JP4366345B2 - snowblower - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a snow removal machine that includes an engine-driven snow removal unit that performs snow removal work on a machine body, and that is configured to allow the machine body to run independently.

As a snowplow, a snowplow provided with a traveling unit that travels the airframe and a snow removal unit that is attached to the traveling unit so as to be movable up and down is practically used.
The practical snow remover was practically sufficient if the snow removal part was attached to the traveling part so that the snow removal height could be adjusted.

As such a snow removal machine, there is known one in which the snow removal unit is automatically raised only during backward operation of the machine body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 64-28416 (page 12, FIG. 4)

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a conventional basic configuration. A snow remover 230 includes a snow removal unit 234 that includes an auger 231, a blower 232, and a shooter 233, and is provided with an elevating device 235 that moves the snow removal unit 234 up and down. A first lifting link 236 having one end rotatably attached to the snow removal portion 234 and the other end rotatably attached to the traveling portion (not shown), and one end rotated to the snow removal portion 234. A second elevating link 237 that is freely attached and has the other end rotatably attached to the traveling portion side, a swing arm portion 238 that integrally extends from the second elevating link 237 and substantially L-shaped, By providing the hydraulic cylinder 239 provided at the tip of the swing arm 238, the snow removal unit 234 is automatically raised only during the backward operation of the machine body.

The snow removal device 230 automatically raises the snow removal unit 234 only during the backward operation of the machine. When the backward operation of the machine is performed, the snow removal operation is interrupted. If it raises, it can be considered that the snow removal unit can be operated easily. That is, the operability of the snow removal unit 234 can be improved.
In order to improve the operability of the snow removal unit 234, for example, the directional speed lever for operating the forward / reverse movement and the traveling speed, the operation lever (operation switch) for driving the snow removal unit 234, and the like are related to the engine. There is a possibility that the operability of the snow removal part 234 can be further improved by controlling the rotation speed.

  That is, a snowplow that can control the engine speed in association with the set positions of the direction speed lever, the operation switch of the snow removal unit, and the like is desired.

  The present invention solves the problem that the rotational speed of the engine is not controlled in relation to the set position of the directional speed lever for setting the forward / backward travel speed and the operation switch for driving the snow removal part (drive part instruction switch), It is an object of the present invention to provide a snow remover capable of improving the operability of the snow removal unit by controlling the engine speed in relation to the setting position of the direction speed lever and the operation switch.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a directional speed lever provided with a snow removal section for performing snow removal work, an engine for driving the snow removal section, forward / reverse and traveling speeds of the airframe, and a forward position, a neutral position and a reverse position. And a control unit for controlling the rotational speed of the engine and the height of the snow removal part, and a rotational speed of the engine during the snow removal work. When the rotation speed at work and the rotation speed when snow removal is not working are called the non-working rotation speed, the control unit is set under the condition that the direction speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON. The engine speed is controlled to be low from a working speed to a non-working speed.

  For example, it may be possible to improve the operability of the snow removal part by controlling the engine speed in relation to the setting position of the directional speed lever or the drive part instruction switch.

  Therefore, under the condition that the directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON, the engine speed is controlled to be low from the working speed to the non-working speed. .

  That is, even if the drive instruction switch of the snow removal unit is set to ON, the snow removal operation is not performed when the direction speed lever is set to the reverse position. Therefore, under the condition that the directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON, the control unit controls the engine speed from a working speed to a non-working speed. There is no need for the operator to consciously lower the engine speed by himself.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the control unit changes the engine speed from the working speed to the non-working speed under the condition that the directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON. When the directional speed lever is set to the forward position after being controlled to be low, the control is performed so as to return to the working rotational speed.

  Under the condition that the directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON, the control section controls the engine speed from the working speed to the non-working speed, and then the directional speed lever. When is set to the forward position, the snow removal work can be started quickly when shifting to the snow removal work again by controlling to return to the working rotational speed.

  In the invention according to claim 3, when the directional speed lever is set to the neutral position, the control unit changes the engine speed from the working speed to the non-working speed regardless of whether the drive instruction switch is ON or OFF. It is characterized by being controlled to a low level.

  When the directional speed lever is set to the neutral position, it is when the snow removal work and the aircraft are not running. Therefore, when the directional speed lever is set to the neutral position, regardless of whether the drive instruction switch is ON / OFF, the control unit controls the engine speed from a working speed to a non-working speed. Reduction of fuel consumption can be achieved.

  The invention according to claim 4 is provided with a generator that is driven by an engine and a battery that stores electricity generated by the generator, and a traveling unit that travels with the electric power of the battery by being provided below the fuselage. The control unit controls the engine to stop under the condition that the directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON.

  In a snowplow equipped with a generator driven by an engine and a battery for storing electricity generated by the generator in the fuselage, and provided with a traveling part that runs on the battery power by being provided below the fuselage, the direction speed When the lever is set to the reverse position, snow removal work is not performed, and the vehicle can be driven by battery power.

  That is, the fuselage is provided with a generator driven by the engine and a battery for storing electricity generated by the generator, and is provided below the fuselage to have a traveling portion that travels with the electric power of the battery, and a directional speed lever is provided. The fuel consumption can be reduced by controlling the control unit to stop the engine under the condition that the reverse position is set and the drive instruction switch is set to ON.

  In the invention according to claim 1, the engine speed is changed from the working rotational speed to the non-working rotational speed under the condition that the directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON. Since the control is performed at a low level, it is possible to omit an operation for the operator to consciously lower the engine speed. As a result, there is an advantage that the operability of the snow removal unit can be improved.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the engine speed is changed from the working rotational speed to the non-working rotational speed under the condition that the directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON. When the directional speed lever is set to the forward position after the low control, the control is performed so as to return to the rotational speed at the time of the work, so that the snow removal work can be started quickly when shifting to the snow removal work again. As a result, there is an advantage that the workability of the snow removal work can be improved.

  In the invention according to claim 3, when the directional speed lever is set to the neutral position, the control unit changes the engine speed from the working speed to the non-working speed regardless of whether the drive instruction switch is ON or OFF. Since it is controlled to be low, the amount of fuel consumption can be reduced. As a result, there is an advantage that the running cost of the snowplow can be reduced.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 4, while providing the generator driven by an engine and the battery which stores the electric power generated with this generator in the fuselage, the traveling part which runs on the electric power of the battery by being provided under the fuselage is provided. The directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON, and the control unit is controlled to stop the engine, so that the fuel consumption is reduced. Can do. As a result, there is an advantage that the silence of the snowplow can be improved.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. “Front”, “Rear”, “Left”, “Right”, “Up”, “Down” follow the direction viewed from the operator, Fr is front, Rr is rear, Le is left, Ri is right Indicates.
FIG. 1 is a side view of a snowplow according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view and control system diagram of the snowplow according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the snowplow 10 includes an auger-type working unit (snow removal unit) 13 and an engine 14 that drives the working unit 13 on a traveling frame 12 that includes left and right traveling units 11L and 11R. The rear part of the vehicle body frame 15 provided with a vertical swing is attached so that the front part of the vehicle body frame 15 can be moved up and down by the lift drive mechanism 16, and the left and right operation handles 17L from the rear part of the traveling frame 12 to the rear upper part , 17R, and grips 18L, 18R are provided at the tips of these operation handles 17L, 17R.

  Such a snow removal machine 10 is said to be an auger type snow removal machine. Hereinafter, the working unit 13 is referred to as a snow removal working unit 13. An operator can operate the snow removal machine 10 with the operation handles 17L and 17R while walking with the snow removal machine 10.

The combined structure of the traveling frame 12 and the vehicle body frame 15 forms an airframe 19. The traveling frame 12 includes left and right electric motors 21L and 21R that drive the traveling units 11L and 11R. The left and right traveling units 11L and 11R include left and right crawler belts 22L and 22R, left and right driving wheels 23L and 23R disposed at the rear as traveling wheels, and left and right rolling wheels 24L and 24R disposed at the front. .
The left crawler belt 22L can be driven via the left driving wheel 23L by the driving force of the left electric motor 21L. The right crawler belt 22R can be driven via the right drive wheel 23R by the driving force of the right electric motor 21R.

  The snow removal working unit 13 includes an auger housing 25, a blower case 26 integrated with the back surface of the auger housing 25, an auger 27 provided in the auger housing 25, a blower 28 provided in the blower case 26, and a shooter 29.

As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 14 is a snow removal drive source that drives the snow removal working unit 13 via an electromagnetic clutch 31 and a transmission mechanism 32.
The transmission mechanism 32 is a belt-type transmission mechanism that transmits power from the electromagnetic clutch 31 attached to the crankshaft 14 a of the engine 14 to the auger transmission shaft 33 using a belt. The power of the engine 14 is transmitted to the auger 27 and the blower 28 through a path of the crankshaft 14 a → the electromagnetic clutch 31 → the transmission mechanism 32 → the auger transmission shaft 33. The snow collected by the auger 27 can be blown away by the blower 28 via the shooter 29.
The auger housing 25 includes a scraper 35 and left and right sleds 36L and 36R at the rear lower end.

  The elevating drive mechanism 16 is an actuator in which a piston can advance and retreat from a cylinder. This actuator is a type of electric hydraulic cylinder in which a piston is extended and contracted by hydraulic pressure generated from a hydraulic pump (not shown) by an electric motor 16a (see FIG. 2). The electric motor 16 a is an elevating drive source that is integrated into the side of the cylinder of the elevating drive mechanism 16.

Such a snowplow 10 has a configuration in which the auger housing 25 and the blower case 26 are attached to the traveling frame 12 so as to be able to roll, and the auger housing 25 is rolled left and right (rolled) by a rolling drive mechanism 38.
More specifically, the auger transmission shaft 33 extending in the front-rear direction is rotatably supported by the auger housing 25 and the blower case 26, and the blower case 26 is attached to the front end portion of the vehicle body frame 15 so as to be rotatable left and right (rollable). is there.

  As described above, the traveling frame 12 has a configuration in which the vehicle body frame 15 is attached. For this reason, the auger housing 25 and the blower case 26 are attached to the traveling frame 12 so as to be able to roll. As a result, the auger housing 25 can be lifted and lowered with respect to the traveling frame 12.

  The rolling drive mechanism 38 is an actuator capable of moving a piston back and forth from a cylinder. This actuator is a type of electric hydraulic cylinder in which a piston is extended and contracted by hydraulic pressure generated from a hydraulic pump (not shown) by an electric motor 38a (see FIG. 2). The electric motor 38 a is a rolling drive source that is integrated into the side of the cylinder of the rolling drive mechanism 38.

  By the way, an operation unit 40, a control unit 61, and a battery 62 are arranged between the left and right operation handles 17L and 17R. Hereinafter, the operation unit 40 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the operation unit of the snowplow according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operation unit of the snowplow according to the present invention. 3 and 4, the operation unit 40 includes an operation box 41 provided between the left and right operation handles 17L and 17R, a travel preparation lever 42 provided on the left operation handle 17L near the grip 18L, and a left Turning control lever 43L and a right turning operation lever 43R attached to the right operation handle 17R in the vicinity of the grip 18R.

  The travel preparation lever 42 is a travel preparation member that acts on the switch 42a (see FIG. 2), and the switch 42a is turned off when the free spring shown in FIG. If the travel preparation lever 42 is grasped with the operator's left hand and lowered to the grip 18L side, the switch 42a is turned on.

The left and right turning operation levers 43L and 43R are turning operation members that are respectively operated by the hands holding the left and right grips 18L and 18R, and are mechanisms that act on the corresponding turning switches 43La and 43Ra (see FIG. 2).
When these left and right turning operation levers 43L and 43R are brought into a free state shown in the figure by the pulling action of the return spring, the turning switches 43La and 43Ra are turned off. If the operator turns the left turning lever 43L with the left hand and raises it to the grip 18L side, the left turning switch 43La is turned on. The same applies to the right turning switch 43Ra. In this way, whether or not the left and right turning operation levers 43L and 43R are being gripped can be detected by the turning switches 43La and 43Ra.

Referring to FIG. 2 as well, the operation box 41 includes a main switch 44 and an auger switch 45 (also referred to as a “clutch operation switch 45”) as a drive instruction switch on the back surface 41a (surface on the operator side). .
The engine 14 can be started by turning the main switch 44 on. The auger switch 45 is a manual switch that switches the electromagnetic clutch 31 on and off, and includes, for example, a push button switch.

Further, the operation box 41 has a mode changeover switch (mode setting switch) 51, a throttle lever 52 as an adjustment member, a direction speed lever 53, a reset switch 54 as a return member, and an auger as a snow removal portion posture operation member. The housing posture operation lever 55 and the shooter operation lever 56 are arranged in this order from the left side to the right side.
More specifically, a directional speed lever 53 is arranged on the upper surface 41b of the operation box 41 on the left side of the vehicle width center CL, and a reset switch 54 is arranged on the right side of the vehicle width center CL.

  The mode changeover switch 51 is a manual changeover switch that switches the travel control mode in the control unit 61, and is formed of, for example, a rotary switch. It is possible to switch to the first control position P1, the second control position P2, and the third control position P3 by turning the knob 51a counterclockwise. When switching to each of these positions P1, P2, P3, the mode changeover switch 51 issues a corresponding switch signal.

  That is, the mode changeover switch (mode setting switch) 51 is a switch that can set the snow removal mode (snow removal work mode) according to the level of proficiency in the snow removal work of the worker and the state of snow to be removed.

  Specifically, the first control position P1 is a manual position and the second control position P2 is a power position. In the first control position manual (manual position) P1, the engine speed, the throttle opening degree, and the traveling speed are set. The second control position (power position) P2 is a semi-automatic mode in which the engine speed and throttle opening can be arbitrarily set, but the traveling speed is automatically set. The third control position (auto position) P3 as an automatic position is a position where the engine speed, throttle opening and travel speed are automatically set. is there.

  The first control position P1 is a switch position for causing the control unit 61 to perform control in the “first control mode”. The second control position P2 is a switch position for causing the control unit 61 to perform control in the “second control mode”. The third control position P3 is a switch position for causing the control unit 61 to perform control in the “third control mode”.

  The throttle lever 52 is an operating member for controlling the opening and closing of the throttle valve 71 by controlling a control motor 72 of an electronic governor (also referred to as an electric governor). The voltage can be reciprocated in the front-rear direction, and a voltage corresponding to the position is generated by the potentiometer 52a. When the throttle lever 52 is tilted in the direction of the arrow De, the throttle valve 71 can be closed until it is fully closed, and when the throttle lever 52 is tilted in the direction of the arrow In, the throttle valve 71 can be opened until it is fully opened. As a result, the rotational speed of the engine 14 can be adjusted.

  The direction speed lever 53 is an operation member for controlling the rotation of the electric motors 21L and 21R, and details thereof will be described later (see FIG. 5).

  The reset switch 54 (auger original position automatic return switch 54) is a manual switch for returning the attitude (position) of the auger housing 25 to a preset origin, and is composed of, for example, a push button switch, and includes an indicator lamp 57. Is provided.

The auger housing posture operation lever 55 is an operation member for changing the posture of the auger housing 25. In other words, the auger housing posture operation lever 55 is an operation member for operating the elevating drive mechanism 16 and the rolling drive mechanism 38 to elevate and roll the auger housing 25 in accordance with the snow surface when the auger 27 performs snow removal work. . When the auger housing posture operation lever 55 is swung to the front side Frs, the rear side Rrs, the left side Les, and the right side Ris, the corresponding switches can be turned on.
The shooter operating lever 56 is an operating member for changing the direction of the shooter 29 (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view of the directional speed lever employed in the snowplow according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 5, the directional speed lever 53 (also referred to as “forward / reverse speed adjusting lever 53”) can be reciprocated back and forth as indicated by arrows Ad and Ba by the operator's hand, and the “neutral range” ( The snowplow 10 (see FIG. 1) can be moved forward by tilting it from the “neutral position” to the “forward” (forward position) side. In addition, speed control can be performed. Similarly, the snowplow 10 can be moved backward by tilting from the “neutral range” to the “reverse” (reverse position) side, and in the “reverse” region, Lr is reverse at low speed and Hr is reverse at high speed. Speed control is also possible.

  In this example, as indicated at the left end of the figure, the potentiometer 53a (see FIG. 2) is set so that the maximum reverse speed is 0 V (volt), the maximum forward speed is 5 V, and the neutral range is 2.3 V to 2.7 V. ) To generate a voltage according to the position. The front / rear direction and the high / low speed control can be set with one lever, so the direction speed lever 53 is named.

  Next, the control system of the snow removal machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The control system of the snowplow 10 is centralized in the control unit 61. The control unit 61 has a configuration in which a memory 63 is built in, and various information stored in the memory 63 is appropriately read and controlled.

First, the operation of the system of the snow removal working unit 13 will be described.
The intake system of the engine 14 has a configuration in which the throttle valve 71 is controlled to open and close by the control motor 72 and the choke valve 73 is controlled to open and close by the control motor 74. That is, the control motor 72 of the electronic governor 65 automatically adjusts the opening degree of the throttle valve 71 based on the signal from the control unit 61, and the control motor 74 of the electronic governor 65 adjusts the opening degree of the choke valve 73. It is a configuration that automatically adjusts.

The opening of the throttle valve 71 is detected by a throttle position sensor 75, the opening of the choke valve 73 is detected by a choke position sensor 76, and these detection signals are sent to the control unit 61.
The rotation speed (rotation speed) of the engine 14 is detected by the engine rotation sensor 77 and a detection signal is issued to the control unit 61.

  The generator 81 is rotated by a part of the output of the engine 14 and the obtained electric power is supplied to the battery 62 and also supplied to the left and right electric motors 21L and 21R and other electrical components. The remaining output of the engine 14 is used for the rotation of the auger 27 and the blower 28.

  By grasping the travel preparation lever 42 and operating the auger switch 45, the electromagnetic clutch 31 can be connected (turned on), and the auger 27 and the blower 28 can be rotated by the power of the engine 14. The electromagnetic clutch 31 can be turned off by turning the traveling preparation lever 42 free or operating the auger switch 45.

Next, the operation of the traveling units 11L and 11R will be described.
The snow remover 10 of the present invention includes left and right electromagnetic brakes 82L and 82R as brakes corresponding to parking brakes for ordinary vehicles. Specifically, the left and right electric motors 21L and 21R are braked by the left and right electromagnetic brakes 82L and 82R. These electromagnetic brakes 82L and 82R are in a brake state (on state) under the control of the control unit 61 during parking. Therefore, the electromagnetic brakes 82L and 82R are released by the following procedure.

  When the two conditions of the main switch 44 being in the ON position and the travel preparation lever 42 being gripped are satisfied and the directional speed lever 53 is switched to forward or reverse, the electromagnetic brakes 82L and 82R are in the OFF state. become.

  The control unit 61 that has obtained the position information of the directional speed lever 53 from the potentiometer 53a rotates the left and right electric motors 21L and 21R via the left and right motor drivers 84L and 84R, thereby rotating the rotation speed (the number of rotations) of the electric motors 21L and 21R. ) Is detected by the motor rotation sensors 83L and 83R, and feedback control is executed based on the detection signals so that the rotation speed becomes a predetermined value. As a result, the left and right drive wheels 21L, 21R rotate in a desired direction at a predetermined speed and enter a traveling state.

  Braking while driving is performed according to the following procedure. Motor drivers 84L and 84R include regenerative brake circuits 85L and 85R and short-circuit brake circuits 86L and 86R. The short circuit brake circuits 86L and 86R are brake means.

While holding the left turning lever 43L and turning on the left turning switch 43La, the control unit 61 activates the left regenerative brake circuit 85L based on the switch-on switch signal, and the left electric motor Decrease the speed of 21L.
While gripping the right turning operation lever 43R and turning on the right turning switch 43Ra, the control unit 61 operates the right regenerative brake circuit 85R based on the switch-on switch signal, and the right electric motor Decrease the speed of 21R.
That is, the snowplow 10 can be turned left only while the left turning lever 43L is being gripped. Further, the snowplow 10 can be turned to the right only while holding the right turning operation lever 43R.

  The travel can be stopped by either (1) releasing the travel preparation lever 42, (2) returning the main switch 44 to the OFF position, or (3) returning the direction speed lever 53 to the neutral position. it can.

  By swinging the auger housing posture operation lever 55 back and forth, the electric motor 16a rotates forward and backward, and the piston of the elevating drive mechanism 16 expands and contracts. As a result, the auger housing 25 and the blower case 26 move up and down. The elevation position of the auger housing 25 is detected by a height position sensor 87 (vertical movement detection unit 87), and a detection signal is issued to the control unit 61.

  By swinging the auger housing posture operation lever 55 left and right, the electric motor 38a rotates in the forward direction, and the piston of the rolling drive mechanism 38 is expanded and contracted. As a result, the auger housing 25 and the blower case 26 roll left and right. The rolling position of the auger housing 25 is detected by a rolling position sensor 88 (left / right tilt detection unit 88), and the detection signal is sent to the control unit 61.

  Next, a control flow when the control unit 61 shown in FIG. 2 is a microcomputer will be described with reference to FIG. This control flow starts when the main switch 44 is turned on (ON), for example, and ends when the main switch 44 is turned off (OFF). In the figure, STxx indicates a step number. Step numbers that are not specifically described proceed in numerical order. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 6 is a first flowchart showing the first half of the control method of the first embodiment of the snowplow according to the present invention.
ST01: The detection signal of each switch is read.
ST02: It is checked whether or not the travel preparation switch 42 is off. If YES, the process proceeds to ST03, and if NO, the process proceeds to ST07.
ST03: The traveling electric motors 21L and 21R are stopped or maintained in a stopped state. As a result, the traveling units 11L and 11R are stopped.
ST04: The electromagnetic clutch 31 is turned off. As a result, the snow removal working unit 13 stops.

ST05: The target rotational speed Es of the engine 14 is set to a predetermined minimum rotational speed (work preparation rotational speed or low speed value) Lo as a preset non-working rotational speed. The minimum number of rotations Lo is a value set in the number of rotations at the work preparation stage (the number of rotations when not working). For example, the battery 62 can be charged and the control power can be secured when the snow removal working unit 13 is stopped. What is necessary is just to set it as the number of rotations possible.
ST06: After controlling the opening of the throttle valve 71 so that the actual rotational speed (actual rotational speed) of the engine 14 becomes the target rotational speed Es, the process returns to ST01. Specifically, the opening degree of the throttle valve 71 is controlled by controlling the control motor 72 according to the difference between the actual rotational speed and the target rotational speed Es.

FIG. 7 is a second flowchart showing the first half of the control method of the first embodiment of the snowplow according to the present invention.
ST07: The operation amount Sop of the throttle lever 52 is read. Regarding the operation amount Sop, a voltage corresponding to the position of the throttle lever 52 may be detected by the potentiometer 52a.
ST08: The target rotational speed An of the engine 14 is obtained from the operation amount Sop of the throttle lever 52.

ST09: The operation direction of the direction speed lever 53 is checked, and if it is “neutral position”, it is determined that the stop control is performed, and the process proceeds to ST10. "", It is determined that it is reverse travel control, and the process proceeds to ST19.
ST10: The electric motors 21L and 21R are stopped or maintained in a stopped state.
ST11: It is checked whether or not the auger switch 45 is OFF. If YES, the process proceeds to ST12, and if NO, the process proceeds to ST13.
ST12: After the electromagnetic clutch 31 is turned off, the process proceeds to ST05. The snow removal working unit 13 stops.
ST13: After the electromagnetic clutch 31 is turned on, the process proceeds to ST05. The snow removal working unit 13 operates.

ST14: After the electric motors 21L and 21R are normally rotated, the process proceeds to ST15. The traveling units 11L and 11R travel forward.
ST15: It is checked whether or not the auger switch 45 is off. If YES, the process proceeds to ST16, and if NO, the process proceeds to ST17.
ST16: After turning off the electromagnetic clutch 31, the process proceeds to ST05. The snow removal working unit 13 stops.
ST17: After the electromagnetic clutch 31 is turned on, the process proceeds to ST18. The snow removal working unit 13 operates.
ST18: After setting the target engine speed Es of the engine 14 to the target engine speed An based on the operation amount of the throttle lever 52, the process proceeds to ST06. The target rotation speed An at this time means the work area rotation speed for snow removal work.

ST19: After the electric motors 21L and 21R are reversed, the process proceeds to ST20. The traveling units 11L and 11R travel backward.
ST20: It is checked whether or not the auger switch 45 is OFF. If YES, the process proceeds to ST21, and if NO, the process proceeds to ST22.
ST21: After the electromagnetic clutch 31 is turned off, the process proceeds to ST23. The snow removal working unit 13 stops.
ST22: After the electromagnetic clutch 31 is turned on, the process proceeds to ST23. The snow removal working unit 13 operates.
ST23: After the target rotational speed Es of the engine 14 is set to a predetermined minimum rotational speed Lo, the process proceeds to ST06. The minimum rotational speed Lo is the same as ST05.

The above control flow will be described based on FIGS. 2 and 8.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a setting state in the control method of the first embodiment of the components of the snowplow according to the present invention.
(1) The control unit 61 sets the target rotational speed Es of the engine 14 to the throttle lever when the condition that the operation direction of the directional speed lever 53 is “forward position” and the auger switch 45 is on is satisfied. The target rotational speed An based on the operation amount of 52 is set. The target rotation speed An at this time means the work area rotation speed for snow removal work.
(2) Thereafter, the control unit 61 sets the target rotational speed Es of the engine 14 when the operation direction of the directional speed lever 53 is “reverse position” and the auger switch 45 is on. The predetermined minimum rotation speed Lo is set in advance.
(3) After that, when it is determined that the condition (1) has been restored, that is, the operating direction of the directional speed lever 53 is “forward position” and the auger switch 45 is on. Sometimes, the target engine speed Es of the engine 14 is returned to the original target engine speed An.

  A snow remover 10 shown in FIG. 1 sets a snow removal unit 13 that performs a snow removal operation, an engine 14 that drives the snow removal unit 13, forward / reverse travel and traveling speed of a machine body 19, a forward position (forward), a neutral position ( A directional speed lever 53 provided with a neutral position or neutral range) and a reverse position (reverse), a drive instruction switch (auger switch) 45 for instructing the snow removal unit 13 to transmit the power of the engine 14, the rotational speed of the engine 14, and In a snow remover comprising a control unit 61 that controls the height of the snow removal unit, when the number of rotations of the engine 14 during snow removal work is referred to as the number of rotations during work and the number of rotations during non-snow removal is referred to as the number of rotations during non-work When the direction speed lever 53 is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch 45 is set to ON, the control unit 61 rotates the engine 14. It can be said that those controls low number to the non-working time of the rotational speed from the work at speed.

  That is, even if the drive instruction switch (auger switch) 45 of the snow removal unit 13 is set to ON, the snow removal work is not performed when the directional speed lever 53 is set to the reverse position. Therefore, under the condition that the directional speed lever 53 is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch 45 is set to ON, the control unit 61 controls the rotation speed of the engine 14 to be low from the rotation speed during work to the rotation speed during non-work. This eliminates the need for the operator to consciously lower the engine speed by himself. As a result, the operability of the snow removal unit 13 can be improved.

  Further, in the snowplow 10 (see FIG. 1), the control unit 61 rotates the engine 14 under the condition that the directional speed lever 53 is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch (auger switch) 45 is set to ON. When the directional speed lever 53 is set to the forward position after the number is controlled to be low from the working rotational speed to the non-working rotational speed, it is controlled to return to the working rotational speed.

  Under the condition that the directional speed lever 53 is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch (auger switch) 45 is set to ON, the control unit 61 changes the rotational speed of the engine 14 from the working rotational speed to the non-working rotational speed. When the directional speed lever 53 is set to the forward position after the control, the snow removal work can be started quickly when shifting to the snow removal work again by controlling to return to the rotation speed during work. it can. As a result, the workability of snow removal work can be improved.

  Further, when the directional speed lever 53 is set to the neutral position, the snow removal machine 10 causes the control unit 61 to rotate the engine 14 at the time of operation regardless of whether the drive instruction switch (auger switch) 45 is ON / OFF. It can also be said that the control is performed from a low number to a non-working rotational speed.

  When the directional speed lever 53 is set to the neutral position, regardless of whether the drive instruction switch (auger switch) 45 is ON or OFF, the control unit 61 changes the engine 14 rotation speed from the operation rotation speed to the non-work rotation speed. By controlling to a low level, fuel consumption can be reduced. As a result, the running cost of the snow removal machine 10 (see FIG. 1) can be reduced.

  Next, a modified example of the control flow shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a third flowchart showing the first half of the control method of the modified example of the snowplow according to the present invention, and FIG. 10 is the fourth flowchart showing the second half of the control method of the modified example of the snowplow according to the present invention. It is a flowchart.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the control flow in the control unit 61 of the modified example is a configuration in which ST101 to ST103 are added to the control flow in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the other configurations are not shown. Since it is the same as 6 control flow, the same step number is attached and the description is omitted.

ST101: A step executed subsequent to ST05. After the engine 14 is stopped or maintained in the stopped state, the process proceeds to ST06. That is, this step ST101 is interposed between ST05 and ST06.
ST102: This step is executed subsequent to ST18. After the engine 14 is operated or maintained in an operating state, the process proceeds to ST06. That is, this step ST102 is interposed between ST18 and ST06.
ST103: A step executed subsequent to ST23. After the engine 14 is stopped or maintained in the stopped state, the process proceeds to ST06. That is, this step ST103 is interposed between ST23 and ST06.

According to this modification, the control unit 61 performs the following controls (1A) to (3A).
(1A) The controller 61 operates the engine 14 (work area rotation) when the operation direction of the directional speed lever 53 is “forward position” and the auger switch 45 is on. Number). When the electric motors 21L and 21R rotate forward, the snow removal machine 10 travels forward.

  (2A) Thereafter, the control unit 61 stops the engine 14 when the condition that the operation direction of the directional speed lever 53 is “reverse position” and the auger switch 45 is on is satisfied. Even in this case, the electric motors 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R receive power supply from the battery 62. When the electric motors 21L and 21R are reversely rotated, the snow removal machine 10 travels backward.

  (3A) After that, when it is determined that the condition (1A) has been restored, that is, the operating direction of the directional speed lever 53 is “forward position” and the auger switch 45 is on. Occasionally, the engine 14 is restarted and brought into an operating state (working area speed). When the electric motors 21L and 21R rotate forward, the snow removal machine 10 travels forward.

  The snowplow 10 (see FIG. 1) is provided with a generator 81 (see FIG. 2) driven by the engine 14 and a battery 62 (see FIG. 2) for storing electricity generated by the generator 81 in the fuselage 19. Provided below the fuselage 19 is provided with traveling portions 11L and 11R (see FIG. 2) that travel with the electric power of the battery 62, the directional speed lever 53 is set to the reverse position, and the drive instruction switch (auger switch) 45 is turned on. It can also be said that the control unit 61 performs control to stop the engine 14 under the condition that the engine 14 is set.

  The vehicle body 19 includes a generator 81 driven by the engine 14 and a battery 62 that stores electricity generated by the generator 81, and is provided below the vehicle body 19 so as to travel with the electric power of the battery 62, In the snowplow 10 equipped with 11R, when the directional speed lever 53 is set to the reverse position, the snow removal work is not performed, and the vehicle 19 can travel with the power of the battery 62.

  That is, the machine body 19 is provided with a generator 81 (see FIG. 2) driven by the engine 14 and a battery 62 (see FIG. 2) for storing electricity generated by the generator 81 and provided below the machine body 19. In the condition that the directional speed lever 53 is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch (auger switch) 45 is set to ON. The controller 61 can reduce the fuel consumption by controlling the engine 14 to stop. As a result, the quietness of the snow removal machine 10 (see FIG. 1) can be improved.

  In the snowplow according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the control unit 61 is set under the condition that the directional speed lever 53 is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch 45 is set to ON. The rotational speed of the engine 14 is controlled to be low from the working rotational speed to the non-working rotational speed, but is not limited to this. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the directional speed lever 53 is set to the reverse position, The controller 61 may control the engine 14 to stop under the condition that the drive instruction switch (auger switch) 45 is set to ON.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the snow removal machine according to the present invention is a snow removal machine for snow removal work. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the snow removal machine may be another work machine. May be used for other working machines.

  The snow removal machine according to the present invention is suitable for use in an auger type snow removal machine that collects snow with a front auger and removes snow while traveling forward.

1 is a side view of a snowplow according to the present invention. It is a typical top view and control system diagram of the snowplow according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of the operation part of the snow remover which concerns on this invention. It is a top view of the operation part of the snow remover which concerns on this invention. It is action | operation explanatory drawing of the direction speed lever employ | adopted as the snowplow based on this invention. It is the 1st flowchart which showed the first half part of the control method of 1st Embodiment of the snow remover which concerns on this invention. It is the 2nd flowchart which showed the first half part of the control method of 1st Embodiment of the snow remover which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting state in the control method of 1st Embodiment of the component of the snow remover which concerns on this invention. It is a 3rd flowchart which showed the first half part of the control method of the modification of the snow remover which concerns on this invention. It is a 4th flowchart which showed the second half part of the control method of the modification of the snow remover which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the conventional basic composition.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Snow removal machine, 13 ... Snow removal part, 14 ... Engine, 19 ... Airframe, 45 ... Drive instruction switch (auger switch), 53 ... Direction speed lever, 61 ... Control part, 62 ... Battery, 81 ... Generator.

Claims (4)

A snow removal unit that performs snow removal work, an engine that drives the snow removal unit, a directional speed lever that sets forward / backward and traveling speeds of the aircraft and provides forward, neutral and reverse positions, and engine power in the snow removal unit In a snow remover comprising: a drive instruction switch for instructing transmission of a motor; and a control unit for controlling the rotational speed of the engine and the height of the snow removal unit.
When the number of engine revolutions during snow removal is called the number of revolutions during work, and the number of revolutions during non-snow work is called the non-working speed.
Under the condition that the directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON, the control unit changes the engine speed from the working speed to the non-working speed. A snow remover characterized by being controlled low.   Under the condition that the directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON, the control unit changes the engine speed from the working speed to the non-working speed. 2. The snow remover according to claim 1, wherein when the directional speed lever is set to the forward position after being controlled to be low, control is performed so as to return to the rotation speed during the operation.   When the directional speed lever is set to the neutral position, the controller lowers the engine speed from the working speed to the non-working speed regardless of whether the drive instruction switch is on or off. The snow removal machine according to claim 1, wherein the snow removal machine is controlled. The aircraft includes a generator driven by the engine and a battery that stores electricity generated by the generator, and a traveling unit that travels with the electric power of the battery by being provided below the aircraft,
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the engine to stop under a condition that the directional speed lever is set to the reverse position and the drive instruction switch is set to ON. The snow remover according to claim 2 or claim 3.

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