Work vehicle

Abstract

To provide a service vehicle which uses a diesel particulate filter as an exhaust gas post processing device of a diesel engine mounted on the service vehicle, enables switches and lamps related to regeneration of the filter to be arranged in proper positions, and can reliably provide notifications to a worker based on the lamps while securing operability of the switches.SOLUTION: A sub panel cover 53 is provided close to a center of the upper side of a front part of a panel cover 40 to which a meter panel 42 and various kinds of operation switches are attached. Switches and lamps 51, 52 related to regeneration of a diesel particulate filter are attached to a rear surface of the sub panel cover to be in a front view field of a worker seated on a driver seat.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to work vehicles mainly for agricultural use such as tractors and riding type rice transplanters, and more particularly to a work vehicle using a diesel particulate filter as an exhaust gas post-treatment device for a mounted diesel engine.

Background Art

[0002] An engine mounted on an agricultural work vehicle to drive each part of the vehicle mainly employs a diesel engine that has excellent combustion efficiency, good fuel economy, and exhibits power from low rotation. However, harmful particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas of diesel engines are regarded as problems. Currently, improvements in engine combustion technologies such as common rail fuel injection systems and exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR), and the adoption of exhaust gas post-treatment devices such as diesel particulate filters (DPF) and urea SCR are used to address this problem.

[0003] By the way, the diesel particulate filter as the above-mentioned exhaust gas post-treatment device collects particulate matter in the exhaust gas (mainly fine particles of solid carbon: soot) on the filter to eliminate emissions into the atmosphere. However, as the accumulated amount of the collected particulate matter increases, it clogs the filter, so the filter must be regenerated by reburning it at a high temperature after accumulating to a certain extent.

[0004] If the regeneration of this filter is properly performed automatically according to the usage conditions of the work vehicle or based on a manual command, the performance of the diesel particulate filter itself is less likely to deteriorate. However, if the regeneration process according to the deposition amount is not appropriately performed in an appropriate amount, a large amount of accumulated soot burns rapidly during the regeneration process, and there is a risk that the diesel particulate filter itself will be thermally destroyed. Considering that expensive filter replacement work will also occur, appropriate countermeasures are required.

[0005] Therefore, when operating a work vehicle while sitting in the driver's seat, in order to obtain information regarding the regeneration of a diesel particulate filter and surely issue a regeneration command in response to the requirement, for example, in a tractor, a DPF regeneration switch is provided on the upper surface of the steering column at the base of the steering wheel, and it is known to arrange the DPF regeneration switch within the operator's field of vision when in the straight-ahead working position (see Patent Document 1).

[0006] Also, in a wheel loader or a hydraulic excavator, a regeneration means for regenerating a filter, a regeneration start instruction means for instructing the start of operation of the regeneration means, a regeneration prohibition instruction means for instructing the prohibition of operation of the regeneration means, an automatic regeneration control function for operating the regeneration means when the deposition amount estimated by the deposition amount estimation means exceeds a predetermined first threshold value, and a warning signal for prompting the operation of the regeneration start instruction means when the deposition amount estimated by the deposition amount estimation means exceeds a predetermined second threshold value, and a manual regeneration control function for operating the regeneration means when the regeneration start instruction means is operated, and a regeneration prohibition control function for prohibiting the operation of the regeneration means when the regeneration prohibition instruction means is operated, and a regeneration control device having the like are known (see Patent Document 2).

[0007] In addition, in a tractor equipped with a cabin having a bonnet with an engine installed in the front part of the body having front and rear wheels, and a driving operation unit including a steering wheel and an instrument panel box with a fuel gauge and the like arranged on the panel surface at the rear part thereof, between the panel surface inclined in a front-high and rear-low state of the instrument panel box and the front windshield in front of it, a wiper drive mechanism for the front windshield covered by an operation box for auxiliary equipment is arranged so as to be accommodated at least within the left and right width of the instrument panel box, and a rotation drive shaft extending forward from the wiper drive mechanism penetrates the front windshield in front and protrudes to the outside of the vehicle to drive the wiper of the front windshield, which is known (see Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

[0009] As described above, when a diesel particulate filter is provided as an exhaust gas aftertreatment device in a diesel engine mounted on a work vehicle such as a tractor, particulate matter in harmful exhaust gas can be collected by the filter and not discharged directly into the atmosphere. However, if the engine is operated for a long time, a large amount of particulate matter may accumulate on the filter depending on the work content and work environment during that period, which may cause the filter to become clogged if left untreated.

[0010] Therefore, to prevent this, the engine's electronic control unit estimates, for example, the amount of soot deposited on the filter, and when the soot accumulates above a predetermined ratio, it performs automatic regeneration to burn and remove the soot without restricting the engine output (without interfering with normal operation). Also, if the combustion of the soot does not progress even after this automatic regeneration and the ratio of the soot deposition amount further increases, a manual regeneration request is issued using a lamp, buzzer, etc.

[0011] When the operator receives the notification of the manual regeneration request from the engine's electronic control unit, moves the work vehicle to a place where there is no danger of fire, etc., parks the work vehicle, and then issues the command using the manual regeneration switch, the engine's electronic control unit restricts the engine's rotation and performs afterburning at a high temperature to burn and remove the soot deposited on the filter. Note that there is a risk of fire, etc. if the above-mentioned automatic regeneration is performed indoors with poor ventilation or in a place close to combustibles (such as under a tree or in a greenhouse), so in such cases, a switch for issuing a command to prohibit automatic regeneration or a lamp indicating its state is provided.

[0012] Therefore, the notification from the engine electronic control unit regarding the regeneration of the diesel particulate filter can be promptly conveyed to the operator considering the risk of filter clogging or damage. Also, instructions such as manual regeneration by the operator or prohibition of automatic regeneration must be appropriately carried out. However, when the operator is sitting in the driver's seat and driving the work vehicle, the operator is using the steering wheel to steer while visually observing the road surface or field in front, ridges, or road obstacles ahead through the bonnet covering the engine. Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, if the DPF regeneration switch is positioned below the steering wheel, even if the regeneration switch can be operated, there is a risk of overlooking the request for manual regeneration from the engine.

[0013] In addition, the DPF regeneration switch provided on the upper surface of the steering column is close to the driver's seat, and it is conceivable that an inexperienced operator may inadvertently operate the DPF regeneration switch or accidentally touch it. There is no discernible advantage in deliberately incurring costs to install it on the upper surface of the steering column. There is an empty space above the front part of the dashboard where an operation display panel is provided in front of the steering wheel. Also, Patent Document 3 suggests that an operation box for auxiliary equipment can be installed in such a space, enabling safe and easy operation of the auxiliary equipment without diverting the line of sight downward and forward while the machine is in motion.

[0014] Therefore, in view of the problems in the arrangement of the DPF regeneration switch described in Patent Document 1 and further based on the suggestion of effectively utilizing the empty space described in Patent Document 3, especially when using a diesel particulate filter as an exhaust gas aftertreatment device for the diesel engine to be installed, the present invention aims to provide a work vehicle that can arrange switches and lamps related to the regeneration of the filter in an optimal location, ensuring the operability of the switches and reliably notifying the operator based on the lamps.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a work vehicle in which a panel cover for attaching a steering wheel, a meter panel, and various operation switches is provided in front of the driver's seat, and a diesel engine is provided in front of these, covered by a bonnet. The diesel engine is equipped with an exhaust gas purification device that collects particulate matter in its exhaust gas with a diesel particulate filter and regenerates the filter by burning and removing the collected particulate matter. On the other hand, a switch and a lamp related to the regeneration of this filter are provided on the rear surface of a sub-panel cover provided near the center above the front part of the panel cover, so that the switches and lamps provided on the meter panel of the panel cover and the sub-panel cover are within the forward field of view of an operator sitting in the driver's seat.

[0016] Also, the present invention is characterized in that a DPF regeneration lamp and an engine failure lamp are provided on the meter panel provided on the panel cover, and a manual regeneration switch, a regeneration prohibition switch, and lamps for each switch are provided on the rear surface of the sub-panel cover.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that a housing portion for a mobile terminal is formed near the center on the rear surface of the sub-panel cover, and a manual regeneration switch with a lamp, a regeneration prohibition switch, and a power socket for charging the mobile terminal are arranged and provided near the left and right on the rear surface of the sub-panel cover.

[0018] And the present invention is characterized in that an electronic control unit that acquires information on the engine and regeneration information of the filter and controls the lighting of lamps provided on the meter panel of the panel cover and the sub-panel cover, or an electric motor that drives a wiper provided on the front glass of the cabin, or these electronic control unit and electric motor are provided below the sub-panel cover and covered by the sub-panel cover.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the work vehicle of the present invention, in a work vehicle provided with a panel cover for attaching a steering wheel, a meter panel, and various operation switches in front of the driver's seat, and a diesel engine covered by a bonnet in front of these, the diesel engine is equipped with an exhaust gas purification device that collects particulate matter in its exhaust gas with a diesel particulate filter and regenerates the filter by burning and removing the collected particulate matter. On the other hand, switches and lamps related to the regeneration of this filter are provided on the rear surface of a sub-panel cover provided near the center above the front part of the panel cover, so that the switches and lamps provided on the meter panel of the panel cover and the sub-panel cover fall within the forward field of view of an operator sitting in the driver's seat.

[0020] Therefore, when the operator is sitting in the driver's seat and driving the work vehicle, the operator uses the steering wheel to steer while visually observing the road surface, farm field, ridges, road obstacles, etc. in front through the bonnet covering the engine. In this case, since the switches and lamps provided on the meter panel of the panel cover and the sub-panel cover fall within the forward field of view of the operator, the operator can quickly obtain a warning related to the regeneration of the diesel particulate filter without overlooking it and take appropriate measures.

[0021] Moreover, since the switch related to the regeneration of such a filter is provided on the rear surface of a sub-panel cover slightly away from the front of the steering wheel, there is little chance of accidentally touching it when holding and operating the steering wheel, and there is also little chance of an inexperienced operator operating it inadvertently. On the other hand, when operating the switch, the operator can reach the switch by standing up from the driver's seat and extending the hand forward. By operating this switch, manual regeneration of the filter, etc. can be surely commanded, and then the operator can get off the vehicle and wait for the completion of the regeneration.

[0022] Moreover, when replacing the engine with a new one equipped with a diesel particulate filter, the work vehicle will newly install a switch related to regeneration in the control unit or the like. However, if these switches are forcibly attached to, for example, the steering column, the processing cost may increase and the cost may rise. In addition, there is usually no extra space for attaching new switches or lamps on the meter panel or the panel cover for attaching various operation switches.

[0023] However, the upper part of the panel cover is originally an empty space, and the rear part of the panel cover is a visor of the meter panel and is slightly higher. However, the front part is inclined downward and lower. Therefore, even if a sub-panel cover is provided near the center above the front part, there is no risk that the sub-panel cover will block the front view and deteriorate it. Moreover, if a switch and a lamp related to the regeneration of the filter are provided on the rear surface of the sub-panel cover, these switches and lamps will be recognized as being isolated from the switches provided on the panel cover, and the degree of attention calling in the alarm can be increased.

[0024] Further, according to the work vehicle of the present invention, a DPF regeneration lamp and an engine failure lamp are provided on the meter panel provided on the panel cover, and a manual regeneration switch, a regeneration prohibition switch, and lamps for each switch are provided on the rear surface of the sub-panel cover. Therefore, detailed information related to the regeneration of the filter can be accurately notified by using the DPF regeneration lamp, the engine failure lamp, the manual regeneration switch, and the lamps of the regeneration prohibition switch that enter the operator's front view.

[0025] More specifically, for example, when a request for manual regeneration of the filter is issued, the DPF regeneration lamp provided on the meter panel and the lamp of the manual regeneration switch provided on the rear surface of the sub-panel cover are simultaneously blinked to alarm so as to promptly issue a command for manual regeneration. Further, when automatic regeneration or manual regeneration is performed, the DPF regeneration lamp and the lamp of the manual regeneration switch are lit to notify. Alternatively, when an over-deposition request is issued, the DPF regeneration lamp blinks but the lamp of the manual regeneration switch is turned off, and the engine failure lamp is lit to notify that manual regeneration is impossible.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the work vehicle of the present invention, a housing portion for a mobile terminal is formed near the center of the rear surface of the sub-panel cover, and a manual regeneration switch with a lamp, a regeneration prohibition switch, and a power socket for charging the mobile terminal are separately provided on the left and right sides of the rear surface of the sub-panel cover.

[0027] Therefore, not only can the sub-panel cover provided with switches and lamps related to regeneration be effectively utilized as a placement place for a smartphone or a mobile phone, but also the mobile terminal placed in the housing portion of this sub-panel cover enters within the forward field of view of the operator together with the switches and lamps as described above, so that it is possible to prevent overlooking incoming calls and emails. Further, when the mobile terminal is connected to the power socket via a charger or the like, the mobile terminal can be charged during work, thereby improving convenience.

[0028] And according to the work vehicle of the present invention, an electronic control unit that acquires information on the engine and regeneration information of the filter and controls lighting of lamps provided on the meter panel of the panel cover and the sub-panel cover, or an electric motor that drives a wiper provided on the front glass of the cabin, or these electronic control unit and electric motor are provided below the sub-panel cover and covered by the sub-panel cover.

[0029] Therefore, even when it is necessary to newly provide a lamp related to the regeneration of a diesel particulate filter and an electronic control unit for controlling the lighting of this lamp, the electronic control unit can be provided below the sub-panel cover close to the lamp or the engine, and the sub-panel cover itself can cover the electronic control unit without exposing it to wind and rain without preparing a separate cover.

[0030] In addition, a work vehicle equipped with a cabin that covers the control section provides an electric motor for driving a wiper provided on the front glass of the cabin below the panel cover, and bulges the front part of the panel cover to cover this electric motor, and prepares it as a separate part from the panel cover of the specification without a cabin. However, if such an electric motor is provided below the sub-panel cover and covered by the sub-panel cover, it is not necessary to bulge the front part of the panel cover, so the panel cover of the cabin specification can be eliminated, thereby reducing the cost of parts management.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, an agricultural tractor 1 as a work vehicle integrally connects an engine 2 and front and rear transmission cases 3 and 4 to form a vehicle body (machine body). Further, on the lower surface side of a chassis bracket 5 fixed to the left and right near the lower part of the engine 2 and extending forward, a front axle case (not shown) is pivotally supported so as to be swingable left and right. Then, front axle cases are respectively attached to the left and right ends of this front axle case, and each front axle case pivotally supports a front axle 6, and left and right front wheels 7 attached to this front axle 6 are provided so as to be steerable.

[0033] On the other hand, rear axles 8 are respectively pivotally supported by rear axle cases fixed to the left and right of the rear transmission case 4, and left and right rear wheels 9 are attached to each rear axle 8. Further, a well-known three-point link mechanism composed of a top link 10 and left and right lower links 11 is provided at the rear part of the vehicle body. This three-point link mechanism is for connecting a work implement such as a rotary tiller, and the work implement is attached to the upper part of the rear transmission case 4, and is provided so as to be liftable and lowerable via lift rods that connect one end to the left and right lift arms of a cylinder case provided with a lift cylinder inside and to the tips of the respective lift arms and the middle of the lower link 11.

[0034] Furthermore, the aforementioned engine 2 employs a diesel engine, and this engine 2 is equipped with a common rail fuel injection system, a supercharger, and an exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR), etc., to reduce the generation of nitrogen oxides generated by complete combustion and particulate matter such as soot generated by incomplete combustion, along with the strengthening of exhaust gas regulations. Also, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that could not be completely purified in the engine body are removed using a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as an exhaust gas aftertreatment device.

[0035] Therefore, the diesel engine 2 is provided with a DPF case 12 incorporating a DOC and a DPF attached to the upper part near the rear of its main body. Accordingly, the gas discharged from the engine 2 is introduced into this DPF case 12 and then discharged outside the vehicle through a tail pipe (not shown) provided on the outlet side of the DPF case 12. Additionally, an auxiliary bracket 13 composed of a bottom plate and stays is attached to the upper surface side of the aforementioned chassis bracket 5, and a radiator 14 for cooling the cooling water of the engine 2, an air cleaner 15 for supplying clean air to the engine 2, an oil cooler 16, an intercooler 17, a battery 18, etc. are provided on this auxiliary bracket 13.

[0036] Also, the engine 2 and related accessories are covered by a bonnet 19 equipped with a ventilation port 19a, a headlamp 20, etc. on its front surface. This bonnet 19 is attached to the upper part of a cover bracket 21 attached to the rear of the engine 2 via a hinge, and its front part is provided to be openable and closable. The cover bracket 21 has its outer periphery covered by a rear cover 22 in an inverted U shape, and left and right side covers 23 are detachably provided on the auxiliary bracket 134 below this rear cover 22 using bolts with knobs.

[0037] Furthermore, a control section is provided behind the rear cover 22. The control section includes a floor frame 25 that is vibration-isolated and supported by transmission cases 3 and 4 and has a driver's seat 24 provided at the center rearward, left and right fenders 26 that cover the upper part from the front of the rear wheels 9, a safety frame 27 provided behind the driver's seat 24, and the like. Among these, an inverted U-shaped handle frame 28 facing the rear cover 22 on the engine side is erected at the front part of the floor frame 25, and a steering handle 29 for steering the left and right front wheels 7 by a full hydraulic power steering unit is provided at a column mounting bracket 28a provided near the upper part of the handle frame 28 so as to be tilt-adjustable.

[0038] Also, a combination switch 30, a quick lift lever 31 for raising and lowering a working machine, an engine control lever 32, and a forward and reverse lever 33 are provided below the steering handle 29, and the entire steering shaft 34 and steering column 35 are covered by a cover 36. Further, a main clutch pedal 37 is suspended on the left side as viewed from the driver's seat 24 and left and right brake pedals 38 are suspended on the right side at the column mounting bracket 28a, and a parking brake lever 39 is provided near the center.

[0039] Then, a cover for covering itself is provided at the column mounting bracket 28a in front of the steering handle 29. This cover is composed of a panel cover 40 provided near the upper part and a rear panel cover 41 covering the rear surface near the lower part. Among them, a meter panel 42 having a glass 42b provided on the front surface of a case 42a is attached to an opening 40a provided on the rear surface near the upper center of the panel cover 40. When an operator sits on the driver's seat 24 and looks forward, the meter panel 42 can be visually recognized through the space between the rim and hub of the steering handle 29. At this time, the panel surface of the meter panel 42 is inclined to the panel cover 40 so as to be substantially orthogonal to the forward line of sight of the operator (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0040] Note that the peripheral edge of the opening 40a for attaching the meter panel 42 of the panel cover 40 is formed as a visor (sunshade) 40b that rises rearward, and the upper surface near the center of the meter panel 42 slopes downward toward the front as a whole. Further, on the left and right sides of the opening 40c into which the cover 36 of the steering handle 29 fits behind the opening 40a for attaching the meter panel 42, there are provided a left front unit 43 equipped with switches for turning on and off various automatic controls (double speed, backup, swing up, ···) and LEDs for displaying the on / off state thereof, and a right front unit 45 equipped with operation switches for setting the display screen of the liquid crystal display 44 provided on the meter panel 42.

[0041] Furthermore, a hazard lamp switch 46 and a horn switch 47 are provided on the panel cover 40 on the upper and lower sides of the left front unit 43, and a starter switch 48 is provided on the panel cover 40 on the lower side of the right front unit 45. In addition to the switches and operation levers described above, the tractor 1 disperses and arranges operation tools such as shift levers for traveling and PTO, pedals, position levers for raising and lowering the work implement, various switches, and volume at appropriate locations on the panels provided on the left and right sides of the driver's seat 24 and on the floor surface of the floor frame 25.

[0042] The outline of the tractor 1 has been described above. Next, the regeneration of the diesel particulate filter provided in the diesel engine 2 and the installation of switches and lamps related to the regeneration will be described. First, as described above, the diesel particulate filter collects soot (SOOT) contained in the exhaust gas of the diesel engine 2. Further, an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the diesel engine 2 estimates the amount of soot deposited on the diesel particulate filter (deposition amount ratio) based on an exhaust temperature sensor, a differential pressure sensor for exhaust pressure, and the like.

[0043] Then, the ECU of the engine 2 treats the engine 2 as normal operation if the soot deposition rate (percentage) is, for example, from 0 to less than 80, and issues an automatic regeneration request if it is 80 or more. Here, if an automatic regeneration request is issued and the engine speed is high and the coolant temperature is high, the common rail fuel injection system mixes unburned fuel into the exhaust pipe by post-injection, and the diesel oxidation catalyst oxidizes and burns this unburned fuel to increase the exhaust temperature passing through the diesel particulate filter. As a result, the soot deposited on the diesel particulate filter can be reburned and removed from the filter.

[0044] Also, if the soot deposition rate is 100 or more regardless of the above-mentioned automatic regeneration, the ECU of the engine 2 issues a manual regeneration request. In this case, if it is in the early stage of 100 to less than 120, the engine output limit control is not performed, but if it is in the later stage of 120 to less than 140, the engine output is set to 50 percent and the maximum speed is limited to 1500 rpm. Then, when manual regeneration is commanded by the operator, the injection amounts of the main injection and the post-injection are increased compared to the automatic regeneration to raise the exhaust temperature further and accelerate the regeneration speed of the diesel particulate filter.

[0045] Furthermore, if the soot deposition rate is 140 or more, the ECU of the engine 2 issues an over-deposition request. In this case, if it is in the early stage of 140 to less than 160, as the engine output limit control, first in the first stage, the engine output is set to 50 percent and the speed limit is set to 1500 rpm, and in the second stage after 7200 seconds, the speed limit is set to 1200 rpm. Also, in the later stage when it is 160 or more, in the first stage, the engine output is also set to 50 percent and the speed limit is set to 1500 rpm, and in the second stage after 3600 seconds, the speed limit is set to 1200 rpm.

[0046] Note that when the ECU of engine 2 performs regeneration of the diesel particulate filter, the exhaust gas, tail pipe, etc. become hot. If the above automatic regeneration is performed indoors with poor ventilation or in a location close to combustibles (such as under a tree or in a vinyl house), there is a risk of fire or gas poisoning. Therefore, in such cases, the operator can issue a command to prohibit automatic regeneration. Also, when issuing a command for manual regeneration, move tractor 1 to a safe and wide outdoor location with good ventilation and no flammable objects nearby. After applying the parking brake and stopping the vehicle, manual regeneration cannot be performed unless engine 2 is in an idling state.

[0047] Furthermore, if the above over-deposition requirement is issued because the automatic or manual regeneration of the diesel particulate filter cannot be properly performed, the operator will be unable to perform the regeneration process of the diesel particulate filter. Therefore, the operation should be promptly stopped and entrusted to a service technician or the like to attempt regeneration using service tools, etc. In the worst case, repair or replacement work of the diesel particulate filter will be carried out.

[0048] And tractor 1 is provided with a DPF regeneration lamp 49 and an engine failure lamp 50 on the meter panel 42 of the panel cover 40 to notify the status of the DPF (requirement / regeneration / anomaly) as shown in FIG. 4 with respect to the regeneration of the diesel particulate filter as described above. Also, a manual regeneration switch for issuing a command for manual regeneration, a regeneration prohibition switch for issuing a command for regeneration prohibition, a manual regeneration lamp for notifying the requirement and execution of manual regeneration, and a regeneration prohibition lamp for notifying the execution of regeneration prohibition are provided.

[0049] In addition, the above-mentioned manual playback switch and manual playback lamp, and the playback prohibition switch and playback prohibition lamp each use a push-button switch with an LED bulb that integrates the lamp and the switch. These two manual playback switches (with lamps) 51 and the playback prohibition switch (with lamp) 52 are attached to the rear surface 53a of a synthetic resin sub-panel cover 53. And such a sub-panel cover 53 is attached and provided near the center above the front part of the panel cover 40, whereby the meter panel 42 of the panel cover 40, and the switches and lamps provided on the sub-panel cover 53 are made to fall within the forward field of view of the operator sitting in the driver's seat 24.

[0050] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, an opening 40d is provided near the center above the front part of the panel cover 40. Through this opening 40d, a front mounting seat 28b fixed to the steering wheel frame 28 is raised upward. Also, a rear mounting seat 28c is attached to the edge near the rear part of the opening 40d and raised upward. Further, a cushioning material 54 for preventing water and dust from entering the panel cover 40 is pasted on the edge near the rear part of the opening 40d. On the other hand, the sub-panel cover 53 formed in a lid shape so that its interior becomes a housing space for the switch is provided with ribs 53b at four locations on the front, rear, left, and right of its inner surface. The lower ends of the legs of a four-pronged reinforcing metal fitting 55 are fixed to these ribs 53b with clips 56 to prevent the lateral deformation of the side wall 53c of the sub-panel cover 53 by the reinforcing metal fitting 55.

[0051] Then, the sub-panel cover 53 with the reinforcing metal fitting 55 attached is covered from above so as to cover the opening 40d of the panel cover 40, and the sub-panel cover 53 and the reinforcing metal fitting 55 are fixed to the front mounting seat 28b and the rear mounting seat 28c with screws 57. Therefore, the sub-panel cover 53 covers the upper surface near the center above the front part of the panel cover 40 without any gaps. Although the two covers 40 and 53 are individually molded from synthetic resin, when they are attached to the steering wheel frame 28, they present an appearance that can be regarded as an integrated single cover.

[0052] Note that the sub-panel cover 53 covers the opening 40d of the panel cover 40, and the front portion thereof is curved to cover the upper portion of the handle frame 28 formed in an inverted U shape. Since the diesel particulate filter-equipped and enlarged diesel engine 2 is provided at the front portion of the vehicle body, the heights of the bonnet 19 and the rear cover 22 increase, creating a gap and a step between them and the upper portion of the handle frame 28. Therefore, this gap is blocked and hidden by the front portion 53d extended forward from the sub-panel cover 53, thereby eliminating the step at the boundary between the bonnet 19 and the control section and improving the aesthetics.

[0053] Further, the rear surface 53a of the sub-panel cover 53 to which the manual playback switch 51 and the playback prohibition switch 52 are attached is formed to be slightly inclined such that the upper portion thereof is positioned forward of the lower portion thereof, and the inclination angle is the same as the angle when the panel surface of the meter panel 42 provided at the rear is made substantially orthogonal to the forward line of sight of the operator. And near the center of the rear surface 53a of the sub-panel cover 53, a housing portion 53g for a mobile terminal including left and right side walls 53e and a rear wall 53f is integrally formed to make effective use of the sub-panel cover 53.

[0054] That is, when performing work running or the like while riding on the tractor 1, it may be obstructive to keep a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc. in a pocket or the like. Also, it is convenient to have a place for these when displaying the movement route to the field or the work running track. Therefore, a housing portion 53g capable of placing these is formed in the newly provided sub-panel cover 53. For example, if a smartphone is inserted horizontally into this housing portion 53g, the smartphone can be held by packing rubber 58, the rear wall 53f of the housing portion 53g, and the left and right side walls 53e by filling the gap in a state where the smartphone is placed on the front surface (upper surface) of the panel cover 40 and against the rear surface 53a of the sub-panel cover 53.

[0055] Therefore, regardless of the body vibration or inclination of the tractor 1, it is possible to prevent the smartphone from popping out and eliminate damage caused by unexpected drops. Further, when the smartphone is housed in the housing portion 53g, its screen is orthogonal to the operator's forward line of sight and easy to view, similar to the meter panel 42. Moreover, since the central portion 53h of the rear wall 53f of the housing portion 53g is recessed so that the screen can be seen well, incoming calls, emails, etc. can be quickly confirmed without having to take out the smartphone from the housing portion 53g each time.

[0056] In addition, a power socket (cigarette socket) 59 is provided on the rear surface 53a on the right side of the housing portion 53g of the sub-panel cover 53, and a recess 53i for passing a cable is formed in the upper front portion of the right side wall 53e of the housing portion 53g. Therefore, for example, when the cable of a charger plugged into the power socket 59 is plugged into the charging terminal of the smartphone, the cable is passed through the recess 53i, and the smartphone is placed in the housing portion 53g, there is no risk that the smartphone will float up unstably due to interference between the cable and the right side wall 53e of the housing portion 53g and cannot be housed securely, and it can be securely housed in the housing portion 53e and charged.

[0057] On the other hand, an anti-theft switch 60 is provided on the rear surface further to the right of the power socket 59 provided on the right side of the sub-panel cover 53. This anti-theft device senses the shaking of the tractor 1 and notifies that fact with a buzzer. And, as shown in FIG. 11, the manual playback switch 51 and the playback prohibition switch 52 arranged side by side on the rear surface 53a on the left side of the sub-panel cover 53 are provided with a name and a mark attached to the sub-panel cover 53 so that it can be immediately seen which switch is the manual playback switch 51 and which is the playback prohibition switch 52. For example, since white has an image of affirmation or start and black has an image of negation or rejection, the colors of the switch labels 61 are used in reverse colors such as white (manual playback), black (playback prohibition) to facilitate the identification.

[0058] Also, unify the connector colors of the wiring for the manual playback switch 51 and the playback prohibition switch 52 to the ECU of the engine 2 with the colors of the aforementioned switch label 61. For example, make the connector 62 on the manual playback side white and the connector 63 on the playback prohibition side black, so that incorrect connection can be eliminated and troubles can be prevented. Note that the lamps of the manual playback switch 51 and the playback prohibition switch 52 adopt yellow or orange as their warning colors, and by setting these colors, prompt response during alarm is required.

[0059] Then, as described above, for the manual playback switch 51 provided on the sub-panel cover 53, for a series of control contents of the ECU of the engine 2 related to the regeneration of the aforementioned diesel particulate filter, when the soot deposition rate ratio of the filter is in normal operation of 0 to less than 80, and if an automatic regeneration request is issued and it is in the process of automatic regeneration, the lamp of the switch remains off. Note that the DPF regeneration lamp 49 on the meter panel 42 is turned off when automatic regeneration is not being performed, and is continuously lit when automatic regeneration is being performed.

[0060] Also, when the deposition rate ratio is 100 or more and a manual regeneration request is issued, if it is in the early stage, the lamp of the manual playback switch 51 and the DPF regeneration lamp 49 blink at ON: 0.5 seconds, OFF: 0.5 seconds. Further, if it is in the later stage, they blink with a shorter cycle of ON: 0.3 seconds, OFF: 0.3 seconds. Note that the DPF regeneration request buzzer provided separately on the machine body emits two single tones only once per minute in the early stage in this case, and emits an intermittent alarm sound of ON: 0.3 seconds, OFF: 0.3 seconds in the later stage. And when the manual playback switch 51 is turned on and manual playback is performed here, both the lamp of the manual playback switch 51 and the DPF regeneration lamp 49 are constantly lit.

[0061] When the deposition rate ratio is 140 or more and an over-deposition requirement is issued, the lamp of the manual playback switch 51 is turned off regardless of whether it is the previous or the latter period, and it is notified that manual playback is no longer possible. However, in this case, the DPF regeneration request buzzer and the DPF regeneration lamp 49 continue to give alarms in a intermittent sound with a shortened cycle of ON: 0.3 seconds and OFF: 0.3 seconds and a flashing light, and the engine failure lamp 50 provided on the meter panel 42 is constantly lit to prompt the operator to quickly stop the work.

[0062] When the DPF becomes abnormally hot during regeneration, the DPF regeneration lamp 49 flashes at high speed with ON: 0.15 seconds and OFF: 0.15 seconds, and the engine failure lamp 50 is also constantly lit to notify a critical situation. On the other hand, for the regeneration prohibition switch 52 provided on the sub-panel cover 53, the lamp goes out when the switch is turned off, and lights up constantly when the switch is turned on. And in the state where the switch is turned on, a command is issued to the ECU of the engine 2 not to perform the regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. Therefore, in this case, automatic regeneration is not performed.

[0063] And the above-mentioned elaborate and precise drive control of the lamp of the manual regeneration switch 51 and the regeneration prohibition switch 52 provided on the sub-panel cover 53, the DPF regeneration lamp 49 and the engine failure lamp 50 provided on the meter panel 42 of the panel cover 40, or the DPF regeneration request buzzer provided on the machine body must be appropriately performed in consideration of making the alarm content easily understood by the operator.

[0064] However, the information regarding the regeneration of the filter sent from the ECU of the engine 2 is often only the minimum necessary information, and it is not possible to appropriately drive a lamp or the like based solely on the signal obtained as it is. Therefore, in some cases, an electronic control unit 64 for information conversion of the engine ECU is interposed between the lamp or the like. For this reason, the tractor 1 prepares an electronic control unit 64 for filter regeneration notification that drives and controls a lamp or the like in a unified notification pattern following the filter regeneration alarm of other work vehicles such as a combine. This electronic control unit 64 is attached to the column mounting bracket 28a and covered by the sub-panel cover 53 (see Fig. 6).

[0065] In addition, when covering the cab of the tractor 1 as shown in Fig. 12, an electric motor (wiper motor) 67 that drives a wiper 66 provided on the front glass 65 of the cab is provided below the panel cover 40. And in that case, in order to cover this electric motor 67, the front part of the panel cover 40 is bulged, and a separate part from the panel cover 40 without a cab specification that does not bulge is prepared and covered.

[0066] However, even when this electric motor 67 is attached to the column mounting bracket 28a as in the conventional manner, the electric motor 67 is located below the sub-panel cover 53 and can be covered by the sub-panel cover 53 as it is. Therefore, the panel cover 40 with a bulged front part in the cab specification becomes unnecessary, and by eliminating this part, cost reduction in parts management can be achieved.

[0067] Also, when manually regenerating the filter as described above, if the tractor 1 is not moved to a safe and wide outdoor place with good ventilation and no flammable objects around and the parking brake is not applied to stop the tractor 1 and then the engine 2 is not put into the idling state, the ECU of the engine 2 cannot perform the manual regeneration.

[0068] However, when the ECU of the engine 2 issues a request for manual regeneration, if the DPF regeneration lamp 49 on the meter panel 42 and the lamp of the manual regeneration switch 51 are made to blink and at the same time the parking lamp 68 provided on the meter panel 42 is made to blink, it becomes clear that when giving a command for manual regeneration, the parking brake must be applied by operating the parking brake lever 39 due to the blinking of the parking lamp 68. Thus, it is possible to prevent forgetting to operate the parking brake lever 39 and smoothly shift to manual regeneration.

[0069] Note that when the manual regeneration switch 51 is operated to turn on, even if the tractor 1 has stopped and the parking brake is not applied, if the electronic control unit on the tractor 1 side supplies pressure oil to a hydraulic brake cylinder (not shown) to automatically apply brakes to the wheels 6 and 9 of the tractor 1, the tractor 1 can be substantially kept in a parked state even if the operation of the parking brake has been forgotten. Thus, it is possible to quickly shift to manual regeneration in this way.

[0070] Also, when the ECU of the engine 2 is performing manual regeneration of the filter, if the engine control lever 32 that commands the rotational speed of the engine 2 or the foot control pedal is operated and the rotational speed of the engine is commanded to be higher than the idling speed, the ECU interrupts the manual regeneration of the filter assuming that the work has started. However, if this command of the rotational speed is caused by an accidental operation by the operator or an unexpected contact with the engine control lever 32 or the like when getting on or off the tractor 1, the regeneration time will be extended due to the interruption of regeneration. Therefore, it is desired to avoid such an interruption of regeneration as much as possible.

[0071] Therefore, once a manual regeneration command is issued, the electronic control unit of the tractor 1 monitors the command value of the engine control lever 32 or the engine speed by the foot control pedal. For example, if the command value temporarily becomes higher than the idling speed but immediately returns to the idling speed, it is determined as an incorrect operation, and the ECU of the engine 2 is continuously given the idling speed as it is, thereby avoiding interruption of filter regeneration. Further, the electronic control unit of the tractor 1 can similarly avoid interruption of filter regeneration even if it continuously gives the idling speed as the engine speed until the regeneration is completed once the manual regeneration command is issued.

[0072] Furthermore, when the ECU of the engine 2 starts the manual regeneration of the filter, since it is not known when the regeneration of the filter will be completed, it is difficult to make a plan for resuming work and causes stress to the operator. Therefore, when the manual regeneration of the filter is started, the remaining regeneration time is displayed using the tachometer 69 provided on the meter panel 42 as shown in FIG. 13. Therefore, for example, by displaying that there are 10 minutes remaining per 1000 rpm of the tachometer, the need for a dedicated display device for displaying the waiting time can be eliminated.

[0073] Also, the tachometer 69 provided on the meter panel 42 described above can be switched between a mode for displaying the remaining waiting time until the completion of filter regeneration and a mode for displaying the original engine speed of the engine 2 by long-pressing the manual regeneration switch 51 after the ECU of the engine 2 starts the manual regeneration of the filter. In this way, the control state of the engine speed during the manual regeneration of the filter becomes clear. In the embodiment described above, the accommodation portion 53g for the mobile terminal is formed in the sub-panel cover 53, but another thing such as a cigarette may be placed in this accommodation portion 53g, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiment.

Explanation of Signs

[0074] 1 Tractor (Work Vehicle) 2 Diesel Engine 7 Front wheels 9 Rear wheels 12 DPF case (Diesel Particulate Filter) 19 Bonnet 24 Driver's seat 29 Steering wheel 40 Panel cover 42 Meter panel 49 DPF regeneration lamp 50 Engine failure lamp 51 Manual regeneration switch 52 Regeneration prohibition switch 53 Sub-panel cover

Claims

1. In a work vehicle provided with a panel cover for attaching a steering wheel, a meter panel, and various operation switches in front of the driver's seat, and a diesel engine covered by a bonnet in front of these, the diesel engine is equipped with an exhaust gas purification device that collects particulate matter in its exhaust gas with a diesel particulate filter and regenerates the filter by burning and removing the collected particulate matter. On the other hand, a switch and a lamp related to the regeneration of this filter are provided on the rear surface of a sub-panel cover provided near the center above the front part of the panel cover, so that the switches and lamps provided on the meter panel of the panel cover and the sub-panel cover are within the forward field of view of an operator sitting in the driver's seat. The work vehicle is characterized by this.

2. The work vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that a DPF regeneration lamp and an engine failure lamp are provided on the meter panel provided on the panel cover, and a manual regeneration switch, a regeneration prohibition switch, and lamps for each switch are provided on the rear surface of the sub-panel cover.

3. The work vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that a housing portion for a mobile terminal is formed near the center on the rear surface of the sub-panel cover, and a manual regeneration switch with a lamp, a regeneration prohibition switch, and a power socket for charging the mobile terminal are separately provided near the left and right sides on the rear surface of the sub-panel cover.

4. The work vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that an electronic control unit that acquires information on the engine and regeneration information of the filter and controls the lighting of lamps provided on the meter panel of the panel cover and the sub-panel cover, or an electric motor that drives a wiper provided on the front glass of the cabin, or these electronic control unit and electric motor are provided below the sub-panel cover and covered by the sub-panel cover.

Images