Work vehicle

Abstract

To provide an electric-type work vehicle and a hybrid-type work vehicle, which are configured to facilitate work for attaching a battery and work for detaching the battery.SOLUTION: A work vehicle is provided with a boarding part 4 provided with seats 6 and 7 and a battery support part 32 which a battery 42 can be attached to and detached from. The battery 42 is moved along a lateral direction A1 from a right lateral outside or a left lateral outside of the battery support part 32 to be attached to the battery support part 32, and is moved along the lateral direction A1 toward the right lateral outside or the left lateral outside from the battery support part 32 to be detached from the battery support part 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric work vehicle that drives a traveling device by a motor and a hybrid work vehicle that drives a traveling device by an engine and a motor.

Background Art

[0002] An example of an electric work vehicle is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, a transmission case that houses a speed change device for traveling is provided at the rear part of the work vehicle, and a motor is connected to the front part of the transmission case. A battery is provided at a position slightly higher than the front wheels (corresponding to the traveling device) at the front part of the work vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an electric work vehicle or a hybrid work vehicle, when performing maintenance work on the battery or replacing a discharged battery with a fully charged battery, it is necessary to perform the battery attachment and removal operations. In this case, in an electric work vehicle or a hybrid work vehicle, since the battery becomes large and heavy, it is necessary to make it possible to easily perform the battery attachment and removal operations in order to reduce the burden on the operator. <000007>

[0005] An object of the present invention is to configure an electric work vehicle or a hybrid work vehicle so that the battery attachment and removal operations can be easily performed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The work vehicle of the present invention comprises a running gear, a passenger compartment with a seat, a battery, a motor that outputs power to the running gear using the power of the battery, and a battery support section to which the battery can be attached and detached. The battery can be attached to the battery support section by moving it along the left-right direction from the right or left side outward of the battery support section, and can be detached from the battery support section by moving it along the left-right direction toward the right or left side outward from the battery support section. The vehicle is provided with the aforementioned running gear, a vehicle frame that supports the passenger compartment, the passenger compartment is provided in a side view between the front running gear and the rear running gear, the battery support is provided in a side view between the passenger compartment and the rear running gear, a suspension link is provided in a side view that is supported by the vehicle frame so as to be able to swing up and down, with the lower part of the battery support extending towards the rear, and the rear running gear is supported at the rear of the suspension link.

[0007] According to the present invention, when an operator attaches a battery to a battery support, the operator can attach the battery to the battery support by moving the battery along the left-right direction from the right side outward (left side outward) of the battery support to the left (right) and then to the position of the battery support. When removing the battery from the battery support, the worker can remove the battery by moving it to the right (left) along the left-right direction away from the battery support, and then moving it to the right side outward (left side outward) of the battery support.

[0008] In contrast, when installing or removing the battery from above the battery support, a crane is required to lift the battery. When installing or removing the battery from below the battery support, a jack is required to lift the work vehicle.

[0009] According to the present invention, the operator can easily install and remove the battery by moving it along the left-right direction relative to the work vehicle. In this case, if there is a trolley or similar structure that is roughly the same height as the battery support, the battery can be easily moved by placing it on the trolley, eliminating the need for a crane to lift the battery or jacks to lift the work vehicle.

[0010] When a worker moves the battery along the front-to-back direction relative to the work vehicle to install and remove it, the length of movement of the battery along the front-to-back direction is long because the work vehicle is generally longer in the front-to-back direction than in the left-to-right direction.

[0011] According to the present invention, the operator can perform battery installation and removal operations by moving the battery along the left-right direction relative to the work vehicle. Since the width of the work vehicle is generally smaller than its length, the distance the battery can be moved along the left-right direction is short.

[0012] As described above, according to the present invention, since a crane for lifting the battery and a jack for lifting the work vehicle are not required, and the length of movement of the battery in the left-right direction is shortened, the battery installation and removal work can be made easier, thereby improving the maintainability of the work vehicle.

[0013]

[0014] According to the present invention, the heavy battery is located between the front and rear travel devices, near the center of the work vehicle, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability and maneuverability. Since the battery is located behind the passenger compartment, it does not obstruct the passenger's forward view.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the motor is provided in a side view between the passenger seat and the rear running device, and the battery support is provided in a side view between the passenger seat and the motor.

[0016] According to the present invention, the heavy components, the battery and motor, are located between the front and rear travel devices, and are positioned close to the center of the work vehicle, which is advantageous in terms of improving the driving stability and maneuverability of the work vehicle. According to the present invention, the motor is located behind the battery and close to the rear running gear, which is advantageous in terms of miniaturizing the transmission system from the motor to the rear running gear.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferable that the battery support portion is provided at a position lower than the seat.

[0018] According to the present invention, since the heavy battery is installed at a low position on the work vehicle, it is advantageous in terms of improving the driving stability and maneuverability of the work vehicle.

[0019] In the present invention And, before The aircraft frame preferably comprises a first frame portion located below the passenger seat, a second frame portion extending upward from the rear of the first frame portion and located behind the passenger seat, and a third frame portion extending rearward from the upper part of the second frame portion, with the battery support portion provided behind the second frame portion and below the third frame portion.

[0020] According to the present invention, in the machine frame of a work vehicle, the running gear is provided on the machine frame and the passenger compartment is supported on the machine frame. The machine frame has a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a third frame portion.

[0021] According to the present invention, the battery support portion is provided on the rear side of the second frame portion and on the lower side of the third frame portion, thereby making effective use of the space at the corner between the second frame portion and the third frame portion of the aircraft frame to provide the battery support portion.

[0022] In the present invention, it is preferable that the battery support portion has a support base to which the battery is mounted, which is connected to the rear part of the first frame portion or the second frame portion and extends toward the rear, and a support frame connected across the third frame portion and the support base.

[0023] According to the present invention, in side view, a space can be obtained by a second frame portion of the airframe frame along the vertical direction, a third frame portion of the airframe frame along the horizontal direction, a support base of the battery support portion along the horizontal direction, and a support frame of the battery support portion along the vertical direction. Thereby, a battery support portion that facilitates battery attachment can be obtained.

[0024] In the present invention, it is preferable that the loading platform is provided above the third frame portion.

[0025] In a work vehicle, the loading platform is often provided at the rear of the airframe frame. According to the present invention, in the airframe frame, the loading platform is provided above the third frame portion, and the battery support portion is provided below the third frame portion. An operator moves the battery along the left - right direction with respect to the work vehicle to perform battery attachment and detachment operations, and the loading platform does not interfere with the battery attachment and detachment operations.

[0026] In the present invention, in side view, it is supported so as to be vertically swingable at the rear of the first frame portion or the lower part of the second frame portion, and extends with the position below the battery support portion facing rearward The aforementioned a suspension link, and a suspension mechanism arranged on the rear side with respect to the battery support portion and connected across the third frame portion and the suspension link are provided It is being done.

[0027] According to the present invention, the rear traveling device is supported by the airframe frame by the suspension link and the suspension mechanism. The suspension link extends with the position below the battery support portion facing rearward, and the suspension mechanism is arranged on the rear side with respect to the battery support portion.

[0028] As a result, when installing or removing the battery, the suspension link and suspension mechanism are less likely to obstruct the battery's movement along the left-right direction, making battery installation and removal easier and thus improving the maintainability of the work vehicle.

[0029] In the present invention, the battery is preferably formed in a rectangular shape having a long side and a short side when viewed from above, and the battery is preferably attached to the battery support portion with the long side aligned in the left-right direction.

[0030] According to the present invention, the battery is attached to the battery support in a position where the long side of the battery is aligned in the left-right direction. When an operator attaches a battery to the battery support, the operator can easily move the battery to the battery support by positioning the battery so that its long side is aligned horizontally, and moving the battery horizontally from the right side outward (left side outward) to the left side (right side) of the battery support, thereby easily attaching the battery to the battery support.

[0031] When an operator removes a battery from the battery support, they can easily remove it by moving the battery to the right (or left) side of the battery support while maintaining the battery's orientation in the same position as when it was attached to the battery support (with the longer side of the battery aligned horizontally). According to the present invention, battery installation and removal operations can be easily performed, which is advantageous in terms of improving the maintainability of the work vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a left side view of the work vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the work vehicle. [Figure 3]This is a left side view showing the aircraft frame, lops frame, seat frame, first battery support section, and second battery support section, etc. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the aircraft frame, seat frame, first battery support section, second battery support section, etc. [Figure 5] This is an exploded left side view showing the aircraft frame, lops frame, seat frame, first battery support section, and second battery support section, etc. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Figures 1 to 5 show an example of a work vehicle, an electric multi-purpose work vehicle. In Figures 1 to 5, F indicates the forward direction, B indicates the rear direction, U indicates the upward direction, D indicates the downward direction, R indicates the right direction, and L indicates the left direction.

[0034] (Overall configuration of the work vehicle) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an aircraft frame 3 is provided, with front wheels 1 (corresponding to the running gear) for the right and left sides of the aircraft frame 3 supported at the front, and rear wheels 2 (corresponding to the running gear) for the right and left sides of the aircraft frame 3 supported at the rear, with the aircraft frame 3 being supported by the front wheels 1 and rear wheels 2.

[0035] The passenger compartment 4, where the driver and operator sit, is supported by the portion of the machine frame 3 between the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2, and the passenger compartment 4 is enclosed by the lops frame 5. The passenger compartment 4 is equipped with a driver's seat 6 (equivalent to a seat), a passenger seat 7 (equivalent to a seat), a floor 8, a steering wheel 9 for steering the front wheel 1, and the like.

[0036] The bonnet 10 is located in front of the passenger compartment 4, and the cargo bed 11 is located behind the passenger compartment 4. The cargo bed 11 can be raised and lowered between the operating position shown by the solid line in Figure 1 and a dump position in which the front of the cargo bed 11 is lifted with the lower rear of the cargo bed 11 as a pivot point (see the dashed line in Figure 1).

[0037] (Aircraft frame configuration) As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the aircraft frame 3 has a first frame section 21, a second frame section 22, a third frame section 23, a fourth frame section 24, a fifth frame section 25, a sixth frame section 26, and so on.

[0038] The first frame portion 21 is located below the passenger compartment 4 (floor 8) and is provided along the front-to-back direction. The second frame portion 22 is connected to the rear of the first frame portion 21 and extends upward from the rear of the first frame portion 21, and is located behind the passenger compartment 4.

[0039] The third frame section 23 is connected to the upper part of the second frame section 22 and extends rearward from the upper part of the second frame section 22. The cargo bed 11 is provided on the upper part of the third frame section 23 so that it can be raised and lowered to the operating position and the dumping position.

[0040] The fourth frame section 24 is connected to the front of the first frame section 21 and extends forward from the front of the first frame section 21. The vertically oriented frame 30 is connected to the front of the first frame section 21 and extends upward from the front of the first frame section 21.

[0041] The fifth frame section 25 is connected to the upper part of the frame 30 and extends forward from the upper part of the frame 30. The front guard 12 is connected across the front of the fourth frame section 24 and the front of the fifth frame section 25.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the right and left front support sections 15 are connected to the upper part of the frame 30, and the frame 13 is connected across the right and left front support sections 15. The frame 14 is connected across the front of the right and left third frame sections 23, and the right and left rear support sections 16 are connected to the right and left parts of the frame 14.

[0043] The sixth frame section 26 is formed in a U-shape (channel shape) when viewed from the side, with the front upper part of the sixth frame section 26 connected to the front support section 15, and the rear upper part of the sixth frame section 26 connected to the rear support section 16. The floor 8 is connected across the front part of the first frame section 21 and the front lower part of the sixth frame section 26. The right and left side guards 40 are connected across the rear support section 16 and the rear lower part of the sixth frame section 26.

[0044] With the above configuration, the vehicle is equipped with front wheels 1 (running gear, front running gear) and rear wheels 2 (running gear, rear running gear), and a passenger compartment 4 equipped with a driver's seat 6 (seat) and a passenger seat 7 (seat). In a side view, the passenger compartment 4 is located between the front wheels 1 (front running gear) and the rear wheels 2 (rear running gear).

[0045] The aircraft is equipped with a front wheel 1 (running gear) and a rear wheel 2 (running gear), and a body frame 3 that supports the passenger compartment 4. The body frame 3 has a first frame portion 21 located below the passenger compartment 4, a second frame portion 22 extending upward from the rear of the first frame portion 21 and located behind the passenger compartment 4, and a third frame portion 23 extending rearward from the upper part of the second frame portion 22. The cargo bed 11 is provided above the third frame portion 23.

[0046] (Rear wheel support structure) As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, in the aircraft frame 3, the right and left mounting parts 19 are connected to the connection between the rear of the first frame part 21 and the lower part of the second frame part 22. The right and left suspension links 27 and 28 are attached to a mounting portion 19 so as to be able to swing up and down, and extend rearward from the mounting portion 19.

[0047] An axle frame 50 is provided, and a rear axle case 17 is connected to the axle frame 50, with the rear wheels 2 supported on the right and left sides of the rear axle case 17. Mounting parts 20 are connected to the right and left sides of the axle frame 50, and the rear ends of the suspension links 27 and 28 are attached to the mounting parts 20 so as to be able to swing up and down.

[0048] A lateral rod 51 is connected to the rear of the right third frame section 23 and the axle frame 50. The lateral rod 51 allows vertical movement of the axle frame 50 (rear axle case 17) while restricting horizontal movement of the axle frame 50 (rear axle case 17).

[0049] As a result, the axle frame 50 (rear axle case 17) is supported by the machine frame 3 so as to be able to move up and down, by a five-link mechanism consisting of the right and left suspension links 27, 28 and the lateral rod 51.

[0050] Right and left suspension mechanisms 29 are provided, each having a suspension spring and a damper. The right suspension mechanism 29 is connected across the right third frame portion 23 and the right side of the rear axle case 17, and the left suspension mechanism 29 is connected across the left third frame portion 23 and the left side of the rear axle case 17. As a result, the suspension mechanisms 29 are connected to suspension links 27 and 28 via the axle frame 50 and the rear axle case 17.

[0051] (Rear-wheel drive structure) As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the auxiliary transmission 46 is connected to the upper part of the left and right center of the rear axle case 17, and the motor 18 is connected to the front of the auxiliary transmission 46. In a side view, the motor 18 is located in front of the rear axle case 17 (rear wheel 2) and above the rear axle case 17 (rear wheel 2).

[0052] As a result, the right and left rear wheels 2, the motor 18, and the auxiliary transmission 46 are supported at the rear of the suspension links 27, 28 via the axle frame 50 and the rear axle case 17.

[0053] The power from the motor 18 is transmitted to the auxiliary transmission 46, where it is shifted and then transmitted to the rear wheels 2 via a rear differential device (not shown) and a drive shaft (not shown) located inside the rear axle case 17.

[0054] (Configuration of the rops frame) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lops frame 5 has a right and left first part 5a, a second part 5b, a third part 5c, and so on.

[0055] The first part 5a of the Lops frame 5 is formed in an inverted U-shape (inverted channel shape) when viewed from the side. The second part 5b of the Lops frame 5 is connected across the front parts of the right and left first parts 5a of the Lops frame 5. The third part 5c of the Lops frame 5 is connected across the rear parts of the right and left first parts 5a of the Lops frame 5.

[0056] The front lower part of the first section 5a of the lops frame 5 is connected to the front support section 15 by bolts (not shown), and the rear lower part of the first section 5a of the lops frame 5 is connected to the rear support section 16 by bolts (not shown). In this configuration, the lops frame 5 is attached to the aircraft frame 3.

[0057] The Lops frame 5 can be removed from the aircraft frame 3 by removing the front lower part of the first part 5a of the Lops frame 5 from the front support part 15 and removing the rear lower part of the first part 5a of the Lops frame 5 from the rear support part 16.

[0058] (Configuration of the seat frame supporting the driver's seat and passenger seat) As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, right and left seat frames 33 are provided. The seat frame 33 is formed by bending a square pipe into an L-shape (angle shape), and has an upper and lower portion 33a that runs vertically, and a front and rear portion 33b that extends rearward from the upper part of the upper and lower portion 33a.

[0059] In the seat frame 33, the support portion 33c is connected to the upper part of the upper and lower portion 33a of the seat frame 33 (the front part of the front and rear portion 33b). The support portion 33d is connected to the rear part of the front and rear portion 33b of the seat frame 33.

[0060] In the aircraft frame 3, a mounting portion 21a is provided at the rear of the first frame portion 21, and a mounting portion 22a is provided at the upper part of the second frame portion 22. In the seat frame 33, the lower part of the upper and lower portion 33a of the seat frame 33 can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion 21a of the first frame portion 21 by bolts 34. The rear part of the front and rear portion 33b of the seat frame 33 can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion 22a of the second frame portion 22 by bolts 34.

[0061] (Installation status of the driver's seat and passenger seat) As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, a rectangular pipe-shaped support frame 35 is provided, and multiple support points 35a are provided on the support frame 35. The support frame 35 can be attached to and removed from the support portion 33c of the seat frame 33 by bolts 36.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the driver's seat 6 is provided with a separate seat portion 6a and backrest portion 6b, and the passenger seat 7 is provided with a separate seat portion 7a and backrest portion 7b. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, a flat support member 37 is provided, with a leg portion 37a attached to the lower front part of the support member 37, and the seat portions 6a and 7a of the driver's seat 6 and passenger seat 7 are attached to the support member 37. The leg portion 37a of the support member 37 is attached to the pivot point portion 35a of the support frame 35 so as to be able to swing around an axis along the left-right direction A1.

[0063] A flat support member 38 is provided, and the backrests 6b and 7b of the driver's seat 6 and passenger seat 7 are attached to the support member 38. The support member 38 can be attached to and removed from the right and left first portions 5a of the lop frame 5 by bolts 39.

[0064] In normal use, the front of the support member 37 is supported by the seat frame 33 via the support frame 35, and the rear of the support member 37 is supported by the support portion 3d of the seat frame 33. The seat portion 6a of the driver's seat 6 and the seat portion 7a of the passenger seat 7 are supported by the seat frame 33, and are supported by the aircraft frame 3 via the seat frame 33. The backrest portion 6b of the driver's seat 6 and the backrest portion 7b of the passenger seat 7 are supported by the LOPS frame 5, and are supported by the aircraft frame 3 via the LOPS frame 5.

[0065] By using the pivot point 35a of the support frame 35 as a fulcrum and lifting the rear of the support member 37 upward, the area above the seat frame 33 can be opened. By removing the bolt 36 and detaching the support frame 35 from the seat frame 33, the seat portion 6a of the driver's seat 6 and the seat portion 7a of the passenger seat 7 can be detached from the seat frame 33.

[0066] By removing the bolt 39 and detaching the support member 38 from the lops frame 5, the backrest portion 6b of the driver's seat 6 and the backrest portion 7b of the passenger seat 7 can be detached from the lops frame 5 (machine frame 3).

[0067] (Configuration of the first battery support section) As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, a flat support member 47 is connected to the rear of the first frame portion 21 in the aircraft frame 3.

[0068] In the aircraft frame 3, a rectangular space can be obtained in a side view by the upper and lower portions 33a of the seat frame 33 aligned vertically, the front and rear portions 33b of the seat frame 33 aligned horizontally (seat portion 6a of the driver's seat 6 and seat portion 7a of the passenger seat 7), the first frame portion 21 aligned horizontally (support member 47), and the second frame portion 22 aligned vertically. This space becomes the first battery support section 31. With the above configuration, a first battery support section 31, to which the battery 41 (first battery) is attached, is provided below the driver's seat 6 (seat) and the passenger seat 7 (seat).

[0069] (Configuration of the first battery) As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the battery 41 (corresponding to the first battery) is attached to the support member 47 by bolts (not shown) so as to be removable, and the battery 41 is attached to the first battery support part 31.

[0070] The battery 41 is formed in a rectangular shape with a long side portion 41a and a short side portion 41b when viewed from above, and the battery 41 is attached to the first battery support portion 31 with the long side portion 41a of the battery 41 aligned with the left-right direction A1.

[0071] When the battery 41 is attached to the first battery support portion 31, the battery 41 is located in a side view between the upper and lower portion 33a of the seat frame 33 and the second frame portion 22, and between the front and rear portion 33b of the seat frame 33 and the first frame portion 21.

[0072] The right short side portion 41b of the battery 41 is located laterally to the right of the right seat frame 33 in a plan view, and is located towards the left-right center of the aircraft frame 3, relative to the right sixth frame portion 26 and the right side guard 40. In a side view, the right short side portion 41b of the battery 41 overlaps with the right sixth frame portion 26 and the right side guard 40.

[0073] The left short side portion 41b of the battery 41 is located laterally to the left of the left seat frame 33 in a plan view, and is located towards the left-right center of the aircraft frame 3, beyond the left sixth frame portion 26 and the left side guard 40. In a side view, the left short side portion 41b of the battery 41 overlaps with the left sixth frame portion 26 and the left side guard 40.

[0074] (Configuration of inverter and control device) As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, flat support members 43 are attached to the front and rear portions 33b of the right and left seat frames 33 so as to be removable by bolts (not shown). The inverter 44 and control device 45 are attached to the support members 43, and in a side view, the inverter 44 and control device 45 are located between the seat portions 6a and 7a of the driver's seat 6 and passenger seat 7 (support members 37) and the first battery support portion 31 (front and rear portions 33b of the seat frame 33).

[0075] When the driver seated in the driver's seat 6 operates the gear shift pedal (not shown), the operating position of the gear shift pedal is input to the control device 45, and the inverter 44 is operated by the control device 45 based on the operating position of the gear shift pedal.

[0076] In the inverter 44, the DC power from battery 41 and battery 42 (described later) is converted to AC power and supplied to motor 18. Motor 18 operates and outputs power for driving, and the power for driving from motor 18 is supplied to the rear wheels 2 as described above. With the above configuration, the vehicle is equipped with batteries 41 and 42, and a motor 18 that outputs power to the rear wheels 2 (running gear) using the power from batteries 41 and 42.

[0077] (Maintenance of the first battery and inverter) As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, by using the pivot point 35a of the support frame 35 as a pivot point and lifting the rear of the support member 37 upward, the area above the seat frame 33 is opened up as described above.

[0078] By lifting the support member 37, maintenance work on the inverter 44 and control device 45 can be performed. By removing the support member 43 from the seat frame 33, the inverter 44 and control device 45 can be removed. By lifting the support member 37 and removing the inverter 44 and control device 45, maintenance work on the battery 41 can be performed.

[0079] As described above, by removing the support frame 35 from the seat frame 33, and removing the seat portion 6a of the driver's seat 6 and the seat portion 7a of the passenger seat 7 from the seat frame 33, the bolts 34 can be removed, and the seat frame 33 can be removed from the aircraft frame 3 (first frame portion 21 and second frame portion 22).

[0080] By removing the seat frame 33 from the aircraft frame 3 (first frame portion 21 and second frame portion 22), the battery 41 can be removed from the first battery support portion 31, and the battery 41 can be attached to the first battery support portion 31.

[0081] In this case, as mentioned above, removing the bolt 39 to detach the support member 38 from the lops frame 5, and detaching the backrest 6b of the driver's seat 6 and the backrest 7b of the passenger seat 7 from the lops frame 5 (aircraft frame 3) makes it even easier to install and remove the battery 41.

[0082] In addition to removing the backrest portion 6b of the driver's seat 6 and the backrest portion 7b of the passenger seat 7 from the LOPS frame 5 (aircraft frame 3), as described above, removing the front lower part of the first portion 5a of the LOPS frame 5 from the front support portion 15 and the rear lower part of the first portion 5a of the LOPS frame 5 from the rear support portion 16, thereby removing the LOPS frame 5 from the aircraft frame 3, makes the installation and removal of the battery 41 even easier.

[0083] (Configuration of the second battery support section) As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, in the aircraft frame 3, a flat support base 48 is connected to the lower part (near the mounting portion 19) of the right and left second frame portions 22 and extends rearward from the second frame portions 22.

[0084] The right support frame 49 is connected across the right third frame section 23 and the right rear part of the support base 48, and the left support frame 49 is connected across the left third frame section 23 and the left rear part of the support base 48.

[0085] In the aircraft frame 3, a rectangular space can be obtained in a side view by the second frame portion 22 aligned vertically, the third frame portion 23 aligned horizontally, the support base 48 aligned horizontally, and the support frame 49 aligned vertically. This space becomes the second battery support portion 32 (corresponding to the battery support portion).

[0086] The upper suspension link 27 is formed to curve downward in a side view, and the support base 48 and support frame 49 are provided above the suspension link 27. The support base 48 and support frame 49 are provided between the right and left suspension links 27, 28 in a plan view.

[0087] The support base 48 and support frame 49 are located in front of the motor 18, auxiliary transmission 46, rear axle case 17, and suspension mechanism 29 in a side view. As described later, the battery 42 (corresponding to the second battery) can be attached to and removed from the support base 48.

[0088] With the above configuration, a second battery support section 32 (battery support section) is provided, to which the battery 42 (second battery) can be attached and detached. The passenger compartment 4 is located between the front wheel 1 (front running gear) and the rear wheel 2 (rear running gear) in a side view, and the second battery support section 32 (battery support section) is located between the passenger compartment 4 and the rear wheel 2 (rear running gear) in a side view. The motor 18 is located between the passenger compartment 4 and the rear wheels 2 (rear running gear) in a side view, and the second battery support section 32 (battery support section) is located between the passenger compartment 4 and the motor 18 in a side view. The second battery support section 32 (battery support section) is located lower than the seat portions 6a and 7a of the driver's seat 6 and passenger seat 7.

[0089] The second battery support section 32 (battery support section) is located behind the second frame section 22 of the aircraft frame 3 and below the third frame section 23 of the aircraft frame 3.

[0090] The second battery support section 32 (battery support section) is connected to the rear of the first frame section 21 or the second frame section 22 of the aircraft frame 3 and extends toward the rear, and includes a support base 48 to which the battery 42 (second battery) is attached, and a support frame 49 connected across the third frame section 23 of the aircraft frame 3 and the support base 48.

[0091] In a side view, suspension links 27 and 28 are provided, which are supported so as to be able to swing up and down at the rear of the first frame portion 21 or the lower part of the second frame portion 22, and which extend with their lower position towards the rear relative to the second battery support portion 32 (battery support portion). A suspension mechanism 29 is provided, positioned rearward from the second battery support section 32 (battery support section), and connected to the third frame section 23 and the suspension links 27 and 28. The rear wheels 2 (rear running gear) are supported at the rear of the suspension links 27 and 28.

[0092] (Configuration of the second battery) As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the battery 42 (corresponding to the second battery) is attached to the support base 48 by bolts (not shown) so as to be removable, and the battery 42 is attached to the second battery support part 32.

[0093] The battery 42 is formed in a rectangular shape with a long side portion 42a and a short side portion 42b when viewed from above, and the battery 42 is attached to the second battery support portion 32 with the long side portion 42a of the battery 42 aligned with the left-right direction A1. Battery 41 and battery 42 are the same, having long sides 41a, 42a of the same length and short sides 42b, 42b of the same length.

[0094] When the battery 42 is attached to the second battery support portion 32, the battery 42 is located in a side view between the third frame portion 23 of the aircraft frame 3 and the support base 48, and between the second frame portion 22 of the aircraft frame 3 and the support frame 49.

[0095] The right short side portion 42b of the battery 42 is located laterally to the right of the right portion of the support base 48 and the right support frame 49 in a plan view, and is located towards the left-right center of the aircraft frame 3, relative to the right sixth frame portion 26 and the right side guard 40.

[0096] The left short side portion 42b of the battery 42 is located laterally to the left of the left portion of the support base 48 and the left support frame 49 in a plan view, and is located towards the left-right center of the aircraft frame 3, relative to the left sixth frame portion 26 and the left side guard 40.

[0097] (Installation of the second battery) When an operator attaches the battery 42 to the second battery support unit 32, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the operator prepares a trolley (not shown) that is approximately the same height as the second battery support unit 32 (support base 48) in advance, and places the battery 42 on the trolley.

[0098] The operator positions the trolley (battery 42) to the left side of the second battery support section 32, and sets the orientation of the trolley so that the long side 42a of the battery 42 is aligned with the left-right direction A1. The operator moves the trolley (battery 42) to the right along the left-right direction A1, facing the second battery support section 32, and moves the trolley (battery 42) until it hits the machine frame 3 or the like and stops.

[0099] The worker moves the battery 42 to the right along the left-right direction A1 relative to the stopped trolley, and places the right short side 42b of the battery 42 into the second battery support part 32. Then, the worker moves the battery 42 further to the right, transferring the battery 42 from the trolley to the support base 48. The worker can attach the battery 42 to the second battery support section 32 by bolting the battery 42 to the support base 48.

[0100] Even when the worker positions the trolley (battery 42) to the right side of the second battery support section 32, the battery 42 can be attached to the second battery support section 32 by setting the orientation of the trolley so that the long side 42a of the battery 42 is aligned with the left-right direction A1, as described above, and moving the trolley (battery 42) to the left along the left-right direction A1 toward the second battery support section 32.

[0101] (Removal of the second battery) When an operator removes the battery 42 from the second battery support unit 32, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the operator places an empty trolley to the left side of the second battery support unit 32.

[0102] After removing the bolts that attach the battery 42 to the support base 48, the worker moves the battery 42 to the left along the left-right direction A1, and places the left short side 42b of the battery 42 onto the trolley. The worker then moves the battery 42 further to the left, and by transferring the battery 42 from the support base 48 to the trolley, the battery 42 can be removed from the second battery support unit 32.

[0103] When an empty trolley is placed to the right of the second battery support section 32, the worker can remove the battery 42 from the second battery support section 32 by moving the battery 42 to the right along the left-right direction A1, as described above, and transferring the battery 42 from the support base 48 to the trolley.

[0104] With the above configuration, the battery 42 (second battery) can be attached to the second battery support 32 (battery support) by moving it along the left-right direction A1 from the right or left side outward of the second battery support 32 (battery support), and can be removed from the second battery support 32 (battery support) by moving it along the left-right direction A1 toward the right or left side outward from the second battery support 32 (battery support).

[0105] (First alternative embodiment of the invention) In work vehicles where the battery 42 is not attached to the second battery support section 32, the second battery support section 32 can be used as a storage space for tools, luggage, etc. In this case, a storage box (not shown) with an openable / closable door may be attached to the second battery support section 32. By storing tools and luggage in the storage box, the tools and luggage will not fall to the ground due to vibrations during driving, and the tools and luggage will be protected from soil and water on the ground.

[0106] (Second alternative embodiment of the invention) An under cover (not shown) may be attached to the right and left sides of the support base 48 so that the battery 42 attached to the second battery support section 32 is protected from soil and water on the ground by the under cover.

[0107] (Third alternative embodiment of the invention) In the aforementioned (second alternative embodiment of the invention), right and left side covers (not shown) that can be opened and closed may be provided on the right side of the right under cover and on the left side of the left under cover. This protects the right and left sides of the battery 42 attached to the second battery support 32 with the side covers.

[0108] (Fourth alternative embodiment of the invention) The mounting portion 19 may be connected to the rear of the first frame portion 21, and the suspension links 27 and 28 may be supported on the rear of the first frame portion 21 so as to be able to swing up and down. The mounting portion 19 may be connected to the lower part of the second frame portion 22, and the suspension links 27 and 28 may be supported on the lower part of the second frame portion 22 so as to be able to swing up and down.

[0109] (Fifth alternative embodiment of the invention) The support base 48 may be connected to the rear of the first frame portion 21 (near the mounting portion 19) and may extend rearward from the first frame portion 21.

[0110] (Sixth alternative embodiment of the invention) The right and left suspension links 27, 28 and the lateral rod 51 may be eliminated, and the rear wheel 2 may be supported by a double wishbone type suspension (not shown) on the third frame portion 23 of the aircraft frame 3. In this case, the power of the motor 18 may be transmitted to the front wheels 1 via a transmission shaft (not shown) and a front wheel differential device (not shown) to create a four-wheel drive type work vehicle.

[0111] (Seventh alternative embodiment of the invention) The front driver's seat 6 and passenger seat 7, and the rear seats (not shown) are provided in the passenger compartment 4, making it a four-seater work vehicle with two rows of seats. In this configuration, a battery 41 is provided below the rear seat, and the configuration shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5 is preferred for the rear seat. If the capacity of batteries 41 and 42 is insufficient, batteries may also be provided below the driver's seat 6 and the passenger seat 7.

[0112] (Eighth alternative form of the invention) Instead of the front wheel 1, a crawler-type running gear (not shown) may be provided as the front running gear. Instead of the rear wheel 2, a crawler-type running gear (not shown) may be provided as the rear running gear. Instead of the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2, a single crawler-type running gear (not shown) may be provided. [Industrial applicability]

[0113] The present invention can be applied not only to electric work vehicles whose running gear is driven by a motor, but also to hybrid work vehicles whose running gear is driven by both an engine and a motor. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 1. Front wheels (running gear) 2. Rear wheels (running gear) 3. Aircraft Frame 4. Boarding Area 6. Driver's seat 7. Passenger seat (seat) 11. Cargo bed 18 Motors 21. First frame portion 22 Second frame portion 23 Third frame section 27 Suspension Link 28 Suspension Link 29 Suspension mechanism 32. Second battery support section (battery support section) 42 batteries 42a Long side 42b Short side 48 Support stand 49 Support frame A1 Left and right directions

Claims

1. The vehicle comprises a running gear, a passenger compartment with seats, a battery, a motor that outputs power to the running gear using the power of the battery, and a battery support section to which the battery can be attached and detached. The battery can be attached to the battery support by moving it along the left-right direction from the right or left side outward of the battery support, and can be removed from the battery support by moving it along the left-right direction toward the right or left side outward from the battery support. The aforementioned running gear is provided, and the aircraft frame that supports the passenger compartment is provided, The aforementioned passenger compartment is provided, in a side view, between the front and rear running gears. The battery support portion is provided in a side view between the passenger compartment and the rearward running gear. A work vehicle, in a side view, is provided with a suspension link that is supported by the machine frame so as to be able to swing up and down, and whose lower position relative to the battery support is directed towards the rear, and the rear running gear is supported at the rear of the suspension link.

2. The motor is provided in a side view between the passenger compartment and the rearward-facing travel device. The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery support portion is provided between the riding portion and the motor in a side view.

3. The work vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery support is provided at a lower position than the seat.

4. The aircraft frame comprises a first frame portion located below the passenger seat, a second frame portion extending upward from the rear of the first frame portion and located behind the passenger seat, and a third frame portion extending rearward from the upper part of the second frame portion. The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery support portion is provided on the rear side of the second frame portion and on the lower side of the third frame portion.

5. The work vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the battery support portion is connected to the rear of the first frame portion or the second frame portion and extends toward the rear, and includes a support base to which the battery is attached, and a support frame connected across the third frame portion and the support base.

6. The work vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the cargo bed is provided above the third frame portion.

7. In a side view, the suspension link is supported so as to be able to swing up and down at the rear of the first frame portion or the lower part of the second frame portion, and extends with its lower position facing rearward relative to the battery support portion, A work vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising a suspension mechanism positioned rearward from the battery support portion and connected across the third frame portion and the suspension link.

8. The battery is formed in a rectangular shape having a long side and a short side when viewed from above. The work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery is attached to the battery support portion in a position where the long side portion is aligned in the left-right direction.

Images