Work machine

Abstract

To provide a work machine which can properly ensure a field of view for an operator when viewing a display device, even if an operation box is located in front of a driver's seat and the operation box supports a pair of left and right operation levers so as to be swingable in a front-to-rear direction.SOLUTION: A work machine is equipped with an operation box located in front of a driver's seat and supporting a pair of left and right operation levers that protrude upward from a top surface so that they can swing in a front-to-rear direction. The operation box has a display device located on the top surface and indicating the status of the work machine. The display device is located on the top surface outside a swing range of each of the pair of left and right operation levers, and is also located at one side in the left-right direction of an intermediate region sandwiched between the left and right swing ranges.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a motor grader as an example of a work machine. In the motor grader, a handle post is erected in the center of the front end of the driver's floor. The handle post has a monitor panel and a handle. The handle is located at the front of the upper part of the handle post and protrudes forward from a position adjacent to and below the monitor panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-158923 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the motor grader of Patent Document 1, a monitor panel is located in front of the center in the left-right direction relative to the handle on a handle post located in front of the driver's seat. Therefore, if the positional relationship between the handle and the monitor panel in Patent Document 1 is applied as is to a work machine in which a pair of left and right operating levers that swing back and forth (instead of a rotating handle) are supported on an operation box located in front of the driver's seat, there is a risk that the operator's field of view when looking at the monitor panel will be obstructed by the operating levers that swing back and forth.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a work machine that can ensure a good field of view for the operator when looking at the display device, even if the operation box located in front of the driver's seat is configured to support a pair of left and right operation levers so that they can swing back and forth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A work machine according to one aspect of the present invention is a work machine equipped with an operation box that is arranged in front of a driver's seat and supports a pair of left and right operation levers that protrude upward from an upper surface so that they can swing back and forth in the forward and backward direction, the operation box having a display device arranged on the upper surface that indicates the status of the work machine, the display device being arranged on the upper surface outside each swing area of ​​the pair of left and right operation levers, and being arranged on one side in the left-right direction of an intermediate area sandwiched between the left and right swing areas. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Even if the operation box is positioned in front of the driver's seat and supports a pair of left and right operation levers so that they can swing back and forth, the operator can still have a good field of view when looking at the display device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a hydraulic excavator, which is an example of a work machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hydraulic excavator as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an electrical system and a hydraulic system of the hydraulic excavator. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operation box provided in the hydraulic excavator as viewed obliquely from behind. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the operation box as viewed from above. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the operation box as seen from the rear. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged view of a display device of the operation box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [1. Work Machinery] Fig. 1 is a side view showing the general configuration of a hydraulic excavator (electric excavator) 1, which is an example of an electric work machine according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the hydraulic excavator 1 as seen obliquely from the front. The hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a lower traveling body 2, a work implement 3, and an upper rotating body 4. Note that hereinafter, the upper rotating body 4 may also be referred to as the "machine body."

[0011] Here, directions are defined as follows: The direction in which the operator (operator, driver) seated in the driver's seat 41a of the upper rotating body 4 faces forward is defined as the forward direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the rearward direction. Therefore, when the upper rotating body 4 is not rotating relative to the undercarriage 2 (swing angle 0°), the fore-and-aft direction of the upper rotating body 4 coincides with the direction in which the undercarriage 2 moves forward and backward. Also, the left side as seen from the operator seated in the driver's seat 41a is defined as the "left," and the right side is defined as the "right." Furthermore, the direction of gravity, which is perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction and the left-and-right direction, is defined as the up-and-down direction, with the upstream side of the direction of gravity defined as the "up" and the downstream side as the "down." In the drawings, the hydraulic excavator 1 is shown in a state in which the upper rotating body 4 is not rotating relative to the undercarriage 2. Also, in the drawings, the forward direction is indicated by the symbols "F," the rearward by the symbol "B," the left by the symbol "L," the right by the symbol "R," the upward by the symbol "U," and the downward by the symbol "D."

[0012] The lower traveling structure 2 includes a pair of left and right crawlers 21 and a pair of left and right traveling motors 22. Each traveling motor 22 is a hydraulic motor. The left and right traveling motors 22 drive the left and right crawlers 21, respectively, to move the hydraulic excavator 1 forward and backward. The lower traveling structure 2 further includes a blade 23 for performing ground leveling work, and a blade cylinder 23a for rotating the blade 23 in the up and down direction.

[0013] The work implement 3 includes a boom 31, an arm 32, and a bucket 33. By independently driving the boom 31, the arm 32, and the bucket 33, it is possible to perform excavation work for earth and sand, etc. Furthermore, instead of the bucket 33, an attachment can be attached as appropriate. For example, if a breaker is attached as an attachment, it is possible to perform crushing or demolition work using the breaker.

[0014] The boom 31, the arm 32, and the bucket 33 are driven by a boom cylinder 31a, an arm cylinder 32a, and a bucket cylinder 33a, respectively. The boom cylinder 31a, the arm cylinder 32a, and the bucket cylinder 33a are configured by hydraulic cylinders.

[0015] The base end of the boom 31, i.e., the end of the boom 31 opposite the side connected to the arm 32, is swingably connected to the tip end 42a of the revolving frame 42 via a boom bracket 34. That is, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment has a boom swing function in which the boom 31 swings left and right from the tip end 42a. The revolving frame 42 is provided with a swing cylinder 42b (see FIG. 2). The swing cylinder 42b is formed by a hydraulic cylinder, and swings the boom 31 by extending and retracting.

[0016] The boom 31 has a shape that is bent forward at an obtuse angle and is rotated up and down by the extension and retraction of the boom cylinder 31a. The boom cylinder 31a is located behind (rearward of) the boom 31. The base end of the boom cylinder 31a is supported by a boom bracket 34, and the tip end is connected to a bent portion of the boom 31 so as to move telescopically. The arm 32 is rotatably connected to the tip end of the boom 31. The arm 32 is rotated up and down by the extension and retraction of the arm cylinder 32a. The base end of the arm cylinder 32a is supported by the boom 31, and the tip end is connected to the base end of the arm 32 so as to move telescopically. The bucket 33 is connected to the tip end of the arm 32 via a link mechanism 35 and is rotated up and down by the extension and retraction of the bucket cylinder 33a. The base end of the bucket cylinder 33a is supported by the arm 32, and the tip end is connected to the link mechanism 35 so as to move telescopically.

[0017] A work light 31P (see FIG. 2) is attached to the right side of the boom 31. The work light 31P is turned on or off by operating one of the selector switches 460 (see FIG. 5) described below (specifically, the work light switch 463). When performing work using the hydraulic excavator 1, the operator can turn on the work light 31P to brightly illuminate the area ahead by operating the work light switch 463 as needed.

[0018] The upper rotating body 4 is located above the lower traveling body 2 and is provided so as to be able to rotate relative to the lower traveling body 2. A driving unit 41, a rotating frame 42, a rotating motor 43, and a machine room 44 are arranged on the upper rotating body 4. The upper rotating body 4 rotates via a rotating bearing (not shown) by driving the rotating motor 43, which is a hydraulic motor.

[0019] A driver's seat 41a is disposed in the driver's section 41. An operating section 41b is disposed around the driver's seat 41a. The operating section 41b includes operating levers, buttons, pedals, etc. When an operator sits on the driver's seat 41a and operates the operating section 41b, a hydraulic actuator 73 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is driven. This allows the lower traveling body 2 to travel, the work implement 3 to perform excavation work, the upper rotating body 4 to rotate, etc.

[0020] A machine room 44 is disposed below the driver's seat 41a. A battery unit 51 is disposed within the machine room 44. The battery unit 51 is configured, for example, as a lithium-ion battery unit. The battery unit 51 stores electric power and supplies the electric power to an electric motor 61 (see FIG. 3) to drive the electric motor 61.

[0021] A lead battery 52 is also disposed in the machine room 44. The lead battery 52 outputs a low-voltage (e.g., 12 V) DC voltage. The output from the lead battery 52 is supplied as a control voltage to, for example, a system controller 67 (see FIG. 3) or the like.

[0022] The upper rotating body 4 further includes a ROPS frame 45. The ROPS frame 45 is a guard provided for the purpose of protecting the operator in the unlikely event that the hydraulic excavator 1 tips over. The ROPS frame 45 is configured by connecting a left frame 45L and a right frame 45R with a connecting frame 45B.

[0023] The left frame 45L and the right frame 45R are connected to the left and right lower front portions of the floor 41F of the driver's section 41, respectively. The left frame 45L and the right frame 45R have an L-shape that extends upward from the floor 41F and then bends rearward. The connecting frame 45B extends in the left-right direction, with one end and the other end connected to the rear ends of the left frame 45L and the right frame 45R, respectively. The bent portion and connecting portion of each frame are curved.

[0024] The left frame 45L and the right frame 45R each have an upper frame 45U and a lower frame 45D. The upper frame 45U and the lower frame 45D are connected via hinges 45a so as to be rotatable relative to each other. For example, when the hydraulic excavator 1 is transported loaded on the bed of a truck or the like, the upper frame 45U is rotated forward relative to the lower frame 45D, with the hinges 45a as the fulcrum. This allows the ROPS frame 45 to be folded, thereby reducing the maximum height of the hydraulic excavator 1 during transportation.

[0025] Indicator lights 46 are attached to the ROPs frame 45. The indicator lights 46 are configured as, for example, rotating lights, but may also be configured as LED lamps. The indicator lights 46 include a first indicator light 46a and a second indicator light 46b. The first indicator light 46a and the second indicator light 46b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the connecting frame 45B of the ROPs frame 45 (see FIG. 2).

[0026] When the operator sits in the driver's seat 41a and fastens the seat belt, the first indicator light 46a lights up in green. This allows workers working around the hydraulic excavator 1 to see the first indicator light 46a and know that the operator has fastened the seat belt.

[0027] The second indicator light 46b is turned on or off by the operator seated in the driver's seat 41a operating a beacon switch 461 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later. For example, the operator operates the beacon switch 461 to turn on the second indicator light 46b when starting work with the hydraulic excavator 1, and operates the beacon switch 461 to turn off the second indicator light 46b when work is completed. This allows workers around the hydraulic excavator 1 to recognize whether or not work is being performed by looking at the lit state of the second indicator light 46b.

[0028] A communication unit 47 is attached to the ROPS frame 45. The communication unit 47 is provided to receive radio signals transmitted from positioning satellites to obtain position information of the vehicle (hydraulic excavator 1) and to communicate wirelessly with an external remote monitoring device.

[0029] The hydraulic excavator 1 may be configured to use hydraulic equipment such as hydraulic actuators (e.g., hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders) in combination with electrically driven actuators. Electrically driven actuators include, for example, electric travel motors, electric cylinders, and electric swing motors.

[0030] [2. Electrical and hydraulic system configuration] 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electrical system and hydraulic system of the hydraulic excavator 1. For convenience, in the figure, paths through which current or electrical signals flow are indicated by solid lines, and paths through which hydraulic oil flows are indicated by dashed lines.

[0031] The hydraulic excavator 1 includes, in the machine room 44, an electric motor 61, a normal charger 62, an inverter 63, a PDU (Power Distribution Unit) 64, a junction box 65, a DC-DC converter 66, and a system controller 67. The system controller 67 is configured as an electronic control unit also called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), and performs electrical control of each part of the hydraulic excavator 1.

[0032] The electric motor 61 is driven by electric power supplied from the battery unit 51 via a junction box 65 and an inverter 63. The electric motor 61 is configured as a permanent magnet motor or an induction motor.

[0033] The normal charger 62 (also called a power supply) converts AC voltage supplied from an external power source via a cable (not shown) into DC voltage. The voltage (DC voltage) output from the normal charger 62 is supplied to the battery unit 51 via the junction box 65 and the PDU 64. This charges the battery unit 51. Charging the battery unit 51 at this time is called normal charging. The hydraulic excavator 1 may also be provided with a quick-charging connector to which a quick-charging cable is connected. In this case, the battery unit 51 can be quick-charged.

[0034] The inverter 63 converts the DC voltage supplied from the battery unit 51 into AC voltage and supplies it to the electric motor 61. This causes the electric motor 61 to rotate. The supply of AC voltage (current) from the inverter 63 to the electric motor 61 is performed based on a rotation command output from a system controller 67.

[0035] The PDU 64 is a battery control unit that controls an internal battery relay to control the input and output of the battery unit 51. The junction box 65 includes a charger relay, an inverter relay, a fuse, etc. The voltage output from the battery unit 51 is supplied to the inverter 63 via the PDU 64 and the junction box 65.

[0036] The DC-DC converter 66 reduces a high voltage (e.g., 300 V) DC voltage supplied from the battery unit 51 via the PDU 64 and the junction box 65 to a low voltage (e.g., 12 V). The voltage output from the DC-DC converter 66 is supplied to the system controller 67 and the like, similar to the output from the lead battery 52.

[0037] A plurality of hydraulic pumps 71 are connected to a rotary shaft (output shaft) of the electric motor 61. The plurality of hydraulic pumps 71 include variable displacement pumps and fixed displacement pumps. In FIG. 3, only one hydraulic pump 71 is shown as an example. Each hydraulic pump 71 is connected to a hydraulic oil tank 74.

[0038] When the hydraulic pump 71 is driven by the electric motor 61, hydraulic oil in the hydraulic oil tank 74 is supplied to the hydraulic actuator 73 via the control valve 72. This drives the hydraulic actuator 73. The control valve 72 is a directional switching valve that controls the flow direction and amount of hydraulic oil supplied to the hydraulic actuator 73. The hydraulic actuator 73 includes a hydraulic motor (for example, the left and right travel motors 22 and the swing motor 43 in FIG. 1) and a hydraulic cylinder (for example, the boom cylinder 31a, the arm cylinder 32a, and the bucket cylinder 33a in FIG. 1).

[0039] The control valve 72 has a spool for adjusting the amount of hydraulic oil discharged to the hydraulic actuator 73. The spool is connected to an operating unit 41b disposed in the driving unit 41 via a link mechanism. This makes it possible to mechanically control the amount of hydraulic oil discharged from the control valve 72 by operating the operating unit 41b. Note that other control methods such as a pilot type or an electromagnetic type may also be used for the control valve 72.

[0040] The control valve 72 is disposed inside an operation box 400 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The operation box 400 is disposed in front of the driver's seat 41a.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment further includes a display device 420, an accelerator volume 430, a key switch 440, a warning lamp 450, a selector switch 460, and a seat belt detection sensor 470. The display device 420, the accelerator volume 430, the key switch 440, the warning lamp 450, the selector switch 460, and the seat belt detection sensor 470 are electrically connected to the system controller 67. Therefore, for example, when the seat belt detection sensor 470 detects that the operator has fastened the seat belt, the system controller 67 can turn on the first indicator light 46a shown in Fig. 1, and when the seat belt is not fastened, the system controller 67 can turn off the first indicator light 46a.

[0042] The display device 420, accelerator volume 430, key switch 440, warning lamp 450, and selector switch 460 are provided in the operation box 400. The operation box 400 also has various levers and pedals arranged as an operation unit 41b. The arrangement of each unit in the operation box 400 will be described below, including details of the operation unit 41b.

[0043] [3. Layout of each part in the operation box] (3-1.Operation section) Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the operation box 400 as seen obliquely from behind. Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the operation box 400 as seen from above. The operation unit 41b has an operation lever 411, a blade lever 412, an expansion / contraction lever 413, a boom swing pedal 414, and a PTO (Power Take Off) pedal 415.

[0044] The operation lever 411 is a travel lever and is provided to protrude upward from the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400. The operation lever 411 includes a pair of left and right operation levers 411L and 411R. The operation box 400 supports the pair of left and right operation levers 411L and 411R so that they can swing in the front-to-rear direction.

[0045] That is, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment is provided with an operation box 400 that supports a pair of left and right operation levers 411L and 411R that protrude upward from an upper surface 400U so that they can swing in the front-rear direction.

[0046] Here, swinging means swinging in a predetermined direction (here, the front-rear direction), which has the same meaning as rotating around a predetermined axis. In this embodiment, since the operation lever 411 swings in the front-rear direction, it can also be said that the operation lever 411 rotates in the front-rear direction around an axis extending in the left-right direction inside the operation box 400.

[0047] The left operating lever 411L is operated to control the drive (e.g., rotation direction) of the left traveling motor 22L (see FIG. 1). The right operating lever 411R is operated to control the drive of the right traveling motor 22R (see FIG. 2). Therefore, for example, when both the left and right operating levers 411L and 411R are tilted forward from the neutral position, the undercarriage 2 (hydraulic excavator 1) moves forward, and when both are tilted backward from the neutral position, the undercarriage 2 moves backward. In addition, by tilting the left operating lever 411L and the right operating lever 411R to predetermined positions in the front-to-rear direction, the undercarriage 2 can be made to perform various traveling operations, such as turning right, turning left, or turning on the spot.

[0048] The pair of left and right operating levers 411L and 411R are arranged (supported) on the left and right sides of a reference line RE (see FIG. 5) extending in the front-to-rear direction on the top surface 400U. In other words, the pair of left and right operating levers 411L and 411R are located on opposite sides of the reference line RE in the left-to-right direction, and are positioned so that they sandwich the reference line RE from the left and right. The reference line RE is an imaginary line that passes through the center of the left-to-right direction on the top surface 400U and extends in the swing direction (front-to-rear direction).

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic rear view of the operation box 400 as viewed from the rear. The left operation lever 411L includes a left support column 411L1 and a left grip 411L2. The left support column 411L1 is a leg that passes through a left opening P1 (see FIG. 5) provided in the top surface 400U of the operation box 400 and protrudes upward from the top surface 400U. The left opening P1 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction and determines the swing range of the left operation lever 411L (particularly the left support column 411L1) in the front-rear direction. The lower end of the left support column 411L1 is fixed to a rotation shaft inside the operation box 400. The left grip 411L2 is connected to the upper end of the left support column 411L1 and is gripped by the operator.

[0050] Similarly, the right operating lever 411R includes a right support column 411R1 and a right grip portion 411R2. The right support column 411R1 is a leg portion that passes through a right opening P2 (see FIG. 5) provided in the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400 and protrudes upward from the upper surface 400U. The right opening P2 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction and determines the swing range of the right operating lever 411R (particularly the right support column 411R1) in the front-rear direction. The lower end of the right support column 411R1 is fixed to a rotation shaft inside the operation box 400. The right grip portion 411R2 is connected to the upper end of the right support column 411R1 and is gripped by the operator.

[0051] When the left support pillar 411L1 swings in the front-rear direction through the left opening P1 and the right support pillar 411R1 swings in the front-rear direction through the right opening P2, the pair of left and right operating levers 411L and 411R swing within each swing area SA shown in Fig. 5. In other words, each swing area SA is defined as the swing range when the pair of left and right operating levers 411L and 411R swing in the front-rear direction as viewed from above.

[0052] More specifically, each swing area SA includes a left swing area SA-L and a right swing area SA-R. The left swing area SA-L refers to the swing range when the left operating lever 411L swings in the front-rear direction when viewed from above. The right swing area SA-R refers to the swing range when the right operating lever 411R swings in the front-rear direction when viewed from above. The left swing area SA-L and the right swing area SA-R are located on opposite sides of the middle area MA. In other words, the middle area MA is sandwiched between the left swing area SA-L and the right swing area SA-R in the left-right direction. The middle area MA is also located on the reference line RE. The left operating lever 411L and the left opening P1 are located to the left of the middle area MA. The right operating lever 411R and the right opening P2 are located to the right of the middle area MA.

[0053] The blade lever 412 is a lever for rotating the blade 23 (see FIG. 1) up and down, and is provided at the middle of the right side 400R of the operation box 400. When the operator operates the blade lever 412, the blade cylinder 23a (see FIG. 1) is extended and retracted, thereby rotating the blade 23 up and down.

[0054] The hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment has an expansion / contraction mechanism that can change the distance between the left and right crawlers 21. The expansion / contraction lever 413 of the operation unit 41b is a lever for changing the distance between the left and right crawlers 21, and is provided in a middle position on the right side 400R of the operation box 400. By operating the expansion / contraction lever 413, the operator can extend and retract an expansion / contraction hydraulic cylinder (not shown) and move the pair of left and right crawlers 21 in the left-right direction relative to the main body frame of the lower traveling body 2. This makes it possible to change the distance between the left and right crawlers 21. For example, when the hydraulic excavator 1 is used to demolish the interior of a building, the distance between the left and right crawlers 21 is narrowed when the hydraulic excavator 1 passes through the entrance of the building. This makes it easier for the hydraulic excavator 1 to pass through the entrance. Furthermore, by widening the distance between the left and right crawlers 21 inside the building, demolition work by the work implement 3 (e.g., a breaker) can be performed stably.

[0055] The boom swing pedal 414 is a pedal for swinging the boom 31, and is provided at the bottom of the right side part 400R of the operation box 400. By stepping on the boom swing pedal 414, the operator can extend and retract the swing cylinder 42b (see FIG. 2) and swing the boom 31.

[0056] The PTO pedal 415 is used when an attachment such as a breaker is mounted instead of the bucket 33. The PTO pedal 415 is provided at the bottom of the left side part 400L of the operation box 400. By stepping on the PTO pedal 415, the operator can adjust the hydraulic pressure supplied to the attachment to drive the attachment appropriately.

[0057] (3-2.Display device) The display device 420 described above is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and notifies the operator of the state of the hydraulic excavator 1 by means of a screen display. The display device 420 is disposed on the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400.

[0058] 7 is a plan view that schematically shows the display screen of the display device 420. As shown in the figure, the display device 420 has a display area 421 in the center of the screen. In the upper section (toward the front of the machine body) of the display area 421, an hour meter that indicates the operating time of the hydraulic excavator 1 (particularly the electric motor 61) is digitally displayed as the status of the hydraulic excavator 1. In addition, in the lower section (toward the rear of the machine body) of the display area 421, the status of the hydraulic excavator 1, for example, the charge amount of the battery unit 51, etc. is displayed in the form of a bar graph.

[0059] The display device 420 further includes a first lighting area 422, a second lighting area 423, and a third lighting area 424. The first lighting area 422, the second lighting area 423, and the third lighting area 424 are located in the upper part of the screen (toward the front of the machine) or the lower part of the screen (toward the rear of the machine) in the display area 421. The first lighting area 422, the second lighting area 423, and the third lighting area 424 light up in a predetermined color when the hydraulic excavator 1 is in a predetermined state. For example, when the battery unit 51 is charging, the first lighting area 422 lights up in green. Furthermore, when the charge amount of the battery unit 51 falls below a predetermined amount, the second lighting area 423 lights up in yellow to alert the operator. When an abnormality occurs in the hydraulic excavator 1, the third lighting area 424 lights up in red to notify the operator of the abnormality.

[0060] Although the display screen of display device 420 is circular in plan view, the shape of the display screen is not particularly limited and may be other shapes such as rectangular. Furthermore, the number of lighting areas is not limited to the above three and can be changed as appropriate.

[0061] In this way, the operation box 400 has a display device 420 that is arranged on the upper surface 400U and that notifies the operator of the state of the hydraulic excavator 1.

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the display device 420 is disposed on the top surface 400U of the operation box 400, shifted to the left with respect to the operation lever 411. More specifically, the display device 420 is disposed on the left side with respect to the reference line RE on the top surface 400U. In this case, the display device 420 is disposed at a position closer to the left side 400L of the operation box 400 than the operation lever 411. Note that the display device 420 may also be disposed on the top surface 400U, shifted to the right with respect to the operation lever 411. More specifically, the display device 420 may be disposed on the right side with respect to the reference line RE on the top surface 400U. In this case, the display device 420 is disposed at a position closer to the right side 400R of the operation box 400 than the operation lever 411.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the display device 420 is disposed on the upper surface 400U on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the reference line RE that passes between the pair of left and right operating levers 411L and 411R and extends in the swing direction.

[0064] Furthermore, the display device 420 is disposed on the upper surface 400U outside the swing areas SA of the pair of left and right operating levers 411L and 411R, and is disposed on one side in the left-right direction with respect to an intermediate area MA sandwiched between the left swing area SA-L and the right swing area SA-R. In the example of Fig. 5, the display device 420 is disposed on the left side of the intermediate area MA on the upper surface 400U. Note that the display device 420 may also be disposed on the right side of the intermediate area MA on the upper surface 400U.

[0065] In this way, the display device 420 is disposed on the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400 without overlapping with each swing area SA, and is disposed offset to either the left or right with respect to the intermediate area MA. This reduces the risk that the operation lever 411 protruding upward from the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400 will obstruct the field of view of the operator seated in the driver's seat 41a when looking at the display device 420, regardless of the swing position in the front-to-rear direction of the operation lever 411. Therefore, even in a configuration in which the operation box 400 is disposed in front of the driver's seat 41a and the operation box 400 supports the operation lever 411 so as to be swingable in the front-to-rear direction, as in this embodiment, it is possible to ensure a good field of view for the operator when looking at the display device 420.

[0066] In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, the display device 420 is disposed on one side in the left-right direction (the left side in the example of FIG. 6) of both support columns (the left support column 411L1 and the right support column 411R1) of the pair of left and right operation levers 411L and 411R. Also, the display device 420 is disposed on one side in the left-right direction (the left side in the example of FIG. 5) of the left opening P1 and the right opening P2 provided in the top surface 400U. This reliably achieves the above-mentioned effect of ensuring a good field of view for the operator when viewing the display device 420. Note that the display device 420 may be disposed on the right side of both support columns of the pair of left and right operation levers 411L and 411R. Also, the display device 420 may be disposed on the right side of the left opening P1 and the right opening P2 provided in the top surface 400U.

[0067] 5, the display device 420 is disposed on the upper surface 400U in front of the operation lever 411. In this case, the operation lever 411 is located closer to the driver's seat 41a than the display device 420, that is, closer to the operator seated in the driver's seat 41a.

[0068] With such an arrangement of the display device 420, the operator can see the display device 420 through above the operating lever 411, even while operating the operating lever 411. In other words, the operator can see the display device 420 without it being hidden by the operating lever 411 or the arm of the operator operating the operating lever 411. As a result, visibility when the operator looks at the display device 420 is reliably improved.

[0069] In particular, in a small hydraulic excavator 1 in which the operation box 400 is close to the operator's seat 41a, if the display device 420 is located on the operator side with respect to the operation lever 411 supported by the operation box 400, the display device 420 is likely to be hidden by the arm of the operator operating the operation lever 411. Therefore, the arrangement of the display device 420 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 5 is particularly effective in a small hydraulic excavator 1 in which the distance between the operation box 400 and the operator's seat 41a is narrow.

[0070] (3-3. Accelerator volume) The accelerator volume 430 is an operating tool for setting a target rotation speed of the electric motor 61 serving as a prime mover of the hydraulic excavator 1. As shown in FIG. 5 , the accelerator volume 430 is disposed on the top surface 400U of the operation box 400, shifted to the left with respect to the operation lever 411. More specifically, the accelerator volume 430 is disposed on the left side of the reference line RE on the top surface 400U. In this case, the accelerator volume 430 is disposed closer to the left side 400L of the operation box 400 than the operation lever 411. The accelerator volume 430 may also be disposed on the top surface 400U, shifted to the right with respect to the operation lever 411. More specifically, the accelerator volume 430 may be disposed on the right side of the reference line RE on the top surface 400U. In this case, the accelerator volume 430 is disposed closer to the right side 400R of the operation box 400 than the operation lever 411.

[0071] In this way, the accelerator volume 430 is disposed on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the reference line RE on the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400. In other words, the accelerator volume 430 is disposed on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the middle area MA on the upper surface 400U. In this case, the operator seated in the driver's seat 41a can operate the accelerator volume 430 without interfering with the operation of the operation lever 411, which swings back and forth. In this regard, it is desirable that the hydraulic excavator 1 be provided with the accelerator volume 430 disposed as described above.

[0072] In particular, from the perspective of realizing a layout in which the accelerator volume 430 is disposed near the display device 420 on the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400, it is desirable that the accelerator volume 430 be disposed as follows. That is, it is desirable that the accelerator volume 430 be disposed on the same side of the upper surface 400U as the display device 420 in the left-right direction with respect to the reference line RE. In other words, it is desirable that the accelerator volume 430 be disposed on the same side of the upper surface 400U as the display device 420 in the left-right direction with respect to the intermediate area MA. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the display device 420 is disposed on the left side of the reference line RE (or the intermediate area MA), it is desirable that the accelerator volume 430 also be disposed on the left side of the reference line RE (or the intermediate area MA).

[0073] The accelerator volume 430 is arranged next to the left side of the display device 420. That is, the display device 420 is arranged next to the accelerator volume 430. In this case, the accelerator volume 430 and the display device 420 are arranged in close proximity to each other, so the operator can operate the accelerator volume 430 to set (adjust) the target rotation speed of the electric motor 61 while checking the information displayed on the display device 420. The accelerator volume 430 may be arranged to the right of the display device 420, or may be arranged in front of or behind the display device 420.

[0074] The accelerator volume 430 is a rotary dial 430a. In this case, the target rotation speed of the electric motor 61 can be easily set by rotating the dial 430a (dial operation).

[0075] (3-4. Key switch and warning lamp) A key switch 440 is disposed on the operation box 400. The key switch 440 is a start switch for starting the hydraulic excavator 1. This key switch 440 is configured with a key cylinder that accepts key operation only when a specified key 440a is inserted. The key switch 440 is provided on the upper part of the left side part 400L of the operation box 400. Note that the key switch 440 may be provided on the right side part 400R of the operation box 400, but it is preferable to provide it on the left side part 400L, which is closer to the accelerator volume 430, for reasons that will be described later.

[0076] The operator can start the hydraulic excavator 1 by inserting the key 440a into the key switch 440 (key cylinder) and turning it to the start position. The operator can also stop the start of the hydraulic excavator 1 by turning the key 440a to the off position and remove the key 440a from the key switch 440. In this way, the hydraulic excavator 1 is provided with the key switch 440, which is disposed on the side of the operation box 400 and is used to start the hydraulic excavator 1.

[0077] The key switch 440 is disposed to the left of the accelerator volume 430 in a plan view. After starting the hydraulic excavator 1 by operating the key switch 440, the operator operates the accelerator volume 430 to set the target rotation speed of the electric motor 61. In order to enable the accelerator volume 430 to be operated immediately after starting the hydraulic excavator 1, it is desirable that the key switch 440 be disposed next to the accelerator volume 430 in a plan view.

[0078] A warning lamp 450 is provided on the operation box 400. The warning lamp 450 lights up when a warning is issued. For example, if fastening of a seat belt is not detected after the hydraulic excavator 1 is started, the warning lamp 450 lights up to prompt the operator to fasten the seat belt. In this way, the hydraulic excavator 1 is provided with the warning lamp 450 that lights up when a warning is issued.

[0079] The warning lamp 450 is disposed behind the accelerator volume 430 on the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400. In this arrangement, the warning lamp 450 is closer to the driver's seat 41a (operator) than the accelerator volume 430. Therefore, the operator can easily check whether the warning lamp 450 is lit (whether a warning is issued) at the same time as operating the accelerator volume 430.

[0080] In particular, the warning lamp 450 lights up when the seat belt of the driver's seat 41a is not fastened after the hydraulic excavator 1 is started using the key switch 440. Such a warning is effective in that it can immediately prompt the operator to fasten the seat belt.

[0081] (3-5. Selector switch) The hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a changeover switch 460. The changeover switch 460 is a switch for enabling a predetermined function of the hydraulic excavator 1. The changeover switch 460 includes, for example, a beacon switch 461, a two-speed switch 462, and a work light switch 463. The beacon switch 461, the two-speed switch 462, and the work light switch 463 are arranged in this order from left to right, but their arrangement positions (the order in which they are lined up in the left-right direction) can be changed as appropriate.

[0082] The beacon switch 461 is operated by the operator when starting work with the hydraulic excavator 1. When the operator operates the beacon switch 461, the second indicator light 46b shown in Fig. 2 is switched between on and off.

[0083] The second-speed switch 462 is a switch for switching the traveling speed (speed change) of the hydraulic excavator 1. By operating the second-speed switch 462, the operator can make the hydraulic excavator 1 travel in first speed (relatively slow speed per hour) or second speed (relatively fast speed per hour). For example, when the hydraulic excavator 1 is working, the speed change of the hydraulic excavator 1 is switched to first speed, and when traveling on the road, the speed change of the hydraulic excavator is switched to second speed.

[0084] The work light switch 463 is a switch for switching the work light 31P (see FIG. 2) on and off. When performing work using the hydraulic excavator 1, the operator can operate the work light switch 463 to turn on the work light 31P as needed.

[0085] Such a changeover switch 460 is disposed on the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400. Specifically, the changeover switch 460 is disposed on the right side of the reference line RE on the upper surface 400U. Note that the changeover switch 460 may also be disposed on the left side of the reference line RE on the upper surface 400U. In order to facilitate operation of the changeover switch 460 without interfering with the operation of the operation lever 411, which swings back and forth, it is desirable that the changeover switch 460 be disposed offset in the left-right direction with respect to the operation lever 411. In other words, it is desirable that the changeover switch 460 be disposed on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the reference line RE on the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400. In other words, it is desirable that the changeover switch 460 be disposed on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the intermediate area MA on the upper surface 400U of the operation box 400.

[0086] In particular, in this embodiment, the changeover switch 460 is disposed offset to the right side of the operation lever 411, opposite the left side on which the display device 420 is disposed. In other words, the changeover switch 460 is disposed on the opposite side of the reference line RE (or intermediate area MA) in the left-right direction from the side on which the display device 420 is disposed. In this case, the operator can check the information displayed on the display device 420 without being obstructed by the operation of the changeover switch 460. Therefore, both the visibility of the display device 420 and the operability of the changeover switch 460 by the operator are ensured satisfactorily.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 5, the changeover switch 460 is disposed forward of the operating lever 411. In this case, the operating lever 411 is located closer to the operator (towards the driver's seat 41a) than the changeover switch 460. When the changeover switch 460 is disposed in this manner, the operator can see the changeover switch 460 without it being hidden by the operating lever 411 or the arm of the operator operating the operating lever 411, even while operating the operating lever 411. Therefore, the operator can instantly switch from operating the operating lever 411 to operating the changeover switch 460, for example, thereby improving the operability of the changeover switch.

[0088] In particular, in a small hydraulic excavator 1 in which the operation box 400 is close to the operator's seat 41a, if the changeover switch 460 is located on the operator side with respect to the operation lever 411 supported by the operation box 400, the changeover switch 460 is likely to be hidden by the arm of the operator operating the operation lever 411. Therefore, the arrangement of the changeover switch 460 shown in Fig. 5 is particularly effective in a small hydraulic excavator 1 in which the distance between the operation box 400 and the operator's seat 41a is narrow.

[0089] [4. Supplementary Information] In this embodiment, the hydraulic excavator 1 is described as having an electric motor 61 as a prime mover, but the prime mover may be an engine.

[0090] In this embodiment, a hydraulic excavator 1, which is a construction machine, has been described as an example of the work machine, but the work machine is not limited to the hydraulic excavator 1 and may be other construction machines such as a wheel loader, a compact track loader, etc. Furthermore, the work machine may be agricultural machinery such as a combine harvester, a tractor, etc.

[0091] [5. Notes] The work machine described in this embodiment can also be expressed as follows:

[0092] The work machine in Appendix (1) is A work machine including an operation box disposed in front of a driver's seat and supporting a pair of left and right operation levers protruding upward from an upper surface so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction, the operation box has a display device disposed on the upper surface thereof for indicating the status of the work machine, The display device is arranged on the upper surface outside the swing regions of the pair of left and right operating levers, and is arranged on one side in the left-right direction with respect to an intermediate region sandwiched between the left and right swing regions.

[0093] The work machine of supplementary note (2) is the work machine of supplementary note (1), The display device is disposed on one side in the left-right direction with respect to both support columns of the pair of left and right operating levers.

[0094] The work machine of supplementary note (3) is a work machine according to supplementary note (1) or (2), The display device is disposed on one side in the left-right direction with respect to both openings provided on the top surface and through which the support posts of the pair of left and right operating levers pass.

[0095] The work machine of supplementary note (4) is a work machine according to any one of supplementary notes (1) to (3), further comprising an operating tool for setting a target rotation speed of the prime mover of the work machine, The operating tool is disposed on the upper surface on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the intermediate region.

[0096] The work machine of supplementary note (5) is the work machine according to supplementary note (4), The operating tool is arranged on the upper surface on the same side as the display device in the left-right direction with respect to the intermediate region.

[0097] The work machine of supplementary note (6) is the work machine according to supplementary note (5), The display device is disposed adjacent to the control tool.

[0098] The work machine of supplementary note (7) is a work machine according to supplementary note (5) or (6), a start switch disposed on a side of the operation box for starting the work machine; The activation switch is disposed next to the operating tool in a plan view.

[0099] The work machine of supplementary note (8) is the work machine according to supplementary note (7), It also has a lamp that lights up when a warning occurs. The lamp is disposed on the top surface of the operation box, behind the operating tool.

[0100] The work machine of supplementary note (9) is the work machine according to supplementary note (8), The lamp is turned on when the seat belt of the driver's seat is not fastened after the work machine is started by the start switch.

[0101] The work machine of supplementary note (10) is a work machine according to any one of supplementary notes (4) to (9), The operating tool is a dial.

[0102] The work machine of supplementary note (11) is a work machine according to any one of supplementary notes (1) to (10), The display device is disposed in front of the operating lever.

[0103] The work machine of supplementary note (12) is a work machine according to any one of supplementary notes (1) to (11), a selector switch for enabling a predetermined function of the work machine; The changeover switch is disposed on the upper surface on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the intermediate region.

[0104] The work machine of supplementary note (13) is the work machine according to supplementary note (12), The changeover switch is disposed on the opposite side of the intermediate region from the side on which the display device is disposed in the left-right direction.

[0105] The work machine of supplementary note (14) is the work machine according to supplementary note (12) or (13), The changeover switch is disposed forward of the operating lever.

[0106] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these, and the invention can be expanded or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The present invention can be used in work machines such as construction machines and agricultural machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Hydraulic excavator (work machine) 41a Driver's seat 61 Electric motor (prime mover) 400 Operation Box 400L left side (side) 400U top 411 Operating lever (a pair of operating levers) 411L Operating lever (left side) 411L1 Left support (post) 411R Control lever (right side) 411R1 Right post (post) 420 Display device 430 Accelerator volume (operating device) 430a Dial 440 Key switch (start switch) 450 Warning lamp (lamp) 460 Switch 461 Beacon Switch (Changeover Switch) 462 2-speed switch 463 Work light switch (changeover switch) MA intermediate area P1 Left opening (opening) P2 Right opening (opening) RE Reference Line SA fluctuation region SA-L Left side swing area SA-R Right side swing area

Claims

1. A work machine including an operation box disposed in front of a driver's seat and supporting a pair of left and right operation levers protruding upward from an upper surface so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction, the operation box has a display device disposed on the upper surface thereof for indicating the status of the work machine, The display device is arranged on the top surface outside each swing region of the pair of left and right operating levers, and is arranged on one side in the left-right direction with respect to an intermediate region sandwiched between the left and right swing regions.

2. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the display device is disposed on one side in the left-right direction with respect to both support columns of the pair of left and right operation levers.

3. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the display device is disposed on one side in the left-right direction with respect to both openings provided on the top surface and through which the support posts of the pair of left and right operating levers pass.

4. further comprising an operating tool for setting a target rotation speed of the prime mover of the work machine, The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the operating tool is disposed on one side of the intermediate region in the left-right direction on the upper surface.

5. The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein the operating tool is arranged on the upper surface on the same side as the display device in the left-right direction with respect to the intermediate area.

6. The work machine according to claim 5 , wherein the display device is disposed adjacent to the operating tool.

7. a start switch disposed on a side of the operation box for starting the work machine; The work machine according to claim 5 , wherein the activation switch is disposed adjacent to the operating tool in a plan view.

8. It also has a lamp that lights up when a warning occurs. The work machine according to claim 7 , wherein the lamp is disposed on the top surface of the operation box, rearward of the operation tool.

9. 9. The work machine according to claim 8, wherein the lamp is illuminated when the seat belt of the driver's seat is not fastened after the work machine is started by the start switch.

10. The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein the operating tool is a dial.

11. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the display device is disposed forward of the operating lever.

12. a selector switch for enabling a predetermined function of the work machine; The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the changeover switch is disposed on the upper surface on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the intermediate region.

13. The work machine according to claim 12 , wherein the changeover switch is arranged on a side of the intermediate area opposite to a side on which the display device is arranged in the left-right direction.

14. The work machine according to claim 12, wherein the changeover switch is disposed forward of the operating lever.

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