Patent Description:
Conventionally, the technique of a fuel tank provided with a suction port through which fuel is sucked into an engine and a work vehicle has been known. For example, the technique is described in <CIT>.

A riding lawn mower (work vehicle) described in <CIT> is configured to be able to suck fuel in a fuel tank through a suction pipe inserted through a suction port.

The suction port described in <CIT> is formed at the upper end portion of the fuel tank. Therefore, when sucking the fuel in the fuel tank, it is necessary to suck up the fuel from the vicinity of the bottom to the upper end portion of the fuel tank. Thus, the technique described in <CIT> has room for improvement in that it is difficult to suck fuel.

Document <CIT> describes an oil tank and a method for discharging liquid from the oil tank. The oil tank comprises a tank body and a discharge channel communicated with a fluid outlet at the bottom of the tank body. The fluid of the discharge channel is communicated to a first channel and a second channel; the cross-sectional area of the first channel is smaller than that of the second channel; the outlets of the first channel and the second channel can be respectively sealed by first and second sealing components. When the second sealing components is in the sealing state, the inner end surface of the second sealing components is not lower than an inlet of the first channel, communicated with the discharge channel.

Document <CIT> describes a construction vehicle adapted to travel using a wheel and equipped with an exhaust after treatment de-vice to which a reductant is supplied is provided. At least a portion of the exhaust aftertreatment device including a front end thereof is located on a fender provided for the wheel. A supply pump adapted to supply the reductant and a reductant tank adapted to store the reductant are located ahead of the fender and below the exhaust aftertreatment device. The reductant tank is located below the supply pump.

The invention has been made in view of the above situation, and the object of the invention is to provide a fuel tank of a work vehicle and a work vehicle in which fuel can be easily sucked into an engine.

The problem to be solved by the invention is as described above. Next, a unit for solving the problem will be described.

A work vehicle of the invention is defined in claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

The disclosure has the following effects.

In the fuel tank of the work vehicle according to the invention, the fuel can be easily sucked into the engine.

In the fuel tank of the work vehicle according to the invention, the fuel can be effectively discharged.

In the fuel tank of the work vehicle according to the invention, the fuel can be easily discharged.

In the fuel tank of the work vehicle according to the invention, the fuel can be more easily sucked into the engine.

In the fuel tank of the work vehicle according to the invention, the fuel can be effectively discharged from the drain port, and the fuel can be effectively sucked through the suction port.

In the fuel tank of the work vehicle according to the invention, it is possible to suppress impurities remaining around the drain port from being sucked when the fuel is sucked.

In the work vehicle of the invention, the fuel can be easily sucked into the engine.

In the work vehicle of the invention, the operation of discharging fuel and urea water can be easily performed.

In the work vehicle of the invention, the operation of discharging fuel and urea water can be performed more easily.

In the work vehicle of the invention, the fuel and the urea water can be prevented from being erroneously discharged.

In the work vehicle according to the invention, the urea water discharged from the urea water drain portion can be suppressed from being splashed on other members.

In the work vehicle of the invention, the fuel drain portion can be provided by utilizing the space below the urea water tank, so that the space can be effectively utilized.

In the work vehicle of the invention, the fuel drain portion can be opened from the lateral outside, and thus the operation of discharging the fuel can be performed more easily.

In the following, a description is given with the directions indicated by arrows U, D, F, B, L and R in the drawing defined as upward, downward, forward, backward, leftward and rightward, respectively.

Hereinafter, a fuel tank <NUM> of a tractor <NUM> according to one embodiment of the invention will be described. First, the overall configuration of the tractor <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The tractor <NUM> mainly includes a body frame <NUM>, an engine <NUM>, a hood <NUM>, a transmission case <NUM>, front wheels <NUM>, rear wheels <NUM>, a fender <NUM>, a lifting device <NUM>, a cabin <NUM>, a seat <NUM>, a steering wheel <NUM>, steps <NUM>, a urea water tank <NUM>, a fuel tank <NUM>, a mounting frame <NUM>, and the like.

The body frame <NUM> is a frame-shaped member formed by appropriately combining a plurality of panel members. The body frame <NUM> is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The body frame <NUM> is disposed at the front portion of the tractor <NUM> with the longitudinal direction extending in the front-rear direction. The engine <NUM> is fixed to the rear portion of the body frame <NUM>. The engine <NUM> is covered by the hood <NUM>. A transmission case <NUM> is fixed to the rear portion of the engine <NUM>.

The front portion of the body frame <NUM> is supported by a pair of right and left front wheels <NUM> via a front axle mechanism (not illustrated). The rear portion of the transmission case <NUM> is supported by a pair of right and left rear wheels <NUM> via a rear axle mechanism (not illustrated). The pair of right and left rear wheels <NUM> is covered mostly with the fender <NUM> from above.

The rear portion of the transmission case <NUM> is provided with the lifting device <NUM>. The lifting device <NUM> can be mounted with various work devices (for example, a cultivator). The lifting device <NUM> can raise and lower the mounted work device by an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. The power of the engine <NUM> can be transmitted to the lifting device <NUM> through a PTO (Power-Take-Off) shaft (not illustrated).

After the power of the engine <NUM> is shifted by a transmission (not illustrated) housed in the transmission case <NUM>, the power can be transmitted to the front wheels <NUM> through the front axle mechanism, and the power can be transmitted to the rear wheels <NUM> through the rear axle mechanism. The front wheels <NUM> and the rear wheels <NUM> are driven to rotate by the power of the engine <NUM>, so that the tractor <NUM> can run. Further, the work device mounted on the lifting device <NUM> can be driven by the power of the engine <NUM>.

The cabin <NUM> is provided behind the engine <NUM>. A living space on which an operator boards is formed inside the cabin <NUM>. The seat <NUM> for the operator to sit on is disposed at substantially the center of the cabin <NUM>. The steering wheel <NUM> for adjusting the turning angle of the front wheels <NUM> is disposed at the front portion of the cabin <NUM>. In addition, the steps <NUM> on which the operator puts his/her feet when getting on and off the cabin <NUM> are disposed at the lower left portion and lower right portion of the cabin <NUM>. The urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> are disposed in front of the left step <NUM>. The fuel tank <NUM> is placed on the mounting frame <NUM> formed by appropriately combining panel members and the like.

Next, the urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The urea water tank <NUM> is for storing urea water. The urea water tank <NUM> is connected to an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) (not illustrated) that converts nitrogen dioxide into water and nitrogen through a hose or the like. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the urea water tank <NUM> includes a urea water tank body <NUM>, a cap <NUM>, and a drain portion <NUM>.

The urea water tank body <NUM> is a member formed in a hollow shape. The urea water tank body <NUM> is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view in which the longitudinal direction is directed in the vertical direction and the lateral direction is directed in the front-rear direction. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the urea water tank body <NUM> includes a first mounting portion 21a and a second mounting portion 21b.

The first mounting portion 21a is a recess formed on the left side surface of the urea water tank body <NUM>. The first mounting portion 21a is formed from the front end to the rear portion of the urea water tank <NUM>.

The second mounting portion 21b is a substantially plate-shaped portion formed at the lower end portion of the urea water tank body <NUM>. The second mounting portion 21b is disposed with the plate surface directed in the front-rear direction. The second mounting portion 21b is formed so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the urea water tank body <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> is opened and closed when supplying urea water to the urea water tank body <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is provided on the upper surface of the urea water tank body <NUM>.

The drain portion <NUM> is for discharging urea water from the urea water tank body <NUM>. The drain portion <NUM> is provided on the lower surface of the urea water tank body <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the drain portion <NUM> includes a receiving member 23a and a drain plug 23b.

The receiving member 23a is for receiving the drain plug 23b described later. The receiving member 23a is formed in a substantially annular shape in bottom view, and a female screw portion (not illustrated) is formed on the inner peripheral surface. The receiving member 23a is fixed to the lower surface of the urea water tank body <NUM> (left rearward of the second mounting portion 21b).

The drain plug 23b is opened when the urea water is discharged. The drain plug 23b is fastened to the female screw portion of the receiving member 23a.

The fuel tank <NUM> stores fuel. The fuel tank <NUM> is connected to the engine <NUM> through a hose or the like. The fuel tank <NUM> includes a fuel tank body <NUM>, a cap <NUM>, and a drain portion <NUM>.

The fuel tank body <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is a substantially hollow member that extends long in the front-rear direction. The front end portion of the fuel tank body <NUM> is formed so as to have the highest height in the fuel tank body <NUM>. In the longitudinally middle portion of the fuel tank body <NUM>, the left side surface is positioned on the right side from the front end portion. Further, the left side surface of the rear portion of the fuel tank body <NUM> is positioned on the right side from the longitudinally middle portion. As described above, the left side surface of the fuel tank body <NUM> is configured to be positioned stepwise to the right side toward the rear side. Hereinafter, in the fuel tank body <NUM>, the left side surface at the front end portion is referred to as "first left side surface 40a," the left side surface at the longitudinally middle portion is referred to as "second left side surface 40b," and the left side surface at the rear portion is referred to as "third left side surface 40c. " Such a fuel tank body <NUM> is formed by resin molding. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the fuel tank body <NUM> includes a mounting portion <NUM>, an installation portion <NUM>, a drain port <NUM>, a suction port <NUM>, a connection recess <NUM>, first fixed portions <NUM>, and a second fixed portion <NUM>.

The mounting portion <NUM> is a recess formed on the first left side surface 40a. The mounting portion <NUM> is formed from the longitudinally middle portion of the first left side surface 40a to the rear end.

The installation portion <NUM> is a portion for installing the urea water tank <NUM>. The installation portion <NUM> is formed behind the mounting portion <NUM>. The installation portion <NUM> is formed by appropriately recessing the fuel tank body <NUM> to be able to abut on the front side surface, the right side surface, and the lower surface of the urea water tank <NUM>. The installation portion <NUM> includes a mounting surface 42a.

The mounting surface 42a is a lower surface of the installation portion <NUM>. The mounting surface 42a is formed in a substantially L-shape in plan view such that the left end portion extends rightward and the extended end portion extends to the rear upper side. The urea water tank <NUM> is placed on the mounting surface 42a through a predetermined plate-shaped member (see <FIG>).

The drain port <NUM> is an opening portion for discharging fuel from the fuel tank <NUM>. The drain port <NUM> is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding leftward from the lower end portion of the second left side surface 40b. The drain port <NUM> is disposed in the rear lower portion of the installation portion <NUM>. Incidentally, the details of the position of the drain port <NUM> will be described later.

The suction port <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is an opening portion for the engine <NUM> to suck the fuel in the fuel tank <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding rightward from the right side surface of the fuel tank <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> is formed in the lower end portion of the right side surface of the fuel tank <NUM>. The front-rear position of the suction port <NUM> is positioned behind the drain port <NUM>. The outer diameter of the suction port <NUM> is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the drain port <NUM>. The inner diameter of the suction port <NUM> is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the drain port <NUM>. A hose is externally fitted to such a suction port <NUM> (not illustrated). The suction port <NUM> is connected to the engine <NUM> through the hose and a fuel pump (not illustrated). When the fuel pump is driven, the fuel in the fuel tank <NUM> is sucked into the engine <NUM>.

The connection recess <NUM> is a recess formed to extend from the drain port <NUM> to the suction port <NUM>. The connection recess <NUM> is formed by recessing the bottom surface 40d (the surface facing upward in the inner inside) of the fuel tank body <NUM> downward. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the connection recess <NUM> is formed in a substantially L-shape in bottom view to include a portion extending rearward from the drain port <NUM> and a portion extending leftward from the suction port <NUM>. The connection recess <NUM> includes a first recess 45a and a second recess 45b.

The first recess 45a is a portion extending rearward from the drain port <NUM>. The left end portion of the first recess 45a is formed along the inner surface of the fuel tank body <NUM>. The first recess 45a is formed in a substantially stepped shape in bottom view along the step (the step when viewed from the bottom surface) of the fuel tank body <NUM>. The upper surface (the surface facing upward in the inner side of the fuel tank body <NUM>) and the lower surface (the surface facing downward in the outer side of the fuel tank body <NUM>) of the first recess 45a are formed so as to be parallel with the front-rear direction and the right-left direction (horizontal direction). The front-rear position of the rear end portion of the first recess 45a is positioned behind the suction port <NUM>.

The lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the drain port <NUM> according to this embodiment is formed to enter below such a first recess 45a (in the depth direction of the first recess 45a) (to be positioned lower than the upper end portion of the first recess 45a). Accordingly, the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the drain port <NUM> is lower than the bottom surface 40d of the fuel tank body <NUM>, and the drain port <NUM> communicates with the first recess 45a.

The second recess 45b is a portion extending leftward from the suction port <NUM>. The second recess 45b is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in bottom view with the longitudinal direction extending in the right-left direction. The left end portion of the second recess 45b extends to the rear portion of the first recess 45a. Thus, the connection recess <NUM> is formed so as to extend from the left end portion to the right end portion of the fuel tank body <NUM>. The upper surface (the surface facing upward in the inner side of the fuel tank body <NUM>) and the lower surface (the surface facing downward in the outer side of the fuel tank body <NUM>) of the second recess 45b are formed so as to be parallel with the front-rear direction and the right-left direction (horizontal direction). The second recess 45b is formed to have the same depth as the first recess 45a. Accordingly, the upper surface and the lower surface of the second recess 45b communicate with the upper surface and the lower surface of the first recess 45a so as to be flush.

The inner peripheral surface of the suction port <NUM> according to this embodiment is formed in such a second recess 45b. Accordingly, the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the suction port <NUM> is lower than the bottom surface 40d of the fuel tank body <NUM>, and the suction port <NUM> communicates with the second recess 45b.

The first fixed portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is a portion fixed by a first fixing portion <NUM> of the fixing structure <NUM> described later. The second fixed portion <NUM> is a portion fixed by a second fixing portion <NUM> of the fixing structure <NUM> described later. The first fixed portion <NUM> and the second fixed portion <NUM> will be described later.

The cap <NUM> opens and closes when fuel is supplied to the fuel tank body <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is provided on the upper surface at the front end portion of the fuel tank body <NUM>.

The drain portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is for discharging fuel from the fuel tank body <NUM>. The drain portion <NUM> is provided on the second left side surface 40b of the fuel tank body <NUM>. The drain portion <NUM> is disposed on the lower right rear side of the drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM>. The drain portion <NUM> and the drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> are disposed above the lower end of the mounting frame <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the drain portion <NUM> includes a drain hose <NUM>, a receiving member <NUM>, a band <NUM>, a washer <NUM>, and a drain plug <NUM>.

The drain hose <NUM> guides fuel from the drain port <NUM>. The drain hose <NUM> is formed such that the right end portion extends leftward and the extended end portion extends to the lower left side. The drain hose <NUM> is connected to the drain port <NUM> and the receiving member <NUM> described later. The drain hose <NUM> is made of rubber.

The receiving member <NUM> is for receiving the drain plug <NUM> described later. The receiving member <NUM> is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having the outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the drain hose <NUM>. The receiving member <NUM> is disposed such that the axial direction is directed to the upper right side (lower left side). A female screw portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower left portion of the receiving member <NUM>. The upper right portion of the receiving member <NUM> is inserted into the lower left end portion of the drain hose <NUM>. The receiving member <NUM> is made of a metal material. The receiving member <NUM> is fixed to the mounting frame <NUM> via a bracket 82a having a substantially L-shape in rear view.

The band <NUM> is for binding the drain hose <NUM>. The band <NUM> reduces the diameter of the drain hose <NUM> at the connection portion (right end portion) of the drain hose <NUM> with the drain port <NUM> and at the connection portion (lower left end portion) of the drain hose <NUM> with the receiving member <NUM>. Accordingly, the band <NUM> elastically deforms (crushes) the drain hose <NUM> to fix the drain hose to the drain port <NUM> and the receiving member <NUM>.

The washer <NUM> is provided between the receiving member <NUM> and the drain plug <NUM>. The washer <NUM> is formed of a rubber-attached washer having a rubber washer on the inner peripheral side.

The drain plug <NUM> is opened when fuel is discharged from the fuel tank body <NUM>. The drain plug <NUM> is fastened to the female screw portion of the receiving member <NUM>. Accordingly, the drain plug <NUM> elastically deforms the rubber of the washer <NUM> and is fixed to the receiving member <NUM> in a state of being in close contact with the rubber.

As described above, the drain portion <NUM> according to this embodiment elastically deforms the rubber material (the drain hose <NUM> and the washer <NUM>), and constantly applies pressure to the rubber material. Thus, it is possible to prevent that a gap is formed between the rubber material (the drain hose <NUM> and the washer <NUM>), the receiving member <NUM>, and the drain plug <NUM>, and it is possible to effectively suppress fuel leakage.

A cover (not illustrated) for protecting the drain portion <NUM> is detachably provided around the drain portion <NUM> configured as above. Also, a cover (not illustrated) for protecting the drain plug 23b is provided detachably around the drain plug 23b of the urea water tank <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the urea water tank <NUM> is fixed to the fuel tank <NUM> configured as described above through the first connection member B1 and the second connection member B2. Specifically, portions (the right end portion and the front end portion) of the lower surface of the urea water tank <NUM> are placed on the mounting surface 42a of the installation portion <NUM>. Another portion (rear left portion) of the lower surface of the urea water tank <NUM> is disposed to face the ground without overlapping the fuel tank <NUM> in bottom view. The first mounting portion 21a formed on the left side surface of the urea water tank <NUM> is disposed to be aligned with the mounting portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The first connection member B1 is disposed to extend over the first mounting portion 21a and the mounting portion <NUM> and is fixed to the urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM>. Further, the second connection member B2 has a rear end portion fixed to the fuel tank <NUM> and a front end portion fixed to the second mounting portion 21b of the urea water tank <NUM>.

The urea water tank <NUM> fixed in this manner is disposed to the left side of the fuel tank <NUM> (second left side surface 40b). Further, the drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> is disposed on the left rear side (the portion of which the lower side is not formed with the fuel tank <NUM> (second left side surface 40b)) of the mounting surface 42a. In this way, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a discharge space S is formed which is partitioned by the lower surface of the urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> and guides the urea water from the drain portion <NUM> downward.

The urea water tank <NUM> is disposed on the left side (lateral outside) of the hood <NUM> and the cabin <NUM> (see <FIG>). Further, the cap <NUM> and the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> are also disposed on the left side (lateral outside) of the hood <NUM> and the cabin <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the operation of discharging the urea water and the fuel will be described.

When the urea water is discharged, the operator removes the cover for protecting the drain plug 23b on the left side of the tractor <NUM> and opens the drain plug 23b illustrated in <FIG>. Accordingly, the urea water flows to the lower side of the urea water tank <NUM> through the discharge space S. Thus, the operator can discharge the urea water.

When fuel is discharged, the operator removes the cover for protecting the drain portion <NUM> on the left side of the tractor <NUM> and opens the drain plug <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Accordingly, the fuel flows out substantially downward through the drain port <NUM> and the drain hose <NUM>. Thus, the operator can discharge the fuel.

As described above, the urea water tank <NUM> (drain portion <NUM>) is disposed on the left side of the fuel tank <NUM> (second left side surface 40b). Further, in the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM>, the drain hose <NUM> is connected to the drain port <NUM> formed in the second left side surface 40b. In this way, when the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> is disposed on the left side (the same side as the side on which the drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> is disposed), the operator can open the drain plugs 23b and <NUM> from the same side (left side). Further, since the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> is not disposed on the lower surface of the fuel tank <NUM> but on the left side surface (second left side surface 40b), the operator can discharge fuel without reaching under the fuel tank <NUM>. Accordingly, the operation of discharging fuel and urea water can be easily performed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> are disposed in front of the step <NUM>. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> are disposed behind the front wheels <NUM>. Accordingly, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be collectively disposed between the front wheel <NUM> and the step <NUM> (a narrow range on the left side of the tractor <NUM>). Accordingly, the distance between the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be reduced, and thus the operation of discharging fuel and urea water can be performed more easily.

As described above, the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> is disposed on the lower right rear side of the drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). In this way, when the front-rear position, the lateral position, and the height position of the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> are shifted from each other, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be distinguished by the difference in position. Thus, it is possible to prevent fuel and urea water from being erroneously discharged. In particular, as in this embodiment, when a plurality of positions among the three positions of the front-rear position, the right-left position, and the height position are shifted, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be more reliably distinguished. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent fuel and urea water from being erroneously discharged.

In this embodiment, urea water is discharged downward through the discharge space S illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. When the discharge space is secured in this manner, the urea water discharged from the drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> at a relatively high position (rather than the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM>) can be suppressed from being splashed on other members.

In this embodiment, although the discharge space S is formed below the urea water tank <NUM>, some members, specifically, the drain hose <NUM>, the drain plug <NUM>, the second connection member B2, and the like are disposed below the urea water tank <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the drain hose <NUM> and the drain plug <NUM> are disposed to overlap the rear end portion of the urea water tank <NUM> in bottom view. Further, the second connection member B2 is disposed to overlap the right portion (the right side of the drain portion <NUM>) of the urea water tank <NUM> in bottom view. As described above, when some members (such as the drain hose <NUM>) is disposed so as not to overlap with the drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM>, the space below the urea water tank <NUM> can be utilized as the installation space of the some members, and urea water can be suppressed from being splashed on the some members. Accordingly, the space below the urea water tank <NUM> can be effectively utilized.

As described above, the urea water tank <NUM> (drain portion <NUM>) is disposed on the left side of the cabin <NUM>. Further, the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> is also disposed on the left side of the cabin <NUM>. In this manner, when the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed on the lateral outside from the cabin <NUM>, the drain plugs 23b and <NUM> can be easily reached, and the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be more easily opened.

In this embodiment, the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> does not fasten the drain plug <NUM> to the drain port <NUM> directly (by forming a female screw portion), but fasten the drain plug <NUM> to a member (receiving member <NUM>) different from the fuel tank body <NUM>). According to such a configuration, even if the female screw portion of the receiving member <NUM> is crushed by excessively tightening the drain plug <NUM>, only the receiving member <NUM> needs to be replaced instead of the fuel tank body <NUM>. Accordingly, the labor and cost required for replacement can be reduced.

In the fuel tank <NUM> according to this embodiment, the positions of the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> connected to the drain portion <NUM> are devised to improve fuel discharging performance and suction performance.

Hereinafter, the positions of the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> will be described.

Centers C43 and C44 illustrated in <FIG> indicate the centers of the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM>, respectively. Further, straight lines L43 and L44 illustrated in <FIG> are horizontal straight lines passing through the centers C43 and C44, respectively. Further, a symbol D1 illustrated in <FIG> indicates the height difference between the centers C43 and C44. As is clear from <FIG>, the center C44 of the suction port <NUM> is positioned at a position lower than the center C43 of the drain port <NUM>. Herein, since the drain port <NUM> is for discharging fuel, the drain port <NUM> is disposed at a low position (the lower end portion in this embodiment) in the fuel tank body <NUM>. In the suction port <NUM>, the center C44 is positioned even lower than the center C43 of the drain port <NUM> at such a low position, and thus unless the liquid level of fuel drops considerably (until the fuel is close to empty), the liquid level does not become lower than the suction port <NUM>. With such a configuration, the height position of the suction port <NUM> can be lowered, and fuel can flow into the suction port <NUM> even when the liquid level of the fuel is low. For this reason, fuel can be easily sucked into the engine <NUM>.

When the fuel tank body <NUM> is formed by resin molding as in this embodiment, for convenience of processing, the lower ends of the outer peripheral surfaces of the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> are required to be upward (to be spaced apart) from the lower surface of the fuel tank <NUM>. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first recess 45a and the second recess 45b are formed in the fuel tank body <NUM>, and the lower surface of the fuel tank <NUM> is partially lowered. Further, in this embodiment, the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> are formed in the lowered portions (the first recess 45a and the second recess 45b). According to this, the height position of the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> can be lowered as compared with a case where the first recess 45a and the second recess 45b are not formed. Accordingly, by lowering the height position of the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM>, fuel can be effectively discharged (fuel hardly remains), and fuel can be more easily sucked.

As described above, the suction port <NUM> communicates with the second recess 45b. According to this, the fuel that has flowed into the second recess 45b positioned further lower than the bottom surface 40d can be sucked from the entire area of the suction port <NUM>. Accordingly, fuel can be more easily sucked into the engine <NUM>.

As described above, the drain port <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> communicates with the first recess 45a. According to this, the fuel that has flowed into the first recess 45a positioned further lower than the bottom surface 40d can be discharged from the drain port <NUM>. Accordingly, fuel can be effectively discharged.

As illustrated in <FIG>, unlike the suction port <NUM>, the drain port <NUM> is configured such that the entire area does not open in the first recess 45a, but the center C43 is positioned at substantially the same height as the bottom surface 40d by raising the center C43 above the suction port <NUM>. Accordingly, the distance between the lower surface of the first recess 45a and the center C43 of the drain port <NUM> can be secured, so that the inner diameter of the drain port <NUM> can be increased. Accordingly, fuel can be easily discharged.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the drain port <NUM> is formed so as to be positioned at substantially the same height position as the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the suction port <NUM>. Accordingly, the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the drain port <NUM> can be reduced as much as possible, and thus the outer diameter of the drain port <NUM> can be further increased. Along with this, the inner diameter of the drain port <NUM> can be increased, so that fuel can be more easily discharged.

As described above, the upper surface of the second recess 45b illustrated in <FIG> communicates with the upper surface of the first recess 45a so as to be flush. Accordingly, the fuel accumulated in the second recess 45b can be discharged from the drain port <NUM> through the first recess 45a. Further, the fuel accumulated in the first recess 45a can be sucked from the suction port <NUM> through the second recess 45b. Accordingly, fuel can be effectively discharged from the drain port <NUM>, and fuel can be effectively sucked from the suction port <NUM>.

Here, impurities may remain around the drain port <NUM> when fuel is discharged. Since the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> according to this embodiment are formed on opposite side surfaces (a left side surface and a right side surface), the distance between the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> can be secured. For this reason, it is possible to suppress impurities remaining around the drain port <NUM> from being sucked when the fuel is sucked. Thus, it is possible to suppress impurities from being sucked when fuel is sucked.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the drain port <NUM> is disposed in front of the step <NUM>. As described above, by shifting the drain port <NUM> back and forth with respect to the step <NUM>, the drain portion <NUM> can be easily attached to and detached from the drain port <NUM>. Thereby, maintainability can be improved.

The suction port <NUM> is disposed behind the engine <NUM>. Accordingly, the engine <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> can be easily connected by the hose disposed to extend substantially in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the hose can be disposed easily.

The tractor <NUM> according to this embodiment includes the fixing structure <NUM> as a structure for fixing the fuel tank <NUM> configured as described above. Hereinafter, the fixing structure <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>.

The fixing structure <NUM> includes a first fixing portion <NUM> and a second fixing portion <NUM>. The first fixing portion <NUM> is for fixing the fuel tank <NUM> horizontally (laterally) in the first fixed portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. First, the configuration of the first fixed portion <NUM> will be described.

The first fixed portions <NUM> are formed at two places with an interval in the front and rear direction. The front first fixed portion <NUM> is formed above the drain port <NUM>. The rear first fixed portion <NUM> is formed behind the step <NUM> (see <FIG>). Incidentally, hereinafter, the rear first fixed portion <NUM> will be described, and the description of the front first fixed portion <NUM> will be omitted. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first fixed portion <NUM> includes a left housing portion <NUM>, a right housing portion <NUM>, and an insertion portion <NUM>.

The left housing portion <NUM> is a portion for housing a washer <NUM> of the first fixing portion <NUM> described later. The left housing portion <NUM> is formed in a substantially circular shape in side view. The left housing portion <NUM> is formed by recessing the left side surface (third left side surface 40c) of the fuel tank <NUM>. The left housing portion <NUM> includes an annular recess 51a.

The annular recess 51a is a portion that is partially concave rightward in the left housing portion <NUM>. The annular recess 51a is formed in a substantially annular shape in side view by recessing the outer peripheral side of the left housing portion <NUM>.

The right housing portion <NUM> is a part for housing a disk member <NUM> of the first fixing portion <NUM> described later. The right housing portion <NUM> is formed by recessing the right side surface of the fuel tank <NUM>. The right housing portion <NUM> is formed on right side (back side) of the left housing portion <NUM>. The right housing portion <NUM> includes an annular recess 52a.

The annular recess 52a is a portion that is partially recessed leftward in the right housing portion <NUM>. The annular recess 52a is formed in a substantially annular shape in side view.

The insertion portion <NUM> is a hole into which a shaft member <NUM> of the first fixing portion <NUM> described later is inserted. The insertion portion <NUM> is formed in a substantially circular shape in side view. The insertion portion <NUM> is formed to extend in the right-left direction and is formed such that the diameter increases toward the right side. The insertion portion <NUM> is formed to extend from the left housing portion <NUM> to the right housing portion <NUM>.

Next, the configuration of the first fixing portion <NUM> will be described. The first fixing portion <NUM> fixes the front and rear first fixed portions <NUM> to a clutch housing (not illustrated). Hereinafter, the rear first fixing portion <NUM> will be described, and the description of the front first fixing portion <NUM> will be omitted. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first fixing portion <NUM> includes the shaft member <NUM>, the disk member <NUM>, the washer <NUM>, and a bolt <NUM>.

The shaft member <NUM> is disposed with the axial direction facing the right-left direction. The shaft member <NUM> is inserted into the insertion portion <NUM>, and the right portion protrudes rightward from the right housing portion <NUM>. The right end portion of the shaft member <NUM> is fixed to the clutch housing through a bracket 111a. A female screw portion is formed in the central portion of the left end surface of the shaft member <NUM> (not illustrated).

The disk member <NUM> is a member that is externally fitted to the shaft member <NUM>. The outer diameter of the disk member <NUM> is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the annular recess 52a of the right housing portion <NUM>. The disk member <NUM> is disposed in the right housing portion <NUM> and is in contact with the right side surface of the right housing portion <NUM>.

The washer <NUM> is for sandwiching the fuel tank <NUM> between the disk member <NUM> and the washer <NUM>. The outer diameter of the washer <NUM> is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the annular recess 51a of the left housing portion <NUM>. The disk member <NUM> is disposed in the left housing portion <NUM> and is in contact with the left side surface of the left housing portion <NUM>.

The bolt <NUM> is fastened to the female screw portion of the shaft member <NUM> from the right side. Accordingly, the bolt <NUM> fastens the washer <NUM>, and fixes the washer <NUM> to the shaft member <NUM>.

The first fixing portion <NUM> configured as described above elastically deforms the left housing portion <NUM> and the right housing portion <NUM> by the disk member <NUM> and the washer <NUM>, so that the disk member <NUM> and the washer <NUM> can be in close contact with the fuel tank <NUM>. Accordingly, the first fixing portion <NUM> can fix the fuel tank <NUM> to the clutch housing in the first fixed portion <NUM>.

In the first fixing portion <NUM>, the outer diameters of the disk member <NUM> and the washer <NUM> are formed to be larger than the inner diameters of the annular recesses 51a and 52a, and the outer peripheral edges of the disk member <NUM> and the washer <NUM> do not come into contact with the left housing portion <NUM> and the right housing portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the fuel tank body <NUM> is prevented from being damaged by the outer peripheral edges (corner portions) of the disk member <NUM> and the washer <NUM>.

The second fixing portion <NUM> is for fixing the fuel tank <NUM> vertically (up and down) in the second fixed portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. First, the configuration of the second fixed portion <NUM> will be described.

The second fixed portion <NUM> is formed on the lower rear side of the rear first fixed portion <NUM>. The second fixed portion <NUM> includes a notch <NUM> and a recess <NUM>.

The notch <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is a portion for housing a tubular member <NUM> of the second fixing portion <NUM> described later. The notch <NUM> extends from the left end portion to the right side with a certain width (a width in the front-rear direction) and is formed in a substantially U-shape in bottom view to which the extended end portion (right end portion) is connected. The left end portion of the notch <NUM> is formed to be open on the third left side surface 40c. The right end portion of the notch <NUM> is formed in a substantially semicircular shape in bottom view. The notch <NUM> is formed to extend over the lower surface of the fuel tank body <NUM> and a contact surface 63a of the recess <NUM> described later. The notch <NUM> is disposed on the right side of the rear wheel <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The recess <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is a portion for housing a rubber washer <NUM> and a washer <NUM> of the second fixing portion <NUM> described later. The recess <NUM> is formed above the notch <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is formed in a substantially L-shape in side view so as to extend rearward and upward from the lower front portion. The recess <NUM> is formed by recessing the third left side surface 40c to the right side. The recess <NUM> includes a housing portion <NUM> and an extending portion <NUM>.

The housing portion <NUM> is the lower portion of the recess <NUM>. The housing portion <NUM> is formed in a substantially U-shape in bottom view such that the notch <NUM> is enlarged (see <FIG>). The housing portion <NUM> is formed such that the width in the front-rear direction and the width in the right-left direction are larger than the width in the front-rear direction and the width in the right-left direction of the notch <NUM>. The lower surface of the housing portion <NUM> is formed as the contact surface 63a that abuts on the rubber washer <NUM>.

The extending portion <NUM> is a portion that extends upward from the housing portion <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> is formed in a tapered shape such that the width in the front-rear direction becomes narrower upward. The extending portion <NUM> is formed above the notch <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> includes a vertical portion 64a, an inclined portion 64b, and an inclined surface 64c.

The vertical portion 64a is a rear side surface (a surface facing forward) of the extending portion <NUM> and a portion extending in parallel with the vertical direction (vertical direction). The vertical portion 64a is formed to extend substantially upward from the rear portion of the housing portion <NUM>. The front-rear position of the vertical portion 64a is formed to be substantially the same as the front-rear position of the rear side surface (a surface facing forward) of the notch <NUM>. The inclined portion 64b is a front side surface (a surface facing rearward and downward) of the extending portion <NUM> and a portion inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The inclined portion 64b is formed to extend rearward and upward from the front end of the housing portion <NUM>. The upper ends of the vertical portion 64a and the inclined portion 64b are connected to each other. In this way, the extending portion <NUM> is formed in a substantially right-angled triangular shape (a shape that is asymmetrical in the front-rear direction) in side view such that the front side approaches the vertical portion 64a (rear side). Accordingly, the upper side of the rear end portion of the housing portion <NUM> is prevented from being recessed.

The inclined surface 64c is a bottom surface (a surface facing leftward) of the extending portion <NUM>. The inclined surface 64c is formed so as to extend from the lower right end portion to the upper left side (lateral outside).

Next, the configuration of the second fixing portion <NUM> will be described. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second fixing portion <NUM> is for fixing the second fixed portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> to the mounting frame <NUM>. The second fixing portion <NUM> includes the tubular member <NUM>, the rubber washer <NUM>, the washer <NUM>, and a bolt <NUM>.

The tubular member <NUM> is disposed with the axial direction directed in the vertical direction. The outer diameter of the tubular member <NUM> is formed to be smaller than the width of the notch <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The inner diameter of the tubular member <NUM> is formed to be larger than the shaft portion of the bolt <NUM> described later. The tubular member <NUM> is placed on the mounting frame <NUM> and disposed in the notch <NUM>.

The rubber washer <NUM> is provided above the tubular member <NUM>. The outer diameter of the rubber washer <NUM> is formed so as to be larger than the width of the notch <NUM> in the front-rear direction and smaller than the width in the front-rear direction and the width in the right-left direction of the housing portion <NUM>. The rubber washer <NUM> is externally fitted to the upper end portion of the tubular member <NUM> and is disposed in the housing portion <NUM>. The lower surface of the rubber washer <NUM> abuts on the contact surface 63a of the housing portion <NUM>.

The washer <NUM> is provided above the rubber washer <NUM>. The outer diameter of the washer <NUM> is formed to be larger than the width of the notch <NUM> in the front-rear direction and smaller than the outer diameter of the rubber washer <NUM>. The washer <NUM> is placed on the rubber washer <NUM> and is disposed in the housing portion <NUM>.

The bolt <NUM> is disposed below the extending portion <NUM> and is provided to penetrate the notch <NUM> vertically. The bolt <NUM> is inserted into the tubular member <NUM>, the rubber washer <NUM>, and the washer <NUM>. The lower end of the bolt <NUM> is fastened to a nut 14a fixed to the mounting frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the bolt <NUM> fixes the washer <NUM>.

When the contact surface 63a and the lower surface of the fuel tank body <NUM> are sandwiched by the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM>, and the mounting frame <NUM>, the second fixing portion <NUM> configured as above elastically deforms the rubber washer <NUM> and the fuel tank body <NUM>. Thereby, the rubber washer <NUM> and the mounting frame <NUM> can be brought into close contact with the fuel tank <NUM>. Accordingly, the second fixing portion <NUM> can fix the fuel tank <NUM> to the mounting frame <NUM> in the second fixed portion <NUM>.

Such a second fixing portion <NUM> fixes the fuel tank <NUM> in the following procedure.

First, the operator places the fuel tank <NUM> on the mounting frame <NUM>. Then, the tubular member <NUM> is set in the notch <NUM> of the mounting frame <NUM>.

Next, the operator inserts the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM> into the bolt <NUM>, and inserts the bolt <NUM> into the tubular member <NUM>. Then, the bolt <NUM> is fastened to the nut 14a using a tool. Thus, the fuel tank <NUM> can be fixed by the second fixing portion <NUM>.

According to the fixing structure <NUM> according to this embodiment, the second fixed portion <NUM> visible from the left side surface of the fuel tank <NUM> is fixed, so that the fuel tank <NUM> can be easily fixed. Specifically, as a general fixing method of the fuel tank <NUM>, there is a method of winding a metal belt around the fuel tank <NUM> and fixing the metal belt to the mounting frame <NUM>. In the fixing method, the metal belt is wound from above the fuel tank <NUM>, and both ends (lower ends) are fixed to the mounting frame <NUM>. In this case, in the both ends of the metal belt, the end on the back side (lateral inside) is difficult to fix. On the other hand, in the fixing structure <NUM> according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to perform the fixing operation on the inner side of the fuel tank <NUM>, so that the fuel tank <NUM> can be easily fixed.

In the fuel tank <NUM>, the notch <NUM> in which the tubular member <NUM> is set is open on the third left side surface 40c. Therefore, the operator can set the tubular member <NUM> not only from above but also from the left side (the opening portion of the notch <NUM>). According to such a configuration, the tubular member <NUM> can be easily set, and the fuel tank <NUM> can be easily fixed.

When the fuel tank body <NUM> is formed by resin molding as in this embodiment, the notch <NUM> can be formed without complicating the shape of the mold. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the fuel tank body <NUM> can be reduced.

Here, when the notch <NUM> is formed, the capacity of the fuel tank <NUM> is reduced, and the area of the lower surface of the fuel tank body <NUM> and the contact surface 63a of the recess <NUM> (the contact area with the mounting frame <NUM> and the rubber washer <NUM>) is reduced. In this regard, in this embodiment, the notch <NUM> is formed in a substantially U-shape in bottom view with a width that allows the tubular member <NUM> to be inserted. According to this, it is possible to prevent the shape of the notch <NUM> in bottom view from becoming larger than necessary. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the capacity of the fuel tank <NUM> and a decrease in the contact area with the mounting frame <NUM> and the rubber washer <NUM>.

In fixing the fuel tank <NUM>, the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM> are inserted into the recess <NUM> (housing portion <NUM>), and the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM> can be suppressed from interfering with members other than the fuel tank <NUM>. Accordingly, the fuel tank <NUM> can be fixed more easily.

The vertical width of the notch <NUM> can be reduced by forming the recess <NUM> (housing portion <NUM>). Specifically, when the recess <NUM> is not formed unlike this embodiment, it is necessary to sandwich the fuel tank body <NUM> at the upper surface and the lower surface. In this embodiment, the fuel tank body <NUM> can be sandwiched at the lower surface and the vicinity of the lower end of the fuel tank body <NUM> by the recess <NUM>. Accordingly, as compared with a case where the fuel tank is sandwiched at the upper surface and the lower surface of the fuel tank body <NUM>, the vertical width of the notch <NUM> can be reduced, and a decrease in the capacity of the fuel tank <NUM> can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, since the extending portion <NUM> is formed above the bolt <NUM>, the bolt <NUM> can be fastened by inserting a tool into the extending portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the bolt <NUM> can be easily fastened, and thus the fuel tank <NUM> can be easily fixed.

Herein, when the extending portion <NUM> is formed, the fuel tank <NUM> is recessed by that amount, and the capacity of the fuel tank <NUM> is reduced. In this regard, in this embodiment, an inclined surface 64c extending to the upper left side is formed. According to this, the amount of recess can be reduced toward the upper side. Thus, a decrease in the capacity of the fuel tank <NUM> can be suppressed as much as possible.

The notch <NUM> is open on the third left side surface 40c positioned on the laterally innermost side of the left side surface (the first left side surface 40a, the second left side surface 40b, and the third left side surface 40c) of the fuel tank <NUM>. Accordingly, the notch <NUM> can be disposed on the lateral inside of the fuel tank <NUM> as much as possible, so that stones or the like can be suppressed from entering the recess <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the bolt <NUM> from coming off from the nut 14a by being hit by stones or the like.

Herein, the width of the extending portion <NUM> in the front-rear direction is preferably small from the viewpoint of securing the capacity of the fuel tank <NUM>. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the bolt <NUM> is fastened using the space in the extending portion <NUM>, and thus from the viewpoint of workability, the extending portion <NUM> preferably has a larger width in the front-rear direction. Further, since an axle 7a of the rear wheel <NUM> or the like are provided behind the extending portion <NUM> (see <FIG>), the extending portion <NUM> is desirably formed on the side (front side) far from the axle 7a in terms of workability.

In view of the above circumstances, the extending portion <NUM> according to this embodiment is formed in a substantially right-angled triangular shape in side view including the slope (inclined portion 64b) extending to the upper rear side from the front end (a portion farthest from the axle 7a or the like) of the housing portion <NUM> and the vertical line (vertical portion 64a) extending to the upper side in front of the rear end portion (a portion closest to the axle 7a and the like) of the housing portion <NUM>. Accordingly, while the width of the extending portion <NUM> in the front-rear direction is gradually reduced to suppress the decrease in the capacity of the fuel tank <NUM>, the space for the extending portion <NUM> is secured to facilitate fastening of the bolt <NUM> in the extending portion <NUM>. Further, workability is effectively improved by separating the extending portion <NUM> from the axle 7a or the like.

Further, as described above, the fuel tank <NUM> is placed on the mounting frame <NUM> at the time of fixing. Since the fuel tank <NUM> is relatively heavy, the operator moves the fuel tank <NUM> to a predetermined position by sliding the fuel tank <NUM> rightward with respect to the upper surface of the mounting frame <NUM> at the time of placing. At this time, the lower surface of the connection recess <NUM> (the first recess 45a and the second recess 45b) of the fuel tank <NUM> slides with respect to the mounting frame <NUM>. The connection recess <NUM> according to this embodiment is formed from the left end portion to the right end portion of the fuel tank <NUM>, and the lower surfaces of the first recess 45a and the second recess 45b are flush with each other. Thus, at the time of sliding, the connection recess <NUM> is neither caught by the mounting frame <NUM> nor dropped from the mounting frame <NUM> on the way. Accordingly, the fuel tank <NUM> can be placed smoothly.

In the second fixing portion <NUM>, the rubber washer <NUM> is disposed between the washer <NUM> and the contact surface 63a of the housing portion <NUM> so that the washer <NUM> does not directly contact the contact surface 63a. Further, the outer diameter of the rubber washer <NUM> is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the washer <NUM>. According to such a configuration, even if the contact surface 63a is not partially recessed (even if the recesses such as the annular recesses 51a and 52a are not formed), it is possible to prevent the outer peripheral edge of the washer <NUM> from being brought into contact with the contact surface 63a. Accordingly, the fuel tank body <NUM> is prevented from being damaged by the outer peripheral edges (corner portions) of the washer <NUM>.

As described above, the fuel tank <NUM> of the tractor <NUM> (work vehicle) according to this embodiment includes: the drain port <NUM> which is open to an outside on a side surface and through which fuel is discharged to the outside; and the suction port <NUM> which is open to the outside on the side surface and has the center C44 positioned lower than the center C43 of the drain port <NUM> and through which the fuel is sucked by the engine <NUM>.

With such a configuration, the height position of the suction port <NUM> can be lowered to facilitate the suction of fuel into the engine <NUM>.

The fuel tank <NUM> further includes: the first recess 45a which is formed to be recessed downward with respect to the bottom surface 40d and communicates with the drain port <NUM>.

With this configuration, fuel hardly remains on the bottom surface 40d, so that fuel can be discharged effectively.

The center C43 of the drain port <NUM> is positioned at substantially the same height as the bottom surface 40d.

With this configuration, the distance between the lower surface of the first recess 45a and the center C43 of the drain port <NUM> can be secured so that the diameter of the drain port <NUM> can be increased. Thus, fuel can be easily discharged.

The fuel tank <NUM> further includes: the second recess 45b which is formed to be recessed downward with respect to the bottom surface 40d and communicates with the suction port <NUM>.

With this configuration, fuel can be more easily sucked into the engine <NUM>.

The center C44 of the suction port <NUM> is positioned at a position lower than the bottom surface 40d.

With such a configuration, the height position of the suction port <NUM> can be lowered, and fuel can be more easily sucked into the engine <NUM>.

The first recess 45a and the second recess 45b communicate with each other so as not to generate a step on the lower surfaces.

With this configuration, fuel can be effectively discharged from the drain port <NUM>, and fuel can be effectively suctioned from the suction port <NUM>.

The lower surface of the first recess 45a and the lower surface of the second recess 45b are formed to be parallel to a horizontal direction (a front-rear direction and a right-left direction).

With such a configuration, even if the liquid level of fuel becomes low, the fuel is not biased to any one of the first recess 45a and the second recess 45b. Thus, the fuel can be effectively discharged from the drain port <NUM>, and fuel can be effectively sucked from the suction port <NUM>.

The drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> are formed on opposite side surfaces.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress impurities remaining around the drain port <NUM> from being sucked when fuel is sucked.

The tractor <NUM> according to this embodiment includes the fuel tank <NUM>.

Incidentally, the tractor <NUM> according to this embodiment is an embodiment of a work vehicle.

The outline of the disclosure is listed below based on the above embodiments.

The technique of a work vehicle equipped with a fuel tank and a urea water tank is known. For example, the technique is as described in <CIT>.

The tractor (work vehicle) described in <CIT> includes a left fuel tank and a right fuel tank (fuel tank) disposed on left and right sides of a body and a urea water tank disposed in front of the right fuel tank. Such a tractor includes a drain portion capable of discharging fuel in the fuel tank and urea water in the urea water tank. The drain portion is generally provided on the lower surfaces of the fuel tank and the urea water tank in order to easily discharge the fuel and the urea water.

In this configuration, the operator needs to open the drain portion by reaching under the fuel tank and the urea water tank, which is hard to work. As described above, in the related art, it is difficult to easily perform the operation of discharging fuel and urea water.

The disclosure has been made in view of the above situation, and a problem to be solved is to provide a work vehicle that can easily perform an operation of discharging fuel and urea water.

The tractor <NUM> (work vehicle) according to the embodiment of the disclosure includes the fuel tank <NUM> including the drain portion <NUM> (fuel drain portion) that can discharge fuel to the outside and is disposed on a surface (second left side surface 40b) facing one side (left side) and the urea water tank <NUM> having the drain portion <NUM> (urea water drain portion) which can discharge urea water to the outside and is disposed on the one side (left side) of the fuel tank <NUM>.

With this configuration, the operation of discharging fuel and urea water can be easily performed.

Further, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed in front of the step <NUM> disposed on the one side of the fuel tank <NUM>.

With this configuration, the operation of discharging fuel and urea water can be performed more easily by reducing the distance between the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

The drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed such that the height positions are different from each other.

With this configuration, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be distinguished by the difference in the height position, and thus it is possible to prevent fuel and urea water from being erroneously discharged.

The drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> is disposed above the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to prevent fuel and urea water from being erroneously discharged.

The drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed such that the positions in the right-left direction are different from each other.

With this configuration, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be distinguished by the difference in the position in the right-left direction, and thus it is possible to prevent fuel and urea water from being erroneously discharged.

The drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> is disposed on the lateral outside of the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM>.

The drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed such that the positions in the front-rear direction are different from each other.

With this configuration, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be distinguished by the difference in the position in the front-rear direction, and thus it is possible to prevent fuel and urea water from being erroneously discharged.

The drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> is disposed in front of the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM>.

The drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> is provided such that other members do not intervene below.

With such a configuration, the urea water discharged from the drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> can be suppressed from being splashed on other members.

The drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> is disposed below the urea water tank <NUM> and is disposed so as not to overlap with the drain portion <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> in bottom view.

With such a configuration, the space below the urea water tank <NUM> can be utilized to provide the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM>. Thus, it is possible to effectively use the space.

The drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> is disposed on a surface (second left side surface 40b) facing the lateral outside.

With this configuration, the drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> can be opened from the lateral outside, and thus the operation of discharging fuel can be performed more easily.

The drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed on the lateral outside of the cabin <NUM>.

With this configuration, the operation of discharging fuel and urea water can be performed more easily.

The drain portion <NUM> according to this embodiment is an embodiment of the fuel drain portion.

The drain portion <NUM> according to this embodiment is an embodiment of the urea water drain portion.

Further, as described above, the fixing structure <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> according to this embodiment includes the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM> (fixing member) which sandwich the fuel tank <NUM> together with the mounting frame <NUM> (frame) and the shaft member <NUM> interposed between the mounting frame <NUM>, and the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM>. The fuel tank <NUM> includes the lower surface (first contact surface) of the fuel tank <NUM> that contacts the mounting frame <NUM>, the contact surface 63a (second contact surface) that contacts the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM>, the third left side surface 40c (connection surface) that connects the lower surface of the fuel tank <NUM> and the contact surface 63a, and the notch <NUM> that is open to the third left side surface 40c and is formed to extend from the lower surface of the fuel tank <NUM> to the contact surface 63a and in which the shaft member <NUM> is housed.

With this configuration, the shaft member <NUM> can be easily interposed between the mounting frame <NUM>, and the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM>, and thus the fuel tank <NUM> can be easily fixed.

The notch <NUM> is formed to extend with a certain width from the opening to the bottom portion when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the shaft member <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the capacity of the fuel tank <NUM> and a decrease in the contact area of the fuel tank <NUM> with the mounting frame <NUM> and the shaft member <NUM>.

The fuel tank <NUM> further includes the recess <NUM> capable of housing the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM>.

With this configuration, the fuel tank <NUM> can be fixed more easily.

The recess <NUM> includes the housing portion <NUM> housing the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM> and the extending portion <NUM> which is formed from the housing portion <NUM> to extend in a direction (upward) of being separated from the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM>.

With this configuration, a space can be formed by the extending portion <NUM> on the side (upper side) of the housing portion <NUM> that is separated from the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM>. According to this, when the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM> are provided, the fuel tank <NUM> is hardly obstructed, and thus the fuel tank <NUM> can be fixed more easily.

The extending portion <NUM> is formed with the inclined surface 64c that swells outward in a direction (upward) of being separated from the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM>.

With this configuration, a decrease in the capacity of the fuel tank <NUM> can be suppressed as much as possible.

The rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM> are fixed by the bolt <NUM> (fastener) fastened in the recess <NUM>.

With this configuration, the bolt <NUM> can be fastened utilizing the space of the extending portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the fuel tank <NUM> can be fixed more easily.

The notch <NUM> is positioned on the lateral inside of the rear wheel <NUM> (wheel).

With such a configuration, the notch <NUM> can be made hard to seen from the outside. Accordingly, appearance can be improved.

The fuel tank <NUM> is placed on the mounting frame <NUM>.

With this configuration, the shaft member <NUM>, the rubber washer <NUM>, and the washer <NUM> can be mounted while the fuel tank <NUM> is placed on the mounting frame <NUM>, and thus the fuel tank <NUM> can be fixed more easily.

The third left side surface 40c is formed to face one side in the right-left direction, and the fuel tank <NUM> further includes the first left side surface 40a and the second left side surface 40b (non-connection surface) which face the one side in the right-left direction and are positioned on the lateral outside of the third left side surface 40c.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress stones or the like from entering the notch <NUM>, and thus it is possible to prevent the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM> from coming off.

The tractor <NUM> (work vehicle) according to this embodiment includes the fixing structure <NUM> for the fuel tank <NUM>.

With this configuration, the shaft member <NUM> can be easily inserted, and thus the fuel tank <NUM> can be easily fixed.

Incidentally, the mounting frame <NUM> according to this embodiment is an embodiment of the frame.

Further, the rubber washer <NUM> and the washer <NUM> according to this embodiment are one embodiment of the fixing member.

Further, the lower surface of the fuel tank <NUM> according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the first contact surface.

Further, the contact surface 63a according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the second contact surface.

Further, the third left side surface 40c according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the connection surface.

Further, the bolt <NUM> according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the fastener. Further, the rear wheel <NUM> according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the wheel.

Further, the first left side surface 40a and the second left side surface 40b according to this embodiment are one embodiment of the non-connection surface.

Further, the tractor <NUM> according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the work vehicle.

As described above, the embodiments of the disclosure have been described. However, the disclosure is not limited to the above configuration, and various changes can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, the work vehicle according to this embodiment is the tractor <NUM>, but the type of the work vehicle according to the disclosure is not limited to this. The work vehicle according to the disclosure may be another agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, an industrial vehicle, or the like.

The drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. However, the disclosure is not limited to this, and may have any shape. In this configuration, the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> are not circular, but the drain port <NUM> and the center C44 of the suction port <NUM> in this case are appropriately determined according to the shapes of the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM>. For example, when the cross-sectional shape of the drain port <NUM> is substantially triangular, the center C43 of the drain port <NUM> may be the center (the intersection of the bisectors of three apex angles) of the triangle. Further, the center C43 of the drain port <NUM> may be the central portion of the cross-sectional shape in the height direction and the width direction.

The drain port <NUM> is formed such that the lower end portion (part) of the inner peripheral surface is in the first recess 45a, but the disclosure is not limited to this. The entire inner peripheral surface may be in the first recess 45a. Accordingly, the drain port <NUM> can lower the height position of the center C43 and effectively discharge fuel in the first recess 45a.

The suction port <NUM> has an inner peripheral surface formed in the second recess 45b, but the disclosure is not limited to this. At least a part of the inner peripheral surface may be in the second recess 45b. Accordingly, the suction port <NUM> can communicate with the second recess 45b to suck the fuel in the second recess 45b.

The first recess 45a and the second recess 45b communicate with each other. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The first recess 45a and the second recess 45b may not communicate with each other (be formed to be separated to right and left sides).

The fuel tank <NUM> is not necessarily provided with the first recess 45a and the second recess 45b.

The positional relationship between the centers C43 and C44 of the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> and the bottom surface 40d is not limited to this embodiment, and may be an arbitrary positional relationship.

The drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> are formed on the side surfaces opposite to each other, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the drain port <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> may be formed on the same surface.

The drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> are disposed on the left side of the fuel tank <NUM>, but the disclosure is not limited to this. The drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on any one of the front side, the rear side, the left side, and the right side of the fuel tank <NUM>. For example, the positional relationship between the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> may be appropriately changed according to the positional relationship between the fuel tank <NUM> and the tractor <NUM>. Specifically, when the fuel tank <NUM> is disposed on the right side of the tractor <NUM>, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the right side of the fuel tank <NUM>. When the fuel tank <NUM> is disposed on the rear side of the tractor <NUM>, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the rear side of the fuel tank <NUM>.

Further, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> are disposed on the front side of the step <NUM>, but the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the right side or the rear side of the step <NUM>.

The drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> are disposed such that the vertical position, the lateral position, and the front-rear position are shifted from each other, but the disclosure is not limited to this. The drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to be appropriately positioned in accordance with the shapes and arrangements of the urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM>. For example, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed such that the positions in the front-rear direction are aligned (overlap in side view).

The drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the urea water tank <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> are disposed outside the cabin <NUM>, but the positional relationship with the cabin <NUM> is not limited to this. For example, the drain portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed inside (for example, below) the cabin <NUM>.

The drain portion <NUM> of the fuel tank <NUM> is configured to fasten the drain plug <NUM> to the receiving member <NUM>, but the disclosure is not limited to this. The drain plug <NUM> may be fastened directly to the drain port <NUM>.

The notch <NUM> is formed to have a substantially U-shape in bottom view, but the shape of the notch <NUM> is not limited to this as long as the notch <NUM> is open to the third left side surface 40c. For example, the notch <NUM> may have a substantially triangular shape in bottom view.

The notch <NUM> is formed to be recessed to the right side (enter the lateral inside) from the left side surface (third left side surface 40c) of the fuel tank body <NUM>, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The notch <NUM> may be formed to protrude to the left side (lateral outside) with respect to the left side surface of the fuel tank body <NUM>. In this case, for example, a protrusion protruding to the left side may be formed on the left side surface of the fuel tank body <NUM>, and the notch <NUM> may be formed in the protrusion.

The notch <NUM> is disposed on the lateral inside of the rear wheel <NUM>, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the notch <NUM> may be disposed on the lateral outside of the rear wheel <NUM>.

The notch <NUM> is formed on the third left side surface 40c, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The notch <NUM> may be formed on the first left side surface 40a or the second left side surface 40b. Further, the notch <NUM> may be formed on the right side surface of the fuel tank <NUM>.

The shape of the recess <NUM> is not limited to this embodiment, and may be any shape.

The second fixed portion <NUM> may be provided with at least the notch <NUM> and is not necessarily provided with the recess <NUM>.

The second fixing portion <NUM> is configured to fasten the bolt <NUM> to the nut 14a placed on the mounting frame <NUM> from above, but the positional relationship between the bolt <NUM> and the nut 14a is not limited to this. For example, the nut 14a may be fixed to the upper surface of the washer <NUM>, and the bolt <NUM> may be fastened to the nut 14a from the lower side of the mounting frame <NUM>.

The second fixing portion <NUM> sandwiches the fuel tank <NUM> vertically (up and down), but the direction of sandwiching the fuel tank <NUM> is not limited to this. For example, like the first fixing portion <NUM>, the second fixing portion <NUM> may sandwich the fuel tank <NUM> horizontally (laterally).

Claim 1:
A work vehicle (<NUM>) comprising a fuel tank (<NUM>),
wherein the fuel tank (<NUM>) of the work vehicle (<NUM>) is characterized by:
a drain port (<NUM>) which is open to an outside on a side surface and through which fuel is discharged to the outside;
a suction port (<NUM>) which is open to the outside on the side surface and has a center (C44) positioned lower than a center (C43) of the drain port (<NUM>) and through which the fuel is sucked by an engine (<NUM>),
wherein the drain port (<NUM>) is formed on a side surface (40b) which faces one side in the right-left direction.