Work vehicles

Abstract

The present invention provides a work vehicle that makes it possible to improve operability when opening and closing an accommodating body provided to a side part of the vehicle body.　Provided is a wheel loader 1 comprising an accommodating box 3 attached at a side part of a vehicle body and rearward of a wheel 11, wherein: the accommodating box 3 is formed in a box-like shape including a bottom surface part 301, an upper surface part 302, a first side surface part 303 that connects the bottom surface part 301 and the upper surface part 302 on a side facing the wheel 11, and a second side surface part 304 that connects the bottom surface part 301, the upper surface part 302, and the first side surface part 303 from the side and at a position rearward of the first side surface part 303; the upper surface part 302, the first side surface part 303, and the second side surface part 304 are constituted by a main body 31 and a lid 32; the upper surface part 302 includes a horizontal region 302A and an inclined region 302B that is inclined with a downward gradient from the horizontal region 302A and toward the second side surface part 304; and a catch clip 33 that locks the lid 32 to the main body 31 is provided to the inclined region 302B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheeled work vehicle provided with a housing on the side of the vehicle body for housing in-vehicle tools, equipment, etc.

Background Art

[0002] In a work vehicle, in-vehicle tools used during maintenance work and equipment that needs to be periodically replaced are housed in a storage box, which is a box-shaped housing, and this storage box is often provided on the side of the vehicle body where it is easily accessible by an operator from the ground.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wheel loader in which a substantially rectangular parallelepiped battery box for housing a battery is attached to the lower side of the rear part of the vehicle body and in front of the counterweight. An inspection window for inspecting the liquid level of the battery or the like is provided on the battery box from the upper surface to the side surface, and an inspection window lid for preventing intrusion of rainwater, dust, etc. is attached to the inspection window so as to be openable and closable in the vertical direction. The inspection window lid can be locked to the side surface of the battery box by a fastener (fastening metal fitting) in a state where the inspection window is closed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the wheel loader described in Patent Document 1, the fastener that secures the inspection window cover of the battery box is attached to the side of the battery box and behind the wheel, making it particularly susceptible to mud splashes from the wheel when the vehicle is moving forward. If the mud that adheres to the fastener due to mud splashes from the wheel hardens over time, the fastener becomes difficult to move, hindering the opening and closing of the inspection window cover.

[0006] Furthermore, while it might be possible to attach the zipper to the top of the battery box to avoid the effects of mud splashing from the wheels during operation, the work site is an environment where sand and dust are easily stirred up, so sand and dust tend to accumulate on the top of the battery box. Therefore, even in this case, if the sand and dust that accumulates on the zipper hardens over time, the zipper will become difficult to move, hindering the opening and closing of the inspection window cover.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle that can improve the workability when opening and closing a storage compartment provided on the side of the vehicle body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a work vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; a plurality of wheels provided on the vehicle body; and a housing attached to the side of the vehicle body and behind one of the plurality of wheels, wherein the housing has a main body with an opening that allows access to the interior, a lid that is attached to the main body so as to be openable and closable and covers the opening, and a locking device for locking the lid to the main body, wherein the housing has a bottom surface, an upper surface positioned opposite the bottom surface, a first side surface connecting the bottom surface and the upper surface on the side opposite the one wheel, and the bottom surface, the upper surface and the first side surface at a position behind the first side surface Exposed to the outside of the aforementioned vehicle body side atThe upper surface is formed in a box shape including a second side surface to which it connects, and the upper surface is composed of the main body and the lid and includes a horizontal region parallel to the contact surface with the vehicle body and an inclined region that slopes downward from the horizontal region toward the second side surface, and the locking device is provided in the inclined region of the upper surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the workability when opening and closing the storage compartment provided on the side of the vehicle body. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an external side view showing one example of the configuration of a wheel loader according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the storage box and its surrounding area. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing the storage box and its surrounding area. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged perspective view showing one example configuration of a catch clip and handle. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the storage box with the lid fully open and its interior. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing the storage box with the lid fully open and its interior. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the range of mud splashes from the rear wheel and the areas of the storage box where mud is likely to accumulate. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of the positional relationship between the storage box and the rear wheels when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows the positional relationship between the storage box and the rear wheel when the rear wheel swings to the left. [Figure 10] Figure 4 shows an example of a case where the orientation of the catch clip is different. [Figure 11]It is a figure showing an example when the direction of the handle is different in FIG. 4. [Figure 12] It is a figure showing another example when the direction of the handle is different in FIG. 4.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, as an aspect of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, a wheel loader that performs a loading operation for excavating earth and sand, minerals, etc. and loading them into a loading destination such as a dump truck or a hopper will be described.

[0012] <Configuration of Wheel Loader 1> First, the configuration of the wheel loader 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an external side view showing a configuration example of the wheel loader 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The wheel loader 1 is an articulated work vehicle that steers by folding in the middle near the center of the vehicle body, and a front frame 101 constituting the front part of the vehicle body and a rear frame 102 constituting the rear part of the vehicle body are rotatably connected in the left - right direction by a center joint 103. The front frame 101 bends in the left - right direction with respect to the rear frame 102 by a steering operation.

[0015] Four wheels 11 are provided on the vehicle body. Two wheels 11 are provided as front wheels 11A on both the left and right sides of the front frame 101, and the remaining two wheels 11 are provided as rear wheels 11B on both the left and right sides of the rear frame 102, respectively. In FIG. 1, only the right - hand side front wheel 11A and rear wheel 11B among the four wheels 11 are shown. In the left - right direction of the vehicle body, the right - hand side of the operator sitting on the driver's seat facing forward is defined as the right - hand side of the vehicle body, and the left - hand side of the operator is defined as the left - hand side of the vehicle body.

[0016] At the front part of the front frame 101, a hydraulic-driven working device 2 is attached. The working device 2 includes a lift arm 21 that is attached to the front frame 101 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, two lift arm cylinders (not shown) that drive the lift arm 21, a bucket 22 that is attached to the tip of the lift arm 21 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, a bucket cylinder 22A that drives the bucket 22, and a bell crank 23 that is rotatably connected to the lift arm 21 and constitutes a link mechanism between the bucket 22 and the bucket cylinder 22A.

[0017] On the rear frame 102, there are provided a cab 12 for an operator to board, a machine room 13 for housing various devices necessary for driving the wheel loader 1 inside, and a counterweight 14 for maintaining balance with the working device 2 so that the vehicle body does not tip over. In the rear frame 102, the cab 12 is arranged at the front part, the counterweight 14 is arranged at the rear end part, and the machine room 13 is arranged between the cab 12 and the counterweight 14.

[0018] Also, on the right side part of the rear frame 102, a storage box 3 as a storage body capable of housing, for example, on-vehicle tools inside is attached. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, it is fixed below the machine room 13 behind the right rear wheel 11B and in front of the counterweight 14.

[0019] Note that the storage box 3 does not necessarily have to be attached behind the right rear wheel 11B on the right side of the vehicle body, and it may be attached to the side part of the vehicle body and behind one wheel 11. Therefore, for example, the storage box 3 may be attached behind the rear wheel 11B on the left side part of the vehicle body or behind the front wheel 11A (in front of the rear wheel 11B) on the right side part of the vehicle body according to the vehicle body specifications and the use of the storage box 3.

[0020] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, on the right side part of the rear frame 102, a step 15 used when an operator accesses the machine room 13 is attached between the rear wheel 11B and the storage box 3.

[0021] <Configuration of storage box 3> Next, the configuration of the storage box 3 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 6.

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the storage box 3 and its surrounding area. Figure 3 is a side view showing the storage box 3 and its surrounding area. Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing one example configuration of the catch clip 33 and handle 34. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the storage box 3 and its interior with the lid 32 fully open. Figure 6 is a side view showing the storage box 3 and its interior with the lid 32 fully open.

[0023] The storage box 3 comprises a main body 31 having an opening 310 (see Figures 5 and 6) that allows access to the interior, a lid 32 that is attached to the main body 31 so as to be openable and closable and covers the opening 310, a catch clip 33 as a locking device for securing the lid 32 to the main body 31, and a handle 34 for opening and closing the lid 32.

[0024] The storage box 3 is formed in a box shape by combining a main body 31 and a lid 32, which are formed by bending a metal material such as an iron plate. Specifically, the storage box 3 includes a bottom surface 301 that faces the contact surface with the vehicle body, an upper surface 302 positioned opposite the bottom surface 301, and first to fourth side surfaces 303 to 306 that connect the bottom surface 301 and the upper surface 302.

[0025] The first side section 303 connects the bottom section 301 and the top section 302 on the side facing the right rear wheel 11B. The second side section 304 connects the bottom section 301 and the top section 302 on the side exposed to the outside of the vehicle body. In other words, the second side section 304 connects the bottom section 301, the top section 302, and the first side section 303 from the side at a position rearward from the first side section 303.

[0026] The third side section 305 connects the bottom section 301 and the top section 302 on the side facing the counterweight 14, i.e., the opposite side of the first side section 303. The fourth side section 306 connects the bottom section 301 and the top section 302 on the side facing the right side of the rear frame 102, i.e., the opposite side of the second side section 304.

[0027] Therefore, when viewing the storage box 3 from the top surface 302 side, the first to fourth side sections 303 to 306 are arranged in the order of first side section 303, second side section 304, third side section 305, and fourth side section 306, clockwise from the front side of the vehicle body (the side facing the right rear wheel 11B). Each of the first to fourth side sections 303 to 306 is erected vertically from the bottom surface 301. For example, the second side section 304 connects the bottom surface 301 and the top surface 302 on the side exposed to the outside of the vehicle body, and also connects the first side section 303 and the third side section 305.

[0028] In this embodiment, the storage box 3 included the first to fourth side sections 303 to 306, but it is not necessary to include all four side sections 303 to 306. For example, the third side section 305 may be constructed using a part of the counterweight 14, and the fourth side section 306 may be constructed using a part of the right side of the rear frame 102. It is sufficient to include at least the first side section 303 and the second side section 304 from the first to fourth side sections 303 to 306.

[0029] The upper surface portion 302 includes a horizontal region 302A (horizontal plane) parallel to the contact surface with the vehicle body, and an inclined region 302B (inclined surface) that slopes downward from the horizontal region 302A toward the second side portion 304. In this embodiment, the bottom surface portion 301 is formed parallel to the contact surface with the vehicle body. That is, in this embodiment, the horizontal region 302A of the upper surface portion 302 is parallel to the bottom surface portion 301. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the storage box 3 is formed by deforming a rectangular parallelepiped with six faces to form a rectangular inclined region 302B between the horizontal region 302A and the second side portion 304, resulting in a shape with seven faces.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, the storage box 3 has an opening 310 that extends over a portion of each of the top portion 302, the first side portion 303, and the second side portion 304. That is, the lid 32 extends over a portion of each of the top portion 302, the first side portion 303, and the second side portion 304.

[0031] Therefore, the storage box 3 is composed of the top surface 302, the first side surface 303, and the second side surface 304, which are made up of the main body 31 and the lid 32, and the bottom surface 301, the third side surface 305, and the fourth side surface 306, which are made up of the main body 31 alone.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the housing box 3 is fixed to the right side of the rear frame 102 by multiple bolts 5 from the inside of the fourth side portion 306, with the main body 31 being fixed. Note that the housing box 3 is fixed only to the right side of the rear frame 102 and is not fixed to the counterweight 14. As shown in Figure 3, a small gap is formed between the third side portion 305 and the counterweight 14.

[0033] The interior of the storage box 3 is divided into a first space 312 and a second space 313 by a partition wall 311. The partition wall 311 is erected from the central area of ​​the bottom surface 301 toward the horizontal area 302A of the top surface 302. The first space 312 is a room located on the counterweight 14 side and houses, for example, onboard tools (not shown) used during maintenance work on the wheel loader 1. The second space 313 is a room located on the rear wheel 11B side and has a fuel filler port 4 for supplying fuel to the engine, which is positioned facing the inclined area 302B of the top surface 302.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the fuel supplied through the fuel inlet 4 passes through a fuel supply pipe 40 that is connected to the fuel inlet 4, penetrates the bottom surface 301 of the storage box 3, and extends to the outside of the storage box 3, and is stored in a fuel tank (not shown) mounted below the machine room 13.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6, the storage box 3 is provided with a pair of hinges 35A and 35B on the first side portion 303 that rotatably secure the lid 32 to the main body 31. In this embodiment, the pair of hinges 35A and 35B are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along a direction that slopes diagonally downward from the fourth side portion 306 to the second side portion 304. The direction in which the pair of hinges 35A and 35B slope is approximately parallel to the direction of inclination of the inclined region 302B of the upper surface portion 302.

[0036] In this embodiment, the main body 31 and the lid 32 are connected by a pair of hinges 35A and 35B. However, the hinges connecting the main body 31 and the lid 32 do not necessarily have to be a pair, and there are no particular restrictions on the number of hinges.

[0037] The cover 32 opens and closes in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, with a pair of hinges 35A and 35B as the pivot point. Specifically, the cover 32 opens by rotating toward the right rear wheel 11B, which is the front direction of the vehicle body, with the pair of hinges 35A and 35B as the pivot point, and closes by rotating toward the counterweight 14, which is the rear direction of the vehicle body, with the pair of hinges 35A and 35B as the pivot point.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first side portion 303 is provided with a stopper member 36 that prevents the lid 32 from rotating in the opening direction. The stopper member 36 is provided on the main body 31 on the side of the fourth side portion 306, further towards the horizontal region 302A than the hinge 35A, which is located on the horizontal region 302A side (upper side) of the upper portion 302, and has a contact surface 36A with the lid 32 on the extension of the rotation axis of the pair of hinges 35A and 35B.

[0039] It should be noted that the storage box 3 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a stopper member 36. Depending on the shape of the lid 32 and the contents of the storage box 3, the stopper member 36 may not be provided.

[0040] The lid 32 rotates in the opening direction, that is, towards the front of the vehicle body, and when the area forming the first side portion 303 comes into contact with the contact surface 36A of the stopper member 36, it stops at that position and does not open any further, that is, it becomes fully open (as shown in Figures 5 and 6). The angle of the lid 32 in this fully open state (the rotation angle of the lid 32 from the closed state) can be appropriately changed depending on the position of the contact surface 36A of the stopper member 36 on the first side portion 303. However, it is desirable that the lid 32 in the fully open state does not overlap the fuel filler port 4 when viewed from the opening direction of the fuel filler port 4.

[0041] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the storage box 3 not only houses items such as on-board tools, but also has a fuel filler port 4 installed inside. For example, if the lid 32 opens towards the right of the vehicle body, that is, towards the operator standing in a position facing the second side portion 304 of the storage box 3 while performing refueling, the lid 32 will be positioned between the operator and the fuel filler port 4, making refueling difficult. Also, for example, if the lid 32 opens towards the left of the vehicle body, that is, towards the machine room 13, the lid 32 may easily rotate in the closing direction due to its own weight during refueling, potentially hitting the operator or refueling equipment.

[0042] However, in this embodiment, the lid 32 opens toward the front of the vehicle body and is stopped at a predetermined rotation angle by the stopper member 36, thereby reducing the distance between the operator and the fuel filler port 4, making refueling easier. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the lid 32 from spontaneously rotating in the closing direction during refueling, and consequently preventing the lid 32 from hitting the operator or refueling equipment.

[0043] In this embodiment, the counterweight 14 is positioned immediately behind the storage box 3, so the lid 32 is structured to open towards the front of the vehicle. However, depending on the mounting position of the storage box 3, it may also be structured to open towards the rear of the vehicle, and even in that case, the same functions and effects as described above can be obtained.

[0044] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the storage box 3 has a large opening 310 that extends over a portion of each of the upper surface 302, the first side surface 303, and the second side surface 304. Therefore, compared to, for example, a case where the opening 310 is formed only on the upper surface 302 or only on the second side surface 304, refueling is easier.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment, a packing 310A is provided on the edge of the opening 310 to prevent soil, dust, and other debris from entering the inside of the storage box 3. As a result, when the lid 32 is closed and secured to the main body 31 by the catch clip 33, the inside of the storage box 3 becomes airtight.

[0046] The catch clip 33 and the handle 34 are provided in the inclined region 302B of the upper surface portion 302. Specifically, the catch clip 33 is provided across the main body 31 and the lid 32 at the end of the inclined region 302B opposite to the first side portion 303, i.e., on the end on the third side portion 305 side. The handle 34 is provided on the lid 32 at the end of the inclined region 302B opposite to the first side portion 303, i.e., on the end on the third side portion 305 side. The catch clip 33 and the handle 34 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, with the catch clip 33 positioned closer to the third side portion 305 than the handle 34.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the catch clip 33 is a general-purpose member consisting of multiple parts and has a rectangular shape. One part of the catch clip 33 that is to be locked (not shown) is fixed to one end of the lid 32 (the end on the third side portion 305 side), and the other part 330 that is to be locked is fixed to the portion of the main body 31 that is exposed by cutting out one end of the lid 32. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the catch clip 33 is positioned along the inclination direction of the inclined region 302B.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the handle 34 has a shape in which the inside is recessed on one side so that a worker's hand can be inserted. In addition, the portion of the handle 34 that is exposed on the inclined region 302B is rectangular in shape, and like the catch clip 33, its longitudinal direction is aligned with the inclination direction of the inclined region 302B.

[0049] In this embodiment, the handle 34 has an insertion opening 340 into which the worker inserts their hand, which opens toward the rear wheel 11B and is recessed toward the counterweight 14. Therefore, when a worker performing refueling operations is standing in a position opposite the second side portion 304 of the storage box 3 and wants to open the closed lid 32, they insert their hand into the insertion opening 340 of the handle 34 from the front to the rear of the vehicle and pull the handle 34 upward (lift it). This hand movement is natural for a right-handed worker and makes it easy to open the lid 32.

[0050] Furthermore, since the handle 34 is located away from the pair of hinges 35A and 35B, which are the pivot points of the lid 32, the force required on the worker's hand when opening the closed lid 32 can be minimized, making the lid 32 easier to open.

[0051] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the direction in which the pair of hinges 35A and 35B tilt and the direction of tilt of the tilted region 302B to which the handle 34 is attached are substantially parallel. Therefore, the direction of the force applied to the lid 32 by pulling it up (lifting it) perpendicular to the mounting surface of the handle 34 (tilted region 302B) is substantially the same as the direction in which the lid 32 can rotate. In other words, because the direction in which the pair of hinges 35A and 35B tilt and the direction of tilt of the tilted region 302B to which the handle 34 is attached are substantially parallel, the direction of the force applied to the lid 32 is more likely to coincide with the direction in which the lid 32 can rotate, allowing the lid 32 to be opened with little force.

[0052] <Relationship between the range of mud splashes from the rear wheel 11B and the sloped area 302B> Next, the relationship between the range of mud splashes from the right rear wheel 11B and the inclined area 302B of the upper surface 302 of the storage box 3 will be explained with reference to Figures 7-9.

[0053] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between an example of the range of mud splashes from the rear wheel 11B and the parts of the storage box 3 where mud is likely to adhere. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the storage box 3 and the rear wheel 11B when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the storage box 3 and the rear wheel 11B when the rear wheel 11B swings to the left in Figure 8.

[0054] For example, when the wheel loader 1 is moving forward on unpaved ground, mud will be splashed up diagonally backward from each wheel 11. As shown in Figure 7, the range of mud splashing from the right rear wheel 11B is the angle θ (mud splash angle θ) between the contact surface with the vehicle body and the tangent line of the rear wheel 11B that intersects the contact surface.

[0055] Since the storage box 3 is located behind the rear wheel 11B, mud is likely to adhere to the area included in the mud splash angle θ. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7 for sandy ground and in Figure 8 for hatched areas, mud splashed from the rear wheel 11B is likely to adhere to the bottom surface 301, the first side surface 303, and the second side surface 304. This is because the bottom surface 301, the first side surface 303, and the second side surface 304 all face the direction from which the mud splashes are coming.

[0056] On the other hand, the bottom surface 301, the first side surface 303, and the second side surface 304 are located between the upper surface 302 of the vehicle body and the contact surface of the right rear wheel 11B, respectively. Therefore, the upper surface 302 does not face the direction from which mud splashes are coming. Consequently, mud is less likely to adhere to the upper surface 302 compared to the bottom surface 301, the first side surface 303, and the second side surface 304. As a result, mud splashed from the rear wheel 11B is less likely to adhere to the catch clip 33 and handle 34 provided on the upper surface 302.

[0057] If the catch clip 33 and handle 34 were located on the second side portion 304, mud splashed from the rear wheel 11B could adhere to them, and as the mud dried and hardened, the lid 32 could become impossible to open. However, in the storage box 3, the catch clip 33 and handle 34 are located on the top portion 302, where mud splashed from the rear wheel 11B is less likely to adhere, so the situation where the mud dries and hardens, preventing the lid 32 from opening, is unlikely to occur.

[0058] Furthermore, similar to mud splashes from the rear wheel 11B, the upper surface 302 is less likely to be hit by flying stones from the rear wheel 11B, thus preventing damage to the catch clip 33 and handle 34 due to flying stones.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the catch clip 33 and handle 34 are positioned at the end of the inclined region 302B that is away from the rear wheel 11B, on the counterweight 14 side. Therefore, compared to when they are positioned at the end on the rear wheel 11B side, they are less affected by mud splashes from the rear wheel 11B.

[0060] On the other hand, the work site where the wheel loader 1 operates is an environment where sand and dust are easily stirred up, so sand and dust tend to accumulate in the horizontal area 302A of the upper surface 302. However, in the inclined area 302B, even if sand and dust adhere to it, they tend to slide off downwards, so sand and dust do not easily accumulate on the catch clip 33 and handle 34.

[0061] Thus, in the storage box 3, the catch clip 33 and handle 34 are provided on the inclined area 302B of the upper surface 302, making it difficult for mud from the rear wheels 11B to adhere to it, and also making it difficult for sand and dust to accumulate, thus improving the ease of opening and closing the lid 32.

[0062] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the horizontal area 302A, which is the upper surface of the storage box 3 attached behind the rear wheel 11B, may also be used as a platform for workers when performing maintenance work from above the vehicle body, such as filling the radiator with water. In this embodiment, since the catch clips 33 and handles 34 are not placed in the horizontal area 302A that serves as a platform for workers, workers can perform maintenance work without worrying about obstacles under their feet. This maintains the efficiency of maintenance work and prevents damage to the catch clips 33 and handles 34 caused by being stepped on by workers during maintenance work.

[0063] Here, as shown in Figure 8, the inclined region 302B only needs to have an inclination angle α with respect to the contact surface with the vehicle body that is greater than 0° (corresponding to the horizontal region 302A) and less than 90° (corresponding to the second side portion 304) (0° < α < 90°).

[0064] However, if the inclination angle α is close to 0°, that is, if the gradient tanα of the inclined region 302B is gentle, sand, dust, and other debris attached to the inclined region 302B will not easily fall off. Therefore, in this embodiment, the gradient tanα of the inclined region 302B is set to be greater than 3 / 10, which is the minimum gradient required for snow to accumulate on a house roof (tanα>3 / 10). In other words, the inclination angle α is set to be greater than the angle that results in a 3 / 10 gradient (= approximately 16°).

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in the wheel loader 1, the axle to which each wheel 11 is attached oscillates up and down due to the unevenness of the contact surface of the vehicle body. Therefore, when the inclination angle α is close to 90°, the inclined region 302B may be positioned in the direction of the mud splashes from the oscillating rear wheel 11B. For this reason, in this embodiment, the inclination angle α of the inclined region 302B is set to be smaller than the angle obtained by subtracting the oscillating angle β of the rear wheel 11B from 90° (α < 90° - β). For example, when the oscillating angle β is 10°, the inclination angle α is set to be smaller than 80°.

[0066] In this embodiment, since the storage box 3 is attached to the right side of the vehicle body, we considered the case where the upper part of the right wheel 11 (rear wheel 11B) swings to the left (when the right rear wheel 11B rides up onto a raised surface), as shown in Figure 9. However, if the storage box 3 is attached to the left side of the vehicle body, we would consider the case where the upper part of the left wheel 11 (rear wheel 11B) swings to the right (when the left rear wheel 11B rides up onto a raised surface). Even in this case, it is desirable that the inclination angle α of the inclined region 302B be set to be smaller than the angle obtained by subtracting the swing angle β of the wheel 11 from 90°.

[0067] <Variation> Next, three modified examples 1 to 3 regarding the mounting orientation of the catch clip 33 and the handle 34 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In Figures 10 to 12, components that are common to those described in the wheel loader 1 according to the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0068] Figure 10 shows a modified example 1, where the mounting orientation of the catch clip 33 in Figure 4 is different. Figure 11 shows a modified example 2, where the mounting orientation of the handle 34 in Figure 4 is different. Figure 12 shows a modified example 3, where the mounting orientation of the handle 34 in Figure 4 is different in yet another case.

[0069] In the modified example 1 shown in Figure 10, the mounting orientation of the catch clip 33 is different from that of the embodiment.

[0070] Specifically, in this modified example 1, the catch clip 33 is positioned such that its shorter side aligns with the inclination direction of the inclined region 302B, or in other words, its longer side aligns with the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body. That is, if the mounting orientation of the catch clip 33 in the embodiment is vertical, then the mounting orientation of the catch clip 33 in this modified example 1 is horizontal.

[0071] In this way, by mounting the catch clip 33 horizontally, the projected area toward the second side portion 304 with respect to the direction of mud splashes from the rear wheel 11B is reduced compared to when it is mounted vertically. As a result, the catch clip 33 becomes less susceptible to the effects of mud splashes from the rear wheel 11B.

[0072] In the modified example 2 shown in Figure 11, the mounting orientation of the handle 34 is different from that of the handle 34 in the embodiment.

[0073] Specifically, in this modified example 2, the handle 34 has its shorter side aligned with the inclination direction of the inclined region 302B, or in other words, its longer side aligned with the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body. That is, if the handle 34 in the embodiment is mounted vertically, then the handle 34 in this modified example 2 is mounted horizontally. Also, in this modified example 2, the insertion opening 340 of the handle 34 opens toward the horizontal region 302A and is recessed toward the second side portion 304.

[0074] In this way, by mounting the handle 34 horizontally, the projected area toward the second side portion 304 with respect to the direction of mud splashes from the rear wheel 11B is reduced compared to the case where it is mounted vertically. As a result, the handle 34 becomes less susceptible to the effects of mud splashes from the rear wheel 11B.

[0075] In the modified example 3 shown in Figure 12, the mounting orientation of the handle 34 is different from that of the handle 34 in the embodiment and the handle 34 in modified example 2.

[0076] Specifically, in this modified example 3, the handle 34, like the handle 34 in the embodiment, has its longitudinal direction aligned with the inclination direction of the inclined region 302B, but the insertion opening 340 opens toward the counterweight 14 side and is recessed toward the right rear wheel 11B side. In other words, the opening direction of the insertion opening 340 of the handle 34 in this modified example 3 is opposite to the opening direction of the insertion opening 340 of the handle 34 in the embodiment.

[0077] In this way, by setting the opening direction of the insertion port 340 of the handle 34 to align with the direction in which mud splashes from the rear wheel 11B fly, mud splashes are less likely to enter the handle 34 compared to the handle 34 in the embodiment.

[0078] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace some of the configurations of this embodiment with those of other embodiments, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of this embodiment. Moreover, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of this embodiment with those of other embodiments.

[0079] For example, in the above embodiment, a wheel loader 1 was used as an example of a work vehicle, but it is not limited to this, and any wheeled work vehicle with a storage box 3 attached to the side of the vehicle body is acceptable.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a catch clip 33 was given as an example of a locking device for securing the lid 32 to the main body 31, but the invention is not limited to this, and there are no particular restrictions on the type or means of any member that can secure the lid 32 to the main body 31.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the contents housed inside the storage box 3 included the fuel filler port 4, but this is not limited to this. For example, it may include only onboard tools or a reducing agent tank, and there are no particular restrictions on the contents of the storage box.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lid 32 was structured to open toward the front of the vehicle body with a pair of hinges 35A and 35B provided on the first side portion 303 as the pivot point, but it is not limited to this, and the opening and closing direction of the lid 32 can be appropriately changed depending on the mounting location of the storage box 3 and the contents of the stored items.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage box 3 was equipped with a handle 34 for opening and closing the lid 32, but it is not limited to this, and it is not necessarily required to have a handle 34 as long as an operator can open and close the lid 32 by directly holding it.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples, there are no particular restrictions on the mounting orientation of the catch clip 33 and the handle 34, and it is sufficient that the catch clip 33 and the handle 34 are attached to at least the inclined region 302B of the upper surface portion 302. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1: Wheel loader (work vehicle) 3: Containment box (container) 4: Fuel filler cap 11,11A: Front wheel (wheel) 11,11B: Rear wheel (wheel) 31: Main unit 32: Lid 33: Catch clip (locking device) 34: Handle 35A, 35B: Hinge 36: Stopper component 36A: Contact surface 101: Front frame (vehicle body) 102: Rear frame (body) 301: Bottom part 302:Top part 302A: Horizontal area 302B: Slope area 303:First side part 304:Second side part 310: Opening 340: Outlet α: Inclination angle β: oscillation angle

Claims

1. The car body and, Multiple wheels provided on the vehicle body, A housing attached to the side of the vehicle body and behind one of the wheels, Equipped with, The aforementioned housing is A main body with an opening that allows access to the interior, A lid that is attached to the main body so as to be openable and closable and covers the opening, A work vehicle having a locking device for locking the lid to the main body, The aforementioned housing is The bottom part, An upper surface portion is positioned opposite the bottom surface portion, A first side surface portion connecting the bottom surface portion and the top surface portion on the side facing the first wheel, It is formed in a box shape, including a second side portion that connects the bottom portion, the top portion, and the first side portion at a position rearward from the first side portion on the side exposed to the outside of the vehicle body, The aforementioned upper portion is, It is composed of the main body and the lid, A horizontal region parallel to the contact surface with the vehicle body, The inclined region includes the horizontal region and the second side portion which slopes downward toward the second side portion, The aforementioned locking device is Provided in the inclined region of the upper surface portion A work vehicle characterized by the following features.

2. In the work vehicle described in claim 1, The aforementioned housing is It further has a handle for opening and closing the lid, The aforementioned handle is, The inclined region of the upper surface of the lid is provided A work vehicle characterized by the following features.

3. In the work vehicle described in claim 2, The aforementioned locking device and the aforementioned handle are, It is formed in a rectangular shape, and its longitudinal direction is aligned with the inclination direction of the inclined region. A work vehicle characterized by the following features.

4. In the work vehicle described in claim 1, The aforementioned housing is The angle of inclination of the inclined region of the upper surface with respect to the ground surface is set to be greater than the angle that results in a 3 / 10 gradient, and less than the angle obtained by subtracting the oscillation angle of one wheel from 90 degrees. A work vehicle characterized by the following features.

5. In the work vehicle described in claim 1, Inside the aforementioned container, A fuel filler port is installed for refueling. A work vehicle characterized by the following features.

6. In the work vehicle described in claim 1, The first side portion and the second side portion are, It is composed of the main body and the lid, The aforementioned housing is The first side portion is provided with a hinge that rotatably secures the lid to the main body, The aforementioned lid is The aforementioned hinge opens and closes in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, with the aforementioned hinge as the pivot point. The aforementioned locking device is In the inclined region, the end opposite to the side of the first side portion is A work vehicle characterized by the following features.

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