Work vehicle and armrest device for work vehicle

Abstract

To provide an armrest device capable of easily adjusting the up-down position and the front-rear position of an armrest, and a work vehicle equipped with the same. [Solution] The armrest device 60 of the present invention comprises an armrest portion 62 and a position adjustment mechanism 64 that supports the armrest portion 62 so that its position can be adjusted. The position adjustment mechanism 64 has a first plate 71 that is fixedly mounted relative to the seat 20, a second plate 72 that is movable in the vertical direction relative to the first plate 71, a third plate 73 that is movable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the second plate 72 and has the armrest portion 62 attached to it, and a fastening member 80 that fastens the first plate 71, second plate 72 and third plate 73 together. The fastening member 80 has a screw member 82 that is inserted into the guide hole 71c of the first plate 71, the through hole 72g of the second plate 72 and the guide hole 73d of the third plate 73, and a manually operated knob 84 that is screwed into the screw member 82.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work vehicle and an armrest device for a work vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally known examples of working vehicles include hydraulic excavators and track loaders, each of which has a lower body to which crawlers or tires for traveling are attached, an upper body disposed on the lower body, and a working device attached to the lower body or upper body and operated by hydraulic pressure (i.e., hydraulic oil at a predetermined pressure).

[0003] Such work vehicles are equipped with a cab on the upper body where a worker (specifically, an operator) can sit. Inside the cab, there is a seat for the operator ("operator seat") and an armrest device on which the operator can rest his or her elbows.

[0004] In armrest devices for work vehicles, there is a demand for the ability to adjust the position of the armrest depending on the operator's physique, preferences, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 (see Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 06-035356) discloses an armrest device equipped with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical position (height) of the armrest. Specifically, the armrest support legs are mounted on a bracket erected on the console box so that they can slide vertically, and the armrest support legs are fixed to the bracket at any vertical position using fastening members (for example, bolts and pivot pins). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 06-035356 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the armrest device described above is designed to only allow the armrest to be adjusted vertically, making it impossible to adjust the position in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, adjusting the position of the armrest requires the use of tools (such as a wrench or spanner) to attach and detach the fastening members, which makes the task extremely time-consuming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an armrest device that allows the up-down position and the front-rear position of the armrest portion to be easily adjusted, and a work vehicle equipped with the same.

[0008] The present invention solves the above problems by the solution means described below as one embodiment.

[0009] One embodiment of the armrest device is an armrest device used by a worker seated in a seat inside the cab of a work vehicle to rest his or her elbow, and comprises an armrest portion and a position adjustment mechanism that supports the armrest portion so that its position can be adjusted. The position adjustment mechanism has a first plate that is fixedly mounted relative to the seat, a second plate that is movable in an up-and-down direction relative to the first plate, a third plate that is movable in a front-to-rear direction relative to the second plate and has the armrest portion attached to it, and a fastening member that fastens the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate together. The fastening member has a screw member that is inserted into a guide hole that is elongated in the up-and-down direction formed in the first plate, a through hole that is formed in the second plate, and a guide hole that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction formed in the third plate, and a manually operated knob that is screwed onto the screw member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the armrest device of one embodiment, the up-down position and the front-rear position of the armrest portion can be easily adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a driver's cab of the work vehicle of FIG. [Figure 3] 3A is a left side view of the left armrest device provided in the driver's cab of the work vehicle of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a right side view of the same device. [Figure 4] 4A is a left side view of the right armrest device provided in the driver's cab of the work vehicle of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is a right side view of the same device. [Figure 5] 5 is an exploded perspective view of the left armrest device provided in the driver's cab of the work vehicle of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 6A is a perspective view of one surface of a second plate of an armrest device provided in the driver's cab of the work vehicle of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the other surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view (schematic diagram) of an example of a work vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, viewed from above the left front. Fig. 2 is a perspective view (schematic diagram) of an example of a driver's cab 16 (interior) of the work vehicle 1, viewed from above the left front. For ease of explanation, arrows may be used in the drawings to indicate up / down, left / right, and front / rear directions. In all drawings used to explain the embodiment, members having the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations of such members may be omitted.

[0013] First, a description will be given of the overall configuration of the work vehicle 1. A hydraulic excavator will be used as an example of the work vehicle 1. However, the work vehicle 1 is not limited to a hydraulic excavator.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, a work vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle body consisting of a lower body 2 and an upper body 3 disposed on top of the lower body 2 (note that the lower body 2 and the upper body 3 may be integrally configured).

[0015] The work vehicle 1 is equipped with working devices 12, 14 that are attached to the lower body 2 and upper body 3 and are operated by hydraulic pressure (hydraulic oil at a predetermined pressure). The lower body 2 is equipped with a traveling device 10 that enables travel. The upper body 3 is equipped with a driver's cab 16 that is equipped with various operating devices in which the operator sits and controls travel and work.

[0016] An example of the traveling device 10 includes a pair of left and right crawlers 26. However, the traveling device 10 is not limited to the crawlers 26, and may be configured to include tires (not shown) instead of the crawlers 26. The crawlers 26 are configured to travel by driving a traveling hydraulic motor 28. However, the traveling device 10 is not limited to the above configuration.

[0017] An example of the working device 12 is provided with a blade 22. The blade 22 is attached to the lower body 2 via a blade arm 24 and is configured to be swingable up and down (including forward and backward components) and to change its angle. The blade 22 is swung up and down by driving a blade cylinder 32 that is connected to the blade 22 and the lower body 2. The angle is changed by driving an angle cylinder 34 that is connected to the blade 22 and the blade arm 24. However, the configuration is not limited to the above.

[0018] Examples of the working device 14 include a boom 42, an arm 44, and a detachable attachment 46. Note that Fig. 1 shows an example in which a bucket is attached as the attachment 46. However, this is not limited to this, and there are various other types such as a breaker, fork, auger, etc.

[0019] In this embodiment, the boom 42 is attached to the upper body 3 via a boom bracket 48 and is configured to be swingable left and right (including a front-to-back component) and up and down (including a front-to-back component). The left and right swinging motion of the boom 42 is achieved by driving a hydraulic cylinder (swing cylinder) (not shown) that is connected to the boom 42 and the upper body 3. The up and down swinging motion is achieved by driving a boom cylinder 52 that is connected to the boom 42 and the boom bracket 48. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and the boom bracket 48 may be omitted.

[0020] The arm 44 is attached to the boom 42 so as to be swingable up and down (including forward and backward). The arm 44 swings up and down by driving a hydraulic cylinder (arm cylinder) 54 that is connected to the arm 44 and the boom 42.

[0021] The attachment 46 is attached to the arm 44 so as to be swingable up and down (including forward and backward). The up and down swinging motion of the attachment 46 is achieved by driving a hydraulic cylinder (bucket cylinder) 56 that is connected to the attachment 46 and the arm 44. As described above, the attachment 46 is configured so that one suited to the work content is selected from multiple types and is detachably attached to the arm 44. Note that a quick hitch (not shown) may be interposed between the arm 44 and the attachment 46.

[0022] The drive mechanism for driving the traveling hydraulic motor 28 and each hydraulic cylinder is composed of, for example, a hydraulic pump driven by a drive source, a control valve, etc. (none of which are shown). An operator operates a predetermined operating device to actuate the control valve, thereby controlling the supply of hydraulic oil at a predetermined pressure delivered from the hydraulic pump to the traveling hydraulic motor 28 and each hydraulic cylinder. This allows the traveling device 10 to travel and the working devices 12, 14 to perform work. One or more hydraulic pumps that make up the drive mechanism may be provided depending on the configuration and load of the working devices 12, 14 and the traveling device 10, etc.

[0023] The work vehicle 1 is also equipped with an engine (an internal combustion engine that burns fuel) as the drive source. As another example of the drive source, instead of or in addition to the engine, the work vehicle 1 may be configured to be equipped with an electric motor (one or more depending on the number of hydraulic pumps, rated output, etc.) (not shown).

[0024] Next, as an example of the operator's cab 16, as shown in Fig. 2, a seat 20 on which an operator sits (also called an "operator seat") is provided inside and fixed to a seat base 18. Also, armrest devices 60 on which the operator seated on the seat 20 places his or her elbows are provided on the left and right sides of the seat 20. The left armrest device 60 is denoted as 60L, and the right armrest device 60 is denoted as 60R.

[0025] Here, the armrest device 60, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described in detail. Fig. 3A is a left side view of the left armrest device 60L, and Fig. 3B is a right side view of the same device. Fig. 4A is a left side view of the right armrest device 60R, and Fig. 4B is a right side view of the same device. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the left armrest device 60L. The armrest device 60 will be described below using the left armrest device 60L as an example, but unless otherwise specified, the right armrest device 60R, which is symmetrical to the left, has the same basic configuration.

[0026] The armrest device 60 includes an armrest portion 62 formed in a saddle shape on which the operator places his / her elbow, and a position adjustment mechanism 64 that supports the armrest portion 62 so that the position can be adjusted.

[0027] The position adjustment mechanism 64 includes a first plate 71 that is fixed to the seat base 18 and is thereby immovable relative to the seat 20. It also includes a second plate 72 that is movable in the up-and-down direction relative to the first plate 71. It also includes a third plate 73 that is movable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the second plate 72 and has the armrest 62 attached to it. It also includes a fastening member 80 that fastens the first plate 71, the second plate 72, and the third plate 73 together.

[0028] First, the first plate 71 is formed of a plate material into a predetermined shape, which will be described later. An elongated guide hole (through hole) 71c extending in the vertical direction is formed in the upper end 71a. Furthermore, a plurality of insertion holes 71d are formed in the lower end 71b. With this configuration, the first plate 71 is fixed to the seat base 18 by inserting fixing members (not shown), such as bolts, into the insertion holes 71d (either directly or via another member). In other words, the first plate 71 is fixed so as to be immovable relative to the seat 20. Furthermore, fastening members 80 are inserted into the guide holes 71c for fastening (details will be described later). Since the locations where the first plate 71 is attached are different on the left and right sides, the first plate 71 (71L) for the left armrest device 60 (60L) has a roughly L-shaped plate surface (see Figure 3), and the first plate 71 (71R) for the right armrest device 60 (60R) has a roughly I-shaped plate surface (see Figure 4), but the basic configuration described above is the same.

[0029] Next, the second plate 72 is formed by fastening a pair of members 72A and 72B, each formed by bending a plate material so that its cross section is U-shaped (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the back surface of one member 72A (the surface on which the bent protrusion 72a does not stand) and the back surface of the other member 72B (the surface on which the bent protrusion 72d does not stand) are in contact with each other, and the pair of members 72A and 72B are fastened together by welding or the like so that a direction X along (parallel to) the bend line 72c for raising the protrusion 72a of the one member 72A and a direction Y along (parallel to) the bend line 72f for raising the protrusion 72d of the other member 72B are mutually orthogonal. Furthermore, a circular through-hole 72g is formed through the center of the plate surface when the pair of members 72A and 72B are fastened together. With this configuration, a fastening member 80 is inserted through the through-hole 72g for fastening (details will be described later). In this embodiment, the pair of members 72A and 72B are formed in different shapes, but may be formed in the same shape.

[0030] Next, the third plate 73 is formed by bending a plate material so that its cross section is approximately S-shaped. A circular through-hole 73c is formed in the upper end 73a, penetrating the plate surface. With this configuration, a connecting pin 74 is inserted through the through-hole 73c, allowing the armrest 62 to be rotatably attached (for example, the rotation range is set between the horizontal and vertical positions of the upper surface of the armrest 62). A long guide hole (through-hole) 73d extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the lower end 73b. A long engagement hole (through-hole) 73e extending in the front-rear direction is further formed above the guide hole (through-hole) 73d. With this configuration, a fastening member 80 is inserted through the guide hole 73d for fastening (details will be described later). A protrusion (for example, an upper protrusion) 72d of the second plate 72 (member 72B) slidably engages with the engagement hole 73e.

[0031] Next, the fastening member 80 includes a screw member 82 inserted through the guide hole 71c of the first plate 71, the through hole 72g of the second plate 72, and the guide hole 73d of the third plate 73, and a manually operable knob 84 (i.e., a configuration that allows an operator to manually tighten and loosen the screw member 82 without using tools) that is threaded onto the screw member 82. The screw member 82 according to this embodiment is configured by fixing (by welding, for example) a pin 82a having a thread formed on its outer circumferential surface to a rectangular plate 82b. Meanwhile, the knob 84 is cylindrical and has protrusions (two, for example, spaced 180° apart) on its outer circumferential surface that can be gripped by hand, and a thread groove formed in its axis that threadably engages with the thread of the pin 82a.

[0032] 3, 4, and 5 show the assembly structure of the various components. Specifically, the upper end 71a (the area surrounding the guide hole 71c) of the first plate 71 and the plate 82b of the fastening member 80 are accommodated in the recessed portion 72b of the second plate 72 (component 72A) (i.e., so as to fit within the height range of the protruding portion 72a). Furthermore, the protruding portion 72d at the top of the second plate 72 is engaged with the engaging hole 73e of the third plate 73, whereby the lower end 73b (the area surrounding the guide hole 73d) of the third plate 73 is accommodated in the recessed portion 72e of the second plate 72 (component 72B) (i.e., so as to fit within the height range of the protruding portion 72d).

[0033] According to the above configuration, when an operator operates the position adjustment mechanism 64, specifically, by rotating the knob 84, the first plate 71, the second plate 72, and the third plate 73 are fastened together and cannot move relative to one another. At this time, the armrest 62 is fixed in a predetermined position relative to the seat base 18 and the seat 20.

[0034] On the other hand, when the operator performs the reverse operation, that is, operates the position adjustment mechanism 64, specifically, rotates the knob 84 to loosen it (a half to one rotation is sufficient; it is not necessary to rotate it enough to separate the screw member 82 and the knob 84), the first plate 71, the second plate 72, and the third plate 73 become movable relative to each other and are released from the fastened state. At this time, the first plate 71 can slide up and down with its upper end 71a accommodated in the recess 72b of the second plate 72 (note that the range of movement is the range over which the pin 82a of the fastening member 80 moves from the upper end to the lower end within the guide hole 71c of the first plate 71). Furthermore, the third plate 73 can slide back and forth with its lower end 73b accommodated in the recess 72e of the second plate 72 (note that the range of movement is the range over which the pin 82a of the fastening member 80 moves from the front end to the rear end within the guide hole 73d of the third plate 73). Therefore, with an extremely simple configuration, it is possible to realize an armrest device 60 in which the position of the armrest portion 62 can be adjusted in both the up-down direction and the front-back direction.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the second plate 72 and the third plate 73 are fastened together, the protrusion 72d of the second plate 72, which has a predetermined length in the front-rear direction, is engaged with the slot-shaped engagement hole 73e of the third plate 73. This configuration provides the effect of smoothly sliding the third plate 73 in the front-rear direction relative to the second plate 72. Furthermore, the load applied to the third plate 73 from the armrest 62 is received by the protrusion 72d of the second plate 72, preventing it from being transmitted to the pin 82a of the fastening member 80. This provides the effect of preventing the threads of the pin 82a from being crushed.

[0036] In this way, the operator can manually operate the position adjustment mechanism 64, specifically, rotate the knob 84 (tightening and loosening), without using any tools. This allows the position of the armrest 62 to be adjusted more easily and quickly than conventional configurations that require the use of tools (such as wrenches or spanners) to attach and detach fastening members (such as bolts). In addition, in this embodiment, the plate 82b of the screw member 82 is rectangular and is housed in the recess 72b of the second plate 72. Therefore, when the knob 84 is rotated, the front and rear sides of the plate 82b abut against the inner surface of the protrusion 72a of the second plate 72, preventing co-rotation. Therefore, the knob 84 can be rotated with only one hand (i.e., without holding the screw member 82 with the other hand), providing excellent operability.

[0037] Here, it has become clear that the following problem occurs when a standard thread and groove configuration (not a so-called "reverse thread") is adopted for the fastening member 80 (screw member 82, knob 84). Specifically, in the left armrest device 60 (60L), when the operator places his elbow on the armrest portion 62 and a load is applied to the armrest portion 62, a force (rotational moment) is generated in a downward direction of the front end portion 62a of the armrest portion 62. This force (rotational moment) rotates the knob 84, which is in contact with the third plate 73 to which the armrest portion 62 is fixed. Because this rotational direction loosens the left knob 84, the fastening of the respective components loosens, resulting in a problem of the armrest portion 62 being misaligned.

[0038] To solve this problem, in this embodiment, in the left armrest device 60 (60L), a locking member (a disc spring 86 in this embodiment, but not limited to this) is disposed between the knob 84 and a member facing the knob 84 (a component of the position adjustment mechanism 64, which is the third plate 73 in this embodiment, but not limited to this) in the left armrest device 60 (60L). To prevent wear due to sliding, the disc spring 86 is sandwiched between two washers 88, 88. This configuration prevents the knob 84 from rotating in the loosening direction due to the rotational moment generated by the application of a load to the upper surface of the armrest 62, in a configuration in which the direction of the rotational moment is the same as the direction of rotation that loosens the knob 84 (the left armrest device 60 (60L) in this embodiment). A similar disc spring 86 and washer 88 may also be disposed in the right armrest device 60 (60R).

[0039] Next, the armrest device 60 is provided with a gripping portion 90 at a position that intersects with the center line C (parallel to the vertical direction) of the guide hole 71c of the first plate 71 when viewed from the side, for gripping and adjusting the position of the armrest portion 62.

[0040] As one example, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4A, a stepped portion 62b provided on the inner side (seat 20 side) of the armrest 62 is used as the grip 90. Alternatively, as another example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4B, the knob 84 of the position adjustment mechanism 64 is used (doubles as) the grip 90. In either configuration, the grip 90 is positioned on the center line C of the guide hole 71c of the first plate 71, which prevents (suppresses) the occurrence of a problem in which the first plate 71 gets caught on the inner surface of the protrusion 72a of the second plate 72 during position adjustment (particularly, lifting), making it difficult to lift. In particular, the knob 84 with a protrusion is easy to grip and has good operability, and the cost of providing a separate part (separate structure) can be reduced, making it a suitable configuration for the grip 90.

[0041] As described above, the present invention preferably has the following configuration.

[0042] (1) In one embodiment, an armrest device is used by a worker seated in a seat in the cab of a work vehicle to rest his or her elbow, and includes an armrest portion and a position adjustment mechanism that supports the armrest portion so that its position can be adjusted. The position adjustment mechanism includes a first plate that is fixed to the seat, a second plate that is movable in an up-and-down direction relative to the first plate, a third plate that is movable in a front-to-rear direction relative to the second plate and has the armrest portion attached to it, and a fastening member that fastens the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate together. The fastening member includes a screw member that is inserted into a guide hole that is elongated in the up-and-down direction formed in the first plate, a through hole that is formed in the second plate, and a guide hole that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction formed in the third plate, and a manually operated knob that is screwed onto the screw member.

[0043] (2) In the armrest device of the above aspect (1), the direction of the rotational moment generated by the load applied to the upper surface of the armrest portion when the worker places his / her elbow is the same as the rotational direction in which the knob loosens, and it is preferable that the fastening member has an anti-loosening member provided between the knob and the member of the position adjustment mechanism facing the knob.

[0044] (3) In the armrest device of the above aspect (2), the locking member is preferably a disc spring.

[0045] (4) In the armrest device of any of the above aspects (1) to (3), it is preferable that the second plate is formed by a pair of U-shaped cross-section members abutting each other at their back surfaces, and fixed together so that the direction along the fold line for raising the convex portion of one of the members and the direction along the fold line for raising the convex portion of the other of the members are mutually perpendicular.

[0046] (5) In the armrest device of any of the above aspects (1) to (4), it is preferable that the armrest portion or the position adjustment mechanism has a gripping portion at a position that intersects with the center line along the vertical direction of the guide hole of the first plate in a side view, for gripping and adjusting the position of the armrest portion when adjusting the position.

[0047] (6) In the armrest device according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (5), it is preferable that the knob also serves as a gripping portion for gripping and adjusting the position of the armrest portion when adjusting the position.

[0048] (7) A work vehicle according to one embodiment includes the armrest device according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (6).

[0049] According to the present invention, a simple mechanism allows adjustment of the armrest position of an armrest device for a work vehicle not only vertically but also fore-aft. Furthermore, both of these adjustments can be made by the worker simply by manually rotating a knob, making it extremely easy to adjust the position of the armrest in a short time, and achieving a significant improvement in work efficiency.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment (hydraulic excavator), but can also be applied to a work vehicle (such as a track loader) in which the upper body does not rotate relative to the lower body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1. Work vehicles 16 Driver's cab 60, 60L, 60R armrest device 62 Armrest 64 Position adjustment mechanism 71, 71L, 71R 1st plate 72 Second Plate 73 Third Plate 80 Fastening members 82 Screw material 84 Knob 86 Anti-loosening member (disc spring) 90 Gripping part

Claims

1. An armrest device used by a worker seated in a seat in a driver's cab of a work vehicle to rest his or her elbows, an armrest portion; and a position adjustment mechanism that supports the armrest portion so that the position can be adjusted; The position adjustment mechanism includes: a first plate provided immovably relative to the seat; a second plate provided so as to be movable in the up and down direction relative to the first plate; a third plate provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the second plate and to which the armrest portion is attached; a fastening member that fastens the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate together, The fastening member is a screw member inserted into a guide hole formed in the first plate and having an elongated shape in the up-down direction, a through hole formed in the second plate, and a guide hole formed in the third plate and having an elongated shape in the front-rear direction; a manually operated knob that is threadedly engaged with the screw member. An armrest device characterized by:

2. The armrest has a configuration in which the direction of a rotation moment generated by a load applied to the upper surface of the armrest when the worker places his / her elbow on it is the same as the direction of rotation that loosens the knob, The fastening member has a locking member provided between the knob and a member of the position adjustment mechanism facing the knob.

2. The armrest device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The locking member is a disc spring.

3. The armrest device according to claim 2, wherein:

4. The second plate is formed by a pair of members having a U-shaped cross section, the back surfaces of which are in contact with each other, and the direction along the bending line for erecting the convex portion of one of the members and the direction along the bending line for erecting the convex portion of the other member being mutually orthogonal.

3. The armrest device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

5. The armrest or the position adjustment mechanism has a gripping portion that is gripped when adjusting the position of the armrest, at a position that intersects with a center line along the up-down direction of the guide hole of the first plate in a side view.

3. The armrest device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

6. The knob is configured to double as a grip portion for gripping and adjusting the position of the armrest portion when adjusting the position.

3. The armrest device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

7. A work vehicle equipped with the armrest device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images