Work vehicles

Abstract

To provide a work vehicle that has a simple structure of driving a hydraulic pump with an electric motor and an engine and is miniaturized to solve such the problem with a vehicle that drives a hydraulic pump with power from an engine and an electric motor using a single shaft via two one-way clutches and an upper tier switching mechanism, however, the vehicle needs a switching mechanism in the upper tier of the two one-way clutches, accordingly, the vehicle has a complicated structure and is increased in a size thereof.SOLUTION: A work vehicle is provided with a hydraulic pump 30 for supplying pressure oil to a hydraulic actuator to operate the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic pump 30 is provided with two input shafts, where one of the input shafts is input with power from an electric motor 32 via an electric motor-side clutch 33a and the other input shaft is input with power from an engine 7 via an engine-side clutch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , The hydraulic pump (30) is mounted on the side wall of the engine (7). , The engine (7) is an engine having a crankshaft (7a), , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a work vehicle such as a root vegetable harvester.

Background Art

[0002] There is a vehicle that drives a hydraulic pump on a single shaft via two one-way clutches and an upper switching mechanism with power from an engine and an electric motor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, a switching mechanism is required above the two one-way clutches, resulting in a complicated structure and an increase in size.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a work vehicle in which the structure for driving a hydraulic pump with an electric motor and an engine is simple and compact.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 is In a work vehicle equipped with a hydraulic pump (30) that is operated by supplying pressure oil to a hydraulic actuator (24c), two input shafts (31c, 31d) are provided on the hydraulic pump (30), Power is input from an electric motor (32) to one input shaft (31c) via an electric motor side clutch (33a), and power is input from an engine (7) to the other input shaft (31d) via an engine side clutch (33b), The engine (7) is an engine having a crankshaft (7a), The hydraulic pump (30) is mounted on the side wall of the engine (7). One input shaft (31c) and the other input shaft (31d) are arranged parallel to the crankshaft (7a) of the engine (7). The electric motor (32), the electric motor-side clutch (33a), the hydraulic pump (30), and the engine-side clutch (33b) are arranged in a straight line parallel to the crankshaft (7a) of the engine (7). When the control device (40) detects that the machine is in an operating state, either moving forward or backward, it engages the engine-side clutch (33b) and disengages the electric motor-side clutch (33a), and drives the hydraulic pump (30) with the engine (7). This work vehicle is characterized in that, upon detecting that the machine is stationary, the control device (40) stops the engine (7), disengages the engine-side clutch (33b), engages the electric motor-side clutch (33a), and drives the hydraulic pump (30) with the electric motor (32).

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, the hydraulic pump 30 is provided with two input shafts 31c and 31d. Power is input to one input shaft 31c from the electric motor 32 via the electric motor-side clutch 33a, and power is input to the other input shaft 31d from the engine 7 via the engine-side clutch 33b. Therefore, when only the operation of the hydraulic actuator 24c is performed with the machine stopped (low-power operation), the engine 7 is stopped, the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged, and the electric motor-side clutch 33a is engaged, driving the hydraulic pump 30 with the driving force of the electric motor 32. Thus, energy-saving operation can be performed with the engine 7 stopped.

[0008] Furthermore, when performing work by moving the machine forward or backward (in the case of high-power work), since the engine 7 is running, the electric motor-side clutch 33a is disengaged and the engine-side clutch 33b is engaged, and the hydraulic pump 30 is driven by the driving force of the engine 7.

[0009] As described above, the drive of the hydraulic pump 30 by the electric motor 32 and the drive of the engine 7 can be performed by the electric motor side clutch 33a and the engine side clutch 33b, which allows for miniaturization.

[0010] The invention described in claim 2 is a work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the electric motor 32 is set to a low normal rotation speed, a constant power is supplied to the hydraulic pump 30 to set the hydraulic pressure as a reference pressure, and a control device 40 is provided to increase the rotation speed of the electric motor 32 so that a predetermined hydraulic pressure is reached by a command signal that operates the hydraulic actuator 24c.

[0011] According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, a control device 40 is provided that sets the electric motor 32 to a low normal rotation speed, supplies a constant power to the hydraulic pump 30 to set the hydraulic pressure as a reference pressure, and increases the rotation speed of the electric motor 32 to reach a predetermined hydraulic pressure by a command signal that operates the hydraulic actuator 24c. Therefore, energy-saving operation can be achieved by setting the electric motor 32 to a low normal rotation speed and applying a reference pressure, and increasing the rotation speed as needed.

[0012] The invention described in claim 3 is, In a work vehicle equipped with a hydraulic pump (30) that operates a hydraulic actuator (24c) by supplying pressurized oil, the hydraulic pump (30) is provided with two input shafts (31c, 31d), The configuration involves inputting power from an electric motor (32) to one input shaft (31c) via a one-way clutch, and inputting power from an engine (7) to the other input shaft (31d) via a one-way clutch. The engine (7) is an engine having a crankshaft (7a), The hydraulic pump (30) is mounted on the side wall of the engine (7). One input shaft (31c) and the other input shaft (31d) are arranged parallel to the crankshaft (7a) of the engine (7). The electric motor (32), the one-way clutch on the electric motor side, the hydraulic pump (30), and the one-way clutch on the engine side are arranged in a straight line parallel to the crankshaft (7a) of the engine (7). When the control device (40) detects that the machine is in an operating state, either moving forward or backward, it engages the one-way clutch on the engine side and disengages the one-way clutch on the electric motor side, and drives the hydraulic pump (30) with the engine (7). This work vehicle is characterized in that, upon detecting that the machine is stationary, the control device (40) stops the engine (7), disengages the one-way clutch on the engine side, engages the one-way clutch on the electric motor side, and drives the hydraulic pump (30) with the electric motor (32).

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 3, the hydraulic pump 30 is provided with two input shafts 31c and 31d. Power is input from the electric motor 32 to one input shaft 31c via a one-way clutch, and power is input from the engine 7 to the other input shaft 31d via a one-way clutch. Therefore, when the engine 7 is stopped, the hydraulic pump 30 is driven from the electric motor 32 via the one-way clutch, and the drive to the engine 7 side from the hydraulic pump 30 is blocked by the one-way clutch provided between the engine 7 and the hydraulic pump 30.

[0014] Also, when the engine 7 is operating, the hydraulic pump 30 is driven from the engine 7 via the one-way clutch, and the drive to the electric motor 32 side from the hydraulic pump 30 is blocked by the one-way clutch provided between the electric motor 32 and the hydraulic pump 30.

[0015] Thus, when the electric motor 32 is operating, the power transmission reaches the hydraulic pump 30 and no power is transmitted to the engine 7 side, so power loss can be prevented. Also, when the engine 7 is operating, the power transmission reaches the hydraulic pump 30 and no power is transmitted to the electric motor 32 side, so power loss can be prevented.

[0016] The invention described in claim 4 is a work vehicle according to claim 3, provided with a control device 40 that sets the electric motor 32 to a normal rotation at a low speed, supplies a certain power to the hydraulic pump 30 to set the hydraulic pressure as a reference pressure, and causes the power from the engine 7 to reach a predetermined hydraulic pressure according to a command signal for operating the hydraulic actuator 24c.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the operational effects of the invention described in claim 3, the electric motor 32 is set to a normal rotation at a low speed, a certain power is applied to the hydraulic pump 30 to set the hydraulic pressure as the reference pressure, and a control device 40 is provided to reach a predetermined hydraulic pressure with the power from the engine 7 according to a command signal for operating the hydraulic actuator 24c. Therefore, the power of the electric motor 32 is used as the power for maintaining the reference pressure of the hydraulic pump 30, and the power for increasing the rotational speed of the hydraulic pump 30 to a predetermined hydraulic pressure for operating the hydraulic actuator 24c uses the power of the engine 7, enabling a responsive energy-saving operation.

[0018] Also, the electric motor 32 may be small and inexpensive.

[0019] The invention described in claim 5 is the work vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2, provided with a control device 40 for restricting the operation of the starter motor 36 for starting the engine 7 unless the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged when changing from the state of driving the hydraulic pump 30 with the electric motor 32 to the state of driving the hydraulic pump 30 with the engine 7.

[0020] According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the operational effects of the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2, when changing from the state of driving the hydraulic pump 30 with the electric motor 32 to the state of driving the hydraulic pump 30 with the engine 7, a control device 40 is provided to restrict the operation of the starter motor 36 for starting the engine 7 unless the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged. Therefore, during the operation of the starter motor 36, the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged and the hydraulic pump 30 is in a non-driven state, preventing power loss.

[0021] The invention described in claim 6 is the work vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2, provided with a control device 40 for restricting the operation of the starter motor 36 unless the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged when starting the engine 7 by operating the starter motor 36 to generate electricity with the generator 35 and store the electricity in the battery when the remaining battery capacity reaches a predetermined amount or less.

[0022] According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2, when the battery capacity falls below a predetermined amount and the starter motor 36 is activated to start the engine 7 in order to generate electricity with the generator 35 and store it in the battery, a control device 40 is provided that restricts the operation of the starter motor 36 unless the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged. Therefore, when the starter motor 36 is activated, the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged and the hydraulic pump 30 is not driven, thus preventing power loss.

[0023] The invention described in claim 7 is a work vehicle according to claim 5, which is provided with a control device 40 that restricts the operation of the starter motor 36 when the generator 35 generates electricity and stores it in the battery to start the engine 7 when the remaining battery capacity falls below a predetermined amount, unless the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a carrot harvesting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view of the carrot harvesting machine. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the carrot harvesting machine. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the hydraulic pump of a carrot harvesting machine. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the engine of a carrot harvesting machine. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the opposite side of the engine of the carrot harvesting machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] A carrot harvesting machine, a type of work vehicle shown as one embodiment of the present invention, will be described below. In the following, the forward and backward directions and left and right directions will be used with reference to the forward direction of the machine.

[0026] <Overall Structure> As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the carrot harvesting machine consists of a driving section A that moves the machine, a control section B on which the operator sits, a harvesting section C that pulls carrots out of the field on one side of the machine and transports them to the upper rear of the machine, a stem and leaf cutting section that takes over the carrots from the harvesting section C and transports them to the rear of the machine while cutting the stems and leaves, a residual leaf processing section that receives the carrots that fall from the stem and leaf cutting section and processes the remaining stems and leaves on the carrots in the residual leaf processing section, a sorting and transporting section D that takes over the carrots from the residual leaf processing section and transports the carrots from one side of the machine to the other side, and an auxiliary worker sorts the carrots while they are being transported, and a storage section E that holds the storage members for the carrots discharged from the sorting and transporting section D.

[0027] <Running section A> Below the machine frame 1, left and right drive sprockets 2,2 on the front side of the machine and left and right driven wheels 3,3 on the rear side of the machine are attached, and left and right belts 5,5 are wrapped around a plurality of idler wheels 4 mounted between the left and right drive sprockets 2,2 and the left and right driven wheels 3,3 to form the left and right crawlers 6L,6R. The left and right drive sprockets 2,2 of the left and right crawlers 6L,6R are attached to left and right drive shafts that extend from the transmission case through which the power of the engine 7 is transmitted, and the left and right crawlers 6L,6R are attached to the machine frame 1 with a certain distance between them.

[0028] <Control Unit B> A control frame is attached to the upper right side of the aircraft frame 1, and a cockpit seat 8 is attached to the control frame, along with a control panel 9 on the front of the aircraft. A gear shift lever 10 for switching between forward and reverse movement and travel speed is attached to the control panel 9, as well as a lifting lever 11 for controlling left and right turning of the aircraft and the working height of the harvesting unit C.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit B is constructed by detachably attaching a radiator cover 12 to the other side of the control unit frame (right side of the aircraft) to protect the radiator (not shown) that cools the engine 7 and to take in cooling air.

[0030] With the above configuration, by providing control components that can perform multiple operations with a single lever, such as the gear shift lever 10 and the lifting lever 11, the operation of the machine becomes easier, thereby reducing the workload of the operator.

[0031] <Harvesting Section C> Left and right driven pulleys are rotatably mounted on the front side of the left and right pulling frames 13, 13, and left and right drive pulleys are mounted on the rear side of the frame. Left and right gripping conveying belts 15, 15, which pull out carrots and transport them to the rear of the frame, are wrapped around the left and right driven pulleys and left and right drive pulleys, and the left and right gripping conveying belts 15, 15 are tensioned by multiple tension rollers, and the inner sides of the left and right gripping conveying belts 15, 15 are pressed against each other to form a carrot pulling and transporting path R. A rotating frame that can rotate vertically with the left and right horizontal axes as pivot points is attached above the frame 1, and a transmission case that transmits driving force to the left and right drive pulleys is attached to the rear end of the rotating frame so as to rotate vertically around the pivot point. The frame 1 and the rotating frame are connected by a lifting cylinder, and the lifting cylinder is mounted so as to be operable by the control unit B to constitute the pulling and transporting device 17.

[0032] Furthermore, the pulling and conveying device 17 is provided with a vertical lifting device 18 that raises the stems and leaves of the carrots in front of it, a horizontal lifting device 19 that scoops up the stems and leaves raised by the vertical lifting device 18, a weed divider rod 20 provided at the front of the horizontal lifting device 19, a rotatable gauge wheel that prevents the pulling and conveying device 17 from going too far down, and a left-right vibrating soiler S that vibrates back and forth with the driving force of the engine 7 to loosen the soil on the left and right sides of the carrots in the soil.

[0033] Then, a tail-cutting device for cutting the root hairs of carrots being transported by the extraction and transport device 17 is installed below the extraction and transport passage R, thereby forming the harvesting section C.

[0034] With the above configuration, by providing a horizontal lifting device 19 equipped with a weed-dividing rod 20 on the front of the machine body and a vertical lifting device 18, harvesting can be performed while lifting the stems and leaves of carrots that have fallen over in the field. This improves the visibility of the carrots to be harvested, making it easier to align the pulling position, and reduces the amount of crop left behind, thus improving work efficiency.

[0035] Furthermore, since it prevents the carrots from being damaged by contact with the left-right vibrating Soiler S, the commercial value of the carrots is improved.

[0036] Furthermore, by connecting the machine frame 1 and a rotating frame that can rotate vertically with the left and right lateral axes as pivot points using a lifting cylinder, and by extending and retracting the lifting cylinder by operating the lifting operation lever 11 on the control unit B, the vertical height of the entire harvesting unit C can be adjusted by operating the lifting operation lever 11. This allows for vertical adjustment of the starting position of the pulling and conveying end of the harvesting unit C, and also allows for adjustment of the starting position of the pulling and conveying end to match the appropriate pulling height of the carrots planted in the field, thereby preventing carrots from being left behind and improving work efficiency.

[0037] Furthermore, raising the harvesting unit C during turning makes it less likely for the lower end of the harvesting unit C to come into contact with the field, resulting in smoother turning and improved work efficiency.

[0038] <Sorting and Conveying Section D> The sorting and conveying device 21 for sorting operations in the sorting and conveying section D is positioned in the left-right direction of the machine, from the rear and below the pull-out conveying device 17 of the harvesting section C toward the storage section E, which contains the flexible container bags that hold the carrots. It consists of a chain conveyor with slats at regular intervals that rotates using the driving force from the engine 7. When the carrots are transported with their stems and leaves held by the pull-out conveying device 17, the lower end of the stems and leaves (slightly above the top of the carrot) is cut off at the stem and leaf cutting section, causing the carrots to fall downwards. The falling carrots are then received by the remaining leaf processing section, where the remaining stems and leaves are processed and transported to the sorting and conveying section D. The sorting and conveying device 21 in the sorting and conveying section D then transports the carrots from their left end to their right (to the storage section E).

[0039] <Storage Area E> The storage section E is located to the right of the sorting and conveying device 21 and consists of a suspension hanger 25 that moves up and down and left and right by an operating arm 24 provided at the right end of the sorting and conveying device 21, and a mounting table 26 on which the flexible container bags suspended from the suspension hanger 25 are placed.

[0040] Figure 3 shows the operating arm 24, suspension hanger 25, and mounting platform 26 folded and stored inside the machine. During harvesting, the operating arm 24, suspension hanger 25, and mounting platform 26 are extended to the right side of the machine for operation.

[0041] The suspended hanger 25 moves up and down and left and right by an operating arm 24 provided at the right end of the sorting and conveying device 21.

[0042] The operating arm 24 consists of a base arm 24a, whose base is pivotally supported at the right end of the sorting and conveying device 21 so as to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the rear, but to a predetermined position when rotating clockwise, and whose tip extends upward to the right outer side of the machine body; a rotating arm 24b pivotally supported at the tip of the base arm 24a so as to be rotatable; and a rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c, which serves as a hydraulic actuator, disposed between the base arm 24a and the rotating arm 24b.

[0043] The rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c is operated by hydraulic pressure supplied by a hydraulic pump 30, which is mounted on the side wall of the engine 7 and will be described later.

[0044] The suspension hanger 25 is located at the tip of the rotating arm 24b. Above the mounting base 26, the four hooks 25a of the suspension hanger 25 are each hooked into the locking holes on the upper edge of the flexible container bag to suspend and support the flexible container bag.

[0045] A cross-shaped control lever is provided at the far right of the control panel 9. When the operator is in the field and facing the rear of the machine, operating the lever to the right extends the vertical electric cylinder, causing the sorting and conveying device 21 to rotate around the pivot shaft and rise. Operating the lever to the left retracts the vertical electric cylinder, causing the sorting and conveying device 21 to rotate around the pivot shaft and descend. Operating the lever towards the rear of the machine extends the rotation hydraulic cylinder 24c, causing the rotation arm 24b to rotate around the pivot shaft and open outwards to the right. Operating the lever towards the front of the machine retracts the rotation hydraulic cylinder 24c, causing the rotation arm 24b to rotate around the pivot shaft and close inwards to the left side of the machine.

[0046] <Hydraulic pump 30> The hydraulic pump 30 is mounted on the side wall of the engine 7 and draws oil from the oil tank to pump pressurized oil to the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c via a hydraulic valve operated by a cross-shaped lever.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the hydraulic pump 30 draws oil from the oil tank through an oil intake port 31a located at the bottom and pumps pressurized oil to the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c through an oil supply port 31b located at the top.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the hydraulic pump 30 has a first input shaft 31c on one side (left or right) that is driven and rotated by an electric motor 32 via an electric motor-side clutch 33a, and a second input shaft 31d on the other side (left or right) that is driven and rotated by an engine 7 via a gear case 34 and an engine-side clutch 33b.

[0049] The hydraulic pump 30 is located on the outside of the engine 7, with its first input shaft 31c and second input shaft 31d positioned parallel to the crankshaft 7a of the engine 7.

[0050] Furthermore, an electric motor-side clutch 33a and electric motor 32 are provided on the first input shaft 31c side of the hydraulic pump 30, and an engine-side clutch 33b and gear case 34 are provided on the second input shaft 31d side of the hydraulic pump 30.

[0051] Therefore, on the outside of the engine 7, the electric motor 32, the electric motor-side clutch 33a, the hydraulic pump 30, the engine-side clutch 33b, and the gear case 34 are arranged in a straight line parallel to the crankshaft 7a.

[0052] The electric motor-side clutch 33a and the engine-side clutch 33b are each switched on and off by electromagnetic solenoids. Specifically, the electric motor-side clutch 33a and the engine-side clutch 33b are switched on and off by the operation of their respective electromagnetic solenoids, controlled by a control device 40 located inside the outer cover below the control panel 9.

[0053] When the electric motor clutch 33a is engaged and the engine clutch 33b is disengaged, the hydraulic pump 30 is driven by the electric motor 32.

[0054] When the engine-side clutch 33b is engaged and the electric motor-side clutch 33a is disengaged, the hydraulic pump 30 is driven by the engine 7.

[0055] When the control device 40 detects that the gear shift lever 10 is being operated in forward or reverse direction, or that the parking brake has been released (i.e., when it detects that the machine is in a working state of moving forward or backward), the control device 40 engages the engine-side clutch 33b and disengages the electric motor-side clutch 33a, and drives the hydraulic pump 30 with the engine 7.

[0056] In this case, since engine 7 is running, the generator 35 attached to engine 7 generates electricity while harvesting is being carried out, and the electricity is stored in the battery.

[0057] When the control device 40 detects that the gear shift lever 10 is in the neutral position or that the parking brake is applied (i.e., when it detects that the machine is stationary), the control device 40 stops the engine 7, disengages the engine-side clutch 33b, engages the electric motor-side clutch 33a, and drives the hydraulic pump 30 with the electric motor 32.

[0058] In other words, when the machine is stopped and the cross-directional control lever is operated to activate the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c and lower the flexible container bag to the right outer side of the mounting platform 26, the engine 7 is stopped to save energy, and the hydraulic pump 30 is driven by the electric motor 32.

[0059] Therefore, when performing work by moving the machine forward or backward, the engine 7 is running, so the engine-side clutch 33b is engaged and the hydraulic pump 30 is driven by the driving force of the engine 7. In addition, the hydraulic pump 30 may be configured to operate other hydraulic cylinders, such as hydraulic cylinders for left and right horizontal operation, if a left and right horizontal control mechanism is provided in addition to the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c.

[0060] Furthermore, when the machine is stopped and only the operation of hydraulic cylinders such as the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c is performed (low-power operation), the engine 7 is stopped, the electric motor-side clutch 33a is engaged, and the hydraulic pump 30 is driven by the driving force of the electric motor 32. Thus, energy-saving operation can be performed with the engine 7 stopped.

[0061] Furthermore, the hydraulic pump 30 can be driven by the electric motor 32 and the engine 7 using the electric motor-side clutch 33a and the engine-side clutch 33b, which allows for miniaturization.

[0062] Furthermore, when the engine 7 is stopped and the electric motor clutch 33a is engaged to drive the hydraulic pump 30 with the driving force of the electric motor 32, the control device 40 sets the electric motor 32 to a low normal rotation speed, supplies a constant power to the hydraulic pump 30 to set the hydraulic pressure as the reference pressure, and increases the rotational speed of the electric motor 32 to reach a predetermined hydraulic pressure by sending a command signal to operate the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c.

[0063] Therefore, energy-saving operation can be achieved by applying a reference pressure to the electric motor 32 at a low normal rotation speed and increasing the rotation speed as needed.

[0064] Furthermore, even if the control device 40 receives a command signal to stop the rotational hydraulic cylinder 24c, it may keep the rotational speed of the electric motor 32 increased for a predetermined time (several seconds) to improve the response when the rotational hydraulic cylinder 24c operates intermittently.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, the engine 7 is equipped with a starter motor 36 for starting the engine 7.

[0066] When the control device 40 changes from a state in which the hydraulic pump 30 is driven by the electric motor 32 to a state in which the hydraulic pump 30 is driven by the engine 7, it activates the starter motor 36 to start the engine 7.

[0067] Furthermore, when the battery level becomes low, the control device 40 operates the starter motor 36 to start the engine 7 in order to generate electricity with the generator 35 and store it in the battery.

[0068] When operating the starter motor 36 to start the engine 7, the control device 40 restricts the operation of the starter motor 36 unless the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged. In other words, the control device 40 allows the starter motor 36 to operate only when the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged, and when the engine-side clutch 33b is engaged, it activates an electromagnetic solenoid to disengage the engine-side clutch 33b before operating the starter motor 36.

[0069] Therefore, when the starter motor 36 is operating, the engine-side clutch 33b is disengaged and the hydraulic pump 30 is not driven, thus preventing power loss.

[0070] Furthermore, by providing a brake mechanism to the electric motor 32 or a backflow prevention check valve to the hydraulic pump 30, reverse rotation of the electric motor 32 when it stops rotating is prevented, or reverse rotation does not cause any problems.

[0071] Furthermore, when the control device 40 drives the hydraulic pump 30 with the engine 7, the electric motor-side clutch 33a may remain engaged, and when the engine 7 drives the hydraulic pump 30, the engine 7 drives and rotates the electric motor 32, so that the electric motor 32 also functions as an alternator. In this case, if the battery charge level is sufficient, the electric motor-side clutch 33a may be disengaged to reduce the load.

[0072] <Carrot harvesting work> First, the operator activates the starter motor 36 with the main switch to start the engine 7, operates the lifting lever 11 to raise the harvesting unit C, operates the gear shift lever 10 to move to the beginning of the furrow where the carrots are planted, and then sets the gear shift lever 10 to the neutral position and applies the parking brake.

[0073] Then, the control device 40 stops the engine 7, disengages the engine-side clutch 33b, engages the electric motor-side clutch 33a, and drives the hydraulic pump 30 with the electric motor 32.

[0074] Then, the operating arm 24, the suspension hanger 25, and the mounting platform 26 are deployed to the right side of the machine in an operational state, and the cross-shaped operating lever is operated to lower the sorting and conveying device 21 to its lowest position with the rotating arm 24b closed inward on the left side of the machine.

[0075] At this time, the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c is operated by a hydraulic pump 30 driven by an electric motor 32.

[0076] Then, the locking holes on the upper edge of the flexible container bag are hooked onto each hook 25a of the hanging hanger 25, and the flexible container bag is suspended so that the bottom of the flexible container bag is supported by the mounting base 26.

[0077] Then, the operator, seated in the cockpit 8, activates the starter motor 36 to start the engine 7, releases the parking brake, and operates the gear shift lever 10 to the forward position to move the carrot harvester forward. After aligning the front end of the pull-out conveying path R of the pull-out conveying device 17 of the harvesting unit C with the carrot rows in the field, the operator operates the lifting lever 11 to lower the harvesting unit C, engages the digging clutch to drive each part and move forward. The weed divider 20, vertical lifting device 18, and horizontal lifting device 19 then rake up the carrot stems and leaves, which are then held in place by the pull-out conveying path R of the pull-out conveying device 17. The left and right vibrating soil S loosens the soil on the sides and below the carrots, and the carrots are held in place by the pull-out conveying device 17, pulled out, and transported upward and rearward.

[0078] At this time, the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c is operated by a hydraulic pump 30 driven by the engine 7.

[0079] Then, the carrots, which have been transported with their stems and leaves held by the extraction and transport device 17, are cut at the lower end of their stems and leaves (slightly above the top of the carrot) by the stem and leaf cutting section, and the carrots fall downwards. The falling carrots are then received by the remaining leaf processing section, where the remaining stems and leaves are processed and the carrots are transported to the sorting and transport section D. The carrots are then transported from their left end to their right (to the storage section E) by the sorting and transport device 21 in the sorting and transport section D.

[0080] Then, an operator seated in an auxiliary work seat at the rear of the sorting and conveying device 21 removes carrots that are not suitable for sale (small carrots or oddly shaped carrots) from among the carrots being sent by the sorting and conveying device 21, and only carrots with commercial value are sent to the storage section E.

[0081] The carrots that have been sent to the right end by the sorting and conveying device 21 fall into the flexible container bags suspended from each hook 25a of the hanging hanger 25 at the right end of the sorting and conveying device 21 and are stored there.

[0082] As the amount of carrots stored in the flexible container bag increases, the worker seated in the auxiliary work seat presses the lift switch to extend the electric cylinder for vertical movement, which rotates the sorting and conveying device 21 around the pivot shaft and raises it sequentially.

[0083] Then, once the sorting and conveying device 21 is rotated around its pivot shaft and raised until the flexible container bag is full of carrots, the operator moves the gear shift lever 10 to the neutral position and applies the parking brake to stop the vehicle.

[0084] At this time, the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c is operated by a hydraulic pump 30 driven by an electric motor 32.

[0085] The worker seated in the auxiliary work seat moves away from the auxiliary work seat, gets out onto the field, stands near the right end of the control panel 9, and operates the cross-directional control lever while facing the rear of the machine.

[0086] First, the cross-shaped control lever is operated to the right to extend the vertical electric cylinder, raising the sorting and conveying device 21 to its highest position and lifting the flexible container bags onto the mounting platform 26.

[0087] Then, by operating the cross-shaped control lever towards the rear of the machine, the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c is extended, and the rotating arm 24b is rotated around the pivot axis and opened to the right and outward, moving the flexible container bag to the right and outward side of the mounting platform 26.

[0088] Then, by operating the cross-directional control lever to the left, the electric cylinder for vertical movement is retracted, lowering the sorting and conveying device 21 to its lowest position and lowering the flexible container bags into the field.

[0089] Then, the hooks 25a of the suspension hanger 25 are detached from the locking holes on the upper edge of the flexible container bag, the cross-shaped operating lever is operated to return the sorting and conveying device 21 to its lowest position with the first rotating arm 24b closed inward on the left side of the machine, the locking holes on the upper edge of the empty flexible container bag are hooked onto the hooks 25a of the suspension hanger 25 to suspend the flexible container bag so that the bottom of the flexible container bag is supported on the mounting platform 26, and then the operator sits down in the auxiliary work seat.

[0090] Then, the various parts are driven in the same manner as described above to move the machine forward and resume harvesting.

[0091] <Other Embodiments>

[0092] (1) Instead of the electric motor side clutch 33a and the engine side clutch 33b in the above embodiment, one-way clutches may be provided in the same positions.

[0093] Specifically, the electric motor 32 drives the hydraulic pump 30 via a one-way clutch, and the engine 7 drives the hydraulic pump 30 via a gear case 34 and a one-way clutch.

[0094] Therefore, when the engine 7 is stopped, the electric motor 32 drives the hydraulic pump 30 via a one-way clutch, and the drive from the hydraulic pump 30 to the engine 7 is cut off by a one-way clutch installed between the engine 7 and the hydraulic pump 30.

[0095] Furthermore, when engine 7 is running, the hydraulic pump 30 is driven from engine 7 via a one-way clutch, and the drive from the hydraulic pump 30 to the electric motor 32 is cut off by a one-way clutch installed between the electric motor 32 and the hydraulic pump 30.

[0096] Therefore, when the electric motor 32 is operating, power is only transmitted to the hydraulic pump 30, and no power is transmitted to the engine 7, thus preventing power loss. Also, when the engine 7 is operating, power is only transmitted to the hydraulic pump 30, and no power is transmitted to the electric motor 32, thus preventing power loss.

[0097] (2) In the embodiment described in (1) above, the electric motor 32 is set to a low normal rotation speed, a constant power is supplied to the hydraulic pump 30 to set the hydraulic pressure as the reference pressure, and the control device 40 operates the engine 7 in response to a command signal to operate the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c, so that the power from the engine 7 reaches a predetermined hydraulic pressure.

[0098] Therefore, the electric motor 32 is used to maintain the reference pressure of the hydraulic pump 30, and the engine 7 is used to increase the rotational speed of the hydraulic pump 30 to a predetermined hydraulic pressure that operates the rotating hydraulic cylinder 24c, thereby enabling responsive and energy-saving operation. In addition, the electric motor 32 can be smaller and less expensive. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 7 Engine 24c Hydraulic Actuator (Rotating Hydraulic Cylinder) 30 Hydraulic pumps 31c Input axis (1st input axis) 31d Input axis (second input axis) 32 Electric motors 33a Electric motor side clutch 33b Engine-side clutch 35 Generators 36 Starter motor 40 Control device

Claims

1. In a work vehicle equipped with a hydraulic pump (30) that operates a hydraulic actuator (24c) by supplying pressurized oil, the hydraulic pump (30) is provided with two input shafts (31c, 31d), The configuration is such that power is input to one input shaft (31c) from an electric motor (32) via an electric motor-side clutch (33a), and power is input to the other input shaft (31d) from an engine (7) via an engine-side clutch (33b). The engine (7) is an engine having a crankshaft (7a), The hydraulic pump (30) is mounted on the side wall of the engine (7). One input shaft (31c) and the other input shaft (31d) are arranged parallel to the crankshaft (7a) of the engine (7). The electric motor (32), the electric motor-side clutch (33a), the hydraulic pump (30), and the engine-side clutch (33b) are arranged in a straight line parallel to the crankshaft (7a) of the engine (7). When the control device (40) detects that the machine is in an operating state, either moving forward or backward, it engages the engine-side clutch (33b) and disengages the electric motor-side clutch (33a), and drives the hydraulic pump (30) with the engine (7). A work vehicle characterized in that, upon detecting that the machine is stationary, the control device (40) stops the engine (7), disengages the engine-side clutch (33b), engages the electric motor-side clutch (33a), and drives the hydraulic pump (30) with the electric motor (32).

2. The work vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric motor (32) is set to a low normal rotation speed, a constant power is supplied to the hydraulic pump (30) to set the hydraulic pressure as a reference pressure, and a control device (40) is provided that increases the rotation speed of the electric motor (32) to reach a predetermined hydraulic pressure in response to a command signal that operates the hydraulic actuator (24c).

3. In a work vehicle equipped with a hydraulic pump (30) that operates a hydraulic actuator (24c) by supplying pressurized oil, the hydraulic pump (30) is provided with two input shafts (31c, 31d), The configuration involves inputting power from an electric motor (32) to one input shaft (31c) via a one-way clutch, and inputting power from an engine (7) to the other input shaft (31d) via a one-way clutch. The engine (7) is an engine having a crankshaft (7a), The hydraulic pump (30) is mounted on the side wall of the engine (7). One input shaft (31c) and the other input shaft (31d) are arranged parallel to the crankshaft (7a) of the engine (7). The electric motor (32), the one-way clutch on the electric motor side, the hydraulic pump (30), and the one-way clutch on the engine side are arranged in a straight line parallel to the crankshaft (7a) of the engine (7). When the control device (40) detects that the machine is in a forward or reverse operating state, it engages the one-way clutch on the engine side and disengages the one-way clutch on the electric motor side, and drives the hydraulic pump (30) with the engine (7). A work vehicle characterized in that, upon detecting that the machine is stationary, the control device (40) stops the engine (7), disengages the one-way clutch on the engine side, engages the one-way clutch on the electric motor side, and drives the hydraulic pump (30) with the electric motor (32).

4. The work vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the electric motor (32) is set to a low normal rotation speed, a constant power is supplied to the hydraulic pump (30) to set the hydraulic pressure as a reference pressure, and a control device (40) is provided that causes the hydraulic actuator (24c) to be activated by a command signal so that the power from the engine (7) is used to reach a predetermined hydraulic pressure.

5. The work vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when changing from a state in which the hydraulic pump (30) is driven by an electric motor (32) to a state in which the hydraulic pump (30) is driven by an engine (7), a control device (40) is provided that restricts the operation of the starter motor (36) that starts the engine (7) unless the engine-side clutch (33b) is disengaged.

6. A work vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the battery capacity falls below a predetermined amount, a control device (40) is provided that restricts the operation of the starter motor (36) unless the engine-side clutch (33b) is disengaged, in order to start the engine (7) by operating the starter motor (36) in order to generate electricity with the generator (35) and store it in the battery.

7. The work vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that when the battery capacity falls below a predetermined amount, a control device (0) is provided that restricts the operation of the starter motor (36) unless the engine-side clutch (33b) is disengaged, in order to start the engine (7) by operating the starter motor (36) in order to generate electricity with the generator (35) and store it in the battery.

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