Work vehicles

Abstract

To realize a supply port whose position can be moved without using a tool.SOLUTION: A work vehicle 1 is provided with a supply port 60 for supplying a liquid necessary for the operation of equipment mounted on the vehicle bodies 2 and 3, the supply port 60 includes: a pipe 62 that is in communication with a liquid storage part and is elastically deformable; a lid mechanism 64 that is attached to the upper end of the pipe 62 and opens and closes; and a movement mechanism 70 that moves the positions of the lid mechanism 64 and the pipe 62. The moving mechanism 70 has: a fixed part 72 which is rotatably connected to the vehicle bodies 2 and 3 and to which the lid mechanism 64 or the pipe 62 is fixed; an operation part 74 which is rotatably connected to the fixed part 72 and is provided with a knob 84 which an operator grasps; and a slide support part 76 which is fixed to the vehicle bodies 2 and 3 and is provided with a slide hole 86 through which the knob 84 is slidably inserted to define a slide range and a lock groove 87, a lock projection 80 that can be engaged with and disengaged from the lock groove 87 is provided on the fixed part 72 or the operation part 74.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work vehicle equipped with a hydraulically operated working device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART As examples of working vehicles, hydraulic excavators, track loaders, and the like, which are equipped with a traveling device and a working device driven by an engine (internal combustion engine), have been conventionally known.

[0003] Recently, work vehicles that are driven by electric motors instead of conventional engines have been developed (see Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6463537). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6463537 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a work vehicle, various liquids necessary for the operation of the equipment mounted on the vehicle are stored in a reservoir or the like and used. Specific examples of such liquids include hydraulic oil and coolant. When the liquid runs low or needs to be replaced, it is replenished through a refill port.

[0006] Regardless of whether the drive source is an engine or an electric motor, making the body of a work vehicle compact is always an issue.

[0007] In particular, in the case of work vehicles equipped with an electric motor as a drive source, in addition to the electric motor, a storage battery (such as a large battery cell) is mounted on the vehicle body, which makes it difficult to find the necessary mounting space compared to work vehicles equipped with conventional engines, resulting in a problem of the vehicle body becoming larger.

[0008] Furthermore, since the vehicle is not equipped with an engine as a heat source, if a cab heater is installed to heat the cab (cabin), a liquid heater is installed to heat the coolant (coolant for the cab heater) that flows through the heater core, which makes it even more difficult to find the necessary installation space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a work vehicle that has a simple configuration, can be moved without using tools, can be stored in a narrow space, has a supply port that can be pulled out when refilling liquid, and can achieve a compact body.

[0010] The present invention solves the above problems by the means described below.

[0011] The work vehicle according to this embodiment is a work vehicle comprising a vehicle body, a traveling device, and a hydraulically operated working device, and is provided with a supply port for supplying liquid necessary for the operation of equipment mounted on the vehicle body, the supply port having an elastically deformable pipe that communicates with a storage section for the liquid, a lid mechanism that is attached to the upper end of the pipe and opens and closes the pipe, and a moving mechanism that moves the position of the lid mechanism and the pipe that is continuous with the lid mechanism, the moving mechanism having a fixed part that is rotatably connected to the vehicle body and to which the lid mechanism or the pipe is fixed, an operating part that is rotatably connected to the fixed part and has a knob that is gripped by an operator, and a slide support part that is fixed to the vehicle body and has a slide hole through which the knob is slidably inserted to determine the sliding range and a lock groove that opens upward, and a lock protrusion that engages and disengages with the lock groove is provided on the fixed part or the operating part.

[0012] The above configuration allows for a simple liquid refill port that can be moved without the use of tools. The refill port can be stored in a space roughly equivalent in size to the outer dimensions of the lid mechanism and piping, and liquid can be refilled by simply pulling the lid mechanism and piping from inside to outside the vehicle body. This eliminates the need for a large space above the refill port for inserting a refill nozzle or container, allowing for a more compact vehicle body.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pipe be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material that allows the liquid level to be visually recognized.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that the lid mechanism and the piping connected to the lid mechanism are stored in a state where they are pushed in from the outside to the inside of the vehicle body, and that the moving mechanism is such that when an operator lifts the knob upward and the locking protrusion disengages from the locking groove, the operator grasps and pulls out the lid mechanism or the piping connected to the lid mechanism, or by the elastic force of the piping or gravity acting on the center of gravity of the lid mechanism, the lid mechanism and the piping connected to the lid mechanism move from the inside to the outside of the vehicle body, with the fixed part, operating part, and slide support part positioned and attached relative to the vehicle body.

[0015] As an example, the vehicle is equipped with an electric motor that serves as a driving source for the traveling device or the working device, the liquid is cooling water for a cab heater, and the lid mechanism has a piping plug and a plug fixing portion provided with a threaded hole into which the piping plug is screwed.

[0016] As another example, an engine may be provided as a drive source for the traveling device or the working device, and the liquid may be at least one of fuel and engine oil.

[0017] As another example, the liquid is at least one of hydraulic oil and a window washer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a refill port that can be moved without using tools, can be stored in a small space, and can be pulled out to refill liquid, thereby making it possible to make the vehicle body more compact. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the positions of a supply port and a storage section in the work vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the supply port (in a retracted state). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the supply port (in a pulled-out state). [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are explanatory views illustrating the operation of moving the supply port in the work vehicle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock protrusion is engaged with the lock groove. FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing a state in which the operator has lifted the knob upward and the lock protrusion has disengaged from the lock groove. FIG. 5C is a perspective view showing a state in which the lid mechanism and the piping connected to the lid mechanism have moved from the inside to the outside of the vehicle body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram (perspective view from above the left rear) showing an example of a work vehicle 1 according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, arrows may be used in the drawings to indicate up / down, left / right, and front / rear directions. In addition, in all drawings used to explain the embodiment, members having the same function are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations may be omitted.

[0021] First, a description will be given of the overall configuration of the work vehicle 1. A hydraulic excavator will be used as an example of the work vehicle 1. However, the work vehicle 1 is not limited to a hydraulic excavator.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, a work vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body including a lower body 2 and an upper body 3 disposed on the lower body 2 (the lower body 2 and the upper body 3 may be integrally configured).

[0023] The work vehicle 1 is equipped with working devices 12, 14 that are attached to the underbody 2 and upper body 3 and are operated by hydraulic pressure (hydraulic oil at a predetermined pressure). The underbody 2 is equipped with a traveling device 10 that allows the vehicle to travel. The upper body 3 is equipped with a driver's cab 16 at the front that is equipped with operating devices in which an operator sits and operates the vehicle for traveling and work. As an example, the driver's cab 16 is sealed, but this is not limited to this.

[0024] An example of the traveling device 10 is provided with a pair of crawlers (crawlers) 26 on the left and right. However, the traveling device 10 is not limited to the crawlers 26. As another example, the work vehicle 1 may be configured to have tires (not shown) instead of the crawlers 26. The crawlers 26 are driven (traveled) by a traveling hydraulic motor (not shown).

[0025] An example of the working device 12 is provided with a blade 22. The blade 22 is attached to the lower body 2 so that it can swing up and down (including forward and backward). The blade 22 is driven by a hydraulic cylinder (blade cylinder) 32. However, the working device 12 is not limited to the above configuration.

[0026] An example of the working device 14 includes a boom 42, an arm 44, and an attachment (a bucket in this embodiment) 46. However, the attachment 46 is not limited to a bucket. The boom 42 is attached to the upper body 3 so as to be swingable up and down (including a front-to-rear component). In this embodiment, a boom bracket (not shown) is provided between the upper body 3 and the boom 42. The boom bracket allows the boom 42 to swing left and right (including a front-to-rear component) relative to the upper body 3. Note that the boom bracket may be omitted. The arm 44 is attached to the boom 42 so as to be swingable up and down (including a front-to-rear component). The attachment 46 is attached to the arm 44 so as to be swingable up and down (including a front-to-rear component). The boom 42 is driven by a hydraulic cylinder (boom cylinder) 52. The arm 44 is driven by a hydraulic cylinder (arm cylinder) 54. The attachment 46 is driven by a hydraulic cylinder (bucket cylinder) 56. However, the working device 14 is not limited to the above configuration.

[0027] The drive mechanism for driving the traveling hydraulic motor and each hydraulic cylinder is composed of, for example, a hydraulic pump driven by a drive source 18, a control valve, etc. An operator operates the operating device to actuate the control valve, which controls the supply of hydraulic oil at a predetermined pressure from the hydraulic pump to the traveling hydraulic motor and each hydraulic cylinder. This allows the traveling device 10 to travel and the working devices 12, 14 to perform work. One or more hydraulic pumps that make up the drive mechanism may be provided depending on the configuration and load of the working devices 12, 14 and the traveling device 10.

[0028] It should be noted that other mechanisms for travel and work in the work vehicle 1 according to this embodiment are similar to those of known work vehicles (hydraulic excavators), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] The work vehicle 1 is equipped with an electric motor as the drive source 18. One or more electric motors constituting the drive source 18 are provided depending on the number of hydraulic pumps and the rated output, etc. As another example of drive source 18, an engine (an internal combustion engine that burns fuel) (not shown) may be provided instead of or in addition to the electric motor.

[0030] The work vehicle 1 is equipped with an on-board charger that supplies power to the electric motor 18, a storage battery, a conversion device (such as an inverter), a control device, and the like (not shown).

[0031] The work vehicle 1 is equipped with a cab heater (not shown) that heats the cab 16. In this embodiment, since the vehicle is configured to have an electric motor as the drive source 18 (i.e., not to have an engine that serves as both a drive source and a heat source), the cab heater is configured to have a heater core and a liquid heater for heating the liquid (cooling water for the cab heater) that is made to flow through the heater core.

[0032] The work vehicle 1 also has a reservoir for storing liquid necessary for operating the equipment mounted on the vehicle body (upper body 3), and a refill port for replenishing the liquid. Examples of the liquid include hydraulic oil, which is stored primarily in a hydraulic oil tank and used to drive the traveling hydraulic motor and each hydraulic cylinder. Examples include window washers, which are stored primarily in a washer tank and used to wash the window glass of the cab 16. Examples include cab heater cooling water, which is stored in a cooling water reservoir and used as a heat medium for the cab heater. The cooling water reservoir according to this embodiment does not have a dedicated tank, but is configured so that the liquid is stored (and circulated) inside the equipment through which the liquid flows (such as the liquid heating heater, the cab heater heater core, and the piping connected to them). Note that a configuration with a dedicated tank may also be used (not shown).

[0033] As an example, the configuration of the supply port 60 for supplying cooling water for the cab heater will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is a perspective view (from the left rear) showing the positions of the supply port 60 and the storage section 28 in the vehicle body (upper body 3) (the left side cover is not shown). Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the supply port 60 (stored in the storage section 28). Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the supply port 60 (pulled out from the storage section 28).

[0034] The supply port 60 is provided with elastically deformable piping 62 that communicates directly or via relay piping with a liquid storage section (in this embodiment, a liquid heater, a heater core for the cab heater, and piping connected thereto, etc.). The supply port 60 is provided with a lid mechanism 64 that is attached to the upper end of the piping 62 and opens and closes it. The supply port 60 is provided with a movement mechanism 70 that moves the positions of the lid mechanism 64 and the piping 62 that is connected to the lid mechanism 64.

[0035] The lid mechanism 64 and the piping 62 connected to the lid mechanism 64 are stored in a storage section 28 provided in the vehicle body (upper body 3), with the storage section 28 being pushed in from the outside to the inside of the vehicle body (upper body 3).

[0036] As an example, the lid mechanism 64 includes a piping plug 66 and a plug fixing part 68 having a threaded hole (a through-hole with a female thread formed on the inner wall) 68a into which the piping plug 66 is screwed. The plug fixing part 68 is attached to the upper end of the piping 62. The upper end of the piping 62 can be opened and closed by engaging and disengaging the piping plug 66 with the threaded hole 68a.

[0037] As in this embodiment, a work vehicle 1 driven by an electric motor is not equipped with a radiator for engine cooling, as is the case with engine-driven work vehicles, and is not configured so that the radiator cooling water also serves as cooling water for the cab heater. Therefore, as described above, a liquid heater is provided to heat the cab heater cooling water. The temperature and pressure of the cab heater cooling water heated by the liquid heater can be set lower than in engine-driven work vehicles in which the radiator cooling water also serves as cooling water for the cab heater. Therefore, there is no need to provide a pressure cap on the lid mechanism 64, and the mechanism can be configured with a simple mechanism.

[0038] As an example, the piping 62 is formed using a transparent or translucent material (such as silicone rubber) that allows the liquid level (cooling water for the cab heater) to be visually confirmed. This makes it possible to check the liquid level at the piping without providing a dedicated indicator or measuring instrument.

[0039] As an example, the moving mechanism 70 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body (upper body 3) and includes a fixed part 72 to which the lid mechanism 64 (or the piping 62) is fixed. Reference numeral 81 in the figure denotes a pivot member that rotates the fixed part 72 relative to the vehicle body (upper body 3). The moving mechanism 70 is rotatably connected to the fixed part 72 and includes an operating part 74 that is provided with a knob 84 that an operator grips. The moving mechanism 70 is fixed to the vehicle body (upper body 3) and includes a slide support part 76 that is provided with a slide hole (first slide hole) 86 through which the knob 84 is slidably inserted to define a slide range, and a lock groove 87 that opens upward (i.e., is U-shaped in side view). The slide range of the slide hole (first slide hole) 86 defines the movement range of the lid mechanism 64 (and the piping 62 connected to the lid mechanism 64).

[0040] Furthermore, the movement mechanism 70 is provided with a locking protrusion 80 that engages with and disengages from a locking groove 87 of the slide support portion 76. In this embodiment, the locking protrusion 80 is fixed to the fixed portion 72, and the operation portion 74 is provided with an insertion hole (first insertion hole) 85 through which the locking protrusion 80 is rotatably inserted. Therefore, when the operation portion 74 is lifted, the locking protrusion 80 rises. As another example, the locking protrusion 80 may be fixed to the operation portion 74, and the fixed portion 72 may be provided with an insertion hole (second insertion hole) through which the locking protrusion 80 is rotatably inserted (not shown). With this configuration, the locking protrusion 80 also rises when the operation portion 74 is lifted.

[0041] Note that reference numeral 73 in the drawing denotes a support plate that moves in association with the fixed portion 72. The support plate 73 is provided with a slide hole (second slide hole) 83 through which the lock protrusion 80 is slidably inserted. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the support plate 73 is not provided (not shown).

[0042] The above-described movement mechanism 70 allows for the realization of a replenishing port 60 that can be moved without the use of tools and with a simple configuration. Because the replenishing port 60 can be moved, the replenishing port 60 can be stored in the vehicle body (upper body 3) as long as there is a space in the vehicle body (upper body 3) that is approximately the same size as the outer dimensions of the lid mechanism 64 and the piping 62. Furthermore, when replenishing, the liquid (in this embodiment, cooling water for the cab heater) can be replenishing by pulling the lid mechanism 64 (and the piping 62 connected thereto) from the inside to the outside of the vehicle body (upper body 3). Therefore, there is no need to provide a large space above the replenishing port 60 for inserting a replenishing nozzle or container, which allows for a more compact vehicle body (upper body 3).

[0043] Here, with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the operation of moving the supply port 60 of the work vehicle 1 will be described. Note that FIGS. 5A to 5C all correspond to the position of portion V in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 5A, the lid mechanism 64 and the piping 62 connected to the lid mechanism 64 are stored in the storage section 28 provided in the vehicle body (upper body 3) in a state where they are pushed from the outside to the inside of the vehicle body (upper body 3). At this time, the locking protrusion 80 is engaged with the locking groove 87 of the slide support portion 76. This restricts the movement of the lid mechanism 64 and the piping 62 connected to the lid mechanism 64. Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the operator lifts the knob 84 of the operating portion 74 upward, the locking protrusion 80 rises and disengages from the locking groove 87. In other words, the movement of the lid mechanism 64 and the piping 62 connected to the lid mechanism 64 is no longer restricted. 5C , in a state in which the locking projection 80 is disengaged from the locking groove 87, the lid mechanism 64 and the piping 62 connected to the lid mechanism 64 are moved from the inside to the outside of the vehicle body (upper body 3) by, for example, an operator grasping and pulling out the lid mechanism 64 and the piping 62 connected to the lid mechanism 64, or by both or one of the resilient force of the piping 62 and gravity acting on the center of gravity of the lid mechanism 64. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 72, the operating portion 74, and the slide support portion 76 are positioned and attached to the vehicle body (upper body 3) to enable this movement. This allows the operator to move the supply port 60 from the inside to the outside of the vehicle body (upper body 3) without using tools, simply by lifting the knob 84 of the operating portion 74 upward to release the lock.

[0044] Conversely, when storing the supply port 60 in the storage section 28, the operator pushes and moves the cover mechanism 64 or the piping 62 from the outside to the inside of the vehicle body (upper body 3).

[0045] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a refill port 60 that can be moved without using tools, can be stored in a small space, and can be pulled out to refill liquid. Therefore, it is possible to make the vehicle bodies 2, 3 more compact.

[0046] The configuration of the supply port 60 for replenishing the cab heater cooling water has been described using the example of the cab heater cooling water used to operate the cab heater as a liquid necessary for the operation of the equipment mounted on the car bodies 2 and 3. The configuration of the supply port 60 is not limited to this example. The configuration of the supply port 60 can be applied to a supply port for replenishing hydraulic oil used to operate the traveling hydraulic motor and each hydraulic cylinder. The configuration of the supply port 60 can be applied to a supply port for replenishing the window washer used to operate the washer mechanism.

[0047] A work vehicle using an electric motor as a drive source has been given as an example of the work vehicle 1. The configuration of the refill port 60 is not limited to this example, and can also be applied to work vehicles using an engine (internal combustion engine) as a drive source. The configuration of the refill port 60 can be applied to a refill port for refilling fuel used to operate the engine. The configuration of the refill port 60 can be applied to a refill port for refilling engine oil used to operate the engine. The configuration of the refill port 60 can be applied to a refill port for refilling radiator cooling water used to operate the radiator.

[0048] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned working vehicle (hydraulic excavator), but can be applied to other working vehicles (track loaders, carriers, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Work vehicles 2. Body (lower body) 3. Body (upper body) 10 Running gear 12, 14 Work equipment 16 Driver's cab 28 Storage area 60 Supply port 62 Piping 64 Lid mechanism 70 Moving mechanism 72 Fixed part 74 Control section 76 Slide support 80 Locking protrusion 84 knob 86 Slide hole (first slide hole) 87 Lock groove

Claims

1. A work vehicle comprising a vehicle body, a traveling device, and a hydraulically operated working device, a supply port for supplying a liquid necessary for the operation of equipment mounted on the vehicle body; the supply port includes an elastically deformable pipe that communicates with the liquid storage portion, a lid mechanism that is attached to an upper end of the pipe to open and close the pipe, and a movement mechanism that moves the position of the lid mechanism and the pipe that is connected to the lid mechanism; The moving mechanism includes: a fixing portion rotatably connected to the vehicle body and to which the cover mechanism or the piping is fixed; an operation unit rotatably connected to the fixed unit and provided with a knob to be gripped by an operator; a slide support part that is fixed to the vehicle body and has a slide hole through which the knob is slidably inserted to define a slide range, and a lock groove that opens upward; Furthermore, a locking protrusion that is engaged with and disengaged from the locking groove is provided on the fixed portion or the operating portion. A work vehicle characterized by:

2. The piping is made of a transparent or semi-transparent material that allows the liquid level to be seen.

2. The work vehicle according to claim 1,

3. the cover mechanism and the piping connected to the cover mechanism are housed in a state of being pushed inward from the outside of the vehicle body, The moving mechanism is attached by positioning the fixed part, the operating part, and the slide support part relative to the vehicle body so that when an operator lifts the knob upward and the locking projection is released from the locking groove, the operator grasps and pulls out the lid mechanism or the piping connected to the lid mechanism, or by the elastic force of the piping or gravity acting on the center of gravity of the lid mechanism, the lid mechanism and the piping connected to the lid mechanism move from the inside to the outside of the vehicle body.

2. The work vehicle according to claim 1,

4. an electric motor that serves as a drive source for the traveling device or the working device; the liquid is cooling water for a cab heater; The cover mechanism has a piping plug and a plug fixing portion provided with a screw hole into which the piping plug is screwed. The work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

5. an engine that serves as a drive source for the traveling device or the working device; The liquid is at least one of fuel and engine oil. The work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

6. The liquid is at least one of hydraulic oil and a window washer. The work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

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