Electric work vehicle

The integration of the motor operation unit with the steering wheel in electric vehicles prevents accidental activation by a two-step operation, ensuring driver safety and ergonomic design.

JP7603576B2Active Publication Date: 2024-12-20KUBOTA CORP
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021213187
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-12-27
Publication Date
2024-12-20
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electric working vehicles are prone to motor malfunctions due to accidental driver contact with the motor operation part.

Method used

The motor operation unit is integrated into the operation panel and positioned to overlap with the steering wheel, requiring a two-step operation (key insertion and button press) to prevent accidental activation, and is hidden behind the steering wheel to block driver access.

Benefits of technology

Prevents accidental motor activation by ensuring the driver's hands are blocked by the steering wheel, thereby preventing malfunctions and allowing easy visual recognition of the operation section while maintaining ergonomic layout.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007603576000001
    Figure 0007603576000001
  • Figure 0007603576000002
    Figure 0007603576000002
  • Figure 0007603576000003
    Figure 0007603576000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an electric work vehicle which can prevent an operator from coming into contact with a motor operation part by mistake.SOLUTION: An electric work vehicle comprises: a battery; a motor which is driven by electric power supplied from the battery; a travel device which is driven by the motor; a steering wheel 32 for performing a steering operation of the travel device; a control panel 34 which is arranged below the steering wheel 32; and a motor operation part 39 which switches on and off of the power supply to the motor. The motor operation part 39 is arranged in the control panel 34 and overlaps with the steering wheel 32 when viewed in a direction of a rotation axis core Z1 of the steering wheel 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric work vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an electric work vehicle is known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1. The electric work vehicle described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a battery (referred to as "battery [4]" in the document), a motor (referred to as "motor [M]" in the document) driven by power supplied from the battery, traveling gear (referred to as "front wheels

[10] " and "rear wheels

[11] " in the document) driven by the motor, and a steering wheel (referred to as "steering wheel

[32] " in the document) for steering the traveling gear. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-953 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The electric work vehicle as described above is usually equipped with a motor operating unit for turning on and off the supply of power to the motor. In the electric work vehicle as described above, if the driver accidentally touches the motor operating unit, the motor will malfunction.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, there is a demand for an electric work vehicle that is capable of preventing the driver from accidentally coming into contact with the motor operating unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is characterized by: A battery; a motor driven by power supplied from the battery; A traveling device driven by the motor; A steering wheel for steering the traveling device; an operation panel disposed below the steering wheel; A motor operation unit for turning on and off the supply of power to the motor, The motor operation unit is provided on the operation panel and is arranged so as to overlap with the steering wheel when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering wheel. 、 The motor operating unit has a plug-in key and a button, When the button is pressed while the key is inserted, the supply of power to the motor is turned on and off. The reason is that...

[0007] According to this characteristic configuration, the motor operation unit is hidden by the steering wheel. As a result, even if the driver tries to touch the motor operation unit by mistake, the driver's hand can be blocked by the steering wheel. In other words, it is possible to realize an electric work vehicle that can prevent the driver from touching the motor operation unit by mistake. Even if the button is pressed without the key being inserted, the power supply to the motor will not be turned on or off. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the motor from malfunctioning due to the driver's two-step operation (inserting the key and pressing the button).

[0008] Further, in the present invention, It is preferable that the motor operating portion is disposed inside the outer periphery of the steering wheel.

[0009] According to this characteristic configuration, the motor operation unit is located near the steering wheel, which allows the driver to easily see the motor operation unit while preventing the driver from accidentally touching the motor operation unit.

[0010] Further, in the present invention, It is preferable that the motor operating section is disposed at a location different from a work operating section for operating a work device.

[0011] According to this characteristic configuration, it is possible to prevent the driver from accidentally coming into contact with the motor operating unit when operating the work operating unit.

[0012] Further, in the present invention, The operation panel includes a meter panel, The motor operating unit is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the meter panel.

[0013] According to this characteristic configuration, the driver can easily view the meter panel while operating the motor operating unit.

[0014] Further, in the present invention, The motor operating portion is preferably disposed on one of the left and right sides of the rotation shaft.

[0015] According to this characteristic configuration, by arranging the motor operating unit on one side, left or right, of the rotation axis and arranging the other operating units on the other side, left or right, of the rotation axis, the arrangement of the motor operating unit and the other operating units can be optimized.

[0016]

[0017]

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention The features of another electric work vehicle are as follows: A battery; a motor driven by power supplied from the battery; A traveling device driven by the motor; A steering wheel for steering the traveling device; an operation panel disposed below the steering wheel; A motor operation unit for turning on and off the supply of power to the motor, the motor operation unit is provided on the operation panel and is disposed so as to overlap with the steering wheel when viewed in a direction of a rotation axis of the steering wheel, The motor operating unit has a case, The case has a drain hole. The point is...

[0019] According to this characteristic configuration, the motor operation unit is hidden by the steering wheel. As a result, even if the driver tries to touch the motor operation unit by mistake, the driver's hand can be blocked by the steering wheel. In other words, it is possible to realize an electric work vehicle that can prevent the driver from touching the motor operation unit by mistake. According to this characteristic configuration, even if water enters the case, the water can be discharged through the water drainage hole.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention The features of another electric work vehicle are as follows: A battery; a motor driven by power supplied from the battery; A traveling device driven by the motor; A steering wheel for steering the traveling device; an operation panel disposed below the steering wheel; A motor operation unit for turning on and off the supply of power to the motor, the motor operation unit is provided on the operation panel and is disposed so as to overlap with the steering wheel when viewed in a direction of a rotation axis of the steering wheel, A cover member for covering the operation panel is provided, A control device connected to the motor operating unit is provided inside the cover member. The point is...

[0021] According to this characteristic configuration, the motor operation unit is hidden by the steering wheel. As a result, even if the driver tries to touch the motor operation unit by mistake, the driver's hand can be blocked by the steering wheel. In other words, it is possible to realize an electric work vehicle that can prevent the driver from touching the motor operation unit by mistake. According to this feature, the motor operating unit and the control device are disposed close to each other, which allows the harness connecting the motor operating unit and the control device to be shortened. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a left side view showing the arrangement of an inverter and the like. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the steering section as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a left side view showing the motor operating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration related to motor control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrow F in the drawing is "forward", the direction of the arrow B is "backward", the direction of the arrow L is "left", and the direction of the arrow R is "right". Also, the direction of the arrow U in the drawing is "upward", and the direction of the arrow D is "downward".

[0024] [Overall configuration of the tractor] The tractor of this embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, the tractor has left and right front wheels 10, left and right rear wheels 11, and a cover member 12.

[0025] The tractor also includes a machine body frame 2 and a driving section 3. The machine body frame 2 is supported by left and right front wheels 10 and left and right rear wheels 11.

[0026] The cover member 12 is disposed at the front of the vehicle body. The driver's section 3 is provided behind the cover member 12. In other words, the cover member 12 is disposed in front of the driver's section 3.

[0027] The driving section 3 has a protective frame 30, a driving seat 31, and a steering wheel 32. An operator can sit in the driving seat 31. This allows the operator to get into the driving section 3. The left and right front wheels 10 are steered by operating the steering wheel 32. The operator can perform various driving operations in the driving section 3.

[0028] The tractor is equipped with a traveling battery 4. The cover member 12 is configured to be swingable about an opening / closing axis Q that runs along the left-right direction of the vehicle body. This allows the cover member 12 to be opened and closed. When the cover member 12 is in a closed state, the traveling battery 4 is covered by the cover member 12.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the tractor includes an inverter 14 and a motor M. The driving battery 4 supplies power to the inverter 14. The inverter 14 converts DC power from the driving battery 4 into AC power and supplies it to the motor M. The motor M is then driven by the AC power supplied from the inverter 14.

[0030] 2 and 3, the tractor is equipped with a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 and a transmission 16. As shown in Fig. 3, the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 has a hydraulic pump 15a and a hydraulic motor 15b.

[0031] The hydraulic pump 15a is driven by rotational power from the motor M. When the hydraulic pump 15a is driven, the rotational power is output from the hydraulic motor 15b. The hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 is configured so that the speed of the rotational power is changed between the hydraulic pump 15a and the hydraulic motor 15b. The hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 is also configured so that the gear ratio can be changed steplessly.

[0032] The rotational power output from the hydraulic motor 15b is transmitted to the transmission 16. The rotational power transmitted to the transmission 16 is changed in speed by a gear-type speed change mechanism of the transmission 16, and distributed to the left and right front wheels 10 and the left and right rear wheels 11. In this way, the left and right front wheels 10 and the left and right rear wheels 11 are driven.

[0033] 2 and 3, the tractor is equipped with a mid PTO shaft 17 and a rear PTO shaft 18. The rotational power output from the motor M is distributed to the hydraulic pump 15a, the mid PTO shaft 17, and the rear PTO shaft 18. This causes the mid PTO shaft 17 and the rear PTO shaft 18 to rotate.

[0034] If a working device is connected to the mid PTO shaft 17 or the rear PTO shaft 18, the working device is driven by the rotational power of the mid PTO shaft 17 or the rear PTO shaft 18. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, a grass cutting device 19 is connected to the mid PTO shaft 17. The grass cutting device 19 is driven by the rotational power of the mid PTO shaft 17.

[0035] [Control section] 4 and 5, the driver's section 3 includes a control section 3A. The control section 3A is disposed in front of the driver's seat 31. The control section 3A includes a steering wheel 32, an accelerator lever 33, an operation panel 34, and a cover member 40.

[0036] The steering wheel 32 is used to steer the left and right front wheels 10. The steering wheel 32 is configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis Z1. The rotation axis Z1 is set in a rearward tilted position. The steering wheel 32 includes a circular rim 32A, a hub 32B connected to a steering shaft (not shown), and spokes 32C connecting the rim 32A and the hub 32B.

[0037] The accelerator lever 33 is disposed below the steering wheel 32. The accelerator lever 33 is used to change the rotation speed of the motor M.

[0038] The operation panel 34 is disposed below the steering wheel 32. The operation panel 34 includes a meter panel 35, a combination switch 36, switches 37, a display switch 38, and a motor operation unit 39.

[0039] The meter panel 35 is configured with a liquid crystal panel. Various information (for example, the vehicle speed, the usage time of the tractor, etc.) is displayed on the meter panel 35.

[0040] The combination switch 36 is for operating the turn signals, headlights, etc. The switches 37 include a switch for operating the horn and a switch for operating the lights. In other words, the combination switch 36 and the switches 37 are switches for driving. The display switch 38 is for switching the display of the meter panel 35.

[0041] The outer edge of the operation panel 34 is covered by a cover member 40. The cover member 40 is provided behind the cover member 12 so as to be continuous with the rear end portion of the cover member 12.

[0042] [Motor operation unit] As shown in Fig. 5, the motor operation unit 39 is for turning on and off the supply of power to the motor M. The motor operation unit 39 is arranged so as to overlap with the rim 32A and the spokes 32C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis Z1. That is, the motor operation unit 39 is provided on the operation panel 34, and arranged so as to overlap with the steering wheel 32 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis Z1. The motor operation unit 39 does not protrude outside the outer periphery of the rim 32A. That is, the motor operation unit 39 is arranged inside the outer periphery of the steering wheel 32.

[0043] In Fig. 5, a straight line passing through the rotation axis Z1 and extending in the front-rear direction of the body is indicated as L1, and a straight line passing through the rotation axis Z1 and extending in the left-right direction of the body is indicated as L2. The motor operating unit 39 is disposed to the right of the straight line L1. That is, the motor operating unit 39 is disposed to the right of the rotation axis Z1. The motor operating unit 39 is disposed above the straight line L2. That is, the motor operating unit 39 is disposed above the rotation axis Z1.

[0044] The motor operation unit 39 is disposed near the meter panel 35. In this embodiment, the motor operation unit 39 is disposed on the lower right side of the meter panel 35 when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis core Z1. Specifically, the motor operation unit 39 is disposed below the display switch 38 and above the switches 37 and the accelerator lever 33 when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis core Z1. A work operation unit (work operation lever, etc.) for operating the work device is disposed next to the driver's seat 31 (see FIG. 4), but the motor operation unit 39 is disposed in a different location from the work operation unit.

[0045] 5 and 6, the motor operation unit 39 includes an insertable key 39A, a button 39B, and a case 39C. When the button 39B is pressed with the key 39A inserted, the power supply to the motor M is turned on and off. In other words, even if the button 39B is pressed with the key 39A not inserted, the power supply to the motor M is not turned on and off.

[0046] It is preferable that the motor operating unit 39 has a waterproof structure. The case 39C is formed with a water drain hole 39Ca. The water drain hole 39Ca is formed in the bottom of the case 39C.

[0047] [Configuration related to motor control] As shown in FIG. 7, the configuration related to the control of the motor M includes the accelerator lever 33, a motor operation unit 39, a control device 41, the inverter 14, and the motor M. The accelerator lever 33 and the motor operation unit 39 are each connected to the control device 41 via a harness. The control device 41 is connected to the inverter 14 via a harness. The inverter 14 is connected to the motor M via a harness. The control device 41 is configured to issue a command to the inverter 14 in response to commands from the accelerator lever 33 and the motor operation unit 39. The inverter 14 is configured to control the output of the motor M in response to commands from the control device 41.

[0048] 4 and 5, the control device 41 is provided inside the cover member 40. The control device 41 is disposed on the right side of the rotation axis Z1. In other words, the control device 41 is disposed on the same side as the motor operating unit 39 in the left-right direction of the machine body with respect to the rotation axis Z1.

[0049] [Another embodiment] (1) In the above embodiment, the motor operation unit 39 is arranged so as to overlap with the rim 32A and the spokes 32C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis Z1. However, the motor operation unit 39 may be arranged so as to overlap only with the rim 32A when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis Z1. Alternatively, the motor operation unit 39 may be arranged so as to overlap only with the spokes 32C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis Z1.

[0050] (2) In the above embodiment, the motor operating unit 39 does not protrude outward from the outer periphery of the rim 32A. However, the motor operating unit 39 may protrude outward from the outer periphery of the rim 32A as long as it is arranged so as to overlap with the steering wheel 32 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis Z1.

[0051] (3) In the above embodiment, the motor operation unit 39 is disposed in a different location from the work operation unit. However, the motor operation unit 39 and the work operation unit may be provided on the operation panel 34. In other words, the motor operation unit 39 may be disposed in the same location as the work operation unit.

[0052] (4) In the above embodiment, the motor operation unit 39 is disposed near the meter panel 35. However, the motor operation unit 39 does not have to be disposed near the meter panel 35 as long as it is provided on the operation panel 34.

[0053] (5) In the above embodiment, the motor operation unit 39 is disposed on the right side of the rotation axis Z1. However, the motor operation unit 39 may be disposed on the left side of the rotation axis Z1. Alternatively, the motor operation unit 39 may be disposed on the rotation axis Z1.

[0054] (6) In the above embodiment, motor operation unit 39 includes insertable key 39A and button 39B. However, motor operation unit 39 does not have to include insertable key 39A. In other words, motor operation unit 39 may include only button 39B.

[0055] (7) In the above embodiment, the water drainage hole 39Ca is formed in the case 39C. However, the water drainage hole 39Ca does not have to be formed in the case 39C.

[0056] (8) In the above embodiment, the control device 41 is provided inside the cover member 40. However, the control device 41 does not have to be provided inside the cover member 40. In other words, the control device 41 may be provided at a location other than the inside of the cover member 40. [Industrial Applicability]

[0057] The present invention can be used not only in tractors, but also in combine harvesters, rice transplanters, and utility vehicles (multipurpose vehicles). [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 4. Driving battery (battery) 10 Front wheels (running gear) 11 Rear wheel (running gear) 32 Steering wheel 34 Operation Panel 35 Meter panel 39 Motor operation unit 39A Key 39B Button 39C Case 39Ca Drain hole 40 Cover member 41 Control device Medium motor Z1 Rotation axis

Claims

1. A battery; a motor driven by power supplied from the battery; A traveling device driven by the motor; A steering wheel for steering the traveling device; an operation panel disposed below the steering wheel; A motor operation unit for turning on and off the supply of power to the motor, the motor operation unit is provided on the operation panel and is disposed so as to overlap with the steering wheel when viewed in a direction of a rotation axis of the steering wheel, The motor operating unit has a plug-in key and a button, The electric work vehicle is configured so that when the button is pressed with the key inserted, the supply of power to the motor is turned on and off.

2. A battery; a motor driven by power supplied from the battery; A traveling device driven by the motor; A steering wheel for steering the traveling device; an operation panel disposed below the steering wheel; A motor operation unit for turning on and off the supply of power to the motor, the motor operation unit is provided on the operation panel and is disposed so as to overlap with the steering wheel when viewed in a direction of a rotation axis of the steering wheel, The motor operating unit has a case, The case of the electric work vehicle has a drain hole formed therein.

3. A battery; a motor driven by power supplied from the battery; A traveling device driven by the motor; A steering wheel for steering the traveling device; an operation panel disposed below the steering wheel; A motor operation unit for turning on and off the supply of power to the motor, the motor operation unit is provided on the operation panel and is disposed so as to overlap with the steering wheel when viewed in a direction of a rotation axis of the steering wheel, A cover member for covering the operation panel is provided, An electric work vehicle in which a control device connected to the motor operating unit is provided inside the cover member.

4. The electric work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the motor operation unit is disposed inside an outer periphery of the steering wheel.

5. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the motor operation unit is disposed at a location different from a work operation unit for operating a work device.

6. The operation panel includes a meter panel, The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the motor operation unit is disposed in the vicinity of the meter panel.

7. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the motor operation unit is disposed on one of the left and right sides of the rotation shaft.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Operating board for riding management working vehicle

    JP2002192987A

  • Working vehicle

    JP2012175945A

  • Electric working vehicle

    JP2013248918A

  • Engine start device for work vehicle

    JP2016210249A

  • Electric work vehicle

    JP2021000953A