterweights 101, 102, and 103 as weights. The counterweight mechanism 100 also comprises a pair of left and right weight stays 104 (see Figure 7) to which the counterweights 101 to 103 are connected.

[0047] The weight stay 104 is fixed to the stay 29 at the front end of the base frame 20. The weight stay 104 has a U-shaped fitting section that is open at the front.

[0048] A first counterweight 101 is attached to the weight stay 104. The first counterweight 101 has a fitting connection portion 101a (see Figure 7) that fits into the weight stay 104, and a support portion 101b (see Figure 3) that can support the second counterweight 102.

[0049] A second counterweight 102 can be attached to the first counterweight 101. The second counterweight 102 has a connecting portion 102a that connects to the first counterweight 101 and a support portion 102b that can support a third counterweight 103.

[0050] A third counterweight 103 can be attached to the second counterweight 102. The third counterweight 103 has a connecting portion 103a that is connected to the second counterweight 102.

[0051] The weight stay 104 and counterweights 101-103 are configured to be connectable to each other by hole shape and bolts. In the counterweight mechanism 100, counterweights 101 to 103 are attached as appropriate, allowing adjustment of the load applied to the front end of the towing trolley 10. Therefore, by adjusting the weight of the front end of the towing trolley 10 according to the weight of the rear attachments 401 to 404 connected to the three-point linkage mechanism 17, the weight can be evenly distributed to the wheels 11 and auxiliary wheels 14. This makes it easier to maintain the posture of the towing trolley 10 and reduces the impact of the weight of the attachments 401 to 404 on the vehicle 1 towing the towing trolley 10.

[0052] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the first auxiliary wheel support member 40. The first auxiliary wheel support members 40 are provided in pairs, one on the left and one on the right. The first auxiliary wheel support members 40 are configured symmetrically. The first auxiliary wheel support members 40 include auxiliary wheel support arms (support arms) 41. The auxiliary wheel support arm 41 has an insertion square pipe portion 41a extending in the front-rear direction, an offset portion 41b that inclins outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward from the rear end of the insertion square pipe portion 41a, and an auxiliary wheel support portion 41c connected to the rear end of the offset portion 41b.

[0053] The insertion square pipe section 41a is formed to be slightly smaller than the rectangular shape of the arm support pipe section 28. Multiple fastening holes (mounting sections) 41a1 are formed in the front-rear direction of the insertion square pipe section 41a. Bolts 46 (see Figure 3) can be fastened into the fastening holes 41a1. The fastening holes 41a1 are formed at predetermined intervals. In this embodiment, six fastening holes 41a1 are formed. The insertion square pipe section 41a is inserted into the rectangular shape of the arm support pipe section 28. The insertion square pipe section 41a is inserted so that the fastening holes 41a1 coincide with the mounting holes 28a of the arm support pipe section 28. The insertion square pipe section 41a is inserted so that at least two of the fastening holes 41a1 coincide with the mounting holes 28a. In other words, the amount of attachment of the insertion square pipe section 41a to the arm support pipe section 28 can be adjusted in three stages. At this time, since both the insertion square pipe section 41a and the arm support pipe section 28 are rectangular in shape, the insertion square pipe section 41a can be temporarily supported while adjusting the mounting amount of the auxiliary wheel support arm 41.

[0054] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in Figure 5. The support member (reinforcement support portion) 44 of the first auxiliary wheel support member 40 extends in the front-rear direction. The support member 44 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with the inner side in the vehicle width direction open. That is, the support member 44 has a rectangular tube shape with one side omitted. The support member 44 has an insertion hole 44a formed on its upper surface. The insertion hole 44a is formed in the same way as the spacing of the fastening holes 41a1 in the auxiliary wheel support arm 41.

[0055] The support member 44 is attached to the arm support pipe section 28 by sandwiching it between its upper and lower surfaces. At this time, the support member 44 is positioned so that the insertion hole 44a at its front end coincides with the mounting hole 28a at the front end of the arm support pipe section 28. Then, for example, a bolt 46 is inserted through the insertion hole 44a so that the bolt 46 is fastened to the fastening hole 41a1 at the front end of the insertion square pipe section 41a and to three fastening holes 41a1 that are continuous with the fastening hole 41a1 at the rear end of the insertion square pipe section 41a. By fastening the bolt 46, the insertion square pipe section 41a is fixed to the arm support pipe section 28 with the support member 44 reinforcing it.

[0056] An auxiliary wheel support portion 41c is formed at the rear end of the auxiliary wheel support arm 41. The auxiliary wheel support portion 41c is a rectangular tube extending in the left-right direction. The auxiliary wheel support portion 41c has an upper surface with an insertion hole 41c1. A connecting bracket 45 with a U-shaped cross-section is provided on the upper surface.

[0057] The reinforcing arm (sub-arm) 42 of the first auxiliary wheel support member 40 has a front portion 42a extending in the front-rear direction, an intermediate portion 42b that inclins outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward from the front portion 42a, and a rear portion 42c extending rearward from the rear end of the intermediate portion 42b. Multiple mounting holes (mounting parts) 42a1 that penetrate in the vehicle width direction are formed in the front part 42a. In this embodiment, three mounting holes 42a1 are formed in the front part 42a, corresponding to the three-stage adjustable configuration of the insertion square pipe portion 41a of the auxiliary wheel support arm 41.

[0058] A connecting pin 47 (see Figure 9) at the upper end of the unit support frame 50 is inserted into one of the mounting holes 42a1 of the reinforcing arm 42, in accordance with the extension and retraction amount of the auxiliary wheel support arm 41. Here, the connecting pin 47 is provided at the upper end of the rear main frame 51. The connecting pin 47 extends outward in the left-right direction. The connecting pin 47 is inserted into the mounting hole 42a1, and a retaining pin 47a is fixed to its tip. The reinforcing arm 42 can be easily connected to the unit support frame 50 by inserting the connecting pin 47.

[0059] A pipe section 42c1 extending in the left-right direction is provided at the rear 42c of the reinforcing arm 42. The pipe section 42c1 is positioned between the connecting brackets 45. An axial engagement pin 48 extending in the left-right direction is passed through the connecting brackets 45 and the pipe section 42c1. A washer 48a is attached to the tip of the engagement pin 48, and a retaining pin 48b is attached to the tip of the engagement pin 48 beyond the washer 48a (see Figures 10 and 12). The retaining pin 48b is fitted into the hole 48c at the tip of the engagement pin 48. By connecting the reinforcing arm 42 to the connecting bracket 45 with a swingable structure consisting of the engagement pin 48 and the pipe section 42c1, the reinforcing arm 42, whose inclination angle differs depending on the extension and retraction amount of the auxiliary wheel support arm 41, can be easily connected. Furthermore, the retaining mechanism for the connecting pin 47, which is inserted into the mounting hole 42a1 on the front end side of the reinforcing arm 42, may be configured in the same way as the retaining mechanism for the engaging pin 48.

[0060] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 5. The axle member 43 is supported by the auxiliary wheel support portion 41c of the auxiliary wheel support arm 41. The axle member 43 has a flanged square pipe portion 43a having a square pipe portion extending in the left-right direction, and a flanged axle portion 43b having an axle extending in the left-right direction. The flanged square pipe portion 43a and the flanged axle portion 43b are fixed together by bolts.

[0061] The flanged square pipe section 43a has multiple fastening holes 43a1 formed in the left-right direction. Bolts 49 can be fastened into the fastening holes 43a1. The fastening holes 43a1 are formed at predetermined intervals. In this embodiment, two fastening holes 43a1 are formed. The flanged square pipe section 43a can be temporarily supported by being inserted into the square pipe of the auxiliary wheel support section 41c. It is fastened together with the connecting bracket 45 to the auxiliary wheel support section 41c using bolts 49. The axle member 43 rotatably supports the auxiliary wheel 14.

[0062] The amount of extension and retraction of the auxiliary wheel support arm 41 can be changed by adjusting the amount it is inserted into the arm support pipe section 28. The mounting position of the reinforcing arm 42 can also be changed. Therefore, the position of the auxiliary wheel 14 relative to the base frame 20 can be changed.

[0063] Furthermore, the position of the auxiliary wheels 14 in the vehicle width direction relative to the auxiliary wheel support portion 41c may be configured to be adjustable. For example, the flanged square pipe portion 43a may be made longer in the left-right direction, and multiple fastening holes 43a1 may be provided (see the dashed line in Figure 12). This makes it possible to adjust the position of the axle member 43 in the left-right direction relative to the auxiliary wheel support portion 41c, and thus the position of the auxiliary wheels 14 in the left-right direction.

[0064] Figure 13 shows variations of the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340 of the towing trolley 10 according to the embodiment. The upper part of Figure 13 above the double line shows the main components of the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340. The lower part of Figure 13 above the double line shows how to attach the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340. Figure 14 shows the state of the towing trolley 10 when the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340 are attached. The upper part of Figure 14 shows a plan view of the towing trolley 10. The lower part of Figure 14 shows the relationship between the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340, the base frame 20, and the unit support frame 50.

[0065] In the towing trolley 10 of this embodiment, multiple auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340 can be selectively used. That is, in this embodiment, the position of the auxiliary wheels 14 on the towing trolley 10 can be adjusted by changing the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340. Each of the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340 can adjust the position of the auxiliary wheels 14 in three stages.

[0066] The second auxiliary wheel support member 240 is used when it is desired to bring the auxiliary wheel 14 closer to the wheel 11 than the first auxiliary wheel support member 40. The auxiliary wheel support arm (support arm) 241 of the second auxiliary wheel support member 240 differs from the auxiliary wheel support arm 41 of the first auxiliary wheel support member 40 in that the offset portion 41b is omitted (see the upper part of Figure 13). That is, in the auxiliary wheel support arm 241, the auxiliary wheel support portion 41c is formed at the rear end of the insertion square pipe portion 41a. Furthermore, because the offset portion 41b is omitted in the auxiliary wheel support arm 241 of the second auxiliary wheel support member 240, the auxiliary wheel 14 is positioned further inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the first auxiliary wheel support member 40 (see the upper part of Figure 14).

[0067] The reinforcing arm (sub-arm) 242 of the second auxiliary wheel support member 240 is formed to be shorter in the longitudinal and vehicle width directions than the reinforcing arm 42 of the first auxiliary wheel support member 40. The reinforcing arm 242 is formed with a front section 242a, an intermediate section 241b, and a rear section 242b depending on the mounting location of the auxiliary wheel support arm 241 (see the upper section of Figure 13).

[0068] The third auxiliary wheel support member 340 is used when it is desired to bring the auxiliary wheel 14 closer to the wheel 11 than the second auxiliary wheel support member 240. In the auxiliary wheel support arm (support arm) 341 of the third auxiliary wheel support member 340, the length of the insertion square pipe portion 341a is shorter than that of the insertion square pipe portion 41a of the auxiliary wheel support arm 241 in the second auxiliary wheel support member 240 (see the upper part of Figure 13). That is, in the auxiliary wheel support arm 341, the insertion square pipe portion 341a is long enough to form four fastening holes 41a1.

[0069] The reinforcing arm (sub-arm) 342 of the third auxiliary wheel support member 340 is formed to be shorter in the front-rear direction than the reinforcing arm 242 of the second auxiliary wheel support member 240. The reinforcing arm 342 is formed with a front part 342a, an intermediate part 341b, and a rear part 342b depending on the mounting location of the auxiliary wheel support arm 341 (see the upper part of Figure 13).

[0070] In the third auxiliary wheel support member 340, the support member 44 is not used.

[0071] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the embodiment. In this embodiment, the position of the auxiliary wheels 14 relative to the wheel 11 can be adjusted by appropriately rearranging the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340. Furthermore, the auxiliary wheels 14 can be omitted by not providing the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340. Additionally, the combination and omission of the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340 may differ on the left and right sides of the main body 12.

[0072] Therefore, for example, if the attachments 401 and 402 are provided with ground wheels 401a and 402a as indicated by arrows A1 and A2, the attachments 401 and 402 may be connected to the towing trolley 10 without providing the auxiliary wheel support members 40, 240, and 340.

[0073] Alternatively, for example, as shown by arrow A3, auxiliary wheel support members 40 of the same size may be provided on both the left and right sides, and the attachment 403 may be connected to the towing trolley 10. Furthermore, for example, when an attachment 404 protruding to one side in the left-right direction is provided as indicated by arrow A4, a shorter auxiliary wheel support member 340 is provided on one side in the left-right direction, while a longer auxiliary wheel support member 40 is provided on the other side in the left-right direction. This allows the attachment 404 to be connected to the towing trolley 10 while stabilizing the trolley 10.

[0074] Therefore, the towing trolley 10 allows for flexible use of attachments 401 to 404.

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, the towing traction This configuration makes it possible to provide a towing trolley 10 that does not require a specific vehicle 1 and can flexibly utilize attachments 401 to 404.

[0076] In this embodiment, the main body 12 is provided with a unit support frame 50 that supports the power unit 15, and the PTO output shaft 19 of the power unit 15 is positioned to face the rear of the main body 12. With this configuration, attachments 401 to 404 can be connected to the rear of the towing traction unit 10.

[0077] In this embodiment, the three-point linkage mechanism 17 is attached to the unit support frame 50. With this configuration, the three-point linkage mechanism 17 is supported by the unit support frame 50 that supports the power unit section 15, making it easier to make the entire towing traction unit 10 compact.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the unit support frame 50 comprises at least four main frames 51 extending vertically, one of the front and rear subframes 52, 53 provided between the main frames 51 and extending in the front-rear direction, and one of the width subframes 57, 58, 59, or bracket fixing frame 60 provided between the main frames 51 and extending in the width direction. With this configuration, the unit support frame 50 that supports the power unit section 15 can be realized with a simple frame structure.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a cross frame 61 and a stay frame 62 are provided to connect the front and rear subframes 53 and the width subframe 58, and the cross frame 61 and the stay frame 62 form a hierarchical structure in the height direction between the main frame 51. This configuration makes it easy to use the main unit 12 in different ways for each hierarchical level.

[0080] In this embodiment, the power unit 15 includes an electric motor 65, a reduction gear 66, and a PTO output shaft 19. The electric motor 65 and the reduction gear 66 are installed on different levels, the motor shaft 65a of the electric motor 65 is oriented vertically, and the reduction gear 66 is bent 90 degrees so that the PTO output shaft 19 is oriented towards the rear of the main body 12, transmitting power from the motor shaft 65a to the PTO output shaft 19. With this configuration, by changing the orientation of the motor shaft 65a and the PTO output shaft 19, it is possible to prevent the power unit section 15 from becoming too large in a predetermined direction.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system includes an output shaft side bracket 93 that supports the PTO output shaft 19, a main body side bracket 92 provided on the main body 12 that supports the output shaft side bracket 93, and a bolt 95 that integrally fixes the output shaft side bracket 93 and the main body side bracket 92. The output shaft side bracket 93 and the main body side bracket 92 each have support holes 92b1 and 93b1 through which the bolt 95 is inserted, and the support hole 92b1 of the main body side bracket 92 is smaller than the support hole 93b1 of the output shaft side bracket 93. This configuration allows for the absorption of mounting errors in the PTO output shaft 19.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the three-point linkage mechanism 17 is a three-point linkage structure having one upper link arm 73 at the top and two lower link arms 75 at the bottom, the upper link arm 73 being pivotably supported on the unit support frame 50 and the lower link arms 75 being pivotably supported on the main body 12. With this configuration, by having vehicle 1 tow the towing bogie 10, vehicle 1 can be given the function of a three-point linkage mechanism 17.

[0083] Furthermore, this embodiment includes a drive actuator 85 that pivotably drives the lower link arm 75, and the drive actuator 85 is pivotably supported on the unit support frame 50. With this configuration, the drive actuator 85 can be operated while changing its posture, and the length of the drive actuator 85 can be easily changed.

[0084] [Other embodiments] The embodiments described above represent only one aspect of the present invention and can be modified and applied as needed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0085] [Configurations supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0086] (Configuration 1) A towing trolley comprising a main body that constitutes a trolley, at least two left and right wheels supported by the main body, and a connecting part that connects the main body to a vehicle, wherein the towing trolley is towed by the vehicle, and further comprising an attachment connecting part to which various attachments are detachably connected, and a drive source that drives the attachments. This configuration makes it possible to provide a towing trolley that can be used with any vehicle and allows for flexible use of attachments.

[0087] (Configuration 2) The towing trolley according to Configuration 1, further comprising a drive source support frame provided on the main body to support the drive source, wherein the output shaft of the drive source is provided facing the rear of the main body. This configuration allows the attachment to be connected to the rear of the towing trolley.

[0088] (Configuration 3) The towing trolley according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the attachment connection part is attached to the drive source support frame. This configuration makes it easier to make the entire towing traction unit more compact by using the drive source support frame, which supports the drive source, to support the attachment connection part.

[0089] (Configuration 4) The towing traction vehicle according to Configuration 3, characterized in that the drive source support frame comprises at least four main frames extending vertically, a subframe in the front-rear direction provided between the main frames and extending in the front-rear direction, and a subframe in the width direction provided between the main frames and extending in the width direction. This configuration allows the drive source support frame, which supports the drive source, to be implemented with a simple frame structure.

[0090] (Configuration 5) The towing traction vehicle according to Configuration 4, comprising a plate portion connecting any of the subframes, wherein the plate portion forms a hierarchical structure in the height direction between the mainframes. This configuration makes it easy to use the main unit in different ways for each level.

[0091] (Configuration 6) The towing traction vehicle according to Configuration 5, wherein the drive source comprises an electric motor, a reduction gear, and the output shaft, the electric motor and the reduction gear are installed on different levels from each other, the motor shaft of the electric motor is oriented in the vertical direction, and the reduction gear is bent 90 degrees so that the output shaft is oriented towards the rear of the main body, thereby transmitting power from the motor shaft to the output shaft. This configuration prevents the drive source from becoming too large in a given direction by changing the orientation of the motor shaft and the output shaft.

[0092] (Configuration 7) The towing trolley according to Configuration 6, comprising: an output shaft side bracket that supports the output shaft; a main body side bracket provided on the main body that supports the output shaft side bracket; and a support member that integrally fixes the output shaft side bracket and the main body side bracket, wherein the output shaft side bracket and the main body side bracket each have a support hole through which the support member is inserted, and the support hole of the main body side bracket is smaller than the support hole of the output shaft side bracket. This configuration allows for the absorption of mounting errors in the output shaft.

[0093] (Configuration 8) The towing trolley according to any one of Configurations 2 to 7, wherein the attachment connection part is a three-point link structure having one upper link arm at the top and two lower link arms at the bottom, the upper link arm is pivotably supported on the drive source support frame and the lower link arms are pivotably supported on the main body. With this configuration, the vehicle can be equipped with a three-point linkage mechanism by having it tow a traction truck.

[0094] (Configuration 9) The towing trolley according to Configuration 8, further comprising a drive actuator that swingably drives the lower link arm, wherein the drive actuator is swingably supported on the drive source support frame. This configuration allows the drive actuator to operate while changing its orientation, and makes it easier to change the length of the drive actuator. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1 vehicle 10 Towing trolley 11 wheels 12 Main body 13. Towing rod (connecting part) 15 Power Unit (Drive Source) 17. Three-point linkage mechanism (attachment connection part) 19 PTO output shaft (output shaft) 50 Unit support frame (drive source support frame, frame section) 51 Mainframe 52 Front and rear subframes (subframes in the front-to-rear direction) 53 Front and rear subframes (subframes in the front-to-rear direction) 57. Width subframe (subframe in the width direction) 58. Width subframe (subframe in the width direction) 59. Width subframe (subframe in the width direction) 60 Bracket fixing frame (widthwise subframe) 61 Cross frame (board section) 62. Stay frame (plate section) 65 Electric motor 65a Motor shaft 66 Reducer 73 Upper link arm 75 Lower link arm 85 Drive Actuator 92 Main unit side bracket 92b1 Support hole 93 Output shaft side bracket 93b1 Support hole 95 bolts (support members) 401 Rotary Tedda (Attachment) 402 Roll Baler (Attachment) 403 Spreader (Attachment) 404 Disc Blade (Attachment)

Claims

1. A towing trolley comprising a main body (12) constituting a bogie, at least two left and right wheels (11) supported by the main body (12), and a connecting part (13) for connecting the main body (12) to a vehicle (1), wherein the towing trolley is towed by the vehicle (1), An attachment connection section (17) to which various attachments (401, 402, 403, 404) can be attached and detached, A drive source (15) that drives the aforementioned attachments (401, 402, 403, 404), A towing trolley characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The main body (12) is provided with a drive source support frame (50) that supports the drive source (15), The output shaft (19) of the drive source (15) is provided facing the rear of the main body (12). The towing trolley according to feature 1.

3. The attachment connection portion (17) is attached to the drive source support frame (50). The towing trolley according to feature 2.

4. The drive source support frame (50) comprises at least four main frames (51) extending vertically, front-rear subframes (52, 53) provided between the main frames (51) and extending in the front-rear direction, and widthwise subframes (57, 58, 59, 60) provided between the main frames (51) and extending in the width direction. The towing trolley according to feature 3.

5. It includes plate portions (61, 62) that connect any of the aforementioned subframes (53, 58, 60), The plate sections (61, 62) form layers in the height direction between the main frame (51). The towing trolley according to feature 4.

6. The drive source (15) includes an electric motor (65), a reduction gear (66), and the output shaft (19). The electric motor (65) and the reduction gear (66) are installed on different levels from each other. The motor shaft (65a) of the electric motor (65) is oriented in the vertical direction. The reduction gear (66) is bent 90 degrees so that the output shaft (19) is directed towards the rear of the main body (12) to transmit power from the motor shaft (65a) to the output shaft (19). The towing trolley according to feature 5.

7. The output shaft side bracket (93) supports the output shaft (19), A main body bracket (92) is provided on the main body (12) and supports the output shaft side bracket (93), The system includes a support member (95) that integrally fixes the output shaft side bracket (93) and the main body side bracket (92), The output shaft side bracket (93) and the main body side bracket (92) are each formed with support holes (92b1, 93b1) through which the support member (95) is inserted. The support hole (92b1) of the main body bracket (92) is smaller than the support hole (93b1) of the output shaft bracket (93). The towing trolley described in feature 6.

8. The attachment connection section (17) has a three-point link structure with one upper link arm (73) at the top and two lower link arms (75) at the bottom. The upper link arm (73) is pivotably supported on the drive source support frame (50), The lower link arm (75) is pivotably supported by the main body (12). A towing trolley according to any one of features 2 to 7.

9. The lower link arm (75) is equipped with a drive actuator (85) that drives it to swing, The drive actuator (85) is pivotably supported on the drive source support frame (50). The towing trolley according to feature 8.

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