Patent Description:
Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a work vehicle ("tractor" in Patent Literature <NUM>) including an engine and a travel device drivable by the engine ("front wheels" and "rear wheels" in Patent Literature <NUM>).

<CIT> addresses the problem of how to provide a battery-powered wheel loader that can efficiently cool batteries even when loaded with the more batteries. As solution, it is suggested: The battery-powered wheel loader includes: a front vehicle body that is fitted with front wheels and a working machine; a rear vehicle body; an electric motor that is mounted in the rear vehicle body; the plurality of driving batteries that serve as power sources for the electric motor; and an electric cooling fan that supplies cooling air to the plurality of driving batteries. The electric cooling fan is provided in the rear of the rear vehicle body. The plurality of driving batteries are intensively provided as at least a pair of first battery units that are disposed at a mutual spacing on both right and left sides ahead of the electric cooling fan and second and third battery units and that are disposed at a spacing with respect to the electric cooling fan ahead of the electric cooling fan. An intake space surrounded by the electric cooling fan and the first-third battery units is formed in a plan view.

<CIT> discloses: A battery pack for an electric work vehicle includes a battery unit, a casing for tightly housing the battery unit, a circulation fan mounted in an inner space of the casing, and an air guide provided in the casing to direct cooling air produced by the circulation fan to the battery unit.

<CIT> discloses: A battery powered forklift including a fork mounted on a front of a body to which a front wheel and a rear wheel are attached, a counter weight provided on a rear of the body, and a driving electric motor that allows the body to travel, the forklift includes: a battery mounted on the body above the rear wheel; a cargo-handling electric motor configured to generate oil pressure on operating oil that operates the fork; a control device configured to control the cargo-handling electric motor and the driving electric motor; a storage space provided in the body, below a bottom of the battery, and above a bottom of the body for storing the cargo-handling electric motor and the control device; and a fan that exhausts air in the storage space to an outside.

The work vehicle disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> may be modified by replacing the engine with a battery and a motor. This will allow the work vehicle to travel without discharging exhaust gas.

Batteries, however, tend to generate a relatively large amount of heat. Hot air remaining around a battery can cause the battery to be degraded greatly due to the heat.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric work vehicle including a battery that can be cooled effectively.

The present invention is defined by the subject-matter of the independent claim <NUM>.

Further embodiments of the invention form the subject-matter of the dependent claims.

The description below deals with an embodiment of the present invention with reference to drawings. The description below uses terms such as "front" and "forward" to refer to the direction indicated with arrow F in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, terms such as "back" and "backward" to refer to the direction indicated with arrow B in the same drawings, terms such as "left" and "leftward" to refer to the direction indicated with arrow L in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, terms such as "right" and "rightward" to refer to the direction indicated with arrow R in the same drawings, terms such as "above" and "upward" to refer to the direction indicated with arrow U in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, and terms such as "below" and "downward" to refer to the direction indicated with arrow D in the same drawings.

<FIG> illustrates a tractor A (as an example of the "electric work vehicle" of the present invention) including left and right front wheels <NUM> (as an example of the "travel device" for the present invention), left and right rear wheels <NUM> (as an example of the "travel device" for the present invention), a cover member <NUM>, and a tiller device <NUM>.

The tractor A further includes a body frame <NUM> and a driver section <NUM>.

The body frame <NUM> is supported by the left and right front wheels <NUM> and the left and right rear wheels <NUM>. The tiller device <NUM> is supported by a back portion of the body frame <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> is at a front portion of the machine body. The driver section <NUM> is behind the cover member <NUM>.

The driver section <NUM> includes a protection frame <NUM>, a driver's seat <NUM>, a steering wheel <NUM>, and a floor <NUM>. An operator can sit on the driver's seat <NUM> and perform various drive operations in the driver section <NUM>.

Operating the steering wheel <NUM> changes the direction of the left and right front wheels <NUM>. The operator can place their feet on the floor <NUM> when sitting on the driver's seat <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a driver section <NUM> including a driver's seat <NUM> on which an operator is able to sit.

The tractor A further includes a travel battery <NUM> (as an example of the "battery" for the present invention), a motor M, a transmission device T, and a front transmission mechanism FT.

The cover member <NUM> is swingable about an open/close axis Q (see <FIG>) extending in the left-right direction of the machine body. This allows the cover member <NUM> to be opened and closed. The cover member <NUM>, when in the closed state, accommodates the travel battery <NUM>. The travel battery <NUM> supplies electric power to the motor M.

The motor M is under the travel battery <NUM>. The motor M is driven on electric power supplied by the travel battery <NUM>, and transmits its driving force to the transmission device T.

The transmission device T is backward of the travel battery <NUM> and behind the motor M. The front transmission mechanism FT extends forward from the transmission device T. The transmission device T varies the driving force received from the motor M, and transmits the resulting driving force to the left and right rear wheels <NUM> as well as to the left and right front wheels <NUM> via the front transmission mechanism FT. This drives the left and right front wheels <NUM> and the left and right rear wheels <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a motor M positioned under the travel battery <NUM> and drivable on electric power supplied by the travel battery <NUM>. The tractor A also includes left and right front wheels <NUM> and left and right rear wheels <NUM> drivable by the motor M.

The transmission device T transmits part of the driving force received from the motor M to the tiller device <NUM>. This drives the tiller device <NUM>.

The above configuration allows the tractor A to travel with use of the left and right front wheels <NUM> and the left and right rear wheels <NUM> and simultaneously perform tillage work with use of the tiller device <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the travel battery <NUM> is above the body frame <NUM>. The body frame <NUM> and the travel battery <NUM> define a ventilation space S in-between.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a travel battery <NUM> above the body frame <NUM>.

The ventilation space S is capable of letting air through.

The tractor A further includes an inverter <NUM> under the travel battery <NUM> and forward of the motor M.

The inverter <NUM> converts direct-current electric power from the travel battery <NUM> into alternating-current electric power, and supplies the alternating-current electric power to the motor M.

The tractor A, in other words, includes an inverter <NUM> positioned under the travel battery <NUM> and forward of the motor M and configured to convert direct-current electric power from the travel battery <NUM> into alternating-current electric power and supply the alternating-current electric power to the motor M.

The motor M and the inverter <NUM> are arranged in the front-back direction of the machine body.

The inverter <NUM> and the travel battery <NUM> define a first space S1 in-between. The first space S1 is part of the ventilation space S, and is thus capable of letting air through.

The motor M and the travel battery <NUM> define a second space S2 in-between. The second space S2 is part of the ventilation space S, and is thus capable of letting air through.

The motor M is positioned in contact with the ventilation space S.

The motor M is, in other words, in contact with the ventilation space S.

The body frame <NUM> includes left and right main frames <NUM> and an inverter support <NUM>. The left and right main frames <NUM> extend in the front-back direction of the machine body.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a left main frame <NUM> and a right main frame <NUM> both extending in the front-back direction of the machine body.

The motor M is between the left and right main frames <NUM>.

The inverter support <NUM> extends over the left and right main frames <NUM>, and is supported thereby. The inverter support <NUM> supports the inverter <NUM>.

The inverter <NUM> is, in other words, supported by the left main frame <NUM> and the right main frame <NUM> with the inverter support <NUM> in-between.

<FIG> shows a first left-end position LE1, a second left-end position LE2, and a third left-end position LE3. The first left-end position LE1 coincides with the left end of the left main frame <NUM>. The second left-end position LE2 coincides with the left end of the inverter <NUM>. The third left-end position LE3 coincides with the left end of the inverter support <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second left-end position LE2 is leftward of the first left-end position LE1. In other words, the inverter <NUM> extends farther leftward than the left end of the left main frame <NUM>.

The third left-end position LE3 is leftward of the first left-end position LE1 and the second left-end position LE2. In other words, the inverter support <NUM> extends farther leftward than the left end of the left main frame <NUM>.

<FIG> also shows a first right-end position RE1, a second right-end position RE2, and a third right-end position RE3. The first right-end position RE1 coincides with the right end of the right main frame <NUM>. The second right-end position RE2 coincides with the right end of the inverter <NUM>. The third right-end position RE3 coincides with the right end of the inverter support <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second right-end position RE2 is rightward of the first right-end position RE1. In other words, the inverter <NUM> extends farther rightward than the right end of the right main frame <NUM>.

The third right-end position RE3 is rightward of the first right-end position RE1 and the second right-end position RE2. In other words, the inverter support <NUM> extends farther rightward than the right end of the right main frame <NUM>.

The inverter <NUM>, in other words, extends farther leftward than the left end of the left main frame <NUM> and farther rightward than the right end of the right main frame <NUM>.

The inverter support <NUM> also extends farther leftward than the left end of the left main frame <NUM> and farther rightward than the right end of the right main frame <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tractor A includes left and right first support frames <NUM>, left and right second support frames <NUM>, and a battery support <NUM>.

The left and right first support frames <NUM> are forward of the left and right second support frames <NUM>. The left and right first support frames <NUM> and the left and right second support frames <NUM> all stand on the inverter support <NUM>.

The left and right first support frames <NUM> and the left and right second support frames <NUM>, in other words, all stand on the body frame <NUM>.

The tractor A further includes a plate-shaped support <NUM> and a plate-shaped partition member <NUM> (described later) between the motor M and the travel battery <NUM>. The plate-shaped support <NUM> and the plate-shaped partition member <NUM> are each oriented horizontally. The plate-shaped partition member <NUM> is over the plate-shaped support <NUM>.

The tractor A further includes a back portion support frame <NUM> supported by the body frame <NUM>. The back portion support frame <NUM> supports a back end portion of the battery support <NUM> with the plate-shaped support <NUM> and the plate-shaped partition member <NUM> in-between.

The battery support <NUM> is above the body frame <NUM>, and is supported by the left and right first support frames <NUM>, the left and right second support frames <NUM>, and the back portion support frame <NUM>. The battery support <NUM> supports the travel battery <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a battery support <NUM> positioned above the body frame <NUM> and supporting the travel battery <NUM>.

With the above configuration, the travel battery <NUM> is supported by the inverter support <NUM> with the battery support <NUM>, the left and right first support frames <NUM>, and the left and right second support frames <NUM> in-between.

The travel battery <NUM> is, in other words, supported by the inverter support <NUM> with the left and right first support frames <NUM> in-between, which stand on the inverter support <NUM>. In addition, the travel battery <NUM> is supported by the inverter support <NUM> with the left and right second support frames <NUM> in-between, which stand on the inverter support <NUM>.

The tractor A has a left ventilation opening K defined by the body frame <NUM>, the battery support <NUM>, the left first support frame <NUM>, and the left second support frame <NUM>.

The tractor A also has a right ventilation opening K defined by the body frame <NUM>, the battery support <NUM>, the right first support frame <NUM>, and the right second support frame <NUM>.

The left and right ventilation openings K each communicate with the ventilation space S.

In other words, the ventilation space S communicates with the left and right ventilation openings K.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the battery support <NUM> includes a bottom plate 53a. The bottom plate 53a is oriented horizontally, and serves as a partition between the travel battery <NUM> and the inverter <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a bottom plate 53a as a partition between the travel battery <NUM> and the inverter <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tractor A includes a first plate-shaped member <NUM> (as an example of the "plate-shaped member" for the present invention) and a second plate-shaped member <NUM> (as an example of the "plate-shaped member" for the present invention).

The first plate-shaped member <NUM> and the second plate-shaped member <NUM> each extend from one of the left and right main frames <NUM> to the other. The first plate-shaped member <NUM> is forward of the second plate-shaped member <NUM>. The first plate-shaped member <NUM> and the second plate-shaped member <NUM> are each held in position by the left and right main frames <NUM>.

In other words, the body frame <NUM> holds the first plate-shaped member <NUM> and the second plate-shaped member <NUM> in position.

The first plate-shaped member <NUM> and the second plate-shaped member <NUM> are below the ventilation space S, and are oriented horizontally.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover member <NUM> includes an inlet section 12a. The inlet section 12a is capable of letting outside air into the cover member <NUM>. The inlet section 12a is at a front end portion of the cover member <NUM>.

The inlet section 12a for the present embodiment is in the form of a plurality of small holes. The present invention is, however, not limited to such an arrangement. The inlet section 12a may alternatively be in any other form. The inlet section 12a may, for instance, be in the form of a single hole, or include a blower to let outside air in.

The cover member <NUM> includes left and right outlet sections 12b. The left and right outlet sections 12b are each capable of letting air out of the cover member <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM>, in other words, includes left and right outlet sections 12b each capable of letting air out of the cover member <NUM>.

The left outlet section 12b is at a left side portion of the cover member <NUM>, whereas the right outlet section 12b is at a right side portion of the cover member <NUM>.

The left outlet section 12b is leftward of the travel battery <NUM>. The right outlet section 12b is rightward of the travel battery <NUM>. The left and right outlet sections 12b are, in other words, each lateral to the travel battery <NUM>.

The left and right outlet sections 12b for the present embodiment are each in the form of a plurality of small holes. The present invention is, however, not limited to such an arrangement. The left and right outlet sections 12b may each alternatively be in any other form. The left and right outlet sections 12b may each, for instance, be in the form of a single hole, or include a blower to let air out.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tractor A includes a radiator <NUM> and a water pump <NUM>. The radiator <NUM> is forward of the travel battery <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a radiator <NUM> forward of the travel battery <NUM>.

The radiator <NUM> and the water pump <NUM> are included in a cooling water path of the tractor A. The water pump <NUM> forces cooling water to circulate through the cooling water path. The cooling water is cooled by the radiator <NUM> as it passes therethrough.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a water pump <NUM> to force cooling water to pass through a radiator <NUM>.

The water pump <NUM> is forward of the motor M and below the inverter <NUM>. The water pump <NUM> is supported by the first plate-shaped member <NUM>.

The tractor A further includes a cooling fan <NUM>. The cooling fan <NUM> is in front of the travel battery <NUM>. The cooling fan <NUM> is, in other words, forward of the travel battery <NUM>.

When the cover member <NUM> is in the closed state, the radiator <NUM> and the cooling fan <NUM> are accommodated in the cover member <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a cover member <NUM> capable of accommodating the cooling fan <NUM> and the travel battery <NUM>.

The cooling fan <NUM> extends in the up-down direction of the machine body to face both the travel battery <NUM> and the ventilation space S. The cooling fan <NUM> also extends in the up-down direction of the machine body to face both the travel battery <NUM> and the inverter <NUM>.

The cooling fan <NUM> blows cooling air backward. This causes outside air to enter the cover member <NUM> through the inlet section 12a and pass through the radiator <NUM>, thereby cooling the radiator <NUM>.

The cooling fan <NUM> is, in other words, forward of the travel battery <NUM>, and cools the radiator <NUM>.

The cooling fan <NUM> sends cooling air to a front portion of the travel battery <NUM> and to the ventilation space S.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a cooling fan <NUM> positioned forward of the travel battery <NUM> and configured to send cooling air to the travel battery <NUM>.

The cooling fan <NUM> sends cooling air to a front portion of the travel battery <NUM>, at least a portion of which cooling air flows to a space leftward of the travel battery <NUM> and to a space rightward of the travel battery <NUM> to be let out through the left and right outlet sections 12b. This cools the front portion and lateral side portions of the travel battery <NUM>.

The cooling fan <NUM> sends cooling air to the ventilation space S, a portion of which cooling air reaches the first space S1 and then passes through the left and right ventilation openings K and the left and right outlet sections 12b to be let out of the cover member <NUM>.

This cools a lower portion of the travel battery <NUM> and the inverter <NUM>.

Another portion of the cooling air, which the cooling fan <NUM> sends to the ventilation space S, reaches the first space S1 and then continues to flow through the ventilation space S to pass through the second space S2.

This cools a lower portion of the travel battery <NUM>, the inverter <NUM>, and the motor M.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tractor A includes a horizontally oriented plate-shaped partition member <NUM> between the battery support <NUM> and the motor M.

The plate-shaped partition member <NUM> includes a wind guide plate 56a. The wind guide plate 56a is a front end portion of the plate-shaped partition member <NUM> which is bent downward. The wind guide plate 56a is thus oriented vertically, and faces toward the cooling fan <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a wind guide plate 56a facing toward the cooling fan <NUM>.

The wind guide plate 56a is under the travel battery <NUM> and forward of the second space S2.

This allows that portion of the cooling air through the ventilation space S which flows toward the second space S2 to be guided by the wind guide plate 56a to downward thereof. This in turn allows more cooling air to flow toward the motor M, thereby cooling the motor M with cooling air suitably.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tractor A includes a reserve tank <NUM> for the radiator <NUM>. The reserve tank <NUM> stores cooling water. The reserve tank <NUM> is forward of the travel battery <NUM> and rightward of the radiator <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tractor A includes an auxiliary battery <NUM> and a voltage converter <NUM>. The auxiliary battery <NUM> supplies electric power to various auxiliaries such as the cooling fan <NUM>.

The travel battery <NUM> transmits electric power to the voltage converter <NUM>, which then steps down the voltage of the electric power and supplies the resulting electric power to the auxiliary battery <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a voltage converter <NUM> positioned forward of the travel battery <NUM> and configured to step down the voltage of electric power from the travel battery <NUM> and supply the resulting electric power to the auxiliary battery <NUM>.

The auxiliary battery <NUM> and the voltage converter <NUM> are forward of the travel battery <NUM> and rightward of the radiator <NUM>. The voltage converter <NUM> is oriented to have a longitudinal direction extending in the up-down direction of the machine body.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the voltage converter <NUM> and the radiator <NUM> are laterally next to each other in a plan view. The radiator <NUM>, the voltage converter <NUM>, and the auxiliary battery <NUM> are laterally next to one another in a plan view.

The voltage converter <NUM> is between the radiator <NUM> and the auxiliary battery <NUM> in a plan view.

The radiator <NUM>, the voltage converter <NUM>, and the reserve tank <NUM> are laterally next to one another in a plan view.

The voltage converter <NUM> is between the radiator <NUM> and the reserve tank <NUM> in a plan view.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the reserve tank <NUM> is over the auxiliary battery <NUM>. The reserve tank <NUM> and the auxiliary battery <NUM> are arranged in the up-down direction of the machine body.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tractor A includes an oil cooler CL. The oil cooler CL cools operating oil of the tractor A as it passes through the oil cooler CL.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the radiator <NUM> is held in place by a radiator frame <NUM> in the shape of an angular arch. The radiator frame <NUM> surrounds the radiator <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a radiator frame <NUM> having a shape of an angular arch surrounding the radiator <NUM> and holding the radiator <NUM> in place.

The radiator frame <NUM> includes a left side plate 57a, a top plate 57b, a right side plate 57c, a first top plate support 57d, and a second top plate support 57e.

The left side plate 57a is a left portion of the radiator frame <NUM>. The top plate 57b is a top portion of the radiator frame <NUM>. The right side plate 57c is a right portion of the radiator frame <NUM>.

The left side plate 57a and the right side plate 57c are each oriented vertically, and are arranged in the left-right direction. The left side plate 57a and the right side plate 57c face each other.

The first top plate support 57d extends leftward from an upper end portion of the left side plate 57a. The second top plate support 57e extends rightward from an upper end portion of the right side plate 57c. The top plate 57b is placed on and supported by the upper face of the first top plate support 57d and the upper face of the second top plate support 57e.

The voltage converter <NUM> is attached to the radiator frame <NUM>. Specifically, the voltage converter <NUM> is attached to the right face of the right side plate 57c.

The tractor A includes a first hose 6a, a second hose 6b, a water supply section 6c, and a third hose 6d, which are included in the cooling water path of the tractor A.

The first hose 6a has a first end connected to the radiator <NUM> and a second end connected to the water supply section 6c.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a first hose 6a connected to the radiator <NUM>.

The second hose 6b has a first end connected to the water supply section 6c and a second end connected to the voltage converter <NUM>.

The third hose 6d is connected to the voltage converter <NUM>.

An operator can supply cooling water into the water supply section 6c. The cooling water flows sequentially through the third hose 6d, the voltage converter <NUM>, the second hose 6b, the water supply section 6c, the first hose 6a, and the radiator <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the tractor A includes a support <NUM> and a cover support <NUM>. The support <NUM> is supported by the radiator frame <NUM>, and extends upward from an upper portion of the radiator frame <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a support <NUM> extending upward from an upper portion of the radiator frame <NUM>.

The cover support <NUM> is in the shape of a bar. The cover support <NUM> has a first end portion coupled to an upper end portion of the support <NUM> in such a manner as to be swingable in the up-down direction about a swing axis P extending in the front-back direction of the machine body.

When the cover member <NUM> is in the open state, swinging the cover support <NUM> upward to a standing position allows its second end portion to come into contact with an inner wall face of the cover member <NUM>. With the second end portion of the cover support <NUM> in contact with the inner wall face of the cover member <NUM>, the cover member <NUM> is supported by the cover support <NUM>.

The above configuration allows the cover support <NUM> to support the cover member <NUM> in the open state.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a cover support <NUM> coupled to an upper end portion of the support <NUM> and capable of supporting the cover member <NUM> in the open state.

The cover member <NUM>, in the closed state, accommodates the voltage converter <NUM>, the first hose 6a, the radiator frame <NUM>, the reserve tank <NUM>, and the auxiliary battery <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a cover member <NUM> capable of being opened and closed and of accommodating the voltage converter <NUM>, the radiator <NUM>, the first hose 6a, and the radiator frame <NUM>.

The support <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM>, a second portion <NUM>, and a third portion <NUM>.

The first portion <NUM> extends upward from an upper portion of the radiator frame <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> has a lower end portion connected to the upper portion of the radiator frame <NUM>.

The second portion <NUM> extends forward from a middle portion of the first portion <NUM> in the up-down direction of the machine body. The second portion <NUM> is oriented horizontally.

The third portion <NUM> extends substantially downward from a front end portion of the second portion <NUM>, and is connected to an upper portion of the radiator frame <NUM>. The third portion <NUM> is oriented obliquely in a lower front direction. The third portion <NUM> has a back end portion connected to the front end portion of the second portion <NUM>, and has a front end portion connected to the upper portion of the radiator frame <NUM>.

The support <NUM>, in other words, includes (i) a first portion <NUM> extending upward from an upper portion of the radiator frame <NUM>, (ii) a second portion <NUM> extending forward from a middle portion of the first portion <NUM> in the up-down direction of the machine body, and (iii) a third portion <NUM> extending substantially downward from a front end portion of the second portion <NUM> and connected to an upper portion of the radiator frame <NUM>.

The first hose 6a extends through an area AR defined by the first portion <NUM>, the second portion <NUM>, and the third portion <NUM>.

The description below deals with the first portion <NUM> in detail. The first portion <NUM> includes a support stay 71a and a vertical fixed portion 71b. The support stay 71a is in the shape of a long plate, and extends in the up-down direction of the machine body along the left side plate 57a. The support stay 71a has a lower end portion bolted to a back end portion of an upper end portion of the left side plate 57a.

The vertical fixed portion 71b is in the shape of a long plate, and extends in the up-down direction of the machine body. The vertical fixed portion 71b has a dimension smaller than the support stay 71a in the up-down direction of the machine body.

The vertical fixed portion 71b is perpendicular to the support stay 71a, and is fixed to its left face. The vertical fixed portion 71b, the second portion <NUM>, and the third portion <NUM> are integral with one another.

The above-mentioned area AR is defined by the support stay 71a, the second portion <NUM>, and the third portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tractor A includes a horizontally oriented support plate SP at a front portion thereof. The support plate SP supports the radiator <NUM>, the cooling fan <NUM>, the auxiliary battery <NUM>, the voltage converter <NUM>, the radiator frame <NUM>, and the oil cooler CL.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tractor A includes a hydraulic pump <NUM>. The hydraulic pump <NUM> supplies operating oil to an operating mechanism for operating the tiller device <NUM>. The hydraulic pump <NUM> controls the supply of operating oil to operate the tiller device <NUM>.

Specifically, the tractor A includes a lifting/lowering mechanism <NUM> as an operating mechanism for a work device. The hydraulic pump <NUM> supplies operating oil to the lifting/lowering mechanism <NUM> to operate the lifting/lowering mechanism <NUM>, which then lifts and lowers the tiller device <NUM>. The tiller device <NUM> includes a tiller section 13a with a drive section connected to a PTO shaft <NUM> of the tractor A. The tiller device <NUM> performs tillage work with use of power from the PTO shaft <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the hydraulic pump <NUM> is next to the motor M.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the motor M is held in place by a front portion support frame <NUM> and a back portion support frame <NUM>.

The front portion support frame <NUM> extends from one of the left and right main frames <NUM> to the other, and is fixed to respective lower portions of the left and right main frames <NUM>. The front portion support frame <NUM> is under a front portion of the motor M and supports it.

The back portion support frame <NUM> extends beyond the left and right main frames <NUM>. The back portion support frame <NUM> is in contact with a back end portion of the motor M and holds a back portion of the motor M in place.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the hydraulic pump <NUM> is in front of and attached to the back portion support frame <NUM>. The hydraulic pump <NUM> is held in place by the back portion support frame <NUM>.

In other words, the motor M and the hydraulic pump <NUM> are both held in place by the same back portion support frame <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the motor M includes a motor output shaft <NUM> as its output shaft. The motor output shaft <NUM> is provided with a first rotor <NUM> configured to rotate integrally with the motor output shaft <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a first rotor <NUM> attached to the motor output shaft <NUM> and configured to rotate integrally with the motor output shaft <NUM>.

The hydraulic pump <NUM> includes a pump input shaft <NUM> as its input shaft. The pump input shaft <NUM> is provided with a second rotor <NUM> configured to rotate integrally with the pump input shaft <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a second rotor <NUM> attached to the pump input shaft <NUM> as an input shaft of the hydraulic pump <NUM> and configured to rotate integrally with the pump input shaft <NUM>.

The tractor A also includes an endless rotary body <NUM> wound around the first rotor <NUM> and the second rotor <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes an endless rotary body <NUM> windable around the first rotor <NUM> and the second rotor <NUM>.

The endless rotary body <NUM> for the present embodiment is a belt. The present invention is, however, not limited to such an arrangement. The endless rotary body <NUM> is not necessarily a belt, and may be a chain, for example.

The above configuration allows the motor M to transmit its driving force to the hydraulic pump <NUM> via the motor output shaft <NUM>, the first rotor <NUM>, the endless rotary body <NUM>, the second rotor <NUM>, and the pump input shaft <NUM>. This drives the hydraulic pump <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a hydraulic pump <NUM> drivable by the motor M to supply operating oil to the tiller device <NUM>.

The transmission device T includes a transmission input shaft <NUM> as its input shaft. The transmission input shaft <NUM> is coupled to the motor output shaft <NUM> with a coupling section <NUM>. This allows the transmission input shaft <NUM> to rotate integrally with the motor output shaft <NUM>.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the motor output shaft <NUM> and the transmission input shaft <NUM> are each in the shape of a cylinder extending in the front-back direction of the machine body. The coupling section <NUM> includes a coupling shaft <NUM> and a pin <NUM>.

The coupling shaft <NUM> extends in the front-back direction of the machine body. The coupling shaft <NUM> has a front end portion inserted in the motor output shaft <NUM> and in spline engagement therewith. The coupling shaft <NUM> has a back end portion inserted in the transmission input shaft <NUM> and in spline engagement therewith.

The transmission input shaft <NUM> has a pin hole 63a, in which the pin <NUM> is insertable. The pin <NUM> is, when inserted, behind the coupling shaft <NUM> to prevent it from sliding backward.

In the state illustrated on the left side of <FIG>, the transmission input shaft <NUM> and the motor output shaft <NUM> are incapable of rotation relative to each other.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a coupling section <NUM> configured to couple the transmission input shaft <NUM> and the motor output shaft <NUM> to each other in such a manner that the transmission input shaft <NUM> and the motor output shaft <NUM> are incapable of rotation relative to each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the coupling section <NUM> is switchable between a coupling state and a non-coupling state. In the coupling state, the coupling section <NUM> couples the transmission input shaft <NUM> and the motor output shaft <NUM> to each other. In the non-coupling state, the coupling section <NUM> does not couple the transmission input shaft <NUM> and the motor output shaft <NUM> to each other.

<FIG> illustrates on the left side the coupling section <NUM> in the coupling state. In this state, the transmission input shaft <NUM> and the motor output shaft <NUM> are incapable of rotation relative to each other as described above. The transmission input shaft <NUM> thus rotates integrally with the motor output shaft <NUM>.

In other words, while the coupling section <NUM> is in the coupling state, the transmission input shaft <NUM> rotates integrally with the motor output shaft <NUM>.

With the pin <NUM> has been pulled out of the pin hole 63a, and the coupling shaft <NUM> has been slid backward, the coupling section <NUM> is in the state illustrated on the right side of <FIG>, that is, in the non-coupling state.

In this state, the coupling shaft <NUM> is apart from the motor output shaft <NUM>, with a gap G between the front end of the coupling shaft <NUM> and the back end of the motor output shaft <NUM>.

The gap G is between the front end of the transmission input shaft <NUM> and the back end of the motor output shaft <NUM>, and is larger than the width of the endless rotary body <NUM>. This allows the endless rotary body <NUM> to pass through the gap G in a case where the endless rotary body <NUM> has been removed from the first rotor <NUM> or the second rotor <NUM>.

In other words, while the coupling section <NUM> is in the non-coupling state, the front end of the transmission input shaft <NUM> and the back end of the motor output shaft <NUM> define a gap G that allows the endless rotary body <NUM> to pass therethrough in a case where the endless rotary body <NUM> has been removed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first rotor <NUM> includes a first segment <NUM> and a second segment <NUM>. The first segment <NUM> is forward of the second segment <NUM>. As illustrated on the left side of <FIG>, the second segment <NUM> has a front face in contact with the back face of the first segment <NUM>.

The first segment <NUM> includes a wind-around section 67a and a flange section 67b. The wind-around section 67a allows the endless rotary body <NUM> to be wound therearound. The flange section 67b protrudes radially at a front end portion of the first segment <NUM>.

The second segment <NUM> is in the shape of a disk. The second segment <NUM> is fixed to the back end of the wind-around section 67a with use of a plurality of fixation bolts <NUM>. The second segment <NUM> has an outer diameter equal to that of the flange section 67b.

With this configuration, removing the plurality of fixation bolts <NUM> allows the second segment <NUM> to be removed as illustrated on the right side of <FIG>. With the second segment <NUM> removed, moving the endless rotary body <NUM> backward allows the endless rotary body <NUM> to be removed from the first rotor <NUM> easily.

With the coupling section <NUM> in the non-coupling state, an operator can remove the endless rotary body <NUM> from the first rotor <NUM> and pass the endless rotary body <NUM> through the gap G to remove the endless rotary body <NUM> from the tractor A easily.

To attach the endless rotary body <NUM> to the tractor A, an operator can, for example, pass the endless rotary body <NUM> through the gap G, and wind the endless rotary body <NUM> around the wind-around section 67a for the state illustrated on the left side of <FIG> to be achieved. The operator can easily attach the endless rotary body <NUM> to the tractor A as such.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tractor A includes a tension adjusting mechanism <NUM>. The tension adjusting mechanism <NUM> includes a tension ring <NUM>, a long linkage member <NUM>, and an adjuster <NUM>.

The tension ring <NUM> is in contact with the endless rotary body <NUM>, and applies tension thereto. The tension ring <NUM> is supported by the body frame <NUM> with the linkage member <NUM> in-between.

The adjuster <NUM> is manually operable. Manually operating the adjuster <NUM> moves the linkage member <NUM> in its longitudinal direction. The movement of the linkage member <NUM> causes the tension ring <NUM> to also move in the longitudinal direction of the linkage member <NUM>. This changes the tension of the endless rotary body <NUM>.

With this configuration, the tension adjusting mechanism <NUM> is manually operable to adjust the tension of the endless rotary body <NUM>.

The tractor A, in other words, includes a tension adjusting mechanism <NUM> manually operable to adjust the tension of the endless rotary body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the driver section <NUM> includes a wall <NUM> and an opening cover member <NUM>.

The wall <NUM> serves as a partition that separates the driver's seat <NUM> from the endless rotary body <NUM> and the tension adjusting mechanism <NUM>. The wall <NUM> has an opening 34a in the vicinity of the tension adjusting mechanism <NUM>. The opening 34a is also in the vicinity of the front end of the floor <NUM>.

The opening cover member <NUM> is detachably attached to the wall <NUM> to close the opening 34a. Detaching the opening cover member <NUM> exposes the opening 34a. Attaching the opening cover member <NUM> closes the opening 34a.

Specifically, the opening cover member <NUM> is attached to the wall <NUM> with use of a bolt(s) b1. Removing the bolt b1 allows the opening cover member <NUM> to be detached. While <FIG> shows only one bolt b1, the number of bolts b1 may be any number of one or more.

The driver section <NUM>, in other words, includes a wall <NUM> as a partition that separates the driver's seat <NUM> from the endless rotary body <NUM> and the tension adjusting mechanism <NUM>. The driver section <NUM> also includes an opening cover member <NUM> capable of exposing and closing the opening 34a.

The present invention is, however, not limited to such an arrangement. The opening cover member <NUM> may be attachable to the wall <NUM> without use of a bolt b1. For instance, the present invention may be arranged such that the opening cover member <NUM> has a protrusion, whereas the wall <NUM> has a depression and that fitting the protrusion into the depression causes the opening cover member <NUM> to be attached to the wall <NUM>.

An operator can remove the opening cover member <NUM> to easily reach the adjuster <NUM> through the opening 34a.

The above configuration allows cooling air from the cooling fan <NUM> to flow from an area that extends over the travel battery <NUM> and the ventilation space S in the up-down direction of the machine body. This means that a portion of the cooling air from the cooling fan <NUM> flows toward the travel battery <NUM>, whereas another portion thereof flows toward the ventilation space S. The cooling air toward the travel battery <NUM> cools the travel battery <NUM>. The cooling air toward the ventilation space S flows under the travel battery <NUM>. This prevents hot air from remaining between the body frame <NUM> and the travel battery <NUM>.

The configuration desc above therefore allows production of a tractor A including a travel battery <NUM> that can be cooled effectively.

The embodiment described above is a mere example. The present invention is not limited thereto, and may be altered within the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
An electric work vehicle (A), comprising:
- a body frame (<NUM>);
- a battery (<NUM>) above the body frame (<NUM>);
- a motor (M) drivable on electric power supplied by the battery (<NUM>);
- a travel device (<NUM>, <NUM>) drivable by the motor (M); and
- a cooling fan (<NUM>) positioned forward of the battery (<NUM>) and configured to send cooling air to the battery (<NUM>),
- wherein the body frame (<NUM>) and the battery (<NUM>) define a ventilation space (S) in-between, and
- the cooling fan (<NUM>) extends in an up-down direction of a machine body to face both the battery (<NUM>) and the ventilation space (S),
characterized in that
- the motor (M) is under the battery (<NUM>),
- the motor (M) and the battery (<NUM>) define a second space (S2) in-between,
- the second space (S2) is part of the ventilation space (S),
- the motor (M) is in contact with the ventilation space (S), and
- the electric work vehicle (A) further comprises a wind guide plate (56a) positioned under the battery (<NUM>) and forward of the second space (S2) and facing toward the cooling fan (<NUM>).