Operation lever device and method for assembling same

Abstract

This operation lever device includes: an operation lever that is hollow and includes a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; a first operation panel that fits into the first opening portion; and a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and disposed inside the operation lever. The first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough. The first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation lever device in the form of a joystick.Background Art

[0002] Work vehicles including construction vehicles such as excavators and cranes and industrial vehicles such as forklifts are provided with an operation device in order to operate the work vehicles. For example, a joystick device such as that disclosed in Patent Literature (PTL) 1 is known as an example of the operation device. In the joystick device disclosed in PTL 1, an operation panel is attached to the front side of an operation lever. Furthermore, in the joystick device, the casing of the operation lever is configured to be separable into left and right casings. Therefore, it is possible to detach the operation panel by separating the casing into the left and right casings and furthermore, it is possible to attach the operation panel to the operation lever by fitting the left and right casings together after changing the orientation of the operation panel.Citation List Patent Literature

[0003] PTL 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2002-358133Summary of Invention Technical Problem

[0004] In the joystick device disclosed in PTL 1, an opening portion is configured to be separable into left and right opening portions. However, not all joystick devices are configured as just described. This means that an operation panel cannot be attached to an operation lever by the method described in PTL 1. In view of this, there is a demand for a joystick device in which an operation panel can be attached to even an operation lever structured such that an opening portion therein is not separable; more specifically, there is a demand for an operation lever device in the form of such a joystick.

[0005] Thus, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an operation lever device in which an operation panel can be attached to even an operation lever structured such that an opening portion therein is not separable, and provide a method for assembling said operation lever device.Solution to Problem

[0006] An operation lever device according to the present disclosure is an operation lever device in the form of a joystick and includes: an operation lever that is hollow and includes a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; a first operation panel that fits into the first opening portion; and a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and disposed inside the operation lever. The first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough. The first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough. Furthermore, the first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the first operation panel can be attached to the operation lever. Furthermore, since the first opening portion supports the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction, the first operation panel can be kept from being detached from the first opening portion even when the first operation panel is operated from the one side in the predetermined direction.

[0008] A method for assembling the operation lever device according to the aforementioned invention is a method for assembling an operation lever device including an operation lever that is hollow and includes: a first housing including a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; and a second housing that is attached to the first housing to cover the other side of the first housing in the predetermined direction. The operation lever device is a device in which a first operation panel is attached to the first opening portion. The method includes: a first pull-out step of pulling out the first operation panel from the other side to the one side of the first housing in the predetermined direction through the first opening portion; a first fitting step of fitting, into the first opening portion from the one side in the predetermined direction, the first operation panel that has been pulled out in the first pull-out step; a controller attachment step of attaching, to the operation lever, a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and is disposed inside the operation lever; and an operation lever assembling step of assembling the operation lever by attaching the second housing to the first housing.

[0009] According to this configuration, in the first pull-out step, the first operation panel is pulled out from the other side to the one side of the first housing in the predetermined direction through the first opening portion. Furthermore, in the first fitting step, the first operation panel that has pulled out in the first pull-out step fits into the first opening portion from the one side in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the first operation panel can be attached to the operation lever.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, an operation lever can be attached to an operation panel even when the operation lever is not structured so that an opening portion therein is separable.

[0011] The above object, other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be made clear by the following detailed explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an operation lever device according to the present embodiment viewed from the front. Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the operation lever device of Fig. 1 viewed from the back. Fig. 3 is a front view of the operation lever device of Fig. 1 with a front panel detached from an operation lever, viewed from the front. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the operation lever device of Fig. 1 with a rear panel and a rear switch detached from the operation lever, viewed from the back. Fig. 5 is an exploded view illustrating the operation lever device 1 of Fig. 1 in a disassembled state. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the operation lever device of Fig. 3 with a front panel attached to an operation lever, taken along cut line VI-VI. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an operation lever device taken along cut line VII-VII indicated in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a front panel in an operation lever device taken along cut line VIII-VIII indicated in Fig. 3. Fig. 9 is a flowchart indicating the flow of a method for assembling an operation lever device. Fig. 10 is a front view of an operation lever device with a front panel being pulled out through a first opening portion. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an operation lever device with a front panel being pulled out through a first opening portion. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an operation lever device with a front panel fitting into a first opening portion from the front. Fig. 13 is a rear view of an operation lever device with a rear switch being removed through a second opening portion and moving toward a third opening portion. Fig. 14 is a rear view of an operation lever device with a rear panel fitting into a second opening portion. Description of Embodiments

[0013] Hereinafter, an operation lever device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the aforementioned drawings. Note that the concept of directions mentioned in the following description is used for the sake of explanation; the orientations, etc., of elements according to the invention are not limited to these directions. The operation lever device 1 described below is merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and may be subject to addition, deletion, and alteration within the scope of the essence of the invention.[Operation Lever Device]

[0014] The operation lever device 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is provided, for example, in work vehicles including construction vehicles such as excavators and cranes and industrial vehicles such as forklifts. The operation lever device 1, which is an operation lever device in the form of a joystick, is provided on the driver seat or the like of a work vehicle. More specifically, the operation lever device 1 is pivotally supported on a base included in a cabin and not illustrated in the drawings. An operator of the work vehicle, such as a driver, can operate various elements of the work vehicle by gripping and moving the operation lever device 1. Note that the operation lever device 1 is not limited to an operation device that operates a work vehicle and may be an operation device that operates a robot or an operation device for game consoles. The operation lever device 1 includes an operation lever 11, a front panel 12, a rear panel 13, a rear switch 14, and a controller 15.[Operation Lever]

[0015] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the operation lever 11 is a hollow body extending in a first direction (in the present embodiment, the up-down or vertical direction). A portion of the operation lever 11 that is located in the middle thereof in the vertical direction can be gripped. Furthermore, a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located at the base end in the first direction is pivotally supported on a base not illustrated in the drawings. Therefore, the operation lever 11 tilts in various directions (for example, all directions including the front-back or depth direction and the left-right or horizontal direction).

[0016] Furthermore, the operation lever 11 includes a first opening portion 11a in an area at the upper end on one side in a second direction. The second direction, which is an example of the predetermined direction, is a direction crossing the first direction. In the present embodiment, the second direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction, is the depth direction, for example. The one side in the predetermined direction is the front side, for example. The first opening portion 11a is formed in a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located on a front surface thereof in an area at the upper end. The first opening portion 11a is open to the front. More specifically, the operation lever 11 is tilted on the other side in the predetermined direction in the present embodiment (backward in the present embodiment). Furthermore, a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located in an area at the leading end in the first direction tilts more backward than the rest of the operation lever 11. The first opening portion 11a is formed in a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located in an area at the leading end thereof in the first direction and in the present embodiment, is open upward diagonally to the front. The shape of the first opening portion 11a is designed to correspond with the shape of the front panel 12 which will be described in detail later. The first opening portion 11a is formed in the shape of a rectangle that is long in a third direction as viewed from the front, for example. Note that the third direction is a direction crossing the first direction and the second direction. In the present embodiment, the third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, that is, the horizontal direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the operation lever 11 includes a second opening portion 11c and a third opening portion 11d on the other side in the second direction (the rear side in the present embodiment), as illustrated in Fig. 4. The second opening portion 11c and the third opening portion 11d are positioned in a relatively upper area on the operation lever 11, for example. More specifically, the second opening portion 11c and the third opening portion 11d are formed on the back surface, that is, the rear surface, of the operation lever 11 so as to be close to each other in the vertical direction. The second opening portion 11c and the third opening portion 11d are both open to the back. More specifically, the operation lever 11 is tilted backward as mentioned above. Therefore, the second opening portion 11c and the third opening portion 11d are open downward diagonally to the back. The shape of the second opening portion 11c is designed to correspond with the shape of the rear panel 13 which will be described in detail later. The shape of the third opening portion 11d is designed to correspond with the shape of the rear switch 14 which will be described in detail later. The second opening portion 11c is formed in the shape of an inverted trapezoid as viewed from the back, for example, and the third opening portion 11d is formed in the shape of a strip that is long in the horizontal direction. The rear surface of the operation lever 11 includes a communication groove 11e. The communication groove 11e connects the second opening portion 11c and the third opening portion 11d to each other. The communication groove 11e is formed in a straight line on a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located at the center in the horizontal direction as viewed from the back.

[0018] The operation lever 11 configured as described above includes two housings 21, 22, as illustrated in Fig. 5. The operation lever 11 can be divided into the two housings 21, 22. More specifically, the operation lever 11 includes the two housings 21, 22 that are separated into front and rear housings. The front housing 21, which is an example of the first housing, constitutes a front portion of the operation lever 11. The second housing 22, which is an example of the second housing, constitutes a rear portion of the operation lever 11. The operation lever 11 is formed by joining the two housings 21, 22 together in the depth direction. In the present embodiment, the two housings 21, 22 are joined together in the depth direction and then fastened together by a plurality of fastening members 41 (refer to Fig. 2); thus, the operation lever 11 is formed.

[0019] More specifically, the front housing 21 includes the first opening portion 11a described above. The first opening portion 11a is formed in a portion of the front housing 21 that is located in an upper area of the front surface thereof. The rear housing 22 includes the second opening portion 11c, the third opening portion 11d, and the communication groove 11e described above. The rear housing 22 covers the front housing 21 from the back. More specifically, the two housings 21, 22 are both formed so that a cross-section thereof taken along a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction has a recessed shape; the two housings 21, 22 include respective cavities 21a, 22a therein. The two housings 21, 22 are joined together so that the openings of the cavities 21a, 22a abut each other. As a result, the hollow operation lever 11 including a housing space 11f therein is formed.[Front Panel]

[0020] The front panel 12, which is an example of the first operation panel, fits into the first opening portion 11a. More specifically, the front panel 12 is formed into substantially the same shape as the first opening portion 11a as viewed from the back. Specifically, the front panel 12 is formed in the shape of a horizontally long rectangle in the present embodiment. Therefore, the front panel 12 can fit into the first opening portion 11a from the front.

[0021] Furthermore, the front panel 12 is supported from the back in the first opening portion 11a. More specifically, the first opening portion 11a includes a step portion 11b on the inner peripheral surface, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The step portion 11b is formed in the shape of a step by projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the first opening portion 11a. In the present embodiment, the step portion 11b is formed throughout the entire perimeter of the inner peripheral surface of the first opening portion 11a. The front panel 12 fits into the first opening portion 11a so as to have an outer peripheral edge portion placed on the step portion 11b of the first opening portion 11a. As a result, the outer peripheral edge portion of the front panel 12 is supported by the step portion 11b of the first opening portion 11a.

[0022] Furthermore, the front panel 12 is configured to be operable to input various instructions. Therefore, the front panel 12 is configured as follows, for example. Specifically, the front panel 12 includes a panel body 25 and one or more operation parts 26 to 30. In the present embodiment, the front panel 12 includes four button switches 26 to 29 and one slide switch 30 as the operation parts 26 to 30. Note that the number and type of switches included in the front panel 12 are not limited to said number and type.

[0023] The panel body 25 is formed in the shape of a plate. The panel body 25 is formed into the same shape as the shape of the first opening portion 11a (the shape of a horizontally long rectangle in the present embodiment) as viewed from the back. The panel body 25 fits in the first opening portion 11a in a manner to have an outer peripheral edge portion placed on the step portion 11b of the first opening portion 11a. As a result, the panel body 25 is supported from the back in the first opening portion 11a.

[0024] Furthermore, the panel body 25 is fixed to the operation lever 11 (more specifically, the front housing 21) by a snap-fit connection, as illustrated in Fig. 7. More specifically, the panel body 25 includes at least one engaging portion 25a. In the present embodiment, the panel body 25 includes a pair of engaging portions 25a. Note that the number of engaging portions 25a included in the panel body 25 is not limited to two and may be three or more. The engaging portions 25a are in engagement with the front housing 21. As a result, the front panel 12 is attached to the first opening portion 11a. Meanwhile, the engaging portion 25a is elastically deformable; the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 25a allows the release of the engagement thereof with the front housing 21. In this manner, the front panel 12 is detached from the first opening portion 11a.

[0025] More specifically, the engaging portion 25a is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the panel body 25 that is located on the back surface thereof. The pair of engaging portions 25a are disposed, for example, spaced apart from each other on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction (the left side and the right side in the present embodiment) on the outer peripheral edge of the panel body 25 that is located on the back surface thereof. The engaging portion 25a projects backward from the back surface of the panel body 25. A leading end portion of the engaging portion 25a is bent in the longitudinal direction (outward in the longitudinal direction in the present embodiment). The step portion 11b of the first opening portion 11a has an insertion hole 11g at a position corresponding to each of the engaging portions 25a. The engaging portion 25a is inserted through the insertion hole 11g. The leading end portion of the engaging portion 25a projects from the insertion hole 11g and engages the front housing 21. The engaging portion 25a is formed in the shape of a plate, for example, and is elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction. When the engaging portion 25a deforms elastically, the engagement thereof with the front housing 21 is released. When the engagement of the two engaging portions 25a is released, the front panel 12 is detached from the first opening portion 11a.

[0026] Furthermore, the rear housing 22 includes a restricting portion 22b at a position corresponding to each of the two engaging portions 25a. The restricting portion 22b restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 25a. More specifically, the restricting portion 22b is adjacent to the engaging portion 25a in a direction opposite to a direction in which the leading end portion of the engaging portion 25a is bent. As a result, the engagement of the engaging portion 25a with the front housing 21 is less likely to be released in the state where the front panel 12 is attached to the first opening portion 11a of the operation lever 11. Therefore, the front panel 12 is kept from being detached from the operation lever 11.

[0027] The four button switches 26 to 29 are configured to be operable by pressing operation portions thereof. The four button switches 26 to 29 fit in attachment holes 25b to 25e of the panel body 25 so that the operation portions project from the front surface of the panel body 25. More specifically, the four button switches 26 to 29 are disposed in a manner to form two lines in each of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction while making space for the slide switch 30 on one side in the longitudinal direction on the front surface of the panel body 25.

[0028] The slide switch 30, which is an example of the magnetic switch, is inserted through an attachment hole 25f in the panel body 25 and attached thereto, as illustrated in Fig. 8. In the present embodiment, the slide switch 30 is attached to the attachment hole 25f formed on relatively one side in the longitudinal direction on the panel body 25. The slide switch 30 includes a switch body 30a and a magnetic shield 30b. The switch body 30a includes an operation portion 30c that is operable. The switch body 30a outputs a signal according to a change in the magnetic field that is detected when the operation portion 30c is operated. In the present embodiment, when the operation portion 30c is slid, the switch body 30a outputs a signal. The switch body 30a is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, for example. The switch body 30a is inserted through the attachment hole 25f. Furthermore, in the switch body 30a, an operation side portion 30d that is a portion on the side of the operation portion 30c is formed larger than the attachment hole 25f. Therefore, the switch body 30a is supported on the panel body 25 so that the operation side portion 30d projects from the front surface of the panel body 25. Note that in the front surface of the panel body 25, a counterbore is formed around the attachment hole 25f. The operation side portion 30d fits in the counterbore.

[0029] The magnetic shield 30b covers the switch body 30a from the back side of the panel body 25 that is opposite to the front surface of the panel body 25 on which the operation portion 30c is disposed. The magnetic shield 30b, which is a metal thin plate, for example, reduces the effects of external noise on the switch body 30a covered by the magnetic shield 30b. In the present embodiment, the magnetic shield 30b is formed in the shape of a box. The magnetic shield 30b covers an opposite side portion 30e that is located on the opposite side of the panel body 25 from the operation side portion 30d. More specifically, the magnetic shield 30b fits on the opposite side portion 30e and further engages the opposite side portion 30e by a snap-fit connection or the like. The magnetic shield 30b is formed larger than the attachment hole 25f. Thus, the magnetic shield 30b is designed so as to abut the back surface of the panel body 25 (refer to the enlarged portion in Fig. 8). More specifically, a counterbore is formed around the attachment hole 25f on the back surface of the panel body 25. The magnetic shield 30b abuts the back surface of the panel body 25 (more specifically, the counterbore around the attachment hole 25f) during the attempt to pull out the slide switch 30 from the attachment hole 25f to the front side of the panel body 25. As a result, the slide switch 30 is prevented from being pulled out of the attachment hole 25f. This means that the slide switch 30 is prevented from being detached from the panel body 25.

[0030] Furthermore, the front panel 12 can pass through the first opening portion 11a. In other words, the first opening portion 11a is designed to allow the front panel 12 to pass therethrough. In the present embodiment, the front panel 12 has substantially the same shape as the first opening portion 11a and has the shape of a rectangle that is horizontally long. Therefore, the front panel 12 can pass through the first opening portion 11a, for example, when the posture of the front panel 12 is changed into a particular posture such that the front surface of the front panel 12, which is one surface in the thickness direction thereof, is directed upward and the longitudinal direction of said front surface matches the depth direction.[Rear Panel]

[0031] The rear panel 13, which is an example of the second operation panel, fits in the second opening portion 11c, as illustrated in Fig. 2. More specifically, the rear panel 13 is formed into substantially the same shape as the second opening portion 11c as viewed from the front. Specifically, the rear panel 13 is formed in the shape of an inverted trapezoid as viewed from the front in the present embodiment. Therefore, the rear panel 13 can fit into the second opening portion 11c from the back.

[0032] The rear panel 13 is supported on the second opening portion 11c from the front, as illustrated in Fig. 6. More specifically, the front housing 21 includes a plurality of support members 21b, as illustrated in Fig. 7. In the present embodiment, the front housing 21 includes a pair of support members 21b. The support members 21b are disposed spaced horizontally apart from each other so as to overlap the second opening portion 11c as viewed from the back. The support member 21b projects from the front housing 21 toward a cavity 22a of the rear housing 22, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The support member 21b is in abutment with the back surface of the rear panel 13. Furthermore, the support member 21b supports the rear panel 13. The back surface of the rear panel 13 is a surface of the rear panel 13 that is located opposite the front surface thereof in the thickness direction. The front surface of the rear panel 13 is a surface exposed from the operation lever 11 to the outside (on the back side in the present embodiment). The rear panel 13 is attached to the operation lever 11 (more specifically, the rear housing 22) by a snap-fit connection. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the rear panel 13 includes a plurality of engaging portions 13e (refer also to Fig. 5). With the engaging portions 13e engaging the opening end of the second opening portion 11c that is located on the cavity 22a side, the rear panel 13 is attached to the rear housing 22.

[0033] Furthermore, the rear panel 13 is configured to be operable to input various instructions. Therefore, the rear panel 13 is configured as follows, for example. For example, the rear panel 13 includes a button switch 13a. The button switch 13a is configured to be operable by pressing an operation portion thereof as with the button switches 26 to 29 described above. The button switch 13a is disposed on the rear panel 13 so that the operation portion projects from the front surface of the rear panel 13. Note that similar to the front panel 12, the number and type of switches included in the rear panel 13 are not limited to said number and type.

[0034] Furthermore, the rear panel 13 includes a fitting portion 13b at a position corresponding to the communication groove 11e. The fitting portion 13b blocks the communication groove 11e by fitting into the communication groove 11e. Moreover, the fitting portion 13b projects to the third opening portion 11d beyond the communication groove 11e. Specifically, a leading end side portion 13c of the fitting portion 13b reaches the third opening portion 11d. The leading end side portion 13c of the fitting portion 13b extends forward and is also bent so that a leading end portion 13d thereof projects to the third opening portion 11d.

[0035] Furthermore, the rear panel 13 can pass through the second opening portion 11c. In other words, the second opening portion 11c is designed to allow the rear panel 13 to pass therethrough. In the present embodiment, the rear panel 13 is in the form of a plate, has substantially the same shape as the second opening portion 11c, that is, the shape of an inverted trapezoid, and is large in vertical height with respect to the horizontal width. Therefore, the rear panel 13 can pass through the second opening portion 11c, for example, when the posture of the rear panel 13 is changed such that the width direction thereof matches the vertical direction and the front surface of the rear panel 13 is directed to the left or right.[Rear Switch]

[0036] The rear switch 14, which is an example of the operation member, fits in the third opening portion 11d, as illustrated in Fig. 2. The rear switch 14 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, for example. More specifically, the rear switch 14 has substantially the same shape as the third opening portion 11d, as viewed from the front. In other words, the rear switch 14 is formed in the shape of a strip that is long in the horizontal direction, as viewed from the front, in the present embodiment. Therefore, the rear switch 14 can fit into the third opening portion 11d from the back.

[0037] More specifically, the rear switch 14 has substantially the same configuration as the slide switch 30, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 6. Specifically, the rear switch 14 includes a switch body 14a and a magnetic shield 14b. The switch body 14a includes an operation portion 14c that is slidable in the horizontal direction, and when the operation portion 14c is slid, outputs a signal. The switch body 14a is inserted through the third opening portion 11d. A counterbore is formed around the third opening portion 11d. An operation side portion 14d of the switch body 14a fits in the counterbore. As a result, the switch body 14a is supported by the rear housing 22 from the front. Furthermore, the magnetic shield 14b covers an opposite side portion 14e of the switch body 14a that is located opposite the operation side portion 14d. The magnetic shield 14b abuts the back surface of the rear housing 22 that is the cavity 22 side. As a result, the rear switch 14 is prevented from being pulled out of the third opening portion 11d. This means that the rear switch 14 is prevented from being detached from the rear housing 22.

[0038] Furthermore, the rear switch 14 can pass through the second opening portion 11c. In other words, the second opening portion 11c is designed to allow the rear switch 14 to pass therethrough. In the present embodiment, the rear switch 14 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and the shape thereof viewed from one side (the left or the right in the present embodiment) is smaller than the shape of the second opening portion 11c. Therefore, the rear switch 14 can pass through the second opening portion 11c when the posture of the rear switch 14 is changed such that the left or right surface of the rear switch 14 is directed to the second opening portion 11c.[Controller]

[0039] The controller 15 is connected to the panels 12, 13 and the rear switch 14 via wires 31 to 33, as illustrated in Fig. 5. A more detailed description will follow; the controller 15 is connected to the front panel 12 via a first wire 31. In the present embodiment, the controller 15 is connected to the switches 26 to 30 of the front panel 12 via the first wire 31. Furthermore, the controller 15 is connected to the rear panel 13 via the second wire 32. In the present embodiment, the controller 15 is connected to the switch 13a of the rear panel 13 via the second wire 32. Furthermore, the controller 15 is connected to the rear switch 14 via the third wire 33. Moreover, the controller 15 receives signals from the panels 12, 13 (more specifically, the switches 26 to 30, 13a) and the rear switch 14. Subsequently, the controller 15 performs signal processing such as amplification on the received signals. Furthermore, the controller 15 includes a harness 15a and is connected to an external control device (not illustrated in the drawings) via the harness 15a. After performing the signal processing on the received signals, the controller 15 can output the signals to the external control device.[Operation of Operation Lever Device]

[0040] Hereinafter, a method for operating the operation lever device 1 will be described. In the operation lever device 1, an operator grips a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located in the middle thereof in the vertical direction. The operation lever 11 tilts in all directions at 360 degrees on a fulcrum that is a base not illustrated in the drawings. Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1, the switches 26 to 30 on the front panel 12 are operated with a thumb of an operator, for example. Meanwhile, the button switch 13a on the rear panel 13 and the rear switch 14 are operated with an index finger or a middle finger of an operator, for example. Note that this method of operating the switches 13a, 14, 26 to 30 is an example; the switches 13a, 14, 26 to 30 may be operated with fingers different from those mentioned. When operated, the switches 13a, 14, 26 to 30 output signals to the controller 15. The controller 15 performs the signal processing on the received signals and further outputs the signals to the external control device (not illustrated in the drawings).[Method for assembling Operation Lever Device]

[0041] Hereinafter, a method for assembling the operation lever device 1 will be described. First, in the method for assembling the operation lever device 1, the panels 12, 13 with the switches 13a, 26 to 30 attached thereto are prepared. Subsequently, the panels 12, 13, the rear switch 14, and the controller 15 are attached to the two separate housings 21, 22. The housings 21, 22 are joined together and thus, the operation lever 11 is assembled. In this manner, the operation lever device 1 is assembled. Next, the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 9. When the panels 12, 13, the rear switch 14, and the housings 21, 22 are prepared, the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 is started, and the processing transitions to Step S1.

[0042] In Step S1, which is an example of the first pull-out step and is a front panel pull-out step, the front panel 12 is pulled forward from the back of the front housing 21 through the first opening portion 11a. More specifically, in the operation lever device 1, the controller 15 is disposed in the operation lever 11 (in the present embodiment, the cavity 21a of the front housing 21). The controller 15 is connected to the front panel 12 via the first wire 31. Meanwhile, the front panel 12 is designed to fit into the first opening portion 11a from the front (that is, the outside of the cavity 21a) so as to be supported by the front housing 21 from the back. Therefore, after being positioned rearward of the front housing 21 (on the cavity 21a side) together with the controller 15 (for example, refer to Fig. 6), the front panel 12 needs to be pulled forward from the cavity 21a of the front housing 21 through the first opening portion 11a. In the present embodiment, the front panel 12 can pass through the first opening portion 11a by changing the posture of the front panel 12 into the aforementioned particular posture, as described above (refer to Fig. 10). Therefore, after the posture of the front panel 12 is changed into the particular posture, the front panel 12 is pulled forward from the cavity 21a of the front housing 21 through the first opening portion 11a (refer to the dash-dot lines and the dash-dot-dot lines in Fig. 11). When the front panel 12 is pulled to the outside of the front housing 21, the processing transitions to Step S2.

[0043] In Step S2, which is an example of the first fitting step and is a front panel fitting step, the front panel 12 that has been pulled out in the front panel pull-out step fits into the first opening portion 11a from the front. More specifically, after the front panel 12 is pulled out, the posture of the front panel 12 is changed so that the front surface thereof is directed forward and the front panel 12 fits into the first opening portion 11a as viewed from the front (refer to the dash-dot-dot lines in Fig. 12). Subsequently, the front panel 12 fits into the first opening portion 11a from the front and is pressed until the outer peripheral edge of the front panel 12 abuts the step portion 11b. Furthermore, during fitting, the front panel 12 causes the pair of engaging portions 25a to be inserted through the corresponding insertion holes 11g. Subsequently, the pair of engaging portions 25a are pressed until the outer peripheral edge of the front panel 12 abuts the step portion 11b. As a result, the leading end portions of the pair of engaging portions 25a project from the insertion hole 11g. Thus, the front panel 12 engages the front housing 21. In this manner, the front panel 12 fits into the first opening portion 11a and the engaging portions 25a engage the front housing 21 and thus, the front panel 12 is attached to the front housing 21 (refer to the solid lines in Fig. 12). As a result, the processing transitions to Step S3.

[0044] In Step S3, which is an example of the operation member removal step and is a rear switch removal step, the rear switch 14 is removed from the front to the back of the second housing through the second opening portion 11c. More specifically, the rear switch 14 is also connected to the controller 15 via the third wire 33. The rear switch 14 (more specifically, the switch body 14a) also fits into the third opening portion 11d from the back (that is, the outside of the cavity 22a) so as to be supported by the rear housing 22 from the front. Therefore, after being positioned forward of the rear housing 22 (on the cavity 22a side) (for example, refer to Fig. 6), the rear switch 14 needs to be removed backward from the cavity 22a of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. In the present embodiment, the rear switch 14 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and can pass through the second opening portion 11c by changing the posture of the rear switch 14 such that the left or right surface thereof is directed to the second opening portion 11c, as described above (refer to the dash-dot-dot lines in Fig. 13). Therefore, after the left or right surface of the rear switch 14 is directed backward, the rear switch 14 is removed backward from the cavity 22a of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. When the rear switch 14 is removed to the outside of the rear housing 22, the processing transitions to Step S4.

[0045] In Step S4, which is an example of the operation member movement step and is a rear switch movement step, the third wire 33 is inserted through the communication groove 11e, and the rear switch 14 is moved toward the third opening portion 11d. More specifically, first, the third wire 33 connecting the rear switch 14 and the controller 15 is inserted through the communication groove 11e and moved toward the third opening portion 11d. Subsequently, the rear switch 14 that has been removed through the second opening portion 11c is moved toward the third opening portion 11d. As a result, the processing transitions to Step S5.

[0046] In Step S5, which is an example of the second pull-out step and is a rear panel pull-out step, the rear panel 13 is pulled from the front to the back of the second housing through the second opening portion 11c. More specifically, the rear panel 13 is also connected to the controller 15 via the second wire 32. The rear panel 13 also fits into the second opening portion 11c from the back (that is, the outside of the cavity 22a) so as to be supported by the rear housing 22 from the front. Therefore, after being positioned forward of the rear housing 22 (on the cavity 22a side) (for example, refer to Fig. 6), the rear panel 13 needs to be removed backward from the cavity 22a of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. In the present embodiment, the rear panel 13 is formed in the form of a plate and in the shape of an inverted trapezoid and can pass through the second opening portion 11c by changing the posture of the rear panel 13 such that the width direction thereof matches the vertical direction and the front surface thereof is directed to the left or right, as described above. Therefore, after the posture of the rear panel 13 is changed, the rear panel 13 is pulled backward from the cavity 22a of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. When the rear panel 13 is pulled to the outside of the rear housing 22, the processing transitions to Step S6.

[0047] In Step S6, which is an example of the second fitting step and is a rear panel fitting step, the rear panel 13 that has been pulled out in the rear panel pull-out step fits into the second opening portion 11c from the back. More specifically, after the rear panel 13 is pulled out, the posture of the rear panel 13 is changed such that the front surface thereof is directed backward and the rear panel 13 fits into the second opening portion 11c as viewed from the back (refer to Fig. 14). Subsequently, the rear panel 13 fits into the second opening portion 11c from the front. Furthermore, at the same time when the rear panel 13 fits into the second opening portion 11c, the fitting portion 13b of the rear panel 13 fits into the communication groove 11e. As a result of the rear panel 13 fitting into the second opening portion 11c, an engaging portion 13e located at the outer peripheral edge of the rear panel 13 engages the opening end of the second opening portion 11c that is located on the cavity 22a side on the rear housing 22. Furthermore, when the rear housing 22 covers the front housing 21 later, the rear panel 13 is supported by the support member 21b from the front. In this manner, the rear panel 13 is attached to the rear housing 22, and the processing transitions to Step S7.

[0048] In Step S7, which is an example of the third fitting step and is a rear switch fitting step, the rear switch 14 that has been moved in the rear switch movement step fits into the third opening portion 11d from the back. More specifically, in the rear switch pull-out step, only the switch body 14a of the rear switch 14 with the magnetic shield 14b detached is pulled out through the second opening portion 11c. Subsequently, after the switch body 14a is pulled out, the posture of the switch body 14a is changed such that the operation portion 14c is directed backward and the switch body 14a fits into the third opening portion 11d as viewed from the back (refer to the solid lines in Fig. 13). Subsequently, the switch body 14a fits into the second opening portion 11c from the front. At this time, the switch body 14a is pressed until the operation side portion 14d contacts the counterbore located around the third opening portion 11d. The magnetic shield 14b is placed over the opposite side portion 14e of the switch body 14a after pressed. As a result, the rear switch 14 is attached to the rear housing 22. Note that the switch body 14a that has been pressed to contact the counterbore is positioned to cover the leading end portion 13d of the fitting portion 13b from the back. As a result, a labyrinth can be formed in gaps formed between the fitting portion 13b and the rear switch 14 and thus, fine dust and the like are kept from entering the operation lever 11. When the rear switch 14 is attached to the rear housing 22, the processing transitions to Step S8.

[0049] In Step S9, which is the controller attachment step, the controller 15 is attached to the operation lever 11. More specifically, first, the harness 15a of the controller 15 is inserted through a communication hole of the front housing 21 that is not illustrated in the drawings, and is pulled to the outside. Subsequently, the controller 15 is attached to the front housing 21. In the present embodiment, the controller 15 is positioned on a portion of the cavity 21a of the front housing 21 that is located in the middle thereof in the vertical direction and is attached to the front housing 21 by a fastening member (for example, a bolt) not illustrated in the drawings. When the controller 15 is attached to the front housing 21, the processing transitions to Step S9.

[0050] In Step S9, which is the operation lever assembling step, the rear housing 22 is attached to the front housing 21 and thus, the operation lever 11 is assembled. More specifically, the rear housing 22 is placed over the front housing 21 from the back. As a result, the cavity 21a of the front housing 21 is closed. Note that when the two housings 21, 22 are joined together, the restricting portion 22b is positioned adjacent to the engaging portion 25a. As a result, the restricting portion 22b restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 25a, and the engagement between the engaging portion 25a and the front housing 21 is less likely to be released. After the two housings 21, 22 are joined together, the two housings 21, 22 are fastened together by the plurality of fastening members 41. Thus, when the operation lever 11 is assembled, the operation lever device 1 is assembled. As a result, the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 ends.

[0051] In the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first opening portion 11a is formed to allow the front panel 12 to pass therethrough. The front panel 12 fits into the first opening portion 11a from the front of the operation lever 11. Therefore, even when the operation lever 11 is not formed so that the first opening portion 11a is separable, the front panel 12 can be attached to the operation lever 11. Furthermore, since the first opening portion 11a supports the front panel 12 from the back, the front panel 12 can be kept from being detached from the first opening portion 11a even when the front panel 12 is operated from the front.

[0052] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the second opening portion 11c is formed to allow the rear panel 13 to pass therethrough. The rear panel 13 fits into the second opening portion 11c from the back of operation lever 11. Therefore, even when the operation lever 11 is not formed so that the second opening portion 11c is separable, the rear panel 13 can also be attached to the operation lever 11.

[0053] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the second opening portion 11c is formed to allow the rear switch 14 to pass therethrough. The communication groove 11e is formed to allow the third wire 33 to be inserted therethrough from the second opening portion 11c to the third opening portion 11d. Therefore, there is no need to form the third opening portion 11d such that the rear switch 14 can pass therethrough, and the third opening portion 11d does not need to be made large. This prevents a reduction in the rigidity of the operation lever 11 that is caused when the third opening portion 11d is made large.

[0054] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the rear switch 14 is disposed to cover the leading end portion of the fitting portion 13b from the back. Therefore, fine dust and the like are kept from entering the operation lever 11 through the gaps between the rear switch 14 and the fitting portion 13b.

[0055] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation lever 11 includes: the front housing 21 including the first opening portion 11a; and the rear housing 22 that covers the back side of the front housing 21. Therefore, the operation lever 11 is configured to be separable in a predetermined direction, allowing for improved durability against a load acting on the operation lever 11 in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, when the operation lever 11 is positioned so that the front panel 12 directly faces an operator, the abutting area between the front housing 21 and the rear housing 22 is less visible from the operator, thereby providing the operation lever device 11 with an improved aesthetic design.

[0056] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the engaging portion 25a engages the front housing 21 and elastically deforms to release the engagement with the front housing 21. The rear housing 22 restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 25a by the restricting portion 22b. Therefore, after the rear housing 22 is joined to the front housing 21, the engaging portion 25a is kept from being detached from the front housing 21. Accordingly, the front panel 12 is kept from being detached from the front housing 21 due to vibration or the like.

[0057] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the front panel 12 fits in the first opening portion 11a so as to be placed on the step portion 11b. Therefore, when the front panel 12 fits in the first opening portion 11a, the front panel 12 can be supported on the first opening portion 11a. Therefore, the front panel 12 can be easily attached to the operation lever 11.

[0058] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the magnetic shield 30b is designed to cover the switch body 30a from the back side and abut the back surface of the panel body 25. Therefore, the magnetic shield 30b has the function of an attaching member for attaching the slide switch 30 to the panel body 25; thus, the number of components on the front panel 12 can be reduced. As a result, the front panel 12 is made in a compact form.

[0059] In the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the front panel pull-out step, the front panel 12 is pulled forward from the back of the front housing 21 through the first opening portion 11a. Furthermore, in the front panel fitting step, the front panel 12 that has been pulled out in the first pull-out step fits into the first opening portion 11a from the front. Therefore, even when the operation lever 11 is not formed so that the first opening portion 11a is separable, the front panel 12 can be attached to the operation lever 11.

[0060] Furthermore, in the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the rear panel pull-out step, the rear panel 13 is pulled backward from the front of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. Furthermore, in the rear panel fitting step, the rear panel 13 that has been pulled out in the second pull-out step fits into the second opening portion 11c from the back. Therefore, even when the operation lever 11 is not formed so that the first opening portion 11a is separable, the rear panel 13 can also be attached to the operation lever 11.

[0061] Furthermore, in the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the rear switch removal step, the rear switch 14 is removed backward from the front of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. In the rear switch movement step, the third wire 33 is inserted through the communication groove 11e, and the rear switch 14 is moved toward the third opening portion 11d. In the third fitting step, the rear switch 14 fits into the third opening portion 11d from the back. Therefore, there is no need to form the third opening portion 11d such that the rear switch 14 can pass therethrough, and the third opening portion 11d does not need to be made large. This prevents a reduction in the rigidity of the operation lever 11 that is caused when the third opening portion 11d is made large.<Other Embodiments>

[0062] In the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, each of the panels 12, 13 may be a touch panel; it is sufficient that each of the panels 12, 13 be operable. Furthermore, the shape of the operation lever 11 is not limited to the aforementioned shape; the operation lever 11 may extend vertically in a straight line. Moreover, the first opening portion 11a does not necessarily need to be open forward and may be open upward. Specifically, the first panel corresponding to the front panel 12 may be attached to the upper surface of the operation lever 11. Furthermore, the shape of each of the first to third opening portions 11a, 11c, 11d is also not limited to the aforementioned shape; it is sufficient that the first to third opening portions 11a, 11c, 11d be shaped such that the panels 12, 13 and the rear switch 14 can fit therein and can pass therethrough by changing posture. Moreover, in the operation lever device 1, the operation lever 11 does not necessarily need to include the communication groove 11e as long as the rear switch 14 can pass through the third opening portion 11d.

[0063] The order of Steps S1 to S9 in the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described order. For example, the controller 15 may be attached to the front housing 21 first. Furthermore, after the panels 12, 13 and the rear switch 14 are pulled outward from the housings 21, 22, the operation lever 11 may be assembled first before these are attached.<Exemplary Embodiments>

[0064] An operation lever device according to the first aspect is an operation lever device in the form of a joystick and includes: an operation lever that is hollow and includes a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; a first operation panel that fits into the first opening portion; and a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and disposed inside the operation lever. The first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough. The first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

[0065] According to this aspect, the first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough. Furthermore, the first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the first operation panel can be attached to the operation lever. Furthermore, since the first opening portion supports the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction, the first operation panel can be kept from being detached from the first opening portion even when the first operation panel is operated from the one side in the predetermined direction.

[0066] In an operation lever device according to the second aspect, the operation lever device according to the first aspect further includes a second operation panel connected to the controller via a second wire. The operation lever includes a second opening portion on the other side in the predetermined direction. The second opening portion is formed to allow the second operation panel to pass therethrough. The second operation panel fits into the second opening portion from the other side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

[0067] According to this aspect, the second opening portion is formed to allow the second operation panel to pass therethrough. Furthermore, the second operation panel fits into the second opening portion from the other side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the second operation panel can also be attached to the operation lever.

[0068] In an operation lever device according to the third aspect, the operation lever device according to the second aspect further includes an operation member connected to the controller via a third wire. The operation lever includes: a third opening portion close to the second opening portion; and a communication groove connecting the second opening portion and the third opening portion. The second opening portion is formed to allow the operation member to pass therethrough. The communication groove is formed to allow the third wire to be inserted therethrough from the second opening portion to the third opening portion. The operation member fits into the third opening portion from the other side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

[0069] According to this aspect, the second opening portion is formed to allow the operation member to pass therethrough. Furthermore, the communication groove is formed to allow the third wire to be inserted therethrough from the second opening portion to the third opening portion. Therefore, there is no need to form the third opening portion such that the operation member can pass therethrough, and the third opening portion does not need to be made large. This prevents a reduction in the rigidity of the operation lever that is caused when the third opening portion is made large.

[0070] In an operation lever device according to the fourth aspect, in the operation lever device according to the third aspect, the second operation panel includes a fitting portion fitting into the communication groove, the fitting portion includes a leading end portion projecting into the third opening portion, and the operation member is disposed to cover the leading end portion of the fitting portion from the other side in the predetermined direction.

[0071] According to this aspect, the operation member is disposed to cover the leading end portion of the fitting portion from the other side in the predetermined direction. Therefore, fine dust and the like are kept from entering the operation lever through the gaps between the operation member and the fitting portion.

[0072] In an operation lever device according to the fifth aspect, in the operation lever device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the operation lever includes: a first housing including the first opening portion; and a second housing covering the other side of the first housing in the predetermined direction.

[0073] According to this aspect, the operation lever includes: the first housing including the first opening portion; and the second housing covering the other side of the first housing in the predetermined direction. Therefore, the operation lever is configured to be separable in a predetermined direction, allowing for improved durability against a load acting on the operation lever in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. Furthermore, when the operation lever is positioned so that the first operation panel directly faces an operator, the abutting area between the first housing and the second housing is less visible from the operator, thereby providing the operation lever device with an improved aesthetic design.

[0074] In an operation lever device according to the sixth aspect, in the operation lever device according to the fifth aspect, the first operation panel includes at least one engaging portion that engages the first housing, and is attached to the first opening portion with the engaging portion engaging the first housing, the engaging portion elastically deforms to release the engagement with the first housing, and the second housing includes a restricting portion that restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion.

[0075] According to this aspect, the engaging portion engages the first housing and elastically deforms to release the engagement with the first housing. The second housing restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion by the restricting portion. Therefore, after the second housing is joined to the first housing, the engaging portion is kept from being detached from the first housing. Accordingly, the first operation panel is kept from being detached from the first housing due to vibration or the like.

[0076] In an operation lever device according to the seventh aspect, in the operation lever device according to the sixth aspect, the first opening portion includes, on an inner peripheral surface, a step portion that projects inward, and the first operation panel fits into the first opening portion and is placed on the step portion.

[0077] According to this aspect, the first operation panel fits in the first opening portion so as to be placed on the step portion. Therefore, when the first operation panel fits in the first opening portion, the first operation panel can be supported on the first opening portion. Therefore, the first operation panel can be easily attached to the operation lever.

[0078] In an operation lever device according to the eighth aspect, in the operation lever device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first operation panel includes: a panel body that fits into the first opening portion; and a magnetic switch that is inserted through an attachment hole in the panel body and attached thereto, the magnetic switch includes: a switch body that detects a magnetic change when an operation portion is operated; and a magnetic shield that covers the switch body to block magnetic energy directed to the switch body, and the magnetic shield covers the switch body from a back side of the panel body and abuts a back surface of the first operation panel, the back side being opposite to a front surface of the panel body on which the operation portion is disposed.

[0079] According to this aspect, the magnetic shield is designed to cover the switch body from the back side and abut the back surface of the panel body. Therefore, the magnetic shield has the function of an attaching member for attaching the magnetic switch to the panel body; thus, the number of components on the first operation panel can be reduced. As a result, the first operation panel is made in a compact form.

[0080] A method for assembling an operation lever device according to a ninth aspect is a method for assembling an operation lever device including an operation lever that is hollow and includes: a first housing including a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; and a second housing that is attached to the first housing to cover the other side of the first housing in the predetermined direction. The operation lever device is a device in which a first operation panel is attached to the first opening portion. The method includes: a first pull-out step of pulling out the first operation panel from the other side to the one side of the first housing in the predetermined direction through the first opening portion; a first fitting step of fitting, into the first opening portion from the one side in the predetermined direction, the first operation panel that has been pulled out in the first pull-out step; a controller attachment step of attaching, to the operation lever, a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and is disposed inside the operation lever; and an operation lever assembling step of assembling the operation lever by attaching the second housing to the first housing.

[0081] According to this aspect, in the first pull-out step, the first operation panel is pulled out from the other side to the one side of the first housing in the predetermined direction through the first opening portion. Furthermore, in the first fitting step, the first operation panel that has been pulled out in the first pull-out step fits into the first opening portion from the one side in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the first operation panel can be attached to the operation lever.

[0082] A method for assembling an operation lever device according to the tenth aspect is the method for assembling the operation lever device according to the ninth aspect that further includes: a second pull-out step of pulling out a second operation panel from the one side to the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction through a second opening portion formed on the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction, the second operation panel being connected to the controller via a second wire; and a second fitting step of fitting, into the second opening portion from the other side in the predetermined direction, the second operation panel that has been pulled out in the second pull-out step.

[0083] According to this aspect, in the second pull-out step, the second operation panel is pulled out from the one side to the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction through the second opening portion. Furthermore, in the second fitting step, the second operation panel that has been pulled out in the second pull-out step fits into the second opening portion from the other side in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the second operation panel can also be attached to the operation lever.

[0084] A method for assembling an operation lever device according to the eleventh aspect is the method for assembling the operation lever device according to the tenth aspect that further includes: an operation member removal step of removing an operation member from the one side to the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction through the second opening portion, the operation member being connected to the controller via a third wire; an operation member movement step of moving the operation member toward a third opening portion by inserting the third wire through a communication groove connecting the second opening portion and the third opening portion, the third opening portion being formed on the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction and being located close to the second opening portion; and a third fitting step of fitting, into the third opening portion from the other side in the predetermined direction, the operation member that has been moved in the operation member movement step.

[0085] According to this aspect, in the operation member removal step, the operation member is removed from the one side to the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction through the second opening portion. In the operation member movement step, the third wire is inserted through the communication groove, and the operation member is moved toward the third opening portion. In the third fitting step, the operation member fits into the third opening portion from the other side in the predetermined direction. Therefore, there is no need to form the third opening portion such that the operation member can pass therethrough, and the third opening portion does not need to be made large. This prevents a reduction in the rigidity of the operation lever that is caused when the third opening portion is made large.

[0086] From the foregoing description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure would be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description should be interpreted only as an example and is provided for the purpose of teaching the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Substantial changes in details of the structures and / or functions of the present disclosure are possible within the spirit of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]Hereinafter, an operation lever device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the aforementioned drawings. Note that the concept of directions mentioned in the following description is used for the sake of explanation; the orientations, etc., of elements according to the invention are not limited to these directions. The operation lever device 1 described below is merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and may be subject to addition, deletion, and alteration within the scope of the essence of the invention.

[Operation Lever Device]

[0014]The operation lever device 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is provided, for example, in work vehicles including construction vehicles such as excavators and cranes and industrial vehicles such as forklifts. The operation lever device 1, which is an operation lever device in the form of a joystick, is provided on the dri...

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation lever device in the form of a joystick.Background Art

[0002] Work vehicles including construction vehicles such as excavators and cranes and industrial vehicles such as forklifts are provided with an operation device in order to operate the work vehicles. For example, a joystick device such as that disclosed in Patent Literature (PTL) 1 is known as an example of the operation device. In the joystick device disclosed in PTL 1, an operation panel is attached to the front side of an operation lever. Furthermore, in the joystick device, the casing of the operation lever is configured to be separable into left and right casings. Therefore, it is possible to detach the operation panel by separating the casing into the left and right casings and furthermore, it is possible to attach the operation panel to the operation lever by fitting the left and right casings together after changing the orientation of the operation panel.Citation List Patent Literature

[0003] PTL 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2002-358133Summary of Invention Technical Problem

[0004] In the joystick device disclosed in PTL 1, an opening portion is configured to be separable into left and right opening portions. However, not all joystick devices are configured as just described. This means that an operation panel cannot be attached to an operation lever by the method described in PTL 1. In view of this, there is a demand for a joystick device in which an operation panel can be attached to even an operation lever structured such that an opening portion therein is not separable; more specifically, there is a demand for an operation lever device in the form of such a joystick.

[0005] Thus, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an operation lever device in which an operation panel can be attached to even an operation lever structured such that an opening portion therein is not separable, and provide a method for assembling said operation lever device.Solution to Problem

[0006] An operation lever device according to the present disclosure is an operation lever device in the form of a joystick and includes: an operation lever that is hollow and includes a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; a first operation panel that fits into the first opening portion; and a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and disposed inside the operation lever. The first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough. The first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough. Furthermore, the first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the first operation panel can be attached to the operation lever. Furthermore, since the first opening portion supports the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction, the first operation panel can be kept from being detached from the first opening portion even when the first operation panel is operated from the one side in the predetermined direction.

[0008] A method for assembling the operation lever device according to the aforementioned invention is a method for assembling an operation lever device including an operation lever that is hollow and includes: a first housing including a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; and a second housing that is attached to the first housing to cover the other side of the first housing in the predetermined direction. The operation lever device is a device in which a first operation panel is attached to the first opening portion. The method includes: a first pull-out step of pulling out the first operation panel from the other side to the one side of the first housing in the predetermined direction through the first opening portion; a first fitting step of fitting, into the first opening portion from the one side in the predetermined direction, the first operation panel that has been pulled out in the first pull-out step; a controller attachment step of attaching, to the operation lever, a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and is disposed inside the operation lever; and an operation lever assembling step of assembling the operation lever by attaching the second housing to the first housing.

[0009] According to this configuration, in the first pull-out step, the first operation panel is pulled out from the other side to the one side of the first housing in the predetermined direction through the first opening portion. Furthermore, in the first fitting step, the first operation panel that has pulled out in the first pull-out step fits into the first opening portion from the one side in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the first operation panel can be attached to the operation lever.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, an operation lever can be attached to an operation panel even when the operation lever is not structured so that an opening portion therein is separable.

[0011] The above object, other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be made clear by the following detailed explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an operation lever device according to the present embodiment viewed from the front. Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the operation lever device of Fig. 1 viewed from the back. Fig. 3 is a front view of the operation lever device of Fig. 1 with a front panel detached from an operation lever, viewed from the front. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the operation lever device of Fig. 1 with a rear panel and a rear switch detached from the operation lever, viewed from the back. Fig. 5 is an exploded view illustrating the operation lever device 1 of Fig. 1 in a disassembled state. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the operation lever device of Fig. 3 with a front panel attached to an operation lever, taken along cut line VI-VI. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an operation lever device taken along cut line VII-VII indicated in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a front panel in an operation lever device taken along cut line VIII-VIII indicated in Fig. 3. Fig. 9 is a flowchart indicating the flow of a method for assembling an operation lever device. Fig. 10 is a front view of an operation lever device with a front panel being pulled out through a first opening portion. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an operation lever device with a front panel being pulled out through a first opening portion. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an operation lever device with a front panel fitting into a first opening portion from the front. Fig. 13 is a rear view of an operation lever device with a rear switch being removed through a second opening portion and moving toward a third opening portion. Fig. 14 is a rear view of an operation lever device with a rear panel fitting into a second opening portion. Description of Embodiments

[0013] Hereinafter, an operation lever device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the aforementioned drawings. Note that the concept of directions mentioned in the following description is used for the sake of explanation; the orientations, etc., of elements according to the invention are not limited to these directions. The operation lever device 1 described below is merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and may be subject to addition, deletion, and alteration within the scope of the essence of the invention.[Operation Lever Device]

[0014] The operation lever device 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is provided, for example, in work vehicles including construction vehicles such as excavators and cranes and industrial vehicles such as forklifts. The operation lever device 1, which is an operation lever device in the form of a joystick, is provided on the driver seat or the like of a work vehicle. More specifically, the operation lever device 1 is pivotally supported on a base included in a cabin and not illustrated in the drawings. An operator of the work vehicle, such as a driver, can operate various elements of the work vehicle by gripping and moving the operation lever device 1. Note that the operation lever device 1 is not limited to an operation device that operates a work vehicle and may be an operation device that operates a robot or an operation device for game consoles. The operation lever device 1 includes an operation lever 11, a front panel 12, a rear panel 13, a rear switch 14, and a controller 15.[Operation Lever]

[0015] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the operation lever 11 is a hollow body extending in a first direction (in the present embodiment, the up-down or vertical direction). A portion of the operation lever 11 that is located in the middle thereof in the vertical direction can be gripped. Furthermore, a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located at the base end in the first direction is pivotally supported on a base not illustrated in the drawings. Therefore, the operation lever 11 tilts in various directions (for example, all directions including the front-back or depth direction and the left-right or horizontal direction).

[0016] Furthermore, the operation lever 11 includes a first opening portion 11a in an area at the upper end on one side in a second direction. The second direction, which is an example of the predetermined direction, is a direction crossing the first direction. In the present embodiment, the second direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction, is the depth direction, for example. The one side in the predetermined direction is the front side, for example. The first opening portion 11a is formed in a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located on a front surface thereof in an area at the upper end. The first opening portion 11a is open to the front. More specifically, the operation lever 11 is tilted on the other side in the predetermined direction in the present embodiment (backward in the present embodiment). Furthermore, a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located in an area at the leading end in the first direction tilts more backward than the rest of the operation lever 11. The first opening portion 11a is formed in a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located in an area at the leading end thereof in the first direction and in the present embodiment, is open upward diagonally to the front. The shape of the first opening portion 11a is designed to correspond with the shape of the front panel 12 which will be described in detail later. The first opening portion 11a is formed in the shape of a rectangle that is long in a third direction as viewed from the front, for example. Note that the third direction is a direction crossing the first direction and the second direction. In the present embodiment, the third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, that is, the horizontal direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the operation lever 11 includes a second opening portion 11c and a third opening portion 11d on the other side in the second direction (the rear side in the present embodiment), as illustrated in Fig. 4. The second opening portion 11c and the third opening portion 11d are positioned in a relatively upper area on the operation lever 11, for example. More specifically, the second opening portion 11c and the third opening portion 11d are formed on the back surface, that is, the rear surface, of the operation lever 11 so as to be close to each other in the vertical direction. The second opening portion 11c and the third opening portion 11d are both open to the back. More specifically, the operation lever 11 is tilted backward as mentioned above. Therefore, the second opening portion 11c and the third opening portion 11d are open downward diagonally to the back. The shape of the second opening portion 11c is designed to correspond with the shape of the rear panel 13 which will be described in detail later. The shape of the third opening portion 11d is designed to correspond with the shape of the rear switch 14 which will be described in detail later. The second opening portion 11c is formed in the shape of an inverted trapezoid as viewed from the back, for example, and the third opening portion 11d is formed in the shape of a strip that is long in the horizontal direction. The rear surface of the operation lever 11 includes a communication groove 11e. The communication groove 11e connects the second opening portion 11c and the third opening portion 11d to each other. The communication groove 11e is formed in a straight line on a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located at the center in the horizontal direction as viewed from the back.

[0018] The operation lever 11 configured as described above includes two housings 21, 22, as illustrated in Fig. 5. The operation lever 11 can be divided into the two housings 21, 22. More specifically, the operation lever 11 includes the two housings 21, 22 that are separated into front and rear housings. The front housing 21, which is an example of the first housing, constitutes a front portion of the operation lever 11. The second housing 22, which is an example of the second housing, constitutes a rear portion of the operation lever 11. The operation lever 11 is formed by joining the two housings 21, 22 together in the depth direction. In the present embodiment, the two housings 21, 22 are joined together in the depth direction and then fastened together by a plurality of fastening members 41 (refer to Fig. 2); thus, the operation lever 11 is formed.

[0019] More specifically, the front housing 21 includes the first opening portion 11a described above. The first opening portion 11a is formed in a portion of the front housing 21 that is located in an upper area of the front surface thereof. The rear housing 22 includes the second opening portion 11c, the third opening portion 11d, and the communication groove 11e described above. The rear housing 22 covers the front housing 21 from the back. More specifically, the two housings 21, 22 are both formed so that a cross-section thereof taken along a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction has a recessed shape; the two housings 21, 22 include respective cavities 21a, 22a therein. The two housings 21, 22 are joined together so that the openings of the cavities 21a, 22a abut each other. As a result, the hollow operation lever 11 including a housing space 11f therein is formed.[Front Panel]

[0020] The front panel 12, which is an example of the first operation panel, fits into the first opening portion 11a. More specifically, the front panel 12 is formed into substantially the same shape as the first opening portion 11a as viewed from the back. Specifically, the front panel 12 is formed in the shape of a horizontally long rectangle in the present embodiment. Therefore, the front panel 12 can fit into the first opening portion 11a from the front.

[0021] Furthermore, the front panel 12 is supported from the back in the first opening portion 11a. More specifically, the first opening portion 11a includes a step portion 11b on the inner peripheral surface, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The step portion 11b is formed in the shape of a step by projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the first opening portion 11a. In the present embodiment, the step portion 11b is formed throughout the entire perimeter of the inner peripheral surface of the first opening portion 11a. The front panel 12 fits into the first opening portion 11a so as to have an outer peripheral edge portion placed on the step portion 11b of the first opening portion 11a. As a result, the outer peripheral edge portion of the front panel 12 is supported by the step portion 11b of the first opening portion 11a.

[0022] Furthermore, the front panel 12 is configured to be operable to input various instructions. Therefore, the front panel 12 is configured as follows, for example. Specifically, the front panel 12 includes a panel body 25 and one or more operation parts 26 to 30. In the present embodiment, the front panel 12 includes four button switches 26 to 29 and one slide switch 30 as the operation parts 26 to 30. Note that the number and type of switches included in the front panel 12 are not limited to said number and type.

[0023] The panel body 25 is formed in the shape of a plate. The panel body 25 is formed into the same shape as the shape of the first opening portion 11a (the shape of a horizontally long rectangle in the present embodiment) as viewed from the back. The panel body 25 fits in the first opening portion 11a in a manner to have an outer peripheral edge portion placed on the step portion 11b of the first opening portion 11a. As a result, the panel body 25 is supported from the back in the first opening portion 11a.

[0024] Furthermore, the panel body 25 is fixed to the operation lever 11 (more specifically, the front housing 21) by a snap-fit connection, as illustrated in Fig. 7. More specifically, the panel body 25 includes at least one engaging portion 25a. In the present embodiment, the panel body 25 includes a pair of engaging portions 25a. Note that the number of engaging portions 25a included in the panel body 25 is not limited to two and may be three or more. The engaging portions 25a are in engagement with the front housing 21. As a result, the front panel 12 is attached to the first opening portion 11a. Meanwhile, the engaging portion 25a is elastically deformable; the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 25a allows the release of the engagement thereof with the front housing 21. In this manner, the front panel 12 is detached from the first opening portion 11a.

[0025] More specifically, the engaging portion 25a is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the panel body 25 that is located on the back surface thereof. The pair of engaging portions 25a are disposed, for example, spaced apart from each other on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction (the left side and the right side in the present embodiment) on the outer peripheral edge of the panel body 25 that is located on the back surface thereof. The engaging portion 25a projects backward from the back surface of the panel body 25. A leading end portion of the engaging portion 25a is bent in the longitudinal direction (outward in the longitudinal direction in the present embodiment). The step portion 11b of the first opening portion 11a has an insertion hole 11g at a position corresponding to each of the engaging portions 25a. The engaging portion 25a is inserted through the insertion hole 11g. The leading end portion of the engaging portion 25a projects from the insertion hole 11g and engages the front housing 21. The engaging portion 25a is formed in the shape of a plate, for example, and is elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction. When the engaging portion 25a deforms elastically, the engagement thereof with the front housing 21 is released. When the engagement of the two engaging portions 25a is released, the front panel 12 is detached from the first opening portion 11a.

[0026] Furthermore, the rear housing 22 includes a restricting portion 22b at a position corresponding to each of the two engaging portions 25a. The restricting portion 22b restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 25a. More specifically, the restricting portion 22b is adjacent to the engaging portion 25a in a direction opposite to a direction in which the leading end portion of the engaging portion 25a is bent. As a result, the engagement of the engaging portion 25a with the front housing 21 is less likely to be released in the state where the front panel 12 is attached to the first opening portion 11a of the operation lever 11. Therefore, the front panel 12 is kept from being detached from the operation lever 11.

[0027] The four button switches 26 to 29 are configured to be operable by pressing operation portions thereof. The four button switches 26 to 29 fit in attachment holes 25b to 25e of the panel body 25 so that the operation portions project from the front surface of the panel body 25. More specifically, the four button switches 26 to 29 are disposed in a manner to form two lines in each of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction while making space for the slide switch 30 on one side in the longitudinal direction on the front surface of the panel body 25.

[0028] The slide switch 30, which is an example of the magnetic switch, is inserted through an attachment hole 25f in the panel body 25 and attached thereto, as illustrated in Fig. 8. In the present embodiment, the slide switch 30 is attached to the attachment hole 25f formed on relatively one side in the longitudinal direction on the panel body 25. The slide switch 30 includes a switch body 30a and a magnetic shield 30b. The switch body 30a includes an operation portion 30c that is operable. The switch body 30a outputs a signal according to a change in the magnetic field that is detected when the operation portion 30c is operated. In the present embodiment, when the operation portion 30c is slid, the switch body 30a outputs a signal. The switch body 30a is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, for example. The switch body 30a is inserted through the attachment hole 25f. Furthermore, in the switch body 30a, an operation side portion 30d that is a portion on the side of the operation portion 30c is formed larger than the attachment hole 25f. Therefore, the switch body 30a is supported on the panel body 25 so that the operation side portion 30d projects from the front surface of the panel body 25. Note that in the front surface of the panel body 25, a counterbore is formed around the attachment hole 25f. The operation side portion 30d fits in the counterbore.

[0029] The magnetic shield 30b covers the switch body 30a from the back side of the panel body 25 that is opposite to the front surface of the panel body 25 on which the operation portion 30c is disposed. The magnetic shield 30b, which is a metal thin plate, for example, reduces the effects of external noise on the switch body 30a covered by the magnetic shield 30b. In the present embodiment, the magnetic shield 30b is formed in the shape of a box. The magnetic shield 30b covers an opposite side portion 30e that is located on the opposite side of the panel body 25 from the operation side portion 30d. More specifically, the magnetic shield 30b fits on the opposite side portion 30e and further engages the opposite side portion 30e by a snap-fit connection or the like. The magnetic shield 30b is formed larger than the attachment hole 25f. Thus, the magnetic shield 30b is designed so as to abut the back surface of the panel body 25 (refer to the enlarged portion in Fig. 8). More specifically, a counterbore is formed around the attachment hole 25f on the back surface of the panel body 25. The magnetic shield 30b abuts the back surface of the panel body 25 (more specifically, the counterbore around the attachment hole 25f) during the attempt to pull out the slide switch 30 from the attachment hole 25f to the front side of the panel body 25. As a result, the slide switch 30 is prevented from being pulled out of the attachment hole 25f. This means that the slide switch 30 is prevented from being detached from the panel body 25.

[0030] Furthermore, the front panel 12 can pass through the first opening portion 11a. In other words, the first opening portion 11a is designed to allow the front panel 12 to pass therethrough. In the present embodiment, the front panel 12 has substantially the same shape as the first opening portion 11a and has the shape of a rectangle that is horizontally long. Therefore, the front panel 12 can pass through the first opening portion 11a, for example, when the posture of the front panel 12 is changed into a particular posture such that the front surface of the front panel 12, which is one surface in the thickness direction thereof, is directed upward and the longitudinal direction of said front surface matches the depth direction.[Rear Panel]

[0031] The rear panel 13, which is an example of the second operation panel, fits in the second opening portion 11c, as illustrated in Fig. 2. More specifically, the rear panel 13 is formed into substantially the same shape as the second opening portion 11c as viewed from the front. Specifically, the rear panel 13 is formed in the shape of an inverted trapezoid as viewed from the front in the present embodiment. Therefore, the rear panel 13 can fit into the second opening portion 11c from the back.

[0032] The rear panel 13 is supported on the second opening portion 11c from the front, as illustrated in Fig. 6. More specifically, the front housing 21 includes a plurality of support members 21b, as illustrated in Fig. 7. In the present embodiment, the front housing 21 includes a pair of support members 21b. The support members 21b are disposed spaced horizontally apart from each other so as to overlap the second opening portion 11c as viewed from the back. The support member 21b projects from the front housing 21 toward a cavity 22a of the rear housing 22, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The support member 21b is in abutment with the back surface of the rear panel 13. Furthermore, the support member 21b supports the rear panel 13. The back surface of the rear panel 13 is a surface of the rear panel 13 that is located opposite the front surface thereof in the thickness direction. The front surface of the rear panel 13 is a surface exposed from the operation lever 11 to the outside (on the back side in the present embodiment). The rear panel 13 is attached to the operation lever 11 (more specifically, the rear housing 22) by a snap-fit connection. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the rear panel 13 includes a plurality of engaging portions 13e (refer also to Fig. 5). With the engaging portions 13e engaging the opening end of the second opening portion 11c that is located on the cavity 22a side, the rear panel 13 is attached to the rear housing 22.

[0033] Furthermore, the rear panel 13 is configured to be operable to input various instructions. Therefore, the rear panel 13 is configured as follows, for example. For example, the rear panel 13 includes a button switch 13a. The button switch 13a is configured to be operable by pressing an operation portion thereof as with the button switches 26 to 29 described above. The button switch 13a is disposed on the rear panel 13 so that the operation portion projects from the front surface of the rear panel 13. Note that similar to the front panel 12, the number and type of switches included in the rear panel 13 are not limited to said number and type.

[0034] Furthermore, the rear panel 13 includes a fitting portion 13b at a position corresponding to the communication groove 11e. The fitting portion 13b blocks the communication groove 11e by fitting into the communication groove 11e. Moreover, the fitting portion 13b projects to the third opening portion 11d beyond the communication groove 11e. Specifically, a leading end side portion 13c of the fitting portion 13b reaches the third opening portion 11d. The leading end side portion 13c of the fitting portion 13b extends forward and is also bent so that a leading end portion 13d thereof projects to the third opening portion 11d.

[0035] Furthermore, the rear panel 13 can pass through the second opening portion 11c. In other words, the second opening portion 11c is designed to allow the rear panel 13 to pass therethrough. In the present embodiment, the rear panel 13 is in the form of a plate, has substantially the same shape as the second opening portion 11c, that is, the shape of an inverted trapezoid, and is large in vertical height with respect to the horizontal width. Therefore, the rear panel 13 can pass through the second opening portion 11c, for example, when the posture of the rear panel 13 is changed such that the width direction thereof matches the vertical direction and the front surface of the rear panel 13 is directed to the left or right.[Rear Switch]

[0036] The rear switch 14, which is an example of the operation member, fits in the third opening portion 11d, as illustrated in Fig. 2. The rear switch 14 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, for example. More specifically, the rear switch 14 has substantially the same shape as the third opening portion 11d, as viewed from the front. In other words, the rear switch 14 is formed in the shape of a strip that is long in the horizontal direction, as viewed from the front, in the present embodiment. Therefore, the rear switch 14 can fit into the third opening portion 11d from the back.

[0037] More specifically, the rear switch 14 has substantially the same configuration as the slide switch 30, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 6. Specifically, the rear switch 14 includes a switch body 14a and a magnetic shield 14b. The switch body 14a includes an operation portion 14c that is slidable in the horizontal direction, and when the operation portion 14c is slid, outputs a signal. The switch body 14a is inserted through the third opening portion 11d. A counterbore is formed around the third opening portion 11d. An operation side portion 14d of the switch body 14a fits in the counterbore. As a result, the switch body 14a is supported by the rear housing 22 from the front. Furthermore, the magnetic shield 14b covers an opposite side portion 14e of the switch body 14a that is located opposite the operation side portion 14d. The magnetic shield 14b abuts the back surface of the rear housing 22 that is the cavity 22 side. As a result, the rear switch 14 is prevented from being pulled out of the third opening portion 11d. This means that the rear switch 14 is prevented from being detached from the rear housing 22.

[0038] Furthermore, the rear switch 14 can pass through the second opening portion 11c. In other words, the second opening portion 11c is designed to allow the rear switch 14 to pass therethrough. In the present embodiment, the rear switch 14 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and the shape thereof viewed from one side (the left or the right in the present embodiment) is smaller than the shape of the second opening portion 11c. Therefore, the rear switch 14 can pass through the second opening portion 11c when the posture of the rear switch 14 is changed such that the left or right surface of the rear switch 14 is directed to the second opening portion 11c.[Controller]

[0039] The controller 15 is connected to the panels 12, 13 and the rear switch 14 via wires 31 to 33, as illustrated in Fig. 5. A more detailed description will follow; the controller 15 is connected to the front panel 12 via a first wire 31. In the present embodiment, the controller 15 is connected to the switches 26 to 30 of the front panel 12 via the first wire 31. Furthermore, the controller 15 is connected to the rear panel 13 via the second wire 32. In the present embodiment, the controller 15 is connected to the switch 13a of the rear panel 13 via the second wire 32. Furthermore, the controller 15 is connected to the rear switch 14 via the third wire 33. Moreover, the controller 15 receives signals from the panels 12, 13 (more specifically, the switches 26 to 30, 13a) and the rear switch 14. Subsequently, the controller 15 performs signal processing such as amplification on the received signals. Furthermore, the controller 15 includes a harness 15a and is connected to an external control device (not illustrated in the drawings) via the harness 15a. After performing the signal processing on the received signals, the controller 15 can output the signals to the external control device.[Operation of Operation Lever Device]

[0040] Hereinafter, a method for operating the operation lever device 1 will be described. In the operation lever device 1, an operator grips a portion of the operation lever 11 that is located in the middle thereof in the vertical direction. The operation lever 11 tilts in all directions at 360 degrees on a fulcrum that is a base not illustrated in the drawings. Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1, the switches 26 to 30 on the front panel 12 are operated with a thumb of an operator, for example. Meanwhile, the button switch 13a on the rear panel 13 and the rear switch 14 are operated with an index finger or a middle finger of an operator, for example. Note that this method of operating the switches 13a, 14, 26 to 30 is an example; the switches 13a, 14, 26 to 30 may be operated with fingers different from those mentioned. When operated, the switches 13a, 14, 26 to 30 output signals to the controller 15. The controller 15 performs the signal processing on the received signals and further outputs the signals to the external control device (not illustrated in the drawings).[Method for assembling Operation Lever Device]

[0041] Hereinafter, a method for assembling the operation lever device 1 will be described. First, in the method for assembling the operation lever device 1, the panels 12, 13 with the switches 13a, 26 to 30 attached thereto are prepared. Subsequently, the panels 12, 13, the rear switch 14, and the controller 15 are attached to the two separate housings 21, 22. The housings 21, 22 are joined together and thus, the operation lever 11 is assembled. In this manner, the operation lever device 1 is assembled. Next, the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 9. When the panels 12, 13, the rear switch 14, and the housings 21, 22 are prepared, the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 is started, and the processing transitions to Step S1.

[0042] In Step S1, which is an example of the first pull-out step and is a front panel pull-out step, the front panel 12 is pulled forward from the back of the front housing 21 through the first opening portion 11a. More specifically, in the operation lever device 1, the controller 15 is disposed in the operation lever 11 (in the present embodiment, the cavity 21a of the front housing 21). The controller 15 is connected to the front panel 12 via the first wire 31. Meanwhile, the front panel 12 is designed to fit into the first opening portion 11a from the front (that is, the outside of the cavity 21a) so as to be supported by the front housing 21 from the back. Therefore, after being positioned rearward of the front housing 21 (on the cavity 21a side) together with the controller 15 (for example, refer to Fig. 6), the front panel 12 needs to be pulled forward from the cavity 21a of the front housing 21 through the first opening portion 11a. In the present embodiment, the front panel 12 can pass through the first opening portion 11a by changing the posture of the front panel 12 into the aforementioned particular posture, as described above (refer to Fig. 10). Therefore, after the posture of the front panel 12 is changed into the particular posture, the front panel 12 is pulled forward from the cavity 21a of the front housing 21 through the first opening portion 11a (refer to the dash-dot lines and the dash-dot-dot lines in Fig. 11). When the front panel 12 is pulled to the outside of the front housing 21, the processing transitions to Step S2.

[0043] In Step S2, which is an example of the first fitting step and is a front panel fitting step, the front panel 12 that has been pulled out in the front panel pull-out step fits into the first opening portion 11a from the front. More specifically, after the front panel 12 is pulled out, the posture of the front panel 12 is changed so that the front surface thereof is directed forward and the front panel 12 fits into the first opening portion 11a as viewed from the front (refer to the dash-dot-dot lines in Fig. 12). Subsequently, the front panel 12 fits into the first opening portion 11a from the front and is pressed until the outer peripheral edge of the front panel 12 abuts the step portion 11b. Furthermore, during fitting, the front panel 12 causes the pair of engaging portions 25a to be inserted through the corresponding insertion holes 11g. Subsequently, the pair of engaging portions 25a are pressed until the outer peripheral edge of the front panel 12 abuts the step portion 11b. As a result, the leading end portions of the pair of engaging portions 25a project from the insertion hole 11g. Thus, the front panel 12 engages the front housing 21. In this manner, the front panel 12 fits into the first opening portion 11a and the engaging portions 25a engage the front housing 21 and thus, the front panel 12 is attached to the front housing 21 (refer to the solid lines in Fig. 12). As a result, the processing transitions to Step S3.

[0044] In Step S3, which is an example of the operation member removal step and is a rear switch removal step, the rear switch 14 is removed from the front to the back of the second housing through the second opening portion 11c. More specifically, the rear switch 14 is also connected to the controller 15 via the third wire 33. The rear switch 14 (more specifically, the switch body 14a) also fits into the third opening portion 11d from the back (that is, the outside of the cavity 22a) so as to be supported by the rear housing 22 from the front. Therefore, after being positioned forward of the rear housing 22 (on the cavity 22a side) (for example, refer to Fig. 6), the rear switch 14 needs to be removed backward from the cavity 22a of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. In the present embodiment, the rear switch 14 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and can pass through the second opening portion 11c by changing the posture of the rear switch 14 such that the left or right surface thereof is directed to the second opening portion 11c, as described above (refer to the dash-dot-dot lines in Fig. 13). Therefore, after the left or right surface of the rear switch 14 is directed backward, the rear switch 14 is removed backward from the cavity 22a of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. When the rear switch 14 is removed to the outside of the rear housing 22, the processing transitions to Step S4.

[0045] In Step S4, which is an example of the operation member movement step and is a rear switch movement step, the third wire 33 is inserted through the communication groove 11e, and the rear switch 14 is moved toward the third opening portion 11d. More specifically, first, the third wire 33 connecting the rear switch 14 and the controller 15 is inserted through the communication groove 11e and moved toward the third opening portion 11d. Subsequently, the rear switch 14 that has been removed through the second opening portion 11c is moved toward the third opening portion 11d. As a result, the processing transitions to Step S5.

[0046] In Step S5, which is an example of the second pull-out step and is a rear panel pull-out step, the rear panel 13 is pulled from the front to the back of the second housing through the second opening portion 11c. More specifically, the rear panel 13 is also connected to the controller 15 via the second wire 32. The rear panel 13 also fits into the second opening portion 11c from the back (that is, the outside of the cavity 22a) so as to be supported by the rear housing 22 from the front. Therefore, after being positioned forward of the rear housing 22 (on the cavity 22a side) (for example, refer to Fig. 6), the rear panel 13 needs to be removed backward from the cavity 22a of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. In the present embodiment, the rear panel 13 is formed in the form of a plate and in the shape of an inverted trapezoid and can pass through the second opening portion 11c by changing the posture of the rear panel 13 such that the width direction thereof matches the vertical direction and the front surface thereof is directed to the left or right, as described above. Therefore, after the posture of the rear panel 13 is changed, the rear panel 13 is pulled backward from the cavity 22a of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. When the rear panel 13 is pulled to the outside of the rear housing 22, the processing transitions to Step S6.

[0047] In Step S6, which is an example of the second fitting step and is a rear panel fitting step, the rear panel 13 that has been pulled out in the rear panel pull-out step fits into the second opening portion 11c from the back. More specifically, after the rear panel 13 is pulled out, the posture of the rear panel 13 is changed such that the front surface thereof is directed backward and the rear panel 13 fits into the second opening portion 11c as viewed from the back (refer to Fig. 14). Subsequently, the rear panel 13 fits into the second opening portion 11c from the front. Furthermore, at the same time when the rear panel 13 fits into the second opening portion 11c, the fitting portion 13b of the rear panel 13 fits into the communication groove 11e. As a result of the rear panel 13 fitting into the second opening portion 11c, an engaging portion 13e located at the outer peripheral edge of the rear panel 13 engages the opening end of the second opening portion 11c that is located on the cavity 22a side on the rear housing 22. Furthermore, when the rear housing 22 covers the front housing 21 later, the rear panel 13 is supported by the support member 21b from the front. In this manner, the rear panel 13 is attached to the rear housing 22, and the processing transitions to Step S7.

[0048] In Step S7, which is an example of the third fitting step and is a rear switch fitting step, the rear switch 14 that has been moved in the rear switch movement step fits into the third opening portion 11d from the back. More specifically, in the rear switch pull-out step, only the switch body 14a of the rear switch 14 with the magnetic shield 14b detached is pulled out through the second opening portion 11c. Subsequently, after the switch body 14a is pulled out, the posture of the switch body 14a is changed such that the operation portion 14c is directed backward and the switch body 14a fits into the third opening portion 11d as viewed from the back (refer to the solid lines in Fig. 13). Subsequently, the switch body 14a fits into the second opening portion 11c from the front. At this time, the switch body 14a is pressed until the operation side portion 14d contacts the counterbore located around the third opening portion 11d. The magnetic shield 14b is placed over the opposite side portion 14e of the switch body 14a after pressed. As a result, the rear switch 14 is attached to the rear housing 22. Note that the switch body 14a that has been pressed to contact the counterbore is positioned to cover the leading end portion 13d of the fitting portion 13b from the back. As a result, a labyrinth can be formed in gaps formed between the fitting portion 13b and the rear switch 14 and thus, fine dust and the like are kept from entering the operation lever 11. When the rear switch 14 is attached to the rear housing 22, the processing transitions to Step S8.

[0049] In Step S9, which is the controller attachment step, the controller 15 is attached to the operation lever 11. More specifically, first, the harness 15a of the controller 15 is inserted through a communication hole of the front housing 21 that is not illustrated in the drawings, and is pulled to the outside. Subsequently, the controller 15 is attached to the front housing 21. In the present embodiment, the controller 15 is positioned on a portion of the cavity 21a of the front housing 21 that is located in the middle thereof in the vertical direction and is attached to the front housing 21 by a fastening member (for example, a bolt) not illustrated in the drawings. When the controller 15 is attached to the front housing 21, the processing transitions to Step S9.

[0050] In Step S9, which is the operation lever assembling step, the rear housing 22 is attached to the front housing 21 and thus, the operation lever 11 is assembled. More specifically, the rear housing 22 is placed over the front housing 21 from the back. As a result, the cavity 21a of the front housing 21 is closed. Note that when the two housings 21, 22 are joined together, the restricting portion 22b is positioned adjacent to the engaging portion 25a. As a result, the restricting portion 22b restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 25a, and the engagement between the engaging portion 25a and the front housing 21 is less likely to be released. After the two housings 21, 22 are joined together, the two housings 21, 22 are fastened together by the plurality of fastening members 41. Thus, when the operation lever 11 is assembled, the operation lever device 1 is assembled. As a result, the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 ends.

[0051] In the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first opening portion 11a is formed to allow the front panel 12 to pass therethrough. The front panel 12 fits into the first opening portion 11a from the front of the operation lever 11. Therefore, even when the operation lever 11 is not formed so that the first opening portion 11a is separable, the front panel 12 can be attached to the operation lever 11. Furthermore, since the first opening portion 11a supports the front panel 12 from the back, the front panel 12 can be kept from being detached from the first opening portion 11a even when the front panel 12 is operated from the front.

[0052] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the second opening portion 11c is formed to allow the rear panel 13 to pass therethrough. The rear panel 13 fits into the second opening portion 11c from the back of operation lever 11. Therefore, even when the operation lever 11 is not formed so that the second opening portion 11c is separable, the rear panel 13 can also be attached to the operation lever 11.

[0053] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the second opening portion 11c is formed to allow the rear switch 14 to pass therethrough. The communication groove 11e is formed to allow the third wire 33 to be inserted therethrough from the second opening portion 11c to the third opening portion 11d. Therefore, there is no need to form the third opening portion 11d such that the rear switch 14 can pass therethrough, and the third opening portion 11d does not need to be made large. This prevents a reduction in the rigidity of the operation lever 11 that is caused when the third opening portion 11d is made large.

[0054] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the rear switch 14 is disposed to cover the leading end portion of the fitting portion 13b from the back. Therefore, fine dust and the like are kept from entering the operation lever 11 through the gaps between the rear switch 14 and the fitting portion 13b.

[0055] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation lever 11 includes: the front housing 21 including the first opening portion 11a; and the rear housing 22 that covers the back side of the front housing 21. Therefore, the operation lever 11 is configured to be separable in a predetermined direction, allowing for improved durability against a load acting on the operation lever 11 in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, when the operation lever 11 is positioned so that the front panel 12 directly faces an operator, the abutting area between the front housing 21 and the rear housing 22 is less visible from the operator, thereby providing the operation lever device 11 with an improved aesthetic design.

[0056] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the engaging portion 25a engages the front housing 21 and elastically deforms to release the engagement with the front housing 21. The rear housing 22 restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 25a by the restricting portion 22b. Therefore, after the rear housing 22 is joined to the front housing 21, the engaging portion 25a is kept from being detached from the front housing 21. Accordingly, the front panel 12 is kept from being detached from the front housing 21 due to vibration or the like.

[0057] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the front panel 12 fits in the first opening portion 11a so as to be placed on the step portion 11b. Therefore, when the front panel 12 fits in the first opening portion 11a, the front panel 12 can be supported on the first opening portion 11a. Therefore, the front panel 12 can be easily attached to the operation lever 11.

[0058] Furthermore, in the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, the magnetic shield 30b is designed to cover the switch body 30a from the back side and abut the back surface of the panel body 25. Therefore, the magnetic shield 30b has the function of an attaching member for attaching the slide switch 30 to the panel body 25; thus, the number of components on the front panel 12 can be reduced. As a result, the front panel 12 is made in a compact form.

[0059] In the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the front panel pull-out step, the front panel 12 is pulled forward from the back of the front housing 21 through the first opening portion 11a. Furthermore, in the front panel fitting step, the front panel 12 that has been pulled out in the first pull-out step fits into the first opening portion 11a from the front. Therefore, even when the operation lever 11 is not formed so that the first opening portion 11a is separable, the front panel 12 can be attached to the operation lever 11.

[0060] Furthermore, in the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the rear panel pull-out step, the rear panel 13 is pulled backward from the front of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. Furthermore, in the rear panel fitting step, the rear panel 13 that has been pulled out in the second pull-out step fits into the second opening portion 11c from the back. Therefore, even when the operation lever 11 is not formed so that the first opening portion 11a is separable, the rear panel 13 can also be attached to the operation lever 11.

[0061] Furthermore, in the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the rear switch removal step, the rear switch 14 is removed backward from the front of the rear housing 22 through the second opening portion 11c. In the rear switch movement step, the third wire 33 is inserted through the communication groove 11e, and the rear switch 14 is moved toward the third opening portion 11d. In the third fitting step, the rear switch 14 fits into the third opening portion 11d from the back. Therefore, there is no need to form the third opening portion 11d such that the rear switch 14 can pass therethrough, and the third opening portion 11d does not need to be made large. This prevents a reduction in the rigidity of the operation lever 11 that is caused when the third opening portion 11d is made large.<Other Embodiments>

[0062] In the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment, each of the panels 12, 13 may be a touch panel; it is sufficient that each of the panels 12, 13 be operable. Furthermore, the shape of the operation lever 11 is not limited to the aforementioned shape; the operation lever 11 may extend vertically in a straight line. Moreover, the first opening portion 11a does not necessarily need to be open forward and may be open upward. Specifically, the first panel corresponding to the front panel 12 may be attached to the upper surface of the operation lever 11. Furthermore, the shape of each of the first to third opening portions 11a, 11c, 11d is also not limited to the aforementioned shape; it is sufficient that the first to third opening portions 11a, 11c, 11d be shaped such that the panels 12, 13 and the rear switch 14 can fit therein and can pass therethrough by changing posture. Moreover, in the operation lever device 1, the operation lever 11 does not necessarily need to include the communication groove 11e as long as the rear switch 14 can pass through the third opening portion 11d.

[0063] The order of Steps S1 to S9 in the method for assembling the operation lever device 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described order. For example, the controller 15 may be attached to the front housing 21 first. Furthermore, after the panels 12, 13 and the rear switch 14 are pulled outward from the housings 21, 22, the operation lever 11 may be assembled first before these are attached.<Exemplary Embodiments>

[0064] An operation lever device according to the first aspect is an operation lever device in the form of a joystick and includes: an operation lever that is hollow and includes a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; a first operation panel that fits into the first opening portion; and a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and disposed inside the operation lever. The first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough. The first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

[0065] According to this aspect, the first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough. Furthermore, the first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the first operation panel can be attached to the operation lever. Furthermore, since the first opening portion supports the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction, the first operation panel can be kept from being detached from the first opening portion even when the first operation panel is operated from the one side in the predetermined direction.

[0066] In an operation lever device according to the second aspect, the operation lever device according to the first aspect further includes a second operation panel connected to the controller via a second wire. The operation lever includes a second opening portion on the other side in the predetermined direction. The second opening portion is formed to allow the second operation panel to pass therethrough. The second operation panel fits into the second opening portion from the other side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

[0067] According to this aspect, the second opening portion is formed to allow the second operation panel to pass therethrough. Furthermore, the second operation panel fits into the second opening portion from the other side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the second operation panel can also be attached to the operation lever.

[0068] In an operation lever device according to the third aspect, the operation lever device according to the second aspect further includes an operation member connected to the controller via a third wire. The operation lever includes: a third opening portion close to the second opening portion; and a communication groove connecting the second opening portion and the third opening portion. The second opening portion is formed to allow the operation member to pass therethrough. The communication groove is formed to allow the third wire to be inserted therethrough from the second opening portion to the third opening portion. The operation member fits into the third opening portion from the other side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

[0069] According to this aspect, the second opening portion is formed to allow the operation member to pass therethrough. Furthermore, the communication groove is formed to allow the third wire to be inserted therethrough from the second opening portion to the third opening portion. Therefore, there is no need to form the third opening portion such that the operation member can pass therethrough, and the third opening portion does not need to be made large. This prevents a reduction in the rigidity of the operation lever that is caused when the third opening portion is made large.

[0070] In an operation lever device according to the fourth aspect, in the operation lever device according to the third aspect, the second operation panel includes a fitting portion fitting into the communication groove, the fitting portion includes a leading end portion projecting into the third opening portion, and the operation member is disposed to cover the leading end portion of the fitting portion from the other side in the predetermined direction.

[0071] According to this aspect, the operation member is disposed to cover the leading end portion of the fitting portion from the other side in the predetermined direction. Therefore, fine dust and the like are kept from entering the operation lever through the gaps between the operation member and the fitting portion.

[0072] In an operation lever device according to the fifth aspect, in the operation lever device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the operation lever includes: a first housing including the first opening portion; and a second housing covering the other side of the first housing in the predetermined direction.

[0073] According to this aspect, the operation lever includes: the first housing including the first opening portion; and the second housing covering the other side of the first housing in the predetermined direction. Therefore, the operation lever is configured to be separable in a predetermined direction, allowing for improved durability against a load acting on the operation lever in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. Furthermore, when the operation lever is positioned so that the first operation panel directly faces an operator, the abutting area between the first housing and the second housing is less visible from the operator, thereby providing the operation lever device with an improved aesthetic design.

[0074] In an operation lever device according to the sixth aspect, in the operation lever device according to the fifth aspect, the first operation panel includes at least one engaging portion that engages the first housing, and is attached to the first opening portion with the engaging portion engaging the first housing, the engaging portion elastically deforms to release the engagement with the first housing, and the second housing includes a restricting portion that restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion.

[0075] According to this aspect, the engaging portion engages the first housing and elastically deforms to release the engagement with the first housing. The second housing restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion by the restricting portion. Therefore, after the second housing is joined to the first housing, the engaging portion is kept from being detached from the first housing. Accordingly, the first operation panel is kept from being detached from the first housing due to vibration or the like.

[0076] In an operation lever device according to the seventh aspect, in the operation lever device according to the sixth aspect, the first opening portion includes, on an inner peripheral surface, a step portion that projects inward, and the first operation panel fits into the first opening portion and is placed on the step portion.

[0077] According to this aspect, the first operation panel fits in the first opening portion so as to be placed on the step portion. Therefore, when the first operation panel fits in the first opening portion, the first operation panel can be supported on the first opening portion. Therefore, the first operation panel can be easily attached to the operation lever.

[0078] In an operation lever device according to the eighth aspect, in the operation lever device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first operation panel includes: a panel body that fits into the first opening portion; and a magnetic switch that is inserted through an attachment hole in the panel body and attached thereto, the magnetic switch includes: a switch body that detects a magnetic change when an operation portion is operated; and a magnetic shield that covers the switch body to block magnetic energy directed to the switch body, and the magnetic shield covers the switch body from a back side of the panel body and abuts a back surface of the first operation panel, the back side being opposite to a front surface of the panel body on which the operation portion is disposed.

[0079] According to this aspect, the magnetic shield is designed to cover the switch body from the back side and abut the back surface of the panel body. Therefore, the magnetic shield has the function of an attaching member for attaching the magnetic switch to the panel body; thus, the number of components on the first operation panel can be reduced. As a result, the first operation panel is made in a compact form.

[0080] A method for assembling an operation lever device according to a ninth aspect is a method for assembling an operation lever device including an operation lever that is hollow and includes: a first housing including a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; and a second housing that is attached to the first housing to cover the other side of the first housing in the predetermined direction. The operation lever device is a device in which a first operation panel is attached to the first opening portion. The method includes: a first pull-out step of pulling out the first operation panel from the other side to the one side of the first housing in the predetermined direction through the first opening portion; a first fitting step of fitting, into the first opening portion from the one side in the predetermined direction, the first operation panel that has been pulled out in the first pull-out step; a controller attachment step of attaching, to the operation lever, a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and is disposed inside the operation lever; and an operation lever assembling step of assembling the operation lever by attaching the second housing to the first housing.

[0081] According to this aspect, in the first pull-out step, the first operation panel is pulled out from the other side to the one side of the first housing in the predetermined direction through the first opening portion. Furthermore, in the first fitting step, the first operation panel that has been pulled out in the first pull-out step fits into the first opening portion from the one side in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the first operation panel can be attached to the operation lever.

[0082] A method for assembling an operation lever device according to the tenth aspect is the method for assembling the operation lever device according to the ninth aspect that further includes: a second pull-out step of pulling out a second operation panel from the one side to the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction through a second opening portion formed on the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction, the second operation panel being connected to the controller via a second wire; and a second fitting step of fitting, into the second opening portion from the other side in the predetermined direction, the second operation panel that has been pulled out in the second pull-out step.

[0083] According to this aspect, in the second pull-out step, the second operation panel is pulled out from the one side to the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction through the second opening portion. Furthermore, in the second fitting step, the second operation panel that has been pulled out in the second pull-out step fits into the second opening portion from the other side in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when the operation lever is not formed so that the first opening portion is separable, the second operation panel can also be attached to the operation lever.

[0084] A method for assembling an operation lever device according to the eleventh aspect is the method for assembling the operation lever device according to the tenth aspect that further includes: an operation member removal step of removing an operation member from the one side to the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction through the second opening portion, the operation member being connected to the controller via a third wire; an operation member movement step of moving the operation member toward a third opening portion by inserting the third wire through a communication groove connecting the second opening portion and the third opening portion, the third opening portion being formed on the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction and being located close to the second opening portion; and a third fitting step of fitting, into the third opening portion from the other side in the predetermined direction, the operation member that has been moved in the operation member movement step.

[0085] According to this aspect, in the operation member removal step, the operation member is removed from the one side to the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction through the second opening portion. In the operation member movement step, the third wire is inserted through the communication groove, and the operation member is moved toward the third opening portion. In the third fitting step, the operation member fits into the third opening portion from the other side in the predetermined direction. Therefore, there is no need to form the third opening portion such that the operation member can pass therethrough, and the third opening portion does not need to be made large. This prevents a reduction in the rigidity of the operation lever that is caused when the third opening portion is made large.

[0086] From the foregoing description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure would be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description should be interpreted only as an example and is provided for the purpose of teaching the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Substantial changes in details of the structures and / or functions of the present disclosure are possible within the spirit of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]Hereinafter, an operation lever device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the aforementioned drawings. Note that the concept of directions mentioned in the following description is used for the sake of explanation; the orientations, etc., of elements according to the invention are not limited to these directions. The operation lever device 1 described below is merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and may be subject to addition, deletion, and alteration within the scope of the essence of the invention.

[Operation Lever Device]

[0014]The operation lever device 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is provided, for example, in work vehicles including construction vehicles such as excavators and cranes and industrial vehicles such as forklifts. The operation lever device 1, which is an operation lever device in the form of a joystick, is provided on the dri...

Claims

1. An operation lever device in the form of a joystick, the operation lever device comprising: an operation lever that is hollow and includes a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; a first operation panel that fits into the first opening portion; and a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and disposed inside the operation lever, wherein: the first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough; and the first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

2. The operation lever device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second operation panel connected to the controller via a second wire, wherein: the operation lever includes a second opening portion on the other side in the predetermined direction; the second opening portion is formed to allow the second operation panel to pass therethrough; and the second operation panel fits into the second opening portion from the other side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

3. The operation lever device according to claim 2, further comprising: an operation member connected to the controller via a third wire, wherein: the operation lever includes: a third opening portion close to the second opening portion; and a communication groove connecting the second opening portion and the third opening portion; the second opening portion is formed to allow the operation member to pass therethrough; the communication groove is formed to allow the third wire to be inserted therethrough from the second opening portion to the third opening portion; and the operation member fits into the third opening portion from the other side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.

4. The operation lever device according to claim 3, wherein: the second operation panel includes a fitting portion fitting into the communication groove; the fitting portion includes a leading end portion projecting into the third opening portion; and the operation member is disposed to cover the leading end portion of the fitting portion from the other side in the predetermined direction.

5. The operation lever device according to claim 1, wherein: the operation lever includes: a first housing including the first opening portion; and a second housing covering a side of the first housing that is located on the other side in the predetermined direction.

6. The operation lever device according to claim 5, wherein: the first operation panel includes at least one engaging portion that engages the first housing, and is attached to the first opening portion with the engaging portion engaging the first housing; the engaging portion elastically deforms to release the engagement with the first housing; and the second housing includes a restricting portion that restricts the elastic deformation of the engaging portion.

7. The operation lever device according to claim 6, wherein: the first opening portion includes, on an inner peripheral surface, a step portion that projects inward; and the first operation panel fits into the first opening portion and is placed on the step portion.

8. The operation lever device according to claim 1, wherein: the first operation panel includes: a panel body that fits into the first opening portion; and a magnetic switch that is inserted through an attachment hole in the panel body and attached thereto; the magnetic switch includes: a switch body that detects a magnetic change when an operation portion is operated; and a magnetic shield that covers the switch body to block magnetic energy directed to the switch body; and the magnetic shield covers the switch body from a back side of the panel body and abuts a back surface of the first operation panel, the back side being opposite to a front surface of the panel body on which the operation portion is disposed.

9. A method for assembling an operation lever device including an operation lever that is hollow and includes: a first housing including a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; and a second housing that is attached to the first housing to cover the other side of the first housing in the predetermined direction, the operation lever device being a device in which a first operation panel is attached to the first opening portion, the method comprising: a first pull-out step of pulling out the first operation panel from the other side to the one side of the first housing in the predetermined direction through the first opening portion; a first fitting step of fitting, into the first opening portion from the one side in the predetermined direction, the first operation panel that has been pulled out in the first pull-out step; a controller attachment step of attaching, to the operation lever, a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and is disposed inside the operation lever; and an operation lever assembling step of assembling the operation lever by attaching the second housing to the first housing.

10. The method for assembling the operation lever device according to claim 9, further comprising: a second pull-out step of pulling out a second operation panel from the one side to the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction through a second opening portion formed on the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction, the second operation panel being connected to the controller via a second wire; and a second fitting step of fitting, into the second opening portion from the other side in the predetermined direction, the second operation panel that has been pulled out in the second pull-out step.

11. The method for assembling the operation lever device according to claim 10, further comprising: an operation member removal step of removing an operation member from the one side to the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction through the second opening portion, the operation member being connected to the controller via a third wire; an operation member movement step of moving the operation member toward a third opening portion by inserting the third wire through a communication groove connecting the second opening portion and the third opening portion, the third opening portion being formed on the other side of the second housing in the predetermined direction and being located close to the second opening portion; and a third fitting step of fitting, into the third opening portion from the other side in the predetermined direction, the operation member that has been moved in the operation member movement step.

Images