Canopy opening and closing device

Abstract

To restrain interference between left and right canopies even when the left and right canopies are operated individually.SOLUTION: A canopy opening / closing device comprises: a first canopy rotatably installed in an upper part of one of left and right side-plates of a cargo box; a second canopy rotatably installed in an upper part of the other of the left and right side-plates of the cargo box; a first motor for driving the first canopy to open and close; gand a second motor for driving the second canopy to open and close. The canopy opening / closing device is provided in a work vehicle on which the second canopy covers on the first canopy at the time of full closing, and opens and closes the first canopy and the second canopy by controlling the first motor and the second motor. When an operation for independently opening / closing the first canopy is performed, the canopy opening / closing device determines the possibility of independent opening / closing operation of the first canopy based on stored information corresponding to an opening operation of the second canopy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a canopy opening and closing device for opening and closing a canopy of a cargo box of a work vehicle such as a dump truck. [Background technology]

[0002] A canopy is sometimes provided on the top of a cargo box of a work vehicle such as a dump truck to prevent soil or sand from scattering. A canopy opening / closing device is a device that opens and closes the canopy using a motor. One such canopy opening / closing device is configured to stop the motor when the operating current exceeds a threshold value (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-127206 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The canopies may be pivotally attached to the tops of the left and right side panels of the cargo box. Some canopies partially cover the top of the cargo box, while others completely cover it. In the latter case, the leading edge of one canopy may overlap the leading edge of the other canopy when fully closed. In this configuration, the opening and closing paths of the left and right canopies interfere with each other. For example, to open one canopy, the other must be moved first to a position where it does not interfere with the opening and closing path of the other canopy. To avoid this interference between the left and right canopies, a canopy opening / closing device may be designed to have a sequence in which one canopy begins to open after the other canopy has continued to open for a predetermined period of time (hereinafter referred to as "linked opening operation"). When closing the cargo box, a sequence in which one canopy begins to close after the other canopy has continued to close for a predetermined period of time (hereinafter referred to as "linked closing operation") may be used.

[0005] However, for example, if rain or other debris accumulates on the left and right canopies, the power required to open the canopies increases, and the motor's operating current may exceed the threshold during the linked opening operation, causing the canopies to stop. In this case, even if the linked opening operation is resumed, the left and right canopies may open again with a time lag, meaning that one canopy may reach the fully open position before the other canopy has even opened. If the linked opening operation is attempted again in this state, the other canopy will immediately stop, preventing the opening of one canopy. If one canopy is barely open at this stage, the closing operation of one canopy will immediately stop even if the linked closing operation is attempted, preventing the closing of the other canopy from starting. This can result in one canopy remaining in the fully closed position and the other canopy reaching the fully open position, making both the linked opening and closing operations impossible.

[0006] To prepare for such situations, the canopy opening / closing device must also have the ability to open and close the left and right canopies individually. However, work vehicles that use a canopy opening / closing device that operates the canopy with power are often large. Canopies are generally opened and closed by operating a control box inside the cab, but the rear view of the cab is poorly obstructed by the front wall of the large cargo box, making it difficult to visually confirm the canopy's operation from the cab. For this reason, it is not always easy to manually operate the left and right canopies individually so that the tips do not interfere with each other.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a canopy opening and closing device that can suppress interference between the left and right canopies even when the left and right canopies are operated separately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a canopy opening and closing device that includes a first canopy rotatably attached to an upper portion of one of the left and right side panels of a cargo box, a second canopy rotatably attached to an upper portion of the other of the left and right side panels of the cargo box, a first motor that drives the first canopy to open and close, and a second motor that drives the second canopy to open and close, the canopy opening and closing device being attached to a work vehicle in which the second canopy covers the first canopy when fully closed, and that controls the first motor and the second motor in response to operation to open and close the first canopy and the second canopy,When the second canopy is in a predetermined open position The first canopy alone Opening Operation When the above operation is performed, the first canopy is opened independently based on the stored information corresponding to the opening operation of the second canopy. Opening Operation A canopy opening / closing device is provided that determines whether or not a canopy opening / closing operation is possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, interference between the left and right canopies can be suppressed even when the left and right canopies are operated separately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a dump truck to which a canopy opening and closing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] Diagram showing the canopy's movable range as seen from the rear of the dump truck [Figure 3] Block diagram of a canopy opening and closing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the start of interlocking opening operation [Figure 5] A diagram showing the start of the interlocking closing operation [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the procedure for controlling the opening and closing of the left and right canopies in the canopy opening and closing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 illustrates a state in which one canopy remains in the fully closed position and the other canopy reaches the fully open position, making the linked open and closed operations impossible. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the profile of the operating current of the motor when the other canopy is opened. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the profile of the operating current of the motor when one of the canopies is closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) 1. Work vehicles Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a dump truck to which a canopy opening / closing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the movable range of the canopy when the dump truck in Fig. 1 is viewed from the rear. This embodiment illustrates an example in which the present invention is applied to a canopy opening / closing device for a dump truck, but the present invention can also be applied to canopy opening / closing devices for other types of work vehicles. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a canopy opening / closing device for a container on a container detachable vehicle, a canopy opening / closing device for a truck with a fixed cargo box that does not have a dumping function, a canopy opening / closing device for a container on the hopper of a mixer truck, etc.

[0013] The loading box of the dump truck shown in FIG. 1 is provided with left and right canopies 1L, 1R for preventing the scattering of loads such as earth and sand.

[0014] The canopy 1L is attached to the top of one of the left and right side panels of the cargo box (the left side in this example) so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 2L that extends horizontally from front to back. In this embodiment, the canopy 1L and the rotation shaft 2L are fixed to each other. One end of the rotation shaft 2L (the front end in this example) is connected to a motor 3L via a power transmission mechanism as necessary. This motor 3L is attached to the front of the cargo box, for example. By driving the motor 3L, the canopy 1L is driven to open and close around the rotation shaft 2L.

[0015] The canopy 1R is attached to the top of the other of the left and right side panels of the cargo box (the right side in this example) so that it can rotate freely around a rotation shaft 2R that extends horizontally from front to back. The canopy 1R and the rotation shaft 2R are fixed to each other. One end of the rotation shaft 2R (the front end in this example) is connected to a motor 3R via a power transmission mechanism as necessary. This motor 3R is attached to the front of the cargo box, for example. By driving the motor 3R, the canopy 1R is driven to open and close around the rotation shaft 2R.

[0016] In addition, the tip of the canopy 1R (the edge opposite the rotation axis 2R) is equipped with, for example, a sealing cover 1C, and as shown in Figure 2, when the canopies 1L and 1R are fully closed, the canopy 1R (the sealing cover 1C part at the tip) is configured to cover the tip of the canopy 1L.

[0017] In Figure 2, the fully closed position of the canopies 1L and 1R is designated P1, the upright position P2, and the fully open position P3. The fully closed position P1 is a state in which the canopies 1L and 1R2 are seated on bases 1D provided on the front and rear walls of the cargo box, completely closing the top opening of the cargo box. However, in Figure 2, the canopy 1R is shown slightly open from the actual fully closed position P1 to show the overlap with the canopy 1L at the fully closed position P1. The upright position P2 is a position in which the canopies 1L and 1R are vertically upright with their tips facing upward. The fully open position P3 is a position in which the canopies 1L and 1R are facing downward and abutting the outer wall of the side panel of the cargo box (or a stopper that limits the range of movement of the canopies 1L and 1R).

[0018] As described above, canopies 1L, 1R rotate around horizontal rotation axes 2L, 2R. Therefore, during opening, canopies 1L, 1R move in the opposite direction to gravity in range A1 from fully closed position P1 to upright position P2, increasing the operating current of motors 3L, 3R. Then, canopies 1L, 1R move in the direction of gravity in range A2 from upright position P2 to fully open position P3, decreasing the operating current of motors 3L, 3R. Then, when canopies 1L, 1R reach fully open position P3, the movement of canopies 1L, 1R is restricted, increasing the operating current of motors 3L, 3R.

[0019] Similarly, during the closing operation, in the range A3 from the fully open position P3 to the raised position P2, the canopies 1L and 1R move against the direction of gravity, increasing the operating current of the motors 3L and 3R. Then, in the range A4 from the raised position P2 to the fully closed position P1, the canopies 1L and 1R move in the direction of gravity, decreasing the operating current of the motors 3L and 3R. Then, when the canopies reach the fully closed position P1, the movement of the canopies 1L and 1R is restricted, increasing the operating current of the motors 3L and 3R.

[0020] 2.Canopy opening and closing device FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the canopy opening and closing device.

[0021] The main element of the canopy opening and closing device of this embodiment is a control box 4 installed in the driver's cab of the dump truck. The control box 4 is equipped with an operation switch 5, opening and closing switches 5L and 5R, a microcomputer 6, drive circuits 7L and 7R, current detection circuits 8L and 8R, and a buzzer 9.

[0022] The buzzer 9 is a device that notifies the operator of the operating status (whether opening / closing is in progress or an error has occurred) by sound in response to a command from the microcomputer 6.

[0023] The actuation switch 5 is, for example, a push button switch. The left and right opening / closing switches 5L, 5R are, for example, toggle switches. The actuation switch 5 and the opening / closing switches 5L, 5R can be used to operate the canopies 1L, 1R in linked opening, linked closing, individual opening, and individual closing.

[0024] Interlocking opening is a sequential operation in which the opening operations of the left and right canopies 1L and 1R are initiated with a time lag. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the left canopy 1L begins opening a set time (e.g., 5 seconds) after the right canopy 1R begins opening, and then the canopies 1R and 1L sequentially reach the fully open position P3. Because the canopy 1R opens prior to the canopy 1L for the set time, the canopy 1R moves out of the opening and closing trajectory of the canopy 1L by the time the canopy 1L begins opening, preventing interference between the canopies 1L and 2R. To operate the interlocking opening, for example, at least one of the opening and closing switches 5L and 5R is flipped down (to specify the opening operation) and the operating switch 5 is pressed (turned ON). However, the condition is that neither of the opening and closing switches 5L and 5R is flipped up (to specify the closing operation). During operation, if the operating switch 5 is pressed again (turned OFF) or the open / close switch 5L or 5R is returned to neutral, the canopies 1L and 1R will stop.

[0025] Interlocking closing operation is a sequential operation in which the closing operations of the left and right canopies 1L and 1R are initiated with a time lag. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the right canopy 1R begins closing a set time (e.g., 5 seconds) after the left canopy 1L begins closing, and then the canopies 1L and 1R sequentially reach the fully closed position P1. Because the canopy 1R begins closing ahead of the canopy 1L for a set time, the canopy 1L reaches the fully closed position P1 with a time lag before the canopy 1R enters the opening and closing trajectory of the canopy 1L, thereby avoiding interference between the canopies 1L and 2R. To operate the interlocking closing operation, for example, at least one of the opening and closing switches 5L and 5R is flipped up (to specify the closing operation) and the operating switch 5 is pressed (turned ON). However, it is a condition that neither of the opening and closing switches 5L and 5R is flipped down (to specify the opening operation). During operation, if the operating switch 5 is pressed again (turned OFF) or the open / close switch 5L or 5R is returned to neutral, the canopies 1L and 1R will stop.

[0026] Independent opening and closing operations are exceptional manual operations in which one of the left and right canopies 1L, 1R is driven independently while the other is stopped. While linked opening and closing operations are recommended operating modes, independent opening and closing operations are not recommended operating modes, so special procedures are set for operating the independent opening and closing operations. In this embodiment, for example, by pressing and holding the operating switch 5 for a predetermined period of time, independent opening and closing operations become possible. The fact that independent opening operation is now possible is notified, for example, by a buzzer 9.

[0027] For example, to operate the left canopy 1L to open independently, press the operation switch 5 and flip the left open / close switch 5L down (to specify open operation). To operate the left canopy 1L to close independently, press the operation switch 5 and flip the left open / close switch 5L up (to specify close operation). Similarly, to operate the right canopy 1R to open independently, press the operation switch 5 and flip the right open / close switch 5R down (to specify open operation). To operate the right canopy 1R to close independently, press the operation switch 5 and flip the right open / close switch 5R up (to specify close operation). To stop the independent open or close operation, press the operation switch 5 again or return the open / close switches 5L and 5R to neutral.

[0028] However, the above-mentioned means and methods for the linked opening operation, linked closing operation, independent opening operation, and independent closing operation are merely examples, and the operating means and methods can be changed as appropriate.

[0029] The microcomputer 6 controls the motors 3L and 3R in response to the operation of the operating switch 5 and the opening / closing switches 5L and 5R to open and close the canopies 1L and 1R.

[0030] For example, when driving the left canopy 1L in response to an operation, the microcomputer 6 controls the left motor 3L via the left drive circuit 7L. At that time, the left current detection circuit 8L detects the operating current of the motor 3L (the current supplied from the drive circuit 7L to the motor 3L) and inputs the detected current value to the microcomputer 6. Note that the operating current value output by the current detection circuit 8L (and the current detection circuit 8R as well) is preferably the average value of values ​​detected over several steps, rather than using the instantaneous value after AD conversion as is.

[0031] Similarly, when driving the right canopy 1R in response to an operation, the microcomputer 6 controls the right motor 3R via the right drive circuit 7R. In this case, the right current detection circuit 8R, like the left current detection circuit 8L, detects the operating current of the motor 3R (the current supplied from the drive circuit 7R to the motor 3R) and inputs the detected current value to the microcomputer 6.

[0032] The microcomputer 6 also has a function for automatically controlling the stop of the motors 3L and 3R. Specifically, the microcomputer 6 compares the operating current of the motors 3L and 3R with a preset stop determination threshold, and stops the motors 3L and 3R when the operating current value exceeds the stop determination threshold due to, for example, the canopies 1L and 1R coming into contact with a shipping box or other structure. This function stops the opening operation of the canopies 1L and 1R at the fully open position P3, and stops the closing operation of the canopies 1L and 1R at the fully closed position P1.

[0033] Additionally, in this embodiment, the microcomputer 6 is equipped with an interlock function for the independent opening and closing of the left canopy 1L. When an operation to independently open or close the left canopy 1L is performed, the microcomputer 6 determines whether the left canopy 1L can be independently opened or closed based on the information stored in memory corresponding to the opening operation of the right canopy 1R (in this embodiment, the opening operation time of the canopy 1R). In this embodiment, whether the left canopy 1L can be independently opened or closed is determined based on whether the opening operation time of the canopy 1R has reached a set time, that is, whether it is estimated that the canopy 1R is in a position that will interfere with the opening and closing trajectory of the canopy 1L. When it is estimated that the opening operation time of the right canopy 1R has reached the set time and that the canopy 1R is not in a position that will interfere with the opening and closing trajectory of the left canopy 1L, the microcomputer 6 independently opens or closes the canopy 1L. Conversely, if the microcomputer 6 determines that the operating time of the canopy 1R has not reached the set time and that the right canopy 1R may be in a position that interferes with the opening and closing trajectory of the left canopy 1L, it disables the left canopy 1L from opening and closing independently.

[0034] 3.Operation FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the procedure for controlling the opening and closing of the canopies 1L and 1R by the microcomputer 6. For example, while the PTO (Power Take Off) of the dump truck is on, the microcomputer 6 repeatedly executes the flow of FIG. 6 and controls the operation of the canopies 1L and 2R in response to the operation of the control box 4. Specifically, commands from the microcomputer 6 execute the following operations: linked opening of the canopies 1L and 2R; linked closing of the canopies 1L and 2R; individual opening or closing of the canopy 1L or canopy 1R; and individual opening or closing of the canopy 1L or canopy 1R. Although not shown in the flow of FIG. 6, if the microcomputer 6 stops the driven canopies 1L and 1R in response to a stop operation or based on the operating current of the motors 3L and 3R, the procedure returns to the start at that point.

[0035] -Operation judgment- First, the microcomputer 6 determines whether the canopies 1L and 1R are operated (steps S11 to S17).

[0036] To explain this in accordance with the flow illustrated in FIG. 6, the microcomputer 6 first determines in step S11 whether an interlocking operation (interlocking open operation or interlocking close operation) has been performed, and if an interlocking operation has been performed, the procedure proceeds to step S12; if not, the procedure proceeds to step S13.

[0037] When the procedure proceeds to step S12, the microcomputer 6 determines whether the interlocking operation is an operation for the interlocking opening operation. If the interlocking opening operation is being performed, the microcomputer 6 proceeds to step S21 to proceed to the procedure for the interlocking opening operation, and if the interlocking closing operation is being performed, the microcomputer 6 proceeds to step S31 to proceed to the procedure for the interlocking closing operation.

[0038] When the procedure proceeds to step S13, the microcomputer 6 determines whether a switching operation to individual opening / closing operation (in the above example, a long press of the operation switch 5) has been performed, and if so, the procedure proceeds to step S14 to determine whether individual operation has been performed, and if not, the procedure returns to the start.

[0039] When the procedure proceeds to step S14, the microcomputer 6 determines whether an operation to open the left canopy 1L independently has been performed, and if so, the procedure proceeds to step S41 to proceed to the procedure to open the left canopy 1L independently; if not, the procedure proceeds to step S15.

[0040] When the procedure proceeds to step S15, the microcomputer 6 determines whether an operation to close the left canopy 1L independently has been performed, and if so, proceeds to step S51 to proceed to the procedure for closing the left canopy 1L independently; if not, proceeds to step S16.

[0041] When the procedure proceeds to step S16, the microcomputer 6 determines whether an operation to individually open the right canopy 1R has been performed, and if so, proceeds to step S61 to proceed to the procedure for individually opening the right canopy 1R, and if not, proceeds to step S17.

[0042] When the procedure moves to step S17, the microcomputer 6 determines whether an operation to close the right canopy 1R independently has been performed, and if so, the procedure moves to step S71 to proceed to the procedure to close the right canopy 1R independently, and if not, the procedure returns to the start.

[0043] - Interlocking opening operation - If the linked opening operation is being performed, the microcomputer 6 first drives the motor 3R via the drive circuit 7R in step S21 to start the opening operation of the right canopy 1R.

[0044] During the opening operation of the right canopy 1R, the microcomputer 6 determines in step S22 whether the duration of the opening operation of the canopy 1R (e.g., the drive command to the motor 3R) has reached the set time stored in its memory. The microcomputer 6 repeats the procedures of steps S21 and S22 until the duration of the opening operation of the canopy 1R reaches the set time, and proceeds to step S23 when the set time has been reached.

[0045] In step S23, the microcomputer 6 turns on a flag indicating that the right canopy 1R has continued for the set time, stores this in its own memory, and then proceeds to step S24.

[0046] In the following step S24, the microcomputer 6 drives the motor 3R via the drive circuit 7R, and drives the motor 3L via the drive circuit 7L, thereby executing the opening operation of both the left and right canopies 1L, 1R.

[0047] During the opening operation of the left and right canopies 1L, 1R, the microcomputer 6 determines in step S25 whether both the left and right canopies 1L, 1R have reached the fully open position P3 based on the input from the current detection circuits 8L, 8R. The microcomputer 6 repeats steps S24 and S25 until both the canopies 1L, 1R have reached the fully open position P3, and when both the canopies 1L, 1R have reached the fully open position P3, the microcomputer 6 proceeds to step S26.

[0048] Furthermore, when proceeding to step S24, even if the operating current of the motor 3R of the right canopy 1R exceeds the stop judgment value, the opening operation of the left canopy 1L continues, and when the operating current of the motor 3L exceeds the stop judgment value, the opening operation of the left canopy 1L stops.

[0049] In step S26, the microcomputer 6 switches the flag that was turned on in step S23 off, stores the flag in its own memory, and returns the procedure to the start.

[0050] - Interlocking closing operation - If the operation for the linked closing operation is being performed, the microcomputer 6 first drives the motor 3L via the drive circuit 7L in step S31 to start the closing operation of the left canopy 1L.

[0051] During the closing operation of the left canopy 1L, the microcomputer 6 determines in step S32 whether the duration of the closing operation of the canopy 1L (for example, the drive command to the motor 3L) has reached the set time stored in its memory. The microcomputer 6 repeats the procedures of steps S31 and S32 until the duration of the closing operation of the canopy 1L reaches the set time, and proceeds to step S34 when the set time has been reached.

[0052] In the following step S34, the microcomputer 6 drives the motor 3L via the drive circuit 7L and also drives the motor 3R via the drive circuit 7R, thereby executing the closing operation of both the left and right canopies 1L, 1R.

[0053] While the left and right canopies 1L, 1R are being closed, the microcomputer 6 determines in step S35 whether both the left and right canopies 1L, 1R have reached the fully closed position P1 based on input from the current detection circuits 8L, 8R. The microcomputer 6 repeats steps S34 and S35 until both canopies 1L, 1R have reached the fully closed position P1, and when both canopies 1L, 1R have reached the fully closed position P1, the microcomputer 6 returns to the start of the procedure.

[0054] Furthermore, when proceeding to step S34, even if the operating current of the motor 3L of the left canopy 1L exceeds the stop judgment value, the closing operation of the right canopy 1R continues, and when the operating current of the motor 3R exceeds the stop judgment value, the closing operation of the right canopy 1R stops.

[0055] -Independent opening operation (left canopy)- When an operation to independently open the left canopy 1L is being performed, the microcomputer 6 first determines in step S41 whether the current flag stored in memory is on. If the flag is on, the microcomputer 6 proceeds to step S42, and if the flag is off, the microcomputer 6 proceeds to step S43.

[0056] When the procedure proceeds to step S42, the microcomputer 6 drives the motor 3L via the drive circuit 7L to perform an independent opening operation of the left canopy 1L, and returns the procedure to the start.

[0057] When the procedure proceeds to step S43, the microcomputer 6 does not respond to the operation to independently open the left canopy 1L, but maintains (locks) the stopped state of the canopy 1L, and returns the procedure to the start.

[0058] -Independent closing operation (left canopy)- When an operation to close the left canopy 1L independently is being performed, the microcomputer 6 first determines in step S51 whether the current flag stored in memory is on. If the flag is on, the microcomputer 6 proceeds to step S52, and if the flag is off, the microcomputer 6 proceeds to step S53.

[0059] When the procedure proceeds to step S52, the microcomputer 6 drives the motor 3L via the drive circuit 7L to perform an independent closing operation of the left canopy 1L, and then returns the procedure to the start.

[0060] When the procedure proceeds to step S53, the microcomputer 6 does not respond to an operation to close the left canopy 1L alone, but maintains (locks) the stopped state of the canopy 1L, and returns the procedure to the start.

[0061] -Independent opening operation (right canopy)- If an operation to independently open the right canopy 1R is being performed, the microcomputer 6 drives the motor 3R via the drive circuit 7R in step S61, performs an independent opening operation of the right canopy 1R, and returns the procedure to the start.

[0062] -Independent closing operation (right canopy)- If an operation to close the right canopy 1R independently is being performed, the microcomputer 6 drives the motor 3R via the drive circuit 7R in step S71, performs an operation to close the right canopy 1R independently, and returns the procedure to the start.

[0063] 5.Effects For example, if rain or snow accumulates on canopies 1L and 1R in the fully closed position P1, the power required to open canopies 1L and 1R increases. The motor's operating current may exceed the threshold during the linked opening operation, causing canopies 1L and 1R to stop. In this case, if the linked opening operation is attempted again, canopy 1L will not move until canopy 1R has been opened for the set time again. This may cause canopy 1R to reach the fully open position P3 before canopy 1L has even barely opened. Even if the linked opening operation is attempted again in this state, canopy 1R will immediately stop, preventing canopy 1L from starting to open. If canopy 1L is barely open, retrying the linked closing operation will immediately stop the closing operation of canopy 1L, preventing canopy 1R from starting to close. If canopy 1L remains in the fully closed position P1 and only canopy 1R reaches the fully open position P3, as shown in Figure 7, both the linked opening and closing operations may become impossible.

[0064] In response to this, in this embodiment, the canopies 1L and 1R are provided with a function for individually opening and closing the canopies 1L and 1R so that the canopies 1L and 1R can be operated in an emergency even in a situation such as that shown in FIG.

[0065] However, even though linked opening and closing is the recommended mode of operation, some operators may open and close the canopies 1L and 1R individually. In this case, if the right canopy 1R is not fully open and interferes with the opening and closing track of the left canopy 1L, and an operation to open or close the canopy 1L independently is performed, the canopy 1L will interfere with the canopy 1R, which is undesirable from the standpoint of protecting the device.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the left canopy 1L is operated to open or close independently, the independent opening or closing operation of the canopy 1L is disabled if there is a possibility that the right canopy 1R is in a position that will interfere with the opening or closing trajectory of the canopy 1L, based on the opening operation time of the canopy 1R as described above. This allows the independent operation of the canopy 1L to be performed only when it is estimated that there will be no interference with the canopy 1R, making it possible to prevent interference between the canopies 1L and 1R even when the canopies 1L and 1R are operated individually.

[0067] In addition, based on the operating time of canopy 1R, it is estimated that canopy 1R is in a position outside the opening and closing trajectory of canopy 1L, so there is no need for, for example, an angle sensor to detect the angle of canopy 1R, which also results in simplified and inexpensive device configuration and reduced number of parts.

[0068] (Second embodiment) A canopy opening / closing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that while in the first embodiment, the possibility of independently opening or closing the canopy 1L is determined based on the opening operation time of the canopy 1R, in this embodiment, the determination is made based on the operating current of the motor 3R.

[0069] FIG. 8 shows the profile of the operating current of the motor 3R when the canopy 1R is opened, and FIG. 9 shows the profile of the operating current of the motor 3L when the canopy 1L is closed. The profile in FIG. 8 shows the change over time in the operating current value of the motor 3R while the canopy 1R is opened from the fully closed position P1 to the fully open position P3. The profile in FIG. 9 shows the change over time in the operating current value of the motor 3L while the canopy 1L is closed from the fully open position P3 to the fully closed position P1. The profiles in FIGS. 8 and 9 are obtained theoretically or experimentally in advance and stored in the memory of the microcomputer 6. When obtaining the profiles experimentally, for example, the canopies 1R and 1L are actually moved from the fully closed position P1 (or the fully open position P3) to the fully open position P3 (or the fully closed position P1) without any load such as rain. The profiles can then be obtained by recording the operating current values ​​of the motors 3R and 3L measured by the current detection circuits 8R and 8L during this period.

[0070] In this embodiment, the microcomputer 6 compares the operating current value of the motor 3R, which is input from the current detection circuit 8R as the canopy 1R opens, with the profile in Figure 8, and estimates the angle of the canopy 1R from this profile based on the actually measured operating current value or its change. For example, if the angle at which the canopy 1R opens within the set time in the first embodiment is θ1, it can be determined from the operating current value and increase / decrease that the canopy 1R has opened by approximately θ1 from the fully closed position P1 under the profile in Figure 8.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the linked opening operation is performed, in step S22 of the flowchart in Figure 6, instead of determining the opening operation time of the canopy 1R, it is determined whether the canopy 1R has opened by angle θ1 from the start of the opening operation based on the operating current value of the motor 3R.

[0072] Similarly, microcomputer 6 compares the operating current value of motor 3L, which is input from current detection circuit 8R as canopy 1L is closing, with the profile in Figure 9, and estimates the angle of canopy 1L from this profile based on the actually measured operating current value or its changes. If the angle at which canopy 1L closes in a set time is θ2, it can be determined from the operating current value and increase / decrease under the profile in Figure 9 that canopy 1L has closed by approximately θ2 from the fully open position P3.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the linked closing operation is performed, in step S32 of the flowchart in Figure 6, instead of determining the closing operation time of the canopy 1L, it is determined whether the canopy 1L has closed by an angle θ2 from the start of the closing operation based on the operating current value of the motor 3L.

[0074] Other configurations and controls of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0075] In this embodiment, the operation of opening and closing the canopy 1L independently is enabled, provided that it is assumed that the right canopy 1R is opened by θ1 from the fully closed position P1 and is not in a position that interferes with the opening and closing trajectory of the canopy 1L, thereby achieving the same effect as in the first embodiment.

[0076] (Variation) For example, it is possible to combine the first and second embodiments. For example, by performing a logical product of the determination conditions of the first and second embodiments and turning on a flag on the condition that the operation time of the canopy 1R is equal to or longer than a set time and that the opening is estimated to be θ1 from the profile of the operating current, interference between the canopies 1L and 1R can be more reliably suppressed.

[0077] It is also possible to perform a logical OR of the determination conditions of the first and second embodiments and turn on the flag if the operation time of the canopy 1R is equal to or longer than a set time, or if the operating current profile indicates that the canopy 1R has opened by θ1. For example, it is conceivable that a large amount of rain or the like accumulates on the canopy 1R, causing the canopy 1R to stop immediately after the start of the linked opening operation, preventing the canopy 1R from opening for the set time. In this case, if the flag is turned on only if the canopy 1R has continued to open for the set time, the flag may not be turned on even if the linked opening operation is repeated. Therefore, a configuration can be adopted in which the canopy 1R's independent opening and closing operations are permitted if the canopy 1R is estimated to have opened by θ1 based on the operating current, even if the operating time condition of the canopy 1R is not met, allowing for flexible response to situations.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the case where the duration of canopy operation is determined in steps S22 and S23 has been described as an example, but it is also possible to determine, for example, the cumulative time of opening operation of canopy 1R from fully closed position P1, or the cumulative time of closing operation of canopy 1L from fully open position P3. In this case, this is a measure to be taken when the flag does not turn on when canopy 1R opens in small increments from fully closed position P1, for example.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above two embodiments, the operating time of the canopies 1L, 1R and the operating current of the motors 3L, 3R are determined when an interlocking open operation or interlocking close operation is performed, but the operating time and operating current when the canopies 1L, 1R are opened or closed independently may also be taken into consideration. For example, even if the flag is not turned on when an interlocking open operation is performed, it is conceivable that the flag will be turned on if the operating time or operating current conditions are additionally satisfied when the canopy 1R is subsequently opened independently. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1L...Canopy (1st canopy), 1R...Canopy (2nd canopy), 3L...Motor (1st motor), 3R...Motor (2nd motor)

Claims

1. a first canopy rotatably attached to an upper portion of one of the left and right side panels of the packing box; a second canopy rotatably attached to an upper portion of the other of the left and right side panels of the packing box; a first motor that drives the first canopy to open and close; a second motor that drives the second canopy to open and close, The second canopy is provided on a work vehicle in which the first canopy is covered with the second canopy when fully closed, A canopy opening and closing device that controls the first motor and the second motor in response to an operation to open and close the first canopy and the second canopy, When the first canopy is operated to open independently while the second canopy is in a predetermined open position, it is determined whether the first canopy can be opened independently based on stored information corresponding to the opening operation of the second canopy. A canopy opening and closing device.

2. In the canopy opening and closing device of claim 1, A canopy opening and closing device, wherein the predetermined open position includes a fully open position.

3. The canopy opening and closing device according to claim 1, determining whether the second canopy is in a position that interferes with the opening and closing trajectory of the first canopy based on the opening operation time of the second canopy; When it is determined that the second canopy is not in a position that interferes with the opening and closing trajectory of the first canopy, the first canopy is opened and closed independently; When it is determined that the second canopy is in a position that interferes with the opening and closing trajectory of the first canopy, the first canopy is disabled from being opened and closed independently. A canopy opening and closing device.

4. The canopy opening and closing device according to claim 1, determining whether the second canopy is in a position that interferes with the opening and closing track of the first canopy based on the operating current of the second motor; When it is determined that the second canopy is not in a position that interferes with the opening and closing trajectory of the first canopy, the first canopy is opened and closed independently; When it is determined that the second canopy is in a position that interferes with the opening and closing trajectory of the first canopy, the first canopy is disabled from being opened and closed independently. A canopy opening and closing device.

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