Work machine

Abstract

Provided is a work machine in which the height of the exterior of the work machine above a cooler can be reduced to improve visibility from a driver's seat.　A work machine (1) comprises: an engine (20); a cooling fan (22) that is driven by the engine (20); a cooler (radiator 23) that is disposed to face the cooling fan (22); and an air guide cylinder (33) that is disposed between the engine (20) and the cooler and guides cooling air generated by the driving of the cooling fan (22) from the cooler side toward the engine (20) side. The air guide cylinder (33) includes an inclined upper plate (33a) that is inclined upward from the cooler side toward the engine (20) side.

Description

Work machine

[0008] ,

[0007] , ,

[0006] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine such as a backhoe.

[0002] Conventionally, a work machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. The work machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an engine, a cooling fan driven by the engine, and a radiator (cooler) disposed opposite to the cooling fan. A radiator shroud for guiding cooling air is attached around the cooling fan.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication "Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-301956"

[0004] In the case of the above-described work machine, the upper plate of the radiator shroud is inclined downward from above the radiator toward the engine, and the height of the radiator shroud located above the radiator is increased. As a result, the height of the exterior of the work machine above the radiator also increases, resulting in a problem of reduced visibility from the driver's seat.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a work machine capable of reducing the height of the exterior of the work machine above the cooler and improving the visibility from the driver's seat.

[0006] A work machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a prime mover, a cooling fan driven by the prime mover, a cooler disposed opposite to the cooling fan, and a wind guide cylinder disposed between the prime mover and the cooler for guiding the cooling air generated by the drive of the cooling fan from the cooler side toward the prime mover side. The wind guide cylinder has an inclined upper plate at the upper part of the wind guide cylinder, which is inclined upward from the cooler side toward the prime mover side.

[0007] According to the work machine of the present invention, since the wind guide cylinder disposed between the prime mover and the cooler has an inclined upper plate that is inclined upward from the cooler side toward the prime mover side, the height of the wind guide cylinder on the cooler side can be reduced. As a result, the height of the exterior above the cooler can be reduced, and the visibility from the driver's seat can be improved.

[0008] This is a right side view of the work machine. This is a front view of the work machine. This is a top view of the work machine. This is a side view showing the prime mover and cooler arranged in the engine chamber. This is an enlarged side view of the main part of Figure 4. This is a top view showing the cooling fan, duct, and cooler. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 6. This is a perspective view showing the cooling fan, duct, and cooler. This is a perspective view showing the shroud and duct separately. This is a perspective view showing the first cylindrical part, the first mounting plate, and the duct separately. This is a perspective view showing the shroud and duct and the cooler separately. This is a perspective view showing the shroud and duct, the radiator, the oil cooler, and the fuel cooler separately. This is a side view illustrating the airflow inside the engine chamber. This is a top view showing the cooling fan, duct (with inclined side plates), and cooler. This is a side view showing the cooler positioned at an angle to match the inclination of the inclined upper plate of the air guide.

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with appropriate reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a backhoe, which is a slewing work machine, is exemplified as the work machine 1. However, the work machine 1 is not limited to a backhoe.

[0010] Figure 1 is a right side view of the work machine 1. Figure 2 is a front view of the work machine 1. Figure 3 is a top view of the work machine 1. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the work machine 1 comprises a machine body (turntable) 2, a traveling device 3, and a work device 4. Note that in Figure 2, a part of the work device 4 is omitted, and in Figure 3, the work device 4 is omitted.

[0011] The machine body 2 is equipped with a driver's seat 7 in which the operator sits, and a cabin 8 which is a driver's seat protector that protects the driver's seat 7. In the following explanation, the direction towards the front of the operator seated in the driver's seat 7 of the work machine 1 (arrow A1 direction) will be referred to as the front, and the direction towards the rear of the operator (arrow A2 direction) will be referred to as the rear. The direction towards the left of the operator (arrow B1 direction) will be referred to as the left, and the direction towards the right of the operator (arrow B2 direction) will be referred to as the right. The horizontal direction (left-right direction), which is perpendicular to the front-rear direction K1, will be referred to as the machine body width direction K2.

[0012] The running gear 3 is a crawler-type running gear that supports the machine body 2 so that it can move. The running gear 3 has a left running gear 3L that supports the lower left part of the machine body 2 and a right running gear 3R that supports the lower right part of the machine body 2. In this embodiment, a crawler-type running gear 3 is used, but the running gear 3 is not limited to this, and a wheel-type running gear or the like may also be used. A dozer device 9 is mounted on the front of the running gear 3.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the aircraft body 2 is supported on the running gear 3 via a slewing bearing 10 so as to be able to rotatably around a slewing axis X1, which is an axis extending in the vertical direction. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cabin 8 is mounted to the left of the center of the aircraft body 2 in the left-right direction (aircraft width direction) and in front of the center of the aircraft body 2 in the front-rear direction.

[0014] The front of the machine body 2 is provided with a support bracket 14 and a swing bracket 15 that support the work device 4. The support bracket 14 is provided so as to protrude forward from the machine body 2. The swing bracket 15 is attached to the front of the support bracket 14 so as to be able to swing around a vertical axis (an axis that extends in the vertical direction).

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the working device 4 is mounted on the front of the machine body 2. The working device 4 has a boom 16, an arm 17, and a bucket 18. The base of the boom 16 is pivotally attached to the upper part of the swing bracket 15 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis (an axis extending in the machine body width direction K2). The arm 17 is pivotally attached to the tip side of the boom 16 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis. The bucket 18 is provided on the tip side of the arm 17 so as to be able to perform scooping and dumping operations.

[0016] The work device 4 can be fitted with other work tools (hydraulic attachments) that can be driven by a hydraulic actuator, either in place of or in addition to the bucket 18. Examples of other work tools include hydraulic breakers, hydraulic crushers, angle brooms, earth augers, pallet forks, sweepers, mowers, snow blowers, and the like.

[0017] The swing bracket 15 is made swingable by the extension and retraction of the swing cylinder C1. The boom 16 is made swingable by the extension and retraction of the boom cylinder C2. The arm 17 is made swingable by the extension and retraction of the arm cylinder C3. The bucket 18 is made capable of scooping and dumping operations by the extension and retraction of the bucket cylinder C4. The swing cylinder C1, boom cylinder C2, arm cylinder C3, and bucket cylinder C4 are composed of hydraulic cylinders (hydraulic actuators).

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the prime mover 20 is mounted on the right side of the aircraft body 2. The prime mover 20 is located in a prime mover chamber 21 provided on the right side of the aircraft body 2. The prime mover 20 is a diesel engine. The prime mover 20 may also be a gasoline engine or an electric motor, or it may be a hybrid type having both an engine and an electric motor.

[0019] A cooling fan 22 is attached to the front of the prime mover 20. The cooling fan 22 is driven by the prime mover 20. The cooling fan 22 generates cooling air that flows from outside the aircraft body 2 toward the prime mover 20. The cooling fan 22 is a suction-type fan that draws in air (outside air) from outside the aircraft body 2 and brings it into the prime mover chamber 21.

[0020] In front of the cooling fan 22 are the coolers (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25). The radiator 23, oil cooler 24, and fuel cooler 25 are integrated as a cooler unit 30 (see Figure 8).

[0021] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, "cooler" means "at least one of the radiator 23, oil cooler 24, and fuel cooler 25." Also, "cooler unit 30" means "a unit that integrates the radiator 23, oil cooler 24, and fuel cooler 25."

[0022] The radiator 23 is a cooler that cools the coolant that cools the prime mover 20. The oil cooler 24 is a cooler that cools the hydraulic fluid (hydraulic fluid returning from hydraulic actuators such as hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors) that drives the work device 4. The fuel cooler 25 is a cooler that cools the fuel. These coolers and the prime mover 20 are placed on a base plate (swivel base plate) 19 that constitutes the bottom of the machine body 2 and are cooled by the cooling air generated by the operation of the cooling fan 22.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the prime mover 20, cooling fan 22, and coolers (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25) are arranged in a line in the front-to-rear direction of the aircraft body 2. The radiator 23 is positioned opposite the cooling fan 22. The radiator 23 is positioned in front of the cooling fan 22. The oil cooler 24 is positioned in front of the radiator 23. The fuel cooler 25 is positioned in front of the radiator 23 (to the left front).

[0024] The work machine 1 is equipped with a bonnet that covers the motor chamber 21 in which the prime mover 20 is located. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the bonnet includes a first bonnet 51, a second bonnet 52, a third bonnet 53, and a fourth bonnet 54.

[0025] The first bonnet 51 covers the top of the engine compartment 21. The second bonnet 52 is positioned in front of the first bonnet 51 and covers the top and front of the engine compartment 21. The third bonnet 53 and the fourth bonnet 54 cover the side (right side) of the engine compartment 21.

[0026] In relation to the prime mover 20 and the cooler unit 30, the first bonnet 51 covers the top of the prime mover 20. The second bonnet 52 is positioned in front of the first bonnet 51 and covers the top and front of the cooler unit 30. The third bonnet 53 covers the side (right side) of the prime mover 20. The fourth bonnet 54 is positioned in front of the third bonnet 53 and covers the side (right side) of the cooler unit 30.

[0027] The bonnet is provided with an opening for taking in outside air into the engine compartment 21. The opening includes a first opening 61 provided in the second bonnet 52 and a second opening 62 provided in the third bonnet 53. The first opening 61 is located in front of the cooler unit 30. The second opening 62 is located to the side (right) of the cooler unit 30. Mesh plates (not shown) are fitted into the first opening 61 and the second opening 62.

[0028] Figure 4 is a side view showing the prime mover 20 and cooling unit 30 (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25) arranged in the prime mover chamber 21. Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of the main part of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a plan view showing the cooling fan 22 and cooling unit 30. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the cooling fan 22 and cooling unit 30.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, an air guide tube 33 is provided between the prime mover 20 and the cooler (radiator 23). The air guide tube 33 guides the cooling air generated by the operation of the cooling fan 22 from the cooler side to the prime mover 20 side. The air guide tube 33 has a shroud 34 and a duct 37. The shroud 34 is positioned around the cooling fan 22. The duct 37 is positioned between the shroud 34 and the cooler (radiator 23). The duct 37 is connected to the shroud 34 and extends toward the cooler (radiator 23). The duct 37 is connected to the cooler (radiator 23).

[0030] As the duct 37 is positioned in this way, the shroud 34 and the cooler (radiator 23) are separated. As shown in Figure 5, the distance D1 between the shroud 34 (first cylindrical portion 35) and the cooler (radiator 23) (distance in the front-to-back direction) is greater than the thickness T1 of the core 23a of the radiator 23 (length in the front-to-back direction) (D1 > T1).

[0031] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the air guide tube 33 has an inclined upper plate 33a that slopes upward from the cooler (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25) side toward the prime mover 20 side. The inclined upper plate 33a is located at the top of the air guide tube 33. The upper surface of the inclined upper plate 33a constitutes the upper surface of the air guide tube 33. The inclined upper plate 33a has a first inclined upper plate 34a provided on the shroud 34 and a second inclined upper plate 37a provided on the duct 37. In other words, the inclined upper plate 33a is provided on both the shroud 34 and the duct 37. However, the inclined upper plate 33a only needs to be provided on at least one of the shroud 34 and the duct 37.

[0032] As described above, the air guide 33 positioned between the prime mover 20 and the cooler has an inclined upper plate 33a that slopes upward from the cooler side toward the prime mover 20 side, thereby reducing the height of the air guide 33 on the cooler side. This allows for a reduction in the height of the exterior (bonnet) above the cooler (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25). Specifically, the height of the second bonnet 52 above the cooler can be reduced. This improves the visibility to the right front of the operator seated in the driver's seat 7. It also increases the design freedom of the exterior (bonnet shape design) of the work machine 1.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the air guide tube 33 has an inclined lower plate 33b that slopes upward from the cooler (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25) side toward the prime mover 20 side. The lower surface of the inclined lower plate 33b constitutes the lower surface of the air guide tube 33. The inclined lower plate 33b has a first inclined lower plate 34b provided on the shroud 34 and a second inclined lower plate 37b provided on the duct 37. In other words, the inclined lower plate 33b is provided on both the shroud 34 and the duct 37. However, the inclined lower plate 33b only needs to be provided on at least one of the shroud 34 and the duct 37.

[0034] The air guide tube 33 has an inclined lower plate 33b that slopes upward from the cooler side toward the prime mover 20 side, in addition to the inclined upper plate 33a. This allows the cooling air to flow smoothly diagonally upward from the cooler side toward the prime mover 20 side without reducing the amount of cooling air flowing through the air guide tube 33. This improves the cooling effect of the prime mover 20.

[0035] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the shroud 34 has a first cylindrical portion 35 and a first mounting plate 36. The first cylindrical portion 35 surrounds the cooling fan 22. The first cylindrical portion 35 has a first upper plate 35a positioned above the cooling fan 22, a first lower plate 35b positioned below the cooling fan 22, and first side plates 35c positioned to the sides (left and right) of the cooling fan 22. The first upper plate 35a is a first inclined upper plate 34a. The first lower plate 35b is a first inclined lower plate 34b.

[0036] As shown in Figure 10, the first mounting plate 36 is a plate having an opening 36a. The size of the opening 36a corresponds to the size of the openings of the first cylindrical portion 35 and the duct 37. The first mounting plate 36 is provided with a mounting portion 36b having a screw hole. The first cylindrical portion 35 is provided with a mounting portion 35d having a through hole. By inserting a bolt BL1 through the through hole of the mounting portion 35d and screwing it into the screw hole of the mounting portion 36b, the first mounting plate 36 is connected and integrated with the first cylindrical portion 35. The first mounting plate 36 is positioned around the first cylindrical portion 35 in an integrated state with the first cylindrical portion 35 (see Figure 9).

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, the duct 37 has a second cylindrical portion 38 and a second mounting plate 39. The second cylindrical portion 38 has a second upper plate 38a, a second lower plate 38b, and a second side plate 38c. The second upper plate 38a is a second inclined upper plate 37a. The second lower plate 38b is a second inclined lower plate 37b.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the second cylindrical portion 38 is positioned in front of the first cylindrical portion 35 via the first mounting plate 36. As a result, the second upper plate 38a (second inclined upper plate 37a) is positioned in front of and below the first upper plate 35a (first inclined upper plate 34a) via the first mounting plate 36. The second lower plate 38b (second inclined lower plate 37b) is positioned in front of and below the first lower plate 35b (first inclined lower plate 34b) via the first mounting plate 36. The second side plate 38c is positioned in front of and below the first side plate 35c via the first mounting plate 36.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, the height of the rear end of the second inclined upper plate 37a is approximately the same as the height of the front end of the first inclined upper plate 34a. The height of the rear end of the second inclined lower plate 37b is approximately the same as the height of the front end of the first inclined lower plate 34b. The inclination of the lower surface of the second inclined upper plate 37a is on the extension of the inclination of the lower surface of the first inclined upper plate 34a. The inclination of the upper surface of the second inclined lower plate 37b is on the extension of the inclination of the upper surface of the first inclined lower plate 34b.

[0040] As shown in Figure 9, the second mounting plate 39 of the duct 37 is attached to the first mounting plate 36 of the shroud 34. The second mounting plate 39 is provided around the second cylindrical portion 38. The upper part of the first mounting plate 36 is provided with a first mounting portion 36c that protrudes forward. The upper part of the second mounting plate 39 is provided with a second mounting portion 39a that protrudes upward. The second mounting plate 39 of the duct 37 is attached to the first mounting plate 36 of the shroud 34 by connecting the first mounting portion 36c and the second mounting portion 39a with a bolt BL2.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the radiator 23 is attached to the second mounting plate 39 of the duct 37. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second mounting plate 39 has a projection 39b that protrudes forward. By inserting this projection 39b into an insertion hole formed in the mounting portion 23c provided on the radiator 23, the radiator 23 is attached to the second mounting plate 39 of the duct 37.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 5, 8, 11, and 12, the oil cooler 24 is attached to the radiator 23. The oil cooler 24 is supported by a support bracket 40. The support bracket 40 has a first portion 41 that fixes the oil cooler 24 to the upper surface of the substrate 19 and a second portion 42 that attaches the oil cooler 24 to the radiator 23.

[0043] The first portion 41 is provided with a fixing portion 41a that is fixed to the upper surface of the substrate 19. The second portion 42 is provided with a connection portion 42a that is connected to the radiator 23. By connecting the connection portion 42a to the radiator 23 with bolts, the oil cooler 24 is attached to the radiator 23 via the support bracket 40.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the core surfaces 23b of the radiator 23 are arranged facing forward and backward. One core surface 23b is arranged facing the cooling fan 22 side, and the other core surface 23b is arranged facing the oil cooler 24 side. The vertical center CL1 of the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 is located below the axis 22b of the rotation axis 22a of the cooling fan 22. The upper end of the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 is located below the upper end of the cooling fan 22. The upper end of the oil cooler 24 is located below the upper end of the cooling fan 22.

[0045] In this way, by positioning the upper ends of the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 and the upper end of the oil cooler 24 below the upper end of the cooling fan 22, the inclined upper plate 33a of the air guide cylinder 33 can be inclined upward from a position above the upper ends of the core surface 23b and the upper end of the oil cooler 24 toward above the cooling fan 22. Thereby, the cooling air flowing below the inclined upper plate 33a can be surely passed through the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 and the oil cooler 24.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the flow of cooling air in the engine room 21. In FIG. 13, the flow of cooling air is indicated by arrows. When the cooling fan 22 is driven (rotated) by the engine 20, the air (outside air) outside the engine room 21 is taken into the engine room 21 through the openings (first opening 61, second opening 62) provided in the bonnet (second bonnet 52, third bonnet 53) (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The outside air taken into the engine room 21 passes through the coolers (fuel cooler 25, oil cooler 24, radiator 23), and then flows toward the engine 20 through the inside of the air duct 33 (duct 37, shroud 34).

[0047] At this time, since the air duct 33 has an inclined upper plate 33a and an inclined lower plate 33b, the cooling air flowing in the air duct 33 flows obliquely upward (rearward and upward) toward the engine 20. As a result, the cooling air passing through the air duct 33 easily flows above the engine 20. Therefore, in the engine room 21, the amount of cooling air flowing above the engine 20 increases, and the amount of cooling air flowing below the engine 20 decreases. Thereby, the balance of the amount of cooling air in consideration of the temperature balance in the engine room 21 (such as heat accumulation at the upper part of the engine room 21) is improved, and the cooling efficiency of the engine 20 is enhanced.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the center CL2 in the left-right direction of the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 (see FIGS. 5, 7, and 12) is arranged to the left of the axis 22b of the rotation axis 22a of the cooling fan 22. Thereby, the center CL2 in the left-right direction of the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 is arranged at a position closer to the center in the left-right direction (body width direction) of the vehicle body 2 than the axis 22b of the rotation axis 22a of the cooling fan 22.

[0049] Thereby, in front of the engine 20, it is prevented that the radiator 23 protrudes more to the right than the engine 20. Therefore, in front of the engine 20, the height of the right part of the bonnet (the right front part of the second bonnet 52) can be reduced. Thereby, the visibility of the right front of the operator sitting on the driver's seat 7 of the cabin 8 can be improved.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the side plate 33c of the air guide tube 33 extends in the front-rear direction. However, as shown in Figure 14, the side plate 33c of the air guide tube 33 may be an inclined plate that moves to the left as you move from the prime mover 20 side towards the cooler (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25) side. In other words, the air guide tube 33 may have an inclined side plate 33c that moves towards the center in the left-right direction (width direction of the aircraft body) of the aircraft body 2 as you move from the prime mover 20 side towards the cooler side.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 14, the second side plate 38c of the second cylindrical portion 38 of the duct 37 is an inclined side plate 33c, but the first side plate 35c of the first cylindrical portion 35 of the shroud 34 may be an inclined side plate 33c, or both the first side plate 35c and the second side plate 38c may be inclined side plates 33c.

[0052] Furthermore, the air guide tube 33 may have both an inclined upper plate 33a and an inclined side plate 33c, or it may have all three: an inclined upper plate 33a, an inclined lower plate 33b, and an inclined side plate 33c.

[0053] As shown in Figure 15, the coolers (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25) may be positioned at an angle matching the inclination of the inclined upper plate 33a of the air guide 33. In this case, the vertical line L1 with respect to the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 is parallel to the inclined upper plate 33a of the air guide 33. Also, the vertical line L1 is inclined with respect to the axis 22b of the rotation axis 22a of the cooling fan 22. By positioning the coolers at an angle in this way, the coolers are positioned perpendicular to the direction of the cooling airflow passing through the air guide 33, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the coolers by the cooling air.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment of the work machine 1, the air guide tube 33 is composed of a shroud 34 and a duct 37, but the air guide tube 33 may consist only of a shroud 34. In other words, the air guide tube 33 may not have a duct 37. In this case, the inclined upper plate 33a of the air guide tube 33 will consist only of the first inclined upper plate 34a, and the inclined lower plate 33b will consist only of the first inclined lower plate 34b. In this case, the coolers (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25) will be positioned further back (towards the prime mover 20) by the length of the duct 37 in the front-rear direction compared to the arrangement shown in Figure 5.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment of the work machine 1, the radiator 23 and the oil cooler 24 are arranged side by side in the direction in which the axis 22b of the rotation shaft 22a of the cooling fan 22 extends (front-to-back direction). However, the radiator 23 and the oil cooler 24 may be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the axis 22b extends (left-to-right direction). In this case, the cooling fan 22 is arranged facing the radiator 23 and the oil cooler 24. Also, the duct 37 is arranged between the shroud 34 and the radiator 23 and the oil cooler 24.

[0056] Furthermore, although the implement 1 in the above-described embodiment has the prime mover 20 mounted on the right side of the machine body 2, the prime mover 20 may also be mounted on the rear of the machine body 2. In this case, the prime mover 20, the cooling fan 22, and the coolers (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25) are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (machine width direction) of the machine body 2. The cooling fan 22 is positioned to the left or right of the prime mover 20.

[0057] When the cooling fan 22 is positioned to the left of the prime mover 20, the cooling fan 22 generates cooling air that flows from left to right across the aircraft body 2. In this case, an opening for taking in outside air is provided in the outer cover 55 (see Figure 3) at the left rear of the aircraft body 2. When the cooling fan 22 is positioned to the right of the prime mover 20, the cooling fan 22 generates cooling air that flows from right to left across the aircraft body 2. In this case, an opening for taking in outside air is provided in the outer cover 56 (see Figure 3) at the right rear of the aircraft body 2.

[0058] When the above-mentioned prime mover 20 is mounted at the rear of the aircraft body 2, the height of the exterior cover above the cooler can also be reduced by providing an inclined upper plate 33a on the air guide tube 33. Specifically, the height of the exterior cover 55 on the left rear or the exterior cover 56 on the right rear of the aircraft body 2 can be reduced. This makes it possible to improve the visibility to the left rear or right rear of the operator seated in the cockpit 7.

[0059] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a work machine 1 as described in the following items.

[0060] (Item 1) A work machine 1 comprising a prime mover 20, a cooling fan 22 driven by the prime mover 20, a cooler (radiator 23) positioned opposite the cooling fan 22, and an air guide tube 33 positioned between the prime mover 20 and the cooler to guide the cooling air generated by the operation of the cooling fan 22 from the cooler side toward the prime mover 20 side, wherein the air guide tube 33 has an inclined upper plate 33a at the top of the air guide tube 33 that slopes upward toward the cooler side toward the prime mover 20 side.

[0061] With this work machine 1, the air guide 33 positioned between the prime mover 20 and the cooler (radiator 23) has an inclined upper plate 33a that slopes upward from the cooler side toward the prime mover 20 side, thereby reducing the height of the air guide 33 on the cooler side. This allows for a lower height of the exterior above the cooler, improving the visibility for the operator seated in the driver's seat 7. Furthermore, it increases the design freedom of the exterior (bonnet) of the work machine 1.

[0062] (Item 2) The work machine 1 according to Item 1, wherein the air guide tube 33 has a shroud 34 arranged around the cooling fan 22 and a duct 37 connected to the shroud 34 and extending toward the cooler side, and the inclined upper plate 33a is provided on at least one of the shroud 34 and the duct 37.

[0063] With this work machine 1, by providing the inclined upper plate 33a on at least one of the shroud 34 and the duct 37, the height of the exterior of the work machine 1 above at least one of the shroud 34 and the duct 37 can be reduced.

[0064] (Item 3) The work machine 1 described in Item 2, wherein the inclined upper plate 33a is provided on both the shroud 34 and the duct 37.

[0065] With this work machine 1, by providing the inclined upper plate 33a on both the shroud 34 and the duct 37, the height of the exterior of the work machine 1 above both the shroud 34 and the duct 37 can be reduced. This makes it possible to more reliably improve the visibility of the operator seated in the driver's seat 7.

[0066] (Item 4) The work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the air guide tube 33 has an inclined lower plate 33b that slopes upward from the cooler side toward the prime mover 20 side.

[0067] According to this work machine 1, the air guide tube 33 has an inclined lower plate 33b that is inclined upward from the cooler side toward the prime mover 20 side, in addition to the inclined upper plate 33a. This allows the cooling air flowing through the air guide tube 33 to flow smoothly diagonally upward from the cooler (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25) side toward the prime mover 20 side, thereby improving the cooling effect of the prime mover 20.

[0068] (Item 5) The work machine 1 according to any one of Items 1 to 4, wherein the cooler includes a radiator 23 for cooling the coolant of the prime mover 20 and an oil cooler 24 for cooling the hydraulic fluid that drives the work device, and the upper end of the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 and the upper end of the oil cooler 24 are located below the upper end of the cooling fan 22.

[0069] With this work machine 1, the inclined upper plate 33a of the air guide tube 33 can be positioned at an upward inclination from a position above the upper end of the core surface 23b and the upper end of the oil cooler 24, toward the cooling fan 22. This makes it possible to reduce the height of the air guide tube 33 on the cooler side. In addition, the cooling air flowing below the inclined upper plate 33a can be reliably passed to the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 and the oil cooler 24.

[0070] (Item 6) A work machine 1 according to any one of Items 1 to 5, comprising a machine body 2 on which the prime mover 20 is mounted, wherein the prime mover 20, the cooling fan 22, and the coolers (radiator 23, oil cooler 24, fuel cooler 25) are arranged in the front-rear direction of the machine body 2, the coolers include a radiator 23 for cooling the coolant of the prime mover 20, and the left-right center of the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 is positioned closer to the left-right center of the machine body 2 than the axis of the rotation axis 22a of the cooling fan 22.

[0071] With this work device 1, the radiator 23 is prevented from protruding outward in the lateral direction (away from the center of the machine in the lateral direction) in front of the prime mover 20. As a result, the height of the exterior of the work device 1 can be reduced in front of the prime mover 20 and outward in the lateral direction. This improves the visibility of the operator seated in the driver's seat 7 of the cabin 8.

[0072] (Item 7) The work machine 1 according to Item 6, wherein the air guide tube 33 has an inclined side plate 33c that moves toward the center in the left-right direction of the machine body 2 as it moves from the prime mover 20 side toward the cooler side.

[0073] According to this work machine 1, when the left-right center of the core surface 23b of the radiator 23 is located closer to the left-right center of the machine body 2 than the axis of the rotation shaft 22a of the cooling fan 22, the cooling air passing through the air guide tube 33 from the prime mover 20 side to the cooler side can be guided toward the left-right center of the core surface 23b.

[0074] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included.

[0075] 1. Working machine 20. Prime mover 22. Cooling fan 22a. Rotating shaft of cooling fan 23. Radiator (cooler) 23b. Core surface of radiator 24. Oil cooler (cooler) 33. Air guide 33a. Inclined upper plate 33b. Inclined lower plate 33c. Inclined side plate 34. Shroud 37. Duct

Claims

1. A work machine comprising: a prime mover; a cooling fan driven by the prime mover; a cooler positioned opposite the cooling fan; and an air guide cylinder positioned between the prime mover and the cooler, which guides the cooling air generated by the operation of the cooling fan from the cooler side toward the prime mover side, wherein the air guide cylinder has an inclined upper plate at its upper part that slopes upward toward the cooler side toward the prime mover side.

2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the air guide tube has a shroud disposed around the cooling fan and a duct connected to the shroud and extending toward the cooler, and the inclined upper plate is provided on at least one of the shroud and the duct.

3. The work machine according to claim 2, wherein the inclined upper plate is provided on both the shroud and the duct.

4. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the air guide tube has an inclined lower plate that slopes upward from the cooler side toward the prime mover side.

5. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the cooler includes a radiator for cooling the coolant of the prime mover and an oil cooler for cooling the hydraulic oil that drives the work device, and the upper end of the core surface of the radiator and the upper end of the oil cooler are located below the upper end of the cooling fan.

6. The work machine according to claim 1, comprising a body on which the prime mover is mounted, wherein the prime mover, the cooling fan and the cooler are arranged in a line in the front-rear direction of the body, the cooler includes a radiator for cooling the coolant of the prime mover, and the left-right center of the core surface of the radiator is positioned closer to the left-right center of the body than the axis of rotation of the cooling fan.

7. The work machine according to claim 6, wherein the air guide tube has inclined side plates that move toward the center in the left-right direction of the machine body as it moves from the prime mover side toward the cooler side.

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