Operating device and work vehicle

Abstract

The operating device is an operating device for a work vehicle having a cargo platform, wherein the operating device includes: a speed change indicator portion, which can change the speed of the work vehicle by operating in the front-to-back direction; a lifting indicator portion, which is arranged in front of the speed change indicator portion and can cause the cargo platform to be raised and lowered; and a partition portion, which separates the space between the speed change indicator portion and the lifting indicator portion in the front-to-back direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device and a work vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-164244 filed in Japan on September 10, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] As work vehicles, transport vehicles are known for use at stone crushing sites, civil engineering sites, mines, etc. Operators of transport vehicles operate steering wheels, shift levers, dump levers (lift levers), and accelerate and brake in loading and dumping areas.

[0004] A transport vehicle includes a liftable cargo platform, called a body. Sand and soil, among other cargo, can be loaded onto the cargo platform. One known example of a transport vehicle operating system includes a shift indicator that can be operated in the forward and backward directions to change the speed of the transport vehicle, and a lift indicator located in front of the shift indicator that can raise or lower the cargo platform.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure comprising an operating lever that is rotatable (capable of arcuate movement) about a rotation axis extending in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction), a knob body coupled to the upper end of the operating lever, and a movable switch disposed in front of the knob body. The movable switch moves integrally with the knob body (arc-shaped movement) as the operating lever moves in an arc. A space exists between the knob body and the movable switch in the front-to-back direction, connecting the knob body side with the movable switch side.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 9,086,130 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] The operator of the work vehicle moves the work vehicle to a predetermined location and performs an operation of unloading the cargo on the cargo platform (earth discharge operation). For example, when performing earth discharge operation, the operator's hand movements become the following steps (1) to (3).

[0011] (1) Hold the steering wheel with your hands and move the vehicle toward the dumping site while operating the steering wheel.

[0012] (2) When parking at a soil dumping site, operate the shift lever (speed change indicator).

[0013] (3) After parking, operate the lifting lever (lifting indicator) to lift the cargo platform.

[0014] For example, if the shift indicator is operated without operating the lift indicator, if there is a space connecting the shift indicator side and the lift indicator side, the hand or finger may accidentally touch the lift indicator and cause the cargo platform to malfunction.

[0015] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device and a work vehicle that can suppress erroneous operation of a raising / lowering instruction portion.

[0016] Means for solving problems

[0017] An operating device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an operating device for a work vehicle having a cargo platform, wherein the operating device comprises: a shift indicator portion, which can change the speed of the work vehicle by operating in the front-to-rear direction; a lifting indicator portion, which is arranged in front of the shift indicator portion and can lift the cargo platform; and a partition portion, which separates the space between the shift indicator portion and the lifting indicator portion in the front-to-rear direction.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the above aspect, it is possible to suppress erroneous operation of the raising / lowering instruction unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a work vehicle according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the interior of the cab of the work vehicle according to the embodiment as viewed from behind and above the vehicle.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of an operating device of a work vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a top view of the operating device according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a left side view of the operating device according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a front view of the operating device according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a rear view of the operating device according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram of the operation and arrangement intervals of the shift lever and lift switch of the operating device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, an articulated dump truck will be described as an example of a work vehicle.

[0029] <Work Vehicle>

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the dump truck 1 as a work vehicle includes a vehicle rear portion 2 and a vehicle front portion 3. Hereinafter, the forward direction, backward direction, and vehicle width direction of the dump truck 1 are referred to as "vehicle front (one side in the vehicle front-rear direction)", "vehicle rear (the other side in the vehicle front-rear direction)", and "vehicle width direction". The vehicle width direction is sometimes also referred to as "left side (one side in the vehicle width direction)" or "right side (the other side in the vehicle width direction)". The right hand relative to the forward direction of the dump truck 1 is referred to as the right side, and the left hand relative to the forward direction of the dump truck 1 is referred to as the left side. The up and down directions, top, and bottom when the dump truck 1 is arranged on a horizontal plane are simply referred to as "up and down directions", "top", and "bottom".

[0031] <Rear of vehicle>

[0032] The vehicle rear portion 2 includes a rear frame portion 11, rear front wheels 13, and rear rear wheels 14. The rear frame portion 11 constitutes the frame of the vehicle rear portion 2. The vehicle rear portion 2 is provided behind the vehicle front portion 3. The vehicle rear portion 2 includes a lift cylinder 5 and a cargo platform 6. One end of the lift cylinder 5 is rotatably connected to the rear frame portion 11 of the vehicle rear portion 2 via a bracket (not shown). The cargo platform 6 is connected to the other end of the lift cylinder 5 via a bracket (not shown). The cargo platform 6 is driven by the lift cylinder 5. The lift cylinder 5 is driven by hydraulic pressure supplied via a hydraulic circuit (not shown).

[0033] <Front of vehicle>

[0034] The vehicle front portion 3 includes a front frame portion 10 , front wheels 12 , and a cab 15 .

[0035] The front frame portion 10 forms the frame of the vehicle front portion 3. The rear frame portion 11 is connected to the front frame portion 10 at the rear of the vehicle via a connecting member (not shown). The front frame portion 10 and the rear frame portion 11 are connected about an axis extending in the vertical direction, thereby being able to rotate relative to each other in the horizontal direction. By moving forward or backward while the front frame portion 10 and the rear frame portion 11 are relatively rotated, the vehicle front portion 3 of the dump truck 1 is rotated to the right or left (right or left). It should be noted that the front frame portion 10 and the rear frame portion 11 are able to rotate independently of each other about the axis extending in the front-to-back direction via the aforementioned connecting member (not shown).

[0036] A pair of front wheels 12 are provided on the front frame portion 10, spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. A pair of rear wheels 13 are provided on the front portion of the rear frame portion 11, spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. A pair of rear wheels 14 are provided on the rear portion of the rear frame portion 11, spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The dump truck 1 moves forward or backward by driving the front wheels 12, rear wheels 13, and rear wheels 14.

[0037] <Control Room>

[0038] The control room 15 is provided at the rear and upper part of the front frame portion 10. The interior of the control room 15 is provided as a cab 20 for the operator (see Figure 2 ).like Figure 2 As shown, a driver's seat 21 , a steering wheel 22 , an accelerator pedal 23 , a brake pedal 24 , a rear view monitor 25 , and an operating device 30 are provided in the cab 20 .

[0039] A cigarette lighter 26, a power window switch 27, and a side light switch 28 are arranged on the right side of the operating device 30 in the cab 20. A selection switch 29 such as a fog lamp switch and a turn signal switch may also be arranged on the right side of the operating device 30 in the cab 20.

[0040] The driver's seat 21 is provided at the center of the vehicle width direction in the cab 20 in the operator's cab 15. The driver's seat 21 is provided so that the operator sitting on the driver's seat 21 can observe the dump truck 1 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) is configured in a manner in front of the vehicle.

[0041] The steering wheel 22 is provided at the center in the vehicle width direction of the cab 20. The steering wheel 22 is arranged in the vehicle front of the driver's seat 21 and obliquely above the driver's seat 21 when viewed from the seat surface.

[0042] The accelerator pedal 23 is arranged on the right side of the lower portion of the driver's seat 21 in front of the vehicle.

[0043] The brake pedal 24 is arranged on the right side of the lower portion of the driver's seat 2 in front of the vehicle and on the left side of the accelerator pedal 23 .

[0044] The rear view monitor 25 is used to display the rear of the dump truck 1, that is, the cargo bed 6 (see Figure 1 ) is a display unit for the situation behind the vehicle. The rear view monitor 25 is arranged on the right side of the steering wheel 22, for example.

[0045] <Operating device>

[0046] The operating device 30 is arranged on the right side of the steering wheel 22 and near the bottom of the rear view monitor 25. The operating device 30 includes a device body 31, a shift lever 32 (speed change instruction unit), a lift switch 33 (lift / lower instruction unit), a parking brake switch 34, a lift switch lock knob 35, and a guard 36.

[0047] <Device Main Body>

[0048] The device body 31 is a component that forms the outer shape of the operating device 30. Figure 3 As shown, the device body 31 includes a base 40, a first step 41, and a second step 42. The device body 31 is provided with the aforementioned levers (shift lever 32, lift switch 33, parking brake switch 34, and lift switch lock knob 35).

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the base portion 40 has a rectangular shape with its long sides aligned along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and its short sides aligned along the vehicle's width direction. Hereinafter, the long sides of the base portion 40 will be referred to as the "front-rear direction of the base portion 40" or simply the "front-rear direction." Furthermore, the short sides of the base portion 40 will be referred to as the "width direction of the base portion 40" or simply the "width direction." The base portion 40 includes an extension 43 extending from the front portion of the base portion 40 to the right in the width direction. The base portion 40 has a hole 40h opening on the rear upper surface of the base portion 40 and accommodating a portion of the parking brake switch 34.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the first step portion 41 is provided at the upper portion of the base portion 40. The first step portion 41 extends across the central portion and the front portion of the base portion 40 in the front-to-rear direction. The rear portion of the first step portion 41 forms a surface continuous with the rear upper surface of the base portion 40. The base portion 40 has a first rear inclined surface 41a inclined from the rear portion of the first step portion 41 toward the rear upper surface of the base portion 40. The first rear inclined surface 41a is inclined so as to be located downward as it approaches the rear side in a side view (hereinafter referred to as a side view) observed from the left side in the width direction. The left side portion of the first step portion 41 has a first side inclined surface 41b inclined so as to be connected to the left side surface of the base portion 40. The first side inclined surface 41b is inclined so as to be located downward as it approaches the left side in a rear view (refer to Figure 7 The first step portion 41 has a shift groove portion 41h (see FIG. 1 ) which is open on the upper surface of the first step portion 41 and accommodates a portion of the shift lever 32. Figure 4 ).

[0051] like Figure 5As shown, the second step portion 42 is provided on the upper and front portion of the first step portion 41. The rear portion of the second step portion 42 forms a surface continuous with the upper surface of the first step portion 41. The base portion 40 has a second rear inclined surface 42a inclined from the rear portion of the second step portion 42 toward the upper surface of the first step portion 41. The second rear inclined surface 42a is inclined in a manner that is located downward as it approaches the rear in a side view. The left side portion of the second step portion 42 has a second side inclined surface 42b inclined in a manner that is connected to the left side portion of the base portion 40. The second side inclined surface 42b is inclined more steeply than the first side inclined surface 41b in a manner that is located downward as it approaches the left in a rear view (refer to Figure 7 The second step portion 42 has a knob groove portion 42h (see FIG. 1 ) which is open on the upper surface of the second step portion 42 and accommodates a portion of the lift switch lock knob 35. Figure 4 ).

[0052] <Shift lever>

[0053] The shift lever 32 can be operated in the front-rear direction to change the dump truck 1 (see Figure 1 ) speed. The shift lever 32 can switch the gear of the transmission device (not shown) to a predetermined gear by being operated in the front-rear direction. The shift lever 32 switches the dump truck 1 (refer to Figure 1 ) is operated when the vehicle moves forward or backward. The shift lever 32 is operated by a person sitting in the driver's seat 21 (see Figure 2 ) is operated by the operator's right hand.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, the shift lever 32 is connected to the shift groove 41h formed in the first step portion 41 (see Figure 4 ) extends upward and has an L-shaped shape when viewed from the front or rear. The shift lever 32 can move in the front-to-back direction along the horizontal plane with the range of the shift groove 41h as the range of movement (see Figure 8 ).

[0055] The shift lever 32 is located at the rear position PD (see FIG. Figure 8 ), the dump truck 1 is set to a state where it can move forward.

[0056] The shift lever 32 is located at a front position PR (see FIG. Figure 8 ), the dump truck 1 is set to a state where it can move backward.

[0057] The shift lever 32 is located at the center position PN in the front-rear direction of the shift groove portion 41h (see Figure 8 ), the dump truck 1 is set to a state where it cannot move forward or backward (neutral state).

[0058] Hereinafter, the center position PN, the front position PR, and the rear position PD within the range of movement of the shift lever 32 may be referred to as the neutral position, the reverse position, and the front drive position. The shift lever 32 can be moved between the reverse position, which is moved forward from the neutral position, and the front drive position, which is moved rearward from the neutral position.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the shift lever 32 includes an arm portion 50 , a grip portion 51 , and a side switch 52 .

[0060] The arm portion 50 extends in the vertical direction via the shift groove portion 41h formed in the first step portion 41. The arm portion 50 is connected to the device body 31 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

[0061] The grip portion 51 extends in the width direction from the upper end of the arm portion 50 toward the right side. The outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 51 is provided as a grip surface for the right hand of the operator sitting in the driver's seat 21. The lower portion of the grip portion 51 is inclined so as to be positioned upward as it approaches the rear side in a rear view (see FIG. Figure 7 ).

[0062] The handle portion 51 has a placement surface 51a on its upper surface that is large enough to accommodate the operator's palm. The placement surface 51a is a smooth surface without any unevenness. The placement surface 51a is curved in a manner that becomes convex upward when viewed from behind (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 ). The placement surface 51a is set as a plane along the front-back direction parallel to the horizontal plane in a side view (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0063] The side switch 52 is a switch that allows the arm 50 to move in the front-rear direction when pressed. The side switch 52 is provided at the left end of the grip portion 51. The side switch 52 is operated by the thumb of the right hand of the operator sitting in the driver's seat 21.

[0064] When the operator operates the shift lever 32, the operator places the palm of their right hand on the placement surface 51a of the grip portion 51 of the shift lever 32 and grips the grip portion 51 with their right middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger. At this time, the operator's right thumb presses the side switch 52 at the left end of the grip portion 51. For example, the operator's right index finger is bent forward toward the arm portion 50.

[0065] <Lift switch>

[0066] The lift switch 33 is a switch for raising or lowering the cargo platform 6 at the rear of the vehicle 2. The lift switch 33 is located in front of the shift lever 32. When viewed from the front, the lift switch 33 is located at a position that overlaps with the left side of the grip portion 51 of the shift lever 32 (see FIG. Figure 6 ). The lift switch 33 is operated by a finger of the right hand of the operator sitting in the driver's seat 21. For example, the lift switch 33 can be operated by the index finger or the middle finger.

[0067] The lift switch 33 includes a switch body 60 and a switch knob 61 .

[0068] The switch body 60 is provided on the upper surface of the second step portion 42 of the device body 31. The switch body 60 has a receiving recess 60a (see FIG. 1 ) for receiving a portion of the switch knob 61 so that the switch knob 61 can be tilted. Figure 8 ).like Figure 8 As shown, the receiving recess 60a is in the shape of an arc that is concave downward in a side view.

[0069] The switch knob 61 is connected to the switch body 60 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis O extending in the width direction. The rotation axis O of the switch knob 61 is parallel to the width direction and orthogonal to the front-rear direction.

[0070] The switch knob 61 stands upright from the switch body 60 in the neutral position P0. The thickness of the switch knob 61 in the front-to-back direction gradually decreases toward the side opposite the switch body 60 when viewed from the side. The surfaces of the switch knob 61 other than the surface facing the receiving recess 60a of the switch body 60 (the upper, front, and rear surfaces) serve as the operating surface 62. The operating surface 62 is operated by a finger (e.g., the index or middle finger) of the right hand of the operator seated in the driver's seat 21.

[0071] The operation surface 62 is composed of a top portion 62a, a front operation surface 62b, and a rear operation surface 62c.

[0072] The top portion 62a is the end portion (protruding end portion) of the switch knob 61 on the opposite side to the switch body 60. The top portion 62a is the portion connecting the front operating surface 62b and the rear operating surface 62c in the front-to-back direction. Figure 6 As shown, the top portion 62a extends linearly parallel to the rotation axis O. That is, the top portion 62a extends uniformly along the width direction. The top portion 62a is the portion of the operating surface 62 farthest from the rotation axis O. In other words, the top portion 62a lies on a circle centered on the rotation axis O. This circle corresponds to the tilt trajectory K1 described later.

[0073] like Figure 8As shown, the front operating surface 62b is the surface of the switch knob 61 that is exposed forward from the housing recess 60a. The front operating surface 62b is a surface whose long side is the direction in which the switch knob 61 protrudes and whose short side is the width direction.

[0074] The rear operating surface 62c is the surface of the switch knob 61 that protrudes rearward from the receiving recess 60a. The rear operating surface 62c is defined as having its longitudinal direction along the direction in which the switch knob 61 protrudes and its transverse direction along its width. The distance between the front operating surface 62b and the rear operating surface 62c in the front-to-back direction gradually decreases as it approaches the top 62a in a side view.

[0075] The switch knob 61 is rotatable about a rotation axis O between a neutral position P0 , a forward tilted position P1 , and a rearward tilted position P2 .

[0076] The neutral position P0 is a position where the switch knob 61 is not tilted forward or backward. When the switch knob 61 is in the neutral position P0, the cargo platform 6 is in a state where it cannot be raised or lowered (the state in which the cargo platform 6 is held, or the state in which the cargo platform 6 can be raised or lowered without being restrained by an external force, is hereinafter referred to as the "neutral state").

[0077] The forward tilt position P1 is a position where the switch knob 61 is tilted forward from the neutral position P0. When the switch knob 61 is at the forward tilt position P1, the cargo bed 6 is in a state where it can be lowered.

[0078] The rearward tilt position P2 is a position where the switch knob 61 is tilted rearward from the neutral position P0. When the switch knob 61 is at the rearward tilt position P2, the cargo bed 6 is in a state where it can be raised.

[0079] In any of the cases where the switch knob 61 is in the neutral position P0, the forward tilted position P1, and the rearward tilted position P2, the operating surface 62 is exposed from the receiving recess 60a to the side opposite to the switch body 60 (the upper side, the front side, and the rear side).

[0080] The height H1 of the top of the lift switch 33 in the neutral position P0 is higher than the height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32 (H1>H2). Here, the height H1 of the top of the lift switch 33 in the neutral position P0 refers to the upper end position of the top 62a of the switch knob 61 of the lift switch 33 in the neutral position P0. The height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32 refers to the upper end position of the placement surface 51a of the grip portion 51 of the shift lever 32.

[0081] Regardless of the front-to-back position of the shift lever 32, the position of the lift switch 33 on the rotation axis O remains fixed. The lift switch 33 does not move integrally with the shift lever 32 as the shift lever 32 moves in the front-to-back direction. Because the switch knob 61 of the lift switch 33 is fixed, the front-to-back distance between the shift lever 32 and the lift switch 33 changes as the shift lever 32 moves in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the relative positions of the shift lever 32 and the lift switch 33 in the front-to-back direction change as the shift lever 32 moves in the front-to-back direction.

[0082] <Parking brake switch>

[0083] The parking brake switch 34 is a switch for stopping the dump truck 1. Figure 4 As shown, the parking brake switch 34 is located behind the shift lever 32. The parking brake switch 34 is a so-called seesaw switch that can be tilted forward or backward about an axis (not shown) extending in the width direction relative to the device body 31. The parking brake switch 34 is operated by the right hand of the operator seated in the driver's seat 21.

[0084] <Lift switch lock knob>

[0085] The lift switch lock knob 35 is a switch for disabling (locking) the lift switch 33. It is located to the right of the lift switch 33. The lift switch lock knob 35 is a so-called reciprocating switch that can be tilted forward or backward relative to the device body 31 about an axis (not shown) extending in the width direction. The lift switch lock knob 35 is operated by the right hand of the operator seated in the driver's seat 21.

[0086] <Wall Guard>

[0087] The protective wall portion 36 is used to prevent the operator's hand or finger from accidentally touching the wall portion of the lift switch 33 when the operator operates a lever other than the lift switch 33 (for example, when only the shift lever 32 is operated), or when the operator moves his hand or finger near the lift switch 33 without intending to operate the lift switch 33. Figure 5 As shown, the protective wall portion 36 is provided on the upper surface of the second step portion 42 of the device body 31. The protective wall portion 36 is formed integrally with the device body 31 by, for example, the same member. Figure 4 As shown, the guard wall portion 36 includes a rear wall portion 70 (partition portion) and side wall portions 71 and 72 (side partition portions). In other words, the guard wall portion 36 is in a U-shape open to the front when viewed from above. It should be noted that the guard wall portion 36 may also include a front wall portion and be rectangular when viewed from above. The guard wall portion 36 is arranged outside the range of the tilting trajectory K1 of the lift switch 33 (refer to FIG. Figure 8In other words, the tilting trajectory K1 of the lift switch 33 is inward and away from the edge of the protective wall portion 36 .

[0088] <Rear Wall>

[0089] The rear wall portion 70 is a portion of the protective wall portion 36 that partitions the space between the shift lever 32 and the lift switch 33 in the front-rear direction. The rear wall portion 70 is disposed behind the lift switch 33. When viewed from the front, the rear wall portion 70 is disposed at a position overlapping the lift switch 33 and the shift lever 32 in the left-right direction and the up-down direction (see FIG. Figure 6 ).

[0090] The rear wall portion 70 is in a rectangular shape with the direction in which the switch knob 61 protrudes as the short side direction and the width direction as the long side direction. The width direction of the rear wall portion 70 is longer than the width direction of the switch knob 61. In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the rotation axis O, the rear wall portion 70 is in a straight line shape that is inclined so as to be positioned forward as it goes upward (see FIG. Figure 8 The upper end of the rear wall portion 70 is located above the rotation axis O. In a plan view, the upper end of the rear wall portion 70 is parallel to the width direction and is straight (see Figure 4 ).

[0091] The height H3 of the rear wall portion 70 is lower than the height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32. Here, the height of the rear wall portion 70 refers to the upper end position of the rear wall portion 70.

[0092] The rear wall portion 70 is disposed outside the range of the tilting trajectory K1 of the lift switch 33. The upper end of the rear wall portion 70 is disposed at a distance from the rear operating surface 62c of the switch knob 61 at the rearward tilt position P2.

[0093] <Side Wall>

[0094] The side wall portions 71 and 72 are portions of the protective wall portion 36 located on the left and right sides of the lift switch 33 in the width direction. Figure 4 As shown, the side walls 71 and 72 are composed of a left side wall 71 and a right side wall 72. The left side wall 71 is located on the left side of the lift switch 33. The right side wall 72 is located on the right side of the lift switch 33.

[0095] The left side wall portion 71 is arranged at a distance from the left side surface of the lift switch 33. In a side view, the left side wall portion 71 is arranged to cover the switch knob 61 at the neutral position P0 (see FIG. Figure 8 ) (refer to Figure 5 ).like Figure 5 As shown, the left side wall portion 71 is formed to cover the entire switch knob 61 at the neutral position P0 and the forward tilt position P1 (see Figure 8) in a trapezoidal shape whose length in the front-to-back direction decreases as it approaches the upper side. When viewed from the side, the left side wall 71 has a trapezoidal shape having an upper base that extends linearly in the front-to-back direction at a position above the top 62a of the switch knob 61 at the neutral position P0, and a lower base that extends linearly in the front-to-back direction along the upper surface of the second step 42 of the device body 31. When viewed from the side, the right side wall 72 has a trapezoidal shape that overlaps with the outer shape of the left side wall 71. The left end portion of the rear wall 70 in the width direction is connected to the lower rear portion of the left side wall 71. The right end portion of the rear wall 70 in the width direction is connected to the lower rear portion of the right side wall 72. It should be noted that the configuration can also be such that when the switch knob 61 is in the forward tilted position P1, the switch knob 61 can be seen outside the trapezoidal shape of the left side wall 71 or the right side wall 72 when viewed from the side. The guard wall portion 36 does not need to be a member that prevents erroneous operation such as the switch knob 61 being operated to the forward tilt position P1.

[0096] <Shift lever and lift switch configuration>

[0097] like Figure 8 As shown, there is a space between the shift lever 32 at the front position PR in the front-back direction and the lift switch 33 at the rearward tilt position P2. For example, the distance L1 between the shift lever 32 at the front position PR in the front-back direction and the lift switch 33 at the rearward tilt position P2 is preferably at least several tens of millimeters. Here, the distance L1 refers to the distance (the shortest distance) between the front end of the grip portion 51 of the shift lever 32 at the front position PR in the front-back direction and the rear end of the top portion 62a of the lift switch 33 at the rearward tilt position P2.

[0098] For example, the interval L1 is preferably of such a size that when the operator places the palm of his right hand on the loading surface 51a of the shift lever 32 in the forward position PR, the bent index finger can be arranged behind the rear wall portion 70 so that when the index finger of the right hand is directed forward and bent, it will not touch the lift switch 33 in the rearward tilted position P2.

[0099] The distance L2 between the shift lever 32 at the rear position PD in the front-to-rear direction and the lift switch 33 at the neutral position P0 is preferably at least longer than the distance L1 and is no greater than several tens of millimeters. Here, the distance L2 refers to the distance (the shortest distance) between the rear end of the grip portion 51 of the shift lever 32 at the rear position PD in the front-to-rear direction and the upper end of the top portion 62a of the lift switch 33 at the neutral position P0.

[0100] For example, the distance L2 is preferably such that, with the operator placing the palm of their right hand on the placement surface 51a of the shift lever 32 in the rearward position PD, they can extend their right index finger forward and place the tip of their index finger on the top 62a of the lift switch 33 in the neutral position P0. Reference numeral 80 in the figures represents the outer shape of the right hand of a Japanese woman (e.g., a petite woman). Reference numeral L0 in the figures represents the length of the right hand 80 of a Japanese woman in the front-to-back direction.

[0101] It should be noted that the length L3 of the shift lever 32 in the front-to-back direction is set to be longer than the movement distance L4 of the shift lever 32 in the front-to-back direction (in the example in the figure, the distance between the front end of the shift lever 32 at the center position PN in the front-to-back direction and the front end of the shift lever 32 at the front position PR).

[0102] <Effects>

[0103] The dump truck 1 can be loaded with cargo such as sand and soil on its cargo bed 6. The operator of the dump truck 1 moves the dump truck 1 to a predetermined location and performs an operation (soil discharge operation) to discharge the cargo from the cargo bed 6. For example, when the operator operates the dump truck 1 to perform the soil discharge operation, the operator's hand movements correspond to the following steps (1) to (3).

[0104] (1) Hold the steering wheel with your hands and move the dump truck toward the dumping site while operating the steering wheel.

[0105] (2) When parking at a dumping site, operate the shift lever.

[0106] (3) After parking, operate the lifting lever to lift the cargo platform.

[0107] If the steering wheel, the shift lever, and the lift lever are arranged at separate locations, the following problems may occur: Assume that the shift lever is arranged to the right of the steering wheel and the lift lever is arranged behind the shift lever.

[0108] In this situation, the right hand's movements during soil removal work sequentially move toward the steering wheel, the shift lever located to the right of the steering wheel, and the lift lever, located separately behind the shift lever. Therefore, given the large left-right spacing between the steering wheel and the shift lever, and the large front-back spacing between the shift lever and the lift lever, the operator must make significant movements of their right hand for each action. Repeating these movements places a heavy burden on the right hand, contributing to operator fatigue. Furthermore, the operator may experience significant movements of their right hand and their eye level during each action, which can be frustrating.

[0109] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the lift switch 33 is arranged near the front of the shift lever 32 .

[0110] Thus, when the operator moves his right hand from the shift lever 32 toward the lift switch 33, he can operate the lift switch 33 without significantly moving his right hand. Specifically, in this embodiment, the distance between the shift lever 32 and the lift switch 33 in the front-to-rear direction is small, allowing the operator to easily operate the lift switch 33 after moving the shift lever 32. Consequently, fatigue caused by the burden on the operator's right hand can be reduced.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a switch-type lift switch 33 is used as the lift instruction unit instead of a lever-type lift lever. Therefore, the lift switch 33 can be easily operated with the fingers of the right hand.

[0112] As described above, in this embodiment, the operability of the lift switch 33 can be improved.

[0113] However, depending on the location where the dump truck 1 is operating, the operator may need to move their hands in various directions. For example, the operator may operate only the shift lever 32 without operating the lift switch 33. In this case, if there is a space connecting the shift lever 32 side with the lift switch 33 side, there is a risk that the operator's hand or fingers may accidentally touch the lift switch 33, causing the cargo platform 6 to malfunction.

[0114] In contrast, in the present embodiment, a rear wall portion 70 is provided that partitions the space between the shift lever 32 and the lift switch 33 in the front-rear direction.

[0115] Therefore, when the operator operates a lever other than the lift switch 33 (when operating only the shift lever 32), the right hand is prevented from touching the lift switch 33 from behind. For example, even if the operator inadvertently moves the right hand forward while operating the shift lever 32, the right hand is blocked by the rear wall portion 70 located behind the lift switch 33, thereby preventing the right hand from inadvertently touching the lift switch 33. Therefore, erroneous operation of the lift switch 33 can be suppressed.

[0116] In the present embodiment, a height H1 of the top portion 62 a of the lift switch 33 at the neutral position P0 is higher than a height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32 ( H1 > H2 ).

[0117] Therefore, compared with a case where the height H1 of the top portion 62 a of the lift switch 33 at the neutral position P0 is equal to or less than the height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32 , erroneous operation of the lift switch 33 can be suppressed.

[0118] For example, in this embodiment, when the operator places his right hand on the upper surface of the shift lever 32 to operate the top portion 62a of the lift switch 33 at the neutral position P0, the operator needs to consciously lift his finger upward. This prevents the operator from accidentally touching the lift switch 33 with his finger.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the upper surface of the shift lever 32 has a placement surface portion 51 a (flat surface).

[0120] Therefore, fatigue caused by prolonged operation of the shift lever 32 can be reduced. Specifically, the shift lever 32 can function as a palm rest. For example, the operator can operate the lift switch 33 while resting their right hand on the shift lever 32. When the shift lever 32 also serves as a palm rest, the chances of erroneous operation of the lift switch 33 increase. Therefore, the structure of this embodiment, which prevents erroneous operation of the lift switch 33, is particularly advantageous.

[0121] In the present embodiment, the shift lever 32 is movable in the front-rear direction along a horizontal plane.

[0122] Therefore, compared with a case where the shift lever 32 is rotatable (movable in an arc) about a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction), it is easier to ensure operability of the lift switch 33 located in front of the shift lever 32.

[0123] In this embodiment, the lift switch 33 does not move integrally with the shift lever 32 as the shift lever 32 moves in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the front-to-back movement of the shift lever 32 causes the relative positions of the shift lever 32 and the lift switch 33 to fluctuate. This fluctuation in the relative positions of the shift lever 32 and the lift switch 33 increases the chances of erroneous operation of the lift switch 33. Therefore, the structure of this embodiment, which prevents erroneous operation of the lift switch 33, is particularly advantageous.

[0124] In the present embodiment, the operating device 30 includes side wall portions 71 and 72 located on the sides of the lift switch 33 in the width direction.

[0125] Therefore, when the operator operates a lever or the like other than the lift switch 33, it is possible to prevent the right hand from touching the lift switch 33 from the side in the width direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the lift switch 33.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the side walls 71 and 72 are composed of a left side wall 71 located to the left of the lift switch 33 and a right side wall 72 located to the right of the lift switch 33. Therefore, when the operator operates a lever other than the lift switch 33, the operator can prevent the right hand from touching the lift switch 33 from both sides in the width direction.

[0127] For example, even if the operator accidentally moves his right hand to the right after operating the steering wheel 22, the right hand is blocked by the left side wall 71 located to the left of the lift switch 33, thereby preventing the right hand from accidentally touching the lift switch 33.

[0128] In the present embodiment, the heights of the side walls 71 and 72 are higher than the height of the top portion 62a of the lift switch 33 at the neutral position P0. Therefore, erroneous operation of the lift switch 33 from above can be suppressed.

[0129] In the present embodiment, the side wall portions 71 and 72 are arranged so as to cover the lift switch 33 at the neutral position P0 when viewed in the width direction.

[0130] Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the right hand from touching the lift switch 33 at the neutral position P0 from the side in the width direction.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the lift switch 33 is rotatable about a rotation axis O extending in the width direction between a forward tilt position P1 tilted forward from the neutral position P0 and a rearward tilt position P2 tilted rearward from the neutral position P0 .

[0132] According to this structure, compared with a case where the lift switch 33 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction, it is easier to ensure operability of the lift switch 33 located in front of the shift lever 32 .

[0133] In the present embodiment, the upper end of the rear wall portion 70 is located above the rotation axis O of the lift switch 33 .

[0134] According to this configuration, at least a portion of the portion of the lift switch 33 that facilitates operation of the lift switch 33 (the rear operation surface 62c) can be covered from behind by the rear wall portion 70. Therefore, erroneous operation of the lift switch 33 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0135] In the present embodiment, the rear wall portion 70 is arranged outside the range of the tilting trajectory K1 of the lift switch 33 .

[0136] According to this structure, when the lift switch 33 is tilted, the lift switch 33 does not contact the rear wall portion 70. In other words, the rear wall portion 70 does not hinder the operation of the lift switch 33. Therefore, the operability of the lift switch 33 can be ensured.

[0137] In this embodiment, the distance L1 in the front-rear direction between the shift lever 32 at the forward position PR and the lift switch 33 at the rearward tilt position P2 is at least several tens of millimeters. In this case, erroneous operation of the lift switch 33 is more easily suppressed than when the distance L1 is shorter.

[0138] Furthermore, the distance L2 in the front-to-rear direction between the shift lever 32 in the rear position PD and the lift switch 33 in the neutral position P0 is at least longer than the distance L1 and is less than several tens of millimeters. In this case, the distance L2 can be set to take into account the length of the palm, making it easier for even smaller women to operate the lift switch 33. Furthermore, in the neutral position P0 and the front-drive position PD, which are used more frequently than the reverse position PR of the shift lever 32, the operator can operate the lift switch 33 with their right index finger while resting their right palm on the shift lever 32.

[0139] In the present embodiment, a height H3 of the rear wall portion 70 is lower than a height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32 .

[0140] According to this structure, compared with a case where the height H3 of the rear wall portion 70 is equal to or greater than the height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32 , operability of the lift switch 33 located in front of the shift lever 32 is easily ensured.

[0141] In the present embodiment, the rear wall portion 70 is arranged at a position overlapping with the lift switch 33 and the shift lever 32 in the left-right direction and the up-down direction when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0142] Therefore, when the shift lever 32 is moved from the center position PN to the front position PR, it is possible to more effectively suppress the right hand from touching the lift switch 33 from behind.

[0143] In this embodiment, the lift switch 33 is arranged at a position overlapping the shift lever 32 in the left-right and up-down directions when viewed from the front-back direction. Therefore, after the shift lever 32 is operated, the lift switch 33, which is located in front of the shift lever 32, can be easily operated. Therefore, the operability of the lift switch 33 can be ensured while preventing erroneous operation of the lift switch 33.

[0144] In the present embodiment, the operating device 30 is arranged near and below the rear view monitor 25 on the right side of the steering wheel 22 .

[0145] Therefore, the operator can visually check the rear view monitor 25 by only slightly shifting his or her line of sight while observing the movement of his or her right hand. For example, when the operator wants to check the situation behind the dump truck 1 while raising the cargo bed 6, he or she can easily visually check the situation behind the vehicle displayed on the rear view monitor 25 while operating the operating device 30.

[0146] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0147] In the above embodiment, the left side of the steering wheel 22 is set as one side in the vehicle width direction (one side in the left-right direction), the right side of the steering wheel 22 is set as the other side in the vehicle width direction (the other side in the left-right direction), and the operating device 30 is arranged on the right side of the steering wheel 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operating device 30 may also be arranged on the left side of the steering wheel 22.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the steering wheel 22 is arranged in the center of the vehicle width direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the steering wheel 22 can also be arranged on the left side of the vehicle, which is one side in the vehicle width direction. In this case, the driver's seat 21 is arranged on the left side of the vehicle.

[0149] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the relative position of the shift lever 32 and the lift switch 33 in the front-to-back direction is changed by the front-to-back movement of the shift lever 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may also be employed in which the relative position of the shift lever 32 and the lift switch 33 in the front-to-back direction is not changed by the front-to-back movement of the shift lever 32.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the central position PN, the front position PR, and the rear position PD within the range of movement of the shift lever 32 are used as the neutral position, the reverse position, and the front drive position, respectively. However, this is not limiting. For example, the central position PN, the front position PR, and the rear position PD within the range of movement of the shift lever 32 may also be used as the neutral position, the front drive position, and the reverse position. In this case, the shift lever 32 can move between the reverse position (moved rearward from the neutral position) and the front drive position (moved forward from the neutral position). It should be noted that the front drive position may also be set to a plurality of gears, in addition to the rear position PD.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the lift switch 33 is described by way of example, where the lift switch 33 is in the neutral position P0, the forward tilt position P1, and the rearward tilt position P2, respectively, corresponding to the neutral state, the state in which the cargo platform 6 can be lowered, and the state in which the cargo platform 6 can be raised. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the lift switch 33 may be configured such that the neutral position P0, the forward tilt position P1, and the rearward tilt position P2 correspond to the neutral state, the state in which the cargo platform 6 can be raised, and the state in which the cargo platform 6 can be lowered, respectively. In other words, the actions of enabling the cargo platform 6 to be raised and lowered in response to the forward and rearward tilting movements of the lift switch 33 may be reversed from those in the embodiment.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the protective wall portion 36 and the device body 31 are integrally formed from the same member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protective wall portion 36 may be integrally formed from a member different from the device body 31. In this case, the protective wall member, which is a protective wall portion manufactured separately from the device body 31, is attached to the device body 31.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the height H1 of the top 62a of the lift switch 33 at the neutral position P0 is higher than the height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the height H1 of the top 62a of the lift switch 33 at the neutral position P0 may be lower than the height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the shift lever 32 has an upper surface having a placement surface 51a with an area sufficient to place the operator's palm. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the upper surface of the shift lever 32 may not have an area sufficient to place the operator's palm.

[0155] In the above embodiment, the shift lever 32 is described as being movable in the front-to-back direction along a horizontal plane. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the shift lever 32 may also be movable in a direction obliquely intersecting the horizontal plane. For example, the shift lever 32 may be rotated (capable of circular movement) about a rotation axis extending in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction).

[0156] In the above embodiment, the operating device 30 is described as including side walls 71 and 72 located to the sides of the lift switch 33 in the width direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the operating device 30 may not include the side walls 71 and 72. In other words, the operating device 30 may include only the rear wall 70 as the protective wall 36.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the lift switch 33 is described as being pivotable about a pivot axis O extending in the width direction between a forward tilt position P1, which is tilted forward from the neutral position P0, and a rearward tilt position P2, which is tilted rearward from the neutral position P0. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the lift switch 33 may be a push-button type that can be pressed from above. In this case, the upper end of the rear wall portion 70 is positioned above the button's operated surface (e.g., the button's upper surface).

[0158] In the above embodiment, the height H3 of the rear wall portion 70 is lower than the height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the height H3 of the rear wall portion 70 may be greater than the height H2 of the upper surface of the shift lever 32 .

[0159] In the above embodiment, the rear wall portion 70 is described as having a rectangular shape with its shorter side being in the direction in which the switch knob 61 protrudes and its longer side being in the width direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rear wall portion 70 may also be in the shape of a rod extending in the direction in which the switch knob 61 protrudes. In other words, the rear wall portion 70 only needs to function as a partition that separates the space between the shift lever 32 and the lift switch 33 in the front-to-back direction.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to an articulated dump truck 1 as an example of a work vehicle, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may also be applied to other work vehicles such as a rigid frame dump truck.

[0161] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the structure can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. The above-described embodiments can also be appropriately combined.

[0162] Industrial Applicability

[0163] According to the above disclosure of the present invention, it is possible to suppress erroneous operation of the raising / lowering instruction portion.

[0164] Description of reference numerals:

[0165] 1…dump truck (work vehicle), 6…cargo bed, 22…steering wheel, 25…rearview monitor, 30…operating device, 32…shift lever (speed shift indicator), 33…lift switch (lift / lower indicator), 51a…loading surface, 70…rear wall (partition), 71…left side wall (side partition), 72…right side wall (side partition), O…rotation axis, PN…center position, PR…front position, PD…rear position, P0…neutral position, P1…forward tilt position, P2…rear tilt position, K1…tilt trajectory, L1…distance in the front-to-rear direction between the shift lever at the front position and the lift switch at the rear tilt position, L2…distance in the front-to-rear direction between the shift lever at the rear position and the lift switch at the neutral position, H1…height of the top of the lift switch at the center position, H2…height of the upper surface of the shift lever, H3…height of the rear wall.

Claims

1. An operating device for a work vehicle having a cargo platform, wherein: The operating device comprises: a speed change instruction unit capable of changing the speed of the work vehicle by operating it in a front-rear direction; a lifting indicator, which is arranged in front of the shift indicator and can make the cargo platform perform lifting actions; as well as a partition portion that separates the space between the shift indicator portion and the lift indicator portion in the front-rear direction, The height of the top of the elevation indicator portion at the neutral position is higher than the height of the upper surface of the shift indicator portion.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein The upper surface of the shift indicator portion has a flat surface.

3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The shift indicator is movable in the front-rear direction along a horizontal plane.

4. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The operating device further includes a side partition portion located to the side of the raising / lowering instruction portion in a width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein: The side partition portion is arranged so as to cover the raising / lowering indicator portion at a neutral position when viewed in the width direction.

6. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein The raising / lowering instruction portion is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the width direction between a forward tilted position in which the lifting / lowering instruction portion is tilted forward from a neutral position and a rearward tilted position in which the lifting / lowering instruction portion is tilted rearward from the neutral position.

7. The operating device according to claim 6, wherein: The upper end of the partition is located above the rotation axis.

8. The operating device according to claim 6, wherein: The partition portion is arranged outside the range of the tilting trajectory of the lifting instruction portion.

9. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The height of the partition portion is lower than the height of the upper surface of the shift indicator portion.

10. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein The partition portion is arranged at a position overlapping the lift indicator portion and the shift indicator portion when viewed from the front-rear direction.

11. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The operating device is arranged on one side in the left-right direction of the steering wheel, which is one side in the vehicle width direction.

12. The operating device according to claim 11, wherein: The operating device is arranged near a lower portion of a rear view monitor located on one side in the left-right direction of the steering wheel.

13. A work vehicle, wherein: The work vehicle has: steering wheel; as well as The operating device according to claim 1 is arranged on one side in the left-right direction of the steering wheel, which is one side in the vehicle width direction.

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