Work equipment

Abstract

To solve a problem in which: a conventional work machine cannot keep a condition where an engine can be started favorably regardless of difference of outside air temperature.SOLUTION: A work machine includes a driving part 7 in an engine hood 11. The driving part 7 includes: an engine 6; an air cleaner 14 which supplies the engine 6 with combustion air; a radiator 12 which cools the engine 6; and a cooling fan 13 which blows cooling air to the radiator 12. The radiator 12 faces a suction portion of the engine hood 11. The air cleaner 14 is arranged at an inner side of the driving part 7 relative to the radiator 12 in which an intake port 21 is opened facing the suction portion 16 of the engine hood 11. The air cleaner includes suction state switching means KS which can switch an air introduction state between an outside air introduction state where outside air is introduced into the intake port 21 and a heat-up air introduction state where air in a high temperature region higher than ambient temperature is introduced into the intake port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine having a driving section that includes an engine, an air cleaner, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] A riding lawnmower, which is an example of the above-mentioned work machine, has previously been configured as follows: A motor unit is provided at the rear of the machine body, a radiator is provided in front of the motor unit, and outside air is drawn in through an intake section formed in the front of the hood, with an air cleaner located rearward of the radiator, i.e., inward of the motor unit, and the air cleaner's intake port opening to face the intake section of the hood (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-124428 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional configuration described above, no particular problems arise when the outside air temperature is high, but when used in cold climates, for example, when the outside air temperature drops, low-temperature outside air is drawn directly through the air cleaner intake and supplied to the engine as combustion air, which can result in poor engine starting and reduced usability.

[0005] Therefore, it has been desired to maintain a condition in which the engine can be started smoothly regardless of the difference in outside air temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A characteristic configuration of a work machine according to the present invention is that a motor unit is provided within a bonnet, and the motor unit is provided with an engine, an air cleaner that supplies combustion air to the engine, a radiator that cools the engine, and a cooling fan that ventilates the radiator with cooling air, the radiator is provided in a state facing an air intake portion of the bonnet, the air cleaner is located on the inward side of the motor unit than the radiator, and an air intake port is open in a state facing the air intake portion of the bonnet, and an intake state switching means is provided that can switch between an outside air intake state in which outside air is introduced directly into the air intake port and a heated air introduction state in which air in a high temperature region that is higher than the ambient temperature is introduced into the air intake port. The intake state switching means is provided with a cover member that can be switched between an open state that opens the upstream side portion of the intake port in the intake direction and a passage forming state that covers the upstream side portion of the intake port in the intake direction and forms a guide passage that guides the air around the radiator to the intake port as the high temperature region, and a manually operated fastening means that can fix the cover member in position in each of the open state and the passage forming state. The point is that it is being

[0007] According to the present invention, when the outside air temperature is high, the intake state switching means is switched to the outside air introduction state. This causes the air cleaner intake port to open facing the intake location of the hood, allowing outside air to be directly drawn into the air cleaner. In this case, high-temperature air is supplied to the engine, allowing the engine to start smoothly. If the intake state switching means is in the warm air introduction state when the outside air temperature is high, the temperature of the intake air will further increase, reducing the air density and potentially resulting in a reduction in engine output.

[0008] When the outside air temperature is low, the intake state switching means is switched to the warm air intake state. In this state, the air cleaner does not directly draw in outside air from the intake port in the hood, but instead guides high-temperature air to the intake port. If the air cleaner were to draw in low-temperature outside air and supply it to the engine as is when the outside air temperature is low, the engine may not start properly. Therefore, when the outside air temperature is low, heated air is drawn in, allowing the engine to be supplied with heated air, resulting in a smooth engine start.

[0009] Therefore, it is possible to maintain a condition in which the engine can be started smoothly regardless of the difference in outside air temperature.

[0010]

[0011] Also, Ka By simply switching the state of the bar member, it is possible to switch between an outside air introduction state and a heated air introduction state, and it is possible to maintain a state in which the engine can be started smoothly without having to have a complex configuration.

[0012]

[0013] and, Since the position is fixed by manually fastening the cover member, the position can be reliably fixed with a simple configuration, and the intake state can be set appropriately.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferable that an operating mechanism be provided that can switch the cover member between the open state and the passage forming state.

[0015] According to this configuration, the state of the cover member is switched by the operating mechanism, which is less cumbersome and easier than manual switching.

[0016] A characteristic configuration of a work machine according to the present invention is that a driving unit is provided within a bonnet, and the driving unit is provided with an engine, an air cleaner that supplies combustion air to the engine, a radiator that cools the engine, and a cooling fan that ventilates the radiator, the radiator being provided in a state facing an intake portion of the bonnet, and the air cleaner being located on the inward side of the driving unit than the radiator, and an intake port being open in a state facing the intake portion of the bonnet. an intake state switching means is provided which can switch between an outside air introduction state in which outside air is introduced directly into the intake port and a heated air introduction state in which air in a high temperature region that is higher than the ambient temperature is introduced into the intake port; and the intake state switching means includes a cover member which can switch between an open state in which a portion upstream of the intake port in the intake direction is open and a passage forming state in which the cover member covers the portion upstream of the intake port in the intake direction and forms a guide passage which guides air around the radiator as the high temperature region to the intake port; It is preferable that the cover member be supported so as to be slidable along a direction intersecting the intake direction, and be switchable between the open state and the passage forming state by a sliding operation.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the outside air temperature is high, the intake state switching device is switched to the outside air introduction state. This causes the air cleaner's intake port to open facing the hood intake location, allowing the outside air to be directly drawn into the air cleaner. In this case, high-temperature air is supplied to the engine, ensuring smooth engine starting. If the intake state switching device is in the warm air introduction state when the outside air temperature is high, the temperature of the intake air may further increase, reducing the air density and potentially resulting in a decrease in engine output. When the outside air temperature is low, the intake state switching device is switched to the warm air introduction state. In this state, the air cleaner does not directly draw in outside air from the hood intake location, but instead guides high-temperature air to the intake port. If the air cleaner were to directly draw in low-temperature outside air and supply it to the engine when the outside air temperature is low, smooth engine starting may be impossible. Therefore, when the outside air temperature is low, heated air can be drawn in, and the heated air can be supplied to the engine, allowing the engine to start smoothly. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a state in which the engine can be started smoothly regardless of the outside air temperature. Furthermore, by simply switching the state of the cover member, it is possible to switch between the outside air introduction state and the heated air introduction state, and it is possible to maintain a state in which the engine can be started smoothly without requiring a complex structure. . and, Since the cover member is slid, there is no need to take the trouble of removing and reattaching it, and switching between the open state and the passage forming state can be carried out efficiently.

[0018] In the present invention, it is preferable that the intake state switching means introduces air around the engine as the high temperature region into the intake port.

[0019] According to this configuration, by utilizing the high-temperature air around the engine, the heat of the engine can be effectively utilized to raise the intake air temperature by the air cleaner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an intake state switching means for introducing heated air. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an intake state switching means for switching between an outside air intake state and an outside air intake state; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The following description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of arrow F in the drawings will be referred to as "front," the direction of arrow B as "rear," the direction of arrow U as "up," and the direction of arrow D as "down."

[0022] As an example of a work machine according to the present invention, a front-mounted riding brush mower is shown in Figure 1. The front-mounted riding brush mower comprises a vehicle body equipped with a pair of left and right front wheels 1 that can be driven and a pair of left and right rear wheels 2 that can be steered, and a brush mowing device 10 located in front of the vehicle body.

[0023] A riding-type driver's section 5 having a driver's seat 3 and a steering wheel 4 for steering rear wheels 2 is formed at the front of the vehicle body. A power unit 7 having an engine 6 is formed at the rear of the vehicle body. A ROP 9 formed in a roughly inverted U shape when viewed from the front is provided between the driver's section 5 and the power unit 7. A transmission case 8 is provided below the driver's section 5, and the transmission case 8 houses a transmission mechanism (not shown) that receives power from the engine 6 and outputs the input power to the front wheels 1 and the brush cutter 10. The brush cutter 10 is supported by a lift link 20, and is raised and lowered by the lift link 20 between a lowered working state and an raised non-working state.

[0024] [Motor unit] 2 and 3, the motor unit 7 is covered by a hood 11, and inside the hood 11 are provided the engine 6, a radiator 12 for cooling the engine, a cooling fan 13 driven by the engine 6, an air cleaner 14 for supplying combustion air to the engine 6, etc. An exhaust gas purification device (not shown) for purifying the exhaust gas of the engine 6 is provided on the rear side of the motor unit 7.

[0025] The radiator 12 is located in front of the engine 6 and is disposed in a vertical orientation with its cooling surface facing forward. The cooling fan 13 is provided between the engine 6 and the radiator 12 and is driven to rotate by the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 via a transmission belt 15. When the cooling fan 13 rotates, it generates cooling air toward the rear.

[0026] An intake opening 16 equipped with a dustproof mesh as an intake point is formed in the front wall 11a of the bonnet 11, which faces the cooling surface of the radiator 12. A fan shroud 17 is provided between the radiator 12 and the cooling fan 13. The fan shroud 17 is provided in a state surrounding the periphery of the space between the radiator 12 and the cooling fan 13, and guides the air to flow through the intake opening 16 of the bonnet 11 and the radiator 12 by the suction action of the cooling fan 13.

[0027] The air cleaner 14 has a substantially cylindrical housing and is disposed horizontally above the engine 6 with its cylindrical axis aligned along the lateral direction of the aircraft. The air cleaner 14 is supported by a bracket extending from the fan shroud 17.

[0028] The intake pipe 18 of the air cleaner 14 extends obliquely upward from the air cleaner 14 while bending in a substantially S-shape in a plan view. The intake pipe 18 penetrates a partition vertical wall portion 19 provided at the top of the fan shroud 17 from the front side to the rear side, and the intake port 21 opens toward the radiator-side space. In other words, the air cleaner 14 is located more inward of the power unit 7 than the radiator 12, and the intake port 21 opens in a state facing the intake location (intake opening 16) of the hood 11. The outlet pipe 22 of the air cleaner 14 extends downward while bending in a U-shape and is connected to the intake manifold of the engine 6.

[0029] An intake state switching means KS is provided which can switch between an outside air introduction state in which outside air is introduced directly into the intake port 21 of the air cleaner 14 and a heated air introduction state in which air in a high temperature range higher than the temperature of the outside air is introduced into the intake port 21.

[0030] The intake state switching means KS is provided with a cover member C that can be switched between an open state in which the upstream side of the intake port 21 in the intake direction is open, and a passage forming state in which the upstream side of the intake port 21 in the intake direction is covered and a guide passage is formed to guide the air around the radiator 12 to the intake port 21 as a high temperature area.

[0031] 4, the cover member C includes an intake cover 24 for forming a guide passage using the space formed by the upper side wall portion 23 and the vertical wall portion 19 of the fan shroud 17. The intake cover 24 extends in the left-right direction across substantially the entire width of the fan shroud 17 in the left-right width direction, and extends obliquely from an upper portion of the vertical wall portion 19 to a front portion of the upper surface portion in a side view.

[0032] A cylindrical passage extending in the left-right direction is formed by the vertical wall portion 19, the intake cover 24, and the upper side wall portion 23. The right end of this cylindrical passage is closed by a shielding member 25, and the left end is open to form an opening 26. An intake pipe insertion hole 27 is formed in the intake cover 24 at a position corresponding to the intake pipe 18 of the air cleaner 14 so that the intake pipe 18 can be inserted therethrough.

[0033] The cover member C is provided with a variable cover 28 that can be switched between a closed state in which the cover member C is attached and fixed to the intake cover 24 at a position corresponding to the intake pipe insertion hole 27, thereby blocking the intake pipe insertion hole 27, and an open state in which the cover member C is attached and fixed to a position different from the position where the intake pipe insertion hole 27 of the intake cover 24 is formed, i.e., a position shifted to the left of the position in the closed state.

[0034] The variable cover 28 is configured to be attached and fixed to the intake cover 24 at multiple locations around its periphery by bolts Bo, which serve as manual fastening means. Bolt insertion holes 29 are formed in the intake cover 24 at multiple locations that correspond to the periphery when the variable cover 28 is in the closed state. Furthermore, bolt insertion holes 29 are formed in the intake cover 24 at multiple locations that correspond to the periphery when the variable cover 28 is in the open state. The bolts Bo fasten the variable cover 28 and the intake cover 24 through the bolt insertion holes 29. Some of the multiple bolt insertion holes 29 are configured to be shared between the closed state and the open state.

[0035] When the adjustable cover 28 is fixed in the closed state, the intake pipe insertion hole 27 of the intake cover 24 is blocked. In this closed state, the upstream side in the intake direction of the intake port 21 of the air cleaner 14 is covered. When the air cleaner 14 performs an intake action through the intake port 21, air is drawn in from an opening 26 formed at the left end of a passage formed by the vertical wall portion 19, the intake cover 24, and the upper side wall portion 23.

[0036] Air around the radiator 12 is drawn in through the opening 26 at the left end of the passage. The temperature around the radiator 12 is higher than the outside air due to the radiator 12 being heated by the cooling water of the engine 6 flowing through it. Therefore, the cover member C at this time corresponds to the passage forming state, and corresponds to the heated air introduction state of the intake state switching means KS (see FIG. 4).

[0037] The air cleaner 14 can take in air that is hotter than the outside air. In this way, the passage formed by the vertical wall portion 19, the intake cover 24, and the upper side wall portion 23 forms a guide passage L that guides the air around the radiator 12, which is a high-temperature region, to the intake port.

[0038] When the variable cover 28 is fixed in the open state, the intake pipe insertion hole 27 of the intake cover 24 is opened. This opens the upstream side of the intake port 21 of the air cleaner 14 in the intake direction. In this state, outside air can be directly drawn in from the air cleaner 14, the intake port 21, and the intake opening 16 of the hood 11. At this time, the cover member C corresponds to the open state, which corresponds to the outside air introduction state of the intake state switching means KS (see FIG. 5).

[0039] When working in cold climates, as shown in Fig. 4, by setting the cover member C to the passage forming state and switching to the heated air introduction state, air that is hotter than the outside air is taken in from the air cleaner 14, which allows the engine 6 to operate smoothly. On the other hand, when the outside air temperature is high, by setting the cover member C to the open state and switching to the outside air introduction state, the air cleaner 14 does not take in air that is hotter than necessary, which avoids disadvantages such as a decrease in the output of the engine 6.

[0040] [Another embodiment] (1) In the above embodiment, the variable cover 28 of the cover member C is configured to be fixed in position by a bolt Bo as a manually operated fastening means in each of the open state and the passage forming state. However, instead of this configuration, the following configuration may also be used. (a) The variable cover 28 of the cover member C is supported on the intake cover 24 or the fan shroud 17 so as to be slidable in a direction intersecting the intake direction, for example, in the left-right direction, and is configured to be switchable between an open state and a passage-forming state by sliding the cover. (b) A mechanism is provided that can switch the variable cover 28 of the cover member C between an open state and a passage forming state. The mechanism may be provided with an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or the like, or may be configured to be operated manually.

[0041] (2) In the above embodiment, the air around the radiator 12 is taken in as the high temperature region higher than the outside air temperature. However, instead of this configuration, the air around the engine 6 may be introduced into the intake port as the high temperature region. The high temperature region is not limited to the area around the radiator 12 or the area around the engine 6, but may be any area with a temperature higher than the outside air temperature, and is not limited to the above configuration.

[0042] (3) In the above embodiment, the intake state switching means KS is configured to include a cover member C that can be switched between an open state and a passage forming state. However, instead of this configuration, a flow path switching device having an internal switching valve that switches the flow path between a state in which outside air is introduced directly into the intake port and a state in which air from a high temperature region is introduced into the intake port may be provided, and connected to the intake port of the air cleaner 14.

[0043] (4) In the above embodiment, the intake state switching means KS is configured to be manually switchable between an outside air introduction state and a heated air introduction state. However, it may also be configured to include an automatic control mechanism that detects the outside air temperature and maintains the outside air introduction state if the outside air temperature is higher than a set temperature, and automatically switches to the heated air introduction state if the outside air temperature is lower than the set temperature.

[0044] (5) In the above embodiment, a front-mounted riding brush cutter was used as an example of a work machine, but this is not limited to this, and the present invention may be implemented with various work machines such as a mid-mounted riding brush cutter, a tractor, or a driver-operated work vehicle. [Industrial Applicability]

[0045] The present invention can be applied to a work machine having a driving part that includes an engine, an air cleaner, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 6 Engine 7. Power unit 11. Bonnet 12 Radiator 13 Cooling fan 14 Air cleaner 21 Air intake Bo Fastening means C Cover material KS Intake state switching means

Claims

1. The engine is located inside the hood. The driving unit includes an engine, an air cleaner that supplies combustion air to the engine, a radiator that cools the engine, and a cooling fan that blows cooling air through the radiator, The radiator is provided facing an intake portion of the hood, the air cleaner is located inward of the power unit relative to the radiator, and an air intake port is open in a state facing the air intake portion of the hood, an intake state switching means is provided which can switch between an outside air introduction state in which outside air is introduced directly into the intake port and a heated air introduction state in which air in a high temperature region higher than the ambient temperature is introduced into the intake port; the intake state switching means comprises a cover member that is switchable between an open state in which an upstream side portion of the intake port in the intake direction is open and a passage forming state in which the upstream side portion of the intake port in the intake direction is covered and a guide passage is formed as the high temperature region to guide air around the radiator to the intake port, A work machine provided with manually operable fastening means capable of fixing the cover member in position in each of the open state and the passage forming state.

2. 2. The work machine according to claim 1, further comprising an operating mechanism that can switch the cover member between the open state and the passage forming state.

3. A driving unit is provided inside the hood, The driving unit includes an engine, an air cleaner that supplies combustion air to the engine, a radiator that cools the engine, and a cooling fan that blows cooling air through the radiator, The radiator is provided facing an intake portion of the hood, the air cleaner is located inward of the power unit relative to the radiator, and an air intake port is open in a state facing the air intake portion of the hood, an intake state switching means is provided which can switch between an outside air introduction state in which outside air is introduced directly into the intake port and a heated air introduction state in which air in a high temperature region higher than the ambient temperature is introduced into the intake port; the intake state switching means comprises a cover member that is switchable between an open state in which an upstream side portion of the intake port in the intake direction is open and a passage forming state in which the upstream side portion of the intake port in the intake direction is covered and a guide passage is formed as the high temperature region to guide air around the radiator to the intake port, The cover member is The work machine is supported so as to be slidable along a direction intersecting the intake direction, and is switchable between the open state and the passage forming state by a sliding operation.

4. 4. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the intake state switching means introduces air around the engine as the high temperature region into the intake port.

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