Work machine, cab, and operation system

Abstract

To provide an operation lever capable of quickly switching operation.SOLUTION: The operation lever 40 includes a grip portion 42 that can be gripped by the operator, and an operation portion 46 attached to a distal end 43 of the grip portion 42. The operation unit 46 includes a rocker switch 60 to be operated by the operator and a switch mounting surface 50 on which the rocker switch 60 is provided. The rocker switch 60 includes a first operation portion 64 and a second operation portion 67 that are pressed by the operator with a finger. The second operation portion 67 is disposed below the first operation portion 64. The second operation portion 67 protrudes from the switch installation surface 50 more than the first operation portion 64.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work machine, a cab, and an operating system. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of prior art, a joystick assembly is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,212,770. This joystick assembly has an interface device including at least one input device actuated by an operator's thumb. The input device is a switch that places the transmission in forward, neutral, or reverse. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,212,770 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Bulldozers transport soil by repeatedly moving forward and backward. With a bulldozer that has poor forward visibility, when removing soil from a cliff, it is necessary to be able to quickly switch from forward to reverse if it feels that it has moved too far forward.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a technology relating to an operating lever that enables quick switching of operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A work machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a driver's seat for an operator to sit in, and an operating lever disposed to the side of the driver's seat. The operating lever includes a grip portion that can be held by the operator, and an operating portion attached to the tip of the grip portion. The operating portion includes a rocker switch operated by the operator, and a switch mounting surface on which the rocker switch is provided. The rocker switch has a first operating portion and a second operating portion that the operator presses with his or her finger. The second operating portion is disposed below the first operating portion. The second operating portion protrudes further from the switch mounting surface than the first operating portion.

[0007] A cab according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a driver's seat for an operator to sit in and an operating lever arranged to the side of the driver's seat. The operating lever includes a grip portion that can be held by the operator and an operating portion attached to the tip of the grip portion. The operating portion includes a rocker switch operated by the operator and a switch mounting surface on which the rocker switch is provided. The rocker switch has a first operating portion and a second operating portion that the operator presses with his or her finger. The second operating portion is arranged below the first operating portion. The second operating portion protrudes further from the switch mounting surface than the first operating portion.

[0008] An operating system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an operating system for operating a work machine, and includes a driver's seat for an operator to sit in, and an operating lever located to the side of the driver's seat. The operating lever includes a grip portion that can be held by the operator, and an operating portion attached to the tip of the grip portion. The operating portion includes a rocker switch operated by the operator, and a switch mounting surface on which the rocker switch is provided. The rocker switch has a first operating portion and a second operating portion that the operator presses with his or her finger. The second operating portion is located below the first operating portion. The second operating portion protrudes further from the switch mounting surface than the first operating portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the operation of the rocker switch can be quickly changed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of a bulldozer as an example of a work machine based on an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a partial configuration inside the cab shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a perspective view of the operating lever when the first operating portion of the rocker switch is pressed down. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view of the operating lever when the first operating portion of the rocker switch is pressed down. [Figure 8] 10 is a side view of the operating lever when the first operating portion of the rocker switch is pressed down. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a perspective view of the operating lever when the second operating portion of the rocker switch is pressed down. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the operating lever when the second operating portion of the rocker switch is pressed down. [Figure 11] 10 is a side view of the operating lever when the second operating portion of the rocker switch is pressed down. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. In the drawings, configurations may be omitted or simplified for the sake of convenience. It is also intended from the beginning that any configurations may be extracted from the embodiments and arbitrarily combined.

[0012] <Work machine configuration> In the embodiment, a bulldozer 10 will be described as an example of a work machine. Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of the bulldozer 10 as an example of a work machine based on the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the bulldozer 10 mainly comprises a vehicle body 1, a blade 2, and a traveling gear.

[0013] The vehicle body 1 has a cab (operator's compartment) 9 and an engine room 8. The cab 9 is located at the upper rear of the vehicle body 1. An operator who operates the bulldozer 10 sits in the cab 9. The engine room 8 is located in front of the cab 9. The engine room 8 is located between the cab 9 and the blade 2. An engine 21, such as an internal combustion engine, which is the power source of the bulldozer 10 is located in the engine room 8.

[0014] In the embodiment, the direction in which the bulldozer 10 travels straight ahead is referred to as the fore-and-aft direction of the bulldozer 10. In the fore-and-aft direction of the bulldozer 10, the side where the blade 2 protrudes from the vehicle body 1 is referred to as the front direction. In the fore-and-aft direction of the bulldozer 10, the side opposite the front direction is referred to as the rear direction. The left-and-right direction of the bulldozer 10 is the direction perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction in a plan view. Looking forward, the right and left sides of the left-and-right direction are the right direction and the left direction, respectively. The up-and-down direction of the bulldozer 10 is the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the fore-and-aft direction and the left-and-right direction. In the up-and-down direction, the side with the ground is the bottom side, and the side with the sky is the top side.

[0015] In the following figures, the forward / backward direction is indicated by arrow X, the left / right direction by arrow Y, and the up / down direction by arrow Z.

[0016] The blade 2 is a work machine for performing work such as excavating and leveling the ground surface. The vehicle body 1 is supported by a traveling device so that it can travel. The traveling device has a pair of left and right track-type traveling bodies 3 spaced apart in the left-right direction. The vehicle body 1 is disposed between the pair of left and right track-type traveling bodies 3.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a partial configuration inside the cab 9 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the cab 9 has an operator's seat 31 inside for the operator who operates the bulldozer 10 to sit in, and is configured to surround the operator's seat 31. The operator's seat 31 is located approximately in the center of the cab 9.

[0018] A console 32 is disposed to the left of the operator's seat 31 inside the cab 9. The console 32 is provided with a left armrest 34, an operating lever 40 for operating the forward and reverse movement of the bulldozer 10, a fuel adjustment dial 35 for setting the rotation speed of the engine 21, and the like. The operating lever 40 is disposed to the side of the operator's seat 31. An operator seated in the operator's seat 31 can operate the operating lever 40 and the fuel adjustment dial 35 with his left hand.

[0019] A console 33 is also arranged on the right side of the driver's seat 31, and the console 33 is provided with, for example, a right armrest 38 and an operating lever 39 for operating the blade 2.

[0020] A monitor 36 is disposed in front of the driver's seat 31 inside the cab 9. The monitor 36 displays information and notifies the operator of the bulldozer 10. A deceleration / brake pedal 37 for adjusting the vehicle speed of the bulldozer 10 is also disposed in front of the driver's seat 31. The operator seated in the driver's seat 31 can reduce the traveling speed of the bulldozer 10 by stepping on the deceleration / brake pedal 37 with his / her foot.

[0021] <Configuration of the operating lever 40> Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the operating lever 40. Fig. 4 is a front view of the operating lever 40. Fig. 5 is a side view of the operating lever 40. Fig. 4 illustrates the operating lever 40 as seen in the direction of arrow IV shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 illustrates the operating lever 40 as seen in the direction of arrow V shown in Fig. 4. In Figs. 4 and 5, the up-down direction in the figures is the up-down direction of the bulldozer 10, indicated by arrow Z in the figures.

[0022] The operating lever 40 is disposed so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the console 32 (FIG. 2). The operating lever 40 mainly has a base portion 41, a grip portion 42, and an operating portion 46. The base portion 41 is supported by the console 32. The grip portion 42 has a curved, axial shape. The grip portion 42 is configured so that it can be held in the palm of the left hand of an operator operating the operating lever 40. The grip portion 42 has a tip end 43 and a base end 44. The base end 44 of the grip portion 42 is fixed to the base portion 41. The operating portion 46 is attached to the tip of the grip portion 42.

[0023] The grip portion 42 extends at an angle relative to the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions. The grip portion 42 is inclined relative to the front-rear and left-right directions so that it extends forward as it extends to the right. The grip portion 42 is inclined relative to the up-down and left-right directions so that it extends upward as it extends to the right. The surface of the grip portion 42 may be formed with a textured pattern consisting of minute irregularities.

[0024] Of the two ends of the shaft-shaped grip portion 42, the base end 44 is the end of the grip portion 42 that is attached to the base portion 41. The tip 43 is the end of the grip portion 42 that is opposite the base end 44 and away from the base portion 41. The tip 43 forms the front end of the grip portion 42 in the front-to-rear direction, the right end of the grip portion 42 in the left-to-right direction, and the upper end of the grip portion 42 in the up-down direction. The grip portion 42 has a shape that extends rightward, forward, and upward from the base end 44 to the tip 43.

[0025] The curved dashed dotted line shown in Figures 3 and 4 indicates the center line CL1 of the grip portion 42. The center line CL1 of the grip portion 42 is the direction of extension of a line connecting the center of the tip 43 and the center of the base end 44 of the grip portion 42 when the grip portion 42 is viewed from any direction in which both the tip 43 and the base end 44 are visible. The center line CL1 of the grip portion 42 extends at an angle relative to the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions, moving forward and upward as it extends to the right. The center line CL1 of the grip portion 42 extends along the extension direction of the grip portion 42.

[0026] The operating unit 46 is attached to the tip 43 of the grip unit 42 and fixed to the grip unit 42. The base unit 41, the grip unit 42, and the operating unit 46 are integrally configured. The operating unit 46 is cantilevered via the grip unit 42.

[0027] The operating unit 46 has a switch installation surface 50. The switch installation surface 50 is the outer surface of the operating unit 46 that faces the trunk of the driver seated in the driver's seat 31 shown in FIG. 2. The switch installation surface 50 has an upper surface 51, a curved surface 52, and a lower surface 53. The lower surface 53 extends continuously from the lower surface 48 of the operating unit 46. The curved surface 52 is formed above the lower surface 53. The upper surface 51 is formed above the curved surface 52. The upper surface 51 and the lower surface 53 are not on the same plane, but form different surfaces.

[0028] The lower surface 53 has a generally flat shape. The curved surface 52 has a gently curved shape and connects the upper surface 51 and the lower surface 53. Since the curved surface 52 is interposed between the upper surface 51 and the lower surface 53, the switch installation surface 50 as a whole has a gently curved shape.

[0029] A plurality of operation switches to be operated by the operator are provided on the switch installation surface 50. The plurality of operation switches are arranged within the movable range of the left thumb when the operator holds the grip portion 42 in the palm of his / her left hand.

[0030] The multiple operation switches provided on the switch installation surface 50 include operation switches 81 to 83. The operation switches 81 and 82 are provided on the upper surface 51 of the switch installation surface 50. The operation switch 83 is provided across the upper surface 51 and the curved surface 52 of the switch installation surface 50. The operation switches 81 to 83 have portions that protrude from the switch installation surface 50. The operation switches 81 and 82 are arranged side by side along the center line CL1 of the grip portion 42. The operation switch 83 extends along the center line CL1 of the grip portion 42.

[0031] The operation switches 81, 82 are, for example, push button switches. The operation switch 81 is, for example, a horn operation button that is pressed to sound the horn. The operation switch 82 is, for example, a speed stage preset button that is pressed to preset a combination of forward and reverse speed stages. The operation switch 83 is, for example, a rotary switch. The operation switch 83 is, for example, a speed stage changeover switch that is operated to change the transmission speed stage when the bulldozer 10 is traveling.

[0032] The operation switches 81 to 83 may be switches that are operated for any function. The operation switches 81 to 83 may be any type of switch. The arrangement of the operation switches 81 to 83 on the switch installation surface 50 may be changed as appropriate.

[0033] The operating lever 40 may be a joystick that allows directional input by tilting the entire operating lever 40. For example, the operating lever 40 may function as a steering device that instructs the traveling direction of the bulldozer 10 by tilting it left or right. Alternatively, the operating lever 40 may be fixed to the console 32.

[0034] An operation switch 84 is provided on the outer surface of the operation unit 46 opposite to the switch installation surface 50. The operation switch 84 is, for example, a switch that is operated to release the automatic brake.

[0035] <Configuration of Rocker Switch 60> The multiple operation switches provided on the switch installation surface 50 further include a rocker switch 60. The rocker switch 60 is provided on the lower surface 53 of the switch installation surface 50. The operation unit 46 has a housing portion 56 formed by recessing a portion of the lower surface 53. The rocker switch 60 is housed in the housing portion 56. The rocker switch 60 is, for example, a forward / reverse selector switch that is operated to switch the travel of the bulldozer 10 between forward, reverse, and neutral. The rocker switch 60, which is a forward / reverse selector switch, is positioned in the neutral position in the states shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0036] Of the multiple switches provided on the switch installation surface 50, the rocker switch 60 is arranged at the bottom. The rocker switch 60 is arranged below the center point CP1 of the switch installation surface 50. The rocker switch 60 is arranged below the center line CL1 of the grip portion 42. The rocker switch 60 has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and is arranged on the lower surface 53 of the switch installation surface 50 so that the longitudinal direction extends in the vertical direction. The center line CL2 of the rocker switch 60 shown in FIG. 4 is a straight line indicating the longitudinal direction of the rocker switch 60, and extends in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow Z in the figure.

[0037] The rocker switch 60 has an upper end surface 61, a lower end surface 62, and an operating surface 63. In the state shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a gap is formed between the upper end surface 61 of the rocker switch 60 and the upper outer edge 57 of the housing portion 56. A gap is formed between the lower end surface 62 of the rocker switch 60 and the lower outer edge 58 of the housing portion 56. This gap prevents interference between the rocker switch 60 and the operating portion 46.

[0038] The surface of the rocker switch 60 exposed from the switch installation surface 50 is the operation surface 63. An operator holding the grip portion 42 in the palm of his left hand operates the operation surface 63 with the thumb of his left hand. The operation surface 63 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front as shown in FIG. 4. The longitudinal direction of the operation surface 63 is along the vertical direction. The operation surface 63 is a surface whose longitudinal direction is the vertical direction. The longitudinal direction of the operation surface 63 and the center line CL1 of the grip portion 42 intersect and form an acute angle. The direction in which the left thumb of the operator operating the operation surface 63 extends intersects with the longitudinal direction of the operation surface 63.

[0039] When the operation surface 63 is viewed from the front, the center point CP2 of the operation surface 63 is located below the center point CP1 of the switch installation surface 50. The center point CP2 of the operation surface 63 is located below the center line CL1 of the grip portion 42.

[0040] The operation surface 63 has a first operation part 64 and a second operation part 67. The operator operates the rocker switch 60 by selectively pressing either the first operation part 64 or the second operation part 67 with the left thumb. At least a portion of the first operation part 64 and at least a portion of the second operation part 67 have anti-slip protrusions to prevent slippage between the pad of the left thumb and the operation part, thereby improving operability.

[0041] The rocker switch 60 has contacts inside, and an electrical circuit is connected and disconnected by alternately pressing the first operating unit 64 and the second operating unit 67 like a seesaw. When the first operating unit 64 is pressed, the contact corresponding to the first operating unit 64 is turned on, and the contact corresponding to the second operating unit 67 is turned off. When the second operating unit 67 is pressed, the contact corresponding to the second operating unit 67 is turned on, and the contact corresponding to the first operating unit 64 is turned off.

[0042] The rocker switch 60 may have a magnetic encoder structure inside. The angle may be detected by converting the rotation angle of a magnet attached to the operation surface 63 into a voltage using an element whose output voltage changes depending on the magnitude of magnetic flux.

[0043] The first operating portion 64 is provided in an upper portion of the rocker switch 60. The first operating portion 64 constitutes the upper end portion of the operating surface 63. The first operating portion 64 has a first outer end portion 65. The first outer end portion 65 forms the upper edge portion of the operating surface 63. The first operating portion 64 is continuous with the upper end surface 61 of the rocker switch 60. The second operating portion 67 is provided in a lower portion of the rocker switch 60. The second operating portion 67 constitutes the lower end portion of the operating surface 63. The second operating portion 67 has a second outer end portion 68. The second outer end portion 68 forms the lower edge portion of the operating surface 63. The second operating portion 67 is continuous with the lower end surface 62 of the rocker switch 60.

[0044] The second operating unit 67 is arranged below the first operating unit 64. The second operating unit 67 is farther from the center line CL1 of the grip portion 42 than the first operating unit 64. The first operating unit 64 is arranged above the center point CP2 of the operating surface 63. The second operating unit 67 is arranged below the center point CP2 of the operating surface 63. The first operating unit 64 is located near the center point CP1 of the switch installation surface 50. The second operating unit 67 is located near the outer edge of the switch installation surface 50. The second operating unit 67 is arranged closer to the underside 48 of the operating unit 46 than the first operating unit 64.

[0045] The operation surface 63 has a connection portion 69. The connection portion 69 is a portion that connects the first operation portion 64 and the second operation portion 67 in the up-down direction. The connection portion 69 is disposed between the first operation portion 64 and the second operation portion 67. The connection portion 69 is disposed below the first operation portion 64 and above the second operation portion 67. The connection portion 69 extends in the width direction of the operation surface 63. The operation surface 63 has a concave curved surface shape as a whole. A recessed portion of the operation surface 63 between the first operation portion 64 and the second operation portion 67 forms the connection portion 69. The connection portion 69 has a concave curved surface shape that is continuous with the first operation portion 64 and the second operation portion 67. The connection portion 69 is not limited to a concave surface shape and may have a flat surface shape.

[0046] The first operating portion 64 has a ridge 66. The ridge 66 is a peak-shaped portion of the first operating portion 64 that protrudes the most from the switch installation surface 50 (lower surface 53). The first operating portion 64 has a smoothly curved shape with an upward slope from the connecting portion 69 to the ridge 66. The first operating portion 64 has a curved shape that smoothly increases the amount of protrusion from the switch installation surface 50 from the connecting portion 69 toward the ridge 66. The first operating portion 64 has a downward slope from the ridge 66 toward the first outer end 65. The amount of protrusion from the switch installation surface 50 decreases from the ridge 66 toward the first outer end 65.

[0047] The second operating portion 67 has a smoothly curved shape with an upward slope from the connection portion to the second outer end 68. The second operating portion 67 has a curved shape in which the amount of protrusion from the switch installation surface 50 gradually increases from the connection portion 69 to the second outer end 68. The second operating portion 67 is inclined with respect to the flat lower surface 53 so that the height of the second operating portion 67 protruding from the lower surface 53 increases as it extends downward. The amount of protrusion of the second operating portion 67 from the switch installation surface 50 is greatest at the second outer end 68. The second operating portion 67 has a portion with a greater curvature, at least in the vicinity of the second outer end 68, compared to the curved shape of the first operating portion 64 from the connection portion 69 to the ridge 66.

[0048] 3 to 5, when neither the first operating portion 64 nor the second operating portion 67 is pressed down, the second outer end 68, which is the position of the second operating portion 67 that protrudes highest from the switch installation surface 50, protrudes higher from the switch installation surface 50 than the ridge 66, which is the position of the first operating portion 64 that protrudes highest from the switch installation surface 50. The second operating portion 67 has a portion that protrudes more from the switch installation surface 50 than the first operating portion 64. The second outer end 68 has a sharper, pointed shape than the ridge 66. The second operating portion 67 has a wall-like shape that slopes up toward the second outer end 68.

[0049] The distance from the center point CP2 of the operation surface 63 to the second outer edge 68 in the vertical direction is greater than the distance from the center point CP2 of the operation surface 63 to the ridge 66.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the operating lever 40 with the first operating part 64 of the rocker switch 60 pressed down. Fig. 7 is a front view of the operating lever 40 with the first operating part 64 of the rocker switch 60 pressed down. Fig. 8 is a side view of the operating lever 40 with the first operating part 64 of the rocker switch 60 pressed down. The rocker switch 60, which is a forward / reverse selector switch, is positioned in the forward position with the first operating part 64 shown in Figs. 6 to 8 pressed down, and outputs a forward signal. The operator issues a command to move the bulldozer 10 forward by pressing down the first operating part 64.

[0051] 6 to 8, the rocker switch 60 is tilted as a whole due to the first operating portion 64 being pressed down. Compared to FIGS. 3 to 5, the rocker switch 60 is closer to the upper outer edge 57 of the housing portion 56. Because the first operating portion 64 is pressed down, the first operating portion 64 is pushed into the operating portion 46 and is closer to the switch installation surface 50, and the second operating portion 67 is farther away from the switch installation surface 50.

[0052] When the first operating unit 64 is pressed down, as shown in Fig. 8, the second outer end 68 of the second operating unit 67 protrudes further from the switch installation surface 50 than the first operating unit 64 and the connecting portion 69. When neither the first operating unit 64 nor the second operating unit 67 is pressed down as shown in Figs. 3 to 5, and when the first operating unit 64 is pressed down as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the second outer end 68 protrudes further from the switch installation surface 50 than the first operating unit 64.

[0053] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the operating lever 40 with the second operating part 67 of the rocker switch 60 pressed down. Fig. 10 is a front view of the operating lever 40 with the second operating part 67 of the rocker switch 60 pressed down. Fig. 11 is a side view of the operating lever 40 with the second operating part 67 of the rocker switch 60 pressed down. The rocker switch 60, which is a forward / reverse selector switch, is placed in the reverse position and outputs a reverse signal when the second operating part 67 shown in Figs. 9 to 11 is pressed down. The operator issues a command to move the bulldozer 10 in reverse by pressing down the second operating part 67.

[0054] 9 to 11, the rocker switch 60 is tilted as a whole due to the second operating portion 67 being pressed down. Compared to FIGS. 3 to 5, the rocker switch 60 is closer to the lower outer edge 58 of the housing portion 56. Because the second operating portion 67 is pressed down, the second operating portion 67 is pushed into the operating portion 46 and is closer to the switch installation surface 50, and the first operating portion 64 is farther away from the switch installation surface 50.

[0055] Even when the second operation unit 67 is pressed down, as shown in Fig. 11, the second outer end 68 of the second operation unit 67 protrudes further from the switch installation surface 50 than the connecting portion 69. In a state in which neither the first operation unit 64 nor the second operation unit 67 is pressed down as shown in Figs. 3 to 5, in a state in which the first operation unit 64 is pressed down as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, and in a state in which the second operation unit 67 is pressed down as shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the second outer end 68 protrudes further from the switch installation surface 50 than the connecting portion 69. The second outer end 68 protrudes further from the switch installation surface 50 than the center point CP2 of the operation surface 63.

[0056] When operating the rocker switch 60, the operator grasps the grip portion 42 with the palm and second to fifth fingers of his left hand and places his left thumb on the switch installation surface 50. When the operating lever 40 is a joystick and the entire operating lever 40 is to be tilted relative to the console 32, the operator may also use his left thumb to grasp the grip portion 42. In this case, the operator moves his left thumb from the switch installation surface 50 to the grip portion 42, bypassing the underside 48 of the operating unit 46.

[0057] Therefore, it is desirable to position the underside 48 of the operating unit 46 as high in the up-down direction as possible, reduce the distance from the center line CL1 of the grip unit 42 to the underside 48, and reduce the height by which the operating unit 46 protrudes downward from the grip unit 42. In this way, when moving the left thumb from the switch installation surface 50 to the grip unit 42, it becomes easier to bypass the underside 48 of the operating unit 46, making it easier to grasp the grip unit 42 using the left thumb as well.

[0058] <Action and effect> The characteristic configuration and effects of this embodiment are summarized as follows.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the operating lever 40 of this embodiment includes a grip portion 42 that can be held by the operator, and an operating portion 46 attached to the tip 43 of the grip portion 42. The operating portion 46 includes a rocker switch 60 that is operated by the operator, and a switch installation surface 50 on which the rocker switch 60 is provided. The rocker switch 60 has a first operating portion 64 and a second operating portion 67 that the operator presses with their finger. The second operating portion 67 is positioned lower than the first operating portion 64. The second operating portion 67 protrudes further from the switch installation surface 50 than the first operating portion 64.

[0060] With a conventional rocker switch, to press the second operating unit when the first operating unit is pressed down, two actions are required: moving the finger to the second operating unit and then pressing the second operating unit with the finger. With the operating lever 40 of the embodiment, the second operating unit 67 of the rocker switch 60 protrudes, so that when the first operating unit 64 is pressed down, the operator can naturally press the second operating unit 67 with a single action of moving his or her finger downward. This allows the second operating unit 67 to be quickly operated. If the rocker switch 60 is a forward / reverse switch, the vehicle can be quickly switched from forward to reverse. Therefore, the operating lever 40 having the rocker switch 60 of the embodiment can be suitably applied to a bulldozer 10 that repeatedly moves forward and backward.

[0061] 3 and 4, the second operating part 67 may be farther from the center line CL1 of the grip part 42 than the first operating part 64. The operator holds the grip part 42 with the palm and the second to fifth fingers of the left hand and operates the operation switch of the operating part 46 with the left thumb. With the first operating part 64 of the rocker switch 60 pressed down, the second operating part 67 can be pressed down by a single motion of moving the left thumb away from the index finger. Therefore, the second operating part 67 can be operated quickly.

[0062] 11 , when the second operating unit 67 is pressed down, the second outer end 68 may protrude further from the switch installation surface 50 than the connection portion 69 that connects the first operating unit 64 and the second operating unit 67. By forming the second operating unit 67 in such a protruding shape, the operator can reliably press down the second operating unit 67 with a single motion of moving his or her finger downward.

[0063] 11 , when the second operating unit 67 is pressed down, the second outer end 68 may protrude further from the switch installation surface 50 than the center point CP2 of the operating surface 63 including the first operating unit 64, the second operating unit 67, and the connecting portion 69. By forming the second operating unit 67 in such a protruding shape, the operator can reliably press down the second operating unit 67 with a single downward movement of his or her finger.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the rocker switch 60 may be disposed on the switch installation surface 50 so as to extend in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow Z in the figures. By having the second operating portion 67 of the rocker switch 60 protrude from the switch installation surface 50, the operator can reliably and naturally press the second operating portion 67 with a single downward movement of the finger from a state in which the first operating portion 64 is depressed. Because the direction of extension of the rocker switch 60 and the direction of extension of the finger operating the rocker switch 60 intersect, the movement of the finger from the first operating portion 64 to the second operating portion 67 coincides with an arcuate trajectory centered on the joint at the base of the thumb. This improves the operability of pressing the second operating portion 67.

[0065] 5, the second operating part 67 may have a curved shape that increases the amount of protrusion from the switch installation surface 50 from the connecting part 69 toward the second outer end part 68. The second operating part 67 has a smoothly curved shape that follows the shape of the pad of the operator's left thumb, so that when the operator operates the second operating part 67, the area of ​​contact between the surface of the operator's finger and the second operating part 67 increases. This reduces the strain on the operator's finger when the operator presses the second operating part 67.

[0066] If the operator knows that the next operation of the rocker switch 60 will be to press down the second operating unit 67, he or she can place his or her left thumb on the second operating unit 67. The second operating unit 67 has a curved shape that matches the shape of the fingers, which improves the fit of the fingers on the second operating unit 67 and allows the operator to keep his or her fingers comfortably on the second operating unit 67. If the operator waits with his or her finger placed on the second operating unit 67, he or she can press down the second operating unit 67 with a single action of pressing down his or her finger, which makes it possible to operate the second operating unit 67 even more quickly.

[0067] To realize the function of allowing the operator to press the second operating unit 67 with a single downward movement of the finger, the second operating unit 67 need only have a shape that protrudes from the switch installation surface 50, and does not necessarily have to have a curved shape. For example, the second operating unit 67 may have an L-shaped shape in a side view as shown in FIG. 5, etc. The second operating unit 67 may have a shape that combines multiple flat surfaces. The second operating unit 67 may have a shape that combines at least one flat surface and at least one curved surface.

[0068] In the description of the embodiment, an example has been described in which the bulldozer 10 is equipped with the cab 9, and the operation lever 40 is arranged to the side of the driver's seat 31 in which the operator sits inside the cab 9. The bulldozer 10 may be an unmanned remote-controlled bulldozer that does not have the cab 9. The bulldozer 10 may be controlled by a wireless signal from an operation system for remotely operating the bulldozer 10. In this case, the operation system for remotely operating the bulldozer 10 may be equipped with a driver's seat 31 in which the operator sits, and the operation lever 40 described in the embodiment may be arranged to the side of the driver's seat 31.

[0069] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 vehicle body, 2 blade, 3 track-type running body, 4 frame, 9 cab, 10 bulldozer, 31 driver's seat, 32 console, 40 operation lever, 41 base portion, 42 grip portion, 43 tip, 44 base end, 46 operation portion, 48 lower surface, 50 switch installation surface, 51 upper surface, 52 curved surface, 53 lower surface, 56 storage portion, 57 upper outer edge, 58 lower outer edge, 60 rocker switch, 61 upper end surface, 62 lower end surface, 63 operation surface, 64 first operation portion, 65 first outer end portion, 66 ridge portion, 67 second operation portion, 68 second outer end portion, 69 connection portion, 81 to 84 operation switch, CL1 center line of grip portion, CL2 center line of rocker switch, CP1 center point of switch installation surface, CP2 center point of operation surface.

Claims

1. A driver's seat for a driver to sit in; an operating lever disposed on the side of the driver's seat, The operating lever includes a grip portion that can be held by an operator and an operating portion attached to a tip of the grip portion, The operation unit includes a rocker switch operated by an operator and a switch installation surface on which the rocker switch is provided, The rocker switch has a first operating portion and a second operating portion that are pressed by an operator's finger, The second operating unit is disposed below the first operating unit and protrudes further from the switch installation surface than the first operating unit.

2. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second operating part is farther from the center line of the grip part than the first operating part.

3. the rocker switch has a connection portion that connects the first operation portion and the second operation portion, The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein, when the second operating unit is pressed down, an outer end of the second operating unit protrudes from the switch installation surface beyond the connecting portion.

4. the rocker switch has an operation surface including the first operation portion, the second operation portion, and the connection portion; The work machine according to claim 3 , wherein, when the second operating unit is pressed down, an outer end of the second operating unit protrudes from the switch installation surface beyond a center point of the operating surface.

5. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the rocker switch is arranged on the switch installation surface so as to extend in a vertical direction.

6. the rocker switch has a connection portion that connects the first operation portion and the second operation portion, The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second operating portion has a curved shape that increases the amount of protrusion from the switch installation surface from the connecting portion toward the outer end.

7. A driver's seat for a driver to sit in; an operating lever disposed on the side of the driver's seat, The operating lever includes a grip portion that can be held by an operator and an operating portion attached to a tip of the grip portion, The operation unit includes a rocker switch operated by an operator and a switch installation surface on which the rocker switch is provided, The rocker switch has a first operating portion and a second operating portion that are pressed by an operator's finger, The second operating unit is disposed below the first operating unit and protrudes from the switch installation surface more than the first operating unit.

8. 1. An operating system for operating a work machine, comprising: A driver's seat for a driver to sit in; an operating lever disposed on the side of the driver's seat, The operating lever includes a grip portion that can be held by an operator and an operating portion attached to a tip of the grip portion, The operation unit includes a rocker switch operated by an operator and a switch installation surface on which the rocker switch is provided, The rocker switch has a first operating portion and a second operating portion that are pressed by an operator's finger, An operation system, wherein the second operation unit is disposed below the first operation unit and protrudes more from the switch installation surface than the first operation unit.

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