76 indicates a closing cap that closes the injection port of the storage tank 74.

As can be understood from FIG. 4, the entirety of the bottom wall 52 of the battery case 34 is positioned above and between a front end 16f of the frontward roller 16 and a rear end 16r of the frontward roller 16. More specifically, when the loading vehicle body 12 is viewed in plan, the bottom wall 52 overlaps the frontward roller 16. Moreover, it should be noted that the opening 62 of the battery case 34 may be positioned more frontward than the front end 16f of the frontward roller 16.

Further, a front end 36f of the motor housing 36 is positioned above and between the front end 16f and the rear end 16r of the frontward roller 16. On the other hand, a rear end 36r of the motor housing 36 is positioned above and between a front end 18f of the rearward roller 18 and a rear end 18r of the rearward roller 18 (for example, approximately midway between the front end 18f and the rear end 18r). In other words, when the loading vehicle body 12 is viewed in plan, the front end 36f of the motor housing 36 overlaps the frontward roller 16. Further, the rear end 36r of the motor housing 36 overlaps the rearward roller 18.

Furthermore, a front end 74f of the storage tank 74 is positioned more rearward than the front end 18f of the rearward roller 18. The front end 74f of the storage tank 74 is positioned more forward than the rear end 18r of the rearward roller 18. In other words, when the loading vehicle body 12 is viewed in plan, the front end 74f of the storage tank 74 overlaps the rearward roller 18.

Moreover, it should be noted that it is not necessarily essential that the storage tank 74 be loaded on the loading vehicle body 12. More specifically, the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 may be constituted with the storage tank 74 omitted.

An operating handle 80 extending rearward is provided on a rear wall of the base frame 20. An electrical power switch 82 is provided on the operating handle 80. At a time when the worker WK has pressed in the electrical power switch 82, the motor 70 starts. Consequently, the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 becomes capable of moving forward or moving rearward. Thereafter, along with the worker WK manually operating a traveling lever 86 provided in the vicinity of an operating rod 84, the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 moves forward or moves rearward. Conversely, when the worker WK releases his/her hand from the traveling lever 86, the traveling lever 86 returns to its original position. As a result, the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 stops.

Further, a rotation direction switching lever 88 is provided on the operating handle 80. The rotation direction switching lever 88 is a lever for switching the direction in which the motor 70 rotates. More specifically, at a time when the worker WK pushes the rotation direction switching lever 88 forward, the motor 70 rotates in a direction in which the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 moves forward. Accordingly, in this state, when the worker WK pushes the traveling lever 86 with his/her hand, the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 moves forward. Conversely, at a time when the worker WK pulls the rotation direction switching lever 88 rearward, the motor 70 rotates in a direction in which the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 moves rearward. In this state, when the worker WK pulls in the traveling lever 86 with his/her hand or the like, the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 moves rearward.

Furthermore, an ON/OFF lever 90 is provided on the operating handle 80. At a time when the worker WK has switched the ON/OFF lever 90 to the ON position, the vibration generating mechanism is driven. As a result, the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 vibrate. Conversely, at a time when the worker WK has switched the ON/OFF lever 90 to the OFF position, the vibration generating mechanism is stopped, and vibration of the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 is stopped.

The hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 (the non-riding type rolling compaction vehicle) according to the first embodiment is basically constructed in the manner described above. Next, a description will be given concerning the advantageous effects of the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10.

The hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 is used, for example, to level the road surface G at a time when pavement work on the road is performed. The worker WK pushes the rotation direction switching lever 88 forward and presses in the electrical power switch 82 to thereby start the motor 70. Further, the worker WK grasps the operating rod 84 with one hand, and places the other hand on the traveling lever 86. In this state, by the worker WK pushing the traveling lever 86 with his/her hand, the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 moves forward. In order to cause the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 to vibrate, the worker WK sets the ON/OFF lever 90 in the ON position.

With respect to the road surface G, a rolling pressure is initially applied thereto by the frontward roller 16. Next, the road surface G is leveled by the rearward roller 18. In this instance, the frontward roller 16 that applies the rolling pressure initially to the road surface G is required to apply a large load to the road surface G.

In the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10, the entirety of the bottom wall 52 of the battery case 34 overlaps the frontward roller 16 as viewed in plan. Therefore, the weight of the battery case 34 and the weight of the attachable and detachable battery 40 that is accommodated in the battery case 34 are added to the frontward roller 16. Further, the front end 36f of the motor housing 36 also overlaps the frontward roller 16. Accordingly, a portion of the weight of the motor housing 36, and a portion of the weight of the motor 70 are added to the frontward roller 16. For the reasons mentioned above, the weight of the battery case 34, the attachable and detachable battery 40, the motor housing 36, and the motor 70 is applied to the road surface G via the frontward roller 16.

In this manner, according to the first embodiment, a large load can be applied to the road surface G from the frontward roller 16. Accordingly, the frontward roller 16 can easily apply the rolling pressure to the road surface G.

Further, in a plan view of the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10, the rear end 36r of the motor housing 36, and the front end 74f of the storage tank 74 overlap the rearward roller 18. Accordingly, a portion of the weight of the motor housing 36, a portion of the weight of the motor 70, a portion of the weight of the storage tank 74, and a portion of the weight of the water or the oil in the storage tank 74 are added cumulatively to the rearward roller 18. For the aforementioned reason, the weight of the motor housing 36, the motor 70, the storage tank 74, and the water or the oil is applied to the road surface G via the rearward roller 18.

In this manner, according to the first embodiment, it is also possible to apply a large load to the road surface G from the rearward roller 18. Accordingly, the road surface G can be smoothly leveled by the rearward roller 18.

While the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 is traveling, if the road surface G is at a high temperature, the water or the oil that is stored in the storage tank 74 is supplied to the road surface G by an operation of the worker WK. By the water or the oil, the road surface G is cooled. At this time, accompanying a decrease in the amount of the water or the oil in the storage tank 74, the weight that acts on the rearward roller 18 decreases. In this instance, the road surface G, which has been leveled by the frontward roller 16, is subjected to leveling again by the rearward roller 18. Accordingly, the load required for the rearward roller 18 is smaller than the load required for the frontward roller 16. Therefore, even if the weight acting on the rearward roller 18 is reduced, insufficient leveling of the road surface G can be avoided.

On the other hand, the weight of the battery case 34, the attachable and detachable battery 40, the motor housing 36, and the motor 70 does not decrease irrespective of the degree of operation of the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10. Accordingly, the load acting on the frontward roller 16 also does not decrease. Therefore, an insufficient leveling of the road surface G by the frontward roller 16 along with the operation of the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 can also be avoided.

Incidentally, it is assumed that after the worker WK has stored the water or the oil in the storage tank 74, the worker WK may forget to attach the closing cap 76 to the injection port. Further, in a situation in which the road surface G is required to be frequently cooled, the storage tank 74 is frequently replenished with the water or the oil. At this time, attachment of the closing cap 76 to the injection port may not be carried out. If the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 are vibrated in this state, there is a concern that a portion of the water or the oil may splash out from the injection port.

In this instance, according to the first embodiment, the motor housing 36 is positioned between the storage tank 74 and the battery case 34. Therefore, the separation distance between the storage tank 74 and the battery case 34 is large. In addition, the water or the oil that has splashed out from the injection port is blocked by the motor housing 36. Consequently, it becomes difficult for the water or the oil to reach the battery case 34. Additionally, since the battery case 34 is placed in a forwardly inclined posture, the opening 62 is inclined in a direction away from the storage tank 74. Accordingly, even if the water or the oil reaches the battery case 34, it is difficult for the water or the oil to enter the insertion hole 50.

In order to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the attachable and detachable battery 40 to and from the battery case 34, a portion of the battery case 34 (such as the upper end including the opening 62) may be exposed from the internal space 30. In such a configuration as well, for the reasons mentioned above, the battery case 34 and the attachable and detachable battery 40, for example, are prevented from being exposed to water. Consequently, any concern that electrical leakage or short circuiting may occur through contact with water can be dispensed with.

Moreover, it should be noted that it is not necessary to make the motor 70 attachable to and detachable from the motor housing 36. More specifically, there is no particular need to provide the motor housing 36 with a lid or the like that is capable of being opened and closed. Accordingly, the motor housing 36 can be made into a structure that exhibits superior airtightness or liquid-tightness. Therefore, even if the motor housing 36 is exposed to water, the motor 70 is sufficiently prevented from being exposed to water.

Further, in the case that the stored substance is oil, the motor 70, the battery case 34, and the attachable and detachable battery 40 are prevented from becoming contaminated by the oil.

In order to switch the traveling direction of the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 from a frontward direction to a rearward direction, the worker WK first releases his/her hand from the traveling lever 86. In accordance therewith, the traveling lever 86 is returned to its original position. As a result, the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 stops. In this state, the worker WK pulls the rotation direction switching lever 88 rearward. Next, by the worker WK pulling in the traveling lever 86 with his/her hand, the motor 70 begins to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 when it moves forward. As a result, the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 moves rearward. During this time, the vibration of the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 may be stopped. If necessary, the vibration of the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 may be continued.

In this manner, in the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10, the motor 70 serves as a drive source for enabling the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 to travel. In the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10, the traveling direction of the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 can be changed merely by switching the direction of rotation of the motor 70. Accordingly, there is no particular need to further mount a transmission or the like on the loading vehicle body 12. Therefore, the weight of the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 can be reduced. Further, since there is no need to further mount a transmission or the like, the degree of freedom in the arrangement positions of the devices (the vibration generating mechanism, the battery case 34, the motor housing 36, and the like) that are mounted on the loading vehicle body 12 is improved.

At a time when the SOC of the attachable and detachable battery 40 has decreased, the attachable and detachable battery 40 is replaced by the worker WK with a newly charged attachable and detachable battery 40. Replacement of the battery is performed, for example, after the new attachable and detachable battery 40 has been transported to the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10. Alternatively, replacement of the attachable and detachable battery 40 may be performed after the worker WK has driven the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10 to a location where the new attachable and detachable battery 40 has been set down.

When replacement of the battery is performed, as shown in FIG. 2, the worker WK goes around to the front of the battery case 34 and grasps the lower end of the lid member 72. Next, the worker WK rotates the lid member 72 about the upper portion edge of the upper wall 60 in a manner so that the lower end of the lid member 72 pivots upward. In accordance with this feature, a state is brought about in which the opening 62 and the insertion hole 50 become capable of being visually confirmed. Next, the worker WK grasps the handle portion 42 of the attachable and detachable battery 40 inside the insertion hole 50, and pulls up the attachable and detachable battery 40 toward a higher position in the forward direction.

The lower wall 54 that forms the insertion hole 50 is inclined. Therefore, the lower wall 54 bears a portion of the weight of the attachable and detachable battery 40. Accordingly, at a time when the worker WK pulls up the attachable and detachable battery 40 from the insertion hole 50, the lower wall 54 bears the load of the attachable and detachable battery 40. Therefore, the force required when the worker WK pulls up the attachable and detachable battery 40 from the insertion hole 50 can be made smaller than in a case in which the insertion hole 50 extends in the vertical direction.

Further, the opening 62 of the battery case 34 faces the front of the loading vehicle body 12. Accordingly, the attachable and detachable battery 40, which moves accompanying the removal thereof, does not interfere with the motor housing 36 and the storage tank 74 that are arranged rearward of the battery case 34. Therefore, the attachable and detachable battery 40 can be easily separated from the battery case 34.

Furthermore, the battery case 34 is inclined in a manner so that the opening 62 faces an outer edge (typically, the front portion outer edge) of the loading vehicle body 12. In this case, compared to a case in which the battery case 34 is not inclined (for example, a case in which the opening 62 faces vertically upward), the opening 62 becomes placed at a lower position, and further, the distance between the opening 62 and the worker WK becomes smaller. Accordingly, at a time when the worker WK who is standing outside the loading vehicle body 12 pulls out the attachable and detachable battery 40 from the insertion hole 50 of the battery case 34, the moving distance of the attachable and detachable battery 40 from the insertion hole 50 until reaching the ground surface becomes smaller. Therefore, the attachable and detachable battery 40 can be easily separated from the battery case 34.

Next, the worker WK accommodates the new attachable and detachable battery 40 in the insertion hole 50 of the battery case 34. For this purpose, the worker WK grasps the handle portion 42 of the new attachable and detachable battery 40 and lifts up the attachable and detachable battery 40. Furthermore, the worker WK places the attachable and detachable battery 40 in an inclined posture, in a manner so that the bottom surface 44 is at a slightly lower position, and the handle portion 42 is at a slightly higher position.

Thereafter, the worker WK brings one side surface of the attachable and detachable battery 40 into contact with the lower wall 54 that forms the insertion hole 50. Furthermore, from this state, the attachable and detachable battery 40 is made to slide along the lower wall 54 toward the bottom wall 52. Consequently, the bottom surface 44 of the attachable and detachable battery 40 comes into contact with the bottom wall 52 of the insertion hole 50. As a result, the attachable and detachable battery 40 is supported by the battery case 34. Further, the first connector 46 provided on the bottom surface 44 of the attachable and detachable battery 40 and the second connector 64 provided on the bottom wall 52 of the battery case 34 engage with each other.

The lower wall 54 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in a manner so as to become lower toward the bottom wall 52. Therefore, the attachable and detachable battery 40 easily slides on the lower wall 54 due to its own weight. Accordingly, the force required when the worker WK pushes the attachable and detachable battery 40 into the insertion hole 50 can be made smaller than in a case in which the insertion hole 50 extends in the horizontal direction. In this manner, by the lower wall 54 being inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, also at a time when the battery case 34 is accommodated in the attachable and detachable battery 40, the attachable and detachable battery 40 can easily be made to slide along the lower wall 54.

Furthermore, the battery case 34 is inclined in a manner so that the opening 62 faces an outer edge (typically, the front portion outer edge) of the loading vehicle body 12. In this case, compared to a case in which the battery case 34 is not inclined (for example, a case in which the opening 62 faces vertically upward), the opening 62 becomes placed at a lower position, and further, the distance between the opening 62 and the worker WK becomes smaller. Accordingly, at a time when the worker WK who is standing outside the loading vehicle body 12 pushes the attachable and detachable battery 40 into the insertion hole 50 of the battery case 34, the moving distance of the attachable and detachable battery 40 from the ground surface to the insertion hole 50 becomes smaller. Therefore, the attachable and detachable battery 40 can be easily installed in the battery case 34.

After the replacement of the attachable and detachable battery 40 has been completed in the manner described above, the worker WK grasps the lower end of the lid member 72, which has become placed at a higher position, and rotates the lid member 72 by approximately 180°. Consequently, the attachable and detachable battery 40 that is accommodated in the insertion hole 50 is shielded. From then on, the worker WK may perform rolling compaction and leveling in the same manner as described previously.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described using, as an example, a tandem type road roller. Such a tandem type road roller is one type of a riding type rolling compaction vehicle.

Moreover, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are applied to constituent elements that are the same as or correspond to the constituent elements in the first embodiment, and there is no particular need for such elements to be distinguished from the constituent elements of the first embodiment. Further, the worker WK is not shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 5, a riding vehicle body 102 of a tandem type road roller 100 includes a loading section 104 that constitutes the front portion of the riding vehicle body 102, an operation unit 106 that constitutes a substantially central portion of the riding vehicle body 102, and a riding section 108 that constitutes the rear portion of the riding vehicle body 102.

The frontward roller 16 serving as a frontward rolling compaction wheel is provided at the front lower portion of the loading section 104 so as to be capable of rotating and capable of vibrating. Further, the rearward roller 18 serving as a rearward rolling compaction wheel is provided at the rear lower portion of the riding section 108 so as to be capable of rotating and capable of vibrating. At a time when the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 rotate from the rear toward the front in a state of being in contact with the road surface G, the tandem type road roller 100 moves forward. On the other hand, at a time when the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 rotate from the front toward the rear in a state of being in contact with the road surface G, the tandem type road roller 100 moves rearward. The frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 are so-called iron wheels made of an iron-based material.

Further, the loading section 104 includes a base panel 110 attached to a non-illustrated front frame, and a bonnet 114 connected to the base panel 110 via a hinge 112 shown in FIG. 6. The base panel 110 and the bonnet 114 form an inner chamber 116. The hinge 112 is provided at a rear end of the base panel 110. Therefore, the bonnet 114 rotates about the hinge 112 in a manner so that the front end thereof rises toward the rear.

The inner chamber 116 is shielded at a time when the bonnet 114 is in a closed state, and is exposed at a time when the bonnet 114 is in an open state as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 6. In this manner, the bonnet 114 serves as a cover member for opening and closing the inner chamber 116. Moreover, it should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the bonnet 114 in the closed state becomes placed at a higher position from the front toward the rear. More specifically, the bonnet 114 is inclined in a manner so that the front thereof is at a lower (downward) position and the rear thereof is at a higher (upward) position.

As shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, a first battery case 34a, a second battery case 34b, and the motor housing 36 are accommodated in the inner chamber 116. More specifically, in the second embodiment, two battery cases are provided in the riding vehicle body 102. A first attachable and detachable battery 40a and a second attachable and detachable battery 40b are accommodated, respectively, in the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b. Moreover, it should be noted that each of the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b are of the same configuration as that of the case main body 48 of the battery case 34 in the first embodiment. Further, each of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a and the second attachable and detachable battery 40b are of the same configuration as that of the attachable and detachable battery 40 in the first embodiment.

However, according to the second embodiment, in order to easily distinguish between the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b, the names of the constituent elements of the case main body 48 shown in the first embodiment with the term “first” added to the beginning thereof are used as the names of the constituent elements of the first battery case 34a (however, the “second connector” is excluded). Further, the names of the constituent elements of the case main body 48 shown in the first embodiment with the term “second” added to the beginning thereof are used as the names of the constituent elements of the second battery case 34b (however, the “second connector” is excluded). Furthermore, the reference numerals obtained by adding “a” or “b” to the reference numerals of the constituent elements of the case main body 48 shown in the first embodiment are used as the reference numerals of the constituent elements of the first battery case 34a or the second battery case 34b.

Similarly, according to the second embodiment, in order to easily distinguish between the first attachable and detachable battery 40a and the second attachable and detachable battery 40b, the names of the constituent elements of the attachable and detachable battery 40 shown in the first embodiment with the term “first” added to the beginning thereof are used as the names of the constituent elements of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a (however, the “first connector” is excluded). Further, the names of the constituent elements of the attachable and detachable battery 40 shown in the first embodiment with the term “second” added to the beginning thereof are used as the names of the constituent elements of the second attachable and detachable battery 40b (however, the “first connector” is excluded). Furthermore, the reference numerals obtained by adding “a” or “b” to the reference numerals of the constituent elements of the attachable and detachable battery 40 shown in the first embodiment are used as the reference numerals of the constituent elements of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a or the second attachable and detachable battery 40b.

The loading section 104 is positioned at a higher position than the frontward roller 16, and therefore the first battery case 34a, the second battery case 34b, and the motor housing 36 provided in the inner chamber 116 are also positioned at a higher position than the frontward roller 16. The first battery case 34a is disposed at a front portion of the inner chamber 116, and the second battery case 34b is disposed at a rear portion of the inner chamber 116. More specifically, in the inner chamber 116, the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b are arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other along the front-rear direction of the loading section 104. Alternatively, the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b may be integrally provided as one battery holder.

Therefore, as can be particularly understood from FIG. 6, in the second embodiment, the first battery case 34a is in an inclined posture. In addition, a lower end 62ad of a first opening 62a is positioned at a higher position and more forward than a lower end 52ad of a first bottom wall 52a. An upper end 62au of the first opening 62a is positioned at a higher position and more forward than an upper end 52au of the first bottom wall 52a. Further, the first opening 62a faces a front portion outer edge of the riding vehicle body 102. On the other hand, the first bottom wall 52a faces the inner chamber 116 (inwardly of the riding vehicle body 102).

For this reason, the first battery case 34a is in a forwardly inclined posture that becomes lower as it proceeds (rearwardly) from the front portion outer edge of the riding vehicle body 102 toward the inner chamber 116 that is in the interior of the riding vehicle body 102. Accordingly, an axial line of a first insertion hole 50a along a direction in which the first attachable and detachable battery 40a is inserted and removed is inclined at an angle θ from a vertically upper side toward the front. The angle θ is preferably 10° to 45°. In the case that the angle θ is set within such a range, attachment and detachment of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a to and from the first insertion hole 50a is easily performed.

Moreover, it should be noted that the upper end 62au of the first opening 62a is at a higher position than the upper end 52au of the first bottom wall 52a, and the lower end 62ad of the first opening 62a is at a higher position than the lower end 52ad of the first bottom wall 52a. However, the lower end 62ad of the first opening 62a may be at a lower position than the upper end 52au of the first bottom wall 52a. Conversely, the upper end 52au of the first bottom wall 52a may be at a lower position than the lower end 62ad of the first opening 62a.

As will be discussed later, the first bottom wall 52a is a wall portion that blocks and holds back the first attachable and detachable battery 40a that is inserted into the first insertion hole 50a. A second connector 64a is provided on the first bottom wall 52a. The second connector 64a is in close proximity to a first upper wall 60a. One end of a first harness 66a is connected to the second connector 64a. Another end of the first harness 66a is passed through a non-illustrated insertion hole that is formed in the first bottom wall 52a, and is connected to the motor 70 inside the motor housing 36.

The second battery case 34b is also placed in a forwardly inclined posture. Therefore, a lower end 62bd (a front end of a second lower wall 54b) of a second opening 62b is positioned at a higher position and more frontward than a lower end 52bd (a rear end of the second lower wall 54b) of a second bottom wall 52b. An upper end 62bu (a rear end of a second upper wall 60b) of the second opening 62b is positioned at a higher position and more frontward than an upper end 52bu (a rear end of the second bottom wall 52b) of the second bottom wall 52b. As shown in FIG. 7, the second lower wall 54b and the second upper wall 60b are connected via the second bottom wall 52b, a second left side wall 56b, and a second right side wall 58b.

The second bottom wall 52b is a wall portion that blocks and holds back the second attachable and detachable battery 40b that is inserted into a second insertion hole 50b. A second connector 64b is provided on the second bottom wall 52b. One end of a second harness 66b is connected to the second connector 64b. Another end of the second harness 66b is passed through a non-illustrated insertion hole that is formed in the second bottom wall 52b, and is connected to the motor 70 inside the motor housing 36.

Reference numerals 120 and 122 in FIG. 6 indicate, respectively, a first upper end which is at a highest position of the first battery case 34a, and a second upper end which is at a highest position of the second battery case 34b. As noted previously, both the first battery case 34a which is positioned at the front portion of the inner chamber 116, and the second battery case 34b which is positioned at the rear portion of the inner chamber 116, are placed in a forwardly inclined posture. Accordingly, the first upper end 120 is at a lower position than the second upper end 122. More specifically, a height difference is formed between the first upper end 120 and the second upper end 122.

The bonnet 114 is inclined in accordance with the aforementioned height difference. More specifically, a front portion of the bonnet 114 is at a lower position, and a rear portion of the bonnet 114 is at a higher position. Moreover, it should be noted that, at a time when the bonnet 114 is in an open state (when the inner chamber 116 is exposed), the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b are exposed. More specifically, the worker WK is capable of visually confirming the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b. Further, at a time when the bonnet 114 is in a closed state (when the inner chamber 116 is shielded), the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b are shielded by the bonnet 114. In the closed state, the worker WK is incapable of visually confirming the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the loading section 104. As shown in FIG. 7, at a time when the riding vehicle body 102 is viewed in plan, substantially the entirety of the first bottom wall 52a of the first battery case 34a, and a major portion of the second bottom wall 52b of the second battery case 34b overlap the frontward roller 16. Moreover, it should be noted that at least a portion of either one of the first bottom wall 52a or the second bottom wall 52b need not necessarily overlap the frontward roller 16 as viewed in plan.

According to the second embodiment, the first battery case 34a, the second battery case 34b, and the motor housing 36 are arranged in parallel in this order from the front portion to the rear portion of the inner chamber 116. The motor housing 36 extends, for example, in the vertical direction. At a time when the bonnet 114 is in a closed state, the bonnet 114 covers the motor housing 36. More specifically, the first battery case 34a, the second battery case 34b, and the motor housing 36 are all accommodated within the inner chamber 116. In other words, among the first battery case 34a, the second battery case 34b, and the motor housing 36, no portions thereof exist that extend outwardly from the outer edge of the riding vehicle body 102. Accordingly, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the tandem type road roller 100 can be made smaller in scale.

Further, in the second embodiment, the second connector 64a is electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil of the motor 70 via the first harness 66a. Similarly, the second connector 64b is also electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil of the motor 70 via the second harness 66b. Since the motor housing 36 is in close proximity to the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b within the inner chamber 116, the first harness 66a and the second harness 66b can be made shorter in length.

A vibration generating mechanism for the purpose of vibrating the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 is further accommodated in the inner chamber 116. Since such a vibration generating mechanism in a riding type rolling compaction vehicle is also well known, detailed explanation and illustration of this feature will be omitted.

A steering handle 130 projects out from the rear end of the loading section 104 toward the operation unit 106. By the steering handle 130 being rotated by the worker WK, the traveling direction of the tandem type road roller 100 is changed. An electrical power switch for turning the motor 70 on and off, a vibration ON/OFF switch for turning the vibration generating mechanism on and off, and various levers or the like are provided on the operation unit 106; however, illustration of these elements is omitted.

A driver's seat 132 on which the worker WK is seated is provided in the riding section 108. Further, the storage tank 74 is provided in a manner so as to surround the driver's seat 132. Water or oil is stored in the storage tank 74 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the weight of the worker WK who is seated on the driver's seat 132, the weight of the storage tank 74, and the weight of the water or the oil that is stored in the storage tank 74 are applied to the rearward roller 18.

The tandem type road roller 100 (the riding type rolling compaction vehicle) according to the second embodiment is basically constructed in the manner described above. Next, a description will be given concerning the advantageous effects of the tandem type road roller 100.

The tandem type road roller 100, in the same manner as the hand-guided type vibrating roller 10, is used when leveling the road surface G of a road where pavement work has been performed. The bonnet 114 is inclined in a manner so that the front portion thereof is at a lower position and the rear portion thereof is at a higher position, and therefore at a time when the tandem type road roller 100 moves forward on the road surface G, the resistance of traveling wind from the front of the bonnet 114 is reduced. Further, when an obstacle or the like comes into contact with the bonnet 114, any adverse influence thereof can be reduced.

At a time when the tandem type road roller 100 travels on the road surface G, the frontward roller 16 and the rearward roller 18 are vibrated by the vibration generating mechanism. Due to such vibration, a rolling pressure is initially applied to the road surface G by the frontward roller 16. Accordingly, the frontward roller 16 that applies the rolling pressure initially to the road surface G is required to apply a large load to the road surface G.

In the tandem type road roller 100, substantially the entirety of the first bottom wall 52a of the first battery case 34a, and a major portion of the second bottom wall 52b of the second battery case 34b overlap the frontward roller 16. Accordingly, the weight of the first battery case 34a, the second battery case 34b, the first attachable and detachable battery 40a, and the second attachable and detachable battery 40b is applied to the road surface G via the frontward roller 16. Therefore, in the second embodiment as well, a large load can be applied to the road surface G from the frontward roller 16. Consequently, the frontward roller 16 can easily apply the rolling pressure to the road surface G.

Further, the weight of the worker WK, the weight of the storage tank 74, and the weight of the water or the oil inside the storage tank 74 act on the rearward roller 18. Accordingly, the weight of the worker WK, the weight of the storage tank 74, and the weight of the water or the oil are applied to the road surface G via the rearward roller 18. Consequently, the road surface G can be smoothly leveled by the rearward roller 18.

At a time when the road surface G is at a high temperature while the tandem type road roller 100 is traveling, the water or the oil that is stored in the storage tank 74 is supplied to the road surface G by an operation of the worker WK. By the water or the oil, the road surface G is cooled.

In the tandem type road roller 100, the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b are disposed in the loading section 104, which is the front portion of the riding vehicle body 102, and the storage tank 74 is disposed in the riding section 108, which is the rear portion of the riding vehicle body 102. Therefore, the separation distance between the storage tank 74, and the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b is large. In addition, the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b are shielded by the bonnet 114.

Accordingly, even in the case that the worker WK forgets to attach the closing cap 76 to the injection port, and a portion of the water or the oil splashes out from the injection port, a situation can be avoided in which the first attachable and detachable battery 40a and the second attachable and detachable battery 40b become wet by the water or the oil. The same also applies to the case that attachment of the closing cap 76 to the injection port is not carried out. Such a situation may occur, for example, in the case that the road surface G needs to be frequently cooled, and the storage tank 74 is frequently replenished with the water or the oil.

In order to change the traveling direction of the tandem type road roller 100, the worker WK rotates the steering handle 130. Moreover, in the case that the tandem type road roller 100 is made to travel in a rearward direction, the worker WK operates a rotation direction switching lever provided on the operation unit 106. In accordance with this feature, the direction of rotation of the motor 70 is switched to an opposite direction. In this manner, in the second embodiment as well, by switching the direction of rotation of the motor 70, the traveling direction of the tandem type road roller 100 can be switched from a frontward direction to a rearward direction, or vice versa.

At a time when the SOC of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a and the second attachable and detachable battery 40b has decreased, the first attachable and detachable battery 40a and the second attachable and detachable battery 40b are replaced by the worker WK with a newly charged first attachable and detachable battery 40a and a newly charged second attachable and detachable battery 40b.

When replacement of the battery is performed, the worker WK goes around to the front of the loading section 104, and grasps the front end of the bonnet 114. Next, the worker WK rotates the bonnet 114 about the rear end of the bonnet 114, in a manner so that the front end of the bonnet 114 pivots upward. In accordance with this feature, a state is brought about in which the worker WK becomes capable of visually confirming the first battery case 34a and the second battery case 34b.

Next, the worker WK grasps a first handle portion 42a of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a inside the first insertion hole 50a, and pulls up the first attachable and detachable battery 40a toward a higher position in the forward direction. From the fact that a first lower wall 54a that forms the first insertion hole 50a is inclined, the first lower wall 54a bears a portion of the weight of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a. Accordingly, at a time when the worker WK pulls up the first attachable and detachable battery 40a from the first insertion hole 50a, the first lower wall 54a bears the load of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a. Therefore, the force required when the worker WK pulls up the first attachable and detachable battery 40a from the first insertion hole 50a can be made smaller than in a case in which the first insertion hole 50a extends in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, the first battery case 34a is inclined in a manner so that the first opening 62a faces an outer edge (typically, the front portion outer edge) of the riding vehicle body 102. In this case, compared to a case in which the first battery case 34a is not inclined (for example, a case in which the first opening 62a faces vertically upward), the first opening 62a becomes placed at a lower position, and further, the distance between the first opening 62a and the worker WK becomes smaller. Accordingly, at a time when the worker WK who is standing outside of the riding vehicle body 102 pulls out the first attachable and detachable battery 40a from the first insertion hole 50a of the first battery case 34a, the moving distance of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a from the first insertion hole 50a until reaching the ground surface becomes smaller. Therefore, the first attachable and detachable battery 40a can be easily separated from the first battery case 34a.

Next, the worker WK accommodates the new first attachable and detachable battery 40a into the first insertion hole 50a of the first battery case 34a. For this purpose, the worker WK grasps the first handle portion 42a of the new first attachable and detachable battery 40a and lifts up the first attachable and detachable battery 40a. Furthermore, the worker WK places the first attachable and detachable battery 40a in an inclined posture, in a manner so that a first bottom surface 44a is at a slightly lower position, and the first handle portion 42a is at a slightly higher position.

The worker WK brings one side surface of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a into contact with the first lower wall 54a that forms the first insertion hole 50a. Furthermore, from this state, the worker WK causes the first attachable and detachable battery 40a to slide along the first lower wall 54a toward the first bottom wall 52a. As a result, the first bottom surface 44a of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a comes into contact with the first bottom wall 52a of the first insertion hole 50a. Along therewith, the first attachable and detachable battery 40a is supported by the first battery case 34a. Further, a first connector 46a provided on the first bottom surface 44a of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a, and the second connector 64a provided on the first bottom wall 52a of the first battery case 34a engage with each other.

The first lower wall 54a is inclined with respect to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in a manner so as to become lower toward the first bottom wall 52a. Therefore, the first attachable and detachable battery 40a easily slides on the first lower wall 54a due to its own weight. Accordingly, the force required when the worker WK pushes the first attachable and detachable battery 40a into the first insertion hole 50a can be made smaller than in a case in which the first insertion hole 50a extends in the horizontal direction. In this manner, by the first lower wall 54a being inclined, also at a time when the first attachable and detachable battery 40a is accommodated in the first battery case 34a, the first attachable and detachable battery 40a can easily be made to slide along the first lower wall 54a.

Furthermore, the first battery case 34a is inclined in a manner so that the first opening 62a faces an outer edge (typically, the front portion outer edge) of the riding vehicle body 102. In this case, compared to a case in which the first battery case 34a is not inclined (for example, a case in which the first opening 62a faces vertically upward), the first opening 62a becomes placed at a lower position, and further, the distance between the first opening 62a and the worker WK becomes smaller. Accordingly, at a time when the worker WK who is standing outside of the riding vehicle body 102 pushes the first attachable and detachable battery 40a into the first insertion hole 50a of the first battery case 34a, the moving distance of the first attachable and detachable battery 40a from the ground surface to the first insertion hole 50a becomes smaller. Therefore, the first attachable and detachable battery 40a can be easily installed in the first battery case 34a.

Concerning the features noted above, the same features also apply at the time when the second attachable and detachable battery 40b is replaced.

After the first attachable and detachable battery 40a and the second attachable and detachable battery 40b have been replaced in the manner described above, the worker WK grasps the front end of the bonnet 114, which has become placed at a higher position, and rotates the bonnet 114 by approximately 90°. Consequently, the first attachable and detachable battery 40a that is accommodated in the first insertion hole 50a, and the second attachable and detachable battery 40b that is accommodated in the second insertion hole 50b are shielded by the bonnet 114. From then on, in the same manner as described above, the worker WK performs the rolling compaction and leveling operation.

In this manner, in the riding type rolling compaction vehicle according to the second embodiment as well, the same advantages and effects can be obtained as those of the non-riding type rolling compaction vehicle according to the first embodiment.

As has been described above, the present invention is characterized by the rolling compaction vehicle (10) equipped with the vehicle body (